Dunk’s absence key in Brighton defeat
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Jan Paul van Hecke was with out centre-back accomplice Lewis Dunk – and it confirmed for Brighton
There have been eyebrows raised when the teamsheet got here out and Brighton captain Lewis Dunk was not within the matchday squad. Roberto De Zerbi confirmed pre-match that he was injured, together with striker Evan Ferguson.
We already knew that his absence could be an enormous blow, however it was a little bit of shock simply how a lot Brighton missed him.
Whereas AEK’s opener was a second of high quality, their different two targets got here from an absence of defensive consciousness from Brighton’s again line. It was not helped by misplaced passes that the guests capitalised on, however there is not any doubting the presence of Dunk in the midst of defence would have helped massively.
Not solely along with his personal defensive qualities, but additionally his management and organisation of the workforce. That was missing at instances when AEK had been on the assault.
Actually, De Zerbi himself arguably summed up precisely what Brighton had been lacking with Dunk’s absence, saying: “Once we defend set-pieces towards these groups, we’ve got to be extra centered, extra with the precise angle, extra sensible.
“Generally, we did not do it. If we wish to make one other improve, we’ve got to know earlier than the sport the conditions the place we are able to concede targets.”
Jan Paul van Hecke did nicely in spells, however he too might have carried out higher for AEK’s third. It is arduous to pick any standout moments in defence from Dunk’s alternative Igor both.
When Brighton had set-pieces, their clear plan was to seek out Van Hecke on the again publish. Nonetheless, this didn’t work and likewise allowed AEK an perception into what was to return. The Seagulls missed Dunk’s aerial presence too in these conditions in what had been wasted moments.
It was disappointing that Dunk needed to miss out on such a monumental night time for a membership he has given a lot to. But when something, it proved simply how important the defender is to the Seagulls’ success, providing a well timed reminder as Brighton embark on a historic European journey.
Charlotte Marsh
Klopp’s squad passes check
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Luis Diaz celebrates placing Liverpool in entrance with Ryan Gravenberch towards LASK within the Europa League
Jurgen Klopp vowed he would use the Europa League “to compete, to not give alternatives” after which made 11 adjustments – however his second-string aspect did not let Liverpool down.
Ben Doak turned the membership’s third-youngest participant to function in a European sport on the age of 17 years and 314 days, 18-year-old midfielder Stefan Bajcetic was deployed at right-back for his first minutes of the season and new signing Ryan Gravenberch was handed his first begin.
They’d work to do at half time however Liverpool’s high quality got here by way of. Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz led one more fightback with Gravenberch fantastically aiding the second aim. Mo Salah got here on for his customary European aim.
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Mo Salah sealed Liverpool’s victory at LASK
Klopp shall be inspired by how his much-changed aspect delivered an necessary victory to get their Europa League marketing campaign underway whereas easing fixture congestion on his squad.
“I knew it might be actually troublesome, and it was troublesome, even when individuals did not consider me,” mentioned Klopp, though few will consider him over his subsequent workforce choice.
David Richardson
Moyes should decide proper choices as he rotates squad
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Tomas Soucek rounded off the comeback after 82 minutes
West Ham had 78 per cent possession within the early levels of the primary half of their win over Backa Topola with out carving any alternatives open. They had been making incorrect choices once they had been entering into areas once they wanted to flash balls into the field.
The change in personnel was wanted. They wanted that point of interest by way of the center and Michail Antonio gave them that. Danny Ings was dropping into little pockets of area the place you do not actually need him. You need somebody to occupy the three centre halves. Antonio did that.
West Ham actually did give it a go ultimately. It was a very good response. They might have gone on and gained it by 4 or 5. They wore them down.
They’ve a greater squad now to handle the calls for of the Premier League and European soccer. It is a lengthy season whenever you’re in Europe. David Moyes has the luxurious of having the ability to relaxation gamers and utilise the squad.
Lee Hendrie
Roofe leads from the entrance for Rangers
There was some criticism for Rangers’ performances, particularly within the large video games, they usually’ve managed to get the consequence towards Actual Betis.
Within the second half, Rangers deserved it. They had been glorious. Within the first half there wasn’t a lot between the 2 groups.
Kemar Roofe was glorious, an actual striker’s efficiency, a No 9’s efficiency, again to aim, bringing his team-mates into it, and he had an enormous say within the aim as nicely, along with his shot blocked.
After the outcomes this week it has been left to Rangers to assist Scottish soccer with the co-efficient factors they usually’ve managed to do this.
It is a large consequence for Rangers, there is not any doubt about that. For Rangers to bounce again, get their Europa League marketing campaign up and operating, I am positive Michael Beale and the gamers shall be delighted.
Kris Boyd
Did Villa underestimate Legia Warsaw?
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Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez (left) and team-mate Calum Chambers throughout their defeat at Legia Warsaw
Perhaps Unai Emery underestimated Legia Warsaw. They had been excellent – nicely organised, turnovers unbelievable and good on the counter-attack.
As for Villa: large, large query marks. I do know gamers got here into the aspect who have not featured a lot this season however you must are available in and have an effect they usually did not do this. That is why they fell quick.
I feel this can have an effect on their Premier League type. It wasn’t their strongest workforce however it was sufficient to get a consequence.
When you begin group levels nicely you get the arrogance, the knock-on perception. That did not fill me with any confidence. That jogged my memory of the Newcastle sport initially of the season with targets conceded far too simply.
They seemed pissed off on the bench and it is a dangerous begin to Europe.
Lee Hendrie
Aberdeen take pleasure from efficiency in Frankfurt – however no factors
Few would have anticipated Aberdeen to trigger Eintracht Frankfurt severe issues forward of kick-off. The Dons, with simply two factors from their first 5 Scottish Premiership video games, had an enormous job on their fingers towards a aspect unbeaten within the Bundesliga and who gained the Europa League simply a few seasons in the past.
But, Barry Robson’s aspect will go away Germany feeling pissed off by happening 2-1.
Dante Polvara picked a tremendous second to attain his first aim for the membership, equalising to stun the 55,000 within the Waldstadion. Ester Sokler nearly topped it – however shot large in stoppage time when it seemed like he might stage the match for a second time.
Working Frankfurt so shut, it was a efficiency Aberdeen could possibly be happy with. However such had been the tremendous margins, it might have been a very memorable night time.
“I’m pleased with the best way we performed and the dedication we put in, however I really feel we might have deserved much more, had
that one likelihood proper earlier than full-time whistle gone in,” Robson mentioned afterwards, earlier than expressing his frustration at conceding from a set-piece and penalty.
Encouragement, then. But additionally an consciousness that much more is required if this European journey goes to be a profitable one.
Peter Smith