Liverpool’s smash-and-grab win at Parc des Princes was one for the ages.
Harvey Elliott‘s late effort on the 87th minute, mere moments after he’d been substituted onto the pitch, broke PSG hearts (to not point out David Beckham’s), with the Reds securing the spoils at full-time.
Arne Slot placed on one other administration clinic along with his adjustments, as fellow second-half arrival Darwin Nunez (on the 67th minute) equipped the essential help.
It was merely all an excessive amount of for Paul Merson throughout Sky Sports activities’ in-studio protection of the Merseysiders’ newest shock triumph.
Paul Merson gleeful after Harvey Elliott winner
The ex-Gunners star was heard screaming, ‘GOAL! GOAL! WOAH!’ because the ‘unbelievable’ Liverpool midfielder curled a first-time effort into the bottom-left nook past Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Given the context of PSG’s absolute dominance of the fixture previous to that decisive second, you may definitely forgive the sudden outburst.
The reigning Ligue 1 champions had a markedly superior share of possession (70.5%), xG and pictures, with the guests struggling to say any form of foothold within the French capital.
A considerably lucky victory in Paris for Arne Slot’s males, however a welcome result in take into the return leg at Anfield on March 11.
Arne Slot shared his verdict on Elliott’s cameo
Week in, week out, the Dutch head coach’s substitutes proceed to make an impression on the pitch.
The query for Harvey Elliott, in fact, is whether or not or not he’ll be allowed to showcase his skills on a extra common foundation from kick-off.
“Darwin was in a tough place after the Villa sport however he confirmed once more how essential he may be. And Harvey, I requested him if he was fairly pissed off with me as a result of he solely will get 5 minutes right here or there, once more tonight,” Slot instructed TNT Sports activities (through BBC Sport).
“It’s a praise to them that they made such an impression, but additionally to our employees as a result of they should maintain these gamers going. The gamers confirmed up as we speak.”
The 21-year-old Englishman will rightly argue that he’s as soon as once more proved his price. Nonetheless, it’s nonetheless a tough pitch to make for extra minutes when arising in opposition to the likes of Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister.
Neither beginning choice has accomplished a lot – past a sub-par exhibiting in opposition to PSG – to justify being dropped.
In the meantime, Elliott should carry on assembly his head coach’s remarkably excessive requirements within the hopes of breaking into Liverpool’s starting-XI within the close to future.
