Toulouse fans were in high spirits ahead of their trip to Anfield on Thursday, despite the knowledge that they would likely see their side fall to a heavy defeat at the home of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool. The hosts named a changed side, with opportunities for squad players to star in Europe’s secondary competition.
LIV: Kelleher; Chambers, Gomez, Matip, Alexander-Arnold; Gravenberch, Endō, Jones; Jota, Nunez, Elliott
TOU: Restes; Suazo, Diarra, Nicolaisen, Costa, Desler; Cássares, Sierro, Schmidt; Dallinga, Dønnum
It took just nine minutes for Diogo Jota to open the scoring at Anfield, dancing past a flurry of defenders before slotting home to kickstart a relentless attacking performance from a buoyant Liverpool side.
But when Thijs Dallinga, who had been highlighted as a Player to Watch ahead of the match, was kept onside by Trent Alexander-Arnold, the Toulouse forward was able to dart through the defence and pick out the back of the net to cue euphoric scenes in the away end.
Alexander-Arnold made amends for his mistake though, with the right-back crossing for Wataru Endō on the half-hour mark – allowing the Japanese midfielder to head home and register his first goal for the Reds since his summer arrival.
Embed from Getty ImagesAnd when Darwin Nunez bagged a third goal for Liverpool before the break, the fixture looked beyond doubt – and the Toulouse fans had been handed a harsh reality check after their early hopes of a shock result.
Nunez could have doubled his personal tally just after the hour mark after he got the better of Guillaume Restes, but with his effort ricocheting against the woodwork, the Uruguayan’s effort fell for Ryan Gravenberch – with the midfielder making no mistake with the rebounded finish.
Mo Salah’s goal in stoppage time completed a comfortable victory for Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, who sit at the top of Group E. They’re now unbeaten from their opening three matches, while Toulouse sit in third place.
