Liverpool suffered a rare Anfield defeat as they lost 2-0 to Atalanta in the Champions League on Wednesday evening.
A combination of injuries and a heavy fixture schedule meant Jurgen Klopp fielded an understrength, makeshift starting XI, and the Reds were subsequently second best for much of the 90 minutes.
Atalanta took the lead on the hour mark, Josip Ilicic latching onto Papu Gomez’s in-swinging cross and prodding home first time.
The visitors doubled their advantage four minutes later, Gomez again involved as his delivery was headed across the face of goal to the unmarked Robin Gosens, who applied the finishing touches to wrap up victory for Atalanta.
Let’s get into some player ratings.
1. Goalkeepers & Defenders
Georginio Wijnaldum (CM) – 5/10 – Played in the deep-lying role. Energetic and tenacious, but Liverpool were overwhelmed at times in the middle, with the makeshift backline not offered enough protection.
James Milner (CM)
– 5/10 – Moved into midfield after an impressive fullback showing at the weekend. Kept possession well at times but struggled to offer any probing threat.
Curtis Jones (CM) –
5/10 – Got overrun a bit in midfield as Liverpool struggled to create any opportunities and lacked intensity in possession.
3. Forwards
Mohamed Salah (RW) – 5/10 – In a game of few opportunities, Salah had Liverpool’s best of the first half but blazed over after creating an opening for himself in the box.
Divock Origi (ST) –
4/10 – Was largely starved of service and struggled to get involved before being replaced on the hour mark.
Sadio Mane (LW) –
4/10 – An unusually quiet evening from Mane who hardly got at the Atalanta backline and saw very little of the ball.
