Liverpool F.C. – The Good, The Bad and The Ugly – Gameweek 36
Now we know when, Liverpool will lift the league trophy again. A visit to the Gunners in London town, sees the points record dream shot down. Poor results at the season ends, let’s hope it doesn’t become a trend. The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, another week reviewed at the world’s favourite football club Liverpool F.C.
The Good
Finally, the Barclays Premier League trophy is to be handed over to Liverpool. The ceremony is pencilled in to take place after the Chelsea game on Wednesday.
The trophy will be received by team captain Jordan Henderson from club legend Sir Kenny Dalglish MBE – himself, the winner of no less than six top-flight titles. Hendo will be a worthy recipient.
Henderson will collect his fourth major trophy in just over 12 months after the team has amassed the Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA World Club Cup. His drive and fighting spirit perfectly embodies the philosophy of manager Jürgen Klopp.
This will be a huge moment for all Liverpool fans. Those that last saw Alan Hansen lift the old First Division trophy in 1990, to those who are yet to witness the club’s success to date in what the great Bill Shankly called the club’s “Bread and butter”.
FOOTBALL: #LFC announce that Jordan Henderson will lift the @premierleague trophy after their match against #CFC next Wednesday in the Kop End. The club say a podium will be built at the centre of the stand surrounded by fan banners #LFCchampions pic.twitter.com/dihYHJ09yU
— BBC Merseyside Sport (@bbcmerseysport) July 15, 2020
The Bad
Losing to Arsenal at the Emirates on Wednesday night. Yes, the title is won and there is nothing else to prove… other than getting a record points tally perhaps.
However, the loss means that Liverpool can no longer equal or better Manchester City’s record 100-point tally. The title was the main objective this season of course. It would have been nice though, to have thrown down the gauntlet in terms of the points gained also in my opinion.
Klopp has assembled a really strong and capable squad and it would have been the icing on the cake after some fantastic performances rolled in to the ultimate accolade.
“I cannot make something negative about something really positive. The boys played an exceptional season and nobody can take that away from them.”
Klopp decided against criticising his players, after the game, discussing more the bigger picture. “The boys played an exceptional season and nobody can take that away from them.” True. They have succeeded where many have failed and therefore deserve credit.
Personally I’d have liked to be able to brag about the points record also. Not a need to have, and definitely a nice to have. Let’s face it though, bragging rights are always nice!
Jürgen Klopp laments Arsenal defeat as Liverpool miss out on points record (Guardian) #LFC https://t.co/lGXxe0MfgV
— Anfield Road (@anfieldroad) July 19, 2020
The Ugly
The below-par results since the title has been secured. Again, mission accomplished so can’t complain too much. My point is that it’s clear winning the title has perhaps burdened Liverpool somewhat.
The mistakes that led to losing against Arsenal the other night were almost unthinkable from Alisson and Virgil van Dijk earlier in the season. Yes the pair have both been guilty of individual errors before but rarely if ever, both in the same game!
It’s scary to see the two players who arguably have turned this Liverpool team from also-rans to Champions, guilty of such lapses. Watching the game I got the impression the two of them are suffering from the intensity of the whole season. I do hope my concern will be proved unfounded and this isn’t the start of an unwanted trend.
The next two games are against Chelsea and Newcastle, both which with their own unique challenges. I’d like to see the boys finish strongly and not stumble over the line, despite being ahead.
6 defeats in the last 13 games for Liverpool. It goes back to before the the Covid break and well before the title was secured. This poor form is not just a result of having the league wrapped up. It's a very worrying trend heading into next season.#YNWA #LFC
— James Fitzpatrick (@FitzyR14) July 15, 2020
On This Day…
In 2005 Peter James Crouch signed for Liverpool from Southampton for a reported fee of £7m. The 6 ft 7 in England international was a firm favourite with the Reds scoring 42 goals in 134 appearances for the club. I can still hear the famous chant from the Kop now…
“He’s big, he’s Red, his feet stick out the bed Peter Crouch…”
Happy Birthday Crouchy!
Remember the LFC File’s The Good, The Bad and The Ugly Season 19/20 book will be available from 03.08.2020. Last year’s book Season 18/19 is still available and can be purchased here.
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