Liverpool’s defeat to Gian Piero Gasperini’s side at Anfield proved too much on Thursday night, The Serie A side picked up a shock first-leg result when Gianluca Scamacca scored a brace, Mario Pasalic a third.
In the second leg tonight, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross was handled early on and Salah duly obliged. But on the whole, it was a frustrating night for Liverpool – as Atalanta’s defence held firm throughout.
Salah missed a guilt-edged chance to make it two in the first half, but in the second half – it was as if Liverpool were trying to force it too much, trying to create when things weren’t on. Atalanta dealt with it.
Indeed, it also Atalanta able to counter with ease at times – easily boasting the best chances in the second 45. Ultimately, it was too much of a task for Klopp’s men – who still won the game, with a clean sheet.
With Liverpool’s forward trying to force the issue, Cody Gakpo came over to the left flank and tried to backheel a ball through two Atalanta defenders to the on-rushing Andy Robertson. It didn’t come off.
It also allowed Atalanta to break and they should have done better with the chance, on 60 minutes. On co-commentary for TNT Sports, Steve McManaman criticised the 24-year-old Liverpool attacker.
“That was Gakpo giving the ball away, with a lazy flick in midfield. Liverpool have to be so much more careful because the way Atalanta play, you will be punished,” McManaman said, as Gakpo gave it away.
It was another poor night for Gakpo on Thursday night. He struggled to make things happen, arguably his best moment was a nice touch into the path of Luis Diaz – who could just not reach it in time to score.
The Dutch star was a real talent at PSV but his numbers for Liverpool are nowhere near what Klopp might have hoped they would be. Just 21 goals in 73 games, seven assists. He has been honest about his form.
Indeed, the attacker has made it clear that he knows some at Liverpool have been frustrated by his lack of form this term. Joe Gomez was visibly annoyed by him against Brighton. Liverpool need more from him.
