Dan Kennett: “Liverpool dominated possession but failed to convert key chances” against PSG | OneFootball

Liverpool v PSG: Under Pressure Analysis on Champions League Exit

Liverpool’s Champions League exit at the hands of PSG was dissected in forensic detail by Dan Kennett, Simon Brundish, and Phil Barter on the Under Pressure podcast for Anfield Index. From game state dominance and tactical shifts to missed chances and defensive lapses, the trio analysed why Liverpool fell short despite a strong second-half performance at Anfield.

Missed Chances and Game State Control

Liverpool’s fast start was a major talking point, with Brundish praising their early intensity: “The first 25 minutes were insane. We forced PSG into long balls—they didn’t want to play out.”

The Reds had their moments, particularly Mohamed Salah’s two early chances, which Brundish described as “utterly brilliant bits of football.” The second was a near-miss: “I was celebrating. I thought it was in.”

However, Barter’s statistical breakdown highlighted a key issue: Liverpool dominated possession (80% field tilt in the first half) but struggled with their threat-to-xG conversion. “We were in the right areas, but we weren’t making the right decisions,” he noted.

Brundish reinforced this: “We dominated the second half, but you’ve got to score when you’re on top.”

PSG’s Goal: Cheap or Avoidable?

Liverpool’s Achilles’ heel this season has been conceding soft goals, and PSG’s opener was no exception. Kennett was blunt: “Another really annoying, completely avoidable goal.”

Brundish dissected the defensive sequence in detail, arguing that Virgil van Dijk was at fault:

However, Kennett wasn’t convinced Van Dijk was the primary issue, instead pointing to Andy Robertson’s passive defending. “It wasn’t his finest hour,” he admitted.

The ball eventually found Dembélé, whose cross was turned in after a chaotic sequence, leaving Brundish frustrated at the luck factor: “The Monte Carlo probability of that bounce was probably one in 150,000.”

Photo: IMAGO

Tactical Shifts and Trent’s Injury Impact

Liverpool’s second-half performance was arguably their best of the season, with Brundish stating: “We were brilliant until Trent went off.”

The Reds pinned PSG back, with Kennett noting a key tactical shift: “We avoided the middle in the second half and played through the half-spaces instead.”

Barter provided the statistical backing:

However, Alexander-Arnold’s injury in the 73rd minute changed everything. Brundish diagnosed it immediately: “Trent’s done. It’s an ankle ligament sprain, and this is his third injury in March.”

Liverpool lost control after his departure, with PSG regaining momentum and eventually dominating extra time. Barter’s numbers were stark:

Penalty Shootout and Missed Substitutions

Liverpool’s penalty taker selection came under scrutiny, with Brundish questioning the substitutions: “We ended up with suboptimal penalty takers after the Trent injury.”

Kennett highlighted that Trent, Mac Allister, and Szoboszlai—three of Liverpool’s best penalty takers—were all off the pitch by the time of the shootout.

Brundish pointed out: “Gakpo could barely run. He had three touches in 25 minutes and wasn’t taking a penalty.”

“If we’re holding everyone to the same standard, he shouldn’t have been on the pitch.”

As for the penalties themselves, Kennett felt Darwin Núñez’s effort was weak: “Just put it in the corner for God’s sake.”

And Barter’s numbers on Alisson in shootouts were damning: “He has one of the worst records among top keepers.”

In the end, PSG’s freshness, tactical discipline, and clinical finishing proved the difference, but Liverpool left the tie knowing they had the chances to progress.

Photo: IMAGO

Final Thoughts

Liverpool’s Champions League exit was a story of missed chances, tactical naivety, and bad luck, but Brundish remained philosophical: “Two great teams went at it, and one of them had to win.”

For Liverpool, the focus now shifts to the Premier League and domestic cups, with Brundish making a key observation: “We’re 15 points clear and have the best attack of the Klopp era.”

Despite the European heartbreak, Kennett reminded listeners of one crucial fact: “We are on the same points total after 29 games as the 2018-19 season.”

With Arne Slot now leading Liverpool, the challenge will be ensuring this campaign still ends with silverware.