Kop Heist But It S Not Over Yet

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Robbery? How about larceny on a grand scale?
Liverpool’s 1-0 Champions League win over Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defied logic, and distorted reality.
Ex-Kop star-turned-pundit Jamie Carragher called it: “One of the biggest robberies you’ll ever see in football.”
Manager Arnie Slot admitted: “Had we got a draw, we still would have been lucky,” while PSG’s Luis Enrique claimed: “We were far superior to Liverpool.”
They were superior in every department except the one that matters most.
Harvey Elliott’s priceless late goal and the Anfield factor probably make the Reds favourites to go through in next week’s return leg of the last 16 tie.
But Kopites shouldn’t bank on it.
Yes, it has the makings of one of Liverpool’s great European nights. The Kop will be in full voice and Slot’s men cannot play as badly again.
But once the French champions have calmed down and watched what happened, they won’t be going there quaking in their boots.
Indeed, analysis will only reinforce the view that they were overwhelmingly the better side in the first leg.
They will also feel cheated by a couple of decisions that were pivotal.
All that said, they did miss a golden opportunity to not just beat Liverpool, but to make a statement that they are serious contenders for the crown.
Coming into the game, they had won 19 of their last 20 matches, having found a rich vein of form as Liverpool lost some of theirs.
It’s not a wobble by the EPL leaders who did what great sides do – found a way to win on an off night.
They may still become a great side, but they looked anything but in the early hours of Thursday morning, Malaysia time.
Apart from the scoreline, this was a thrashing – no two ways about it.
PSG were sensational as they were when they came from behind to beat Manchester City in the previous round.
What was missing were goals but they have also scored 11 times in their last three away games in this tournament.
And even with all the advantages Anfield brings, you fear that PSG were so superior they may have Liverpool’s number.
The quicksilver attackers ran the Reds ragged and it was only Alisson, in the game of his life, who prevented a cricket score.
The bare bones of what happened underpin the home side’s dominance: Shots: 27-2. Shots on target: 14-1. Possession: 70%-30%. Corners: 14-2.
These are devastating margins. And besides, they might have had a penalty and a goal that was disallowed for the flimsiest of offsides.
And with another referee, on another night, Ibrahima Konate could have been sent off.
Down by a man (and possibly two goals) midway through the first half, the tie could have been over.
Now it’s in the balance as is Liverpool’s season to some extent.
Even defeat is not going to derail their march to the EPL title but may just give Newcastle a glimmer of hope for the Carabao Cup.
A season that recently looked like one for the ages might yet end up with a single trophy.
A 20th league title in front of fans – the 19th was during Covid – isn’t going to be an anti-climax, but Kopites might have to rein in their greater expectations.
And the club hierarchy could be given quite a bit of food for thought for next season.
Maybe, just maybe, Liverpool are not as good as they looked a few weeks ago.
An extra body in January might have helped.
That’s what PSG did, bringing in Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for £50m from Napoli.
Known as “Kvaradona” by the locals after the immortal Maradona, he’s a player Liverpool looked at as a possible successor to Mo Salah.
And he showed why he’s in this kind of company.
In contrast, the Egyptian King was a mere commoner, feeding on scraps.
Ousmane Dembele showed why he was also considered and ultimately rejected.
Throughout his career, the Frenchman has driven managers to distraction with mesmeric dribbling followed by wayward finishing. In Paris, he produced both in abundance.
For Liverpool, only Allison shone, and a few notables fell short of the required standard.
The Brazilian keeper made nine saves, a few of them quite stupendous, which only added to PSG’s sense of injustice at the outcome.
It also makes you wonder about Liverpool’s goalkeeping situation.
With Caoimhin Kelleher as a reliable back-up and Giorgi Mamardashvili, who was outstanding for Georgia at the Euros, arriving in the summer, they have a surfeit of riches.
Kelleher looks like the one to make way.
But in front, at least on this evidence, they may need a few more additions.
How it will affect the three out-of-contract stars is anyone’s guess.
Probably “not much” in truth as Trent Alexander-Arnold seems headed for Real Madrid while Virgil van Dijk has always been expected to stay.
Mo Salah, who craves a shot at the Ballon d’Or, knows he has as much chance of winning it at Liverpool as anywhere else.
So he, too, may stay one more year.
But a new left-back is needed as well as perhaps a No 6 after all as Ryan Gravenberch may not be seen as the long-term answer.
Pulled on the night and weary from too many games, the Dutchman has not looked as good in the role in recent weeks.
Martin Zubimendi, the Real Sociedad star who changed his mind about joining, may now be going to Arsenal.
And a striker is also needed. PSG boss Luis Enrique spoke of “three fighter jets” before the game but all were grounded.
Instead, the much-maligned Darwin Nunez came on, caused confusion and provided an assist for the winner with a nicely weighted pass.
Elliott side-footed it without much power and it wasn’t going right in the corner, but a weak hand from Gianluigi Donnarumma couldn’t stop it.
It was the first save he had to make: football can be a cruel beast as Liverpool should be aware next week. - FMT
The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.

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