What a rollercoaster ride it’s been for new Liverpool goalkeeper Adrian.
Released by West Ham in the summer, Adrian was signed by Liverpool at the start of August on a free transfer as backup to Alisson.
Fast forward 10 days and the 32-year-old was given his first start in the UEFA Super Cup against Chelsea, after stepping in for the injured Alisson in the first Premier League game of the season.
The new signing proved his worth with some fine saves in normal time, most notably keeping out a late shot from Mason Mount.
Then, with Liverpool leading 2-1 in extra-time, Adrian conceded a penalty. It looked exceptionally harsh on the TV replays but VAR confirmed the spot-kick and Jorginho levelled.
Talking afterwards on the live coverage of the game (BT Sport, Wednesday, 8pm), Adrian said, “I touched him with the penalty but he was looking for that. I told the referee I tried to stop but it doesn’t matter.”
Adrian turned hero in the penalty shootout saving, ironically, the spot-kick from Abraham, who tried to put the ball straight down the middle. Adrian saved it with his trailing leg and set off on a well-deserved celebration.
Talking afterwards, Klopp said, “I’m delighted for Adrian. He’s just come to the club and he’s the hero tonight.”
This is what the Liverpool fans made of his performance:
Justice!
Abrahams the diver misses the decisive penalty & Adrian the hero!!— Derek McLean (@DerektheKopRed) August 14, 2019
Never a penalty! Shows that VAR is ineffective if you have incompetent officials using it. Nevertheless, Adrian had the last laugh by saving Abraham’s peno in the shoot-out. Irony/karma at its finest. #LFC https://t.co/SQmNGG6H3P
— James McGhan ???? (@james_mcghan) August 15, 2019
These fans appreciated the “karma” of Abrahams missing the decisive penalty after winning a soft decision in extra-time. When you watch the video of the incident it’s hard to see why it was awarded, with the contact seeming like no more than a brush and the ball heading out of play.
For these Liverpool fans, justice was served.
For Adrian it’s the ultimate romantic story to save the winning penalty and win the Super Cup #LFC #YNWA
— DIPESH SHAH (@mrdipeshashah) August 15, 2019
Amazing how people aren’t talking about Abraham’s dive but the images of Adrian being off his line slightly are circulating media like crazy, love to see it ?? #LFC #Unbearables
— Hanísh. (@hanishp02) August 15, 2019
Yes Adrian was not on his line on last pen,but it should not have gone to pens after this. VAR bottled it! #LFC worthy champions ?? https://t.co/lIiQaCm4GK
— Goodfella (@Goodfella10001) August 15, 2019
Some Liverpool fans responded to claims, mainly from Chelsea supporters, that Adrian was off his line for the vital penalty save.
There’s an image online that proves this but VAR went Liverpool’s way this time.
It does bring up the question of consistency, though, and why/when rules are applied.
Another day, another debate about VAR ?
If you're gonna change the penalty rules, at least get it right ?#LFC #LIVCHE #SuperCup #ADR13N https://t.co/m7D9ONvXlJ
— GiveMeSport Football (@GMS__Football) August 15, 2019
Good morning! ??So pleased for Adrian. Look at how hes looking at the trophy ??#LFC #SuperCup pic.twitter.com/A1dbmSbUq0
— Lynn ? (@Lynnstokes66) August 15, 2019
The final word goes to this Liverpool fan and this fantastic image of Adrian, who probably can’t believe the turnaround in his career in just a couple of weeks.
He’ll need to be at his best again when Liverpool play Southampton on Saturday afternoon.