Liverpool got their Champions League campaign back on track with a late 2-1 victory over Ajax.
Jurgen Klopp’s side needed a response following last week’s shocking 4-1 defeat in Napoli, arguably one of their worst performances under his tenure.
Mohamed Salah’s first Champions League goal of the season put them ahead in the 17th minute, but the lead only lasted 10 minutes as Mohammed Kudus smashed in an equaliser.
Liverpool dominated the second half and will be scratching their heads as to how they didn’t find a winner sooner, with 24 shots to Ajax’s three.
However, just as it looked as their terrible run of luck would continue, an unlikely source in Joel Matip headed home from a corner to give the Reds a much needed three points heading into the international break.
Matip wins it late on for Liverpool vs Ajax! ⚽️⏱ pic.twitter.com/QzPGkIM2q5
— Watch the UCL on LiveScore 🇮🇪 (@LiveScoreIE) September 13, 2022
While the likes of Salah and Thiago impressed, Didi Hamann was impressed by the Liverpool defence this evening.
Liverpool have injured a difficult start to the season, with only two victories in the Premier League. While injuries to key players has played it's part, Virgil Van Dijk and Alexander Arnold have been criticised for their form early in the season.
Speaking on RTÉ after the game, the former Liverpool midfielder praised Klopp’s side for controlling the game, something they have failed to do this season.
The defensive solidity shown by Liverpool in the win over Ajax was something that @DietmarHamann was impressed with #LIVAJA #UCL #rtesoccer pic.twitter.com/Y02XgpgJku
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) September 13, 2022
“When you’re so dominant over 90 minutes, sometimes you can lack awareness and alertness defending because you attack and create so many chances and you think they wont score another one or they won't hurt us.
This is where a lapse of concentration for Ajax can lead to another goal for Ajax and you are 2-1 down and all of a sudden you need to try and get an equaliser.
Apart from the one chance of Daley Blind, they controlled the game over the 90 minutes, and that’s something they haven’t done that well this season.”
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