That was depressing, first half hour we were utterly dire. Improved a bit and showed some fight but zero creativity. Liverpool were very very comfortable. The issue for me is that it was like watching Liverpool against West Ham or Fulham. We were committed but limited and ultimately outclassed.
Dias had an ok return, good for most of the match but an absolute howler for the penalty. Walker had a stinker again, lost Gakpo for the first and was the weakest link when we were pressed though Akanji wasn’t far behind first half with some really poor passes. KDB’s poor effort from Van Dijk’s mistake summed us up. Ake struggled initially but got to grips with Salah, so much so most of his chances came through the middle. Savinho didn’t look fit.
We never looked dangerous at all in attack. Doku was bright but created little. At no stage did we stretch Liverpool.
Hard to see how we’re trying to play, we don’t press aggressively, we’re not good enough in possession and too slow moving forward. Hopefully the return of Dias and Ake will help. Thought Lewis struggled wide but was a little better in midfield but himself and Bernardo struggled with Liverpool’s physicality in midfield.
Referee was mostly a non issue but made a few mistakes especially not booking Gravenberch early which allowed him foul Foden when we were looking dangerous on a rare occasion first half.
A bit of fight and some improvement but ultimately we were second best by some distance.