Liverpool surely were disappointed. The return to Champion's League play at Anfield was supposed to produce results. And for most of the match it looked as if that was exactly what would happen. But in the end, Liverpool had to settle for a 2-2 draw. Let's look at some takeaways.
1. The Defense Costs them.......AGAIN - The offense must feel tremendous pressure every game. By now they realize that their team will not keep a clean sheet and therefore they must score at least a couple, if not more, goals to secure a win. It has been well documented, but the defense cost the Reds a couple of important points once again. It doesn't seem to matter if the center back is Klevan or Lovren, mistakes will follow. And that is a sign of a lack of quality. This was evident tonight, especially on Sevilla's first goal.
The mistake Lovren made on that goal was one you would be frustrated with if you were coaching a U12 instructional team. It is not something you would ever expect to see in a professional game, yet alone a Champion’s League game. On the play, a weak cross from the left wing came into the box. The ball did not appear to be a threat, it was not perfectly placed, did not have pace, nor was it an aerial cross. A simple ball rolling into the box with numerous defenders between the ball and the only Sevilla player in the box. Lovren was the defender in best position to make a clearance. All that was required of him was to place his boot on the pitch and knock the ball out of harm’s way. Instead, he attempted to swing his boot at the ball and in doing so lifted his boot enough off the pitch for the ball to roll right underneath…….and right to the waiting foot of Ben Yedder for a simple finish and goal.
Sevilla’s second goal was the result of poor defense once again. Liverpool appeared unorganized on a Sevilla throw-in and then Correa was able to split the center backs and walk in on goal.
As expected, after the game Jurgen Klopp was questioned about his defense and how the need of a new defender is once again highlighted. However, Klopp did not see it this way. In fact, in his post-game press conference the manager said one player would not change things with their defense. Obviously, this is in reference to the pursuit and inability to bring in Virgil Van Dijk. “If these problems could be solved by one player you can imagine we would have put all our money into it and say Let’s do this,” Klopp said. “It is a general defending problem.” Klopp pointed to concentration and mental lapses as opposed to individual talent. Is he right?
You can understand Klopp’s point to some extent. Liverpool did dominate the game and the defense did not allow Sevilla many opportunities. In fact, the defense held Sevilla to just 7 shots and only 2 on target. The problem though, is that when your defense has mental lapses and allow the opposition to score on 100% of their shots on target you have major problems. They simply allow too many easy goals.
2. Alberto Moreno’s resurgence – Speaking of the defense, you have to give kudos to Alberto Moreno. The left-back was such a liability two years ago that he was basically frozen out of the Liverpool squad last year. In fact, he was so poor Klopp was forced to play James Milner out of position to fill the role. His time in Liverpool appeared to be coming to an end with the summer transfer window. But then, whether from a lack of interest from other clubs or an impressive offseason, Klopp gave Moreno an opportunity this season to regain playing time.
And to date, he has taken full advantage. It is no secret that Klopp loves offensive players and putting pressure on the opposition, and Moreno provides just that from the left-back position. In fact, he was key on Liverpool’s first goal. He executed a perfect give-and-go with Jordan Henderson and then after receiving the return pass directed a beautiful ball to the foot of Roberto Firmino for an easy tap-in. He also featured in the play that led to a penalty kick for Firmino later. On that play, he won an aerial 50-50 ball and headed it down to Sadio Mane who then took on his defender and was pulled down, resulting in the PK. Moreno still is not looked at as a shut-down defender but he is a weapon who has come a long way in a couple of seasons.
3. Coutinho is back – Philippe Coutinho made his return to the pitch for Liverpool and received a warm welcome from the Anfield faithful when he entered 75 minutes into the game as a substitute for Emre Can.
While it was good to see Coutinho back in the mix, he did not have an impact in the game during his time. While many supporters have been calling for Coutinho to start now that he is back with Liverpool, Coutinho showed a lack of fitness that explains why Klopp has been slow to bring him back in the fold. It seemed as if Coutinho was wanting to electrify the home crowd, but this resulted in him trying to do too much. He forced things with the ball as opposed to letting the game come to him. When doing so, this led to several turnovers. And, when chasing players back to the defensive end, his lack of fitness showed. Still, it was good to see him back and expect to see him take on a bigger role and making a bigger impact in the games ahead.
4. Georginio Wijnaldum has a split personality! Ok, not literally. But seriously! Wijnaldum disappeared in the clash with Manchester City. He was awful. In fact, many wanted him benched in place of Coutinho. Detractors said he is just a player who disappears when the lights burn brightest. However, on this night he was easily Liverpool’s best midfielder. He certainly didn’t hide as he was up and down the pitch and often in the middle of things when Liverpool were creating chances. In the second half he nearly entered the scoresheet with a blistering low drive. Still, he was a difference maker and seemed to be the exact opposite of the Wijnaldum who played vs City. Is it a matter of playing well at home and poorly away from Anfield?
5. Missed Opportunities – Both in this game and in the Group Standings. Liverpool clearly dominated the game. May will point to the missed penalty kick by Roberto Firmino. On the PK, the keeper was fooled and dove the wrong way. A half empty net was staring Firmino down but his shot struck the post, keeping the Liverpool lead at 1 goal. It is not hard to imagine had they scored here, Liverpool going on to an easy 3 or 4 to 1 victory. Instead, the lead remained 2-1 and Sevilla would eventually equalize. Liverpool had plenty of other chances too. Shots were in favor of the Reds 24 to 7 with shots on target at 7 for Liverpool to just 2. As the skipper pointed out, "We could have taken the three points with the chances we created in both halves but they got us on the counter-attack. We are disappointed not to take the points but the lads reacted well to the weekend. We looked exciting and could have scored a few more goals.”
Liverpool also missed out an opportunity to take an early lead atop Group E. Spartak Moscow and NK Maribor ended in a draw so all 4 teams have 1 point after the opening game. Had Liverpool been able to convert on another of their many chances, or prevented one of the awful goals conceded, they would have obtained the 3 points and would sit atop of the group. Still, the result is not disastrous as the draw gives them a point and they must continue to earn points throughout the group stage.
EXTRAS: The Liverpool front three of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, and Mo Salah dominated once again. Defenses are going to struggle to handle the pace of the Liverpool trio, especially the two wings. Mane and Salah put constant pressure on the defense and led to a lot of opportunities. They did seem to tire in the second half though as most of their damage was done earlier in the game.
Two people were sent off in the game. Joe Gomez being the first after receiving a second yellow card which led to the red card and dismissal. Gomez had played fairly well but appeared to lose focus during the stretch and picked up two cards in the second half. Gomez is set to miss the next group stage game for Liverpool, adding more pressure to an already suspect defense.
The other player sent off? Actually, not a player. Sevilla’s manager, Eduardo Berizzo, was sent off in a bizarre scene in the second half. What was more bizarre was the managers explanation for his actions. Two times during the game, Berizzo claimed the ball that entered the technical area. Both times Joe Gomez approached the manager in an effort to retrieve the ball for the Liverpool throw-in. And both times Berizzo instead tossed the ball away from Gomez. The referee lectured the manager after the first incident in the first half. When it happened again, he immediately sent the manager off. After the game, Berizzo tried to claim the second instance was his effort to help Liverpool to “make-up” for the first instance. In his bizarre explanation, the Sevilla manager claimed the second instance Liverpool had the lead and he was in fact helping Liverpool by wasting more time off the clock to make amends for doing the same thing in the first half. Yes, the explanation is laughable and makes no sense. But it did lead to intrigue.
Liverpool will resume group play on September 26th when they travel to Russia to face Spartak Moscow. Joe Gomez will not be available due to suspension but Sadio Mane will remain eligible.