Under Pressure: Dynamic Diaz, Klopp's Man Management & Naby's New Role
It was another double header for the Under Pressure crew, and it was a review of the Reds' domestic cup double - already - this season as they won the FA Cup final on penalties against Chelsea at Wembley.
In recent seasons it hasn't been a priority for Liverpool, mainly due to the strength of the squad available but this campaign has seen a real desire to succeed in all competitions. Phil Barter reflected on the ability of the manager …
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. …
Observations: Half Time against Villarreal
Only half time, that will be the message Jurgen Klopp gives to his lads after they beat Villarreal 2-0 at Anfield. But it was a truly dominant first half, with the yellow submarine only managing a single shot in the whole match, and even that could barely be called such as Lo Celso stretched to get to the ball. It was a pretty much perfect display from Liverpool. The counter-press was particularly impressive today, as Fabinho had a fantastic game …
Liverpool 2 - 0 Villarreal - The Player Ratings
Alisson Becker - 7.5
The monster keeper was a certain starter, but he was a virtual spectator through the first half. Concentration (and whether to grab a snack from the crowd) was all he had to do, before a poor Villarreal corner on 73 minutes.
Trent Alexander-Arnold - 9.0
After a tricky derby, he was tasked with showing more composure. He seemed keen to show strength in defense from the off, and he really started to purr as the half …
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 …
RAW: Hapless Henderson & Sloppy Set Pieces
It was billed as the title decider between the best two football teams on the planet. A chance to expand the lead over Liverpool for Man City, or an opportunity for the Reds to go clear at the top of the table.
On Post-Match RAW, Trevor Downey was joined by Jim Boardman and Dave Hendrick to look back at the 2-2 draw with the Citizens at the Ethiad.
First up is Dave, who wasn't pleased with elements of the side …
Arsenal 0 - 2 Liverpool - The Player Ratings
Arsenal 0 - 2 Liverpool - The Player Ratings
Alisson Becker - 8.5
A pretty routine first half for the giant Brazilian, with possession of the ball more apparent than anything else. Made a great stop early in the second half as the game opened up. Didn’t have much to do after that, but his moments were once again critical.
Trent Alexander Arnold - 7.0
Martinelli certainly gave him worrying moments in the first half, with his smart movement. A …
Brighton 0 - 2 Liverpool - The Player Ratings
Alisson Becker - 8.0
A nice solid, and uneventful game for Ali. A great stop towards the end showed his supreme ability to stay focused. Got clattered, but still was great with the ball at his feet and commanded his area. Had a busy last few moments, and the collision probably made him even more determined to keep that clean sheet.
Trent Alexander Arnold - 7.5
Starting to become bullish and dominant in his defensive work, and clearly, there’s a …
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 …