With such a hectic start to the campaign, and that mad transfer window, Scouser Tommies hosts Jim Boardman and Jay Reid are almost ready to welcome the international break. Almost. On this week’s episode they look back at the record-breaking spending spree, the “messy” signing of Alexander Isak and the strange end to the Marc Guehi near-signing, as well as looking back all of a couple of days at the win over Arsenal and that free-kick.
It’s a window Liverpool fans have never seen the likes of before, and probably won’t again, with Florien Wirtz a club record until Newcastle finally managed to do some of their own business to allow Isak to escape his imprisonment. Is that what the black and white stripes on the shirt mean? The final day brought a fitting end to a summer of spending, and despite missing out on one new centre-back Jay and Jim are more than happy with the “9.5 out of 10” window. Plenty of praise goes out to the club for the shrewd business, which has strengthened the squad while maintaining a healthy balance sheet.
With the transfers sorted, the focus shifts to the pitch and the gritty 1-0 victory over Arsenal at Anfield. Jim and Jay dissect the match, from Arsenal's "agricultural" first-half tactics to Arne Slot's crucial half-time adjustments that turned the game Liverpool’s way. There was a disallowed goal and much relief that Arne thinks Ibrahima Konaté’s injury was just cramp, but the big talking point, of course, is the winner. Dominik Szoboszlai's sensational free-kick, more beautiful every time you see it, from any of the many angles available, was destined to be the winner.
As that international break gets underway, it’s maybe a rest for the manager and all those involved in the transfer business, but Jay and Jim point out that it’s not a break for everyone, and that brings the nerves that come with sending key players off to do their duty for their countries. It might do Isak good, to actually play a game of football, but maybe just let Mac Allister do a ten minute cameo please? There’s a packed schedule on the horizon, and so the hope is for safe returns all around. Jay and Jim look ahead briefly to that next run of fixtures, which starts with a trip to Burnley, who are hard to separate mentally from Sean Dyche, then it’s a Champions League clash against Atlético Madrid, and a certain Merseyside derby against another former Dyche side in Everton.
That Champions League game was part of a draw that has thrown up some familiar foes, like Real Madrid at home for the second year running, only this time with a one-time Anfield hero in their ranks. There are also some exciting away days to come.
A quick glance at the table suggests the Isak tactics didn’t really help his former club, but what’s got into the neighbours, up there in the Champions League places? Well it is only three games in, but Liverpool clear at the top, on a maximum of nine points, is good a start as any team could ask for, and that’s from not playing well!
