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Liverpool kicked off their Champions League campaign with a win at Ajax.
A rare own goal by Ajax defender Nicolas Tagliafico gave the Reds a 1-0 win in the Netherlands on Wednesday night.
The result means that Jurgen Klopp’s team is in second place in the Group D starting table behind the pace-setting Atalanta.
But there were many things that went unnoticed or under the radar during the 90 minutes at the Johan Cruijff ArenA …
Poulsen pounds
Christian Poulsen didn’t have Liverpool’s best career. In fact, there are some observers who believe it was one of the worst of Anfield’s modern era.
The Dane was past his prime when Roy Hodgson brought him to the club in 2010, his 21 memorable appearances in how forgettable they were.
And there was evidently no sentiment for his former club as he sat on the bench as Ajax’s assistant manager, hitting the ground in frustration when the home team turned down an injury-time opportunity to equalize.
As Reds fans will attest at the time, it was not an unusual reaction when Poulsen and Liverpool shared the same stadium.
Adrian the almighty
It was a slightly backwards game from Adrian, who ended up tackling his own teammate Joe Gomez and fluttering in a cross-flap that Ajax almost leveled.
In the middle he made some good saves, mostly with his leg to deny Quincy Promes from close range.
However, the closest Ajax came to scoring was when Dusan Tadic threw Adrian only for Fabinho to recoil and start off the line.
Replays then showed the goalkeeper, looking hopefully, gesturing to kick the ball as the Brazilian completed an acrobatic punt. That is what you call a telepathic understanding with your defenders.
Red silence fireworks
With the coronavirus pandemic affecting some countries more than others, the Netherlands was one of those that upheld the ban on fans attending matches.
Not that Ajax fans weren’t making themselves heard inside the Johan Cruijff ArenA.
As the first half progressed, the relative silence was punctured by the crackle, bubbling, and popping of fireworks exploding nearby.
Interestingly, they weren’t that obvious on the final whistle.
* Who was your MOTM Liverpool against Ajax? Voice your opinion in our quick survey HERE.
Henderson lets rip
Once again, the lack of noise from the crowd allowed for insight into the interactions between players and coaching staff.
Jurgen Klopp was absolutely furious when Liverpool gave Ryan Gravenberch a chance to fire a shot that went wide during the first half, ending a spiel with “Who cares !?” – presumably suggesting that he didn’t mind who closed the ball, as long as someone did.
And Jordan Henderson had a simple directive for his teammates after the break.
“Faster to the ball! Faster to the ball!” Shouted the captain. Liverpool soon got the message.
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