Joe Gomez struggles in Liverpool’s 4-3 win over RB Salzburg

It was a crazy evening for Liverpool as old habits returned related to our defence. The Reds raced to a three-goal lead in the first half. However, RB Salzburg were allowed to come back into the clash.

Sadio Mane, Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah scored in the first 36 minutes but Hwang Hee-Chan got one back just a few minutes later.

Liverpool’s defence was at sixes and sevens after the half-time whistle, with the impressive Takumi Minamino scoring a great volley. Erling Haaland came off the bench to score the equaliser in the 60^th minute and it seemed like we would be heading for a disappointing result.

However, Roberto Firmino combined well with Salah for the Egyptian to get his brace, and we clung on for three points. The victory will have a huge say in how the Champions League group goes as Napoli were surprisingly held to a 0-0 draw by Genk.

Defensive woes for Reds

Virgil van Dijk had a rare off day as he made some mistakes at the back, one which allowed the first goal to be scored.

Liverpool also gave the ball away easily on too many occasions, and it felt like we were the team from two years back, that only wanted to attack and not control the game.

Joel Matip’s absence didn’t help us, with Joe Gomez not putting up a great showing. Haaland was free to score the third when the Englishman should have covered him.

Further, the 22-year-old’s decision-making wasn’t the greatest and was often caught out, with Salzburg putting up an impressive display. The Englishman has lost his place to Matip in the first-team and needs more minutes to remove the rustiness in his game.

Credit must be given to Salzburg for putting up a fight, but we need to be better defensively. Matip should be back for the clash against Leicester at the weekend but many Liverpool fans backed the English youngster despite an iffy night.

https://twitter.com/Pounds_Sterling/status/1179504432662355968

https://twitter.com/MaebyKate/status/1179532094395031553

I actually thought that Gomez played a lot better in the second half. But yes, I too hope that Matip is fit for the weekend.

— Beetle (@beetle_1946) October 2, 2019

What has that injury done to Joe Gomez though, utterly atrocious tonight, wasn’t great in the Super Cup or at MK Dons either, maybe lack of game time but he looks a shadow of last seasons player.

— 𝕭𝖗𝖆𝖓𝖉𝖔𝖓 (@chillhoggy) October 2, 2019

Gomez has missed a lot of football. Some criticism harsh imo

— kop in full voice (@LFC_Bantz) October 2, 2019

Seen a lot of criticism following Joe Gomez’s performance, which isn’t totally unjustified – BUT, let’s not forget, he’s hardly played and then gone straight in against this Salzburg team that score for fun. Still a fantastic player, just had a hard nights graft is all.

— Ben Webb (@BenWebbLFC) October 2, 2019

https://twitter.com/LFCintrospect/status/1179505811552395266

https://twitter.com/LFCVik/status/1179502757499174913

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