Report as Liverpool cope without the injured Alisson to book top spot in Champions League Group D; Caoimhin Kelleher impresses on Champions League debut
Wednesday 2 December 2020 06:06, UK
Liverpool guaranteed their place in the last 16 of the Champions League after Andre Onana's error handed Curtis Jones the winning goal in an edgy 1-0 victory.
Alisson was a surprising omission from Liverpool's starting XI as Jurgen Klopp revealed he will be out for up to two weeks with a hamstring injury. Caoimhin Kelleher - making his Champions League debut - started in goal ahead of Adrian.
But it was the man at the other end who made a rookie-like error when the usually reliable Onana allowed a Neco Williams cross to loop over his head and be tapped home by Curtis Jones (58) - a goal very much made in the Liverpool academy.
Jones' finish came at a time when the visitors were pummelling the Liverpool goal, with David Neres striking a post just 60 seconds before the eventual winning goal.
The result guarantees Klopp's side top spot in Group D meaning their final game against FC Midtjylland will be a dead-rubber - a welcome boost for Klopp and his team's busy schedule.
Surprisingly given their prestigious European histories, this was just the second meeting between these heavyweights in over 50 years with a Nicolas Tagliafico own-goal separating the two in the corresponding fixture in Amsterdam.
Ajax will have taken confidence from that tight encounter and came to Anfield full of bravery in possession as they tried to play out from the back at every opportunity. Liverpool pressed intelligently early on and Jones rattled the post on five minutes after being set up by Diogo Jota from 22 yards.
Klopp was looking towards the heavens minutes later when Andy Robertson required treatment on an ankle problem but he managed to run the injury off. The bright early transitions from Liverpool eased off as the half wore on with Ajax dominating possession.
Noussair Mazraoui tested Kelleher from 25 yards and the goalkeeper responded with a flying save that was perfect for the family album.
Ajax, full of enthusiasm but lacking a little composure in the final third, maintained their tempo after the break but former Everton man Davy Klaassen wasted a fine opening following a super Dusan Tadic cross.
Liverpool were sinking deeper as the pressure grew. Antony cut in off the right wing and tested Kelleher with a low effort which he was equal to but only pushed the ball out to Neres, who smashed an effort against the outside of the post from a tight angle.
Just as Liverpool looked like wilting under the pressure, Onana let them off the hook with a moment of comical goalkeeping. Williams sent a cross in from deep that Onana felt was heading out for a goal kick but Jones was alive to the situation and somehow managed to reverse a clever finish from near the by-line into the unguarded net.
The goal seemed to settle Liverpool down as they managed the final stages in professional fashion.
Onana redeemed himself slightly when tipping substitute Roberto Firmino's shot onto a post but the damage had already been done and Kelleher made sure his debut would be one to remember when making a point-blank save from Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.
Move over Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah, Liverpool's attacking impetus came from Jones. He was the one who was making things happen from his midfield role. Ajax were given a taste of his adventure in the final third in the first five minutes as he fired two efforts on goal, the second of which came flashing back off the woodwork. His energy, intelligence, and quality were on full show for the winning goal when his gamble paid off after the horrendous lapse by Onana.
"What a game he played, he's a really good player," said Klopp.
The youngster is certainly taking his chance.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said: "Honestly since I was at Liverpool that feels like one of the biggest Champions League nights. Without supporters in, it was the most important, most difficult, most exceptional.
"With the circumstances, there hasn't been much to smile about, it's been tricky, and the boys threw themselves into the game. Robbo has a proper knock on the ankle and pushes himself through, Hendo with a sore back, Gini - I have no words for him. Curtis Jones, what a game, It's amazing, I'm really proud.
"Curtis is a really good kid, a good player and I am happy to have him around. Sometimes with injuries there is always an opportunity and he has taken it.
"I really think Adrian has done a fantastic job for us, he kept a lot of clean sheets, played everywhere. But now we needed the natural football playing ability of Caoimhin Kelleher. He is a good shot-stopper as well. We made that decision but you never know how they are going to cope. I am really happy with how calm he was and how good he was."
Sky Sports' Paul Merson, speaking on Soccer Special:
"It was a massive mistake by the goalie but fair play to Jones - he gambled and it was a really tidy finish. They've played a good Ajax team, Liverpool. They've got quite a few injuries, they've played a lot of games, and they won. We expect them to put on a show all the time but this was a difficult game.
"And that's what I like about Liverpool: when they don't play well they still win football matches. They were efficient and [Kelleher] should be very pleased. He was absolutely outstanding in everything he did. Has he made himself second choice? I would say so. He was very confident. He can put his head to the pillow tonight and think: I did well."
Liverpool are back in Premier League action on Sunday evening at Anfield against Wolves before heading to play Danish Superliga champions FC Midtjylland in their final Champions League group game.
