Confirmation of the Liverpool team here prompted an intriguing debate. Which was stronger, the starting XI or the players who were on the bench?
While a nod to the welcome sight of long-term injury absentees Trent-Alexander Arnold, Diogo Jota and Stefan Bajcetic being among the substitutes, it also reflected a team selection that saw six changes. Come full-time, though, the more pertinent question was over which collection was the worst.
In defending his line-up, Jurgen Klopp was correct in his assertion rotation was required if Liverpool were to have any chance of continuing to compete on two fronts over the closing weeks of the season.
But if there was always going to be a point where juggling absences and constant changes would catch up with the Reds, it shouldn’t have been in this damaging manner. Maybe the squad isn’t as strong as previously thought.
This, in retrospect, was the imperfect storm. The regulars who started looked jaded and uncertain, while those who came in, most notably Curtis Jones and Kostas Tsimikas, were understandably undercooked and lacking rhythm.
Having so admirably negotiated a relentless injury crisis, that matters should unravel so spectacularly when the cavalry have started to arrive could be seen as some sort of joke. Nobody at Liverpool is laughing right now, however.
Nunez underlines worry
Trust an Italian defence to turn what had been a nagging doubt over Liverpool’s attacking threat into a full-blown worry. While nowhere near as dangerous as at Old Trafford last weekend, the Reds still had sufficient opportunities to give themselves more of a fighting chance in next week’s second leg.
Indeed, it could have been a different game had Darwin Nunez converted an early chance to put Liverpool ahead when found by Jones. And it was the Uruguayan who, shortly after the interval, spooned over an inviting opening after good work from Cody Gakpo.
Those were big moments, but Nunez alone wasn’t at fault. Harvey Elliott while unlucky to strike the woodwork, isn’t a right winger just now, Luis Diaz was way off his best when brought on during the second half, and while Mohamed Salah had a goal disallowed and forced one save, his contribution was fitful at best after his half-time arrival.
Gakpo was the only bright spark when starting on the left, but even the Dutchman disappeared when moved into a central area.
Yes, this was only the second time this season Liverpool have failed to score. But recent evidence suggests the Reds are in danger of becoming blunt at precisely the wrong time.
You’d have got long odds on Liverpool supporters being the first Premier League club on Merseyside to organise a protest against their owners this season. But the lack of flags on the Kop underlined the depth of feeling at the 2% increase on ticket pries for Anfield games that was announced last week.
With Liverpool chairman Tom Werner in attendance, the action was pointed and effective. Whether that’s sufficient to be acted upon, though, is another matter.
