Liverpool could only draw 1-1 at home to Napoli on Wednesday night, but Champions League qualification is still in their hands.
Liverpool 1-1 Napoli
Champions League, Anfield
November 27, 2019
Goals: Mertens 21′; Lovren 65′
The Reds knew that victory over the Serie A team would book their place in the last-16, but it didn’t pan out that way.
Liverpool were far from their best in the opening 45 minutes, with Dries Mertens’ well-taken strike the difference between the two sides.
Losing Fabinho to injury was a particular worry, while Virgil van Dijk going down in the lead-up to Mertens’ also caused alarm, prior to him carrying on.
Jurgen Klopp‘s men were much improved after the break, though, and Dejan Lovren powered home a header to equalise midway through the second half.
That’s the way the scoreline remained, meaning Liverpool just have to avoid defeat away to Salzburg to reach the next round.
Here’s how Liverpool supporters reacted to the result on Twitter, Facebook and This Is Anfield’s forums.
Liverpool’s lethargic display worried some, while Napoli frustrated others…
That's a really disappointing result for #LFC, who now probably have to get something away at RB Salzburg during an already difficult December. Napoli looked to have blown themselves out but 70 minutes but not enough composure or quality shown to punish that.
— David Lynch (@dmlynchlfc) November 27, 2019
https://twitter.com/TheFNundy/status/1199808909206282240?s=20
The most boring Liverpool game I’ve seen at Anfield in ages ?
— CHANT LFC (@ChantLFC) November 27, 2019
“A poor match yet again, we’ll struggle against Brighton playing like this!” – Andreas Baglo Kjaer on Facebook.
“That was bad, why can’t we do it the easy way once, just once!” – waldaz on the forums.
Napoli are just the Italian Stoke. Can we never play them again
— Dinesh Kumar (@DHardayal) November 27, 2019
Disappointing performance tonight by #LFC with not enough movement, creativity and weirdly intensity. Front three largely anonymous. Second game in a row where LFC haven't been good. But, it has to be said, also a perfect defensive showing by Napoli.
— Paul Grech (@paul_grech) November 27, 2019
That was old Liverpool. No answer to a parked bus.
— John O'Sullivan (@NotoriousJOS) November 27, 2019
I’d love to never, ever play Napoli again.
— Rory Greenfield (@RoryGreenfield) November 27, 2019
If we never play Napoli again it will be it’ll be too soon. #Kryptonite
— Karl (@KarlThyer) November 27, 2019
Some weren’t impressed with Klopp’s team selection…
It's ok to love Klopp and think he is the best manager in the world but also say you think he got it wrong tonight. Doesn't happen often, but it happened tonight.
— Green Scouser (@Green_Scouser) November 27, 2019
https://twitter.com/heytaarnold/status/1199809481984622598?s=20
Klopp has got this completely wrong tonight. He’s at fault tonight
— Josh (@LFCJosh23) November 27, 2019
“Sorry but I blame Jurgen for that performance tonight. Poor team selection.” – John Gardner on Facebook.
Klopp got the team wrong today
— Amy (@Ifcamy) November 27, 2019
#LIVNAP #LFC well below par, didn’t like Klopp’s midfield selection – espeically when not starting Trent. Anfield quietest I can remember in a long time under the light; plus a dreadful referee. So it goes to final round, since when did we ever do things the easy way anyhow?
— Eddie Gibbs (@eddiegibbs) November 27, 2019
https://twitter.com/ChristoKatsifis/status/1199809321762201600?s=20
A testing trip to Salzburg isn’t ideal…
Liverpool won the champions league last season, they can get a result against Salzburg.
— Rory Greenfield (@RoryGreenfield) November 27, 2019
https://twitter.com/stehoare/status/1199811647537385473?s=20
“We’ll have to finish off the job in Salzburg. As always, nothing will be easy for us.” – Hope in your heart on Facebook.
“A good chance lost to get a rest in December. Might have gambled here and put more effort in the first half for that rest in December, but will have to be at our A game now. Salzburg are a good attacking unit and it won’t be easy.” – Incognito on the forums.
Can we do it the easy way for once, lads? @LFC
— Ambassador Deep (@srijandeep) November 27, 2019
That Salzburg tie is already giving me nightmares.
— Green Scouser (@Green_Scouser) November 27, 2019
Referee Carlos del Cerro Grande’s woeful performance earned criticism…
Frustrating night, but still top of the group. Referee poor to say the least! Fabinho injury a blow but suspended for Saturday anyway.
— Jack Sear (@JackSear) November 27, 2019
I like the way there was a two minute scrap and he added 20 seconds on
— Phil Blundell (@PhilBlundell) November 27, 2019
Been a long time since I’ve seen a ref as bad as that clown
— Neil Docking (@NeilDocking) November 27, 2019
Frustrating night, but still top of the group. Referee poor to say the least! Fabinho injury a blow but suspended for Saturday anyway.
— Jack Sear (@JackSear) November 27, 2019
One of the most irritating things in football is referees not adding on any additional stoppage time when there's a lengthy stoppage in stoppage time.
— Joel Rabinowitz (@joel_archie) November 27, 2019
Let us know your thoughts on the game in the comments section.
Fan Comments