After three years away from European’s elite, Anfield played host to Liverpool’s opening Champions League group match against Sevilla.
In what can only be considered a missed opportunity, the Reds could only hang on for a draw against the Spanish side that bested them in their last cup final.
Despite things beginning with an almost worse case scenario, the Reds rebounded and should feel aggrieved in settling for this stalemate. A cracking night beneath the lights turned darker when Liverpool conceded so early but took the lead before the break.
Yet as so often has been the case, one goal leads cannot be trusted to this Reds side. It is a tired, trite theme that looks no closer to being resolved. Joe Gomez seeing a red card means that more defensive changes are in store but more than a different right back may be required.
After the drubbing the Reds took at the weekend, a midweek opportunity to move forward went squandered and suggests that more inconsistent performances at the back will likely be the rule until deeper changes are made.
Here are four findings from the match…
Duck Soup Defending
Liverpool’s defending borders on the comical, at times. Never was there a more slapstick example than Dejan Lovren’s slapstick swerve over the low cross that created an easy finish for Sevilla just five minutes from the start. Of course, Lovren was not the only one to blame during the sequence but his individual errors are as predictable as they are preposterous.
Joel Matip has yet to completely cover himself in glory either. He may not be to blame for the folly of his partner but the Cameroonian is at the scene of the crime nearly as often as the other centre-half in question.
For all his promise, Joe Gomez had his hands more than full on the right side, too easily beaten far too often. The regularity with which he was targeted should have looked familiar to Trent Alexander Arnold who will no doubt get the call during his suspension. Concern is now commonsense.
Ruthlessness Required
Going forward Liverpool surge with the kind of intent that should send shudders through any defense across the country or continent. The Reds bring power, pace, and penetration with nearly every attack and it can rip opponents apart. However, for all the chances that are created, too many still go wanting.
Liverpool will not score every time they drive forward or carve up an opposing defense but they are already making profligacy a pattern. Faulty finishing at the weekend contributed to the clobbering suffered from Manchester City. Had one or two of the early chances been taken the entire match takes on a very different complexion.
Against stronger sides, Liverpool’s lack of clinical edge will prove most damaging. With a dodgy defense and the high risk attacking style, Liverpool’s lack of ruthlessness will continue to be punished if they progress.
Sevilla’s Son
Once again, Alberto Moreno faced his boyhood club. The last time he endured a nightmare that did not end for over a year. The second half of his Europa League final against Sevilla nearly ended his Liverpool career.
Yet, the Spaniard has come in from the cold and Jurgen Klopp has found a way to revitalize the fullback. While he has been impressive in his recent outings on Liverpool’s left side, this match proved a bit of a redemption.
His pace allows him to support and play with Sadio Mane along the length of the flank better than any other option in the squad. Defensively, he is no more questionable than any other player lining up for Liverpool’s back line but going forward he adds extra punch to Liverpool’s attack. It was Moreno, after all, who slotted the ball to Roberto Firmino for a tap-in equalizer.
European Examnop
Liverpool has longed to return to Champions League football. Now that they have arrived, reality will prove a hard crucible. The Reds may be able to progress through he group, thanks to a slightly favorable draw. Yet, without some improvements, their European odyssey will run aground quickly.
For all the thoughts about the quality of the Premier League, playing across the continent will not offer too many easy fixtures. Even sides from the smaller nations will be more than up for facing Liverpool, especially at home. This makes matches at Anfield all the more important.
Squandering a lead at home may not haunt Liverpool in the group stage, but only if they can rediscover the kind of form and finish that saw them light up the league last year. Most frustrating is that this squad is improved. Whether or not that they are improved enough to mount a deep run in a European tournament remains to be seen.