Liverpool’s Triumph Over Luton: Alexis Mac Allister Shines
Certain games in this enthralling footballing season and for the remainder of the 2023/24 campaign will require elite-level players to stand up and drag their team over the line. The likes of Steven Gerrard and Luis Suárez were vital recently for delivering performances and moments of brilliance that enabled unlikely scenarios to become jubilant reality. After watching Manchester City edge their way to a 1-0 win over Brentford (yesterday evening), the visit of relegation-haunted Luton, which was always going to be about character and patience.
Alexis Mac Allister has provided 2+ assists in a single game for the first time in his Premier League career.
Looking for things he can't do like: 🔦 pic.twitter.com/un4ixuO0J0
— Squawka (@Squawka) February 21, 2024
First Half Challenges: Overcoming Adversity
The first-half display (by the home side) was that of a team ravaged by indecision within a cluster of squad effecting injuries. Despite going into the halftime dressing room at 0-1 down, I was unmoved and fully believed that the Red’s illustrious manager would galvanise a group into roaring back into the game. Virgil van Dijk was the leader his side needed, and his score levelling header was made possible by a superbly taken corner kick by his tremendous Argentinian teammate, Alexis Mac Allister.
Key Moments from Mac Allister
Just moments later, the deficit turned to a lead due to a driven cross by the World Cup winner, which allowed Cody Gakpo to alter the score to 2-1 with a close-range header. The assists were paramount to the result; however, it was only part of an all-around tenacious midfield display by the former Brighton and Hove Albion star. Now that the captain of Japan, Waturu Endō, is allowing the holding role to be played in such a solid manner, Alexis is finally allowed the freedom to dictate the patterns of play and push the game forward. This box-to-box player’s elevation has been partly due to his holding endeavours earlier in the season, which has increased his former controlling nature to that of a roaming destroyer and dominator.
🇦🇷 Alexis Mac Allister created six chances for #LFC today – the most he has created in a single game for the club so far.
He also registered two assists for the first time in the Premier League.
Six duels won. Two out of two dribbles completed. Another great performance. pic.twitter.com/36g4iS2Tg7
— AnfieldIndex (@AnfieldIndex) February 21, 2024
Midfield Mastery: Alexis Mac Allister’s Impact
In these periods where determination is needed more than ever, you could sense the fight and desire from all the red men (in that second half), which starkly contrasts how Liverpool routinely fell apart last season. No longer should the fanbase fear conceding the first goal (albeit irritating), as the group has the want and tools to correct any errors that do occur. The prowling German manager on the touchline was a nonstop advocate for more energy and fight, which his £35m summer signing delivered more than others nonstop to increase Liverpool’s lead at the top of the Premier League.
A Turnaround in Performance
The points mattered, especially with the tantalising EFL Cup final looming. Tonight was a tricky encounter against a side desperate for points, though for differing reasons. The man of the match, Alexis Mac Allister, produced a display worthy of the award, and his delivery for those two opening goals set this team on their way again. More of this will be needed in abundance on Sunday afternoon, which could lead to the most glorious of trophy lifts.
Chelsea next.
Pre-match Prediction;
Liverpool 3 – 1 Luton
Steven Smith
