Liverpool continued their perfect record in the UEFA Champions League against Girona with a sixth win from six matches in the competition.
The main talking point was the restoration of Alisson Becker to the Liverpool line-up, less than a week after Caoimhin Kelleher found himself at fault against Newcastle.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot had warned that Alisson would replace Kelleher regardless of form once fully fit and the Brazillian showed his worth in a busy first-half, keeping things scoreless going into the break.
Alisson's huge save from Asprilla shortly before half-time 💪 #LFC pic.twitter.com/ypAALonJXw
— Empire of the Kop (@empireofthekop) December 10, 2024
A second-half penalty from Mo Salah, after Luis Diaz was fouled by ex-Man United man Donny van de Beek, proved the difference in a casual but controlled performance from the Premier League leaders.
It is a difficult situation for Kelleher, who was otherwise one of the form goalkeepers in Europe before being demoted to the bench.
Arne Slot hails 'best in world' Alisson after replacing Kelleher in Liverpool win
Liverpool boss Arne Slot hailed Alisson as 'definitely' the 'best goalkeeper in the world' in a candid post-match interview, stressing his importance in the win
'We have to thank Alisson that we kept a clean sheet," Slot stated.
"Maybe his teammates wanted to make sure he was really fit and give him more work.
"He showed today... I don't think he needed to show anybody today because everyone knows he is the best goalkeeper in the world... but he showed today that he definitely is this."
While Slot certainly has a strong argument given Alisson's track record, his comments are sure to make grim reading for Kelleher after playing such a key part in their rise to the top of the Premier League and UCL tables.
Former Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given was on punditry duty for Premier Sports, where he shared his view that there is little between the two goalkeepers.
Given gave an insight into the frustration that Kelleher must be feeling, since there is little more he could have done to lock down a starting role.
'I don't think there is a big drop off from Alisson to Kelleher," Given said.
"The only thing he has is the experience, winning the Premier League and Champions League, he has been there and done it. Caoimhin has sat on the bench when Alisson has been and done it.
"Kenny (Cunningham) is right, there is not a big drop-off. But the manager restated what he said, that Alisson is the best goalkeeper in the world.
"Caoimhin is going to be thinking 'it doesn't matter what I do' because the last spell of games he has been absolutely brilliant. He had one mistake at Newcastle but he has been absolutely phenomenal.
"He can do no more to get in that team and the manager puts Alisson back in and after the game backs it up with 'he's best goalkeeper in the world'.
"It is frustrating for Kelleher. I would be headbutting the plane on the way home thinking 'what do I need to do'. Well I know what he needs to do - get out of the club."
Liverpool are all but assured a place in the last 16, and would consequently avoid the play-off round of fixtures and could potentially rotating their squad for their final two group games with a Premier League title on the agenda.
