Liverpool’s Epic Win: A Game for the Ages

Trent Alexander-Arnold described it as ‘one for the ages’ and when the dust settles and the heart rates come down after a few days we may all agree. To take three points at St James Park this season would always be a good result, but in the manner we did made it extra special. In a game that had it all and literally defined the phrase ‘Super Sunday’, we take a look at the lessons learned as Liverpool beat Newcastle to move onto seven points. You do wonder if Wataru Endo thinks it’s part of Jurgen Klopp’s plans to go with ten every week in the premier league. What a game…

Nunez’s Rise to Stardom

If you weren’t chanting this like the travelling Kop in the gods then have a word with yourself. The Uruguayan hasn’t seen much football this season and having looked the fifth choice forward, may just have changed his Anfield trajectory and Jurgen Klopp’s thinking overnight. Both finishes were of the highest calibre – calm, composed and crisp strikes beyond Pope. A world away from the snatching, rash and lacking in confidence player we saw at times during the previous campaigns. Blinding pace will always terrify defenders as you suspect Dan Burn and Sven Botman had a few Nunez shaped nightmares in the early hours of Monday morning. God love that mentalist.

Allison: The Goalkeeping Maestro

If you don’t believe this man is one of the greats if not the best we’ve maybe ever had then have another word with yourself. The Brazilian keeper displayed hands of stone to keep out Almiron’s half-volley at one down and sky were keen to point out how it was the most saves he’d recorded in a premier league game for Liverpool. Whilst Nunez will grab all the headlines, he was as big a reason why we left St James Park with three points today. The fact he helped Nunez translate via Spanish from Portuguese in the post-match interview proved there’s literally nothing the great man can’t do. We’re watching a demi-god during our lifetime. A genuine privilege.

Trent’s Positional Dilemma

Jurgen Another week another red card and a costly Trent error seems to have become the standard for the reds. The vice-captain has seen the spotlight naturally fall upon him with all the talk over the hybrid, box midfield or whatever term you utilise in its description. It’s been a poor start to the season, as a gift for Anthony Gordon followed up last weeks Bournemouth error and there’s an argument he was lucky to still be on the pitch too. The positional debate is being used as an excuse for him just now, but that’s all it is and in truth he’s coughed up possession repeatedly and been largely ineffective in the first three games. One to fix quickly for Jurgen and the player.

Defensive Concerns for Liverpool

Having confirmed beforehand that Ibou Konate is expected to be out until Wolves after the international break, those ‘plenty of option’ that Jurgen Klopp mentioned in the press conference suddenly look sparse. Virgil Van Dijk won’t be available for the Villa game next Saturday and in truth having watched the replay, it’s understandable as to why. Joel Matip was taken off, although as a precautionary measure according to the manager as he was tired, which meant young Jarell Quansah made his senior bow for the reds. Joe Gomez played his best game in some time and it’s likely we could see Nat Phillips on the bench next week. If only there was a window to sort it…

The Unsung Heroes

There were plenty and it’s right to mention Gomez again as he often got the block, tackle and whatever else was needed in at the right time. Dominik Szoboszlai showed why he’s become an early fan favourite and tipped for big things as he covered every blade and took part in twenty (yes twenty) ground duels. Diogo Jota also made a real impact on his late introduction and it’s being forgotten just how god Salah’s assist was for the winner that meant Nunez didn’t have to break stride. There were plenty who weren’t at their best let’s say but this was a game for heroes, whether their names were sung or not. Maybe it was one for the ages after all…