Liverpool 5-1 Toulouse: Reds make statement of intent in Europa League

Liverpool made a statement of intent in the Europa League with a crushing 5-1 victory over Toulouse at Anfield. The Reds took the lead through Diogo Jota and doubled their advantage through Wataru Endo. Darwin Nunez and Ryan Gravenberch then added further goals before Mo Salah rounded off the scoring in stoppage time.

Jurgen Klopp made eight changes from the side that beat Everton in the Merseyside derby, but it mattered little as Liverpool proved too strong for the visitors. Jota opened the scoring on nine minutes when he was allowed to surge through the centre of the visiting defence and coolly fire home.

Toulouse equalised through Thijs Dallinga on 16 minutes, but Liverpool restored their lead just minutes later through Endo’s superb flying header. Nunez then added a third goal with a venomous rising shot at the near post.

Ryan Gravenberch put the result beyond doubt on 65 minutes when he rounded the ‘keeper and slotted into the corner after Nunez had somehow hit the post with the goal gaping. Substitute Salah then applied the icing to the cake with a strike that crashed in off the bar in stoppage time.

Conclusion: The victory sees Liverpool move well clear at the summit of Group E with a maximum nine points from their first three outings. The Reds are now on the verge of qualification for the knockout stages and look like clear favourites to win the competition.

Player of the match: Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool)

The Dutchman was outstanding on his first start for Liverpool. He caused problems all night long with his driving runs from midfield and capped an all-action display with a composed finish in front of the Kop.