Liverpool toiled hard but eventually came out with much needed 3 points. The key takeaway moments from today’s game.
The Team Sheet
The Liverpool fanbase were waiting with bated breath to see how many changes would be affected by Klopp. Ultimately it turned out to be not many, especially in the hotly debated positions. There would be a late twist in the tale though, with Lovren pulling out the last moment to be replaced by Klavan. Not the start Liverpool would have hoped for.
Lack of Tempo in first half
Huddersfield were very content to sit back and absorb the expected early pressure from the home side. Liverpool were very slow and flat, to begin with, and that only got worse as the half wore on. There was no intent from Liverpool, especially from midfield. The midfielders, especially Henderson passed the ball without any idea in mind and with zero width Liverpool struggled to carve Huddersfield open. Liverpool got a lucky break with the penalty but that was saved quite easily. The half ended with a scoreline which no Liverpool supporter wanted. 0-0.
Some stern words from the Manager?
It was interesting to observe how Liverpool started the second half as there was an immediate difference in tempo. The ball was moved quickly and the attackers made attempts to prise open spaces and Liverpool were rewarded with an early goal from an icy cool Sturridge, who was in the right position yet again and calmly dinked it over the keeper. The floodgates were opened and one led to another as Firmino headed Liverpool into a two-goal advantage.
18 Home Goals, 0 Away
Liverpool scored the third goal from the Premier League’s hometown hero. A thunderous shot cannoned into the goal off the crossbar as Gini Wijnaldum extended his unique record of scoring home goals in Premier League. 18 home goals, none away. Maybe one for Guardian’s Knowledge page?
The Week Ahead
With Liverpool recovering from the mauling at Wembley, it will be an interesting watch as to what lies ahead for the Reds this week. Liverpool play Maribor at home, which they should be winning followed by a visit to the Olympic Stadium to play a yo-yo-ing West Ham who just dropped points after controlling the game against Crystal Palace with a two-goal lead. Liverpool have a solid chance of ending the week with 3 consecutive wins. Will they? I hope so!
I know the transfer window doesn’t open until January but can anybody tell me another supposedly top team that has spent the last few years rotating average, or below average, players like Lovren, Matip, Klavan, Mignolet, Karius and Moreno?
Every combination has been tried, other than Mignolet at centre back yet we always look amateurish at the back whichever combination is resurrected for any particular game.
If Klopp doesn’t get some spending done on the defence this coming January he must go. We don’t need a bit of tweaking here and there, we need a root-and-branch clear out of players who are simply not good enough. I don’t want another potential squad player to join the rotation policy, I want top players who can make a difference. I can remember when we conceded 16 goals in 42 games, we’ve just about done that after nine this year! Sorry, Mr Klopp, you might sound nice and friendly on the telly but if you can’t solve the defensive issues you need to look elsewhere for employment. Defensively, you are NOT deserving of your huge salary at the moment.
Bugger off Phil
Well said Red! Far too many knee jerk supporters on these posts. Regardless of there current standing Liverpool have shown they are capable of playing some beautiful football. Help is certainly needed defensively and Klopp knows it. Which is why they went after the best Premier League defender and the rising star Keita. Keita may not be a defensive specialist but he adds some serious bite to the midfield. It was negligent that we couldn’t land a good CB when the VVD desk collapsed but was that all Klopp’s doing? Regardless of the failure at CB the window provide a star in Salah, a good option at LB, the potential of OX and locking down Keita for next summer. Not perfect but certainly not bad. If that’s a reason to fire Klopp I’ll kiss Phil’s arse. Help will come at CB either in January or the summer. The sooner the better but it’s often tough to get tge right players in the winter. Who knows, maybe are Sporting Director learned some tricks after going through his first major window in charge.