Liverpool continued their fine form under Arne Slot with a 2-0 defeat of Bologna in the UEFA Champions League and former Ireland striker Shane Long was in the RTÉ studio for his punditry debut with the broadcaster.
Goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah proved enough for the hosts as they made it two wins from two under their new boss in Europe, having beaten AC Milan at the San Siro two weeks ago.
⚽ Liverpool 2-0 Bologna 🏆
After an often indifferent display, Liverpool finally have a two goal cushion courtesy of Mo Salah
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📺 Live on @RTE2 and @RTEPlayer#ChampionsLeague pic.twitter.com/WuUSavCpEw— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) October 2, 2024
The Reds never got into their top gear but had enough firepower to fend off the Serie A side with a goal in either half.
Slot made multiple substitutions during the contest, first introducing Diogo Jota for the ineffective Darwin Nunez with the game still in the balance.
He would later remove Andy Robertson, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dominik Szoboszlai before full-time with the trio likely to start against Crystal Palace in Saturday's early kick-off.
The increased work-load brought on by the extended new Champions League format is also sure to have played a part as Slot plots his side's future.
Shane Long 'surprised' by Liverpool star's reaction to sub
While Darwin Nunez appeared to accept his fate with decorum when removed on the hour mark, his fellow players did not seem as pleased to be taken off.
Szoboszlai in particular did not seem happy to leave the field despite already racking up plenty of minutes this campaign, something which caught Long's eye.
"I don't know if they are disappointed in their own performance or to have been taken off the pitch," he said.
"I thought Szoboszlai had a really good game and I was surprised by his reaction going off the pitch because he doesn't seem like that sort of player.
"Maybe it is something to look into but I am sure the manager will have a quiet word with them and make sure he gets the respect he deserves."
Kevin Doyle - who played with Long for Ireland, Cork City and Reading - shared the same point-of-view as his former teammate, also bringing both full-backs into the conversation.
'One thing I will say is the three subs who went off tonight - Szoboszlai, Robertson and Alexander-Arnold - their reaction...," he stated.
"They just looked unhappy with their attitude which was a bit strange. Nunez looked happier even though he was removed in the 60th minute.
"Maybe I am reading too much into it but to me it looked a bit off."
Liverpool fans won't be too concerned given the win is their eighth in nine competitive games under Slot.
