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 …
Newcastle 0 - 1 Liverpool - The Player Ratings
Alisson Becker - 7.5
The nervy situations were inevitable, but this man dealt with such moments like the worlds greatest keeper should. The chances for Newcastle were limited, but everything was smothered by the giant Brazilian.
Joe Gomez - 8.5
Effort and tenacity in abundance. He was up and down the line constantly, and looks like the relative freedom is being basked in. The odd cross field ball was on point, and the crossing was pretty good too. The defensive …
The Back Up Boys
With only a handful of games left in the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup this season, Liverpool now (more than ever) need to utilise the full depth of their squad. After watching Manchester City glide into red territory time and time again this past Sunday, the end result has to be seen as a positive. To head to the Etihad and hold out for vital point, needs to be taken as a good result, all things considered. Forget …
Nottingham Forest 0 - 1 Liverpool - Man Of The Match
Joe Gomez
A brilliant defender, that is simply part of an elite group of defenders. His versatility allowed him a rare start, and he gave his very best throughout. A clearly different version to Trent’s world class level, but Joe was intent on making a strong impression. Some strong running and smart passing was even dent throughout, and he far outshone Kostas at left.
Showed great willingness to give width, tremendous energy throughout, and covered his centre backs with a …
Key Stats as rotated Reds ease past Norwich into the FA Cup quarter finals.
Liverpool's depth was on display again as they delivered a 2-1 win courtesy of a clinical brace from Takumi Minamino. But what were the key stats as Jurgen Klopp's team kept the quadruple dream alive?
Fantastic Four
This was the 4th match against the Canaries this season. Whilst there have been prior occasions where this has happened, this is the first time in the Klopp era where the Reds have won all 4 of those games, by a combined score …
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. …
What should Liverpool do with Joe Gomez?
Joe Gomez made his first start in the Premier League for 468 days in Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Norwich City. He was used as a right-back with Trent Alexander-Arnold being given a rare day off.
Some thought he did well, others really did not like him in the full-back role. I think how you viewed this outing was tied to the expectations you had heading into the match.
He was not ever going to replicate what Alexander-Arnold does for the …
Key Stats as dominant Liverpool turn on the style against Norwich
Liverpool pushed past a brief scare to end up with a comfortable 3-1 victory courtesy of goals from Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz. But what were the key stats as the Reds kept up their formidable juggernaut?
Shooting for gold (and green)
Liverpool took 29 shots against Norwich, the 2nd highest they have managed in a premier league game all season. The highest? A staggering 30, against Wednesday's opponents, Leeds United. Salah was the highest shot taker on …
Liverpool's Joe Gomez conundrum
The centre-back situation
Last season, Liverpool had no centre-backs. Now, the Reds allegedly have too many.
According to a report, albeit not the most reliable ones, Joe Gomez isn’t happy with his situation at Anfield. The 24-year-old is yet to start in the Premier League this term and the majority of his minutes have arrived in weakened teams in Carabao Cup matches.
It wasn’t that long ago he was the first choice right-sided centre-back beside Virgil Van Dijk. Injuries and …
The Rearguard Solution
Centre-back partnerships can offer sublime foundations and turn teams into serial winners. Alessandro Costacurta and Franco Baresi jump to the front of that formidable list, as a partnership that allowed the rest of the side to dominate literally everyone.
In the modern game (especially within the Premier League), the ferocity of play and sheer culmination of games has now enforced adjustment to Liverpool and Jürgen Klopp’s thinking. The reds have started the season in an impressive manner, and the four …