Slot's set items too good for Pulisic & Co.: How Liverpool beat Milan

MILAN, Italy — Liverpool cruised to a 3-1 Champions League win in opposition to AC Milan of their opening recreation of the brand new expanded competitors, however Arne Slot’s group needed to combat again from conceding a third-minute Christian Pulisic stunner to seal victory in San Siro.

With seven-time European champions Milan dealing with six-time winners Liverpool, it was the right glamour conflict for UEFA to launch their new-look league section of the competitors. Though Pulisic’s purpose gave Liverpool an early scare and supplied Milan hope of a shock win, the truth turned out to be totally different with Liverpool making simple work of the house aspect.

Mohamed Salah struck the crossbar twice earlier than defenders Ibrahima Konaté and Virgil van Dijk each scored headers from set items to offer Liverpool a 2-1 half-time lead. A Dominik Szoboszlai purpose on 67 minutes made the sport secure for Liverpool, however their win was by no means doubtful after they’d cancelled out Pulisic’s opener. — Mark Ogden

Liverpool’s set piece risk evident below Slot

It’s nonetheless early days for Slot at Liverpool, however his group’s first two targets in opposition to Milan confirmed a refined change in method below the previous Feyenoord coach from his predecessor, Jurgen Klopp.

Klopp’s Liverpool had been all concerning the targets of his attacking gamers and midfielders somewhat than relying too closely on the coaching floor work of changing set items. However goalscoring headers from Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk within the first-half highlighted Slot’s readiness to reap the benefits of the bodily attributes of his defenders, who’re each effectively over 6 toes tall.

First, Konate powerfully headed Trent Alexander-Arnold‘s free kick previous flailing keeper Mike Maignan from contained in the six-yard field, earlier than Van Dijk did the identical from a Kostas Tsimikas nook. Each targets had been easy and direct, additional proof of Slot’s work with this group.

It additionally bears noting that as spectacular as Liverpool had been of their execution, Milan had been abject when it got here to defending. Centre-halves Fikayo Tomori and Strahinja Pavlovic had been far too passive in coping with each deliveries, and Konate and Van Dijk won’t have simpler possibilities all season. Their aerial risk is with out query and Liverpool will rating extra targets from set items by exploiting these strengths this season. — Ogden

“Captain America” begins brightly earlier than Milan fade

Christian Pulisic’s night time couldn’t have gotten off to a greater begin. A lay-off from Álvaro Morata, a no-show of protection from Tsimikas and there he was, scything down the suitable flank and smacking a diagonal end previous Alisson, avoiding the restoration problem of a determined Alexis Mac Allister.

Nonetheless, issues went downhill from there, partly as a result of Milan did not get him the ball, and partly as a result of, with Liverpool on the entrance foot, Pulisic discovered himself spending numerous time monitoring again to assist Davide Calabria address Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota on the left aspect of Liverpool’s assault.

Pulisic’s chemistry with Morata can also be one thing that coach Paulo Fonseca will need to work on. Opening purpose apart, the U.S. and Spain internationals failed to attach, particularly when Morata dropped deep from his central striker place. Off the ball, he was his typical industrious self, however extra menace towards Alisson’s purpose would have been welcomed. — Gab Marcotti

Alexander-Arnold, Leão present their good and dangerous sides

The top-to-head encounter between AC Milan ahead Rafael Leão and Liverpool defender Alexander-Arnold completely summed up the strengths and weaknesses of two of probably the most gifted however infuriating gamers within the recreation.

Leão’s efficiency was extra simple in that he produced solely glimpses of his finest for Paulo Fonseca’s group. The Portugual worldwide has tempo and trickery — sufficient to beat any defender on his day — however there was no remaining product in opposition to Liverpool. On one first-half event, Leão ran 40 yards with the ball to excite the gang, however somewhat than spot the unmarked runners both aspect of him, he bumped into bother and misplaced possession. It summed up his night time till a uncommon flash of his expertise when he hit the publish within the 96th minute.

Alexander-Arnold had extra good contributions than dangerous, however there isn’t any query that he stays an issue defensively. On multiple event, centre-half Konate needed to urge his teammate to get again into place after he had wandered into midfield or stayed ahead after an attacking transfer. Had Leão been extra conscious of his environment, he would have focused the gaps left by Alexander-Arnold and harm Liverpool, nevertheless it did not occur.

The England star additionally wasted possession too typically, however he did create Liverpool’s opening purpose for Konate along with his famed set piece supply from a free kick.

It’s the similar as ever with Alexander-Arnold. He is nice at what he is good at, however his weaknesses could be dangerous and ugly for Liverpool. — Ogden

Maignan harm may harm Milan in the long run

The sight of “Magic” Mike Maignan pounding the turf in frustration after choosing up an harm in a collision with Fikayo Tomori early within the second half was tough for Milanisti to take, perhaps much more than the defeat.

The French goalkeeper, who on three events had requested for therapy within the first half, was in seen ache as he exited the pitch. At finest, he is a doubt for the Milan derby this weekend; at worst, we’re speaking an extended keep on the sidelines.

It is value noting that he had been nursing a difficulty along with his calf in current days, however assured the group he was able to play. Had Sportiello, who injured himself in preseason and is probably going out till January, been match, he could effectively have began. Because it turned out, Maignan’s health in all probability did not assistance on both of Liverpool’s set piece targets.

To make issues worse, his back-up, former Atalanta keeper Marco Sportiello, is at the moment injured, which explains why Fonseca needed to flip to 19-year-old Lorenzo Torriani — who had by no means earlier than performed a single minute of first-team soccer — to switch Maignan. In truth, Torriani was solely the third-choice keeper final yr … for Milan’s under-21 aspect.

Discuss being thrown in on the deep finish.

There wasn’t a lot Torriani may do for the Szoboszlai purpose, and he actually regarded assured on the pitch. He wasn’t afraid to play out from the again like Maignan likes to do and, on one event, he raced out of his penalty field as well away an extended ball excessive. All in all, it wasn’t a nasty debut, however in all probability finest for Milan in the event that they need not see him once more for some time. — Marcotti

Why the subdued crowd?

On Saturday, 71,273 supporters — a close to sell-out — crammed San Siro to observe Milan tackle newly-promoted Venezia in a Serie A match because the hosts romped to a 4-0 win. 4 days later, simply 59,826 confirmed up for the go to of six-time European champion Liverpool within the Rossoneri‘s opening recreation of the revamped UEFA Champions League.

How do you clarify the lacking 11,000-plus followers? It is clearly not the status of the event or the opponent; as a substitute, a clue is perhaps within the costs charged.

The most cost effective accessible tickets price €74 ($82) with the least costly within the decrease tier going for €124 ($138). Against this, Liverpool’s costliest common grownup seats clock in at £61 ($80). This led to pushback from followers on social media and, predictably, a number of swathes of empty seats on Tuesday night time.

The Champions League is clearly a money cow for golf equipment by way of gate receipts, however clearly, it’s important to make sure you get these backsides into the seats. — Marcotti

Milan too meek for Zlatan’s liking

They waited, as they normally do, till deep in harm time after which allow them to have it.

Milan’s gamers lined up in entrance of the Curva Sud, ostensibly to thank the membership’s black-clad hardcore Ultras followers for his or her assist, however actually to allow them to vent. And vent they did, singing “Let’s have a look at some b—s!” and “We’re sick of this!”

Clearly, no fan goes to be proud of a 3-1 dwelling defeat on the opening day of the brand new Champions League, however the method spoke to a extra complicated situation engulfing the membership: the concept coach Paulo Fonseca is an excessive amount of of a pleasant man, that some gamers are mushy and that there is a want for a tough man — a “soccer man” — to carry self-discipline.

That man, in fact, is Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who’s on the board of RedBird, the membership’s homeowners. No one doubts that he is a troublesome man and a winner and his arrival in the summertime was hailed as a coup. Lastly, a former participant upstairs who may command everybody’s respect and be a conduit between dressing room, coach, entrance workplace and possession.

Ibrahimovic had been away (“private causes,” he stated) previous to this match and earlier than kickoff, he went straight into Zlatan mode. Referring to his absence, he stated: “When the lion goes away, the cats come out. When the the lion returns, the cats disappear.” He then added: “What’s my position? It is easy. Loads of folks discuss, however I am in cost. I’m the boss and all people works for me.”

If that is the case, he is acquired his work minimize out for him, as a result of Milan have gained simply certainly one of their first 5 video games this season in all competitions. Time will inform whether or not he is the butt-kicking boss who will get everybody onside or whether or not he is extra like that old “Saturday Night Live” skit. — Marcotti