The clocks may have gone back last week. But Saturday evening saw Arne Slot make a clear decision to turn to the past to help Liverpool’s present.

Where possible, the Reds boss utilised the tried and trusted of last season’s Premier League title triumph in an attempt to address his team’s slide in form.

And that was no more apparent than in midfield where a fit-again Ryan Gravenberch was partnered by Alexis Mac Allister as the double pivot while Dominik Szoboszlai was restored to the number 10 role in which he excelled last term.

OPINION

OPINION

The difference was instant, the understanding between the trio clear and aided by Mac Allister, after difficulties with fitness and sharpness in recent months, delivering a much-improved display.

It was his pass that invited Gravenberch to score the deflected second shortly before the hour, while Szoboszlai was the game’s stellar performer with a trademark energetic display that gave Liverpool more defensive...