Liverpool does not lift its head

Shadows and doubts. Liverpool’s start of the course has validated several debates. That of the effectiveness of Trent Alexander-Arnold in defense, also that of the club itself in the transfer market. The team did not even show the intensity that had become a house brand in previous campaigns. After adding only two victories in the first three days, the break due to FIFA dates should offer a respite. A window of opportunity. To recharge batteries, to specify concepts. But Jürgen Klopp could only raise an eleven of circumstances in the return to competition, with some of his internationals accusing the matches with their respective teams.

Without Andy Robertson, and with Luís Díaz, Darwin Núñez and Diogo Jota on the bench. This is how Liverpool came out at the premiere of Roberto De Zerbi in the Premier League, who landed in England after Graham Potter left for Chelsea. The Italian coach had the dream start with Brighton. Leandro Trossard opened the scoring at Anfield after four minutes with a shot across the bottom of the post. And he extended the advantage of the visitors with a similar shot, again to the long post, after the first quarter of an hour.

The match was uphill for Liverpool, who pulled courage. He pushed. More out of necessity than conviction. With little head, but enough heart. He was touched by Klopp’s box, but Firmino raised it. The Brazilian scored after half an hour, although the VAR had to go into action to confirm that Mohamed Salah was not offside when he assisted his teammate. A carousel of emotions that ended up pushing Anfield and his team. Luis Diaz entered the game after the break and his impact was almost immediate. In the 53rd minute he led a Liverpool counter-attack, drawing in defenders and offering the ball to Firmino in the heart of the area. Cut and goal. Tie. sighs. Calm.

And frustration. Brighton had had opportunities to finish off their rival, but the good work of the Seagulls seemed to go unrewarded. The visitors dealt the two final blows. The first of them to themselves. Roberto Sánchez missed a corner kick, and Adam Webster couldn’t react when he realized the ball was coming towards him. Indeed, rebound, goal and comeback… momentary. Leandro Trossard had the last word with five minutes to go. A good attacking combination from Brighton ended with Kaoru Mitoma sending the ball into the area. Van Dijk fails to clear, and the ball reaches the Belgian footballer. Treble for him, disappointment for Anfield. Liverpool does not lift its head.