Liverpool 4-0 LASK: Thrilling Game Warms Up Anfield
Those who visited Anfield on Thursday night for this one will probably need until Sunday’s visit of Fulham to fully defrost. A freezing cold night on Merseyside was at least warmed up and made enjoyable for all reds by a game punctuated by attack after attack. Jurgen Klopp went stronger from the off than many expected and raised even more eyebrows when a number of substitutions were made in the second period. There was plenty to be entertained by though and if anything there’ll be a few disappointed the score-line wasn’t more emphatic. We look at the lessons learned from Thursdays victory at LASK.
Diaz Deserved Goal
No players had a more traumatic time in recent weeks than Luis Diaz and the Colombian was a popular first goalscorer in this contest. The 27 year old reminded us of his heading abilities after powering Gomez’s lofted centre into the net. Diaz scored both with his head in the recent international game against Brazil for his country and it shouldn’t be forgotten that he did the same last season in the 9-0 thumping against Bournemouth. As much as it reminded everyone there’s bigger things than football in the world, you’d hope Papa Diaz whose over here for the Xmas period enjoyed that one.
Harvey Starting To Gather Momentum
Whilst the focus was on other players named in the starting line-up, Harvey Elliott should be more than pleased with his performance. The England under-21 star has been somewhat of a cameo performer this campaign, having a real impact from the bench in the league. He’s started the cups and the odd league game like Brighton, but it’s not quite happened in those ones. On another day he’d have had two assists here, as having played Mo Salah through once to watch the keeper save, a lovely reverse to the same player shortly after should have been converted. Considering the form the likes of Gravenberch has been in, he was the pick of the midfield here.
Positives Galore
Despite the initial concerns about a strong starting line-up and reinforcements, the positives seriously stacked up. Qualification and a draw in the other game, means the final match of the group is a dead rubber in a busy period. All the starting forwards got on the scoresheet and it again seems crazy to not mention Mo Salah getting another goal and assist. The academy will also be delighted as come the end of the game Luke Chambers and Connor Bradley had joined Jarrell Quansah on the pitch. It shouldn’t be ignored too that after the Allison and Jota updates midweek that any game in this period without injuries is a big positive.