Trent Alexander-Arnold silences his critics with sublime free-kick for Liverpool against Rangers

Trent Alexander-Arnold scored a magnificent free-kick to give Liverpool the lead against Rangers in their historic Champions League clash at Anfield.

Liverpool and Rangers went head-to-head on Tuesday in the first competitive meeting between the two giant clubs.

The home side, starting with an unfamiliar 4-2-3-1 formation, began the match brightly.

They almost went in front just two minutes into the game, when Darwin Nunez forced a good save from Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor.

Minutes later, the Uruguayan striker was involved again, winning a foul on the edge of Rangers' area after a well-worked move from Jurgen Klopp's side.

Alexander-Arnold stepped up to curl the resulting free-kick past the despairing dive of McGregor.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, that's special! 🎯

A perfectly placed free-kick puts Liverpool ahead against Rangers 👌

Superb stuff!#UCL pic.twitter.com/oP8ENMXwpz

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) October 4, 2022

It was his second goal of the season and a much needed boost for the 23-year-old, who has faced criticism for his performances in recent months.

Liverpool fans on social media were delighted for Alexander-Arnold, with some questioning why the right-back was not used by England manager Gareth Southgate during the recent international break.

"James and Walker can't do that," wrote one fan on Twitter, referring to two of Alexander-Arnold's main rivals for a place in the England team – Chelsea's Reece James and Manchester City's Kyle Walker.

James and walker can’t do that 😂

— AMB (@AMB19390) October 4, 2022

Cracking free kick but this guy ain’t no defensive player, get him up the park

— AlPeak (@PeakAlan89) October 4, 2022

How is he not going to the World Cup?! As a right wing back, his defensive skills are good enough! Imagine him on the wing!

— Amit Champaneri (@AmitChampaneri1) October 4, 2022

Give this man his respect, he might not be the BEST at the defending, but he’s one hell of footballer 💯🔥

— Oscar (@NTPOscar) October 4, 2022

"That's what England are missing," added another fan.

While a third wrote: "How is he not going to the World Cup?!

"As a right-wing-back, his defensive skills are good enough! Imagine him on the wing!"

📸 TAA 😍#UCL pic.twitter.com/tyzT7HAlRL

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) October 4, 2022

Liverpool continued to dominate after Alexander-Arnold's opener and went close later in the half through Mohamed Salah, who saw his shot well saved by McGregor.

Jurgen Klopp's side wasted another opportunity after the half-hour mark - Nunez again firing a shot straight at McGregor, who would go on to deny Luis Diaz with another smart stop minutes later.

The home side pushed hard for a second goal before half-time but were unable to find it, with McGregor denying Nunez twice in the closing stages of the half to frustrate the Uruguayan.