Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has lavished praise on Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson after making a key save in the 2-0 win over Arsenal on Wednesday night.

Contrasting him to Gunners’ no.1 Aaron Ramsdale, who failed to keep out Diogo Jota’s opener a few minutes later, Merson said Alisson demonstrated his world-class talent by denying Martin Odegaard:

“For how good he’s [Ramsdale] been and the accolades he’s getting, he’s not at the top, top level yet. Look at Alisson. He has nothing to do all game and then makes an unbelievable save from Martin Odegaard. That’s the difference.”

As Merson points out, the ability to make saves at key times is a knack that the very best goalkeepers like Alisson have, and it could well prove to be a big moment for the Reds this season.

The Brazilian was calmness personified after Alexandre Lacazette got through in on goal. He didn’t dive to the ground, which could have risked giving away a penalty. Instead, he stayed on his feet and patiently waited before the ball was passed to Odegaard. Once the shot was taken, his superb reflexes managed to divert the ball over the bar with his arm. It was top-drawer goalkeeping.