I think Jones did try to get involved, I think that is important. I do agree that the end product is not there yet, but hey…he is only 19. While it is fair to call his performance and critique it as it is, a young player like Jones need to be given games to learn and improve and we need to stop expecting players to become superstars overnight.
Philips was very good, if not spectacular. He did exactly what he was told to do. He stuck close to Haller and gave nothing away when faced with different attackers. Without sounding hyperbole that he is now a first team certainty, he has surely performed himself into a starting position in the coming weeks especially if Matip needs time to recover and who knows, with more games and improvement and confidence, he might play himself into a long term solution for the 4th CB and beyond.
I thought Hendo again had a great game, slowing the game down when necessary, but playing it fast when needed. He is really turning out to be a great Captain in his own right. I think he is slowly turning into a player who is more than just about stamina and hard work. While it is still early, I would say, by the time he retires, he would be a legend for us in his own right.
And Jota, you cannot deny his end product. 3 consecutive goals in 3 home games. In terms of skills, I don’t think he is as good as Salah and Mane and Firmino but he just has that uncanny ability to get into dangerous positions and with time, I think we have a world beater on our books.
And special shoutout to Shaq, what an excellent substitution and what a pass. I guess the only thing about him is what the commentator said, he is capable of that, but the issue is always been able to to that consistently. Lets hope he stays fit and can get runs of games under his belt.
Overall, does not this remind us about last season when at times we have to keep grinding out wins. We are going to be champions again.
They should be held accountable. Let them meet the press after every game and explain any controversial decisions. That should improve their performance quick.
It really isn’t fair to criticise him if you don’t also criticise Gini who was no better and imo worst. If you are blind just let yourself be lead. I mean Gini is an experienced season player and shopuld be setting the example.
Anyway what were Klopps instructions?
Not the best of games, but as many have alluded to, our superior fitness and capacity to grind out results are key now.
Also, it was a good game by Phillips, and I am happy for him that his hard work and patience has paid off. Just thought we should tamper our expectations on Phillips based on one game. Klopp’s usual system requires a lot from his Centre backs, like playing the offside trap well, playing out from the back etc. I thought we deviated quite a bit from that system yesterday, in part to accommodate Phillips. This allowed him to concentrate only on the basics, which he did well. I think Phillips would struggle like Lovren and Skrtel before him, if we were to revert to the usual “front footed” style of defending.
Atalanta would pose more questions of our defence and we need to be prepared for it.
Just want to mention a little moment in the game that won’t show up on any stat or highlight reel but signifies the importance of Hendo as the captain and no 6 while our main man is out at the back.
33rd min of the game we have a free kick, which leads to West Ham hitting us on the counter. Gomez is caught out 2v1 and looks lost like a deer in headlights not knowing which man to mark. Hendo screams at Gomez pointing to him to take Masuaku at the back post while hendo tracks back pressuring the guy on ball, who tries to play a ball across the box only to fall to the feet of Liverpool defender who got back to outnumber Masuaku at the back post. That situation could have easily been 2-0 to WH, in the end it didn’t amount to anything thanks to Hendo’s ability to read the danger and direct the troops.
I wouldn’t criticise a 19 year old kid playing in a team that just won the league. Tough gig at his stage. However if kids like him don’t get a chance. Half the forum bitches about no future pathways. Why don’t we leave the criticism or praise to Klopp. He seems to know a thing or two about football.
Not much to say about the match. It took two subs to combine to deliver the win, great pass by Shaq(we may be seeing more of him this season if he remains fit) right through the players legs! Nice finish by Jota!
Hendo was immense!
Phillips played well on his debut.
Shocker from Gomez for their goal!
But all in all we defended well.
Happy weekend to y’all!!!
3pts is what matters, so all is well.
We all know how we bounced back previous seasons by winning UCL and EPL after losing them in the first attempt. That was a display of our teams character and belief.
These days, we bounce back in the same game even when decisions goes against us because of incompetent refs.
While other teams keep moaning, we find ways to overcome our problems.
This is one of the greatest qualities klopp has instilled in this team, to look failure and misfortune in the eye and say, “FUCK YOU, I’M GOING TO WIN”
Yes Gini was missing especially in the first half. I think when looking at criticism of players, we have to see what kind of criticism is being levelled. Does not mean I did not manage to include Gini in my post means its not fair to critique Jones for his performance. What I do not agree is when people start criticising players based on one match and make comments, he is not good enough for us etc. Its not wrong to critique on the performance in this match but not infer future performance.
For the record, I think Jones is a very good potential, there is a reason why he is here in the first team with Klopp and not so called more experienced youth like Wilson etc.
I think Philips was asked to man mark Haller and practically followed him everywhere and very close to him and not give him space and yet not give away foul. Philips carried that out to near perfection
From the last few games… I think Jota should start instead of Firmino which hopefully would help get us out to a faster start each game. And motivate Firmino to be better. Also jota just seems to have more awareness in front of goal. Seeing and seizing goal scoring opportunities. He doesn’t score if he doesn’t make that run.
Jota was also helped by Shaqiris playmaking in midfield… But when Thiago returns that will help our creativity in midfield from the start.
Meaning Shaqiri should remain as our sparkplug off the bench. Where he can give it his all for the last 30 mins. And get a few starts here and there.
Cut Gomez some slack. He is under immense pressure to be a leader and rock on the backline. He is a good CB. But he is not great (yet)…
In January we need more than just a stop gap at CB… Cause Matip will always keep getting injured. Fabinho is a DM. Gomez is still inconsistent sometimes and also misses games. And VVD is out and may take a while to be back to his normal best when he returns… And lastly we still want to repeat as PL champions and take back our CL trophy… So I would like us to bring in the best possible CB available. That’s within our financial constraints
exactly , if this was on the other end it would be perfectly ok and considered coming together, The coming together with Mane would be given if it was the other way around .
And G souness i like him but he just too much sometimes , yes Salah fall was exaggerated but he was hit on his heel why trying to turn if he hadn’t fallen it wouldnt be given as simple as that and yes not all fouls will cause you to fall but you will certainly loose the ball in a dangerous situation,so fall or no fall foul is a foul.
Oh I would be surprised if there was anyone on here who celebrated Jota’s first goal when they saw it. Live it looked like a very bad miss by Friend of Mane’s foul on the overprotected goalkeeper, so I knew it would be reversed.
The reversal and resulting wiping off of the goal didn’t upset me, as although Mane made minimal contact with the keeper, he made no contact with the ball and it was a dangerous slide. Mane knew it was a foul. The problem I have is that the VAR decided Friend should take another look while in countless other weeks the VAR did the opposite and made an executive decision that negatively affected us. VAR are as consistent as Boris.
