Liverpool F.C. – The Good, The Bad & The Ugly – Gameweek 17
In avoiding the Hornet’s sting in the tail, it’s magic Mo the fans hail. The New Year will bring a new signing, a great prospect with a reputation shining. The fixture pile up threatens the season, crazy games for only one reason. The Good, The Bad and The Ugly – another week reviewed at the world’s favourite football club Liverpool F.C.
The Good
Defeating Watford at Anfield to remain on top of the Premiership. Closest rivals Leicester City could only muster a draw, so the Reds extended their lead to 10 points. Two goals from Mo Salah were enough to give the hosts the win.
This was by no means an easy game for Liverpool. A windy day in the north west made for difficult conditions. Besides, Watford under new boss Nigel Pearson, were in no mood to be overrun.
The result didn’t come without drama of course and Sadio Mané had a headed goal ruled out for offside after a VAR consultation. At the other end, Alisson was forced into action to keep the visitors out on more than one occasion. Watford striker Ismaila Sarr was likely guilty of the miss of the season, ballooning a golden chance over the bar with only the Liverpool stopper to beat.
It was not the prettiest game but I am more than happy with that. At this stage you have to show resilience and I believe we did that today
In the end, the quality of Jürgen Klopp’s men was too much for Watford as they went on to grind out their 16th win of a so far impressive season.
That finish, @MoSalah 🤤 pic.twitter.com/ASK2uXzzda
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 15, 2019
The (Not) Bad
The imminent signing of Red Bull Salzburg midfielder Takumi Minamino. The Independent (among many others) reported this week that Liverpool had all but secured the services of the Japan international.
To be honest, I’m not familiar with the 24 year-old, although I do remember him scoring for Salzburg against Liverpool in the Anfield game in this seasons Champions League group stage. To be fair that was a goal of some quality. A right-footed half volley from the edge of the Reds box. It brought a wry smile to Klopp so there was obviously something Foot at that point. The crafty beggar!
From the myriad of videos on the player he certainly seems to have some skill about him. I would liken him to Philippe Coutinho, more physical and just hopefully, with a better attitude. No doubt, Klopp and his team have done their homework on him.
The club didn’t bring any (established) players in during the close season, but I think to sign a player of this quality, at this stage, represents a smart move for Liverpool. Especially given the current injury situation. Granted he’s not a defensive midfielder so he won’t replace Fabinho or Gini Wijnaldum, but it does mean that there will be even more of an attacking threat about the Reds.
BREAKING: Takumi Minamino will join Liverpool in January after the club agreed a £7.25m deal, subject to medical.
Liverpool beat Manchester United to his signature because they were aware of a clause in his contract, which United were oblivious to. https://t.co/mY1cQyhLFV
— Anfield Watch (@AnfieldWatch) December 12, 2019
The Ugly
The fixture pile-up for Liverpool coming into this crucial festive program. At the time of writing, I’m watching Liverpool’s youngsters getting done over 4-0 by a full-strength Aston Villa. I’m not waiting until the end of the game, but it seems at least there’ll be one less competition to worry about this season.
It’s a shame for the youngsters who won’t enjoy much more first team football this season apart from the F.A. Cup but, to be fair, it’s no real loss for them. Hopefully the likes of Harvey Elliot, Sepp van den Berg and Ki-Jana Hoever can get some minutes in the Premier League where it really matters in the coming months, rather than kick abouts in a minor competition which sadly the League Cup has become.
Klopp has indeed voiced his – rather clear and emotive, opinion of the amount of games the team is being asked to play this season. Calling it “absolute bollocks” when asked about the situation recently. And, absolute bollocks it is. Aston Villa tonight, Monterrey tomorrow. Yes, Monterrey, currently eighth in Liga MX… Don’t ask.
What I find startling is that Klopp described tomorrow’s game as “a very exciting opportunity for us“. It’s amazing what is said with the might of advertising and big money breathing down your neck.
Somebody has come up with the idea of playing extra games in the Champs League. The Boss’s response is priceless:
"Today I read the top clubs want more games in the Champions League," said Klopp. "I am not involved in these plans. That's absolute bollocks."
— Geoff Rossington (@geoffrossington) December 15, 2019
Next up: a trip to Leicester to face Brendan Rodgers and his boys, followed by the visit of Wolverhampton Wanderers a few days later, bringing this year to a close.
On this day: in 2014, Lazar Marković scored his first goal for Liverpool in a 3-1 victory over Bournemouth in the League Cup quarterfinals. The Serbian went on to score another two goals for the club. After numerous loan spells his Reds career (thankfully) ended with a free transfer to Fulham on 31st January this year.
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