Operation Man City
So Liverpool took total control of their Champions League last eight tie with Benfica, whilst Manchester City crept over the line against Atletico Madrid. Both teams won, that is fact, yet the second leg for each will be offering much different scenarios for their respective managers.
Liverpool have delved into full rotation mode, essentially since the turn of the year. City were 14 points clear, and it’s apparent that a post AFCON game planned was ushered in (by Klopp) to …
Naby: The Big Game Player
Naby Keita has been one of Liverpool's best players this season, and perhaps the Reds' most underrated performer. His impact is so understated, I even marked him a little low in the match ratings on Tuesday, as the Reds bested Benfica 1-3. It’s only on a rewatch (and after viewing his match stats), that I saw how endlessly effective he was, and the 7.5 I marked probably deserved a solid 8.5.
The perfect Klopp facilitator, appears to be the little …
Observations: Against Benfica, the real Naby Keita stood up
In a recent interview, Naby Keita said 'I don't believe we've seen the real Naby Keita just yet. I've had quite a few injuries & I'm trying to get back to full form & fitness. Recently I've felt 100%. It's my aim to try and establish myself and be seen in the world of football either this season or the next.' Well Naby lad, if you wanted to be seen, then tonight you did everything right to make it happen. …
Benfica 1 - 3 Liverpool - The Man of the Match
Luis Diaz
This could well have gone to Ibrahima Konate, if not for the mistake and brief period of poor play at the start of the second half. The man of the match must however go to a player that was at times unplayable, and perhaps the man that has decided the tie.
Luis Diaz worked relentlessly, drove with a fierce intent, and was a constant out ball for Trent. A great piece of movement and assist for the second …
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 …
A Crucial Week Ahead
One down, a good few more to go. Liverpool overcame Watford at the weekend with a 2-0 win, to temporarily rise to the top of the Premier League. Manchester City soon reclaimed that position, with a routine win against Burnley.
This coming week will now see two crucial games follow that game against Watford, as a trip to Benfica is followed by a huge match up against leaders City. Two wins for the Reds would give Jurgen Klopp’s men some …
Old Skool: Tremendous Trebles, and is the Quadruple Even Possible?
With the international break upon us, Gags and Dave got together to discuss the final few weeks of the season - and asked the question on everyone's lips: Can we win the quadruple?
The first talking point was a look back at how far Liverpool have come since the end of Rodgers' tenure in charge.
Then, of course, there was a detailed look into the state of play now - and how we've slowly developed into one of the best …
Analysing Jurgen Klopp's substitutions
Jurgen Klopp has made some gamechanging substitutions in crucial fixtures recently.
Most notably, of course, there was the daring triple sub against Inter Milan at the San Siro. Off went Harvey Elliott, Sadio Mane and, surprisingly, Fabinho and on came Naby Keita, Luis Diaz and Jordan Henderson. The subsequent improvement in the Reds' display was stark, and they scored twice in 15 tie-clinching minutes at the end of the game.
Then, against Arsenal, he sent on Roberto Firmino in place …
Euro Incision: The Perfect Champions League Draw
It was Nina and regular Euro Incision podcast guest, Themis Kessaris, on this edition of the show. The obvious topic of conversation was last week's Champions League draw for the last eight, the semi-final's and even which team would be classified as the 'home' team in the final.
Themis was particularly delighted with the outcome, and when questioned about how he would rate the draw by Nina at the start of the pod, his answer was emphatic!
The possible scenario …
Under Pressure: Textbook Rotation, Perfect Pressing and Naby's Great Form
Liverpool may have lost to Inter Milan at Anfield, but the Under Pressure boys soon to put to bed any doubt that the Reds deserved to go through with a comprehensive run down of the key stats from the two legged tie: 3.1 xG to 0.8 coupled with FIVE big chances to the Italian side's zero. Case closed.
However, the main focus of the podcast was the victory over Brighton - including the continued impressive rotation, the controlled pressing and …