Liverpool and Aston Villa win away from home, while Bayern Munich score nine on CL opening night [Video]

STRIKERS WIN GAMES, defences win titles.

That’s one of those well-worn cliches that helps fill the football lexicon.

“Put it in the mixer for the big man” is another.

And that’s how Liverpool triumphed in their Champions League opener with AC Milan, but there was so much more to the performance at the San Siro.

Sharp in possession, thrilling on the counterattack and vulnerable defensively. The Arne Slot era continues with another first: this one being a win in Europe for the new Anfield boss.

Cody Gakpo was also the latest attacking star to shine. Preferred to Luis Diaz on the left of the front three, the Netherlands international set up the third goal of this 3-1 victory with a positive run into the box, clever change of pace and precise cross for Dominik Szoboszlai to side-foot into the corner.

It was indicative of Gakpo’s incisive play all evening.

Virgil Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate scored the goals that mattered in the first half, their …