Observations: Groundhog Day
I've seen this one before. Liverpool vs Chelsea in a domestic cup final. Both teams create lots of chances, though the Reds are slightly the better side. None of these are scored, with two excellent goalkeeping displays. Thomas Tuchel makes a sub deep in extra time, gambling on a penalty specialist. But eventually, Liverpool triumphed, holding their nerve to seal it in the shootout. Really someone should be asking what the scriptwriters have been doing these last few months, because …
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. …
Liverpool 3 - 2 Man City - The Man Of The Match - FA Cup Semi Final
Liverpool 3 - 2 Man City - The Man Of The Match - FA Cup Semi Final
Sadio Mane
In a period where questions surround Sadio’s future, he seems to have reinvented himself after the arrival of Luis Diaz. His contract is quickly reducing, and soon mist come the decision as to stick or twist with the Senegalese forward.
A switch to the central striker role was always going to take time, but the success that is now being garnered …
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 …
Observations: A Fun Little Kickaround
Well that was a bit of a lark, wasn't it? Liverpool made through to the semi-finals of the Champions League after an exciting 3-3 draw at Anfield with Benfica to finish 6-4 on aggregate. Jurgen Klopp named a heavily rotated side, and at times it definitely showed. After the match, the gaffer explained that he'd made a last minute decision to change the back line, so this 4, who'd never played a competitive match together, had 20 minutes to figure …
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 …
Liverpool 1-0 West Ham: Player Ratings as Reds hang on for crucial win
It wasn't pretty, it wasn't vintage Jurgen Klopp Liverpool, but it got the job done. Sadio Mane's first-half goal gave the Reds a 1-0 win over West Ham United at Anfield.
The Reds' goal lived a charmed life, as Pablo Fornals and particularly Manuel Lanzini missed gilt-edged chances to score for the Hammers. However, Liverpool somehow survived to keep the pressure on Man City in the title race, with the Reds just three points behind their rivals now.
Here's how …
Liverpool 1 - 0 West Ham - Match Report
Liverpool 1 - 0 West Ham - Match Report
In a game where West Ham were so impressive, Liverpool needed moments of great defensive play in order to secure the three points. Michail Antonio was a constant threat, with his powerful display really disrupting the reds centre backs. West Ham were able to defend more than diligently, and broke with brilliant intent. The Hammers performance again points to a great system under David Moyes, and West Ham would be worthy …
Liverpool 2 - 1 Norwich - The FA Cup 5th Round Player Ratings
Liverpool v Norwich - The FA Cup 5th Round Player Ratings
Alisson Becker - 7.5
Back in nets, with some game time needed before the weekend. Had very little to do through the first half, other than an early and late flurry by Norwich. Wasn’t at fault for the goal, and produced a great save late on. His vocal leadership was needed.
James Milner - 7.0
The vice captain, now confirmed as the back up right back, came back in. …