Despite a lackluster effort at Anfield, Ryan Gravenberch scores Liverpool’s first goal following a mistake by the goalie, and Diogo Jota adds a second off the bench ahead of Sunday’s trip to Brighton. Report as Liverpool wins both of their Europa League games.
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After Ryan Gravenberch scored the first goal for the team in a 2-0 victory over Union Saint-Gilloise at Anfield in the Europa League, Jurgen Klopp declared that Liverpool was “over” their loss to Tottenham.
Just before the half, Gravenberch took advantage of a mistake made by Union goalkeeper Anthony Moris, and after Darwin Nunez missed a clear opportunity, he finished from close range. Stoppage-time substitute Diogo Jota completed the victory as Liverpool moved past the VAR issue from Saturday.
When asked how Jota handled receiving a red card over the weekend, Klopp responded, “How should he deal with it? I knew it would not be easy. That game is in the past, and both Diogo and I have moved on from it. We are not young people.”
Despite a lackluster effort, Liverpool overcame the Belgian league leaders on a quiet evening at Anfield, and they currently lead Group E after winning both of their opening two games. With four points, Toulouse, a French team, is in second place, followed by Union and LASK Linz.
After Cody Gakpo sustained an injury and Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota received suspensions at Tottenham, Jurgen Klopp will be happy to see all of his players emerge unhurt. Liverpool travels to Brighton on Sunday, live on Sky Sports, in an attempt to get back on track in the league following their bitter loss on Saturday.
How Liverpool put VAR controversy behind them
Image:Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch has three goal contributions in three starts for his new side
After ten minutes, Nunez’s goal was disallowed for offside, reminding Liverpool of Luis Diaz’s incorrectly disallowed goal. On this occasion, the right choice was taken.
Despite controlling the ball, the hosts were brusque following their nine substitutions. When through on goal early on, Mohamed Salah—possibly a surprise starter in Europe’s second-tier competition—was unable to get past Union goalie Moris.
Liverpool’s lackluster performance aside, the opportunities continued to come. A cross from Salah found Nunez with a six-yard chance with the goal open. Gustaf Nilsson headed over as Union almost punished Nunez for his wastefulness from a corner.
Just before halftime, Union goalkeeper Moris gifted Gravenberch the lead after spilling Trent Alexander-Arnold’s shot. The midfield player, who signed a £34.2 million contract on Deadline Day from Bayern Munich, scored his first goal from close range.
At halftime, Klopp made three changes in an apparent attempt to rein in his team’s lackluster performance, but Liverpool was still having trouble getting going. Alisson almost gave himself an own goal when he misplayed a punch that Liverpool’s 20-year-old defender Jarell Quansah had to push off the goal line.
Making his first start in more than a month, Alexander-Arnold completed an hour before being removed from the game as he continues to recover from an injury. For the first time, Alexis Mac Allister came off the bench to share the field with his younger brother, Kevin.
Liverpool’s inability to increase their lead worried Anfield as Moris tipped over attempts from Jota and Gravenberch. A great opportunity was also lost by substitute Diaz, who struck the post in the closing moments as Union threatened but was unable to muster any significant results.
Jota then executed a brilliant counterattack in stoppage time to seal the victory. The Portugal international, who has six goals this season for both club and country, will be rested for Liverpool’s difficult match against Brighton on Sunday.
Even if it wasn’t exactly a classic performance, Klopp can find solace in the knowledge that his Liverpool team consistently prevails despite performing below expectations. The Reds are also one step closer to gaining early qualification to the round of 16. Three more points.
‘Top bloke’ Gravenberch, according to Klopp
“It was a good beginning, but we lost rhythm and played too much around the formation and in the formation,” said Jurgen Klopp, manager of Liverpool, to TNT Sports. You take what you receive in these situations, and we ought to have had more guidance. While acting professionally, we could have done a better job.”
He went on, “He is a top bloke and I am really happy for him,” about goal scorer Gravenberch. It wasn’t the end of the world during his time at Bayern, but for a young player, playing 35 games is rather normal. He can now establish rhythm, and you can see that when he plays the ball.
“He is very amazing when we can get him in the appropriate spots. Everyone is incredibly happy for him. Although that may not have been the hardest goal he has ever scored, a goal is nonetheless a goal. Everybody counts equally.
The Liverpool boss continued, “I think we should try it if we can [rotate].” Brighton’s turnaround is just brief. We need to improve because we performed horribly there last year. I detest reflecting on the game after it has ended, but given the short turnaround times, we must. We have to do this since we won’t have two strikers available for the next game.”
Gravenberch: My career’s greatest ambition
Gravenberch, a midfielder for Liverpool, told TNT Sports: “It’s fantastic. It is really satisfying. I believe that was my best career goal to date. It makes no difference [how it arrives]. A goal is just a goal.
When asked what at Liverpool has changed, he responded, “I think the minutes.” A player gains confidence when you give them minutes, and that’s all.
“They are a really good group, and they are really friendly [at Liverpool]. Young players are also there, and I’m just having fun. I enjoy it. We’re in such a wonderful mood, and I think Liverpool did a great job signing such good players.”
Gravenberch expressed his gratitude for the standing ovation, saying, “It meant a lot, a lot.” Their positive energy makes me very happy, and I would like to return the favor.”
Next, what?
On Sunday, live on Sky Sports Premier League from 1pm, Liverpool takes on Brighton at the Amex Stadium in the Premier League. Kickoff is at 2pm.
After the international break, Liverpool will play their next league match on Saturday, October 21, at Anfield against Everton, with a kickoff time of 12.30 p.m.