The Reds suffered the first defeat of their Europa League campaign. Liverpool endured a testing night in the Europa League that Jurgen Klopp would have rather avoided,
Falling to a surprising 3-2 defeat against struggling French side Toulouse.
The Reds would have hoped to rebound with a strong showing after languishing to a draw against Luton Town at Kenilworth Road in the Premier League last weekend, with blushes only spared through Luis Diaz’s late equaliser, but it was not to be as Klopp issued heavy rotation.
While Liverpool remain in first place in Group E after four matches, the chance to secure an early spot in the knockout phase has now evaporated and the upcoming Anfield fixture against LASK on 30 November will be crucial in swerving a distressing finale to the group stage.
Liverpool performance vs Luton Town
Not for the first time, Liverpool struggled to get going on the continental stage this season, only this time,
The second half did not foster a positive end to the game,
With Aron Donnum’s strike before the break doubled by Thijs Dallinga’s effort just short of the hour mark.
A freakish own goal handed Liverpool a lifeline before Frank Magri reestablished Toulouse’s two-goal cushion moments later; Diogo Jota’s fine move and strike offered a glimpse of hope that was latched onto in the dying embers
But Klopp’s side’s belief that parity had restored ended in disappointment.
Indeed, Alexis Mac Allister was adjudge to have handled the ball in the build-up to what would have been a dramatic equaliser
And a first professional goal from young centre-back Jarell Quansah at the death.
Alas, the frenzied Liverpool celebrations were silence by the cruel and contentious intervention of VAR,
And while the travelling team will bemoan the decision to rule out Quansah’s goal,
The questions must swiftly turn to lack of inspiration on offer once again from Liverpool.
