Problems mount for Klopp and Liverpool after Napoli mauling

Liverpool's Champions League campaign got off to the worst possible start after being thumped in southern Italy. Piotr Zielinski's fifth minute penalty set them on their way, Anguissa made it two after 31 minutes and Giovanni Simeone got the third just before the break. Zielinski struck again just after half-time while Luis Diaz netted a consolation for the Merseysiders. The manner of the defeat will be of great concern to Jurgen Klopp. Van Dijk's poor form continued as he conceded a penalty, which ended up being saved, while Joe Gomez was hauled off at half-time after being outclassed by a sharp Napoli outfit. 

Napoli flew out the blocks quickly and nearly took the lead inside 60 seconds after a miscalculation by Alisson, but Victor Osimhen struck the post from a tight angle. Then, after five minutes, the home side went ahead. Zielinski's shot from inside the area was blocked by the outstretched arm of Milner and the Pole sent Alisson the wrong way from the penalty spot. 

It was the worst possible start for Klopp's side and it nearly got worse for them when Van Dijk was penalised by VAR for stepping on Osimhen's foot. However, Napoli decided to change their penalty taker and Alisson saved Osimhen's poor spot kick. Liverpool could not take advantage of the reprieve and it was so nearly two when Osimhen dispossessed Gomez and played for Kvaratskhelia, but the Georgian was denied by Van Dijk on the goal line. 

Just after the half hour, Napoli scored again. Gomez lost the ball to Kvaratskhelia, Zielinski gave to Anguissa and he beat Alisson to double their advantage. Van Dijk had an opportunity for Liverpool at the other end, but Napoli were dominant. 

 

September 7, 2022

The only piece of bad news for Napoli in the first half was losing Osimhen to injury after he pulled a muscle while chasing a ball. However, his substitute, Giovanni Simeone, made an instant impact. Anguissa began the move, Kvarathskhelia ran past Alexander-Arnold and then fended off Gomez before squaring for Simeone to tap in. It ended a disastrous first half for Liverpool which saw them 3-0 down at the break. 

The second half saw Matip replace Gomez, but Spaletti's men got a fourth in the 47th minute through Zielinski. A long ball was played forward to Zielinski, he was denied by a fine Alisson save and was then alert to the rebound put the game beyond the Premier League side. 

Luis Diaz was one of Liverpool's bright sparks and he got a consolation for the visitors after striking one past Meret. The Colombian almost scored again just after the hour mark after get his head to Alexander-Arnold's cross, but Meret made a fine stop to deny him. 

Liverpool made a triple sub which saw Nunez, Jota and Thiago come on, but Klopp's side were unable to score again. Napoli were comfortable for the rest of the game and got a very well deserved three points. For Liverpool, their poor start to the season continues and there is plenty of work for Klopp to do ahead of upcoming home matches with Wolves and Ajax.