Player Ratings: Gravenberch Leads Liverpool to Victory in Europa League against Toulouse

On Thursday night, Liverpool took a significant step towards the Europa League knockout stages with a solid 4-1 victory over French team, Toulouse.

The momentum was initially set at Anfield by Diogo Jota, despite an unexpected counter by Thijs Dallinga embodying Toulouse's commendable spirit during the game. However, with Wataru Endo's first goal for Liverpool and an additional score by Darwin Nunez before half-time, the Reds, led by Jurgen Klopp, established a strong lead.

Ryan Gravenberch, the match's standout performer, later added another goal, and substitute Mohamed Salah increased Liverpool’s lead with a fifth goal during stoppage time.

Liverpool quickly took control of the game, taking the lead within the first 10 minutes thanks to Jota effortlessly navigating through challenges and confidently securing a goal. The Reds remained in charge and Guillaume Restes had to react quickly when Nunez fired a shot at the Toulouse goalkeeper after maneuvering past his marker.

Regardless, Toulouse managed to pull an equalizer from an unexpected counter attack, with Dallinga finding plenty of space to dodge Trent Alexander-Arnold and smartly beat Caoimhin Kelleher.

After a subdued response from the Anfield crowd to Toulouse's goal, Liverpool turned to a basic set-piece to regain the lead. Endo assisted Alexander-Arnold with an accurate cross that he then headed into the goal, which revived Liverpool’s dominance.

Nunez soon added another goal for Liverpool right before half-time, as Jones' shot was deflected and rebounded right into the Uruguayan's path who drilled the ball into the net with his left foot assisted by a dynamic forward run by Gravenberch.

After Kelleher almost conceded an unnecessary goal to Toulouse through a poorly executed pass, Liverpool continued their offensive, with Gravenberch forcing Restes to come up with an unusual save while an ambitious Endo narrowly missed his own chance at goal.

Despite their consistent offensive play, Liverpool demonstrated susceptibility in defense, allowing Toulouse potential opportunities due to sloppy passing and defensive gaps. Nevertheless, Liverpool secured their victory when Gravenberch took advantage of Nunez's missed opportunity and scored from the rebounded shot.

Salah notched a fifth goal for Liverpool with practically the last kick of the game, with his shot from the center of the penalty area hitting the back of the net, globally marking the Reds’ comprehensive victory.