LFC 20/21 – The Good, The Bad and The Ugly – Gameweek 31
A win but no thriller against the Villa. Too little too late on means CL elimination. unruly fans shame us, by attacking Real’s team bus. The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. Another week reviewed at the world’s favourite football club Liverpool F.C.
The Good
Continuing the recent run of form with a hard-fought 2-1 win against Aston Villa at Anfield. Liverpool done well to come from behind when Ollie Watkins’ shot slid beneath Alisson, to put the visitors ahead.
However, recent performances in the league have shown that the Reds are beginning to turn the tide on a miserable run of form. A second half goal from Mo Salah pulled the hosts level before Trent Alexander-Arnold fired home an injury time winner from the edge of the box.
We are behind, we have to put the other teams under pressure…
Jürgen Klopp
The result could not have come at a better time for Liverpool following six losses at home since the turn of the year. “We are behind, we have to put the other teams under pressure. The only way to do that is to win our games. That’s how it is” said Jürgen Klopp after the game.
The result was all the more sweet given that Roberto Firmino had a goal chalked of when his finger nail (it could well have been so slim was the decision) was adjudged have played him into an offside position.
Strangely, I always had the impression Liverpool would get something from this game. I can’t say why. In an ideal world, I’d say it’s the belief coming back. In the real world, I’d say it’s probably just wishful thinking.
90' – GET IN!! Trent cuts inside from the left side of the box, curls it into the bottom corner. FANTASTIC GOAL!!
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 10, 2021
[2-1]#LIVAVL https://t.co/GiNOdEpJ7D
The defence still looks like there’s a mistake around the corner. Nat Phillips and Ozan Kabak, definitely have potential as a central defensive pairing. Is Kabak £18m worth of talent? I’m not sure. However, Trent and Andy Robertson seem to be regaining their confidence.
The midfield is without doubt more solid with Fabinho there, although I maintain that Thiago Alcantara is definitely not a solution worth having. Especially when you consider what the club will lose when Gini Wijnaldum leaves.
In attack, there are still problems. Salah continues to carry the can although Diogo Jota is slowly getting his sharpness back. Sadio Mané sadly continues to struggle and could likely do with a couple more games on the bench, in my opinion.
As things stand, Liverpool occupy sixth place in the Premiership – two above Spurs and two behind Chelsea. There’s still some work to do, but at last, things seem to be heading in the right direction.
The Bad
Drawing 0-0 with Real Madrid and hence crashing out of the Champions League. Despite a performance which brought back memories, memories of 12 months ago in terms of the level of intensity, it wasn’t enough.
Klopp said the tie had been lost in the previous fixture, the 3-1 loss left his boys with a mountain to climb. “You always need the key moments. We didn’t lose the tie tonight, we lost it in Madrid” lamented the boss after the game. True.
A high tempo start almost gave the Reds an early goal but their opponents stood firm against the onslaught. Real Madrid, on this performance, are my favourites to go all the way this season and likely lift their 14th title.
At least the team can concentrate on the league. We move on.
A draw on the night and we exit the @ChampionsLeague. #LIVRMA | #UCL
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 14, 2021
The Ugly
The attack on the Real Madrid team bus.
Reports showed stones were thrown at the visiting teams bus, resulting in a broken window. Fortunately, nobody on board was hurt in the incident.
The club later apologised and reported the matter to the police. The apology was accepted by Real in view of the strong relationship between the two clubs. “We sincerely apologise to our visitors for any distress caused. We will work together with Merseyside Police to establish the facts and identify those responsible” confirmed a spokesperson.
It’s actually very sad that in this day and age this behaviour is still around. I guess the sad reality is that there will always be a stupid few that spoil it for the remaining majority.
ICYMI – Real Madrid team bus window smashed on way to Liverpool Champions League clash / @JBurtTelegraph https://t.co/C4WScS74PY #UCL #LIVRMA
— Telegraph Sport (@TelegraphSport) April 14, 2021
Next Up
A relatively quiet seven days ahead for the Reds. Only the return fixture against Leeds United at Elland Road awaits them this week. Klopp has bemoaned the frequency of games the team has had to endure this season. Well he can’t use that as an excuse now. He and his staff have time aplenty to prepare for the seven games left to play.
As the old saying goes: be careful what you wish for, because you might just get it.
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).
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