Liverpool bounced back from their heaviest ever Champions League defeat in style with a last-gasp 2-1 win over Ajax at Anfield.
The victory came just six days after the Reds were humiliated by Serie A titans Napoli, who humbled them with a 4-1 win in what was undeniably one of Liverpool's worst performances of Jurgen Klopp's reign. However, like every great side, they did not take long to respond and registered a vital victory over the Dutch champions.
In the aftermath of the game, Manchester United legend and BT Sport pundit Rio Ferdinand singled out Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara for praise, citing his relentless ability to progress the ball as a reason why his performance was a cut above the rest.
The former Red Devil explained: "He came on late against Napoli and he was the only one that got any good press. It’s not praise but positive words from the manager, stepping forward, stepping onto the opponents and that’s what he done today.
"Jurgen Klopp’s team, how they play against people, in people’s face and play the ball forward, he epitomised that today."
It was a hard-fought battle between two European giants, but Liverpool were undeniably the more dominant side. Mohamed Salah put the hosts in front with what was just his third goal of the season across all competitions so far inside the opening 20 minutes.
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That lead lasted just 10 minutes before Ajax star Mohammed Kudus unleashed a lethal left-footed effort that gave Alisson absolutely no chance between the sticks for Liverpool.
The game looked all set to end honours even until central defender Joel Matip's header was deemed to have crossed the line via goal line technology and the linesman who immediately flagged to inform the referee of the goal.
Former Southampton man Dusan Tadic did his best to try and clear Matip's header, but as replays showed the ball had long gone well over the line by the time the Serbian international could even attempt to clear it.
Klopp was pleased with his side's efforts, as he explained during his post-match media duties. "I think everybody could see we understood we had to put in a completely different shift into the game," the Reds boss added.
"Played a lot of good stuff against a tough opponent, good opponent, scored the first goal, should’ve scored more goals from set-pieces, I don’t know how these balls didn’t go in.
"I’m not sure it was the first attack but Ajax didn’t have a lot. That’s how it is, in our situation but a great strike from Kudus."
The result leaves Liverpool second in their Champions League group, level on points with a Napoli side that make the trip to Scottish giants Rangers on Wednesday evening.
