Liverpool huffed and puffed but couldn’t overcome a 3-0 first-leg setback to Atalanta on Thursday night in Bergamo, despite Mo Salah converting an early penalty for Jurgen Klopp’s side, who won 1-0.
The stunning defeat to Gian Piero Gasperini’s side at Anfield proved too much on Thursday night. Gianluca Scamacca scored twice, while Mario Pasalic added a third.
In the second leg tonight, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross was handled early on, and Salah responded. Overall, it was a frustrating night for Liverpool, as Atalanta’s defenders stood firm throughout.
Salah wasted a guilt-edged chance to make it two in the first half, but in the second, Liverpool appeared to be trying too hard, attempting to create when things weren’t going their way. Atalanta dealt with it.
Atalanta knocked Liverpool out of the Europa League in Bergamo.Indeed, Atalanta was able to counter with ease at times, having easily the best chances in the second half. It was ultimately too much for Klopp’s team, but they still won the game and kept a clean sheet.
With Liverpool’s forward attempting to force the issue, Cody Gakpo moved across to the left flank and attempted to backheel a pass past two Atalanta defenders to the onrushing Andy Robertson. It did not come off.
It also allowed Atalanta to break, and they should have capitalized on the opportunity in 60 minutes. Steve McManaman, a co-commentator for TNT Sports, criticized the 24-year-old Liverpool forward.
“Gakpo gave the ball away with a sloppy flick near midfield. Liverpool must be considerably more careful because the manner Atalanta plays will result in punishment,” McManaman observed, as Gakpo gave it away.
Cody Gakpo is struggling this season and has stated it himself.Gakpo had another rough night on Thursday. He tried to make things happen; perhaps his greatest moment was a wonderful touch into the path of Luis Diaz, who just couldn’t get there in time to score.
The Dutch star was a tremendous talent at PSV, but his numbers for Liverpool are nowhere near what Klopp had hoped for. In 73 games, he only scored 21 goals and assisted seven times. He has been open about his form.
Indeed, the attacker has stated that he understands how disappointed some Liverpool fans are with his lack of form this season. Joe Gomez was clearly irritated with him against Brighton. Liverpool needs more from him.