An Ode To Andy Robertson: Liverpool's Consistent Scot
For all the talk of the need for Liverpool to reinforce their defence with new signings, their most consistent players ply their trade in the area.
Andy Robertson and Fabinho -- previously a defensive midfielder who is learning to play in the heart of defence on the fly -- have been the Reds standout performers so far in an attritional, compressed season.
With the long term injuries to both Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk, the Champions' preferred centre-half pairing, …
Tactical Breakdown: Southampton 1-0 Liverpool
On Monday night the Champions travelled down to St Mary's to face a depleted Southampton side, who were without a number of key players, such as Alex McCarthy, Oriol Romeu and Ché Adams.
The Saints lined up in a 4-4-2, in which they looked to press Liverpool's backline. Ralph Hassenhutl's team were also instructed to form a box around the deepest midfielder, Thiago, who would be pressed from all four players whenever he received the ball. As he passed the …
Newcastle 0-0 Liverpool: Player ratings as missed chances cost Reds
Liverpool's title success was built on 'finding a way to win', but their title defence has been hamstrung by their repeated failure to do so.
It wasn't a vintage performance but it should have been enough to take the three points. The Reds have been left two reflect on the two glorious opportunities they squandered.
Here is how they rated.
Alisson Becker - 7/10
No qualms about the 'keeper's performance whatsoever. Distributed the ball tidily and sprung into action to …
Liverpool Stumble To Newcastle Draw
Liverpool remain top of the Premier League table, despite a 0-0 draw with Newcastle United at St James' Park.
A combination of bad finishing from the visitors -- an aspect of the game where Mohamed Salah was particularly guilty -- and the saves of Karl Darlow kept the hosts in the contest as the Reds failed to prize open their low block defence on enough occasions.
Newcastle had opportunities themselves and Fabinho saved Nat Phillips blushes when he diverted a …
Tactical Breakdown: Liverpool 1-1 West Bromwich Albion
Liverpool's seven-goal clinic in finishing against Crystal Palace was a display not of Liverpool playing at their best, but rather the Reds taking their chances. Against newly appointed West Bromwich Albion manager Sam Allardyce's team, it was clear Liverpool would need to do the same.
As expected, Liverpool lined up in a 4-3-3. Salah, Mané and Firmino were supported by Jones, Wijnaldum and Henderson, with a back five of Alisson, Robertson, Fabinho, Matip and Alexander-Arnold behind them.
Over the first …
Tactical Breakdown: Crystal Palace 0-7 Liverpool
After a seemingly huge victory against José Mourinho's Spurs side on Wednesday night, Liverpool travelled to quiet Selhurst Park on a cold Saturday morning, warmed by the comforting knowledge that a win would establish a six-point lead over Spurs, even if only for a few hours.
The quick turnaround between fixtures saw Jürgen Klopp make a number of changes to his team. Joel Matip returned to the starting XI in place of Rhys Williams, whilst Naby Keïta came in for …
Tactical breakdown: Liverpool 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur
This extraordinary season continues to surprise us all. On Thursday night, Spurs travelled to Anfield, atop the Premier League. Notwithstanding the champions' 65 match unbeaten run in the league at home, Anfield has been a particularly unwelcoming place for the visitors in recent years. Especially for their manager, José Mourinho, a man who has attracted the ire of the locals on a number of occasions. All the better that two thousand were able to make it for this fixture.
Mourinho …
Crystal Palace 0-7 Liverpool: Who was man of the match?
The dreaded Wednesday night/Saturday lunchtime turnaround. Crystal Palace away. No victories on the road since September. The top scorer starting on the bench. A lethargic performance was surely in the offing.
But no. Liverpool dismantled Crystal Palace in a fashion that was almost laughable. Symbolic redemption for their humiliation at Villa Park, this victory moves them six points clear of the pack (for 24 hours at least). Never has the outlook been more ominous for this season's challengers.
Let's reflect …
Crystal Palace 0-7 Liverpool: Player Ratings as Reds run riot at Selhurst Park
Liverpool delivered a magnificent statement performance at Selhurst Park, as they beat Crystal Palace 7-0, to go six points clear, at least temporarily, at the top of the Premier League.
Takumi Minamino opened the scoring in the 3rd minute with his first league goal for the club, on the one-year anniversary of the day the Reds signed him. Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino added two more before the break, as the Reds delivered a lesson in being clinical, against a …
Rampant Liverpool Shatter Crystal In Resounding Palace Win
Liverpool will be top of the Premier League table at Christmas after a huge 7-0 win away to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
A brace from Roberto Firmino, two goals from substitute Mohamed Salah, and one strike apiece from Takumi Minamino, Jordan Henderson, and Sadio Mane sealed the Reds' barnstorming win.
And it's not as if the defending champions were at their best for the entirety of the ninety minutes, with large swarths of the first half -- despite Liverpool …