Solanke Benched, Ejaria Not In 18 As Liverpool See Off NK Maribor

Liverpool cruised to a 3-0 victory against Slovenian minnows, NK Maribor at Anfield in the fourth round of the UEFA Champions League competition on Wednesday evening.

After Jurgen Klopp's charges had ruthlessly put seven past their opponents in the corresponding first leg fixture prior to this one, it was not to be plain-sailing for them this time around as Maribor matched them for quality time and again in a high tempo first half.

But the Merseyside club finally found their breakthrough four minutes after the restart, Trent-Alexander Arnold whipping in a delightful cross for Egyptian striker, Mohammed Sallah to stab home.

James Milner then missed his chance to further add to the lead for The Reds after Maribor keeper, Samir Handanovic got down superbly to push away his poor spot kick on the 53rd minute mark.


But that miss did little to foil the plans for Liverpool as their next swathe of attacking menace yielded yet another goal, Milner the orchestrator now with a quick deft touch to release Emre Can who promptly side-footed into the back of the net.

Daniel Sturridge added a late third for the hosts, latching onto the end of an Alberto Moreno's cross at the far post to put away the final goal and complete a resounding victory for the Premier League side.

Dominic Solanke watched the proceedings of the game entirely from the substitute bench while ex-Golden Eaglets trainee Ovie Ejaria was not dressed for this one.

Emmanuel Chinaza

Photo Credit : liverpoolfc.com