Unai Emery's plan lasted for just 45 minutes, as what worked so well for Villarreal in Turin and Munich was not effective away at Liverpool.
The Reds outplayed Villarreal and grabbed a 2-0 win, which brings them one step closer to booking their place in the Champions League final.
Liverpool registered 68 percent of the possession and recorded as many as 20 shots at Anfield. The result does not reflect the difference in quality between the two teams.
Cracks in Emery's wall
Villarreal sat deep and waited for their opportunity to hit on the counter. However, the Yellow Submarine registered 15 attacks compared to Liverpool's 93, while they didn't manage a single shot on goal.
Liverpool circulated the ball smoothly and Villarreal managed to hold on for 45 minutes, with Geronimo Rulli being solid in goal for the visitors.
Pervis Estupinan failed to contain Trent Alexander-Arnold's runs up the pitch, however, with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane constantly creating danger in front of Rulli's goal.
Alexander-Arnold's threat
The Englishman has already registered 18 assists this season, with most of Liverpool's chances against Villarreal coming from his flank.
Meanwhile, Andrew Robertson, who has recorded 15 assists, was combining well with Luis Diaz on the left-hand side.
This forced Villarreal full-backs Juan Foyth and Estupinan to work hard on the flanks.
Liverpool's crazy tempo
Jurgen Klopp's side enjoy running, pressing high up the pitch, winning the ball back and waiting patiently to counter-attack. But the key to their game is the team's pace and intensity.
Villarreal managed to hang on for 45 minutes before they finally collapsed in the second half. The only teams who can match the stamina of Klopp's team this season are Premier League rivals Manchester City or Chelsea.
Thiago in top form
Thiago Alcantara had adapted perfectly to Klopp's philosophy, as he is the player who dictates the tempo for the Reds in midfield.
Against Villarreal, Thiago misplaced just four of his 103 passes, registering a 96 percent success rate, while Liverpool completed as many 645 passes, with Villarreal making just 182.
Thiago even came close to netting one of his own in the first half, but his shot hit the crossbar. The Spain international undoubtedly produced a man-of-the-match display at Anfield on Wednesday.
lueadlmnoy
0
Stop overhyping a player, Villarreal defended with 5-5-0, Man U was also weak. He's just getting to his best and you're making so much noise. For me he's yet to prove it in big games against the very best like Chelsea, Man City, Bayern, PSG, Barca or Madrid.
He got his freedom and he did his magic. Just enjoy it
DevonCarter
0
Dont put MC and PSG in that list, because the other teams are UCL winners. Chelsea, Bayern, Barca Madrid are on another level, they are UCL winners, not UCL participants 🤣
doesn't change the fact that city are better on the pitch 🤫🧂🧂
Audiphas
0
Stop overhyping a player, Villarreal defended with 5-5-0, Man U was also weak. He's just getting to his best and you're making so much noise. For me he's yet to prove it in big games against the very best like Chelsea, Man City, Bayern, PSG, Barca or Madrid.
Man city is big what?😂
Spizaetus
0
Stop overhyping a player, Villarreal defended with 5-5-0, Man U was also weak. He's just getting to his best and you're making so much noise. For me he's yet to prove it in big games against the very best like Chelsea, Man City, Bayern, PSG, Barca or Madrid.
Dont put MC and PSG in that list, because the other teams are UCL winners. Chelsea, Bayern, Barca Madrid are on another level, they are UCL winners, not UCL participants 🤣
lakexyd
0
Stop overhyping a player, Villarreal defended with 5-5-0, Man U was also weak. He's just getting to his best and you're making so much noise. For me he's yet to prove it in big games against the very best like Chelsea, Man City, Bayern, PSG, Barca or Madrid.
does he have anything to proof to u and ur shitty club? i think the answer i NO
Jukacmnpy
1
Stop overhyping a player, Villarreal defended with 5-5-0, Man U was also weak. He's just getting to his best and you're making so much noise. For me he's yet to prove it in big games against the very best like Chelsea, Man City, Bayern, PSG, Barca or Madrid.
Dr0ck
1
Pogba should come and learn from Thiago and stop fulling around 😃
chalon2k2
0
Thaigo..... the man-machine. Midfield warrior......
Jahmotino
4
The only teams who can match the stamina of Klopp's team this season are Premier League rivals Manchester City and Chelsea... this statement is quite true, because both teams are also energetic in nature