Liverpool cruised out 1-0 winners against Ajax last night, securing qualification to the knockout stages of the Champions League after five group games with a surprise start in goal for Caoimhín Kelleher after Alisson’s injury before the game.
The Reds started the game well with Curtis Jones hitting the post early on after a great curling shot towards goal – no surprise that Jurgen Klopp has opted for the youngster after his recent form for the club.
Ajax held firm and offered chances on the counter with Davy Klaassen and Ryan Gravernberch missing out with close chances – the Reds looked comfortable overall but not without the evident threat that the Dutch side can impose at times.
The first half overall was a fair one in my opinion – both sides had their share of chances and possession, but failed to make a dent in the scoreline before half time.
Andy Robertson looked to have struggled early on after a strong challenge on his ankle but carried on – an injury to the Scotsman would have seen the whole of Liverpool’s first-choice back four on the sidelines. It would be incredible if it was the case and would surely add to Klopp’s calls for the 5 substitute rule and the possible alterations to the kick-off times of late.
Who was your MOTM vs Ajax?
Neco Williams
Curtis Jones
Caoimhín Kelleher
Jordan Henderson
The second half again provided some fantastic end to end football, with a great chance for Neco Williams that stuck in my mind after a cross into the box by Sadio Mané made it’s way to the young Welshman on the edge of the box but was put off of his volley by Mo Salah who made a darting run across him in an attempt to get a shot off.
Out of nowhere, the Reds took the lead with Welshman Williams producing a fantastic cross that went deep behind the Ajax backline, leaving their defence and goalkeeper completed flat-footed with Jones there to tap the ball into an empty net but not without its difficulties from a very tight angle.
Williams impressed me so much throughout the game and definitely showed his critics just what he has in his locker – the 19-year-old has plenty of ability in both defence and attack and showed that for the fans to see tonight.
Liverpool had chances galore to add more to the scoresheet, with Roberto Firmino coming close after coming on in place of Diogo Jota, with the Brazilian’s shot stopped by a great low save from Andre Onana.
Kelleher impressed throughout the game, with his point-blank save from Klaas Jan Huntelaar’s header in the last knockings of the game keeping the Reds’ lead in tact.
It was just the performance the club needed after some recent results not going our way – the club secured qualification and can now use the game against FC Midtjylland to rest key players for the big winter period of games ahead.
What do you think Liverpool fans, were you impressed with the Reds’ performance against Ajax? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section down below…