Liverpool demolished Derby County 3-0 in the third round of the League Cup, with Reds fans delighted by Loris Karius’ debut.
The summer signing bought from Mainz for £4.7m replaced Simon Mignolet in goal and produced an assured performance between the sticks.
Liverpool dominated the first half and were rewarded through a scrappy Ragnar Klavan goal on 24 minutes, after Richard Keogh’s scuffed clearance fell kindly to the Estonian to prod in from close range.
Moments before half-time, Karius’ quick thinking prevented a golden opportunity for Darren Bent to equalise when Jordan Henderson’s erroneous found the forward through one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but the German swept off his line and cleared the ball with a superb piece of goalkeeping.
In the second half, Philippe Coutinho starred with a goal and set up Divock Origi to complete the strong display from the visitors.
It was a relatively quiet night for the Reds’ new goalkeeper, however the fans were impressed with what they saw, especially Karius’ composed passing game – a part of Mignolet’s he has struggled to improve.
Here are some of the best reactions on Twitter following the result:
Excellent from Karius 👌 #LFC pic.twitter.com/9JiWy3CRfl
— Anything Liverpool (@Anything_LFC) September 20, 2016
A gap that still hasn’t been filled since Reina left, may just have been filled. Loris Karius, welcome to Liverpool Football Club.
— Kloppholic (@Kloppholic) September 20, 2016
Karius’ confidence is infectious to our back line. . It’ll really help with conceding less goals.
— Dr. Zan (@BJZAN) September 20, 2016
Finally, a GK who can read the game, command his area & distribute properly #Karius #LFC
— Myles Doran (@MylesieKop) September 20, 2016
Karius over Mignolet me thinks. I don’t break out in sweats when the ball goes back to Karius #DCFCvLFC #karius
— Martin Burke (@burke_murty35) September 20, 2016
Fingers crossed Karius starts this weekend vs Hull, it looks like we have our new number 1
— Philip Shanko (@pshank0) September 20, 2016
Karius is better with his feet than Lucas.
— Adam (@Adam_LFC95) September 20, 2016
Karius is so full of confidence. Plays like an outfield player with the positions he takes up, always offering himself up for a pass. #lfc
— Nick Law LFC (@nickglaw91) September 20, 2016
Karius’ presence at the back is conducive for calm and assured passing from the back.
— Rousing the Kop (@RousingTheKop) September 20, 2016
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