LFC 21/22 – The Good, The Bad And The Ugly – Gameweek #19
The Reds are on the up, slaying the Foxes in the cup. Then a dearth in quality, brings an end to the frivolity. COVID calls, as the festive program stalls. The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. Another week reviewed at Liverpool Football Club.
The Good
Progressing to the semi-finals of the League Cup for the first time in almost five years, since they faced Southampton in the 2016/17 season. The under-strength team was able to secure a 5-4 penalty win against Leicester City at Anfield.
Liverpool we’re 0-2 down until Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain pulled a goal back. All within the first 20 minutes. The visitors went into the break 1-3 ahead. The second half…? Well, not unlike any other famous night for a comeback at Anfield. Granted, Leicester – with respect are no Barcelona.
Goals from Diogo Jota (68) and a last gasp effort from Takumi Minamino set up a penalty shoot out. Just when the Leicester faithful thought they’d dispatched of their manager’s former employer. Step forward Caoimhin Kelleher.
FT: 3-3 with #LFC winning 5-4 on penalties.#LIVLEI proper cup tie. Join @guydrinkel & guests for Post-Match RAW, streaming LIVE on @discord now at https://t.co/QB4ofYw6iN pic.twitter.com/nBjAy5vvV8
— AnfieldIndex (@AnfieldIndex) December 22, 2021
The young Irishman stepped up to save Leicester’s fourth penalty, the second save of the shootout, leaving Jota to fire home Liverpool’s winner (before telling the Leicester supporters to F&@k off… superb stuff!!).
What Jota said at the end makes the day more sweeter to enjoy 😅 #LIVLEIpic.twitter.com/BjuyQ6QxZg
— 𝙼𝙰𝚇 (@MaximiliansRed) December 23, 2021
The Bad
Losing to Leicester when arguably, it mattered the most. Following the exploits of the previous game, Liverpool lost 1-0 to Leicester on Tuesday evening.
“I think we started OK. I didn’t like 100 per cent the intensity even at the beginning”
A game that Liverpool threw away through a mixture of wastefulness and sheer bad luck on the night. “We were just not really ourselves tonight. I think we started OK. I didn’t like 100 per cent the intensity even at the beginning” bemoaned Jürgen Klopp after the match. Mo Salah missed a penalty and Brendan Rodgers’ side put in a defensive performance they’ll struggle to match this season, let alone ever again.
A result that the Reds absolutely can’t afford at this stage of the season. Liverpool now lie a hefty nine points behind Manchester City and a point behind Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea. Despite having a game in hand (see The Ugly below).
Notwithstanding an unlikely collapse from Pep Guardiola’s men, the title race is all but over. Most definitely one could say City have it to lose now. Nevertheless, it’s not over until the proverbial fat lady sings and as of now, she’s not even at the venue.
That’s what happens when for once all you’re hitmen have a off day!!and they have one shot on target and 1 goal that’s the margins!!A long way to go and it’s mad that the league could be over before new year?but you never give up and see what happens.ynwa
— John Aldridge (@Realaldo474) December 28, 2021
The Ugly
Liverpool having their Boxing Day fixture postponed due to an outbreak of COVID within the Leeds team.
The Reds now have a game in hand and could – success depending of course, potentially be only six points away from City. And, who knows what will happen between now and the end of the season. If things swing in Liverpool’s favour and City stumble then well… sometimes it’s better not to be in the lead.
🏆 “I think we’ve got at least a two-horse race between City & #LFC.”
👏 “The top three are some distance ahead of the rest [of the league].”
John Cross says the title race is far from over with how good both City & Liverpool are this season pic.twitter.com/Tz579VQ0Bv
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) December 27, 2021
So far, from what’s been reported anyway, City haven’t suffered that much from the COVID outbreaks. One would expect – all things being equal that they will likely miss a game or two (not preferred) but at least be forced to field a weakened team at some point(s). Herein lies the opportunity for Liverpool. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t wish the virus on anyone… I’m… just saying…!
Good News
The latest edition of The Good, The Bad and The Ugly is now available. “3rd Against All Odds“. A bit late this time, but better late than never as they say! Follow last season’s exploits with relevant Tweets in full colour. Order a copy from the Amazon store here. Or Apple Books here.
YNWA
