Liverpool F.C. – The Good, The Bad & The Ugly – Gameweek 23
Beating Wolves 2-1 extends the run, and Klopp bemoans a winter break that will be no fun. The women’s team ‘keeper is feeling sad, nursing the worst injury she ever had. The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. Another week reviewed at the world’s favourite football club Liverpool F. C.
The Good
A hard fought win against Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Midlanders showed why they’re holding their own in the Premiership. Wolves boss Nuno Espírito Santo could be forgiven for feeling hard done by after his team’s performance.
Liverpool took an early lead through Jordan Henderson, converting Trent Alexander-Arnold’s corner. At this point it was easy for the fans to think this was going to be a stroll in the park. In the end, it was more like legging it in the dark. I wouldn’t say that Jürgen Klopp and his men were complacent, they were simply taken to task for being below par.
Most impressive for Wolves was Adama Traore, their powerhouse winger. It’s easy to see why there has been speculation surrounding the Spanish youngster. His centre finding the head of Raul Jimenez to beat Alisson Becker and put the hosts level shortly after the break.
The Reds plugged away and despite being on the ropes for much of the second half, the Champions-elect withstood body shot after body shot – before landing a devastating blow to their hosts to take the lead on 84 minutes. Roberto Firmino slotting past Rui Patricio for what turned out to be the winner.
Wolves continued to trade blows with Liverpool until the final whistle, but were unable to conjure up that little bit of quality to see them share the spoils.
Longest unbeaten runs in English top division history:
4⃣9⃣ Arsenal (2003-04)
4⃣2⃣ Nott’m Forest (1977-78)
4⃣0⃣ Chelsea (2004-05)
4⃣0⃣ LIVERPOOL (2019-present)#WOLLIV @LFC pic.twitter.com/ZuwrIoHerq— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) January 23, 2020
The Bad
Snatching a draw from the jaws of victory against Shrewsbury Town in the F.A. Cup on Sunday. The 2-2 result left manager Klopp with feeling sour as this season’s winter break (or the “mid-season players break” to use the political name applied by the F.A.) will now be interrupted by the replay on 04th February. That’s what happens when you throw away a 2-0 lead.
Klopp has confirmed he will play the under-23 team for the fixture and will not be attending himself as he will be joining the first team players on their break. Ex-Reds defender Jamie Carragher expressed his agreement with the Reds boss, but said he feels the manager should lead the team. A point which I thoroughly agree with.
In reality, the bulk of the physical exertion from Klopp has been his customary punching of the air and beating of the chest from the technical area during games. Hardly the putting one’s “body on the line” as we often hear. For the youngsters, I believe it would do their confidence the world of good to experience the manager’s input first hand.
At the end of the day, I don’t really see why he’s making such a fuss about it. Many a “top” team will be playing youngsters as they attempt to protect their main players from what is, the most gruelling league season in modern football. We forget, Sir Alex Ferguson withdrew the Manyoo team from the competition back in ’99.
Do your thing and manage the club and team, Jürgen. If you want to have the success you crave, you’d better get used to the added games that will bring.
So I’m supposed to believe Klopp is disrespectful to English football because he’s fielding a younger team in the FA cup yet when united do it “they’re playing the kids” and it’s glorified? Not to mention the fact they withdrew from the competition in 99🤦🏻♂️
— Coel Harrison (@CoelHarrison94) January 28, 2020
The Ugly
The shiner Fran Kitching received in training recently for the Liverpool Women’s team. The 21 year-old was caught in the head by a teammate’s boot while going for the ball. To call this “handbags” would be a tad harsh.
This has got to be the worst injury I’ve ever had as a goalkeeper but after a lot of swelling and pain (and looking like a cabbage patch doll) I can finally say I’m feeling a lot better
The Reds’ ladies side are currently struggling in 11th place (of 12) in the FA Women’s Super League Table, level on points with Bristol City (ironic one that) with only goal difference separating the two.
After a few days convalescing, Kitching was keen to get back to help her struggling team mates stave off relegation.
Easy to see why Fran Kitching described it as "the worst injury of her career"https://t.co/oD3cA4gyrE
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) January 21, 2020
On This Day
In 1978 a certain James Lee Duncan Carragher was born in Bootle. He was an ardent Everton fan, until donning the Red jersey of the correct Liverpool team in 198k at the age of 10. The rest is (a remarkable and successful) history.
Next up we have a trip to London to take on West Ham tomorrow night. The story continues.
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