Arne Slot savored a pivotal triumph in the Champions League as Dominik Szoboszlai’s late penalty secured Liverpool a narrow 1-0 victory over Inter Milan. This win was especially important for the team, given the surrounding circumstances leading up to the match.

Pre-game discussions were dominated by the notable absence of Mohamed Salah from the lineup. This came on the heels of his fiery reaction following Liverpool’s 3-3 draw with Leeds over the weekend. His absence was felt as fans and analysts speculated on its impact on the team’s performance.

During the match, Liverpool initially seemed to have gained an advantage when Ibrahima Konaté headed the ball into the net, suggesting a lead against last season’s Champions League finalists. However, the goal was eventually disallowed, leaving the teams locked in a stalemate.

The deadlock was finally broken in the dying moments of the game. Dominik Szoboszlai showed remarkable composure as he converted a penalty, awarded after Alessandro Bastoni was penalized for pulling Florian Wirtz’s shirt in the box. This decisive goal not only clinched the win but also significantly bolstered Liverpool’s chances of advancing automatically to the last-16 from the group stage.

Following the match, Dominic King from Daily Mail Sport assessed the Liverpool players’ performances, noting how this victory could be a turning point for the Reds in their Champions League campaign.

Dominik Szoboszlai scored from the penalty spot to earn Liverpool a 1-0 win over Inter Milan

Arne Slot was elated at full-time after Liverpool earned a crucial victory at the San Siro

Szoboszlai’s late penalty earned Liverpool a vital win in the Champions League

Liverpool (4-1-2-1-2)

Alisson Becker – If his performance in the pre-match press conference was good, he was even better with the gloves; a flying first half save to thwart Lautauro Martinez was the pick of his efforts – 8

Joe Gomez – The defence always has a more solid look to it when he is in the back four; he’s solid, dependable and a class act, did all that was asked of him – 7

Virgil van Dijk – Needed a good game after what has been a difficult personal time and he produced it; well protected by those around him, commanding when he needed to be – 7

Ibrahima Konate – If anyone could have done with a stroke of luck, it was him but a preposterous VAR decision stopped him scoring in the San Siro again; one unnecessary mistake in the second half – 6.5

Andrew Robertson – Sent spinning in the air early on by a dangerous Martinez tackle on the night he set a record in becoming Scotland’s record appearance maker in the Champions League; never lost his rhythm – 7

Alisson Becker impressed in the press conference on Monday and was even better on the pitch

Ibrahima Konate thought he had put Liverpool in front in the first half but the goal was ruled out

Szoboszlai has been Liverpool’s outstanding performer this season and stepped up again

Ryan Gravenberch – Culpable for two goals at Leeds and has been out of sorts but this was much more like what we saw from him last season; neat, tidy and resolute – 7

Dominik Szoboszlai – Not for a second did you think he was going to miss the decisive penalty; been Liverpool’s outstanding performer this season and, again, he stepped forward when it mattered – 8.5

Curtis Jones – Looked like he might boil over at one stage, prompting Slot to tell him to calm down. Work rate was fine but not enough influence in the final third – 6

Alexis Mac Alliser – Took a few hefty whacks throughout but was tigerish and his evening was summed up in injury time when he thundered into Petar Sucic – 6.5

Alexander Isak – Games continue to pass him by; whether that is confidence, fitness or a combination of both, can only be debated but he has got to step up – 5

Hugo Ekitike – His strike partner should have a look at the work rate he puts in; Ekitike always gives you the sense that something is going to happen, hassled Inter’s defence all night – 7

Alexander Isak continues to let matches pass him by and the forward must step up soon

Hugo Ekitike’s work rate should be an example for Isak as he hassled Inter’s defence all match

It was a big match for Slot for many reasons and his tactics worked a treat at the San Siro

Subs

Bradley (for Gomez 68mins) – Brought energy and posed different questions when he was introduced and helped tip the balance in Liverpool’s favour – 7

Wirtz (for Isak 68mins) – Rarely gives the ball away and this cameo was significant. Lucky to get a penalty award but he wasn’t complaining – 7

Head Coach

Arne Slot – A big game for the Dutchman, for so many reasons. He was in control throughout, his tactics worked a treat, his changes made a difference and he was elated at the final whistle – and he had every reason to be – 8