Liverpool have crashed out of the Europa League after failing to overturn a 3-0 first-leg defeat against Atalanta.
Progressing into the competition’s semi-finals had always looked like a tall order for the Reds. They simply left themselves with too much to do.
Having been beaten so convincingly at Anfield last week, a huge effort was needed from Liverpool. In dire form in front of goal, it never felt likely to happen.
Nevertheless, the Reds started well. An early penalty from Mohamed Salah had made it seem like something special might be possible after all. But that was as good as it got for Liverpool.
All boiled down, it was a better display than we’ve seen over recent games. But it looked like Atalanta also had another couple of gears to go up had they needed to. Ultimately they didn’t have to, Liverpool looked shattered. And according to one of Jurgen Klopp’s players, that wasn’t far from the truth.
Trent Alexander-Arnold admits Atalanta fatigue
Factoring out that they didn’t do nearly enough to qualify, this was an improved all-round performance from Liverpool.
With Alisson Becker largely untested, the Reds kept their first clean sheet in nine games. They also won for the first time in four. That will hopefully give them some belief heading into the final stretch of the Premier League season.
Another reason for Liverpool to feel good is the return of Trent Alexander-Arnold. The 25-year-old was starting his first game since February 10th in Italy and was clearly his team’s best player on the night.
It was Trent who won the early penalty and the Scouser looked the most likely creative source for the Reds all evening. However, having played so little over recent months, he was never going to last the full game. And speaking to LFCTV after being taken off in the 72nd minute, Alexander-Arnold admitted that he’d simply ‘ran out of juice.’
“I think I just ran out of juice in the second-half,” smiled the right-back. “In the first-half I was enjoying my football, finding passes, playing a game that I loved. I think you could tell by the way I played it was special for me to be back out there and help the team to win the game.
“But as good as it was for me personally to be back out there, the overriding feeling is disappointment not to be able to carry on in this competition.”
What’s coming up for Liverpool
It’s no surprise to hear that Alexander-Arnold tired as last night’s match went on. He put in a real shift for Liverpool.
As opposed to someone like Alexis Mac Allister though, who looks to have played too much football, you’d back Trent to find his fitness in the coming games.
The games now come thick and fast for Liverpool as we hurtle towards the end of the season. First up is a trip to Fulham on Sunday, before a massive Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park on Wednesday evening. The Reds round up their away day splash by visiting West Ham a week on Saturday.
Only just back from injury, it seems unlikely that Alexander-Arnold could feature for 90 minutes in all of those games. But as he showed last night, if they can get him on the pitch for any time at all he can make a big difference. Rest up, Trent. Busy week ahead.