Liverpool F.C. – Gameweek 17 Review – Resolute
Liverpool defeat Napoli one-to-nil, for a place in the knockouts was there to to steal. Manchester United came to town, only to be given the run-around. For now Klopp’s men are top of the pile, and go into the festive period in style. The Good The Bad and The Ugly, another week reviewed at the world’s favourite football club Liverpool F.C.
The Good
There can only be one thing for me and this is the trouncing of Manchester United at Anfield yesterday. What an absolutely stonking way to bring the weekend to a close. Liverpool have (seemingly) always lost to the Red Devils – at least in the league anyway.
With that in mind, the victory was sweater than most. Liverpool were simply too good for their visitors. The sight of Sir Alex Ferguson shaking his head in the crowd, implied that he felt the same way.
Klopp said before the game that his team needs to be “angry”, and they were. Far too angry for their visitors. The Reds simply overran their arch rivals. In every department, for 90 minutes, Liverpool were the superior side.
A surprise start for Nathaniel Clyne, who hadn’t started a game in anger since May. The plaudits went to Xherdan Shaqiri who’s two goals (albeit both deflected) sent the home fans into raptures. The Swiss national gave Liverpool that little bit of strength – and luck – that was missing from Naby Keïta. There was someone even more deserving, though.
Fabinho again, was on top of his game and had a lovely assist for Sadio Mané’s opening goal. The 25-year-old was voted the BBC Man of The Match and was well worthy of the accolade. He is beginning to show his class now and the time spent to ease him into the English game as well as I still Klopp’s clear approach has paid dividends.
The best team by a mile and a bit more @LFC. The body language of @ManUtd players tells their story, they looked lost and no ideas. #LIVMAN
— Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) December 16, 2018
The Bad
How poorly Manchester United played yesterday. Let’s get this straight, I don’t… repeat don’t feel sorry for them but this team was a shadow of those that have thwarted Liverpool at home so many times over the years.
Personally, José Mourinho can stay as long as possible if it means results like these. What is missing is the fight. It’s a bit like watching Mike Tyson in the latter stages of his career. Where was the guy we all loved to hate, because he was that good? Where was the pantomime villain we all wanted to pelt with eggs?
I love sport. I love football. Mainly because I love the challenge. One man/team putting their wits against another. On a day anything can happen. However against United, you felt as if that “day” is a long, long way off. Either that or the “day” the United dog had is well gone.
A telling #LIVMUN stat:
Manchester United had 6 shots all game… Liverpool had 36! 😱
"For me, Liverpool and Manchester City are on another planet from everyone else" – @RobbieSavage8
📻📲: https://t.co/zrJvZj5D1Q pic.twitter.com/fKAP1eN35p
— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) December 16, 2018
The (Sm)Ugly
Liverpool are now the only unbeaten team this season after 17 games. Something I never thought I’d be saying. Despite that, they remain just one point ahead of Manchester City in second. This just shows how tight things will be this season. Jürgen Klopp’s team has answered all questions asked of them so far. The dreaded festive period awaits.
In addition, Liverpool have qualified for the Champions League knockout stages, following that 1-0 win against Napoli last Tuesday. As a reward, the team will travel to Klopp’s homeland to face Bayern Munich. This will be a BIG, BIG match. However, in this current Liverpool side, I have immense faith. Let’s see how well they do.
Liverpool, Tottenham and Man City all travel to Germany, while Man Utd face PSG.
The Champions League draw has thrown up some tasty ties!
Full #UCLdraw 👉 https://t.co/3FRyQBAhmo pic.twitter.com/8aiMkqgU6K
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) December 17, 2018
In all honesty, I’d have preferred one of the lesser names, such as Schalke or Lyon. However, perhaps a big name opponent will bring out the best in this Liverpool side. It’s all to play for in any case.
Up next, Liverpool travel to the midlands on Friday to take on strugglers Wolves. On Boxing Day, we host Newcastle and do you know what? I’d love it if we can get six points from these two.
Follow us on:
▪ Twitter: @TheLFCFile
▪ Facebook: @thelfcfile
