Observations: Endings, and Beginnings
This Liverpool team have put absolutely everything this season. They've gone again, and again, and again. In recent weeks their tiredness has been showing, but they have persevered, never allowing themselves to be beaten. It was the same today, against Wolves. Despite yet another bad start, with a simple goal-kick misjudged and a goal down inside 5 minutes, the Reds ground their opponent down to win 3-1, courtesy of goals from Mane, Salah and Robertson. But when Salah's winner went …
Observations: Liverpool grind past Southampton
It's never easy these days is it? Seems as though every single match some random slice of misfortune strikes to put Liverpool on the back foot. In this game it was a freakish deflection looping past Alisson after one of the most blatant fouls you'll ever see wasn't given at the other end of the pitch. The Reds overcame the deficit to win 2-1 courtesy of goals from Takumi Minamino and Joel Matip, but it should never have gotten to …
Player Ratings for Liverpool 0-0 Chelsea (LFC win 6-5 on penalties)
For the third time under Jurgen Klopp, the Reds outlasted the detestable Chelsea FC in a penalty shootout to lift a trophy into the night sky. While Liverpool once again could not get a win in either regulation or extra time against the Blues, new heroes stepped up to complete the set for Herr Klopp.
Alisson – 8
Shook off a knock in the first half after a clash with Marcos Alonso to put in a composed and vital display. …
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 …
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 …
Observations: The Reds celebrate Jurgen's new contract with a win
Today Liverpool were the calmest ones in the room. Many fans will have been increasingly nervous as the seconds ticked by and the scoreline stayed at just 1-0, but despite a few misplaced passes, the Reds stayed as calm as you like, defended the space, and gave up nothing to see out the win. Newcastle had a measly 4 shots in the game, all of which were from considerable distance and didn't give Alisson much trouble. Joe Gomez, rotated in …
Liverpool 2 - 0 Everton - The Player Ratings
Alisson Becker - 7.5
As solid as he needed to be, without much to actually do. Nice antics at the end, and never really looked overly fazed by the odd Everton half chance.
Trent Alexander-Arnold 6.5
Seemed run by emotion, and caught in too many half spaces that allowed the Ev that odd break. Was tough and problematic to break them down, and he looked rushed and angry when control was needed. He’s still 23 and world class, and these …
Observations: Liverpool book their place in the Final
The most notable factor in the buildup to the FA Cup semi-final was the team selection of Man City. The absence of Kevin De Bruyne and Kyle Walker was expected after their midweek knocks, but Pep Guardiola also rested Rodri, Ederson, and Laporte. This ended up being crucial, as City no longer had their three best tempo controllers from deep positions. Whilst in the league meeting, City had done an excellent job of neutering Liverpool's press before launching comfortable long …
Player Ratings for Liverpool 3-2 Manchester City
Last Sunday at the Etihad was an up-and-down affair for Liverpool, but an early blitzkrieg against their hated rivals at Anfield South put the Reds out of touching distance and sent Jurgen’s boys to another cup final.
Alisson – 8
Had some early shaky moments on the ball, but his positioning and shot stopping saved Liverpool from an embarrassing collapse after taking a 3-0 lead. The gulf in class between Alisson and City’s Zach Steffen is a major reason why …
Benfica 1 - 3 Liverpool - The Player Ratings
Benfica 1 - 3 Liverpool - The Player Ratings
Alisson Becker - 7.5
A relative spectator in the first half, with only a couple of minor chances created. Was a lot busier after the break, as the home sides ramped up their efforts. Could do nothing for the goal conceded, and was assured as Liverpool weathered the storm.
Trent Alexander-Arnold 7.5
Looked confident from the off, with a willingness to show strength at both ends of the field. 34 minutes …