3 Things We Learnt From Liverpool 2-0 Villarreal

 1) Midfield Masterclass

Early on in the season, I was quite critical of Liverpool's midfield. Liverpool failed to control the games as they once did and their games were quite chaotic and "gung-ho." Opposition attackers found it easy to run at the defense during a counter attack and it was one of the reasons why Liverpool blew away some big leads in the first half of the season. However, in the 2nd half of the season, Liverpool's defense has tightened up and one of the main reasons for this is the performance from our midfield. Moreover, in the last month or so, Liverpool's engine room has simply been excellent and it was no different against Villarreal. Thiago had a passing accuracy of 96.3% and has now averaged a passing accuracy of 95.5% in the last 4 games. He was unlucky not ot get on the scoresheet after his thunderbolt strike hit the bar at the end of the 1st half. Fabinho was everywhere as he pinched the ball from Villarreal at crucial moments. Henderson was excellent in setting up the press and the tempo and was crucial in the 1st goal. Overall, it was utter domination from Liverpool as Villarreal had only 1 shot on goal and 0 on target. 

2) Salah x Mane

Salah has been criticized in recent seasons for being too selfish and not passing the ball when his teammates have been in better positions. However, Salah has put that conversation to bed as he now has 14 assists to his name this season. His latest one was against Villarreal as his through ball was converted by Mane to double Liverpool's lead. This was the 7th time Salah and Mane had combined to score a goal in the UCL and it has now equalled the joint most of any duo for English sides in the competition. 

3) Away leg, next week

Despite Liverpool's total domination, it's obvious that things are going to be different next week in Spain. Unai Emery was quite adamant post match that the 2nd leg would be different tactically and Liverpool would need to suffer in that game. It comes as no surprise as Villarreal would now have to attack the game rather than sitting in a low block and it's obvious that one needs to suffer at certain moments in a game against the top teams. Anyone watching this Liverpool side along the years knows that complacency is not a problem for this team but Klopp must reiterate this message so that Liverpool can go to the Final without any scare. Liverpool's record in Spain isn't the best but this season, we've seen some vital victories away from home and let's hope for more of the same next week.