Liverpool entertained Atalanta at Anfield earlier tonight hoping to win and seal qualification into the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League. The Reds struggled to get a foothold in the game in the first 45 minutes and went into the half-time break with a goalless scoreline.
The Italian outfit made a terrific start to the second half and made a deserved breakthrough courtesy of Josip Ilicic’s goal. Robin Gosens doubled the visiting side’s advantage just four minutes later when he found the back of the net from close range. The contest ended with the Serie A outfit running away with a 2-0 victory from Merseyside.
Let’s take a look at how each Liverpool player fared during the match against Atalanta.
GK: Alisson Becker – 6/10
The Brazilian keeper was hardly tested during the game and was helpless in the lead-up to both of Atalanta’s goals tonight.
RB: Neco Williams – 6/10
The Liverpool youngster worked hard and was defensively solid throughout the 90 minutes. However, he struggled to deliver a telling cross in the final third.
CB: Joel Matip – 5/10
The Cameroonian defender used his physicality well in the first half but lacked the leadership needed to keep things tight at the back in the second 45 minutes.
CB: Rhys Williams – 4/10
Williams didn’t let the occasion get to him in the first 45 minutes. However, he was at fault for being caught out of position in the lead-up to the Italian side’s two goals in the second half.
LB: Konstantinos Tsimikas – 5/10
The Greek defender lacked quality in the decisive third of the field. However, he deserves credit for showing a lot of fight during his time on the field.
CM: Curtis Jones – 5/10
The English midfield ace tried to make things happen without getting too much joy in the opposition half. It was a lacklustre display from him tonight.
CM: Georginio Wijnaldum – 5/10
The Dutch midfielder retained possession well for his team at the centre of the park. However, he struggled to create any meaningful chances in the attacking third.
CM: James Milner – 5/10
The English veteran’s lack of pace was exposed on a couple of occasions by the opposition. Still, he kept going and produced another industrious display in midfield.
RW: Mohamed Salah – 6/10
The Egyptian winger was the only one in the Liverpool frontline who looked like he could make a difference. He was subbed close to the hour mark as Klopp wanted to give him a rest.
ST: Divock Origi – 4/10
The Belgian striker’s first touches often let him down. He never looked like he had a goal in him.
LW: Sadio Mane – 4/10
The Senegalese speedster was uncharacteristically poor throughout the 90 minutes and was starved of any real opportunities to score.
Substitutes:
CM: Fabinho – 6/10
The Brazilian midfielder brought some control back to the Liverpool midfield but didn’t offer much in terms of creativity.
ST: Roberto Firmino – 5/10
Firmino struggled to get into the game.
RW: Diogo Jota – 7/10
The Portuguese attacker’s pace caused some problems for the Atalanta defenders, but this time, he had no goals to show for his efforts.
LB: Andrew Roberson – 7/10
The Scottish full-back was a real bundle of energy down the left flank and whipped in a couple of dangerous crosses into the penalty box.
ST: Takumi Minamino – N/A
Minamino hardly had any time to make an impact.
