Liverpool F.C. – The Good, The Bad and The Ugly – Gameweek 37
The Reds huff and puff, and in the end it was enough. The season is almost over, and the team already have a hangover. Joy is finally given to many, as Hendo gets the Cup from Sir Kenny. The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. Another week reviewed at the worlds favourite football club, Liverpool F.C.
The Good
Bouncing back from the Arsenal defeat to win against Chelsea at Anfield. Goals from Naby Keïta, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Gini Wijnaldum, Roberto Firmino and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, finally got the Reds over the line in what turned out to be a goal-fest on Walton Breck Road.
Jürgen Klopp started with his strongest team, including his famed three strikers Firmino, Mo Salah and Sadio Mané. In the end, it was the less illustrious names that dragged the team over the line against a stubborn Chelsea side who were playing for European qualification.
The new and improved Keïta got Liverpool off the mark with a super goal after 23 minutes, before Man of The Match Alexander-Arnold and Wijnaldum put the Reds into a commanding position before half time… only for Olivier Giroud to pull one back for Chelsea in stoppage time.
When Firmino scored a fourth after the break, one felt the flood gates were creaking and about to burst open. However, Frank Lampard Jr. and his young Chelsea side had other ideas.
Tammy Abraham and Christian Pulisic pulled two goals back for Chelsea to remind Liverpool the party wasn’t due to start until after the match.
With full time approaching, Oxlade-Chamberlain put paid to any hopes the visitors had of a comeback – driving home the fifth to the sound of fireworks outside Anfield. Chelsea’s search for the solitary point required for European football qualification goes to the wire.
That was eventful 😅#LIVCHE pic.twitter.com/0vXEFeKjRs
— Premier League (@premierleague) July 22, 2020
The Bad
Still, despite winning the league, it appears from recent results that the season’s achievement has caught up with the team recently. Personally, I’d say the team is suffering from the proverbial end of season hangover.
They can be proud of themselves, but the recent results show the team could do with a break. Of course there was the Corona-enforced break, which gave some respite. But I wouldn’t say, psychologically, a good break was had. The team had to remain focussed, and stay in shape – often alone.
Since the restart, Liverpool have played eight games with the record: P8; W4; D2; L2. Not a great return. Frankly, I’ll be happy when the Newcastle game is finished, the season is finally over. We can take stock and prepare for next season.
I’m glad #LFC have so many games this season to play through the hangover of winning the PL so we can start afresh next season in defending it. Now let’s go and get some fireworks for next Wednesday and have the best lockdown day ever.
— Tony Boyham (@TBoyham) July 15, 2020
The (Sm)Ugly
Of course, seeing captain Jordan Henderson receive the Premier League trophy from club legend Sir Kenny Dalglish. A grand and fitting tribute to a fantastic season’s achievement.
You’ve got to be happy for the captain. He has matured into arguably one of the best midfielders the club has seen in recent history.
It’s hard to believe Henderson will celebrate 10 years with the club next year, since joining from Sunderland in 2011. Following a shaky start where he was almost sold to Fulham at the beginning of the the 2012/13 season. Having personally rejecting that move, he has grown into the captaincy following the retirement of Steve Gerrard in 2015.
I – along with many a Liverpool fan, have been critical of Henderson in his earlier days. Having said that, I’m glad to have my criticism firmly thrown back in my boat race along with a large portion of humble pie.
Frankly, I don’t think there’s a more deserving player at the club right now and I believe we as fans owe the lad a huge amount of respect and gratitude.
🔴 Liverpool in 2019/20…
Without Henderson in the team: 8 points dropped in 7 games 👎
With Henderson in the team: 7 points dropped in 30 games 👍
The captain now has an individual award to go with the Premier League trophy 🏆🏴#Henderson #Liverpool #LFC #PremierLeague pic.twitter.com/RrIH35IYdY
— LiveScore (@livescore) July 24, 2020
On This Day
In 2016, Joseph Michael Allen left the club after four years at the club. The former Swansea City midfielder came to the club in 2012 to work with Brendan Rodgers – his manager at the South Wales outfit. He was a popular figure with the fans. The diminutive Welshman was dubbed the “Welsh Xavi” by Rodgers. A tag that was always a source of fun for the fans and the press alike. Allen joined Stoke for a reported fee of £13m having played 132 games for the Reds and scoring 7 goals.
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.
Follow us on:
Twitter: @TheLFCFile
Facebook: @thelfcfile
And now on Instagram: thelfcfile
