The Reds knew a big night lay ahead having had a chastening week prior to the March international break.
In retrospect, a Merseyside Derby was the perfect way for Liverpool to bounce back and send a statement to the rest of the Premier League.
It was not a pretty win by any means but the Reds got the job done, Diogo Jota’s second-half goal winning the game.
Jota has been in the spotlight of late having had a torrid time in-front of goal recently. But the Liverpool striker has had nothing compared to the attention heading Trent Alexander-Arnold’s way during the past two weeks.
With Alexander-Arnold looking likely to join Real Madrid, the right-back has become a divisive figure at Anfield. And with injury ruling him out of Wednesday’s game, he was spotted watching on from the stands during what could be his last ever derby as a Liverpool player.
Trent Alexander-Arnold enjoys Merseyside Derby
Given all the noise around him recently, you could not blame Alexander-Arnold for wishing to keep his head down and stay as in the shadows as possible.
However, the 26-year-old was watching on at Anfield on Wednesday, spotted sitting alongside Joe Gomez as the Reds recorded a big win.
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With Liverpool winning 1-0 and the clock ticking deep into the six minutes of injury time, Sky Sports cameras panned to Trent watching on.
The right-back looked completely at ease, and smiled a slightly mischievous smile as the cameras hit him.
Without Trent or Conor Bradley, Arne Slot chose to field Curtis Jones in an unorthodox right-back position.
While the Liverpool academy graduate did well, Alexander-Arnold’s spot in the team should be secured if and when he makes it back from injury.
How did Curtis Jones do at right-back?
It remains to be seen exactly when Alexander-Arnold will be back in action for Liverpool. In the meantime it was at least nice to see him at Anfield for this one.
On the pitch, right-back has become a slight problem position for Slot as the end of the season comes into view.
Bradley is Alexander-Arnold’s natural successor, but with Northern Irishman injured and Jarell Quansah not a right-back, Slot turned to Jones.
On the whole, the Scouser did a good job. As you’d expect, he looked assured in possession and was rarely troubled defensively either.
One crucial intervention late on stopped a dangerous ball into the box and on the whole Jones can be pleased with his night’s work.
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