Paul Merson is eagerly anticipating the second leg of Liverpool’s Champions League round-of-16 tie in opposition to Paris Saint-Germain and insists that the result remains to be firmly within the stability.
The Reds take a 1-0 lead with them again to Anfield for subsequent Tuesday’s rematch, but it surely wanted a nine-save masterclass from Alisson Becker to make sure that they weren’t comprehensively crushed on the Parc des Princes.
Harvey Elliott’s late purpose has given Arne Slot’s group the benefit within the tie, however contemplating how PSG dominated the match, they’ll consider that they’ll overturn the deficit on Merseyside – Vitinha most definitely does.
Merson warns Liverpool that they should enhance
Talking on Sky Sports activities shortly after the ultimate whistle on Wednesday evening, Merson warned Liverpool that they nonetheless have a lot to do in the event that they’re to safe a spot within the quarter-finals.
He claimed: “I nonetheless don’t suppose this tie is over. If PSG can get to wherever close to these ranges at Anfield they’ll rating however, you realize, European nights at Anfield.
“I simply can’t get my head round that outcome. They have been unbelievable, PSG, and Liverpool have gone on and gained, however I can’t anticipate the subsequent leg. Will probably be an excellent, intriguing sport.”
Merson was then requested if the character of Liverpool’s victory means that they’re destined to win the Champions League outright, to which he replied: “Too early to say. In the event that they play like that in different video games…they might’ve been blown away. Alisson was 10 out of 10.”
No level wanting too far forward; Liverpool nonetheless have a job to do subsequent week
Liverpool would’ve been delighted with a win earlier than kick-off, and given how the primary leg performed out, they’ll be ecstatic to return to Merseyside with the higher hand within the tie. Nevertheless, they’d be sensible to heed Merson’s warning that there’s nonetheless work to do in the event that they’re to succeed in the final eight.
As world-class as Alisson undoubtedly is, the Reds can’t financial institution on him pulling off such an unbelievable masterclass in each sport, and Slot might be decided to not let PSG have as a lot of the ball at Anfield as they did final evening.
Ideally the house facet will get pleasure from a quick begin subsequent Tuesday and web an early purpose to provide themselves a cushion within the tie. Conversely, ought to the guests rating first, the momentum of the tie may swing considerably.
As for whether or not Liverpool can go on to win the match, they’ve each proper to consider that they’ll, given the standard throughout the squad, however they’d be silly to look too far forward simply now.
Neglect about potential quarter-final opponents; the Reds’ sole focus have to be getting via the second leg in opposition to a PSG group who’ve confirmed to be of superior high quality to anybody else we’ve confronted this season, primarily based on performances versus LFC.
We’d definitely take one other win subsequent week, and hopefully a extra convincing show in tandem with it.
