AC Milan 1 Liverpool 3 – Gakpo stars as four inspire comebacks at the back of the slot

Liverpool enjoyed their return to the Champions League — a record 3-1 win over AC Milan at the San Siro.

Arne Slott's side went behind three minutes from time as Christian Pulisic took advantage of some loose defending from Konstantinos Simikas to fire home from a tight-ish angle. It was the worst start for Liverpool but Slott got a pleasingly strong response from his side, with the full-backs assisting the centre-half for a pair of set-piece goals in the first half. Mohamed Salah also hit the frame of the Milan goal twice and there were some impressively powerful passes from Cody Gakpo, chosen to play on the left in place of Luis Diaz.

Milan goalkeeper Mike Magnan – injured in the first half – played just minutes into the second period before being replaced by 19-year-old Lorenzo Torriani. And the youngster could do little to stop Liverpool's third, as Dominik Soboszlai finished superbly from the dynamic Gakpo to give Slott's side three points in what was arguably their toughest game at the league level.

Andy Jones and Mark Carey analyze the game.

Was this Cody Gakpo's best display for Liverpool?

Rotations dominated the discussion after Liverpool's defeat to Nottingham Forest at the weekend and with Arne Slott making just two changes to his starting XI against Milan, Cody Gakpo made the most of his chances.

The Liverpool head coach stuck with the same front three in his first four competitive matches in charge but Luis Diaz, in particular, will be looking over his shoulder after the Dutchman's impressive display at the San Siro.

Gakpo was rarely used as a left winger under previous manager Jürgen Klopp, despite that being his preferred position, but his performances for the Netherlands during the European Championships served as a reminder of the quality he can deliver from that position.

After four consecutive substitute appearances, Gakpo managed to make a big impact from the start. He was dynamic, direct and a constant threat down Liverpool's left.

He worked hard out of possession, but it was his ball-carrying and creativity that was key in wrestling momentum for his team after a shaky start.

He capped his evening with a superb assist during a swift Liverpool attack. Released by Domink Szoboszlai, he eluded Strahinja Pavlovic and laid the ball on a plate for his teammate to complete the one-two.

Andy Jones

Who needs attackers?

If you read the accounts of Liverpool's first two goals, you'd be forgiven for thinking someone had done a copy and paste job.

A floating cross from a full-back, a powerful close-range header from a centre-back. Two identical goals.

After seeing their forwards fire blanks against Nottingham Forest, Liverpool's back four took it upon themselves to make up for the early deficit with fullbacks Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kostas Simikas providing support to central defensive pair Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk.

First, Alexander-Arnold delivered a perfect cross from the left byline for Ibrahima Konate to attack. Unmarked, he leapt ahead of Fikayo Tomori and Mike Magnon to head home on 23 minutes.

Then, just before half-time, Kostas Simikas' corner from the right was met by van Dijk. Liverpool captain Marker Tijani ran away from the Reigners and stepped up in front of Magnon to nod home.

(Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

The simplest of set pieces, but extremely effective against an unresponsive AC Milan set-up. Clearly this was an area they had identified and they were able to exploit with pinpoint delivery and clever movement.

Andy Jones

Everyone welcomes the battle of 4-2-4

For all the history surrounding Liverpool's clash with Milan in the Champions League, tonight's clash may well be remembered as the “battle of the 4-2-4 defensive block”. Well, it might not be the most eye-catching of headlines, but the out-of-possession approach from both sides was evident from the early stages.

Milan's tight 4-2-4 block was designed to prevent Liverpool from advancing through the middle of the pitch, forcing them into wide areas. This worked initially but Milan were so organized in their defensive line that a simple penetrating ball from Liverpool meant that midfielders Ryan Gravenbirch and Alexis McAllister were often picking good spots between these lines and attacking the Milan defence.

Liverpool's 4-2-4 block was also ineffective in the early stages, as Milan goalkeeper Mike Magnan frequently clipped the ball over their pressing forwards and towards full-backs Theo Hernandez and Davide Calabria who were in space to attack. Incidentally, that's how the Rossoneri scored their opener after three minutes, kickstarted by Mignon's floating cross down the right.

(Piero Cruciatti/AFP via Getty Images)

Liverpool's defensive approach became more patient as the game wore on. They stay compact, block passing lanes, and push when they get the chance. Slott's side grew in confidence with each forward line carefully directing their teammates to pass a Milan player as they shuffled across the pitch.

The approach was the same from both sides, but in the end it was Liverpool who came out on top.

Mark Carey

What did Arne Slott say?

We will bring it to you after he speaks in the post-match press conference.

What's next for Liverpool?

Saturday, September 21: Bournemouth (H), Premier League, 3pm BST, 10am ET

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(Header photo: Getty Images)