Liverpool FC: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly – EPL Gameweek 33
Sadly no Santa against Atalanta. Despite the defence being all at sea, the boys hit the cottagers for three. Guessing the new boss for fun? Forget it, the deal’s already done. In FPL, the double gameweek has started well.
The Good
The win against Fulham at Craven Cottage yesterday. The win came courtesy of a goal from Trent Alexander-Arnold on what must be his first start four months now.
Liverpool looked the more impressive side, notwithstanding Jürgen Klopp leaving Mo Salah, Darwin Núñez and Alexis Mac Allister on the bench until 15 minutes before the final whistle.
Cody Gakpo was lively in attack and Diogo Jota reminded the travelling fans what had been missing since his injury, with his direct play. As was Diaz who was operating on the right side of the front three.
Sadly, the Cottagers equalised following some dreadful defending from Liverpool, to level the score at the break. The second half was pretty much one way traffic.
Ryan Grabenbruch scored his first Premier League goal for Liverpool with a well-taken long-ranged after the restart. The Reds put their hosts under severe pressure and despite Fulham having a couple of attacks, the inevitable happened after 72 minutes when Diogo Jota’s shot across goal crept in beneath the home’ keeper.
The game was largely over thereafter. Liverpool showing good game management to see out the fixture to gain the important points ahead of the trip across Stanley Park on Wednesday.
The Bad
The win against Atalanta in the Europa League quarterfinal second leg on Thursday.
Sadly this was too little too late for Jürgen Klopp and the boys. Liverpool were given early hope when Mo Salah converted a penalty after 7 minutes.
However, despite their intense pressure, Atalanta were able to control the game more or less, to see out their famous victory.
Liverpool are now left with only three league title to fight for. Three weeks ago morale was high. Liverpool were fighting for this elusive quadruple of the League, FA and League Cups in addition to the Europa League.
Following a period of; a mixture of poor form and injuries, the opportunities have slowly fallen away one by one.
So, if the league is all there is, then let’s do what we can to bring that home.
The Ugly
The relentless speculation surrounding the new manager. Well I’ve got news for you all: FSG have likely had the whole thing wrapped up before Klopp made his intention to leave public.
Yes, that’s right, we’ve all missed the apparently obvious… Think about it.
FSG have been in sports ownership for over 20 years. They’re not amateurs. They’ve had successful coaches leave them before I’m sure. Klopp told them in November that he was leaving. The best part of four months before he went public. What do you thing John Henry, Tom Werner and company were doing during that time…?
I’m reasonably certain, Klopp would have been asked to keep everything under wraps until they’ve identified – and possibly signed, his successor. This idea makes perfect sense.
