CL hits and misses: City's statement, Liverpool's improved depth

Konate growing into role alongside Van Dijk

Not many will be surprised to see Liverpool emerge as two-goal winners and it would be easy to think this was just another example of their big-game forwards making the difference. Roberto Firmino's header was superb. Mohamed Salah's finish was typical.

But this was a tough test for the Liverpool defence and Ibrahima Konate deserves huge credit for his role in the team's clean sheet alongside the imperious Virgil van Dijk. The uncapped Frenchman had some big moments at the back as Inter were pushing.

His outstretched boot to prevent Edin Dzeko latching onto a cross from the right almost certainly denied Inter the opening goal. Central defence was not a weakness for Liverpool. But with Konate growing into his role, they might be getting stronger.Adam Bate

Firmino had been left out of the team with Diogo Jota preferred but he was able to come off the bench to find the breakthrough. The Brazilian was one of five substitutions made by Jurgen Klopp. All of them illustrate the depth that Liverpool now possess.

The game was in the balance when Klopp made a triple substitution midway through the second half. Jordan Henderson and Naby Keita brought energy to the midfield, while Luis Diaz added real impetus with his purposeful wing play, taking the game back to Inter.

With Harvey Elliott enjoying his first Champions League start and James Milner adding to his long list of appearances in the competition, Klopp has options now. That could prove crucial as they continue to challenge for trophies on all fronts this season.Adam Bate

It had been billed as a potentially tricky tie for Manchester City. Sporting had shown their quality by pipping Borussia Dortmund to last-16 qualification in the