Liverpool made it two wins from two in the Champions League on Wednesday evening as they defeated Bologna 2-0 at Anfield.

The hosts got off to a strong start when Mohamed Salah’s precise cross found Alexis Mac Allister, who’s simple finish put the Reds 1-0 ahead.

Dominik Szoboszlai had Liverpool’s next best chance in the first half with an effort he put wide, while Bologna were dangerous on a few occasions, hitting the woodwork twice before Alisson had to deny Kacper Urbanski.

The Serie A side started the second half better as they enjoyed some promising possession phases that led to shots on target, but as the Reds regained control, Salah doubled their lead with a fine curling effort into the far corner.

Positives

Back-to-back wins mean Liverpool are in a great position to secure a place in the top eight at the Champions League stage. A bright performance from Salah also ended with a well-taken goal. The Reds’ midfield also impressed with their defensive work.

Negatives

Liverpool lost control of the game in periods where they could have been punished on another night. The final ball could also have been better at times, with a number of counter-attacks being missed.

Manager rating (1-10; 10 = best)

Arne Slot, 7 — Responded well in the second half as Bologna started strongly and timed his substitutions to add more creativity to his side. Liverpool’s match plan also put them in some promising positions, despite not taking advantage of them as much as they should have.

Player Ratings

GK Alisson Becker, 7 — Alisson’s save against Orlansky ensured Liverpool went into half-time with a controlled lead. Orsolini denied in the second half with a fairly simple stop.

DF Virgil van Dijk, 6 — He passed well from behind and caught Bologna with an impressive cross to Salah, although he was badly booked for a challenge that appeared to be accidental.

DF Ibrahima Konate, 6 — Strong in the challenge and well positioned to regularly clear the danger, but booked unnecessarily for pushing his marker on an attacking corner.

DF Andrew Robertson, 6 — The Scotland international had little to do with Bologna favoring the opposite flank for the majority of their attacks. Worked hard to support his side in both phases and was eventually replaced by Kostas Tsimikas in the 72nd minute.

DF Trent Alexander-Arnold, 6 — Alexander-Arnold had some positive moments anticipating play before playing passes into dangerous areas, but did need Alisson’s help after being dispossessed by Dan Ndoye in the first half.

MF Dominik Szoboszlai, 7 — Should have done more to get his effort on target in the first half after he shot wide of the target. Worked hard in midfield when moving back, showing good strength to win the ball back after several Bologna counter-attacks. Used his pace to play positively as he drove the ball through central areas and registered the assist for Salah’s goal.

MF Alexis Mac Allister, 7 — A well-timed run saw Alexis Mac Allister get on the end of a Salah cross to give Liverpool a 1-0 lead. Made a number of interceptions and fought well in the periods when the Reds were under pressure.

MF Ryan Gravenberch, 7 — Another strong performance from Gravenberch saw him choose the right moments to carry the ball through the midfield lines, and he was calm under pressure to avoid Bologna’s pressure before pushing the ball forward.

FW Darwin Núñez, 6 — He held the ball well while in the lead and was composed for Liverpool’s opener, with Salah picked out in space in the build-up. Had the ball in the net again but mis-scored his run and was ruled offside.

FW Luis Diaz, 6 — A quieter game than usual from Luis Diaz after some impressive recent form, in a game where he didn’t get many chances to trouble his marker. Should have done better to get a shot in as he cut inside but lost control of the ball.

FW Mohamed Salah, 8 — A regular threat down the right flank and an assist in the 10th minute with an excellent inswinging ball allowing Mac Allister to score from close range. Not too far off with a curling effort from inside the box just after the hour mark, then scored from a similar position with an excellent effort into the far corner.

Substitutes (players introduced after 70 minutes = no rating)

Diogo Jota (Núnez, 61″), 6 — Found space towards the penalty area in the 74th minute, but was quickly pushed out.

Kostas Tsimikas (Robertson, 72″), N/R — Well linked when moving forward down the left flank, from which Liverpool were able to generate a number of chances. Booked for a challenge where he won the ball but it was deemed dangerous by the referee

Cody Gakpo (Diaz, 72″), N/R — Stretched the game with direct runs behind the defense, almost combining with Salah to get a scoring chance, but was slightly offside.

Curtis Jones (Szoboszlai, 86″), N/R — He worked hard during the period as he pressed Bologna’s midfield as they tried to get a late goal back.

Conor Bradley (Alexander-Arnold, 85″), N/R — On to Alexander-Arnold, as Liverpool want to see the final minutes.