Will victory over Ajax kick-start Liverpool’s season?

15/09/22 994

Following last week’s humiliating 4-1 thrashing at the hands of Napoli, it was vital that Liverpool bounced back against Ajax. Thankfully, Jurgen Klopp’s side beat the Dutch champions 2-1 on Tuesday.

Mohamed Salah gave the Reds an early lead at Anfield before Joel Matip scored an 89th-minute winner. It was by no means a convincing performance, but could Tuesday’s win set Liverpool’s campaign in motion?

The Merseyside outfit failed to win any of their opening three Premier League games, registering back-top-back draws with Fulham and Crystal Palace before suffering a 2-1 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Although Liverpool bounced back with a 9-0 thrashing of Bournemouth and a 2-1 win against Newcastle United, they were held to a goalless draw by arch-rivals Everton in their previous league outing.

Following a shaky start to the season, Liverpool find themselves seventh in the Premier League with nine points to their name. They already trail Manchester City by five points and sit six points behind first-place Arsenal.

Granted, only Man City have scored more Premier League goals than Klopp’s side this season. But nine of Liverpool’s 15 goals came against Bournemouth, meaning they have only netted six goals across the other six games.

After drawing with Everton, the Reds suffered an embarrassing 4-1 defeat against Napoli in the Champions League. There is no hiding the fact that Liverpool were completely outplayed by the Italians.

However, last season’s Champions League runners-up produced a much-improved performance against Ajax. Not only did they enjoy the lion’s share of possession, but they also racked up 24 shots – limiting Ajax to a solitary attempt on target.

It is worth noting that Liverpool have been hit hard by injuries this season. The Reds currently have eight first-team players on the sidelines, including Andrew Robertson, Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita and Ibrahima Konate.

But with key players such as Diogo Jota and Thiago returning from injury – and new signings like Darwin Nunez and Arthur Melo settling in – Klopp has more options at his disposal.

This weekend’s scheduled clash with Chelsea has been postponed, meaning Liverpool’s next game is against Brighton on October 1.

Having put the thrashing against Napoli behind them with Tuesday’s victory over Ajax, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Klopp and his players return to their normal ruthless selves after the international break.