Whilst there was no lack of effort by Liverpool, a glaring lack of quality was evident throughout this tie, and PSG, 4-0 aggregate winners, were worthy victors. Of course, whether Anfield will witness Champions League football next season remains to be seen, just as it is open to question whether, if they do, Arne Slot will be the man in charge.
There can be few disputes that Liverpool simply are not, and have not been, good enough this season. It was again on show on a rain-sodden night at Anfield. Not only are there players clearly beyond their best, there are also those who simply are not good enough. They lack the raw ability to perform at the very highest level, as well as the football intelligence and sufficient physical attributes.
However, Slot cannot now be immune from serious criticism. To have reached the conclusion that neither of Saturday’s goal scorers should start against PSG is surely not only appalling man-management, but was simply the wrong decision on the night. It showed a lack of belief and, perhaps worse, a lack of courage. He cannot, of course, be blamed for players unable to cross the ball, shoot accurately, or show composure, let alone string two or three passes together. It does, though, beg the question: what is he unable to communicate to his players that would enable them to perform better?
Of course Salah, who was introduced to the game midway through the first half due to what looked like a serious injury to Ekitike, did little to rebuff the decision that he will leave in the summer. Wirtz, meanwhile, simply does not have the physicality to compete in big moments and is all too often anonymous. The midfield delivers too few goals whilst also remaining unable to protect a defence that often looks panic-stricken.
This was Liverpool’s seventeenth defeat of the season, and though it was 0-0 at half-time, PSG looked the more likely scorers throughout. Slicker, quicker, brighter, and undoubtedly better coached with superior players, they had the referee to thank for a faintly ridiculous overturning of a penalty on the hour. Having pointed to the spot for a clear foul on Mac Allister, the official then changed his mind after being instructed to review the incident by VAR. It was that moment that clearly took the wind from Liverpool’s sails, having been the more dominant team in the early stages of the second half.
It was Ballon d’Or winner Dembele who sealed Liverpool’s fate, finishing smartly with his left foot from the edge of the penalty box with twenty minutes remaining. His second, in added time, was largely irrelevant, but it exemplified just why Liverpool never really looked likely to overturn the first-leg deficit and why PSG never looked likely to leave Anfield defeated. It was Szoboszlai this time who gave the ball away, but it could have been anyone in a red shirt, so often did they gift the French champions the ball. It was a gift that they are more than capable of exploiting, and as Anfield emptied, Dembele scored with ease.
Liverpool now face six games that may not only define the future of some very expensive signings, but also that of Slot. Defeat at Everton on Sunday would certainly make the next few weeks more than a little uncomfortable for all at Anfield, and would ramp up the pressure ahead of yet more difficult league fixtures. With both a trip to Old Trafford and Villa Park to come, it may be the home game against Chelsea that proves pivotal, with both clubs chasing Champions League football and one of them almost certainly set to miss out.
