Liverpool’s European campaign begun with a disappointing 2-0 defeat at Napoli, where the performance did not accurately reflect on the scoreboard.
Napoli 2-0 Liverpool
Champions League, Stadio San Paolo
September 14, 2019
Goals: Mertens 82′, Llorente 90+2′
The Reds’ defence of their European crown got underway with their trickiest away game in Group E, and the difference from this season’s visit and last seasons was like chalk and cheese – yet the result remained the same.
Jurgen Klopp‘s side were full of conviction in the opening term and consistently looked threatening on the counter, only for the final ball to evade the desired target.
The second 45 followed in a similar fashion as both sides traded blows and despite Liverpool looking the most likely as Napoli tired in the heat, the knockout punch was landed when Andy Robertson was deemed to have impeded Jose Callejon in the area – with Dries Mertens converting from the spot.
The finishing touches were added by the Italians in stoppage time after a loose pass in defence fell the way of Fernando Llorente, resigning the Reds to a fourth successive away defeat in the group stages.
Here’s how fans reacted to the result on Twitter, Facebook and This Is Anfield’s forums.
There were mixed views on the decisive penalty decision, with VAR and Robbo’s involvement both scrutinised…
Seriously, though, replay showed it was a clear cut dive and I don't understand exactly what VAR is meant to do at this point.
— The Liverpool Offside (@LFCOffside) September 17, 2019
VAR is a total farce. Replay shows Robbo pulls out and the Napoli player dives. But not a clear and obvious error. A travesty, as LFC been the better side. Ref had a good first half but then Napoli players pulled out all the tricks.
— Paul Tomkins (@paul_tomkins) September 17, 2019
I’d have wanted that pen had it been up the other end
— SimonBrundish (@SimonBrundish) September 17, 2019
Very rare Robertson does something like that, disappointing when we're on top #LFC
— Jack Williams (@JLWi11iams) September 17, 2019
“Stupid by Robertson. It wasn’t a big contact, but he didn’t need to go in like that. History repeats itself it seems a late error on our side to throw the game away.”
– Hope in your heart on the forums.
Tough break. Probably wasn't a pen but I can see why the ref gave it and I can also see why VAR didn't overturn it ????
— Dan Kennett (@DanKennett) September 17, 2019
Fabinho’s barnstorming performance at No.6 received widespread admiration from start through to finish…
Fabinho is such a huge presence in this Liverpool team. He’s made three perfectly timed tackles so far and barely wasted a pass. Gets better every time he plays ?
— Dominic King (@DominicKing_DM) September 17, 2019
Fabinho's performance thus far this half – reading of the game, intelligent interventions, his passing, strength in the duels – has been art.
— Melissa Reddy (@MelissaReddy_) September 17, 2019
Trying to remember a life before Fabinho
— Craig Hannan (@C_Hannan7) September 17, 2019
Fabinho should have the word "Boss" at the back of his shirt
— LFCZA ?? (@LFCZA) September 17, 2019
*Opposition team attempts counter-attack*
Fabinho:
pic.twitter.com/JfU9Pe1V8c— Ben Webb (@BenWebbLFC) September 17, 2019
https://twitter.com/ThatRexGuy/status/1174045770380652545
Don’t think there is a better tackler in open spaces than Fabinho. Timing is superb
— keith costigan (@KeithCostigan) September 17, 2019
That’s a million times better than anything Liverpool produced away in last season’s group stage.
I’m lazy, so I’m attributing it all to Fabinho
— John O'Sullivan (@NotoriousJOS) September 17, 2019
And while the overall performance was much improved from last season, fans were left to rue missed chances…
Actually thought we played pretty well tonight, just the final ball that was lacking. The penalty decision is a farce and leads to a poor final 10. Rare error from van Dijk who was otherwise head and shoulders above the rest.
— Aaron Cutler (@aaron_cutler) September 17, 2019
“Just have to be a little more clinical next time. We had our chances throughout this match.”
– Neukolln on the forums.
Liverpool did enough to win the game, creating space and dangerous on the counter – the final ball was just lacking. Overall, night and day from last seasons game but undone by costly errors late on.
— Joanna Durkan (@JoannaDurkan_) September 17, 2019
https://twitter.com/stehoare/status/1174066086683320320
Not sure how #LFC managed to lose that by two goals, to be honest. Performed so much better than last season's game here and had Napoli penned in right up until the penalty. Tonight's result won't harm their Champions League chances if they keep playing like that.
— David Lynch (@dmlynchlfc) September 17, 2019
https://twitter.com/Chris78Williams/status/1174068217075183616
Don't take your chances, always vulnerable.
— Steven Kelly (@SteKelly198586) September 17, 2019
A hot night, against a tough opposition, Liverpool's front three not finding the final pass/shot.. but absolutely no forward option on the bench. Squad depth remains the only issue at LFC.
— Matt Ladson (@mattladson) September 17, 2019
Despite the result the overwhelming consensus was that the Reds will bounce back, a defeat at Napoli is a good omen after all…
Very harsh for #LFC to get nothing from that game. Looked comfortable for a long time and then a debatable penalty kick changes things. Still think qualification to the knockout stages will be secured.
— Matt Addison (@MattAddison97) September 17, 2019
Mad how losing in Naples is our good luck omen. Numbero Seven, lads. Drink it in….
— Ben Webb (@BenWebbLFC) September 17, 2019
Liverpool last season: Lost away at Napoli
Also Liverpool last season: pic.twitter.com/WBvE56ZpI6
— The Anfield Wrap (@TheAnfieldWrap) September 17, 2019
https://twitter.com/CRK_1987/status/1174064056031993857
https://twitter.com/Kloppholic/status/1174065696201990146
Funny thing is, that’s the only time we are going to lose all season.
— Jack Gill (@jacklfcgill) September 17, 2019
“I’m not bothered in the slightest. No injuries is a plus. We had chances and the pitch was rotten. All we need is 3 wins and we get out of the group no problem.”
– T.C.B on the forums.
Liverpool, like any team in the history of sport, are gonna lose.
With that being the case, I’d rather they lose via a horrendous refereeing decision — and hope it creates a chip on the squads shoulder — than being played off the park.
We’ll still win the group
— John O'Sullivan (@NotoriousJOS) September 17, 2019
Nothing between both teams before the penalty, it was harsh but one you’d be wanting at the other end. Fabinho & Henderson excellent & the Adrian save unbelievable! Toughest game out the way & LFC didn’t do to bad after losing here last season @ChampionsLeague ? #NAPLIV pic.twitter.com/4Qo5ELSwin
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) September 17, 2019
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