Zenit St Bromwich Albion

The Russian champions might as well have been from the Midlands, given they copied West Brom's late show against Liverpool to take a 2-0 lead into the second leg of their Europa League tie.

Misfiring Suarez

Although they did not dominate the match against Zenit St Petersburg as they had done against West Brom, Liverpool were once again guilty of missing too many chances. Luis Suarez in particular could have had a hat-trick, including missing from 5 yards out and wasting a one-on-one against the goalkeeper.

In the end, Hulk made the Reds pay by thumping an unstoppable drive into the top corner, with Semak doubling the lead only 2 minutes later. This gives Zenit a comfortable lead to take into the return leg at Anfield next Thursday, where we can expect them to play a fast counter-attack game that could easily punish any lapses in concentration from Liverpool.

The first half was an open affair with chances for both sides, Suarez guilty of missing some good opportunities and Pepe Reina making some solid saves, while Hulk was denied by the woodwork. Liverpool would have been very happy to go into the interval on level terms.

At the beginning of the second half, the Reds began to take some measure of control, going close through Johnson and Suarez again, without making the vital breakthrough. That came at the other end when Hulk got the ball off Henderson and unleashed an absolute beauty into the top corner of Reina's goal, the Spanish stopper having no chance.
The goal turned the match, Zenit quickly adding a second through Semak and Liverpool never really looked confident of getting back into the match after that. Brendan Rodgers no doubt sensed this, as he brought Lucas on for Sterling at 2-0 down in a damage limitation effort.

The Reds players just did not perform as we all know they can. Johnson and Suarez were below par, Skrtel looked nervy in defense and Sterling, Allen and Henderson were barely in the game. Arguably Liverpool's best performers on the night were the veterans, Gerrard and Carragher, who delivered more assured performances than their team mates.

Liverpool will need to win 3-0 next week to keep their European adventure alive this season, and on the basis of tonight's result that is going to require a considerable improvement from BR's men. They will have to play 2 up front at Anfield, so I fancy Borini to partner Suarez (with Sturridge ineligible to play).

It won't be easy, but if the Anfield faithful get behind the Reds and roar them on, we just might be able to pull off an incredible turnaround in this one. But only if everyone plays to their best potential - and BR puts Suarez through extra finishing training in the coming days.

#YNWA