Napoli 4-1 Liverpool (Zielinski 5′ pen, 47′, Zambo Anguissa 31′, Simeone 44′ | Diaz 49′)
STADIO DIEGO ARMANDO MARADONA — When you’re feeling vulnerable, the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona isn’t a place you want to be. As stunningly set, sun-drenched and vibrant as Naples is, it’s also a ferociously hostile place to play football.
Liverpool know that all too well. This was Jurgen Klopp’s third trip to the Campanian capital in the last five seasons, and he came away with a third defeat.
This one was different, though. Napoli tore their illustrious English visitors to pieces. Their hungry attackers feasted on a dithering high line and kept coming back for seconds.
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The ferocity with which Napoli attacked the visitors matched the eardrum-bursting efforts of the crowd from the start, as a post was struck and a penalty scored inside five minutes.
A second penalty was saved by Alisson. There was a desperate goal-line clearance from Virgil van Dijk. Then two more goals were scored to make a 3-0 deficit at the break that could have been much worse.
It soon was, when Piotr Zielinski got his second within two minutes of the restart, and Luis Diaz’s immediate response was well taken, but will be remembered as the definition of cold comfort.
On the day of Thomas Tuchel’s sudden sacking by Chelsea, Liverpool fans may now be pondering when a slump becomes a crisis.
Nine points were taken from six Premier League games before the Reds put in a shambolic performance on a chastening night in Naples.
Liverpool’s defence was shredded by Napoli’s pace and power and if anything, 4-1 flattered the visitors.
The home players wanted it more and fired into their man-to-man battles with gusto. The travelling supporters might not have expected all their issues at both ends of the pitch to be solved in Italy, but they would’ve expected to see greater fight.
Where does Klopp go from here? There was some good news as Thiago Alcantara returned from injury off the bench, but the recovery job will require more than a Spanish playmaker.
The high line was in disarray in Naples, leaving far too much space behind despite the rapidly growing evidence that it was getting the best out of Napoli.
Joe Gomez, who was hooked at half-time, will want to forget this night as quickly as possible and Van Dijk was uncharacteristically unsteady.
Liverpool have conceded the first goal in five games this season already, but they were seemingly more than willing to graciously hand Napoli an even greater lead as they conceded two penalties inside the opening 18 minutes, only one of which was scored thanks to Alisson’s save on Victor Osimhen for the second.
Liverpool attempted a rally of sorts as a series of corners came and went and Trent Alexander-Arnold whipped a free-kick that needed to be saved, but Mohamed Salah had an off night, summed up by his inability to control an excellent pass when he was in a good position in the box.
Van Dijk cleared livewire Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s shot off the line before Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa and substitute Giovanni Simeone netted to make Napoli the first side to score three goals in a Champions League first half against Liverpool in eight years.
NAPOLI 3-0 LIVERPOOL
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) September 7, 2022
The hosts assert even more dominance before half time, with Giovanni Simeone scoring with one of his first touches since coming onto the pitch!
A #UCL debut goalpic.twitter.com/gLtV2QJCOp
Zielinski was left with acres of space to have a shot well saved by Alisson but dink in the rebound within two minutes of the restart, and Diaz’s well-taken finish did little to mask a blunt attacking display.
The winger was the Reds’ liveliest attacker, later drawing a fine save from Alex Meret, and he was the only member of the front three to survive a refresh with half an hour to go when Salah and Roberto Firmino were replaced by Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez.
By then, however, it was an exhibition. A glorious night for one of Europe’s most passionate football cities, but one that has left Klopp with more questions than answers.
Liverpool player ratings
By Michael Hincks
Alisson Becker: Caught out early on with the lightning-quick Osimhen rounding the ‘keeper before hitting post from a narrow angle. No chance of stopping first spot-kick but went to right way to keep out Osimhen’s poor penalty. Initially did well to save Zielinski’s shot but spilled it right back for the forward’s second. 5/10
Trent Alexander-Arnold: A ghost when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia orchestrated Napoli’s third and with Gomez next to him it was a space the hosts exposed time and time again. Put in some good crosses, but came up short defensively. 4/10
Virgil van Dijk: Judged to have fouled Osimhen for Napoli’s second penalty that was saved by Alisson. Then made a huge goalline clearance to rescue Gomez but the defensive partnership continued to falter and Van Dijk looked leggy. 5/10
Joe Gomez: Second-best when Osimhen caught him out and was at fault for the second goal when Kvaratskhelia robbed him of the ball. Too easily muscled off the ball by Kvaratskhelia for Napoli’s third. Replaced at half-time. 2/10
Andy Robertson: Given the night his defensive team-mates had, Robertson fared a little better. 6/10
Harvey Elliott: Bar Diaz, arguably Liverpool’s best player on the night. Not exactly a high bar, mind, but Elliott currently looks more assured than those around him, those with years more experience than him. 6/10
Fabinho: Continues to play with a lethargy that suggests he is not fully fit. Could do with a rest despite Liverpool being light in midfield. 5/10
James Milner: Below-par first half and his continued presence for Liverpool shines a light on Klopp’s midfield options. A welcome sight for Liverpool fans when Thiago replaced him. 5/10
Mo Salah: Under the spotlight for playing too wide, at times operated centrally when switching with Firmino, but struggled again. Ineffectual before coming off. 5/10
Roberto Firmino: Like Salah, failed to get a foothold on the game and was subbed off midway through the second half. 5/10
Luis Diaz: With chances few and far between for Liverpool, scored a superb goal to make it 4-1 and then saw a powerful header saved. The only Liverpool player who showed proper fight. “The one shining light,” said Martin Keown on BT Sport. 7/10
Subs:
Joel Matip: Almost headed in for Liverpool moments after coming on. 5/10
Thiago Alcantara: A welcome return, will be needed going forward. 6/10
Diogo Jota: Part of a triple sub but did little of note after coming on. 6/10
Darwin Nunez: Saw one attempt block as Liverpool’s hopes of a comeback faded. 6/10
Arthur: On for his debut late on in the second half. n/a
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