LFC 20/21 – The Good, The Bad and The Ugly – Gameweek 38
Reds bring down the season’s curtain, the Champions League is now certain. Just as we thought they weren’t at the races, they emerged to put smiles on faces. Now the fun can begin, as some will go and others will come in. The Good, The (Not) Bad and The Ugly. The final week reviewed at Liverpool F.C.
The Good
Liverpool brought the season to an end in winning fashion. The 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace at Anfield in front of 10,000 fans was a fitting end to a difficult campaign wrought with twists and turns, and highs and lows.
A game that pitted a former Reds boss against the current one was a reminder that despite this season’s frustrations, the club is light years away from where it was when Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson was at the helm. That’s not intended in any way to cast doubt on the 74 year-olds ability as a manager.
A double from Sadio Mané, one goal in each half meant Liverpool finished third. Going into the game we all hoped for a win to finish fourth. Instead both Chelsea and Leicester lost on the final day to cap the Reds’ 10-game unbeaten run and to end the campaign.
Rhys Williams and Nat Phillips continued their promising partnership at the back to provide the stability which manager Jürgen Klopp has craved all season in the light of an ever-growing injury list.
The inclusion of Jordan Henderson’s name on the team sheet was a sight for sore eyes. Ending a period of absence that saw one of the worst runs of home form ever seen at the club.
In so doing, Liverpool have ended an extraordinary season in extraordinary fashion. Not securing fourth place, but finishing third and securing participation in the lucrative Champions League next season. Missing out would not only have had financial implications but potential team reinforcements would have thought twice before joining an outfit that isn’t taking part in the top footballing competition.
Sadio Mane scored twice as Liverpool sealed a third-placed finish and Champions League football with a 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace in front of 10,000 fans at Anfield on the final day of the season.#LIVCRY report and highlights 👉 https://t.co/EjWDgkEFBT#LFC | #CPFC
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 23, 2021
The (Not) Bad
I’d be lying if I thought Liverpool would have finished in THIRD spot two months ago. Many of us would have taken a Europa League position, such was the slump in the team’s form.
The turning point – without even looking into the stats, was when Fabinho returned to his favoured midfield position.
Since the victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers in March, the Brazilian has played in midfield. From thereon-in Liverpool have been unbeaten. Only the foolhardy would put this down to coincidence.
In hindsight one could argue that Liverpool’s poor run of form was in part, due to the weakened midfield, caused by playing the 28 year-old in defence. Add to that playing Jordan Henderson also at centre back. It can’t be a coincidence.
Ultimately, football is a team game and many other players upped their game for that final push. Andy Robertson put in some more consistent performances. As did Trent Alexander-Arnold and we can’t go without mentioning Alisson’s match-winning header against West Bromwich Albion.
Trying to put words to that today…😂#LFC #WBALIV #Alisson
— Neil Jones (@neiljonesgoal) May 16, 2021
https://t.co/sUPRgSd1DG
Of course Klopp has had his influence but it’s the players who cross the line and have to perform. For this they deserve enormous credit.
Fabinho:8/10
— Nick🇬🇷🇵🇸 (@lfcnickk) May 27, 2021
What a player he is. Center back, defensive midfield he played superbly everywhere. His absence in midfield was a miss for Lfc from January to March a period when we collapsed. His return coincided with our return to form and it wasn't a lucky coincidence#lfc #ynwa pic.twitter.com/JWdwkPIZQ6
The Ugly
The rumour fest that is the transfer window. No sooner had the final whistle blown against Crystal Palace the rumour mill went into overdrive.
Long before that speculation grew surrounding Ibrahima Konate, Leicester City’s Youri Tielemans and RB Salzburg’s Patson Daka. The first of whom has already put pen to paper on a transfer to the Reds.
Many other names have been touted and frankly, I’m never one to get too involved and claim to be “the first to know” etc. I’m always happy to be surprised. I believe with Michael Edwards leading the recruitment process for Liverpool, we will always see something happen.
In my opinion, should the other two names arrive at Liverpool this window, the team could mount a serious challenge next season.
It looks as if time is up for Divock Origi, who apparently, the club have received firm offers for. He’ll follow Gini Wijnaldum out of the door. The Dutchman has arguably been one of Klopp’s most trusted and consistent performers over the last five seasons and he will be a big loss for the team.
𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒: Former Leicester Player Kevin Phillips Believes Youri Tielemans Could Sign For Liverpool
— LFC Transfer Room (@LFCTransferRoom) June 1, 2021
"If Liverpool were to make an offer then it could be one of those where it’s hard to stop" 💬
✍🏻 @Adamf941 / @SInow https://t.co/9PpGQkRoVk
One player I’d like to see start and play more is Nat Phillips. The centre back has been instrumental in Liverpool’s success this season and it would be a crying shame if the arrival of Konate saw him sold or sent out on loan. He definitely has a part to play for the Reds and I see all of the talk of his “style” of play as being quite insulting and utter nonsense.
It’ll be interesting to see who comes and goes. One thing is for sure, there’ll be no shortage of names thrown around until more signings are confirmed… if any.
Look out for the next issue of the, The Good Bad & The Ugly: 2020/21 Season Review which will be released in the next few weeks.
