OPINION
Liverpool took a big step towards the Champions League semi-finals with a 2-0 win against Porto at Anfield on Tuesday night, and fans were delighted with the performance of Roberto Firmino. He set-up the first goal of the night for Naby Keita after just five minutes, and scored the second 21 minutes later.
It makes Jurgen Klopp’s men the big favourites to progress but it could, and should, have been more emphatic. Sadio Mane had a goal disallowed at the start of the second-half and that was upheld after a VAR review. And Liverpool took their foot off the gas after that, with a crucial game against Chelsea coming up on Sunday.
They’re in the box seat for that game now, with Chelsea set for a tough away game in the Europa League on Thursday against Slavia Prague. At Anfield, Klopp brought Mane and Firmino off early, with the game already won.
Firmino was our man of the match and showed just why Klopp rates him so highly. He’s often had to play the third wheel in Liverpool’s power three, with Mohamed Salah taking all the plaudits in an incredible last season, and Sadio Mane taking over the scoring this season.
Ironically, Salah was one of the worst players for Liverpool, missed another one-on-one and was perhaps lucky not to get sent off towards the end of the game for a tackle on Danilo. That would have been a terrible end to the game for the Reds.
Firmino, by contrast, was in imperious form and continued his excellent record in the Champions League. Since the start of last season, only Cristiano Ronaldo has been involved in more goals in the Champions League than the Brazilian, who boasts 13 goals and eight assists.
Here are the best reactions from thrilled Liverpool fans:
https://twitter.com/JoshHawkins96/status/1115775167299563520
My word, Roberto Firmino is something special isn't he… Great build up play by Hendo and Trent but who is always in the right place at the right time? Bobby. Love it. #LFC pic.twitter.com/t8ATe26so0
— The Redmen TV (@TheRedmenTV) April 9, 2019
For the love of #Firmino ??
The praise for Bobby in this article by Liverpool Echo’s @IanDoyleSport is spot on and very well deserved, he is an outstanding player and yet still under-rated by many! #LFC #LIVPOR https://t.co/lp5q6qHYum— Jo Ridout (@passionforhomes) April 9, 2019
It’s our year! 2-0 Kieta and Firmino on some extra hot Portuguese sauce Nando’s style #Lfc #itsouryear
— aaron aby (@aaronabymma) April 9, 2019
How good was Naby? That midfield was POWERFUL. Porto struggled to live with each of them – most of their joy came through abandoning midfield altogether. Hendo's passing, running & movement was superb, Fabinho ate everything up and Firmino was the jewel in the crown, again. #LFC
— TweetingTopRed (@tweetingtopred) April 9, 2019
Naby and Firmino excellent, Henderson’s best 90 for a fair while. I liked the midfield tonight. #lfc
— Mark Dearden (@marcos_euphonic) April 9, 2019
Imagine city fans comparing jesus to Bobby ????#LFC #firmino pic.twitter.com/qtGnFpoyYk
— James Here (@James__Here) April 9, 2019
Firmino is class. I love this guy. So unselfish at times. All about the team than personal glory. ???? #LFC #firmino
— Darren Brodie (@brodobaggins5) April 9, 2019