Europa League: Napoli vs. Liverpool – Full Time Analysis
Liverpool’s season and Wayne Rooney’s transfer saga are probably the two major headlines this season; and there were no further developments on the Rooney saga. And actually not much happened for Liverpool either, as the Reds ended
another toothless display on the pitch against Napoli and ended their Europa League tie at 0-0. In truth, it was a good performance from Liverpool, in midfield at least, and as far as creating chances was concerned. However, the final product was what was
missing.
The first half was stop-start affair; in the first few minutes after both teams had sized each other up, it was Liverpool who got the lion’s share of possession, but still Napoli kept the door closed. The Reds created several opportunities
but there was simply no way through and the first half ended at 0-0.
Fans and players were hoping things would change in the 2nd half, and there were some changes made. Sotirios Kyrgiakos came on for Jamie Carragher - who had an injury worry. David N’Gog, for a second, fooled everyone
and many though a 2nd substitution was made, but in fact he had come back with a wrong shirt and had to be sent back by the referees.
The 2nd half started with the home team in possession, and Andrea Dossena bustled his way towards the Liverpool area but saw his driving run ended well by Martin Kelly.
Once again, there was a good chance for Napoli: Walter Gargano fed Edinson Cavani in the area, but Paul Konchesky did well to put the striker off and the ball was easily claimed by Pepe Reina.
Moments later, there was the 2nd yellow card of the match. Michele Pazienza was booked as he stuck his studs into Jay Spearing's face as Jay attempted a low header.
Liverpool got on the ball and Milan Jovanovic tried his luck from outside the area, but the shot was quite high, wide and - well - ugly.
As Liverpool continued to squander chances, Napoli were growing in confidence. Edinson Cavani powered a header at goal from eight yards out from Hugo Campagnaro's inch perfect cross but was off target.
Napoli continued to test the Liverpool backline and Sotirios Kyrgiakos did well to cut out Ezequiel Lavezzi's cross. Soon after, Marek Hamsik got in the space between midfield and defence and sparked another decent Napoli attack
involving Edinson Cavani – however, like the pattern of the match, the final ball was very poor and the attack once again fizzled out.
Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson brought on Fabio Aurelio on for Paul Konchesky, looking to change things. Soon there was half a chance for Liverpool: Napoli keeper Morgan de Sanctis saved comfortably after David N’Gog headed goal-wards
from Martin Kelly's cross.
Not long after, there was another chance. Milan Jovanovic pounced on an error by Salvatore Aronica and his slid-rule pass gifted Liverpool forward Ryan Babel a clean shot on goal from the left-side of the area - but the Dutchman's
side-footed effort was kept out by the keeper's legs and that pretty much summed up the night for Liverpool. Babel had failed to score on almost en empty goal.
The match ended goalless and Roy Hodgson quickly made his way down the tunnel scratching his head, and wondering what he needs to do to get things right for Liverpool.
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