After winning their first three games in this season’s Champions League, Liverpool were brought crashing back down to earth against Fenerbahçe last night.
Andoni Iraola’s side suffered a disappointing 3-2 defeat during the meeting in Istanbul, despite going ahead twice during the encounter on Wednesday evening.
After such a display, the Spaniard will no doubt need to digest the performance from his players, but where did it all go wrong for the Reds?
3
How Liverpool suffered defeat against Fenerbahçe
Ahead of the encounter at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium, many Liverpool supporters would have expected their side to extend their winning run to four in the Champions League.
Their expectations appeared to have been met after 25 minutes, as Trey Nyoni’s volley was diverted home – handing him his first goal for the Reds and Iraola’s side the lead.
However, they would be pegged back just four minutes later, as Mason Greenwood’s free-kick found the back of the net via a deflection from Jeremy Jacquet.
Alexander Isak emerged off the bench in the second half and would have a say on proceedings just three minutes after his introduction as he restored the lead with a lovely header.
However, it was all downhill from there for the Reds, as Archie Brown’s back post effort and a header from Vedat Muriqi secured a late winner for the hosts.
2
Why Tsimikas now looks completely finished at Liverpool
As part of the usual Champions League selection shuffle, Iraola handed another European start to Kostas Tsimikas at left-back to allow Milos Kerkez to have a deserved rest.
The Greek international has now started in three of the club’s four games in such a competition this term, but his showing last night was arguably his worst to date.
He featured for 76 minutes of the defeat in Turkey and was unable to provide the goods defensively – as seen by his inability to register any tackles on Wednesday evening.
The 30-year-old also failed to make any interceptions and was dribbled past on two occasions, as the hosts enjoyed success down his side of the pitch.
In possession, he was just as disappointing, with the full-back only managing to complete a measly 38% of the crosses he attempted, with only four of his passes being made into the final third.
1
Why Liverpool dud was worse than Tsimikas vs Fenerbahce
Given the scoreline and disappointing performance, Liverpool boss Iraola will have to go back to the drawing board to avoid making it three losses in a row this weekend.
Personal changes are undoubtedly needed after such a showing, with Tsimikas just one player who needs to be dropped after his showing against Fenerbahce.
He’s certainly not alone in that aspect though, as winger Víctor Muñoz also failed to take advantage of the start that was handed his way on Wednesday evening.
The Spaniard was handed his first start since his goal against Brentford, but there’s no denying he failed to emulate such a feat against Fenerbahçe last night.
He was tasked with operating off the right-hand side of the attack, but often struggled to get past Brown – who secured the Man of the Match award after his display.
As for Munoz, his underlying stats demonstrate his struggles in attacking areas, which ultimately led to him being replaced by goalscorer Isak in the 66th minute.
He registered three shots but failed to direct any of his efforts on target, which saw him fail to trouble former Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson between the sticks.
The 23-year-old was also able to create just one chance in attacking areas, and it’s understandable why, when you realise he only managed to complete 33% of his crosses.
Munoz’s wasteful nature was further evident in his 73% pass completion rate, resulting in him losing possession 13 times within his 39 touches – an average of once every three times he had the ball.
Out of possession, the attacker was just as ineffective, as he lost 58% of the round ground duels he entered, whilst only making two defensive contributions.
Liverpool player ratings vs Fenerbahce | |
|---|---|
Player | Rating |
Alisson | 5 |
Joe Gomez | 5 |
Virgil van Dijk | 6 |
Jeremy Jacquet | 4 |
Kostas Tsimikas | 4 |
Trey Nyoni | 8 |
Alexis Mac Allister | 6 |
Victor Munoz | 3 |
Dominik Szoboszlai | 6 |
Rio Ngumoha | 6 |
Bradley Barcola | 5 |
As a result of his display, Munoz was handed a measly 3/10 match rating, which further demonstrates why he needs to be dropped by Iraola.
The manager is still clearly working out his best eleven to utilise across all competitions, which undoubtedly cost the side victory in Turkey last night.
However, it’s clear that Munoz and Tsimikas are two players who need to be dropped, with their showings against Fenerbahce well below the levels expected of Liverpool first-team members.
Source: www.footballfancast.com
