LFC 22/23 – The Good, The Bad And The Ugly – Gameweek #14
No complaints against the Saints, and spot kicks slam the Rams. Interest is hot as owners hope to sell the lot. The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. Another week reviewed at Liverpool Football Club.
The Good
Liverpool recorded their second successive win for the third time  this season after their 3-1 victory over Southampton at Anfield, to go into the World Cup break on a winning note.
Roberto Fermino continued his rich vein of form this season when he opened the scoring after six minutes. However, Che Adams was on hand to level for the saints, three minutes later.
Two goals from summer signing Darwin Núñez put Liverpool in the driving seat as half-time approached. The second half however, was nowhere near as eventful.
For their efforts, Liverpool were unable to extend the lead and Southampton never really looked like adding to their single strike. 
“I am more than happy with that now. We go from here in six weeks.”
The win lifts Liverpool into sixth place in the Premiership four points behind arch rivals and fellow strugglers Manchester United. 
Heading into the break with a win 🙌 pic.twitter.com/7dG0VjgqF0
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) November 12, 2022
Jürgen Klopp was optimistic in his summary of the season so far. “The first path is finished, we have 22 points. I am more than happy with that now. We go from here in six weeks.”
The (Not) Bad
Progressing in the League Cup after winning 3-2 on penalties against visitors, Derby County in the midweek encounter.
With an eleven that consisted mainly of fringe, players, and those returning from injury, such as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Liverpool struggled to break down a spirited Derby County side.
Spot-kick talisman Caoimhin Kelleher was again on hand to save three penalties and send the Reds into the next round. His performance extends a remarkable run during which time he has saved Liverpool on numerous occasions with his penalty saving heroics.  
One stat that rings a bell is that Liverpool haven’t won in open play in the competition since 2016. I’m not sure what to make of that really.
Caoimhín Kelleher has now won more penalty shootouts than any Liverpool goalkeeper in the club's entire history (4).
Tonight was only his 18th appearance. #LFC #LIVDER
— Michael Reid (@michael_reid11) November 9, 2022
In any case, into every life a little rain must fall – as the expression goes, and Liverpool FC are no exception. The next round draw has handed the Reds a trip to Manchester to take on the Blues of Manchester City.
Not a game I’m looking forward to, to be honest and if the Cityzens knock us out, I for one won’t lose any sleep over it. I think the rest will do the team good.
The Ugly
By all accounts, or according to FSG at least, there is plenty of interest in buying the club.
“There has been a lot of interest from numerous potential partners…”
Reports surfaced today quoting the CEO of the Boston Red Sox and Fenway Sports Group Partner Sam Kennedy, that interest has been high since the Boston-based firm put the Anfield club up for sale.
It has also transpired over the last few days that FSG are not willing to entertain interest for minority share holdings but would rather sell a majority stake in their investment, that has grown ten-fold since their purchase in 2010. “There has been a lot of interest from numerous potential partners considering investment into the club,” Kennedy added, “It is early days in terms of exploring possibilities for possible investment into Liverpool.
Despite what Kennedy says interest is one thing, but a firm offer is another. As it stands, none of this interest has been concrete enough to spark a process of Due Diligence so I’m not holding my breath for now.
Let’s see how this pans out. It’s clear Liverpool are an incredibly valuable club and very an attractive entity. However, I’m intrigued to see who the new owners will be and how they intend to take the club forward.
While You’re Here…
And waiting for the World Cup to kick-off, indeed… even during the odd (inevitably) drab encounter, what better way to distract yourself than to relive Liverpool’s exploits from last season…
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 e-book (€5), paper back (€11.99) and on Apple Books (e-book, €5).
YNWA
