It wasn’t a particularly good performance from Liverpool tonight away against Inter Milan in the first leg of the Champions League last 16 but the 2-0 result was outstanding and makes the Reds extreme favourites to qualify for the next round.
For large parts of the game, Liverpool were sloppy and unsure of themselves as Inter time and again found a way to make the Reds uncomfortable, particularly down the Reds’ right where Trent Alexander Arnold was having a torrid time defensively, giving the impression once again that he hates this part of the game, that the glory is at the other end of the pitch and defending is beneath him.
While the Italians weren’t forcing Alisson Becker in the Liverpool goal to make saves, there was a repeated need for last-ditch interventions from man-of-the-match Virgil van Dijk, his centre back partner, Ibrahima Konaté, in for Joel Matip, and Thiago Alcantara and Andy Robertson.
Jurgen Klopp went for a strange midfield lineup, the first time it would have played together, involving Harvey Elliott, Thiago and Fabinho and while, in the first half, despite Inter’s ferocious competitiveness, the experimental Liverpool scheme held up well, the first 15 minutes of the second half saw the Reds under serious duress and it seemed that Inter would score at any moment.
Having already brought on Roberto Firmino for the injured Diogo Jota at half time, on the hour, Klopp did what he’s not known for and what he’s often been criticised for, and made early and bold substitutions, three in fact, bringing on Luis Diaz for the ineffective Sadio Mané, Jordan Henderson for Fabinho and Naby Keita for Elliott.
Instantly, Klopp’s changes had an effect. Henderson and Keita were busier and more physical in midfield, while Diaz brought an attacking threat that seriously troubled Milan’s defence.
Thus, after 75 minutes, a corner to Liverpool from the right, taken by Robertson, was met by Firmino on the edge of the six-yard box and his glancing header caught Handanovic in the Milan goal by surprise, moving to his right while the ball settled in the bottom of the opposite corner.
Deflated, Milan never threatened again as Liverpool took the sting out of the game, passing the ball around effortlessly, the cherry put on the cake after Alexander Arnold’s chip into the Milan area was nodded down by van Dijk and Mo Salah running on to the ball had his shot deflected into the net to make not only the game but, surely, the tie safe.
Back to the Premier League for Liverpool. On Saturday, they face strugglers Norwich at home followed, on Wednesday, by another game at Anfield, this time against Leeds, hovering uncomfortably above the relegation zone and shipping goals.
Two wins here and Liverpool will be six points behind Manchester City, assuming City beat Spurs on Saturday.
Reds’ fans might think this would put Liverpool back in the title race but, on current form – with Man City crushing all comers while Liverpool are having to claw their way to victories – it’s still hard to see City throwing away their advantage.
