Champions League: Trent Alexander-Arnold wants to stay positive after Rangers win

Alexander-Arnold's skills had been attacked once more after he was omitted from Gareth Southgate's matchday roster for England's final Nations League match of the recent break.

On Tuesday, however, he experienced a rare moment of relief when he scored a magnificent free-kick that led Liverpool to a 2-0 victory over Rangers.

The remainder of Liverpool's performance was very routine. They cruised to a 2-0 victory at Anfield, barely needing to pick up the pace during forays towards Rangers' frequently unprotected penalty area.

From the opening whistle, the outcome appeared to be a foregone conclusion, as Jurgen Klopp made the uncommon decision to sacrifice a midfielder to enhance his offence. It produced the desired result.

S.S.C. Napoli will be difficult to catch, but Liverpool is currently safely on track to qualify for the Champions League group stage. The terrible defeat in Naples is a distant memory, and the round of 32 has never been awarded awards for first place.

Consequently, while the domestic record remains a concern, their next game in this competition is at Rangers. If this match is any indication, the Rangers will not be able to close the gap even with home advantage.

Trent Alexander-Arnold on his mindset after the game

Trent Alexander-Arnold responded perfectly to criticism of his recent play by placing a free-kick against Rangers in the top corner.

He addressed the media after the game, "The performance was great from the lads, on Saturday it was disappointing. We never got going, our press wasn't there, we were slow out the blocks."

"No matter what, I always try to think positively. People say things but for me, it's all about performing for the team. That's all that matters, getting wins and helping the team. It's been a slow start to the season for me but I'm looking forward to the rest of the season."

"We went back to a basic 4-4-2 and played it really well, shifted across the pitch well. We made it compact, they couldn't play through us, they were playing long balls and we picked them off."

"This year is going to be very intense. It's what we're used to, three games a week. There are no excuses. With the games coming thick and fast, it's exciting for us."

Alexander-Arnold has been the subject of numerous inquiries this season. As he struggles with the form for the first time in his career, a goal like that will come as a relief - but his defending has primarily been criticized.

The 23-year-old is also aware that his spot in England's World Cup squad is not assured, so he needs all the assistance he can get.

However, the most exciting, or perhaps enthralling, duel of the evening transpired between Darwin Nunez and the Rangers' veteran goalkeeper Allan McGregor, who deserves a medal for slowing the tempo of scoring.

Klopp had promised the high-priced addition Nunez that he need not worry about his form or statistics before the game, as both would improve in due time, but the striker was adamant about improving in both categories.

And had it not been for McGregor's meddling, measurable progress would have been made.