Season 20/21 – The Good, The Bad and The Ugly – Gameweek 2
Despite the hype in the news, the Reds are victorious against the Blues. When it seemed nothing would be done, new signings arrive and cue the fun. Those that once claimed the throne, now simply sit, mope and moan. The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. Another week reviewed at the world’s favourite football club Liverpool F.C.
The Good
Winning against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. I was beginning to believe all the hype about Frank Lampard’s team, but after today’s performance, I need not worry. Liverpool ran out comfortable 0-2 winners at Stamford Bridge.
A surprisingly tame Chelsea side were ran ragged by Jürgen Klopp’s men. The hosts were reduced to 10 men at the end of the first half when Andreas Christensen saw red for his rugby-style challenge on Sadio Mané. The Dane’s sending for an early bath exposed an already obvious home side delusion. The use of VAR for the decision exposing an obvious conclusion.
Two second half goals from Mané put the game beyond their hosts. A late penalty conceded when debutant Thiago Alcântara brought down Chelsea new boy and one-time Liverpool target Timo Werner in the box – failed to provide any hope. Alisson saving low down to his left from Jorginho’s effort.
Overall a great result for Liverpool. I have to admit, I wasn’t exactly filled with optimism for this fixture after last weekend’s events but the teams reaction has been first class.
Two goals and a class display 👊
Read Sadio's reaction after today's win at Chelsea 👇 #CHELIV
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 20, 2020
The Bad
Manager Klopp having to berate his players and staff after they celebrated Christensen’s sending off. To be fair, it’s always nice to see your team gain an advantage over their opponents and indeed, their conceding a penalty is also often greeted with cheers. Almost as if the offended player has scored on some occasions.
However, I do see the gaffer’s point. It is rather unsporting it has to be said. Chelsea will always look at this event as a turning point in the game. Regardless of how lame they performed up to that point. It shouldn’t really be seen with joy that the contest is now unequal, and I believe Klopp also made this gesture equally in support of Frank Lampard.
On the other side, Chelsea only have themselves to blame. I can understand the frustration had it been what one would call a ‘harsh’ decision. In reality, I couldn’t believe just how bizarre a ‘tackle’ it was from Christensen. “What was he thinking…?” Asked a colleague of mine in Monday morning footballing discussion. Frankly, I have no idea. Likely he (Christensen) doesn’t either. It’s just a moment of madness and he paid the price.
— vidfooty (@vidfooty1) September 20, 2020
The Ugly
Seeing the dismay of Manchester United fans following the swift signings of Thiago and Diogo Jota on Friday. The Manyoo (un)faithful have been slaughtering the club on social media in the wake of the Liverpool’s efficiency. The last one below being particularly funny!
Like many LFC Fans, I can’t describe how good it feels to see the Reds back on “their perch”, after being occupied by Manchester United for so long under Sir Alex Ferguson.
It’s fair to say, Liverpool missed a trick when the Premier League first started. Internal upheaval, leading to poor decision-making and ill-advised takeovers, put paid to any chance of them keeping up with the crowd from the wrong end of the East Lancs Road.
However under the stewardship of Fenway Sports Group and Klopp, the Reds are back! This could of course qualify under (Sm)Ugly, but the tweets from the fans don’t make for a pretty site.
Long may the Liverpool success continue.
Thiago and Jota for 70min😱
Every club knows how to business except united.#GlazerOutWoodwardOut#MUFC https://t.co/RmjEnPtjzG— suzan_utd🇳🇵 (@SuzanUtd) September 19, 2020
#MUFC are pathetic in their transfer business approach! #liverpool interested in #jota yesterday and the next day it looks like the deal is tied up! FFS #united , go out and get the deals done and wrapped up!!!!
— Slavian Bilic (@TJoeHarderstyle) September 19, 2020
Liverpool have the Diogo Jota deal completed within a day hahaha United have been after Sancho for a year and still not close. This Telles one will drag out too and he'll probably not even sign! WHY ARE THEY DOING THIS TO US #WoodwardOut #GlazersOutWoodwardOut #MUFC
— Manikular64 (@manikular64) September 18, 2020
Next Up
We have a trip to Lincoln City for the League Cup third round tie on Thursday. Expect game time for the likes of Curtis Jones, Neco Williams and Rhian Brewster (if he hasn’t been sold by then). The Reds have played the Imps 23 times to date, the record: W:13; D:5; L:5. So if history is anything to go by, the team should progress to the next round. Should being the operative word of course.
While you’re here…
In addition, the latest book from the The Good, The Bad and The Ugly weekly is out now. Relive this historic season. Available for purchase on Amazon, or directly from The LFC File. Click here to secure your copy. Either as an eBook (€5) or as a physical paperback (€8).
