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Gravenberch scores as Liverpool beat Union SG

Ryan Gravenberch scored his first goal for Liverpool as they beat Union Saint-Gilloise in the Europa League.

The summer signing struck just before half-time, slotting in after Trent Alexander-Arnold's shot was parried by Anthony Moris.

That goal provided the spark in an otherwise dull first half of few chances at Anfield.

Darwin Nunez missed a big opportunity when he prodded wide from Mohamed Salah's cross, while Gustaf Nilsson headed over from close range for the visitors.

The excellent Gravenberch was denied a second just after the hour when his dipping effort was pushed behind by Moris.

The Belgian side applied late pressure but Liverpool wrapped up the win when Diogo Jota slotted in after a quick break.

This was not a memorable performance by Liverpool but, after the video assistant referee controversy following Saturday's Premier League defeat at Tottenham, it was a routine and incident-free win.

Liverpool top Group E with six points from two games.

"Job done," said manager Jurgen Klopp.

"You cannot only win if you are really exciting. It is good for us as we can learn a lot from this game.

"With rhythm we look one way and without we look another. With exactly the same players. Plenty of things to learn and we will use that."

Gravenberch catches the eye

Netherlands midfielder Gravenberch, 21, arrived from Bayern Munich but has had to be patient for the opportunity to show what he can do.

His Premier League appearances have been off the bench, with his two previous starts coming in the Europa League and League Cup.

But this was an eye-catching performance by Gravenberch, who produced an all-action display, putting in tackles, creating opportunities and scoring the opener.

He has a goal and two assists in three starts, a return that will likely push him closer to starting in the Premier League.

"It's great," Gravenberch told TNT Sports. "It feels super good. It was the best goal of my career so far.

"It doesn't matter [how it comes]. A goal is a goal."

Source: BBC