Rafa to Everton: Is it really that bad?
Seeing Rafa Benitez holding an Everton scarf above his head was a surreal moment. Did any of us ever think we'd see the day?
It is one of the most controversial appointments for some time and is sure to send shockwaves across Merseyside and beyond.
Having been an adored figure at Liverpool between 2004 and 2010, we are now going to have to witness Benitez trying to work his magic across Stanley Park.
It's fair to say Everton fans have …
The difficult third season: can Liverpool replicate their brilliance?
Regardless of how this season ends up being decided, this is a special, history-making Liverpool side we are witnessing.
The Reds have become the most respected club team on the planet over the past 12 months, not only holding their own against a wonderful Man City outfit, but also clinching Champions League glory and lying on the verge of a maiden Premier League crown.
To achieve a club record 97 points last season was a magnificent effort in itself, even …
Set-Pieces and Dark Arts: Chelsea 1-2 Liverpool
Liverpool managed to extend their 100% record with a win over Chelsea on Sunday, and while the result deserves praise, the Reds were quite poor with and without the ball. It seemed obvious amidst the second half that Liverpool were shattered, both mentally and physically. Loose passes and leggy ground covering showed that the trip to Naples had taken its toll. What's important, though, is that Liverpool managed to pick up 3 points in a fixture that ended the very …
Mohamed Salah: Two years that created a Liverpool legend
When Mohamed Salah signed for Liverpool on the 22nd of July 2017, it's fair to say that more than a few eyebrows were raised.
At the time, what seemed like a fairly hefty fee of £36.9 million - which was at this stage a club record fee - it's only fair to say Salah's signing failed to convince everyone at first.
Fast forward two years, two golden boots, two sensational seasons and one Champions League winners medal later, and Salah …
Christmas No.1: Observations as Liverpool sit merrily at the top after 2-0 win
Liverpool retained their unbeaten record in the Premier League this season with a composed 2-0 victory at Molineux, ensuring they remained at top spot over the festive period.
Goals from Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk were enough to see Klopp’s side over the line on Friday night despite challenging conditions (and a questionable WWE-esque firework entrance before kick-off). Here are the observations from the match.
Salah Shines
Previously labelled a one-season wonder, any who questioned Mohamed Salah’s qualities after …
Rivalries Within: Crossing Swords With Jose Mourinho
Ask ten football fans: which is the world’s greatest football rivalry?
You will get ten different answers – if not more.
A Glaswegian may tell you that nothing is as fierce as the Old Firm Derby, Celtic vs Rangers, with its backdrop of simmering political and religious tensions.
Ask a Milanese: he will tell you that the enmity between the reds and blues of AC Milan and Internazionale cannot be topped.
Ask a Spaniard, and he may point to the …
Jurgen Klopp & The Price For Style
There is no correct way to play football no matter how much we may hear the phrase “Play the right way” across the media. The uber-pragmatic style which epitomized the mid-noughties could not be further from the pressing dominant, possession styles of the modern era.
Both Jose Mourinho and Jurgen Klopp employ styles which don’t necessarily adhere to the bulk possession ethos demonstrated by the likes of Pep Guardiola at Manchester City and Maurizio Sarri at Chelsea, however, comparing the …
Liverpool's start to the season couldn't be much better
With Liverpool sitting level on points with Man City at the top of the table, point for point, Liverpool’s start has been pretty impressive. If there is any cause for concern after a ridiculously difficult opening set of fixtures (including Champions League games), it is probably misplaced at this stage.
A need for perspective
That said, there is room for improvement and Klopp has not shied away from this in his recent post-match comments. There is talk of our attack being found …
Time for Liverpool FC To Show Their Depth
Liverpool have a deeper squad than they have in previous years. This is not a fact that I’m going to dispute, although I’d definitely make (and will make) some arguments that that depth isn’t as deep as maybe it’s being made out in some areas, and certainly hasn’t drastically improved over the summer.
Nevertheless, Klopp has slowly been building a deep and impressive squad that the four acquisitions in the summer have moved relatively close to being a very top …
Integrating Fabinho and the Need for Patience
Patience isn’t a word that gets heeded much in the modern era of football.
Instant gratification has been normalised and expected, and signings are often cast aside as “flops” in as short a space as six months. And that’s fine because some signings don’t work. But, if one casts their mind back to the final season of Brendan Rodgers’ tenure, you’ll notice that Liverpool’s current number nine was far from the maniacal presser and vital fulcrum that he would become …