Ireland suffered a 1-0 home defeat to Ukraine in their UEFA Nations League Group B clash on Wednesday night, and media outlet Irish Examiner have been incredible critical of Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher – giving him 5/10.
Ireland came into the clash at the Aviva having lost their opening Nations League outing against Armenia on the weekend, against arguably the strongest side in their group. Kelleher was handed his sixth cap.
Dynamo Kiev winger Viktor Tsygankov got the only goal of the game for Ukraine – curling a free-kick from a crossing position into the box. It evaded everybody, including Kelleher, and ending up in the back of the net.
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Certainly, not what the winger had expected, but the defending was certainly suspect. Kelleher, 23, was statue-like on his goal line, and the Irish Examiner has criticised the Liverpool man for failing to keep it out, earning only 5/10.
“Was not troubled with shots by the visitors over the 90 minutes. Had no chance for Taras Kacharaba’s disallowed goal. But badly caught out for substitute Tsygankov’s 48th minute goal, positionally and decision making wise.”
Irish media critical of Liverpool goalkeeper Kelleher
It is one of those ones. A free-kick, with plenty of whip and dip, is sent into the box. That corridor of uncertainty, a nightmare for defenders, and a question of bravery for goalkeepers. Do they deal with it?
Or do they hope for the best. Kelleher chose the latter. But the likes of Shane Duffy or John Egan could not get to the ball, and it ended up curling off the turf and into the back of the net. A disaster for Kelleher.
But for that moment, Kelleher had been solid. Ukraine had not troubled him other than the disallowed goal. Many could look at the goal and say it was Kelleher’s fault, but it happens here and there.
Kelleher has openly admitted he could leave Liverpool this summer – but this will not do him in any favours.
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