LFC 22/23 – The Good, The Bad And The Ugly – Gameweek #2
Another game another draw, even though we expected more. A super solo goal but absolutely no stroll. A blow with the head leads to red. The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. Another week reviewed at Liverpool Football Club.
The Good
Avoiding defeat with a slightly better, but still lacklustre performance against Crystal Palace last night. The south Londoners were good value for the 1-1 score line.
A start for Nat Phillips ahead of Joe Gomez was perhaps a sign of things to come. Trent Alexander-Arnold playing (unofficially) in midfield was perhaps, a sign of things to come.
I understand Gomez was returning from injury but I’m my opinion, he’s either fit or not. Personally I’d have started him instead of Phillips. Palace aren’t playing the type of football that suits the young defender but to be fair, if – with injuries, he’s all that’s left – other than Gomez, then that’s the way it is.
Despite >70% ball possession, the Reds fell behind to a through ball down their right channel, which Wilfried Zaha tucked away to give the visitors the lead.
A superb solo strike from Luis Diaz spared Liverpool’s blushes. The team having been reduced to 10 men after Darwin Núñez was dismissed (see The Ugly below).
It ends level.#LIVCRY pic.twitter.com/2DAGRlA7D5
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 15, 2022
For the neutral, this would have been a treat. It was a really pulsating encounter in which Patrick Viera’s disciplined side understood that often, quality counts far more than quantity.
Despite Liverpool’s dominance, there was always a threat from Palace and this was confirmed when Zaha struck the post with minutes left.
Both Mo Salah and Fabio Carvalho went close but sadly, it just wasn’t to be on the night.
The Bad
Bad news for the rest of the Premier League… Luis Diaz it’s just getting better and better! In Jürgen Klopp’s pre-match press conference, he mentioned the expectations he has for the Colombian.
Basically that he can and should be scoring more goals this season. The number 10-15 was thrown out there. To be honest, I’ve never had him down as a direct replacement for Sadio Mané, not in terms of scoring anyway, but last night we saw the evidence.
An absolutely top quality strike from the Reds’ no. 23. Cutting in from the left, shimmying past two Palace defenders to make himself some space and then unleashing a superb curling shot past the despairing Vicente Guaita.
Liverpool 1-1 Crystal Palace: Player ratings as Diaz stunner denies Eagles victory https://t.co/pGcHT6lvg7 #livcry
— Liverpool FC Online (@liverpool) August 15, 2022
If this is what Klopp was referring to then we’re in for a hell of a season. I think Diaz will be a great player for Liverpool. His drive and willingness to take the game by the scruff of the neck gave hope at a time when it looked as if the players were running out of ideas.
Another case of ifs buts and maybe’s though because at the end of the day the strike was worth more. Which unfortunately brings us onto…
The Ugly
What else can this be but Núñez’ red card yesterday. A moment of madness that undoubtedly cost us the game.
After hitting the post early on, only a fool would have bet against the Uruguayan scoring last night. But alas, there were stranger forces at work. Namely his forehead when he planted it into Joachim Anderson’s boat race!
I’m not going to draw comparisons with a famous compatriot of his, namely Mr. Luis Suarez, but I hope this is just a matter of learning for him. Let’s not forget, he’s still only 23 so there’s time for him to learn. I’m impressed with how well Klopp took it though.
I thought he’d show more disappointment but in hindsight he’s shown a good example of level headedness where it would have been quite understandable to show his frustration.
Oh Nunez, what have you done! 🥵#LIVCRY #AstroEPL pic.twitter.com/lgyAC1ZUMr
— Stadium Astro 😷 (@stadiumastro) August 15, 2022
I hope this doesn’t turn out to be something wet look back on say what could have been. It’s very early days in the League but that said, Manchester City aren’t known for being inconsistent.
Liverpool need to get their show on the road, and quickly. The same goes for our new young striker who will miss the next three games.
While You’re Here…
The fourth and latest edition of the, The Good, The Bad and The Ugly: 2nd – And The Cup Double, is now available on Amazon as an eBook (€5), paperback (€11.99) and on Apple Books (eBook €5).
Secure your copy now!
YNWA!
