Rio Ngumoha shines in comeback Villarreal win but unsung Liverpool hero was true star

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Yet even as Liverpool celebrated their most prolific ever No 9, it was more about the man in the No 10 shirt.The vast majority of Rush’s record 346 goals for Liverpool were penalty-box finishes and if much of Alexis Mac Allister’s best work comes in rather deeper positions, the midfielder displayed his predatory streak. In the process, he ensured that Andoni Iraola’s attempts to rest and rotate, which looked likely to backfire after the worst half-hour of his reign, did not cost Liverpool.If both the teamsheet and the opening stages suggested Iraola was either being generous to his old teammate and assistant Inigo Perez or had underestimated his former sidekick, by the final whistle Liverpool were second in the embryonic Champions League table.The worst half-hour of Andoni Iraola's reign did not cost him against former assistant Inigo Perez (Getty)And if they scarcely resembled potential continental champions, Iraola’s taste of European nights at Anfield has brought twin continental comebacks, each featuring a starring role from Mac Allister.

It was, albeit indirectly, a second goal from a corner and a second in as many Champions League games for Araujo. ‘Big Ron’ is proving a big threat from set-pieces.After Mac Allister doubled his tally for the night, Wirtz drove in Liverpool’s fourth following a pass from Cody Gakpo, who was making his first appearance for a month.Florian Wirtz scored his first goal of the season to give Liverpool daylight (PA)He had been summoned at half-time when Ryan Gravenberch, who had begun as the No 10, moved to right-back in place of Araujo. Iraola had left Liverpool’s three £100m men on the bench.

It could, though, have been very different.Iraola’s version of his strongest available side was his freshest, with six changes. Van Dijk had his hands up in apology immediately.Virgil van Dijk’s error gifted Villarreal an early opener (PA)Villarreal’s second came when they pierced the offside trap with two runners.