Jim Boardman and Jay Reid are back with another episode of Scouser Tommies, and as always there is a lot to talk about, and plenty of tangents from it.
Liverpool’s recent run of mixed results, including draws against the Mancs and Forest and a League Cup semi-final first leg loss to Spurs, could be seen as something of a blip, with the FA Cup win against Accrington the only victory so far of 2025. Then again, 2025 is only two weeks old, it just feels longer given how much football has already been crammed in.
What’s behind this relative dip? Tough opponents, a potential lack of squad depth, players not performing consistently? Whatever it is, it could do with coming to an end, before the four point gap with a game in hand gets eaten away. As Jay points out, some parts of North London already think it has been.
The year started with the dropped points at home to the Mancs, and Trent Alexander Arnold's struggles in that game saw him getting much more stick from matchgoing fans than he might be used to. Was it deserved?
As Jim points out, the draw against Forest was maybe a decent point, as opposed to two dropped, because they aren’t flirting with the top of table by fluke, it’s earned.
For Jay, that game brought home just how much the Reds could do with adding a couple of more physical and "street-smart" players to complement the current technically gifted group, players who can come in when up against certain types of opponent. Like those with players who are built like, well, have a listen…
Groundhog Day is a couple of weeks away but still we wake up to rumours about those three players who are soon to be out of contract. The same rumours about the same three, over and over again. For Jay and Jim, it’s time to end the uncertainty and all the difficulties that brings.
Also this week, the expected new kit deal with Adidas has now got to the leaked kit designs stage, including a green third kit which brings back memories both good and bad. There’s also a look ahead to the Reds’ next couple of games, namely a trip to Brenftord and the visit of Lille.
A week wouldn’t go by on Merseyside though without some comedy from across the park. This time they proved they’re the kings of comedic timing, sacking one manager practically whilst the players were still tying their boots before kick-off, as part of their new found desire for stability. As if that wasn’t enough, they then bring back a man who had a double-barreled name last time he was there, known to many of their supporters as David Moyes-Out.
Of course the appointment adds even more hype to the last-ever-Goodison-derby, which will now be under the floodlights having been postponed before Christmas. A strong performance will be needed from the Reds, as it will in the return, and if Slot’s men can do that it could be a chance to recreate at least one memorable Moyes derby moment from the past.
