Liverpool stay perfect in Leipzig as Darwin Nunez steals Mo Salah's thunder - 5 talking points
RB LEIPZIG 0-1 LIVERPOOL: The Reds kept up their winning run in Europe as Darwin Nunez's first-half strike was enough to see off their German opponents, who are yet to pick up a point in the Champions League
by Samuel Meade · The MirrorLiverpool kept up their perfect record in the Champions League as they saw off RB Leipzig.
The German side are unbeaten in the Bundesliga, but have failed to pick up a point in Europe as Darwin Nunez's first-half tap-in proved to be the difference between the teams.
Nunez has struggled in front of goal but tapped home Mohamed Salah's header, which looked to be heading goal bound, after 27 minutes. The Reds had opportunities to extend their lead, but also needed Caoimhín Kelleher to produce some big saves in the second period.
Alexis Mac Allister thundered a shot off the bar whilst the hosts saw Loïs Openda have a first-half effort ruled out for offside. Benjamin Sesko remained a threat but was thwarted by the Liverpool goalkeeper when he was one-on-one. Openda saw a second goal ruled out for offside with ten minutes remaining as the Reds eventually hung on.
Here's the talking points from the Red Bull Arena.
1. Liverpool stay perfect
Few would've expected that the Reds and Aston Villa would be the only two teams who boasted perfect records after three games of the Champions League - still in the early stages of its new format. Villa are certainly a surprise and even the Reds were thought to be in transition.
However they've exceeded expectations with Slot at the helm. Their win in Germany has them well poised at the top of the standings, which will aid them in the knockouts should they continue with this form. Their biggest European test will come in a fortnight when they host Bayer Leverkusen.
2. Nunez doubles his tally
Nunez had only scored the once heading into Wednesday night's clash as questions continue over his ability to be prolific. The Uruguayan has seen some of his attacking colleagues begin the season impressively - and there is plenty of competition for places.
His goal was that of a player desperate to up his tally - however that might come. Salah's header looked to be nestling into the bottom corner but Nunez timed his run well to tap home from, what can't have been anymore than a yard. The Egyptian is so often singleminded in his pursuit of goals, but was happy to embrace his team-mate after this one.
3. Gakpo's chance
Slot's compatriot has largely been used as a substitute this season with starts hard to come by. The injury picked up by Diogo Jota at the weekend means a forward spot will be vacant going forward and this Sunday Liverpool will face their toughest test of the season at Arsenal.
Cody Gakpo began from the left as he looked to show what he can do from the start. It may well be between him and Luis Diaz for a starting berth but the battle between him and the Dutchman remains very much in the balance. He missed a huge chance early in the second-half, which won't have aided his chances, but showed in glimpses what he can offer.
4. Leipzig's next gen
The German outfit spot talent like few other teams and often the Champions League is the stage where the broadcast their next generation. Some of their better known names are already being tracked by Europe's elite and, despite selling top stars nearly every summer, they remain immensely competitive.
Sesko is eventually tipped to lead the line for a major outfit. Xavi Simons, on loan from PSG, was a constant threat with his pace whilst Openda, signed from Lens just over a year ago, had the ball in the back of the net, only for the flag to rule out his stunning finish.
5. Liverpool achieve away day first
Never before had the Reds won their first six away games of the season, but their success in Leipzig means they have now ticked that box. Slot hasn't missed a beat as manager, making light of the challenge that was replacing Jurgen Klopp.
His first game as Liverpool boss was on the road as they saw off Ipswich on the opening weekend of the Premier League. A rampant win at Manchester United was perhaps their statement win so far whilst victory at the San Siro was also noteworthy. Wolves and Crystal Palace have also been dispatched. In fact their only blip this season was when Nottingham Forest shocked them at Anfield, leaving with all three points.
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