Lessons Learned: Referee Controversies and Key Performances in Leipzig Clash | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Grit and Controversies in Champions League Victory Over Leipzig

Remember how everyone says the officials abroad are better yeah? We’ll get to that a little bit later, but there was a lot to like from a number of reds in this encounter. Arne Slot now has 11 victories from his 12 Liverpool matches and if anything he’ll be annoyed with how difficult his troops made it. They seemed determined to give Leipzig encouragement late on, but it was without doubt a deserved victory as they sit 2nd just behind Villa on goal difference. We look at the lessons learned from another brilliant away day victory in the champions league.

Photo: IMAGO

Referee?!?!

It’s almost tempting to say bring back John Brooks in a way. Well almost. It’s hard to believe you can get worse referees than outside the premier league, but after the randomer who booked Konate for nothing against Bologna, we got Swiss entrant in this contest. Alexis Mac Allister was clearly taken out by Leipzig captain Orban, yet somehow ended up with a yellow card for simulation. Even worse, Darwin Nunez was clearly tripped by the same player in the area, only for a goal kick to be given. To compound it, VAR didn’t intervene for a clear and obvious error. For all the technology that exists, officiating is at its lowest point in years. I’ve no idea what to even say anymore.

Tale of Two Keepers

Technically we can almost claim both of these truth be told. They shouldn’t have really needed him, but Liverpool did need to call upon Kelleher a number of times, especially late on. He made 6 saves and none better than the 1-1 point blank from Leipzig’s danger man in Sesko. The Irish keeper also held onto a couple from Haidara and made a fingertip one to prevent a deflected Simons shot going in. Gulacsi was also brilliant and a couple of saves from Van Dijk and Gakpo really stood out. The former Liverpool keeper showed that he’s a top class keeper in his own right. The current and former number two’s at Liverpool really are top quality.

Photo by IMAGO

Nunez Nunez Nunez!

In fairness to Darwin, he deserved this for his efforts against Chelsea alone. However angry Mo Salah actually was, he did the right thing to stab home from close range and make sure for the reds. He proved to be the match-winner, but his team-mates will have appreciated his work ethic even more, as the Uruguayan pressed like a demon and won his share of tackles again. He was unlucky with a header which drew a fine save from Gulacsi and how he didn’t get a penalty is anyone’s guess. With Jota’s absence he couldn’t have picked a better time to come into form. Maybe wise for Slot to take him off late and ensure he’s as ready as can be for Arsenal.