Firmino form makes less sense than committee signing him for £29m

Liverpool have issues to iron out but in a way that suits them. Roberto Firmino inspired an impression of their purest early 2017/18 version.

It was not quite enough to warrant the sort of fawning ovation Old Trafford gifted Ronaldo in 2003. Ibrox can be a slightly less welcoming place to those just passing through, even when the home players are a little too accommodating. But Roberto Firmino was every bit the showman to inspire Liverpool against Rangers.

A performance dripping in the usual flair and finesse had uncharacteristically high levels of finishing prowess. It was an archetypal Firmino hat-trick: a well-taken header which betrayed his dormant physicality; a first-time left-footed finish which nutmegged the goalkeeper; and an unnecessary, ostentatious but glorious flicked assist for Darwin Nunez with his right.

The only thing missing was some no-look impudence.

But that will have to do. Liverpool rallied from their characteristic concession of the opening goal to score seven times without reply and avoid disaster. Six of those came in the second half after what was presumably a rather animated chat in the dressing room after 45 error-laden minutes.

Even then, Firmino had been their bright spark in the opening period, the one most intent on making things happen. He was the only player who looked comfortable and natural, the exception to a rule of forced mistakes and wayward passes.

Forty-six per cent of Liverpool’s goals so far this season have come against Bournemouth and Rangers, with Firmino scoring or assisting eight of the 17. That might imply flat-track bullying on the Brazilian’s part but rather they were the odd occasions on which Liverpool have raised their standards to match him. In this most transitional of Liverpool seasons, Firmino has been excellent regardless of the opponent.

While relying on a 31-year-old whose sale felt inevitable and justified this summer for solitary moments of genius does not sound like a particularly healthy position for an elite club with trophy-based aspirations to find themselves in, Jurgen Klopp will take what he can get.

For as long as the midfield fails to track runners, the defence is exposed by systemic issues and the attack struggles to incorporate Nunez, Firmino will play the role his manager assigned him after inheriting an Anfield rabble seven years ago: safety blanket. A Liverpool side with their engine still feels dependable.

There was enough of a second-half resurrection around the…