Liverpool F.C. – The Good, The Bad and The Ugly – Gameweek 10

Ten games done, and Spurs defeated 2-1. KRC Genk was easy to beat, but still no clean sheet. Move along there’s nothing to see, because Napoli lead Group E! The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. Another week reviewed at the world’s favourite Football club, Liverpool F.C.

The Good

Reaching 10 games into the season unbeaten. A milestone in LFC File terms. This was achieved by the 2-1 home win against Tottenham Hotspur.

The Reds fell behind to a first minute Harry Kane goal which looked as if it would be a repeat of the Champion’s League final, although reversed in so far as this time it was the team in white that took the lead. However, as Jordan Henderson said after the game, Liverpool’s improved mentality under Jürgen Klopp allowed them to keep composed and find a way back into the game.

The boys delivered. We had chance after chance and the keeper had sensational save after sensational save

Despite leaving it late, the hosts secured the three points with a goal from Henderson shortly after the break. Mo Salah’s return to league action after injury was capped off by scoring the winning goal. Driving home a penalty in the 75th minute after Sadio Mané was fouled by Serge Aurier in the box. The effect of constant pressure from Klopp’s men.

It always says something when a goalie is Man of The Match, and with Spurs’ Paulo Gazzaniga taking the accolade, it’s easy to understand the scoreline could have ended much, much worse for Mauricio Pochettino’s team.

In numbers: 66% possession, 21 shots on goal – 13 of them being on target gives you an impression of the heroics on display from the visiting last line of defence. “…the keeper had sensational save after sensational save” enthused Klopp after the game in acknowledging Argentinian’s contribution.

FULL-TIME Liverpool 2-1 Spurs

The League leaders battle back to beat Spurs thanks to Salah's penalty#LIVTOT pic.twitter.com/s9S2r0GmDx

— Premier League (@premierleague) October 27, 2019

The Bad

Not the end of the world, but again failing to keep as clean sheet against KRC Genk, notwithstanding the 1-4 score line.

A brace from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, in addition to goals from Sadio Mané and Mo Salah were more than enough to see off the Group “E” also rans. But with two minutes of the 90 remaining, the hosts’ Stephen Odey was able to turn and fire in a consolation past goalkeeper Alisson Becker.

The Reds were keen to return to winning ways after a tame performance against arch-rivals Manchester United the previous weekend. This they achieved in emphatic fashion in the Cristal Arena. But… the sloppy defending, which has been all too evident this season, came back to haunt them.

Liverpool have not keep a clean sheet in the last five games (including Spurs) and this has to be a concern for Klopp. Goals win games in the same way that goals lose titles. Should Manchester City get their act together – which is not being the realms of possibility being only two wins away – the Reds will be in the position of having to win each game.

The same situation they were in last season. Any number of games resulting 1-1 or 2-1 will count and cost the single point they lost by.

Fucking lovren always prone to a mistake costs us a clean sheet #lfc #ChampionshipLeague #GENLIV

— cameron chambers (@17cam) October 23, 2019

The Ugly

At the end of Gameweek 3 in this season’s Champions League, Liverpool trail Napoli by a single point. Not a huge deal I hear you say. Perhaps not, but for confidence, the team must want to finish first.

The team will remain in the competition for sure, but finishing the group a-top must be the target. Napoli fans could be forgiven for feeling aggrieved as they’ve not lost a game against Liverpool but always seem to come up short.

For what it’s worth, Liverpool will likely finish top in Group E, but I’m fairly sure they won’t go much further in the competition. I reckon the quarter-final will be the extent of this season’s achievement.

Still, I’m not bothered about the Champions League this season two readers will no doubt know. The final two seasons in a row, winning one means Liverpool Football Club have nothing to prove. Where they do need to produce is in the League. This is what the fans are all waiting for. This will be something to celebrate.

Liverpool owner John W. Henry says the club will not stop in their pursuit of the Premier League title, suggesting even winning the Champions League would not make up for missing out on the league title. He insists the club will continue to invest in new players this summer. #LFC

— LFC Globe (@LFCGlobeUK) May 31, 2019

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