Footballs Of Steel
The past weekend saw a remarkable run of results continue, as Liverpool saw off Newcastle at St James' Park. The Reds are in the midst of a battle across three remaining fronts, with Villarreal dispatched after a minor scare in midweek.
Earlier in the year I wrote a piece named ‘Rotation, Rotation, Rotation’, as the Reds continued to smartly use the depth of their squad. It’s always been a tricky subject for clubs that partake in rotation, as the squads' …
Observations: Don't Panic
Dear Reader, this writer had the pleasure of watching Liverpool vs Villarreal on BT Sport. After a torrid first half in which the Reds were stunned by a daring tactical approach by knockout king Unai Emery (more on that later), there was something of a theme for the coverage. "Bring on Henderson", "need the captain's experience", "there has to be personnel changes from Klopp". The consensus seemed to be that Liverpool's midfielders had struggled, particularly Naby Keita, and therefore substitutions …
A Defining Week Of Football For Liverpool FC
Once again and as with every week, Liverpool enter into a defining week that could shake their season to its core. After the Reds overcame a horrendous Everton side on Sunday, they remain one point behind leaders Manchester City. They are currently in the final of the FA Cup, and are about to embark on their semi-final in the Champions League, with the Premier League chase on going.
On the day I write this, Manchester City are about to play …
Liverpool 2 - 0 Everton - Man Of The Match
Andy Robertson
Maybe the best period of form of his Liverpool career. His determination in clear, his goal to drag the reds to a quadruple unwavering.
The opening goal was such a relief, and just isn’t something left backs do. This left back however, is a ferocious player that isn’t accepting dropped points and the header was sensational.
His delivery and aggression was good, and his ability to drive up and down the line is quite breathtaking.
The world's best …
Klopp vs Lampard
Jürgen Klopp is one of the most respected managers in world football. Many fans of rival clubs surely admire the personality and performance of the charismatic German. In world football there are maybe three or four world-class managers, and Klopp is certainly one of those. To make an enemy of Jürgen Klopp is often detrimental, but to rile Jürgen Klopp with silly antics is still quite common.
In the recent past, managers such as Chris Wilder, Sean Dyche, Mikel Arteta, …
RAW: Rampant Reds destroy the soul of the Red Devils
If getting hammered five-nil at Old Trafford, with a sitting duck manager, wasn't enough Manchester United decided to try and replicate it once more at Anfield. The similarities were striking: early goal for Liverpool before the 5th minute; Paul Pogba leaving the pitch early; a lame manager with no influence; and Mo Salah running riot and the Reds racking up a cricket score (well, an English batting performance anyway).
On Post-Match RAW, Dave and Hari joined Trevor in his rural …
Thiago - The Master Controller
Outside of Anfield, The Allianz Arena and The Camp Nou, the penny may have finally dropped.
I recall when Liverpool signed Thiago Alcantara being asked some peculiar questions. It mostly regarded his goals and assists record, and whether he was a better player than this player or that. To appreciate his brilliance is to understand the role Thiago plays in his version of football, and his version is nothing short of spectacular.
In the aftermath of yet another massive Liverpool …
Observations: Demolition Job
4-0. Against Manchester United. 9-0 across home and away. It's often said that for certain fixtures, form goes out of the window and the derby atmosphere makes anything possible. That was true when Liverpool were struggling and United were top dogs, and it was true for most of Klopp's time the other way. But this year, the Reds have completely demolished the aura of the derby. Old Trafford has been conquered. Mancunian spirits have been broken. And boy, did we …
Liverpool 4 - 0 Manchester United - The Player Ratings
Alisson Becker - 8.0
A relative spectator for the first half, and did fine things in possession. Was able to stay focused throughout. A very nice outing as sweeper keeper.
Trent Alexander-Arnold 8.0
Brilliant work early on, with a rampaging urgency to help create the opening goal. Was a keen tracker when Sancho came on, and showed fine defensive ability to snuff out that threat.
Andy Robertson - 9.0
Up and down as always, his enthusiasm wasn’t entirely matched by …
Liverpool 4 - 0 Manchester United - Man Of The Match
Thiago Alcantara
The master orchestrater and controller of the Reds' midfield. He wanted the ball in any and every situation, and United could do nothing to stop him. His first half display was sensational, with the game both quickened and slowed to meet his desire. A moment in the first half saw him win the ball on half way, like a prime Mascherano. His overall okay was near faultless, and there was even recognition from the commentators.
To enjoy this …