Liverpool ratings: Sensational Salah secures win against Bologna

Liverpool picked up their second of two Champions League wins on Wednesday night as they beat Bologna 2-0 at Anfield.

The hosts got off to a strong start when Mohamed Salah's precise cross found Alexis Mac Allister, whose simple finish gave the Reds a 1-0 lead.

Dominik Szoboszlai had Liverpool's second-best chance of the first half when he missed the target, while Bologna threatened a few times, hitting the woodwork twice before Alisson Kacper Urbanski had to save.

The Serie A side started the second half brighter as they had some promising periods of possession that led to shots on goal, but as the Reds regained control, Salah doubled their lead with a fine curling shot into the far corner.

Positive

With back-to-back wins, Liverpool are well positioned to secure a place in the top eight in the Champions League phase. A brilliant performance from Salah was also crowned with a well-taken goal. The Reds midfield also impressed with its defensive work.

Negatives

Liverpool lost control of the game at times and could have been punished on another night. The final ball could also have been better at times, as many counterattack opportunities remained unused.

Manager Rating (1-10; 10 = best)

Arne Slot, 7 — Reacted well in the second half as Bologna started strongly and timed his substitutions to give his team more creativity. Liverpool's game plan also saw them get into some promising positions, although they didn't exploit them as often as they should have.

Player ratings

GK Alisson Becker, 7 — Alisson's save from Orlansky ensured Liverpool went into the break with a controlled lead. Orsolini made a fairly straightforward stop in the second half.

DF Virgil van Dijk, 6 – He was well passed from behind and caught Bologna with an impressive pass to Salah, although he was given a harsh warning for a seemingly accidental challenge.

DF Ibrahima Konate, 6 – Strong in the challenge and well positioned to clear danger regularly, but was unnecessarily booked for knocking over his opponent on an attacking corner.

DF Andrew Robertson, 6 – The Scotland international had little to do with the fact that Bologna favored the opposing flank in most attacks. He worked hard to support his team in both phases and was eventually replaced by Kostas Tsimikas in the 72nd minute.

DF Trent Alexander-Arnold, 6 – Alexander-Arnold had some positive moments as he anticipated the game before playing passes into dangerous areas, but he needed help from Alisson after being dispossessed by Dan Ndoye in the first half.

MF Dominik Szoboszlai, 7 — He should have done more in the first half to achieve his goal after missing the goal. Worked hard in midfield when tracking back and showed good strength to win the ball back on several Bologna counter-attacks. He used his pace to initiate positive moves by driving the ball through central areas and registering the assist for Salah's goal.

MF Alexis Mac Allister, 7 – A well-timed run led to Alexis Mac Allister getting on the end of Salah's cross, giving Liverpool a 1-0 lead. Made a number of interceptions during periods when the Reds were under pressure and did well.

MF Ryan Gravenberch, 7 – Another strong performance from Gravenberch saw him choose the right moments to advance the ball through the midfield lines and he remained calm when evading Bologna's pressure before advancing the ball forward.

FW Darwin Núñez, 6 – He held the ball up well, led the line and set up for Liverpool's opening goal by eliminating Salah in space in advance. Had the ball back in the net but missed his run and was ruled offside.

FW Luis Diaz, 6 – A quieter game than usual from Luis Diaz after showing some impressive form of late in a game where he didn't have many opportunities to trouble his opponent. Should have done better to block a shot when he cut inside but lost control of the ball.

FW Mohamed Salah, 8 – He was a regular threat on the right and provided an assist in the 10th minute with an excellent ball that allowed Mac Allister to score from close range. Not too far away, with a curling attempt from inside the penalty area just after the hour mark, and then scoring from a similar position with an excellent shot into the far corner.

Substitute players (players are substituted after 70 minutes = no scoring)

Diogo Jota (Nunez, 61″), 6 — In the 74th minute he found space as he dribbled towards the penalty area but was quickly displaced.

Kostas Tsimikas (Robertson, 72″), N/R — Good connection forward on the left flank, where Liverpool were able to create numerous chances. He was cautioned for a tackle in which he won the ball, but the referee deemed him dangerous

Cody Gakpo (Diaz, 72″), N/R – He extended the play with direct runs behind the defense and almost combined with Salah to create a scoring chance, but was slightly offside.

Curtis Jones (Szoboszlai, 86″), N/R — He worked hard while putting pressure on Bologna's midfield as they tried to win back a late goal.

Conor Bradley (Alexander-Arnold, 85″), N/R — It continues for Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool is hoping for the last few minutes.