The Value Of Squad Depth

I recall watching so many Rafa Benitez games when he was the Liverpool manager. The side would often times be very good, with enough elite players to make them a force within the Premier League and Europe. Despite the obvious Istanbul delight, that period is often tinged with what if’s and regrets, as to...

Molby on the Spot: Optimistic Future, Gale Force Winds & Henderson’s Worrying Form

Jan Molby was back with a podcast - hosted by Trev Downey - that included two matches, two wins and plenty to talk about. Topics included the mystifying nature of Diogo Jota, and how to label him as a player; the difficulty of playing conditions versus Burnley; Henderson's worrying drop in form; and the...

Key Stats as Liverpool’s European royals earn an important win at the San Siro

The Reds put in a good performance to take a deserved 2-0 lead into the second leg of their clash with the Italian champions thanks to goals from Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah. But what were the Key Stats as they move in pursuit of European glory… An exciting debut https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1494023036110000135 The most notable part of a...

Observations on Inter Milan-Liverpool

Liverpool experienced some turbulent times in the early part of the season due to unfortunate injuries and missed opportunities in the league that put them in a tough spot looking up at City in first place, but the Champions League was quite the bright spot in the Reds’ season to date. Jurgen’s boys took...

Inter Milan 0 – 2 Liverpool – The Player Ratings

Inter Milan 0 - 2 Liverpool - The Player Ratings Alisson Becker - 7.5 The worlds finest stopper, but it was the bar that saved him on 17 mins. A busy second half for his defensive line, and command led when needed. Trent Alexander Arnold - 7.5 The assist machine nearly added to that tally on 14 mins,...

Under Pressure: Fabiago, Perfect Pressing & Aggressive Defensive Lines

After a busy week where the Reds faced Rodgers' Leicester City side at Anfield, and travelled to Burnley to face the team propping up the Premier League, it meant a double header Under Pressure podcast. Gags returned to host and was joined by Dan Kennett, Dan Rhodes and Phil Barter. In a bumper edition...

Post-Match RAW: Superb Set Pieces & Sean Dyche’s Face

During an incredibly busy period for the Reds, following the victory at home to Leicester, they had to travel to Turf Moor and play Sean Dyche's bottom-of-table Burnley. Fabinho's fifth goal in recent weeks came just before half-time from a Trent Alexander-Arnold corner, followed by Sadio Mane's flick on, and it was enough to secure...

The Henderson Dilemma

There was much annoyance in not replacing of Gini Wijnaldum this past summer. Yet as the season enters its final few months, the main worry is that of Liverpool captain, Jordan Henderson. In a season where emerging midfield talents have come to the fore, there seems to be a dilemma heading towards Jordan Henderson‘s...

Key Stats as Liverpool’s set-piece kings break down stubborn Burnley

The Reds had to battle hard to edge past a typically combative Burnley as a well-worked goal from Fabinho saw them win 1-0 at Turf Moor. But what were the key stats as Liverpool maintained the pressure on Manchester City at the top of the table? Set Piece Specialists With the Clarets looking to sit back...

Burnley 0-1 Liverpool: Player ratings from a stereotypical Turf Moor triumph

Torrential rain, galeforce wind - the conditions and the arena almost demanded an ugly win, and that's what Liverpool provided. Fabinho Nazario bundled in from a corner shortly before half-time and it proved to be the winner, securing three points that keep the Reds' title hopes alive. Burnley may be bottom of the Premier League but...

Line-up Porn

It’s rare that a line-up is the most exciting thing in a match. It’s especially unique when the result is 2-0 for the good guys. Yet on this night, with the addition of one Luiz Diaz, the subtraction of Jordan Henderson, the return of Mo Salah from AFCON and the resurrection of Harvey Elliot...

Post Match Raw: Reds Dominate Rodgers’ Leicester City

After defeat in the reverse fixture, this was a perfect opportunity for Liverpool to gain some revenge but more importantly move three points closer to league leaders Manchester City. On Post-Match Raw, Trev Downey hosted Dave Hendrick and Karl Matchett to debate the Reds' performance in their two nil victory over The Foxes. Dave started...

Liverpool 2 – 0 Leicester – The Player Ratings

Alisson Becker - 7.5 Back after international duty, and a good stop early on from Maddison. Was fairly routine after that till the break. Rarely called into action in the second break, but was in command throughout. Trent Alexander Arnold - 7.5 A little loose with a pass early on presented a chance for Maddison, but recovered...

Trent Alexander-Arnold: Will He Break the All-Time Assist Record?

After a pinpoint free-kick led to his 15th assist of the season, Dan Kennett on the Under Pressure podcast asked the simple question: who can possibly compare with Trent Alexander-Arnold's chance creation and level of assists this season? He also added these key stats to illustrate the level he is performing: Trent is currently at 15...

Molby: Is Harvey Elliott the Next David Silva?

There was a mixed reaction from some sections of the Liverpool fanbase when quotes emerged of Sadio Mane saying the AFCON triumph, with Senegal, meant more to him than any other trophy he's ever won. While Jan Molby said he completely understood that, he had a slightly different view of the silverware he won...

How Does Diaz Compare to Mo Salah at Roma?

In the aftermath of the Diaz transfer being confirmed, those involved on the Under Pressure podcast were investigating the stats behind the Reds' new signing. In an effort to compare different leagues, Dan Kennett used two different academic studies (that you can read here and here). "Arguing about domestic league strength is something that soccer fans...

Harvey Elliott – The Right Stuff

Last week we saw Dele Alli sign for Everton, in a move for a player once seen as England’s next great midfielder. When Dele Alli was emerging through the ranks at Milton Keynes Dons, he was heavily linked to Liverpool. Brendan Rodgers was desperate for ideas in a post Luis Suarez world, yet the deal...

Liverpool 3 – 1 Cardiff – The Player Ratings

Caoimhin Kelleher - 6.5 Possibly lucky with the yellow card incident, and moments of rashness needs to be parked. No fault for the goal, and Milner should be pinned for the blame there. Trent Alexander Arnold - 7.0 Another assist, in an ordinary performance against another low block side. The thought of this man being joined by...

Who Will Inherit the Liverpool Top Job?

Jürgen Klopp has already done more than enough during his time on Merseyside to be remembered as a true Liverpool legend, with his squad having defied the betting odds on more than one occasion, to deliver a long-awaited Premier League crown as well as a Champions League triumph. Now the online bookmakers who set...

Key fixture dates in Liverpool Premier League title

Liverpool have closed the gap on Man City, and with a game in hand, they can narrow the gap further before their trip to the Etihad in April. The Reds flexed their muscles as title contenders with a 3-1 win against Crystal Palace, with the timing of the triumph, a day after City's 1-1 draw...

Jurgen Klopp delighted with Liverpool’s new addition Luis, as Reds prepare title chase

Liverpool may not be hung on the Premier League title this season as Manchester City look to be running away with it. Still, they are in the chase and are adding quality to their squad to mount a serious challenge. Reds' fans will be delighted at the efforts of the management to add talent,...

Liverpool’s Perfect Transfer Window?

It was so close: had Nat Phillips been sold on a permanent transfer for a fee of around £10m, and Liverpool secured the signature of Fabio Carvalho from Fuham then FSG, Julian Ward and the departing Micheal Edwards would have achieved a 'perfect' transfer window according to Dave Hendrick on AI Scouted. As it turned...

Fabio Carvalho – The Endgame Won’t Alter

The start of this winter transfer window was full of frustration, as the entire fanbase were concerned that FSG would never back any January purchases. Then, much like the past Fabinho deal, a target arose, and was swiftly announced as a red. The speed and confidence with how the deal was confirmed was beyond...

Liverpool pair Mane and Salah adding to their value at the AFCON

No further proof is required to show that Liverpool has two of the best African players and maybe two of the best in the world right now in Sadio Mane and Mohammed Salah. It was surely cries of joy, a bit of frustration and immense pride for the Kopites and the team from the...

What does Luis Diaz’s signing mean for Liverpool?

You'll know all about Luis Diaz by now. You'll know he is explosively quick, a genuine goal threat and he has that special something about him. You know what I mean, that ability to create something out of nothing that just leaves you confused but impressed. There's a touch of Luis Suarez about him. I've...

Luis Díaz – The Lowdown

Not since Ibrahima Konate arrived at Anfield have I been able to submit a piece on a new Liverpool signing. Yet as the first month of 2022 draws to a close, the final period of the transfer window appears to have delivered the Reds' fanbase at least one new signing. Whereas all top level football...

Who is Liverpool transfer target Fabio Carvalho?

Fabio Carvalho is set to stay with Fulham this month, but he could be a Liverpool player once this season comes to an end. Marco Silva doesn’t want to sell him, but his contract is almost up and the Reds are believed to be favourites for his signature.  So what is all the fuss about? Again,...

Where does Luis Diaz fit into Liverpool’s team?

So, it is Luis Diaz. Having been linked with a host of attackers over the last couple of months, the decision has been made and the Colombian looks set to be the latest addition to the Liverpool forward line. At the time of writing this, anyway. We could end up with another Nabil Fekir...

Why Liverpool want Luis Diaz

Money will have played a part in the club’s decision to opt for Diaz over others. This is not a case of Liverpool being cheap or FSG being tight though.  The Reds have been linked with Arnaut Danjuma and Harvey Barnes over recent months.   Both ply their trade on the left of attack and...

Diogo Jota & His Starting Role

When Liverpool signed Diogo Jota from Wolves, it was a signing that appeared reactionary to the failure to obtain Timo Werner. In the 18 months since he arrived, Diogo has proven to be not only a valuable rotation piece, but a player that can succeed Sadio Mané on the left-hand side of Liverpool‘s famed...