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Liverpool FC – Gameweek 7 in Review

Ben Green

The Reds remain firmly on top, the sharp Blades were given the chop. A Salzburg side that refused to yield, almost stole the show at Anfield. The club fields an illegible player, and get fined heavily at EFL’s pleasure. The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, another week reviewed at the world’s favourite football club, Liverpool FC.

The Good

Maintaining the 100% start to the season. The fact that it came against a stubborn Sheffield United side made it all the more remarkable. A game that many, including myself would have expected the Reds to breeze through, turned into A test of character for Jürgen Klopp’s side.

Despite starting the game with a full strength team, Liverpool were unable to break down the well organised, newly promoted Blades side. Saturdays hosts were enjoying being back in the in top flight, and their support made that apparent as they chanted their way through the 90 minutes.

Manchester United loanee and Blades’ ‘keeper Dean Henderson deserved plaudits for keeping this Liverpool side at bay. Despite 70% of the possession the visitors were unable to break down the spirited home team. To be fair to the hosts the Reds were unable to fashion a single shot on goal in the first 45 minutes despite their monopolising the ball.

Notwithstanding the negatives Gina Wijnaldum was on hand to – somewhat fortunately, give Liverpool all three points when United’s keeper spilled the Dutchman’s tame effort on 70 minutes. Still, every goal counts and the Reds will certainly take this stroke of luck into the next fixture against former boss Brendan Rodgers’ in-form Leicester City side.

The Bad

Throwing away a three-goal lead against FC Red Bull Salzburg in this week’s Champions League game. The BBC called it a thriller, but to be honest a comedy of errors would have been more apt to describe Liverpool’s performance. Not to mention Virgil van Dijk getting turned inside out by Salzburg attacker Hwang Hee-Chan.

The hosts raced into a 3-0 lead within 36 minutes with goals from Sadio Mané (top drawer), Andy Robertson and Mo Salah, before conceding as half time beckoned. This Salzburg side must have taken a large dose of their sponsor’s tonic as they came out a completely different side in the second half.

Wings, would likely be pushing it but endeavour, craft and good old-fashioned bottle, got them back into the game and level by the 61st minute. That said, the thought of them losing this game wasn’t being entertained by my logical self. Perhaps Klopp has turned me into a “believer” after all.

As I cursed the team for their clear defensive frailties, up popped little Mo to save the day. A fine individual effort under the pressure and expectancy of the home crowd – and a likely bollocking from Klopp.

Liverpool stand joint second after two games of this season’s competition and remain unconvincing in the defence of their crown. If someone said the ‘E’ in Group E stood for effort, I’d believe them. This Reds side is certainly going to have to make one if they wish to remotely challenge this term, let alone defend the crown.

The Ugly

Liverpool were fined £200,000 this week by the English Football League for fielding an illegible player in their Carabao Cup win over MK Dons last week. As it turned out Pedro “who” Chirivella didn’t have international clearance to play the game, and came on as 63rd minute substitute.

To say this is an embarrassment wouldn’t do the word justice. Probably ‘farce’ would fit better. I fail to understand how a club of Liverpool’s standing could make such an “administrative error” as they called it. Forgetting to post a letter, or writing Jürgen Kopp instead of Klopp… these are what you could call an “administrative error” but not playing a player who is ineligible.

The fact is the club made a balls-up. The £200,000 fine is probably worthy. What I also don’t get is why half of it was suspended until the end of the season. This is bizarre. I’m not sure what message this sends to football, but it makes no sense. Why didn’t the League just clobber them with the full amount and be done with it? It beats me. Anyway, as feeble as this seems, it is what it is. I don’t believe Liverpool will have to dig that deep to pay it.

Next up we have the visit of Leicester City to Anfield. Their manager, a guy called Brendan Rodgers will certainly have a point to prove, and thus will be seeking to take two more also. In fairness, I remain a fan of the former Liverpool boss. Although I don’t wish him one drop of success this weekend, I do for the remainder of his time at the Foxes. He deserves it.

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Ben Green

Avid LFC supporter for 50 of his 53 years. Seen it all, ups and the downs. Now praying for a return to winning ways. Whichever way it comes!

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