Liverpool 1-0 Ajax: five talking points

Curtis Jones’ second-half effort separated the teams at Anfield on Tuesday night in just their fourth competitive clash of all time.

See: Liverpool 1-0 Ajax – extended recaps

And the result meant that the Reds cannot be caught at the top of the section and qualify as group winners with one game to play.

Here are five talking points from the victory against the Dutch team …

Kelleher shines on the European stage

Caoimhin Kelleher’s four first-team appearances for Liverpool prior to Tuesday night had come in national cup competitions last season when he gained senior experience.

For a long time he was part of the organization under the leadership of Jürgen Klopp, in fact he won a Champions League champion medal as a member of the team in Madrid 18 months before his European opportunity against Ajax arrived.

The Cork-born stopper was tasked with taking a leap onto a much bigger stage when Alisson Becker missed the Group D competition due to a hamstring injury.

But you never would have guessed that the match was Kelleher’s Champions League debut given his performance of the night, marked by calm, composure and an especially crucial save.

With the Reds’ lead still vulnerable 1-0 in the 88th minute, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar looked like a certain scorer when he was picked in the middle of the penalty area for a close-range header.

Kelleher, however, produced a point-blank reaction stop not only to repel the striker, but to push the ball safely over the crossbar, quelling Ajax’s late pursuit of a draw.

He made four saves in total to help Liverpool post a fourth clean sheet in the competition this season and the third in his five outings for the club.

The fact that Klopp addressed Kelleher directly with a beaming smile immediately after the full-time whistle encapsulated the impressive nature of the Irishman’s Champions League bow.

“Top. Up, up, up” said his goalkeeper’s boss after the game. “I’m pretty sure he will either sleep very well tonight or not sleep at all, but he will enjoy both.”

A winner made in Kirkby

After being used alone as a substitute against Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend following a minor fitness complaint, Jones returned to the XI against Ajax and scored his first Champions League goal.

The winner in the 58th minute was created by fellow Academy graduate Neco Williams, whose deep cross from the right flank was miscalculated in flight by Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana and cleverly cushioned into the net by Jones.

It was the midfielder’s sixth goal in the senior category, at the rate of one in four games, and the culmination of another striking performance by Scouser, who has started eight of Liverpool’s 18 games this season and has been on the squad. in all the days. .

At 19 years and 306 days, he became the third youngest player to score for the club in the competition, after David Ngog and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Meanwhile, Williams’ assist was the most important contribution of his own assured showing, as the Welsh international showed confidence on the ball and defensive diligence to quell Ajax’s attacking threats.

The pair of products from the Reds’ youth base in Kirkby also made history that night: It was the first time two teenagers had combined for a Champions League goal for Liverpool.

Hendo the director

Jordan Henderson returned to the starting eleven for the first time since the Premier League meeting with Manchester City on 8 November and his vocal influence on the team could be literally heard.

Football behind closed doors has highlighted how communicative the captain is during the 90 minutes, as he demands, motivates, encourages and supports each of his teammates during the 90 minutes.

Henderson also does his bidding: The No. 14 led the team’s tally in key passes (three), passes in the opposition half (30), crosses (four) and possession gains (seven).

“No matter what 11 or 14, 15 or whatever he manages to play in the game, they give absolutely everything.” explained after the final whistle.

“We have fantastic players, especially the young players tonight who once again showed their quality to get us all three points.

“Overall, I am really satisfied with the performance. I know it’s not our best performance but I feel like it was a battle royale and everyone gave their all until the 90th minute and you get your rewards, you get your three points. That is why I am really satisfied with it. “

A game to spare

Klopp has guided his team to the knockout stages of the Champions League for the fourth consecutive season.

The difference this year? There will be no nails bitten before and on matchday six, as the work is already done and dusted off before Liverpool’s last game of this phase, the trip to FC Midtjylland next Wednesday.

The Reds had previously left it for last, requiring positive results against Spartak Moscow, Napoli and Salzburg in the final group matches of the previous three seasons.

But this time they can enjoy a stress-free trip to Denmark and perhaps a chance for the coach to rest and rotate the players as Liverpool continue to defend their Premier League title.

Wolverhampton Wanderers visit Anfield and Klopp’s men travel to Fulham on both sides of their showdown with Midtjylland.

An eye on the last 16

The 1-1 draw between Atalanta BC and Midtjylland in Bergamo on Tuesday night meant that Liverpool’s victory not only secured a place in the knockout rounds, but also secured first place in Group D.

Therefore, the Reds know that they will be paired with a runner-up from one of the other seven groups in the round of 16, when the draw takes place on Monday, December 14.

It also means that Klopp’s men will play the second leg of their tie at Anfield, with those matches scheduled for February 15/16 and March 16/17.

FC Porto is already confirmed as one of Liverpool’s seven possible opponents, who will not be able to avoid the Group D runners-up or any other English club.