3 Things We Learnt From Inter 0-2 Liverpool

 1) Brilliant centre-halves

Virgil Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate were both, excellent tonight. Konate made some crucial blocks in both the 1st and the 2nd half. In the 1st half he made a superb intervention to prevent Dzeko from going clear on goal. In the 2nd half, he also made some good blocks and repeatedly covered for Trent when he was unable to deal with Perisic. This was his 2nd big performance at the San Siro with the 1st being against Milan in the group stage. Van Dijk, also, looked at his imperious best. In the first half, Martinez had chance to run at him but just the sight of him discouraged him to do so. Also, late in the first half, he put on the after burners to deny Dzeko from racing through on goal. Not only was he dominant in his own box but he also proved to be a threat in the Inter penalty box. It was he who nodded the ball down for Salah who finished it with a cool strike in the bottom right corner to score Liverpool's second on the night. 

2) Set-piece strength

Great teams always find different ways to win football games. Liverpool have been doing just that this season, especially with set-pieces. It was the fifth consecutive time that Liverpool have found the opener in all competitions courtesy of a set-piece. Also, Liverpool lead the PL set-piece chart with 14 and now have 5 goals in the CL as well. Liverpool were 2nd best in the 2nd half but Bobby's header goal from Robertson's corner, just seemed to take the wind out of Inter's sails. Liverpool's second on the night was also scored courtesy of a corner, this time from Alexander Arnold but it was Van Dijk who won the 1st ball and laid it off for Salah to score. Scoring from set-pieces is a great asset to have, especially in cagey cames like this. Let's hope that Liverpool continue to exploit and score from these opportunities. 

3) Super subs

As mentioned above, Liverpool were the 2nd best team after the break. Inter kept piling on the pressure as Liverpool failed to keep a hold of the ball. However, things changed as Klopp brought in the likes of Henderson and Keita. Henderson, especially, was brilliant tonight as he took the game by the scruff of it's neck and helped raise the tempo and keep hold of the ball. His form hasn't been the best this season but this was a proper captain's performance from him. Naby Keita was also tidy in possession. Bobby, who came in for Jota, scored the all important first goal and it was a great sight to him back on the scoresheet, scoring an essential goal. Diaz, who replaced Mane also was also a big threat down that left channel. It's great to see Jurgen Klopp have a plethora of options to choose from but Liverpool must keep them fit.