1. Konate’s Perfect Timing
We have to go back to 2022 when Ibrahima Konate last scored for Liverpool . At that time, the opponent was Manchester City and Liverpool won 3-2 in the FA Cup semi-final.
After two seasons without a goal, the French centre-back proved his worth by scoring a much-needed winner against AC Milan . Goalkeeper Maignan may have felt he should have been more proactive in the build-up, but Liverpool fans didn’t seem to mind.
It was also Trent Alexander-Arnold’s 11th assist in the Champions League, an impressive tally even for a player who regularly takes set-pieces.
2. Avoid repeating the mistake against Nottingham
Hudson-Odoi’s goal for Nottingham surprised Liverpool on Saturday night in the Premier League, with Slot’s side unable to respond and facing defeat. However, there were no similar problems in Milan .
Pulisic’s early goal did not faze Liverpool.
Pulisic’s opener was a huge challenge but Liverpool responded by pressing their opponents to the hilt. They scored twice before half-time and could have added another.
Slot refused to blame the defeat on the weekend but the early goal in the third minute proved a real test of the Reds’ mentality. There will be times when the team are caught out, but by responding decisively as they did in the first half at the San Siro, Liverpool showed a resilience that will surely please their new manager.
3. The Two Faces of Tsimikas
Kostas Tsimikas had a season to forget as Liverpool were knocked out of the Europa League by Atalanta and the Greek international had further problems against Italian sides. When Pulisic burst forward to score the opener, the Liverpool left-back – who should have been keeping an eye on his opponents – was completely absent.
Tsimikas has often been more effective in attack than defence, and on the offensive end he provided an assist for Van Dijk in the 41st minute. With Andrew Robertson set to turn 31 before the end of the season, there is hope that Tsimikas will become a reliable option under Arne Slot.
4. Salah’s Desire
Mohamed Salah has started the new season with great determination. Three goals in his first three Premier League games have proven that, and he showed the same against AC Milan but unfortunately his luck turned against him with two shots hitting the woodwork of the home team.
Salah has had a bit of luck at the San Siro.
There is no sign that the defeat to Nottingham has dampened the Egyptian King’s form or hunger. Liverpool’s next clash is with Bournemouth, a team against whom Salah has scored nine goals in nine Premier League games. It would be no surprise if Salah takes that tally to ten.
5. Big difference in hot seat
While Arne Slot has made an early impact at Liverpool with four wins from his first five games in all competitions, there has been no similar positivity from Paulo Fonseca’s side at Milan . The former Lille boss has failed to win in his first three Serie A games, although he eased some of the pressure with a 4-0 win over Venezia on Sunday.
Maignan’s injury is another problem for the Rossoneri. The Frenchman was injured in the first half but played on and was forced off early in the 51st minute. With reserve goalkeeper Marco Sportiello also injured, new signing Torriani is likely to be Fonseca’s second-choice option for the derby against Inter Milan at the weekend.
