Liverpool Vs Atalanta

Gewiss Stadium

Final Score: 0-5

Goals: D Jota (16′) (33′) (54′) M Salah (47′) S Mane (49′)

3rd of November 2020

Last night, it was all about Liverpool’s forwards; with Salah, Mane, and Jota all appearing on the score sheet. In my match preview, I assessed the Red’s attacking options ahead of the game, and last night they didn’t disappoint! The destruction of Atalanta could suggest, the reuniting of Liverpool’s “Fab Four”!

Atalanta, lying fourth in Serie A and showing a good early season form, suggested that Liverpool faced a stiff challenge, in this Champions League qualifying group. Averaging 2.65 goals per match, the Italians are a progressive attacking force under coach Gian Piero Gasperini.They play expansive football that stretches teams; creating space and challenging the defensive qualities of any opponent.

But this game proved no challenge at all, for Liverpool. It was a demolition, an exhibition of Liverpool’s forwards, with Diogo Jota’s hat-trick, the individual highlight of a collective statement, against last year’s quarter-finalists. We took complete control, in all aspects of the game; we were solid at the back, sublime going forward, and dominated the midfield.

Last night, Jurgen Klopp opted to draw upon home-grown talent in both the defence and midfield positions with youngsters Rhys Williams and Curtis Jones both featuring. Although, it’s important to note the bench looked stronger for the Reds; with the welcome return of Joel Matip, suggesting injuries may have a lesser impact in the weeks ahead. This is crucial, with Liverpool’s trip to the Etihad on Sunday.

As my match preview alluded too, Diogo Jota was selected ahead of Roberto Firmino for this match, who was on the bench. The indication is, that Klopp is protecting the Brazilian whose recent form has lessened. However, we must applaud Jota’s performance last night; in the few short weeks since arriving on Merseyside, the attacker has dispelled two views. Firstly, that no one can breach the front three of Mane, Salah, and Firmino, and secondly that his £45m price tag was an overpayment for the player.

Last night, he was worth every penny! The Portuguese struck his first Champions League hat-trick, and it seems he possesses elements of Mohammad Salah, Sadio Mane, and Roberto Firmino. All of them seem to, recognise the addition of this formidable new frontman rather than a mere backing vocalist.

Jota’s opening goal on 16 minutes could have easily come from Salah. He accepted Trent Alexander- Arnold’s pass on the right of the penalty area, turning his marker, and then dinking the goalkeeper Sportiello.

His second after 33 minutes, was him controlling on the left, before cutting inside to finish with his right foot. When he struck his hat-trick on 54 minutes, his pace was rewarded, feeding off a sublime Mane pass, to then out-sprint his marker, and then causally finding the empty net.

After the game, the 23-year old said “Scoring goals is my way of playing football.” And long may that continue! For me, the only aspect of his game that could be improved is his goal celebration. A simple apologetic shrug, will not do after scoring a Champions League hat-trick. Perhaps, it was the lack of atmosphere in the stadium or the concern of VAR finding any reason to disallow his goals. We can forgive that, as I’m sure he will have plenty of opportunities to rehearse his goal celebrations!

Jota is signposting Liverpool’s future, and only a high-class player would put Liverpool’s No 9 on the bench. I think we need to applaud here, Jurgen Klopp’s man-management. Firmino does not become a bad player and Klopp’s subtle use of Jota, as a compliment to the front three; weds a positive environment to promote a squad ethos rather than putting Firmino under pressure. This allows, the Brazilian time and space to regain his form. Once he is purring again, the prospect of all four attackers on the pitch is tantalising!

The question, that every Red’s fan will be asking after last night, is how can Jota be left out against Manchester City at the weekend? Klopp has quite a consideration to make, but one he will simply relish!

Overall, a good night at the office for the Reds!

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