Robertson shines as Neymar flops - the winners and losers from Liverpool's PSG victory

The Champions League is back, and with it are the dramatic European nights.

There was no game more exciting on Tuesday than Liverpool’s 3-2 win over Paris Saint-Germain, in which the hosts raced into a 2-0 lead, were somehow pegged back by opponents outplayed for long portions of the match, and yet snatched the points at the death when Roberto Firmino fired low into the net to send Anfield wild.

On the night when Liverpool’s push for another long European run began successfully, who were the winners and losers on Merseyside?

Winner: Andy Robertson

Liverpool v Paris Saint-Germain - UEFA Champions League Group C — Robertson set up Daniel Sturridge's opener on Tuesday night

He may not exactly be an unsung hero at Anfield, but there is little doubt that Andy Robertson is quietly emerging into a player bordering on world class in the left-back position. He may not have the star power of a Mohamed Salah or a Sadio Mane, and he may not even have the local appeal of Trent Alexander-Arnold, but he is one of Jurgen Klopp’s strongest performers.

Going forward, he is capable of making a decisive impact in games. This was telling on Tuesday, when his brilliant half-volleyed cross picked out Daniel Sturridge to open the scoring.

But what was arguably more impressive was the manner in which he contained Kylian Mbappe down the flank. The France international, a bona fide Ballon d’Or contender, had few opportunities to stretch his legs, but when he did, he was contained expertly by the Scot. Only once did the prodigious teenager escape his grasp and that moment led to no damage.

Indeed, his performance forced Thomas Tuchel into a tactical change in the second half, taking off Edinson Cavani to push Mbappe into a more central role, where he could have a greater influence. The outcome was successful as the teenager found the net, although it was his error late on that ultimately cost PSG.

Loser: Neymar

It’s not been a great year for Neymar. Much of the first half of 2018 was spent laid up injured and by the time he returned for the World Cup, he was clearly short of match fitness and resorted to theatrics that only succeeded in earning him negative headlines.

Back in Ligue 1, he has scored goals but has not looked anywhere like his sharpest. A return of four strikes in four games suggests a player in form, but in truth that has not been the case for the 26-year-old, who is still seeking his best level after injury against Marseille seven months ago.

If evidence of how short he is of his peak level was necessary, it was on display at Anfield. He was put under great pressure by the home defence and was hustled out of possession virtually every time he had it. A thumping early tackle from James Milner on him set the scene for his evening.

When it was necessary for him to move the ball on rapidly, too often he would chose to take on his opponent. Sometimes he was able to get away from one man, but inevitably there was someone following up to block his path.

It was a disappointing display. We await the return of the real Neymar.

Winner: Jurgen Klopp

Liverpool’s whole Champions League path could have been very complicated if they had failed to take the three points that they thoroughly deserved tonight. A point would have severely reduced their chances of winning the group – by the time they play PSG again, the French side will not only have home advantage but will surely have a greater understanding of what Tuchel is trying to achieve.

The three points were not essential, but they have gotten the campaign off on the correct footing, to such an extent it would be a surprise if they failed to top Group C.

And Klopp should take much of the credit. His team executed his tactics perfectly, dominate the vast majority of the game and looked every inch a team capable of going to the final once again.

The German’s selection might have been dictated to an extent by Firmino’s injury, but, aware of the importance of the win, he was willing to take a gamble on the Brazil international at the end. It proved a spectacular success as the substitute scored barely 30 seconds from the end after a dazzling piece of skill.

Small margins can make all the difference in a competition like the Champions League, and that call could make all the difference for the Reds come the spring.

Loser: Adrien Rabiot

Locked in contract talks with PSG and apparently seeking a move to a European superpower, the midfielder did little to enhance his reputation in this encounter. He has actually been one of the club’s standout players in the early part of the season, but given that he is fishing for a €10 million-per-season contract, his performance was entirely insufficient.

Along with Marquinhos, he was expected to provide an anchor and foundation from which the team could build attacks, but instead was guilty as anyone with regards to giving the ball away cheaply.

It would be unfair to burden him with the responsibility of allowing the game to be too easily presented to the home team, but there is little doubt that he could have played a greater role. And with his future in the balance, his performance won’t have had the likes of Barcelona and Chelsea swooning.

Winner: Daniel Sturridge

There could be little doubt that the big winner was Daniel Sturridge. Making his first Champions League start in six years, having replaced Roberto Firmino, still suffering from an eye injury that forced him off at the weekend, in the Liverpool front three, and he marked his return with a goal. The finish was a relatively simple one – he simply had to get his head to Andy Robertson’s wonderful cross to strike – but his movement to ghost in between the visiting centre-backs was excellent.

Otherwise, his contribution leading the line was primarily defensive as he had few other opportunities in front of goal to shine. Nevertheless, he closed down to the PSG defence well and performed in the type of industrious and selfless manner that will have pleased his manager.