Andy Robertson and Jarrell Quansah had a difficult night. (Image: Getty)
saw their unbeaten run in this season’s ended with a 3-2 defeat at PSV Eindhoven but it mattered little with ‘s side already guaranteed a last-eight place.
In a pulsating first half, Cody Gakpo gave the Reds the lead from the penalty spot after Federico Chiesa was brought down by Joey Veerman. Johan Bakoyoko levelled in sublime fashion, only for Harvey Elliott to immediately put the visitors back in front from close range.
But Ismael Saibari made it 2-2 and before the break, the Eredivisie side led through Ricardo Pepi’s close-range finish. The second period became scrappy and there were no further goals, but Slot’s side topped the 36-team league regardless, courtesy of Barcelona’s 2-2 draw with Atalanta.
Express Sport brings you the player ratings….
Liverpool (4-3-3) player ratings vs PSV
Caoimhin Kelleher 6: Can consider himself unlucky to concede three times given he couldn’t be blamed for any goals. And made a great save in injury time to keep it 3-2.
Conor Bradley 6: Not his best night. Got on the end of a long ball forward but his control let him down when through on goal, and the second and third PSV goals came down his side. Did get forward well after the break though.
Jarell Quansah 5: Wasn’t the display he needed to convince Slot he’s worthy of a regular place. Sold down the river by Bakoyoko’s turn for the equaliser and his sloppy touch led to the third.
Andy Robertson 5: Deployed as a centre-back and an experiment that won’t be repeated. Like Quansah, made to look stupid by diving in for the Bakoyoko goal and needlessly booked before half-time.
Federico Chiesa impressed for the Reds. (Image: Getty)
Kostas Tsimikas 6: Distribution wasn’t always on point but his set-piece deliveries were. One ball in led to a headed chance for Quansah and the defender should have done better.
James McConnell 7: A decent Champions League debut for the 20-year-old. One good burst in the first half and put himself about well in midfield. Some telling balls forward too.
Wataru Endo 5: Another who didn’t help his hopes of a regular first-team place. Brushed off the ball too easily for the second goal and failed to exert any influence.
Federico Chiesa 8: Looked keen to impress and it paid dividends. Won the penalty for the opener and it was his parried shot that led to Elliott scoring. He was a threat throughout, and finally looks like he’s settling at .
Harvey Elliott 7: Prominent early on and got his goal, but faded as the game wore on. Unlucky to be booked for simulation in the second period but would have benefited from getting 90 minutes.
Cody Gakpo 7: Got the goal he wanted at the home of his former club but was notably muted with his celebrations. Taken off after 52 minutes – a clear indicator he’ll be involved on the weekend.
Jayden Danns 5: Nothing wrong with his work rate but his play lacked accuracy. The youngster also seemed to struggle with the physicality of the hosts and tonight was a harsh lesson for him.
Subs
Tyler Morton (for Gakpo, 52) 7 Booked soon after coming on but a brilliant last-ditch tackle prevented Pepi from making it 4-2.
Trey Nyoni (for Andy Robertson, 52) 6 Coped well enough as PSV looked to counterattack in the closing stages.
Amara Nallo (for Jayden Danns, 83) N/A A moment to haunt him. He was sent on for a senior debut, and his first involvement came three minutes later, sent off for bringing down Bakayoko as he looked to go clean through. Brutal.