Errors price Liverpool in Champions League opener vs. Napoli

Andrew Robertson’s foolish penalty led to Liverpool’s loss at Napoli. Laurence Griffiths/Getty Photographs

European champions Liverpool have been unable to get their Champions League marketing campaign off to a vibrant begin as they fell to a 2-Zero loss at Napoli on Tuesday. Dries Mertens scored from the penalty spot following a poor Andrew Robertson problem, with Fernando Llorente sealing the three factors in harm time following a Virgil van Dijk error.

Positives

There was all the time a transparent and evident menace on the counterattack from Jurgen Klopp’s males as they remained affected person and did not get pressured into any errors. They have been in a position to put on Napoli down as the sport went on, and their fast passing was a continuing ache for the Italian facet to cope with.

Negatives

The Reds confirmed Napoli far an excessive amount of respect on the ball and appeared far too laid again after they have been in possession. The hosts have been typically in a position to reset themselves fairly effectively, and one of many key causes for that was Liverpool’s sluggish tempo, which all the time ensured they have been residing dangerously.

Supervisor ranking out of 10

6 — Klopp’s realisation that his facet wanted extra physicality in the midst of the park led to an attention-grabbing beginning XI, and positively received them out of jail greater than as soon as. Nonetheless, the supervisor struggled to make the required adjustments, and whereas Liverpool confirmed a clearer attacking incentive within the second half, Klopp’s hesitation along with his substitutions did not assist issues.

Participant scores (1-10; 10 = greatest. Gamers launched after 70 minutes get no ranking)

GK Adrian, eight — Made an important double save from Fabian Ruiz within the seventh minute earlier than producing one of many saves of the season within the 49th from a Mertens effort. Received a powerful hand to the Belgian’s penalty however could not hold it out.

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DF Trent Alexander-Arnold, 7 — Maintained a powerful steadiness of attacking tempo and phenomenal timing along with his defensive duties. Has an awesome instinctive contact and made a key interception within the 11th minute.

DF Joel Matip, 7 — Made a key clearance within the 25th minute and whereas he did drift ahead from time to time, the Cameroon worldwide remained stable on the again all through the sport.

DF Virgil van Dijk, 6 — Made a uncommon but essential mistake for Napoli’s second aim. Was in full management on the again proper up till harm time, which let him down after 90 minutes of stable play.

DF Andrew Robertson, 5 — Vigorous down the wings however had a poor finish product. Picked up a 57th-minute yellow card for a tame but foolish pull and gave away the penalty with a easy mistake.

MF Jordan Henderson, 6 — The captain hardly ever put a foot incorrect, however in equal measure he did not have a lot of an affect on the state of play. Substituted off within the 87th minute.

MF Fabinho, 7 — Proved why he is thought of to be one of the constant defensive midfielders in European soccer. Appeared to get drawn into Napoli’s video games at instances however was considered one of Liverpool’s brighter sparks.

MF James Milner, 6 — Seemed very composed within the first half however the frustration in his sport was clear as time went on. Picked up an avoidable yellow card within the 61st minute for being barely too bodily.

FW Mohamed Salah, 6 — Pressured an awesome save from Alex Meret within the 65th minute however was largely saved at bay by a assured Napoli backline. Was all the time energetic and did not fade down the stretch.

FW Roberto Firmino, 6 — Was swarmed by Napoli’s defenders repeatedly. Appeared to battle with the dearth of house and wasn’t in a position to get into his regular rhythm.

FW Sadio Mane, 6 — Noticed a pleasant effort saved within the 21st minute however appeared to go downhill from there. Had a poor ultimate contact within the 55th minute when he might’ve set Salah up completely.

Substitutes

MF Georginio Wijnaldum, 6 — Was introduced on to get issues shifting for Liverpool from an attacking standpoint however was boxed out each single time he received on the ball.

MF Xherdan Shaqiri, N/R — Got here on with three minutes remaining and did not have time to make an impression.