Ajax vs Liverpool
Final Score: 0-1
Goals: OG Tagliafico (35′)
21st of October 2020
Liverpool began their Champions League campaign last night, with a 0-1 victory over AFC Ajax. With Nicholas Tagliafico’s first-half own goal settling the match, in the Red’s favour.
It wasn’t the prettiest of matches to watch, with both teams remaining dogged in their game plans. Ajax was happy for Liverpool to dominate possession, and break on the counter. Whilst, the Red’s uncharacteristically played a pretty conservative game, with the aim of settling in their makeshift defence. Both teams had their opportunities, but I think overall the Red’s did enough to deserve the three points.
So, here are my talking points on the action in Amsterdam last night.
The Fabulous Fabinho
No Virgil Van Dijk, it seemed no problem for Liverpool.
Maybe, that is taking it too far but for Red’s fans, it was a relief to see midfielder Fabinho able to put in an excellent display in defence, as we start life without the Dutchman.
Of course, with Van Dijk likely to miss the entirety of this season with an ACL injury and Matip also unavailable for selection due to injury. It was important, that Fabinho stepped up to partner Joe Gomez, and he did just that. His performance at Stamford Bridge earlier on the season, showed how the midfielder slots in seamlessly to the Red’s backline.
And his stats last night say no different; while partnering with Gomez, the Brazilian international made four interceptions, four tackles, and one sublime block.
As I mentioned in my match preview, keeping a clean sheet for the Reds was far more important than the performance. And I thought Fabinho was instrumental in this; with his headline moment coming, from a superb overhead kick to deny Ajax captain Dusan Tadic from scoring. His clearance off the line preserved Liverpool’s clean sheet and ultimately secured the three points.
Debut for Klopp’s Kids
I’m sure the 21st of October 2020, will be a date that Curtis Jones and Rhys Williams will never forget.
Both still teenagers, and products from Liverpool’s academy, Jones and Williams made their Champions League debut last night in the Red’s 1-0 victory.
Curtis Jones became the fifth-youngest outfield player to start for Liverpool, as he complimented both James Milner and Georginio Wijnaldum in the midfield three.
Whilst, Rhys Williams made a late appearance, replacing Milner in stoppage time. And, what a difference a year makes for the centre back, who exactly a year ago was playing for Kidderminster Harriers; a team in the sixth tier of English football.
Strength in Depth
It’s only the fifth time in Klopp’s premiership, that he has the substituted the front three of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, and Roberto Firmino in the same game.
It seemed, that the decision for the substitutions was borne from the German’s desire to have fresh legs in the team; Ajax were becoming increasingly urgent for an equaliser in the second half. In order, for Liverpool protect their one-nil advantage; Diogo Jota, Takumi Minamino, and Xherdan Shaqiri were summoned onto the pitch for the Reds. For me, all three made a real impact on the game; with the trio delivering real evidence of strength and depth up front for Liverpool.
With no let up for the Red’s, with their fixture list and a difficult week for the team. It was important to show, the depth and quality that Liverpool has in this squad! This will be crucial, in our pursuit of domestic and European glory this season.
Vital Points
A victory win over Ajax last night means Liverpool join Atalanta BC at the top of Group D after the first round of Champions League fixtures.
The Serie A side will visit Anfield next Tuesday (27th of October) before Klopp’s team will travel to Bergamo to face Atalanta on the 3rd of November,
A vital away win for the Red’s!
Categories: Uncategorized
Ellen McLaughlin 