Liverpool FC – Gameweek 7 Review

Another week at Liverpool Football Club, another three points on the board. Speaking of which, the board of owners make concerning statements. In addition, a soldier comes in from the cold. The good the bad and the potentially ugly, at the world’s favourite football club. 

The Good

Without doubt is the continuing good form of the team. Coming from behind to win at the Liberty Stadium yesterday was probably the trickiest of situations this Liverpool team has faced so far this season. The opening game against Arsenal was perhaps more impressive as it was a “rival” for want of a better phrase. Rivals though, aren’t the problem.

Liverpool’s undoing in recent years has not been their performances against rivals. More so (and with all due respect to them) the likes of Swansea City, against whom the Reds are infamous for many an embarrassing defeat. We only need to go back to May this year when a 3-1 loss was suffered at the hands of yesterday’s opponents. Therefore to come back from a goal down to take all three points is particularly pleasing.

Already a goal down after 8 minutes to Leroy Fer’s opener, one could be forgiven for this Here we go again feeling. A goal from a corner, lethargic defending, early in the game. All pointed to another afternoon of frustration. But not so. Not this Liverpool team. A few well choice words from Jürgen Klopp at half time, as revealed by James Milner, saw a turnaround in fortunes.

A well-taken Roberto Firmino header from an exquisite Jordan Henderson centre, gave the fans, and the team some hope on 54 minutes. From then on it was one-way traffic. Only a matter of time before the visitors took the lead. The home team’s optimism disappeared quicker than a magician’s handkerchief. Philippe Coutinho, Sadio Mané all went close.

Firmino could have doubled his goal tally when brought down in the Swansea box. Unlike the (nailed on, for me) penalty claim of Daniel Sturridge earlier, referee Michael Oliver pointed to the spot. Milner converted in his usually cool and reliable fashion, sending Lukasz Fabianski the wrong way to give Liverpool a deserved lead. Despite a late and glorious miss from  Mike van der Hoorn, the points belonged to the visitors. A great way to end the week and to claim second spot in the Premier League.

The Bad

Not bad per se, as it has a potentially positive outcome. However, the ongoing situation with Mamadou Sakho rumbled on during the week. For me, there was clearly something wrong which was not all of the Frenchman’s doing. I read many Liverpool fan slating him. To “Grow up”, “Show some respect”, “Think of the team, not yourself” etc. All very nice and wise, but misguided words spoken by the ignorant.

If one takes a minute to step back, and look at the situation. They’ll see a player who loves playing for the club. The self-confessed “Liverpool Soldier”. A player with such love for the club has not often been seen over recent years.

Things seem to be looking up for the Frenchman as the manager said in the week: “from my side everything is done and here we are.” His inclusion in the under-23 squad hints that things are – at least for the moment – pointing towards an end for this episode.

The Potentially Ugly

According to reports, the planned Anfield Road Stand expansion may not be going ahead. This of course, is not news to many watching this situation develop. The excuse provided by Boston based Fenway Sports Group is the disgruntlement from fans over ticket price increases. Apparently necessary to fund the redevelopment.

This does not sound right. You don’t need to be Richard Branson to work that out. It’s clear from the recent stance taken by the owners that they do not intend to invest much (if any) more in to Liverpool Football Club. Instead they seek so-called “minority investment” in order to fund further improvements. Likely for both ground and the team.

This, along with the recent reports of buying interest in the club point only in one direction. Liverpool FC is up for sale, and an acceptable bid would see the club change ownership for a second time in a decade. Is it any surprise that they ended with a net income from their transfer business this year? Better money in that money out. Cash is king, after all.

Simply put, the owners do not want to invest. There is no smoke without fire, and Lord knows there’s been enough smoke now to lead us firmly to the flames.

Overall, a good week for Liverpool. They continue to impress in the Premier League and the fans can go into the two-week winter break in a good spirits. Knowing it’s only the national side that’s going to let them down.

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