LFC 20/21 – The Good, The Bad The Ugly – Gameweek 18 & 19

Lucky Reds pinch a draw, but the unbeaten home record is no more… humbled by those from Turf Moor. Rehab continues for the crocked, the scars leave fans shocked. The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. Two weeks reviewed at the world’s favourite football club Liverpool F.C.

The Good

Frankly not much. The Reds were able to scrape a bore draw against Manchester United in gameweek 18 after another lack-lustre display.

The fact that Alisson Becker put on a Man of The Match performance says it all. Despite a lions share of possession, Liverpool rarely threatened the United goal.

After the match Manyoo manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said his players “smelt blood”, such was their reaction the hosts toothless display.

“With all the things that were said before the game – United are flying and we were struggling – and then to play this kind of game, I was happy with that.”

Despite the result, the fans should at least take heart from the fact that Liverpool avoided defeat. “United are flying and we were struggling – and then to play this kind of game, I was happy with that” said Jürgen Klopp after the game. A crippling injury crisis (excuse the pun), a lack of form from the remaining attackers and a resurgent United side.

The result could have been much worse but for the heroics of Alisson between the sticks. It seems as if the Brazilian is the only Liverpool player displaying some kind of form right now.

Perhaps I could add Gini Wijnaldum, Jordan Henderson and Fabinho. Bearing in mind a game of footy requires eleven outfield players, you can see where Liverpool’s problems lie.

The points are shared after a tight encounter at Anfield#LIVMUN pic.twitter.com/z1gpCCZXJF

— Premier League (@premierleague) January 17, 2021

The Bad

Surrendering the unbeaten home record that stretches back to April 2017. For me, the starting eleven suggested Klopp thought this was going to be an easy-ish game.

Mo Salah and Roberto Firmino made way for Divock Origi and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in attack. Or perhaps it was a reaction from the manager after recent questionable performances from the pair of late. Whatever reason, the 0-1 defeat to Burnley has dented Liverpool’s title hopes and poses a big question over their credentials.

In a match such as this, hard graft is called for, and James Milner would have suited this opposition far better than Thiago who, despite the furore over his arrival, is yet to convince. For a player who is meant to be “unlocking tight defences” as many a fan and pundit claim, the Spaniard spent too much time in front of the defence to be effective in his role as the pick-pocket.

Origi though was the biggest villain. A completely unforgivable miss after capitalising on Ben Mee’s error, only to rattle the bar when one-on-one with Nick Pope. The 83rd minute penalty – awarded when Ashley Barnes was brought down in the box by Alisson was a tad harsh.

However, it’s games like these, against teams packing the defence, that champions need to win. Sadly, Liverpool’s form has suffered to the extent that the title may be beyond them this season, despite Klopp’s claims.

Liverpool are now six points adrift of first place in fourth, with Man City and Leicester ahead of them. I could only dare to believe should the Reds embark on an unbeaten run from now. No more slip ups allowed. Stranger things have happened.

– First PL home loss in 1,369 days
– Six points adrift of leaders Man Utd
– Four PL games without scoring for first time in 21 years

A difficult night for Liverpool. #LIVBUR pic.twitter.com/lc6gof3Ix1

— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) January 21, 2021

The Ugly

Pictures of Joe Gomez’s knee, that were circulating on social media this week. Liverpool were handed some good news this week with the 21 year-old stepping up training as he recovers from a knee injury sustained whilst on England duty.

However, observers were quick to point out the large, unsightly scar that resulted from the surgery to repair a damaged knee tendon. And it’s not for the faint hearted, that’s for sure.

One can only speculate on the extent of the damage but it’s scary to think that such a huge scar could result from what was reported at the time as being a fall after passing the ball.

Sadly may not return to the player he was 🙏

— Paul 🇬🇧 (@Paul_YNWA) January 22, 2021

Next Up

We have another encounter with the noisy neighbours at the wrong end of the East Lancs Road. Liverpool travel to Salford to take on Manyoo in the FA Cup Fourth round. Then down the M6 and M1 to meet Tottenham in gameweek 20.

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).