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Liverpool 4 – 0 Bayer Leverkusen – The Postmortem

This was a game that was billed as the battle of two outstanding young coaches, with Xabi Alonso returning to the ground where he truly made his name on the footballing world stage. Arne Slot has begun life marvellously on Merseyside, whereas his Spanish counterpart has been perhaps the most impressive manager during the past season. The result was emphatic and sends a message to the world that Arne Slot is the real deal.

Below is how the team lined up, with match details following.

The Starting Eleven

GK – Caoimhin Kelleher
RB – Trent Alexander Arnold
RCB – Ibrahima Konaté
LCB – Virgil van Dijk (c)
LB – Kostas Tsimikas
CM – Alexis Mac Allister
ACM – Curtis Jones
CM – Ryan Gravenberch
RF – Mohamed Salah
CF – Luis Díaz
LF – Cody Gakpo

Subs

Dominik Szoboszlai – Curtis Jones (74 mins)
Andy Robertson – Kostas Tsimikas (79 mins)
Darwin Núñez – Cody Gakpo (79 mins)
Conor Bradley – Trent Alexander Arnold (79 mins)
Jarell Quansah – Ibrahima Konaté (87 mins)

Goals (Assisted by)

Liverpool 1 – 0 Bayer Leverkusen
Luis Díaz (Curtis Jones) – 62 mins

Liverpool 2 – 0 Bayer Leverkusen
Cody Gakpo (Mohamed Salah) – 63 mins

Liverpool 3 – 0 Bayer Leverkusen
Luis Díaz (Mohamed Salah) – 83 mins

Liverpool 4 – 0 Bayer Leverkusen
Luis Díaz – 90+2 mins

Important Match Stats

Possession
Liverpool 47% – 53% Bayer Leverkusen

Total Shots
Liverpool 22 – 12 Bayer Leverkusen

Corner Kicks
Liverpool 1 – 3 Bayer Leverkusen

Goalkeeper Saves
Liverpool 4 – 4 Bayer Leverkusen

The First Half

The opening period of this game was largely controlled by the hosts, with Arne Slot looking for a balance between control and vibrant attacking patterns of play. Curtis Jones had an early chance easily saved by Lukas Hradecky, as the entire forward line attempted to create a goal scoring opportunity early on. Trent Alexander Arnold saw a deflected free kick fly over the bar later in the half, as the match continued with Liverpool attempting to maintain their role as the aggressor. Kostas Tsimikas was steadfast in his defensive duties, with a progressive endeavour on the ball and keen positional sense when required. The red’s Egyptian King, Mohamed Salah, was unlucky not to open the scoring late in that first half, after his incisive run led to a low shot that was smothered at the near post. Moments later, VAR intervened to rule a Bayer Leverkusen goal out, as Jeremie Frimpong was deemed to have handled the ball in the lead up. As both Virgil van Dijk and his central defensive partner, Ibrahima Konaté, batted away anything that came their way, Alexis Mac Allister, and Ryan Gravenberch, strived to be the disciplined pair in front of their rearguard.

Cody Gakpo had a left footed strike saved at the death of the first period, following a wonderful cross field ball by Curtis Jones and a penetrating run by the 6ft 4inch Dutchman. The first half ended with Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen locked at 0-0, with an interesting second half to come.

The Second Half

On resumption of the second half, no changes were made by the title challenging home side, as the Liverpool head coach sent out the same eleven men which started the game.

You could sense immediately that the defensive group (essentially, Virgil) was ushering their midfield colleagues further forward, as the trio of middle men looked to penetrate the resolute resistance they faced. Ryan Gravenberch was progressive, Alexis Mac Allister was aggressive, as Curtis Jones added the wondrous touch and vision to assist the opening goal. With the Colombian flyer, Lucho, occupying the central striker’s berth, his live wire persona eventually allowed for the perfect run to meet a sublime pass from Curtis, as the no.23 lifted the ball over the advancing keeper. The score shifted to 1-0 and the home side never looked back.

As Anfield roared on their men in red, it would be Mohamed Salah who would finally make something stick, following some half chances that came to nothing. As Cody Gakpo arrived at the back post, it would be the Egyptian King that would send the perfect cross and allow the 6ft 4inch Dutchman to head emphatically into the net from close range. A VAR check delayed the eventual goal, one which arrived just two minutes after the first. The 2-0 scoreline allowed a raft of alterations to be made by the Liverpool head coach, with immediate results ensuing. Not content with one superb cross and assist, the record scoring no.11, Salah, flighted another cross into the heart of the Bayer Leverkusen penalty area, which was met by and dispatched by his Columbian teammate.

As the swarm of attacking intent continued, the final goal of the night availed itself in the dying moments, with the man of the match, Lucho, rifling home from close range. The result was glorious and the run of superb results continues. Some fine saves were undertaken by the Liverpool keeper, Caoimhin Kelleher, with the fullback pair of Kostas Tsimikas, and Trent Alexander Arnold, undertook their responsibilities with distinction.

What Are My Final Thoughts…?

This was a contest that was another test of what this Liverpool team can become. To beat the reigning Bundesliga champions, Bayer Leverkusen, by an amazing 4-0 score, is a statement of intent, especially when the Anfield giants sit at the top of the Premier League standing, as well as the Champions League table.

Next up for the title challengers is the visit of Aston Villa, one which must be won before the international break to solidly their sky-high credentials.

Pre-match Prediction;  Liverpool 2 – 1 Bayer Leverkusen

Steven Smith

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