Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher was found wanting as Atalanta took a surprise lead in the Europa League clash at Anfield.
The goal was scored by former West Ham forward Gianluca Scamacca, who struck the ball to Kelleher’s left, however, the not particularly pacy strike squirmed under the Irishman’s body a little too easily.
“This is terrible, terrible goalkeeping from Kelleher,” Dean Ashton said on commentary for talkSPORT.
“He’s been good since he came in for Alisson but this is a horrible, horrible mistake.”
That proved to be the only goal of the first half with Jurgen Klopp’s men 1-0 down.
However, they can thank Kelleher that they don’t find themselves even further behind with the 25-year-old making two big saves to deny the Italian side.
In the opening moments of the match Kelleher denied Mario Pasalic from point-blank range, saving the shot with his face.
Kelleher denied Pasalic again just before half time, saving the powerful shot with his chest.
Liverpool have looked shaky at the back and were guilty of lacking composure in front of goal in the first half with Darwin Nunez shooting wide when played clean through on goal.
Meanwhile, Harvey Elliott hit the crossbar and post with a curling effort that had Atalanta goalkeeper Juan Musso beaten all ends up.
But no such problems for Scamacca, who’s having a better time of it since returning to Italy after his season with West Ham.
Scamacca has 12 goals in 33 appearances this season, including four in seven in Europa League matches.
He helped the Hammers to Conference League glory but only managed eight goals in all competitions last term.
The winner of this tie will face the winner of the quarter-final between Marseille and Benfica.
News Summary:
- ‘Terrible, terrible goalkeeping’ – Caoimhin Kelleher slammed as ex-Premier League player scores at Liverpool
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