Observations: Heroes and Villans
Liverpool made it through a very chaotic game to manage a 2-1 victory against Aston Villa, but it was far from easy. This was incredibly stressful watching, and it started right from the off. Jurgen Klopp will be very irritated by the manner in which the game began, however, as the Reds conceded after just 3 minutes. In the build-up to the goal, Ollie Watkins was clearly offside, but the assistant didn't flag it and play continued. About a minute …
Aston Villa 1 - 2 Liverpool - The Player Ratings
Alisson Becker - 7.0
A frenetic start saw Liverpool go behind, and Ali could probably have done little more to stop it. Nearly gifted an open goal, with an amazing pass into Watkins early on. Had little else to do in the second half as the Reds controlled, but was alert to stop Ings late on.
Trent Alexander-Arnold - 7.0
Showed good defensive awareness, as Villa looked to exploit the wide areas. His dangerous delivery started to explore the Villa …
Take The Red Pill
A point at home to a good Spurs side (who are managed by a world class manager), was seen as a major disappointment at the weekend. That is the mentality and level that this Liverpool team and manager have created, and one that should be respected for getting us to that point. The disappointment was real, but the door remains ajar on the reds hopes of achieving the improbable.
In a period where Manchester City have been obscenely bankrolled by …
Liverpool 1 - 1 Tottenham - Man Of The Match
Luis Diaz
A wonderfully technical player, his skill set in possession was simply superb at times. His tenacious nature grew through the first half, as neat possession started to grow into brilliant penetration. The first half was a frustration for the reds, but it was clear that Diaz would be relied upon to keep the home side ticking along.
He got his goal to level proceedings, after another roaming dribble inside. The luck off the deflected effort couldn’t hide the …
Observations: Hard Work for The Reds against solid Spurs.
Let's address the issue on everyone's minds first. With only 1 point gained against Tottenham, Liverpool are now 3 points behind Manchester City if they won their game in hand. This means Jurgen Klopp and his boys now need City to lose a game rather than just draw. This makes it less likely, but it still can turn on a single result. Fingers crossed then. With that covered, onto the game itself.
The most striking thing from this game was …
Liverpool 1 - 1 Tottenham - The Player Ratings
Alisson Becker - 7.5
The monster keeper started in this clinical game, with his brilliance most required. A couple of good early stops saw him start brightly. Could do nothing for the opening goal, as the away side calved open the reds backline.
Trent Alexander-Arnold - 7.0
Back into the league line up after a rest against Newcastle. He had an early sighter that flew over, and a few good deliveries in a possession heavy opening period. Was called to …
Footballs Of Steel
The past weekend saw a remarkable run of results continue, as Liverpool saw off Newcastle at St James' Park. The Reds are in the midst of a battle across three remaining fronts, with Villarreal dispatched after a minor scare in midweek.
Earlier in the year I wrote a piece named ‘Rotation, Rotation, Rotation’, as the Reds continued to smartly use the depth of their squad. It’s always been a tricky subject for clubs that partake in rotation, as the squads' …
Villarreal 2 - 3 Liverpool - Man Of The Match
Villarreal 2 - 3 Liverpool - Man Of The Match
Luis Diaz
He changed the game, and is still pushing to become Liverpools most important forward.
He came on after an horrendous first half, and forced the Spanish back line to stretch as he hugged the far touchline. He threatened and threatened, and finally got his goal with a well taken header.
What a signing this man had been, and he was able to relax a stressed fanbase …
Observations: Don't Panic
Dear Reader, this writer had the pleasure of watching Liverpool vs Villarreal on BT Sport. After a torrid first half in which the Reds were stunned by a daring tactical approach by knockout king Unai Emery (more on that later), there was something of a theme for the coverage. "Bring on Henderson", "need the captain's experience", "there has to be personnel changes from Klopp". The consensus seemed to be that Liverpool's midfielders had struggled, particularly Naby Keita, and therefore substitutions …
Villarreal 2 - 3 Liverpool - The Player Ratings
Alisson Becker - 7.5
The most assured pair of gloves in football, and with no fault for Villarreal’s first half goals, made one brilliant one on one stop. Became a spectator until Liverpool scored, which was a welcome sight. Had very little from there to deal with.
Trent Alexander-Arnold - 6.5
After given a much needed breather at the weekend, the playmaking fullback came back in for Joe Gomez. He looked shaky, and unsure of how to play the ball …