Liverpool lost to Napoli by a 4-1 margin in their opening UEFA Champions League group game this season. This is after Alisson Becker saved a penalty and Napoli wasted some guilt-edged chances, otherwise, the scoreline could have been bigger in Napoli’s favour.
This comes after a string of underwhelming results in the Premier League, barring the 9-0 win against Bournemouth. It puts pressure on manager Jurgen Klopp and with Thomas Tuchel sacked at Chelsea, it shows that no manager is safe.
Here are our player ratings from the game in Naples.
Alisson Becker – 5
Made a very good save to deny Victor Osimhen’s penalty and could have done better for the fourth goal.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 4
It was not one of the performances we are accustomed to seeing from the right-back with the opposition continuously attacking his flank. He was found out of position multiple times and did not contribute much to the attack.
Joe Gomez – 3
Joe Gomez put in one of his worst performances in a Liverpool shirt and was all over the place in the first half. Directly responsible for the second and third goals. Rightly subbed off at halftime.
Virgil van Dijk – 4
Van Dijk’s unimpressive start to the season continued with the defensive line getting caught out on several occasions. He conceded a penalty that was saved by Alisson. A serious concern for us going forward.
Andy Robertson – 5
The defence was abysmal today and although Roberton was not as bad as his colleagues, there was nothing impressive about his performance albeit his contribution to our only goal.
James Milner – 4
Milner was responsible for the early first goal and could not contain Napoli midfielders. Was lucky to not be sent off. Substituted just at the hour mark.
Fabinho- 5
The Brazilian was not able to hold his back line as he usually does and Liverpool’s midfield were completely dominated by its counterparts.
Harvey Elliott – 5
Harvey Elliott has been suddenly playing a lot of games this season and looked fatigued and out of ideas when on the ball. Could have been better used coming off the bench.
Luis Diaz – 7
The only shining light in an otherwise embarrassing performance. Diaz looked like the sole threat going forward for Liverpool and scored a wonderful goal outside the box.
Roberto Firmino – 5
Firmino was pretty absent throughout the game and did not contribute anything significant to the attack. Subbed off around the hour mark.
Mohammad Salah – 4
It was a very uninspiring performance from the forward, something we are not used to watching. His first touch felt off and it seemed like a night where it just was not working for Salah. He was subbed off at the hour mark.
Substitutions
Joel Matip – 6
Replaced Joe Gomez and the defence looked significantly better with Matip at the back. The defender is a key element in the way Jurgen Klopp wants his team to play and his comeback is a significant boost.
Darwin Nunez – 5
Replaced Roberto Firmino and did not contribute anything significant for the remainder of the match.
Diogo Jota – 5
Came back after a long time on the sidelines and reasonably looked a bit rusty. Klopp would be happy with his return ahead of a tough run of fixtures.
Thiago Alcantara – 6
Thiago made the most impact out of all substitutions and brought composure and control to the tempo, which has been missing in the midfield for some time. Klopp would have seen the difference he made and would expect him to start the next game.
More Liverpool News:
- Steven Gerrard talks about the Douglas Luiz situation amid Liverpool links
- Rio Ferdinand identifies Fabinho as the reason for Newcastle’s opening goal against Liverpool
- Arthur Melo and Liverpool. How will this transfer turn out?
Arthur Melo – 5
Arthur Melo could not have asked for a worse night to make his Liverpool debut. Came on for the last quarter of the game and looked decent in possession.
