Liverpool’s Champions League exit by the hands of PSG was dissected in forensic element by Dan Kennett, Simon Brundish, and Phil Barter on the Underneath Stress podcast for Anfield Index. From recreation state dominance and tactical shifts to missed probabilities and defensive lapses, the trio analysed why Liverpool fell brief regardless of a powerful second-half efficiency at Anfield.
Missed Probabilities and Recreation State Management
Liverpool’s quick begin was a serious speaking level, with Brundish praising their early depth: “The primary 25 minutes have been insane. We compelled PSG into lengthy balls—they didn’t need to play out.”
The Reds had their moments, significantly Mohamed Salah’s two early probabilities, which Brundish described as “totally sensible bits of soccer.” The second was a near-miss: “I used to be celebrating. I believed it was in.”
Nonetheless, Barter’s statistical breakdown highlighted a key situation: Liverpool dominated possession (80% discipline tilt within the first half) however struggled with their threat-to-xG conversion. “We have been in the fitting areas, however we weren’t making the fitting selections,” he famous.
Brundish strengthened this: “We dominated the second half, however you’ve bought to attain while you’re on high.”
PSG’s Aim: Low-cost or Avoidable?
Liverpool’s Achilles’ heel this season has been conceding mushy objectives, and PSG’s opener was no exception. Kennett was blunt: “One other actually annoying, fully avoidable purpose.”
Brundish dissected the defensive sequence intimately, arguing that Virgil van Dijk was at fault:
“He had an ideal view of Dembélé, however didn’t interact.”
“When Dembélé will get the ball, Virg chooses to drop off as a substitute of urgent.”
“That alone value the purpose—he performed Barcola onside.”
Nonetheless, Kennett wasn’t satisfied Van Dijk was the first situation, as a substitute pointing to Andy Robertson’s passive defending. “It wasn’t his best hour,” he admitted.
The ball finally discovered Dembélé, whose cross was turned in after a chaotic sequence, leaving Brundish pissed off on the luck issue: “The Monte Carlo chance of that bounce was in all probability one in 150,000.”
Tactical Shifts and Trent’s Damage Affect
Liverpool’s second-half efficiency was arguably their better of the season, with Brundish stating: “We have been sensible till Trent went off.”
The Reds pinned PSG again, with Kennett noting a key tactical shift: “We averted the center within the second half and performed by the half-spaces as a substitute.”
Barter offered the statistical backing:
Liverpool’s lengthy ball fee elevated by 16%, bypassing PSG’s central press.
Liverpool accomplished eight progressive passes into the half-spaces—double their first-half numbers.
Nonetheless, Alexander-Arnold’s harm within the 73rd minute modified every little thing. Brundish identified it instantly: “Trent’s completed. It’s an ankle ligament sprain, and that is his third harm in March.”
Liverpool misplaced management after his departure, with PSG regaining momentum and finally dominating further time. Barter’s numbers have been stark:
Penalty Shootout and Missed Substitutions
Liverpool’s penalty taker choice got here beneath scrutiny, with Brundish questioning the substitutions: “We ended up with suboptimal penalty takers after the Trent harm.”
Kennett highlighted that Trent, Mac Allister, and Szoboszlai—three of Liverpool’s finest penalty takers—have been all off the pitch by the point of the shootout.
Brundish identified: “Gakpo might barely run. He had three touches in 25 minutes and wasn’t taking a penalty.”
“If we’re holding everybody to the identical customary, he shouldn’t have been on the pitch.”
As for the penalties themselves, Kennett felt Darwin Núñez’s effort was weak: “Simply put it within the nook for God’s sake.”
And Barter’s numbers on Alisson in shootouts have been damning: “He has one of many worst data amongst high keepers.”
In the long run, PSG’s freshness, tactical self-discipline, and medical ending proved the distinction, however Liverpool left the tie figuring out that they had the probabilities to progress.
Closing Ideas
Liverpool’s Champions League exit was a narrative of missed probabilities, tactical naivety, and dangerous luck, however Brundish remained philosophical: “Two nice groups went at it, and considered one of them needed to win.”
For Liverpool, the main focus now shifts to the Premier League and home cups, with Brundish making a key statement: “We’re 15 factors clear and have the very best assault of the Klopp period.”
Regardless of the European heartbreak, Kennett reminded listeners of 1 essential truth: “We’re on the identical factors complete after 29 video games because the 2018-19 season.”
With Arne Slot now main Liverpool, the problem can be guaranteeing this marketing campaign nonetheless ends with silverware.