Liverpool F.C. – The Good, The Bad and The Ugly- Gameweek 27
A great Anfield comeback, for which the Reds really have a knack. A dent in the Champions League bid, losing away to Athletico Madrid. The captain is out for the next few games, will the strength remain the same? The Good, The Bad and The Ugly – another week reviewed at the world’s favourite football club Liverpool F.C.
The Good
The fight back against West Ham on Monday night to finish 3-2 winners. Despite taking the lead through Gini Wijnaldum after nine minutes, the visitors, led by ex-Everton manager David Moyes, equalised three minutes later through Issa Diop. Yet for all their efforts, Liverpool fell further behind.
The visitors surprised the Anfield faithful – and likely themselves when Pablo Fornals stroked home to take the lead. The Reds were not to denied. Cue attack, after attack on the Hammers’ goal.
To be fair to West Ham, this was probably one of the most enthralling matches of the season. Moyes’ team gave a great account of themselves, belying their 18th placed league position.
Whatever will happen this season is an effort of all of us. I could not be more thankful or appreciate the support we get.
On 68 minutes, Liverpool were back in the game. Mo Salah was on hand to shoot first-time from Andy Robertson’s centre – his shot slipping through the open legs of Hammers ‘keeper Lukasz Fabianski. Much to the Polish international’s embarrassment, not to mention frustration. This Liverpool however, does not settle for a point.
The game – and three points for that matter, was wrapped up with less than 10 minutes remaining. Man of The Match, Trent Alexander-Arnold hooked over another fine centre which was met by Sadio Mané at the far post, capitalising on Roberto Firmino’s dummy header – well, in truth he simply missed the ball, really – send the Kop into raptures.
This was a game where the supporters in the Kop played the fabled 12th Man. “Whatever will happen this season is an effort of all of us. I could not be more thankful or appreciate the support we get.” enthused Jürgen Klopp after the game.
#RateDontHate: #LIVWHU@The_KYLN @guydrinkel & @TheAceOfKnaves7 discuss:
🔴Keita (Obv)
🔴Shaky Joe
🔴Top Trent🎧 Listen for FREE via @AnfieldIndexPro 7 Day Trial https://t.co/D6faaAYcdj pic.twitter.com/UNKaZvGry8
— AnfieldIndex (@AnfieldIndex) February 26, 2020
The Bad
The loss to Athletico Madrid in the Champions League last week. The Reds were briefly brought down to earth when Diego Simeone’s team inflicted the second defeat for the Reds in this season’s competition.
Klopp’s team failed to make a real impact in this game, notwithstanding their lion’s share of possession. This result was more akin to being pick-pocketed, even though your wallet was in your inside breast pocket and firmly closed.
That said, this is Liverpool we’re talking about and this team is not to be taken lightly. Ask Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho. They’ll tell you what happens when you try to lord it over their old team at Anfield.
Saul Niguez’s fifth minute opener was enough to give the La Liga side an early lead, secured with the help of the 10-man white bus parked in front of their goalie, Jan Oblak. It did the trick though, as Klopp’s charges failed to register a single shot on target throughout the game.
As this stands, we’re in for a tasty return leg on 11th March. The lune in the moon wouldn’t be crazy enough to write Liverpool off at this stage. The comebackability of this team is becoming the stuff of legend.
Stop complaining about Athletico, they played to their strengths and followed their managers instructions to a tee.
Well played Athletico …….but it’s only half time. Anfield awaits you now #ATHLIV #ChampionsLeague— Paddy Lowe (@Anfieldroadboy1) February 19, 2020
The Ugly
The injury to Jordan Henderson which will keep the captain out until mid-March. This may not seem “Ugly” per se. However, when you see stand in Naby Keïta’s performance against West Ham, it’s clear to see things could get pretty messy in the skipper’s absence.
The former Red Bull Leipzig midfielder was all over the place in Monday’s game and it was clear to see the manager’s frustration when he was replaced by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. If looks could kill, we’d be ordering black roses for Keita’s internment.
Let’s hope he pulls his socks up in time for the trip to London to face Watford. That’s if he’s even on the bus.
Liverpool star Naby Keita failed to obey Jurgen Klopp demands in West Ham win #LFC #LIVWHU https://t.co/HgD0A0t7Al pic.twitter.com/Jd5LVDRBPD
— Express Sport (@DExpress_Sport) February 26, 2020
On This Day
On this day in 1967 marked the signing of Emlyn “Crazy Horse” Hughes for the princely sum of £65,000 from Blackpool. Hughes, despite having the squeakiest voice in history, went on to make 665 games for the club, and scoring 49 goals during his twelve and a half year spell with the Reds.
Coming up, a trip down to London to face Watford. Let’s hope the red juggernaut continues to roll on unabated.
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