Liverpool F.C. – The Good, The Bad and The Ugly – Gameweek 32
The party comes to an abrupt stop, as City catch the Reds on the hop. Are there signs the Reds will fall, or merely just a wake up call. After all’s been said and done, it remains a fact the title is won. The Good, The Bad and The Ugly – another week reviewed at the world’s favourite football club.
The Good
After the celebrations and back-slapping of the last few days, Liverpool were brought abruptly back down to earth with a 4-0 drubbing by Manchester City. The champions were given a real reminder that not everybody is happy or willing to bow down for them.
The guard of honour at the beginning of the game was a nice gesture from the hosts, despite one poor two of the City players appearing reluctant to respect an English tradition that goes way before they arrived in this world, and will continue long after they’ve left or also.
Personally I don’t think yesterday’s result was the end of the work. And I’d even go so far as to say that I expected it. Liverpool seemed a bit slow to be honest. It would be too easy to say they were complacent, or suffered a “hangover” having secured the title. I just felt City would do a number on them. Which is fair to say they did.
All in all, this is something Liverpool will have to get used to. As the other teams improve, Jürgen Klopp and his players will have to do do too. This in my opinion, can only be a good thing.
The Bad
The manner in which Liverpool lost left a lot to be desired. It seemed as if they were second best to everything and as for Joe Gomez’ “challenge” of Raheem Sterling… and poor Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Scoring an own goal after coming in as a second half substitute. It seemed that whatever could go wrong did go wrong.
We didn’t behave like somebody who became champions a week ago.
Overall, and in the grand scheme of things, this isn’t the end of the world and the game won’t overshadow what Liverpool have achieved this season. The fact it’s though, lose they
did and this can only serve as a wake up call, that there are still challengers around. If only one.
Klopp was right after the hate when he said his team didn’t behave “like somebody who became champions a week ago“. The team were unable to find a way to win, and if there is anything Liverpool can improve on, then this is it.
Pep Guardiola’s men found a way to beat their visitors on Thursday and other clubs will have seen that. Liverpool’s Harry work begins now.
The Ugly
The fans’ celebrations on the centre of Liverpool after Liverpool were confirmed champions. OK, this is understandable given the supporters’ obvious delight. However rules are rules and they should be adhered to.
As more and more fans came together at Anfield and Pier Head, Ugly scenes followed as fans fought with police in the city centre, in what was regarded as going against the governmental guidelines to remain at home wherever possible in light of the continuing threat from Corona virus.
Klopp was also at pains to condemn the behaviour of thousands of fans who took to the streets to celebrate. In an open letter to the Liverpool Echo, he called for supporters to celebrate in a safe way “Please – celebrate – but celebrate in a safe way and in private settings, whereby we do not risk spreading this awful disease further in our community”
It’s understandable the fans want to correlate. They’ve waited long enough that’s for sure. However, these events don’t help the club or the reputation of the city. Hopefully on the near future s proper celebration can be held in the city and at Anfield where we can all take part.
On This Day…
In 1989, Dejan Lovren was born in Zenica, Croatia. He joined Liverpool from Southampton in 2014 and has so far made 151 appearances for the Reds. Whilst some may argue that’s 150 too many, we should admit he had been a good servant to the club and had always tried his best for the team and try o be fair, had put in some quality performances in for the team over the years. Happy Birthday Dejan!
Save the date: 03rd August 2020. This season’s edition of The Good, The Bad and The Ugly goes on sale at Amazon and Apple Books. Last season’s edition is still available. Click here to purchase your copy.
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