Mohamed Salah’s stunning solo effort saw Liverpool edge out Napoli for a place in the Champions League last 16 thanks to a 1-0 win at Anfield on Tuesday.

Salah wriggled beyond two Napoli challenges before finishing from a narrow angle 11 minutes before the break on a night when only Liverpool’s profligacy in front of goal cost them a more comfortable margin of victory.

And they were nearly made to pay in stoppage time, only for Alisson to produce a crucial save to deny Arkadiusz Milik a dramatic equaliser.

Here is our report card from the clash at Anfield.

THE GOOD 

For Liverpool – Pressing matters

It’s a characteristic Klopp has reined in this season, but the press was back in full effect against Napoli. A more mature approach has been adopted in the Premier League with the German seemingly mindful of an exhausting and lengthy campaign. Yet energised by a forceful Anfield crowd, they pressed intensely high up the pitch and forced numerous turnovers. Midfield maestro Allan was influential in Naples, but he wasn’t given the time to build momentum with Salah and Firmino leading the press. Not a bad tool to bust out when required.

For Napoli – Cold Koulibaly

Perhaps good and bad for Napoli considering the clubs needing a centre-back will have been watching – we’re looking at you Jose Mourinho – but Kalidou Koulibaly was outstanding for Napoli. Aside from being roasted for Salah’s crucial goal, he was ice cold at Anfield. His presence of mind in one v ones, tackle timing, body positioning, aerial prowess, and ability on the ball hallmarked a deeply impressive display. The 27-year-old proved yet again why he is considered one of the best centre-backs in the world.

Kalidou Koulibaly (l)

THE BAD

For Liverpool – Van Dijk suspension

There is a shark pool of elite clubs awaiting Liverpool in the last-16 with only Porto offering up a favourable draw. How disappointing it will be for Klopp then that he will be without his man for the deep waters for the first leg. Indeed, Virgil van Dijk was cautioned in the first half and thus picked up a suspension. At first his tackle on Dries Mertens looked clean, on reflection he was perhaps fortunate to escape without being shown red as he clattered into the Belgian with studs showing. He’s featured in every game for Liverpool this season, the tower of strength will be sorely missed whoever the Reds face next.

Virgl van Dijk is booked

For Napoli – Full backs struggle

Liverpool’s biggest success arrived from either flank with Sadio Mane and Salah enjoying the better of their counter-parts. Mario Rui was frequently left contorted by the Egyptian’s twisting and turning while Nikola Maksimovic, usually a centre-back but operating at right-back, struggled to contain Mane. Faouzi Ghoulam arrived for a battered Rui in the second half and while a far better option, it was a difficult rhythm for him to pick up entering in the 70th minute.

TACTICAL TURNING POINT 

Liverpool’s game management

Almost ironic considering a key facet of their victory was the intensity of the press, yet Liverpool’s game management in the second half was superb. Jordan Henderson is chastised for slowing down their transitions into attack, but his calm recycling of possession helped to seize back control. Alisson, too, restarted much more slowly and the team’s overall protection of the ball helped stave off Napoli’s challenge.

Jurgen Klopp and Jordan Henderson

GRADING 

For Liverpool: A

The clean sheet was equally crucial to the goal and every single Liverpool player can be proud of their efforts. With the game on a knife edge, they delivered a professional performance to get the job done.

For Napoli: C-

Aside from Koulibaly, the entire backline struggled to contain the piercing pace of Liverpool’s flying forwards. In attack, they were largely impotent and Carlo Ancelotti will be disappointed to see his talented side exit into the Europa League.