LFC 20/21 – The Good, The Bad and The Ugly – Gameweek 7

Rookie stopper is no sham, as Reds win against West Ham. Early leaders go “pop”, as LFC goes top. Rough stuff and tackles insane, can’t stop them winning again. The Good, The Bad and The Ugly – another week reviewed at the world’s favourite football club Liverpool F.C.

The Good

Liverpool came from behind to claim their fifth win of the campaign on Saturday defeating West Ham 2-1 at Anfield.

The Reds fell behind to Pablo Fornals’ effort after 10 minutes when Joe Gomez’s headed clearance landed at the Spaniard’s feet. However, Liverpool were not to be denied as the young England Center back recovered to put in a decent performance.

Along side him, youngster Nathaniel Phillips, making his Premier League debut. Bolton-born Phillips, 23, put on a solid display in his first league game for the Reds.

Liverpool were able to draw level just before the break. Mo Salah converting his penalty after being brought down by Arthur Masuaku in the box. The hosts were then put to the test in the second half as David Moyes’ men sought to thwart their hosts.

“He’s an exceptional talent. He has the speed, physicality, technique, and he’s both-footed.”

Diogo Jota however, was on hand to latch onto Xherdan Shaqiri’s through ball and score what proved to be the winner in the 85th minute. Moments earlier the £41m summer signing had a goal chalked off by Kevin Friend after what seemed an eternal review of the VAR. Clearly some nerves for those in the middle after some bizarre decisions so far this season.

“He’s an exceptional talent. He has the speed, physicality, technique, and he’s both-footed.” enthused Jürgen Klopp after the game when asked about the ex-Wolves forward’s contribution.

So, a great debut from the lad Phillips, another goal for Jota and another three points on the board. Bringing us nicely on to…

https://twitter.com/lfc/status/1322647648944427014?s=21

The (Not) Bad

Liverpool maintained a good run of early season form to beat West Ham and go top of the Premiership. The team is showing they have the mentality – if not the massive influence of Virgil van Dijk

When you consider the injury woes that Klopp and the team are having to endure the achievement is all the more impressive. It is early days of course and we all know that no trophies are given out in November.

Still, the team deserves credit for returning to the top. Not least coming back from that freak drubbing at the hands of Aston Villa. The Midlanders themselves falling to a 3-4 defeat at home to Southampton.

Early leaders Everton were also found out and defeated at the weekend, 2-1 away to Newcastle. The results bringing to an abrupt halt their early optimism.

The season is only one month old and Liverpool have already suffered injury/absence to:

Alisson
Van Dijk
Matip
Gomez
Fabinho
Tsimikas
Thiago
Keita
Henderson
Oxlade-Chamberlain
Mane
Shaqiri

They're top of both the Premier League and their Champions League group.#LFC pic.twitter.com/h2IU0m6tyJ

— bet365 (@bet365) October 31, 2020

The Ugly

The performance from the FC Midtjylland players in the Champions League fixture. The visitors to Anfield left with zero points and four yellow cards in the 0-2 defeat. The Swedish team were simply out played by an efficient Liverpool side.

An injury to Fabinho was the main downside on the night. The Brazilian is now set to miss the next couple of games with a hamstring injury.

It’s clear the Danish side are determined not to be the whipping boys of Group D, having already shipped four goals in their previous game against Atalanta.

Virgil van Dijk – Out for the season

Joel Matip – Injured

Fabinho – Injured

Hope these injuries doesn't define Liverpool season💔 🤦‍♂️😭#UCL #LIVMID pic.twitter.com/jNM66vCRef

— Mayor of Lagos (@MayowaOlubunmi) October 27, 2020

Up Next

A trip to Bergamo in the Champions League on Wednesday to play Atalanta. Then a trip down the East Lancs road on Sunday to face Manchester City.

While you’re here…

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).