Liverpool ease to Marseille win and close on crucial top-eight spot

MARSEILLE 0-3 LIVERPOOL: Dominik Szoboszlai set the Reds on their way to a convincing win in France as they leapt up the Champions League standings with one game to go

Liverpool furthered their Champions League ambitions with an impressive win at Marseille as Dominik Szoboszlai inspired the Reds into the top eight.

Arne Slot’s side continue to remain inconsistent in the Premier League, but have secured some impressive scalp in Europe and can now add a win at the Stade Velodrome to their exploits. The French side, who boast the likes of Mason Greenwood and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, were largely contained.

Liverpool meanwhile were more than good value for their win with Szoboszlai opening the scoring in the first-half. His smart free-kick, which went under the wall, was added to in the second-half when Jeremie Frimpong’s work down the right forced Facundo Medina to knock the ball into his own net before Cody Gakpo scored a third in stoppage time.

It could’ve been even more. Hugo Ekitike had seen an earlier strike ruled out for offside after VAR stepped in. The forward, playing in his homeland, was then denied by the woodwork early in the second-half as the Reds pressed for a second. Florian Wirtz was denied shortly after by Geronimo Rulli, who produced an impressive save.

Former Arsenal and Chelsea frontman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was introduced from the bench, but he couldn’t find the equaliser the hosts were looking for.

READ MORE: Steven Gerrard accuses Liverpool stars of letting Arne Slot down as criticism called outREAD MORE: Liverpool target Micky van de Ven to give Tottenham huge summer transfer dilemma

Instead it was Frimpong who all but made the game safe with 20 minutes left. He waltzed past his opponent, getting to the byline, before his cross squirted into the Marseille net. Gakpo appeared from the bench to add some gloss to the scoreline, the Dutchman finishing neatly after comaptriot Ryan Gravenberch had found him with time and space.

The Reds welcome Qararbag, the Azerbaijani outfit, in their final Champions League outing. They’ll be firm favourites to see them off as Slot looks to make an impact on the European stage – a box that was left unticked last season.

Here’s five talking points from the south of France.

Dom spot on

He is simply deadly from a set piece. He’s produced some stunning free-kicks since joining the Reds, notably against Arsenal earlier this season, and showed how creative he can be with his strike that broke the deadlock. To all those who mocked the man who laid behind the wall – now you know why.

Szoboszlai showed his valued when he filled in at right-back to begin the season, but there’s no doubting that midfield is his best position. Having the Hungarian has certainly eased the pain of losing Trent Alexander-Arnold, who for so long was a set piece specialists. In Szoboszlai they have a man who is every bit as dangerous.

Right where they need to be

Following the win in the south of France Liverpool ensured they are one of four Premier League teams with their automatic qualification hopes in their own hands heading into the final round of games next week. Slot’s side have jumped into the top eight, giving them straight passage into the last 16.

They found out last season, when PSG beat them at Anfield, that a top eight finish is no guarantee of progression, but it certainly makes life easier. If Liverpool’s domestic season has been a challenge this term, they’ve looked far more assured in Europe.

Reds hard to read

We’re nearly two months since Liverpool last lost a game in any competition. They were hammered 4-1 by PSV at Anfield during a losing run that felt like it was destined to go on and on such was the lack of confidence and direction among the Merseysiders.

But they’ve managed to stop the rut and if going unbeaten is anything to go by, then Slot has got them back on the right path. The issue is the constant fault starts for the Reds, and the teams they’re failing to beat. Before heading to France they were held by Burnley at Anfield. That is not a Liverpool team in full swing, but they are much harder to beat and showed they had no issue dealing with a cauldron-like atmosphere in the Stade Velodrome.

What now for De Zerbi?

Go back 18 months and, with question marks over the future of Erik ten Hag, there was talk of the Italian taking charge at Manchester United. That vacancy will be live in the summer, but Roberto De Zerbi’s name is not being thrown about like it was when he left Brighton.

He proved that he could punch well above his weight with the Seagulls and so landed a job at a European side with pedigree in Marseille. He’s acquitted himself well, but without necessarily pushing his agenda to take yet another step up. Only time will tell if he can find another level.

Gomez gets a go

If it wasn’t for Ibrahima Konate having to head home to deal with a family issue then its highly likely that Joe Gomez would’ve started another game on the bench. He’s made more appearances as a sub than a starter so far this term, undoubtedly behind Konate in the pecking order.

There’s been talk of him moving on. If it wasn’t for Liverpool’s shortage at centre-half then the two parties may weigh up whether a move could take place. But as things stand Gomez will certainly be called upon at times, and he showed he’s more than capable of stepping up when needed.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us – and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

£43

£35

Sky

Get the deal here

Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.

Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.