Liverpool defeated Belgian team Union SG without much fanfare to make it two victories in a row to begin their most recent European campaign.
Union SG 2-0 Liverpool
Goals: Gravenberch 44′, Jota 90+2′
Midfield balance
Even though Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch may not have been at the top of many people’s lists this summer when looking for new No. 8s and defensive midfielders, they provide decent balance when playing together.
This was undoubtedly the case when Union SG was the opponent, as the Dutchman felt free to advance while feeling secure in the support of his teammate.
When the ball is lost, Endo can break things up and recycle the ball well. He can also produce line-breaking passes.
Although he has room for improvement, he is already a valuable asset.
By frightening the Union goalkeeper with a well-hit long-range shot and then being on hand later in the first half to seize a loose ball and score, Gravenberch has established himself as a threat in and around the box.
These are good early beginnings for a pair who offer much-needed quality depth and varied talents to Liverpool’s midfield ranks. There will no doubt be still more to come from these players as they adjust to their positions in their new squad, but these are encouraging early indicators.
Pre-planned changes
Due to the withdrawals of Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez, and Endo, it is clear that the halftime substitutions were planned in advance.
Given that Curtis Jones was the player who replaced Salah and that he will serve a three-game suspension after receiving a red card against Spurs, it made sense to give him a significant amount of playing time.
Diogo Jota, who also at Spurs played the entire game and added a goal at the end, will also serve a one-match suspension after receiving two yellow cards.
Nunez and Salah will likely start the following game against Brighton together because Cody Gakpo will be out injured, and Endo’s departure might also suggest that he is in Jurgen Klopp’s starting XI for this weekend.
Given that both Salah and Nunez squandered golden opportunities in the first half, they were probably not pleased to be excluded from the second half.
They would have been dismayed to learn that their name was not on the teamsheet before their shift was finished for the night.
Given that Liverpool will often play two games each week and with an upcoming international break, they are clearly playing a well-planned game of rest and rotation.
Never out of first gear
This game never really appeared to get going, maybe it was the number of substitutions at halftime, maybe it was some sort of comedown from the drama of the weekend.
The mood was generally calm, but happy and comfortable, and Liverpool only needed to pass their way to a 1-0 victory if they want it thanks to the early-ish goal.
Although they did finally add one through Jota, it was never without the air that they didn’t really need to.
The mood of the game as a whole mirrored this since Liverpool ultimately did a good job.
Union had a few opportunities, including a header in the first half, and would have thought they were still in the game if it had remained 1-0, but in the end, Liverpool easily picked up three points.
Following the full-time whistle, TNT Sports returned to the studio, and Michael Owen’s analysis was “fine.” Which encapsulated it.
Quansah good on Euro debut
This Quansah appears nice. Along with appearances in the Premier League and League Cup, players are now receiving games in the Europa League.
He joined the consistently brilliant Ibrahima Konate, and although if it’s still early, it appears that the future of Liverpool’s defense’s center is in good hands.
Quansah consistently made wise decisions, helped by the arrogant Konate, who occasionally seems uncrackable.
Both in and out of possession, there is a blend of athleticism, game reading, and football intellect.
That you can say this about Quansah, a Warrington youth product who was only introduced to the first team this season, is a credit to his talent.
The coaching staff should also be commended for bringing him on board at the appropriate moment and for ensuring that he had a spot on the squad despite requests for fresh defensive acquisitions.
Credit the Union SG fans
Although Liverpool may have felt that this was just another routine home game in a group round of a European tournament, it was obvious that the opposing fans were experiencing something special.
In an effort to support their side against all odds, the Union supporters contributed to the atmosphere-making process.
The preceding few days, and particularly in the hours leading up to the game, the city had seen a scattering of people wearing Union’s distinctive yellow home jerseys.
Their capo, who had his back to the game to ensure that the volume of those he was commanding rarely decreased, led their away following in continual singing.
Liverpool anticipates playing in Europe each season; they belong there and perhaps may feel more at home there than they do at home. Union supporters served as a reminder of the range and fervor of the fandom that exists across Europe, to which Liverpool contributes.
The subsequent match in Saint-Gilles, Brussels, in December will no doubt be equally enjoyable for Liverpool fans who were fortunate enough to be able to go to watch the game.
