There will be no calls to replay this game but Jürgen Klopp got what he needed from the visit of Union Saint-Gilloise nonetheless. Liverpool returned to winning ways with a minimum of fuss and without being dragged into any controversies that might dominate the football agenda for the next five days. The Europa League served as a release.
A modest Liverpool performance was notable for the first goal of Ryan Gravenberch’s Anfield career plus a vibrant, threatening contribution from the deadline day signing from Bayern Munich. Diogo Jota buried the frustration of his harsh red card at Tottenham – or incorrect red card according to the Premier League’s key match incidents panel – with a clinical second to seal victory in stoppage time. Union threatened to punish a subdued second-half display from Klopp’s team but the tournament favourites are easing towards the knockout stage after only two matches.
