Observations: Liverpool book their place in the Final
The most notable factor in the buildup to the FA Cup semi-final was the team selection of Man City. The absence of Kevin De Bruyne and Kyle Walker was expected after their midweek knocks, but Pep Guardiola also rested Rodri, Ederson, and Laporte. This ended up being crucial, as City no longer had their three best tempo controllers from deep positions. Whilst in the league meeting, City had done an excellent job of neutering Liverpool's press before launching comfortable long …
Player Ratings for Liverpool 3-2 Manchester City
Last Sunday at the Etihad was an up-and-down affair for Liverpool, but an early blitzkrieg against their hated rivals at Anfield South put the Reds out of touching distance and sent Jurgen’s boys to another cup final.
Alisson – 8
Had some early shaky moments on the ball, but his positioning and shot stopping saved Liverpool from an embarrassing collapse after taking a 3-0 lead. The gulf in class between Alisson and City’s Zach Steffen is a major reason why …
Observations: The Great Rivals don't give each other an inch
Similar to their first clash at Anfield, Liverpool and Man City were the better team for one half each at the Etihad. Man City stifled Liverpool and broke through after waves of pressure, then in the second half, the Reds closed down the paths through and created a number of quick attack opportunities.
The first half display from Liverpool was largely due to City's excellent press. Guardiola tweaked the team shape for the game, using a 4-2-3-1 with Sterling as …
Benfica 1 - 3 Liverpool - The Player Ratings
Benfica 1 - 3 Liverpool - The Player Ratings
Alisson Becker - 7.5
A relative spectator in the first half, with only a couple of minor chances created. Was a lot busier after the break, as the home sides ramped up their efforts. Could do nothing for the goal conceded, and was assured as Liverpool weathered the storm.
Trent Alexander-Arnold 7.5
Looked confident from the off, with a willingness to show strength at both ends of the field. 34 minutes …
The Windows of Change
It seems an absolute eternity ago that Liverpool were signing certain players under the management of Brendan Rogers at Liverpool. This summer could see some of Mohammad Salah, Sadio Mané, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, James Milner and Joe Gomez leave the club. Whereas the first two are key components within this current Liverpool side, there is no longer the absolute fear of what (or who) comes next. The recent signing of Luis Diaz has been sensational, and helps to reaffirm the current …
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 0 - 1 Inter Milan - Match Report
Liverpool 0 - 1 Inter Milan - Match Report
The first half was a game of frustration for both sides, with neither giving much away through the opening period. Both Joel Matip and Virgil Van Dijk could have scored from tremendous Trent deliveries, and Alisson was alert enough to parry away a good cross come shot from Hakan Çalhanoğlu. These great teams appeared intent on cancelling each other out, which of course suited the reds far more.
The second half …
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 …
Liverpool 1 - 0 West Ham - Match Report
Liverpool 1 - 0 West Ham - Match Report
In a game where West Ham were so impressive, Liverpool needed moments of great defensive play in order to secure the three points. Michail Antonio was a constant threat, with his powerful display really disrupting the reds centre backs. West Ham were able to defend more than diligently, and broke with brilliant intent. The Hammers performance again points to a great system under David Moyes, and West Ham would be worthy …