Liverpool played host to Qarabag in their final Champions League group game of the season, aiming to secure a last-16 place.
Their last European outing saw the Reds beat Marseille 3-0 to move back into the top eight.
But with just two points sitting between Liverpool and several teams in ninth or below, it was imperative the Merseyside outfit picked up three points this evening to guarantee an automatic place in the last-16.
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Arne Slot was forced to make a big change against Qarabag due to the absences of Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate, leaving the Dutchman with just one fit centre-back.
But given their opponents were without a single win over English teams going into the game, a positive result was expected at Anfield.
When all was said and done, Liverpool emerged with a comfortable win and are now straight into the Champions League Round of 16.
Who was Liverpool’s best player on a much better night at Anfield?
So many good displays vs Qarabag
Liverpool FC v Qarabag FK - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
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Someone please let Liverpool sign a defender
Again, it seems so bizarre that Liverpool have no plans to enter the transfer market this month.
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Marc Guehi has joined Manchester City, while Slot has been left with just three senior centre-backs, one of whom was previously being used at right-back.
And now Konate is still absent for personal reasons and Gomez is injured, Liverpool were forced to play a midfielder alongside Virgil van Dijk this evening.
To make matters worse, Jeremie Frimpong then went off injured in the first half against Qarabag.
FSG have their long-term plans in place, and sometimes that is a good thing, but the fact that the Reds haven’t brought in a single defender this winter just seems odd.
Liverpool player seems set to leave in 2026
Slot’s decision to start with a midfielder in his back four also says a lot about how he feels about Wataru Endo.
Liverpool don’t have any proper centre-back cover right now, but the Japan international at least has some experience there.
He came on for Gomez when the Englishman was injured against Bournemouth, but Endo starting on the bench against Qarabag suggests he is not in Slot’s plans at all.
Andy Robertson still key for Liverpool
It seemed very likely last week that Andy Robertson was going to leave Liverpool for Tottenham Hotspur.
However, Robertson’s transfer was called off amid issues involving Kostas Tsimikas and AS Roma’s struggles to replace the loanee.
Yet despite looking to leave Anfield this month, the 31-year-old has shown his professionalism on and off the pitch in the last two games.
Slot clearly still trusts the Scotsman, and it’s great to see he’s still being used when the team need it.
It remains to be seen if a move will transpire before the deadline next week, but Liverpool fans would surely love Robertson to stick around until the end of 2025/26 at least.
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