Europa League: Napoli vs. Liverpool - First Half Analysis
Liverpool showed some good football against Napoli in the Europa League match, but lacked the cutting edge in front of goal as the first half ended 0-0.
It was quite an encouraging start for Liverpool's inexperienced line-up. Milan Jovanovic and Martin Kelly linked up well down the right-hand side early on. The visitors dominated in the possession in the early stages.
There was a first sign of former Red Andrea Dossena in and around the Liverpool area - but the Napoli man's attempted through-ball was far too hard and it went out for a goal kick. Home danger-man Edinson Cavani, meanwhile, was
already putting himself about the Liverpool defence.
Napoli were getting themselves in the game, and there was some excellent tracking back from Ryan Babel as the Liverpool winger won back possession to halt a good break by Christian Maggio. Every Liverpool touch was being greeted
with a chorus of boos and whistles. It sure was hostile.
The Reds, though, were not bothered and went about their business. Milan Jovanovic slipped a cracking delivery to Ryan Babel inside the Napoli area, but the Dutchman's first touch was poor and his second was even worse, that allowed
the hosts to clear.
Liverpool continued to edge what had been a rather nip-and-tuck opening to the match, which would no doubt have pleased Roy Hodgson and the visiting fans.
The home side had a relatively good chance when Ezequiel Lavezzi's corner caused panic stations among the Liverpool defence and Christian Maggio's snap-shot was on target before Edinson Cavani – attempting to flick it in from close
range - instead contrived only to head it away from the Liverpool goal. Finally, Marek Hamsik failed to retrieve the situation at the far post and that was a bit of a let off for Liverpool.
Napoli continued to get more confident, as Ezequiel Lavezzi drove infield to line up a long-ranger - but it was well off target.
Liverpool got the ball on the break and Milan Jovanovic’s attempted through-ball towards the onrushing Jonjo Shelvey was cut out brilliantly by Salvatore Aronica.
It was fair to say that the first half had yet to catch fire, but Liverpool had been the more dominant side. The frustration of not being able to score looked to be getting to some players. Martin Skrtel went into the book, for
a foul on Ezequiel Lavezzi.
Looking to change things, Ryan Babel switched to the right wing in an effort to get on the ball more. It was not working though, but Liverpool did soon shoot on target and it was followed by some more patient build-up play from
the visitors, but Jonjo Shelvey's 25-yarder was easily held on the dive by Napoli keeper Morgan De Sanctis. That pretty much summed up the first half. Liverpool would have to come up with some finishing in the 2nd half, if they are to get an end
result to some fine build up play.
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