Five things we learned from the Champions League action | OneFootball

Five things we learned from the Champions League this week, featuring Mo Salah, Antonio Conte, Marcus Rashford and more.

Liverpool might be better without Salah

For the first time since joining Liverpool, Mo Salah may no longer be essential to their chances of success. Perhaps that’s an overreaction to one game, but the Reds looked the best they have all season while the Egyptian winger was sat on the bench.

Arne Slot’s gambit of pairing Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike up front together with Florian Wirtz operating from the right did not start out well. Isak was poor in the first half and they went behind after just 25 minutes.

By halftime, though, Liverpool were leading 3-1, their comeback kick started by former Frankfurt striker Ekitike. Wirtz ended the match with two assists, finally adding to the one he got in the Community Shield.

It should be noted that Frankfurt concede goals for fun, this level of defensive fragility is not out of the ordinary for them. Maybe the Merseyside outfit would have battered them regardless of who started. But it’s not a good sign for Salah that they looked so much better without him.

The 33-year-old is currently in the worst form of his Liverpool career, scoring just two non-penalty goals so far this season. It’s not even a case of being unlucky; he looks sluggish and incapable of creating chances for himself the way he used to.

We know for sure Salah will come back into the starting lineup this weekend after Isak was forced off at the half with an injury. He will find himself in a position against Brentford that he hasn’t been in for a very long time: needing to prove his worth.

Read – Liverpool forward Ekitike makes Frankfurt return with reputation rising

Rashford renaissance encouraging for England

Marcus Rashford has made a brilliant start to life in Barcelona. Five goals and five assists have made the loanee an instant favourite, while the £26m purchase option is fast appearing a bargain.

After a tough spell at Manchester United, the 27-year-old is enjoying his football again. He scored twice against Olympiacos this week in a performance that Thomas Tuchel will have watched closely.

England will head to next summer’s World Cup as one of the favourites, though will need their difference-makers to shine. Harry Kane’s status as England’s main man is unquestionable, though Rashford offers a fine complement.

The winger has the pace to race onto penetrative passes from Kane and the goal-threat required to ease the burden on the captain. A fit and firing Rashford will offer England a real weapon.

Read – Champions League Team of the Week: Rashford, Gabriel, Gordon

Arteta can end Arsenal wait for Champions League success

It might be only three games into the Champions League campaign, but it’s not knee-jerk to suggest Arsenal can go all the way. After a run to the semi-finals last season, the North Londoners invested heavily in the summer and have started ominously.

Arsenal have a 100 per cent record after three games and are yet to concede a goal. In fact, their defensive strength is such that the Gunners have never conceded a Champions League group-stage goal at the Emirates under Arteta’s management.

Their ability to shut-out opposition teams and addition of attacking depth make Arsenal genuine contenders this season. Having famously faced flak for never winning this trophy, Arsenal have arguably never looked closer to it.

Read – Arsenal break Champions League record with Atletico win

Conte continues to struggle in Champions League

Antonio Conte is one of the great modern managers. He’s won five Serie A titles across three different clubs, and claimed both Premier League and FA Cup success with Chelsea. But for all of his domestic achievements, Europe continues to haunt the Italian.

Napoli entered this season’s competition as Italian champions but have endured a humbling start. Two defeats in three games leaves Conte’s side facing a fight to progress, while their 6-2 thrashing at PSV Eindhoven was the upset of the round. Napoli capitulated in the Netherlands, in a performance that will ring alarm bells.

Conte has now won just 16 of 45 Champions League games, a win percentage of 35.56%. Given the quality of teams he has managed in the competition, it’s a poor record.

Read – Haaland closes in on Messi record with latest goal

Newcastle are exceptional at St. James’ Park

It’s been 21 years since Newcastle United last played knockout football in the Champions League, but the Magpies are daring to dream of a return after thumping Jose Mourinho’s Benfica 3-0.

Eddie Howe’s men gave up very little at the back while peppering the opposition goal with shots from dangerous positions all night long. It was a well deserved win and the margin of victory could have been even greater.

It was also their third home win of the season in all competitions. In contrast, they’ve managed just one win on the road. Their away form is somewhat concerning, but they are a match for absolutely anyone at St. James’ Park.

Even the ones they have lost this term at the ground – Liverpool, Arsenal and Barcelona – they played well and deserved something from them. It has to be one of the most uninviting places to play for away teams right now.

Read – Jose Mourinho hails ‘horsepower’ of Newcastle United

See Also – The ex-Premier League players dominating Sunday League Vets

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