Europa League

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Europa League | Group Stage

Dec 6, 2012 at 6pm UK

Udinese
0-1
Liverpool

Match Analysis: Udinese 0-1 Liverpool

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter | 06 December 2012

Sports Mole takes a look back at the 90 minutes that unfolded between Udinese and Liverpool, who reached the final 32 of the Europa League courtesy of a 1-0 win.

Liverpool have managed to secure a spot in the final 32 of the Europa League after overcoming Udinese in Italy this evening.

The Reds snatched the 1-0 victory courtesy of a Jordan Henderson strike, which proved enough for the Premier League outfit to claim maximum points.

Anzhi Makhackala's defeat to Young Boys resulted in Liverpool topping Group A, which puts them in a strong position heading into the draw for the knockout round.

Here, Sports Mole takes a look back at the 90 minutes of action.

Match statistics:

Udinese:
Shots 11
On target 3
Possession 41%
Corners 6
Fouls 15

Liverpool:
Shots 10
On target 4
Possession 59%
Corners 9
Fouls 16

Was the result fair?

Liverpool's performance warranted a place in the final 32 and while Udinese did pose a threat in the second half of the match, the Reds took control of the majority of the encounter to dominate the game and get the result they needed in Italy.

Udinese's performance

The home side started off brightly in the first few minutes of the second half but once Liverpool found the back of the net, Udinese were under pressure and failed to get into any sort of rhythm to launch an attacking threat. The second half was better for the home side as they tried to capitalise on mistakes made by their opponents but after going down to 10 men, the home side struggled to make an impact.

Liverpool's performance

Liverpool took a stronghold of the game after they went ahead through Jordan Henderson and began to play with confidence. Brendan Rodgers's side were able to control the midfield and cause problems for Udinese's defence. However, despite having the advantage of playing against 10 men in the second half, the Reds did give the ball away on occasion and they were close to losing their place in the final 32 until Antonio Di Natale's shot whipped over the bar.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Jordan Henderson: While a few players stood out in the game, including defenders Martin Skrtel and Jamie Carragher, the former Sunderland midfielder's performance, which included the only goal of the game, was impressive. Henderson worked hard all over the pitch and showed commitment to his side, despite not being a regular starter for the Reds.

Biggest gaffe

Liverpool's Suso could have given his side a two-goal cushion in the early stages of the second half after he received the ball on the corner of the penalty box by Suarez. The Spaniard had enough space and time to get his shot away but the ball clipped him on the side of his foot and went wayward.

Referee performance

Duarte Gomes didn't have the best of games in Italy. The Portuguese official branded seven yellow cards and one red during the game and while some of the cautions were justified, Gomes did give some free kicks away that weren't deemed fouls in the first place.

What next?

Udinese: The Italian side return to Serie A action after they failed to qualify for the knockout phase of the tournament, which means that an away trip to Sampdoria awaits them.

Liverpool: The Reds face West Ham United in the Premier League this weekend and they will discover their next Europa League opponents when the draw is made.