Reds put hurt on Frankfurt to end miserable streak

Liverpool banished the spectre of a fifth successive defeat with a five-goal rout of Eintracht Frankfurt plus several ticks on Arne Slot’s wish list.

- Andy Hunter

There was set-piece prowess, two assists from Florian Wirtz, ruthless finishing and, most importantly of all, that winning feeling again as Liverpool brought their losing streak to a shuddering halt.

Slot’s team conceded first yet again but that, and a subdued 45 minute display from Alexander Isak, were only minor complaints on a night when the Premier League champions rediscovered their edge. Their head coach deserves credit for several bold moves that underpinned a sizeable improvement and ensured all three of Eintracht’s Champions League games this season have finished 5-1.

Changes were to be expected not only on account of Sunday’s defeat by Manchester United but given Slot’s approach to the previous Champions League away game. There were four changes against Galatasaray and five here, and on both occasions Mohamed Salah was on the bench. In Turkey Salah’s absence was explained away by Slot as a break from an unforgiving workload. Three weeks later and the omission appeared a judgment on his recent anonymous form. A significant call too, given Salah had scored 51 goals in European competition for Liverpool and the rest of the squad had a combined total of 31 before kickoff. It would pay off.