Digging Deeper into Liverpool’s First Leg Loss to Galatasaray
Liverpool historically do not perform well away at Galatasaray, but previous trips were not as weighed down by the questions of form and intent and errors that have dogged this Liverpool side throughout the campaign. Yet again the Reds were let down by naïve set piece defending, and yet again the problems were all of their own making. Worryingly, it mirrored the first Wolves match of last week: a supremely promising opening relatively quickly undone, and a failure to produce any meaningful threat.
This was a game best enjoyed if you had something else you had to be doing.
Winners and Losers
Victor Osimhen an obvious winner, with the Galatasaray attacker building on an already strong record in this competition this season to set up the match’s only goal. While questions can and should be asked as to how Liverpool determined their set piece plan for corners against Galatasary, Osimhen certainly lept well (largely unopposed by anyone near his size) to set up the goal. Throughout the match he was lively and disruptive, and gave the Reds something to think about on the defensive side when chasing a goal.
Once again the Liverpool set piece curse returns to the loser column. The Reds started well, and Arne Slot chose to add security in the back four by selecting Joe Gomez rather than Jeremie Frimpong at right back. Tactically the line-up appeared prepared for the challenge, with a Liverpool side that looked determined to press effectively and not be intimidated by the atmosphere. Then, after such a promising start to the match, Liverpool conceded a woefully defended set piece goal — Liverpool’s defense was largely just standing around.
Liverpool’s attack another real loser on the night. While the defense made a lot of mistakes, but perhaps deserve some credit for keeping the scoreline at 1-0 despite a performance that lacked many positives (shoutout specifically to Virgil Van Dijk’s defending against a full 3v1 following an error). Meanwhile, Liverpool’s attack generated 15 shots, but only seven in the danger area in the central areas of the opposition box — and only six were on target. The Reds had chances, and though none were absolutely certain goals the quality in the Liverpool attack should be putting more of them on target. In this category, Florian Wirtz perhaps has some excuse as he’s just returning and might lack some rhythm, a disappointing fact given how in-form he was before his spell on the sidelines.
Giving Credit to the Opposition
Galatasaray were smart and resolute despite a lot of early defensive errors; though Liverpool probably should have been ahead before conceding, Galatasaray did not let the early pressure get to them — quite the ask given just how bad their start was, defensively. Instead, the Turkish side managed to recover and provide a cohesive front, with much better structure defensively (barring a couple additional errors in distribution) and constant willingness to battle. This was a messy game — both sides finished with pass completion numbers in the 70s percentage-wise — and this messiness suited the home side.
The early goal stabilized things for Liverpool’s opposition, and the Reds failed to regain the control in and out of possession that they’d built early on. They were perhaps a bit lucky that Liverpool decided to let them score effectively unchallenged, as it entirely changed the face of the game. A lot can be said about how Liverpool as a group fail to respond to setbacks (particularly these ones that seem to come against the run of play), but Liverpool didn’t just make themselves look second best all night: Galatasaray have been strong in this competition this season.
Credit too deserved to the fans. The atmosphere remained heated for the entirety of the match and Galatasaray flourished.
What Happens Next
Though Liverpool were humbled in Türkiye, it is still a tie with just one goal in it — and though this feels very much like this particular Liverpool putting in a terrible performance it’s worth noting that a narrow loss in Türkiye is a relatively normal result for the Reds (as well as for English sides who travel here) regardless.
Liverpool face Spurs at the weekend and don’t have to travel, which should help. It’s perhaps notable that Spurs conceded four goals in the first 25 minutes against Atletico Madrid, and look like a side who are very much not enjoying their football at the minute. Indeed, Tottenham Hotspur are perhaps the only side in European competition that look to be enjoying their football less than Liverpool at the moment.
A wounded animal is by no means a guaranteed win (particularly this season), but Liverpool will want to bounce back at the weekend and should have the skillset to do it. A home win in the league with some decent attacking form would be exactly the medicine needed ahead of the second leg back at Anfield. Galatasaray might be slightly less intimidated than some, but despite the current struggles a one-goal deficit ahead of the home leg in the knockouts is something Liverpool should be capable of overcoming.
Galatasaray have now beaten Liverpool 1-0 twice in the Champions League this season, but the Reds have the chance to win the most important one.
Source: liverpooloffside.sbnation.com
Post a Comment