Liverpool were looking to bounce back on Saturday’s defeat against Nottingham Forest by winning in Milan on Tuesday.
The Reds kicked off their campaign in the new-look Champions League with a trip to San Siro to face AC Milan. It was a tricky looking tie on paper for Liverpool, with Paulo Fonseca’s side winning 4-0 at the weekend.
And following the Reds’ shock loss against Forest, things couldn’t have started much worse for Arne Slot’s side. Christian Pulisic capitalised on some sloppy defending to put Milan 1-0 up inside three minutes.From there, though, Liverpool took control of the first-half. Two set-piece goals put the Reds into a 2-1 lead.
And after seeing Milan’s collapse pundit Paul Merson admitted he was in a bit of disbelief.Paul Merson shocked by AC MilanDespite their poor start to the game, Liverpool were comfortably the better side during the first-half at San Siro.
Mohamed Salah hit the crossbar twice and the Reds could have already scored by the time Konate headed home Trent Alexander-Arnold’s free-kick.Though Milan had undeniably started brightly, they certainly played their part in Liverpool coming back strongly.The Rossoneri backed off the Reds, allowing them a clear path into the game.
And even before Virgil van Dijk had pounced to stick Liverpool ahead, Merson told Sky Sports News (17/09/24 8.25pm) that he ‘could not believe’ the level of the Milan team.“Liverpool win this game three or four,” said the former England international.“They are a far better team. I cannot believe what I am watching with AC Milan.
I can’t believe it.“I will be shocked if Liverpool didn’t go and win this game three or four.”Liverpool looking good in MilanIt may be fashion week in Milan, but Liverpool’s opening to Tuesday’s game suggested that it would be anything but a cakewalk for the Reds.After Saturday’s defeat there were real warning signs that Liverpool may be set for another 90 minutes of struggle.However, Pulisic’s early goal ultimately proved to be something of a false dawn for the Italian side.
Perhaps they showed Liverpool a little too much respect after going ahead, but they did not ram home the advantage when it seemed they had the chance to. Liverpool capitalised, showing commendable patience on the ball to pick their moment.
Merson is probably referring the fact that this Milan side is a far cry from those who dominated Europe in the past and that is probably fair. But it still showed guts for the Reds to fight back in the manner they did.
