Trent Alexander-Arnold and Liverpool 3-0 Manchester City

Trent Alexander-Arnold

You are 19 years old, and you've just been told you are in the starting XI for a quarter final of the Champions League. All of your family and friends have been talking about this game and it can't escape your thoughts. It consumes you and elevates you. You know that when you step onto that pitch against Manchester City, 54,000 Liverpudlians will have enveloped Anfield in a sea of red. But, what makes it all the more sweeter, all the more important, and all the more nerve racking: You're playing for your boyhood club. The city you were born in, the only team you've known since you entered the world. If you weren't playing football (soccer) you would be up in the stands with your mates and your family. You know you have been under intense scrutiny for recent performances for your club, but you stick to your game, your roots, and you do your homework.

These were the thoughts and feelings that went through young Trent Alexander-Arnold's mind before he took to the pitch. The young mans performance can be described as a "coming-of-age" performance. He's taken increased criticism from the media, the supporters, and pundits for not being mature enough. But the young man stepped up to the pressure and put in a performance of his life. Defending against Leroy Sané, one of the most in-form players in Europe - in the world, he was focused right from the first whistle. Although, you could tell something had changed in the young man. Liverpool's management team had likely sat down with him and gone through his duties for the match - which he executed impeccably. He marshaled Sané so well, not giving him the space the German thrives on. Every loose ball, he was first to. When Sané got the ball switched out wide, he didn't panic and dive in, but rather held his position, waited for the forward to make his move, and adjusted accordingly. And he did this time, and time again. At the 90th minute mark, when the fourth official put his board up to declare the added time, Alexander-Arnold flapped his arms up and down towards to supporters, galvanizing the crowed and resulting in a tremendous roar from the Kop. It was a performance he deserved all the plaudits for.

Allez Allez Allez

Liverpool's fanbase around the world is well known, but tonight, a deep connection was establish - at least in my opinion - between the supporters and the players. Despite the City bus incident (in no way do I condone these actions), Liverpool fans came with their own game plan. The atmosphere made it seem so extremely hostile for City, while at the same time, it provided the massive boost that the men in red on the pitch needed. Liverpool sang from the moment they were allowed to enter Anfield, to the moment they were asked to leave Anfield. It was this night that it finally clicked, the stories of the past told by the greats, and the atmosphere my father has told me about, Anfield was back. There is no better Anfield atmosphere I have experienced, from Dortmund, to Hoffenheim, to Villarreal, to Sevilla, I have never witnessed a better atmosphere from the time I started watching soccer in 2008, to now. Liverpool's new song, known as Allez Allez Allez, is the perfect Anfield song, and the beautiful chorus that rings around Anfield, well, it is easy to see why Roberto Firmino said he was moved to tears. The song still echos around my house not even on match days. But I felt that connection with James Milner posting a video on Instagram of my fellow Reds singing as the bus drove into Anfield. How Roberto Firmino said he was moved to tears driving in. How Virgil van Dijk said how the crowd lifted us [the players] when the game got tough, tense, and tight and how Trent Alexander-Arnold said they kept us going throughout that second half and that's what makes it worth it to play.

Player Ratings

Loris Karius - 7

Solid performance from the Liverpool number one. His performance at Crystal Palace raised some eyebrows, but restored confidence in himself tonight. The defense in front of him limited City making Karius's night a routine one.

Trent Alexander-Arnold - 9.5

A coming of age performance from the young 19 year old. Mature, smart, and focus performance. You can tell the young man did his homework. Nullified an in-form Leroy Sané so much so that the German had a frustrating night. Should take a lot of confidence from such a good performance.

Dejan Lovren - 8

Restored to the starting XI due to the fact that he and van Dijk are the only fit senior center-halfs. A leader's performance from the Croatian who marshaled the defense well. Won a number of important headers and was first to every loose ball.

Virgil van Dijk - 7.5

Two nervy moments where the Dutchman gifted possession to Fernandinho and another where his header was skewed up and had to be headed away by Andy Robertson. Other than that, a real leadership performance from the 'big man'. Came close at 3-0 with a flying header just before the end of the first half.

Andrew Robertson - 7.5

Anfield thought they might witness his first Red's goal after a fantastic run and a little bit of luck with the way the ball fell for him. Worked his socks off throughout the match. Had Sterling pocketed for most of the match. Opened up once with Sterling and De Bruyne's one-two.

Jordan Henderson (Captain) - 8.5

Captains performance from the skipper. Fantastic going forward, found his range of passing last night to good effect. Defensively, very sound and gave Silva and De Bruyne a headache the entire match. A big loss to lose him to suspension for the second leg (yellow card accumulation)

James Milner - 9

What a performance against his former club. Worked hard till the final whistle and was a key player in midfield, both in attack, and defense. Huge work rate. Highly likely to be given the captains armband against City in the second leg.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - 8.5

It was a big shout to put Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in from the start and he repaid Klopp's trust. An absolute screamer of a strike after a fantastic first touch. Versatility shown when Salah couldn't continue (52'). Definitely enjoying life at Anfield and you can tell that from his post-match interviews.

Mohamed Salah - 9

As James Milner said, 'We are running out of words to describe him'. Such a potent threat tonight. Hustled Laporte the entire evening. Great awareness to score the goal, and even better assist, putting it on a plate for Sadio Mané. A massive loss at 52', and the you could tell by watching the game.

Roberto Firmino - 7.5

Often the unsung hero in these matches. Said he was moved to tears due to the Liverpool support when the bus entered the ground. Didn't score or assist last night, but harried defenders like crazy, giving Kompany and Otamendi not a moment to breathe. Looked gutted to be replaced by Solanke.

Sadio Mané - 8.5

The only member of the front three to complete 90 minutes, last night. Looked so much more assured and confident than that display at Palace. Worked hard for 90 minutes and scored a fantastic header. Hold-up play was impeccable.

Substitutes

Georginio Wijnaldum - 8

Come under criticism for recent displays, but always seems to show up in the big matches. Defensively, very sound and helped out Alexander-Arnold a lot. Going forward, his touch was spot on and just bought those couple seconds of breathing time for Liverpool's back four. Likely to start against Everton at the weekend and at City next week.

Dominic Solanke - 7

Eyebrows were certainly raised when the young man replaced Roberto Firmino, but played a crucial role in rushing down defenders and holding up the ball. Made a terrific run for Mané. Also made a run where he took to long and gave the ball away. Has had limited opportunities this season, but likely to start against Everton.

Alberto Moreno - N/A

A surprise to see the Spaniard after his limited appearances behind Andy Robertson. Likely to start again Everton.

Unused Substitues: Mignolet (GK), Masterson, Clyne, Ings,

Match Highlights (via ESPN)