Sports - Football - Premier League - HUDLIV
Pre-match notes:
14th Huddersfield's league run:
D D L L L
4th Liverpool's league run:
W W W W L
Six changes for Liverpool after their FA Cup defeat against West Brom, keeper, three in defence, two in midfield. Not really surprising after the last couple of results and Jürgen Klopp's general rotation policy and rhythm this season.
David Wagner made seven changes from his side's 1-1 FA Cup draw against Birmingham, a long injury list not helping the German, but a bold move with just three at the back, a clear message to his best mate, no favours tonight!
I'm expecting the worst, but hoping for the best, don't have a clue what to expect after the last few matches... #LIVMCI #SWALIV #LIVWBA 💩🙈🙏🏻🙈💩
My (optimistic) prediction: 1-2 (cursing myself) #jinx? #COYR ⚽️👊🏻👏🏻👊🏻⚽️
Match notes:
1' Kick-off by the Reds, the ground bouncing, echoing, mad, the French commentators not knowing what hit them. Love it.
3' Mané messes up collecting a fine cross, fails to break past the last two in the process, Firmino picks the ball up, shoots from afar, Lössl has it, easy. First attempt on target though.
6' Chaotic start, neither side settling, the ball bouncing and falling here, there and everywhere, the fans still dominating every and all attention and focus! Awesome!
8' Can loses the ball just as Liverpool looked like dominating and pressing, the home side hit back with some lovely interplay, keeping the ball well.
9' Karius collects. And breath. Robertson breaks on the other side, right side of the box, wins a throw, comes to nothing.
11' Free kick to the Terriers near the centre circle, they're taking it slow.
12' Neither side able to keep the ball atm, give, take, shake, make, break, leak...
13' Milner puts the ball out for a goal kick, no threat by the visitors there.
14' Robertson smashes the ball out for another goal kick, I think that was supposed to be a cross...
15' Huddersfield threat cleared, the only thing Liverpool are dominating at the moment is possession, nearly 80%!
17' KARIUS SAVE! Van La Parra cross from the left met by Depoitre free in the box, right-foot shot is kept out nicely, strong save, the Red defence just watching again, where was the cover? I think I've scribbled and questioned that plenty of times before in much frustration...
20' Lössl collects, after Salah surrounded by Huddersfield players was unable to do much with the ball.
22' First corner for the Reds, Salah won it and takes it, punched away by Lössl, another Liverpool corner on the other side eventually.
23' Milner takes the second corner, cleared, the Reds keep the ball and the home side back, on guard.
24' CAN SHOT curled to the left corner, Lössl dives to his right, keeps it out. Strong performance by the stopper so far.
Over halfway through the half, Huddersfield can be happy the way they have kept Liverpool out and frustrated - CAN SCORES WHILST I WRITE THAT!!! 0-1 deflected right-footed low volley from outside the box into the bottom right-hand corner, a smacker, no chance for Lössl. 26' #BOOM
30' Liverpool with 90% possession over the last 10ish minutes, a couple of chances blocked, I wouldn't say they are bossing it just one goal ahead, but will be very happy having finally broken down the Terriers! The Red fans are now the louder ones, just. Hardly.
35' Lössl collects, most of the play has been around the centre circle, neither side pushing for much, the Reds dominating possession still.
37' Kongolo clears another Liverpool threat, Salah behind him in the box, not far, well played.
39' Mané concedes a free kick, Hogg falling all over him, a couple of yards outside the box...
40' Ref Friend is taking his time, making the marks, whistles, nice curled shot by Löwe but wide, not far off though. The crowd is on fire.
42' BALL IN THE NET FOR HUDDERSFIELD but the ref had already blown the whistle, flag up against Mooy, calm down (talking to myself).
43' Firmino flagged offside as Lössl blocks his shot away with his gloves.
45' Liverpool pouncing around the Huddersfield box again and again, the home side blocking and defending for their lives.
FIRMINO MAKES IT TWOOOOO as the announcement of one minute added on is made. From the tightest of tight angles on the left, right-footed sneaky low shot in past Lössl, squeezed between keeper and post, 0-2.
And that is half time, 0-2. #WOOHOOOOO
HT Stats: HUD 0-2 LIV
Possession: 23%-77%
Shots: 2-7
On target: 1-4
Corners: 0-3
Fouls: 2-4
The Terriers looked to frustrate their visitors, but the Reds are on top at the break thanks to Can and Firmino.
46' Huddersfield restart the game, no changes made by either side during the interval.
Just read LFC have scored most away goals in the PL this season = 30, two ahead of league leaders MCFC (28), followed by CFC (24) and MUFC (22).
53' Browsing through all the tweets, loving it, Swansea have taken the lead against Arsenal, Twitter going mad, not much happening here, Liverpool with most of the ball, not much in and around the box though. Can hear the fans chant Mo Salah, Mo Salah, Mo Salah.
54' Mané header straight to Lössl who only has to make half a dive to his left, Liverpool with 89% possession since the break. Comfy?
58' Milner slashes one shot in from outside the box with his right foot, not bad, Lössl punches it up and out for a corner, which is cleared.
59' Huddersfield are looking tired now, lucky Mané slips in the box and the ball goes out for a goal kick, Liverpool were all over them then.
63' The Terriers with the ball for a change but Robertson coped and clears.
64' First change made by Wagner, Quaner replaces Mounié.
183-704 passes made, says it all.
66' Can cross from the right, Schindler clears for a throw on the right.
69' MANÉ HEADER wide. Not. His. Night. It was a nice diagonal cross by Can though.
73' PENALTY APPEAL by the Terriers, the ref waves play on. Robertson v sub Quaner in the box, high boot by the defender, towards the ball, not the player, would have been very very harsh, right call.
73' Salah run, beats Lössl storming towards him, with a cheeky left-footer from the outside of the boot, into the side-netting. Shame. Would have been a nice one.
Just read the Swans have gone 3-1 up against Arsenal, my boyfriend next to me swearing his face off (a Gunner in case you didn't guess). Oh how I know how he feels. BUT NOT TODAY!
77' PENALTY TO LFC Can brought down by Hogg in the box!
78' SALAH NETS IT TO MAKE IT 0-3 easy to the keeper's left after he jumped the other way. That surely seals the three points for the Reds! ⚽️👊🏻⚽️👊🏻⚽️
81' Firmino on the left, left-legs the ball into nowhere, out for a goal kick, laughs all round. Looking at the scoreboard, okay, I will lay off him...
82' LFC double- substitution, Salah is replaced by Oxlade-Chamberlain, Wijnaldum comes on for skipper Henderson, who will be happy with this game after a long time out.
85' Karius kicks the ball away for a Huddersfield throw, no threat whatsoever, his team mates looking at him bewildered.
86' Flag up against the Terriers, Liverpool take their time to take the kick.
87' Ince with a low shot out for a throw, and I just realised I completely missed the home side's double-substitution shortly after the third goal... *quickly*editing*and*correcting*below*
89' Firmino comes off for Solanke, last change for the Reds.
Three minutes added on. YNWA echoes in the background.
The FT whistle blows, three goals and three points for the Reds thanks to Can, Firmino and Salah. THREE POINTS! BOOM!
That's more I like it! Dominance from start to finish, some threats, but nothing to break Liverpool for a change. A CLEAN SHEET!!!
FT Stats: HUD 0-3 LIV
Possession: 25%-75%
Shots: 5-14
On target: 1-7
Corners: 1-4
Free kicks: 8-8
This is exactly what the red doctor ordered, especially ahead of the clash against Tottenham on Sunday.
Here are a few facts and stats to finish with:
Liverpool have lost just once in their past 16 Premier League games, winning 11 and drawing four.
This was the 58th ground at which Liverpool have played in the Premier League - they've won at more stadiums than any other side in the competition (54).
Huddersfield are without a win in their past seven Premier League games (three draws followed by four losses) and have enjoyed just two wins in their past 14 in the competition (D3 L9).
Mohamed Salah has had a hand in 25 Premier League goals this season, the most of any player in the competition (19 goals, 6 assists).
More on the BBC website.
Liverpool Goals: Can 26', Firmino 45'+1 & Salah pen 78'.
Huddersfield Team: 1 Lössl; 5 Löwe (22 Ince 79'), 25 Jorgensen, 26 Schindler, 5 Kongolo, 33 Hadergjonaj; 8 Billing, 6 Hogg (c), 10 Mooy (17 van La Parra 79'); 20 Depoitre, 24 Mounié (23 Quaner 64'). 5-3-2 (not 3-5-2 as first thought)
Subs not used: 2 Smith, 13 Coleman, 21 Pritchard, 44 Hefele.
Liverpool Team: 1 Karius; 26 Robertson, 6 Lovren, 32 Matip, 6 Gomez; 7 Milner, 14 Henderson (c) (5 Wijnaldum 82'), 23 Can; 19 Mané, 9 Firmino (29 Solanke 89'), 11 Salah (21 Oxlade-Chamberlain 82'). 4-3-3
Subs not used: 4 van Dijk, 22 Mignolet, 28 Ings, 66 Alexander-Arnold.
Referee: Kevin Friend
Man of the match: Emre Can
Ground: The John Smith's Stadium
Attendance: 24,121
Click here for my last LFC match report.
All facts and stats were taken from the BBC match report, Twitter and SFR coverage.
Showing posts with label Matip. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Matip. Show all posts
Tuesday, 30 January 2018
HT Notes: Huddersfield 0-2 Liverpool
Sports - Football - Premier League - HUDLIV
Pre-match notes:
14th Huddersfield's league run:
D D L L L
4th Liverpool's league run:
W W W W L
Six changes for Liverpool after their FA Cup defeat against West Brom, keeper, three in defence, two in midfield. Not really surprising after the last couple of results and Jürgen Klopp's general rotation policy and rhythm this season.
David Wagner made seven changes from his side's 1-1 FA Cup draw against Birmingham, a long injury list not helping the German, but a bold move with just three at the back, a clear message to his best mate, no favours tonight!
I'm expecting the worst, but hoping for the best, don't have a clue what to expect after the last few matches... #LIVMCI #SWALIV #LIVWBA 💩🙈🙏🏻🙈💩
My (optimistic) prediction: 1-2 (cursing myself) #jinx? #COYR ⚽️👊🏻👏🏻👊🏻⚽️
Match notes:
1' Kick-off by the Reds, the ground bouncing, echoing, mad, the French commentators not knowing what hit them. Love it.
3' Mané messes up collecting a fine cross, fails to break past the last two in the process, Firmino picks the ball up, shoots from afar, Lössl has it, easy. First attempt on target though.
6' Chaotic start, neither side settling, the ball bouncing and falling here, there and everywhere, the fans still dominating every and all attention and focus! Awesome!
8' Can loses the ball just as Liverpool looked like dominating and pressing, the home side hit back with some lovely interplay, keeping the ball well.
9' Karius collects. And breath. Robertson breaks on the other side, right side of the box, wins a throw, comes to nothing.
11' Free kick to the Terriers near the centre circle, they're taking it slow.
12' Neither side able to keep the ball atm, give, take, shake, make, break, leak...
13' Milner puts the ball out for a goal kick, no threat by the visitors there.
14' Robertson smashes the ball out for another goal kick, I think that was supposed to be a cross...
15' Huddersfield threat cleared, the only thing Liverpool are dominating at the moment is possession, nearly 80%!
17' KARIUS SAVE! Van La Parra cross from the left met by Depoitre free in the box, right-foot shot is kept out nicely, strong save, the Red defence just watching again, where was the cover? I think I've scribbled and questioned that plenty of times before in much frustration...
20' Lössl collects, after Salah surrounded by Huddersfield players was unable to do much with the ball.
22' First corner for the Reds, Salah won it and takes it, punched away by Lössl, another Liverpool corner on the other side eventually.
23' Milner takes the second corner, cleared, the Reds keep the ball and the home side back, on guard.
24' CAN SHOT curled to the left corner, Lössl dives to his right, keeps it out. Strong performance by the stopper so far.
Over halfway through the half, Huddersfield can be happy the way they have kept Liverpool out and frustrated - CAN SCORES WHILST I WRITE THAT!!! 0-1 deflected right-footed low volley from outside the box into the bottom right-hand corner, a smacker, no chance for Lössl. 26' #BOOM
30' Liverpool with 90% possession over the last 10ish minutes, a couple of chances blocked, I wouldn't say they are bossing it just one goal ahead, but will be very happy having finally broken down the Terriers! The Red fans are now the louder ones, just. Hardly.
35' Lössl collects, most of the play has been around the centre circle, neither side pushing for much, the Reds dominating possession still.
37' Kongolo clears another Liverpool threat, Salah behind him in the box, not far, well played.
39' Mané concedes a free kick, Hogg falling all over him, a couple of yards outside the box...
40' Ref Friend is taking his time, making the marks, whistles, nice curled shot by Löwe but wide, not far off though. The crowd is on fire.
42' BALL IN THE NET FOR HUDDERSFIELD but the ref had already blown the whistle, flag up against Mooy, calm down (talking to myself).
43' Firmino flagged offside as Lössl blocks his shot away with his gloves.
45' Liverpool pouncing around the Huddersfield box again and again, the home side blocking and defending for their lives.
FIRMINO MAKES IT TWOOOOO as the announcement of one minute added on is made. From the tightest of tight angles on the left, right-footed sneaky low shot in past Lössl, squeezed between keeper and post, 0-2.
And that is half time, 0-2. #WOOHOOOOO
HT Stats: HUD 0-2 LIV
Possession: 23%-77%
Shots: 2-7
On target: 1-4
Corners: 0-3
Fouls: 2-4
The Terriers looked to frustrate their visitors, but the Reds are on top at the break thanks to Can and Firmino.
Liverpool Goals: Can 26' & Firmino 45'+1.
Huddersfield Team: 1 Lössl; 5 Löwe, 25 Jorgensen, 26 Schindler, 5 Kongolo, 33 Hadergjonaj; 8 Billing, 6 Hogg (c), 10 Mooy; 20 Depoitre, 24 Mounié. 5-3-2 (not 3-5-2 as first thought)
Subs not used: 2 Smith, 13 Coleman, 17 van La Parra, 21 Pritchard, 22 Ince, 23 Quaner, 44 Hefele.
Liverpool Team: 1 Karius; 26 Robertson, 6 Lovren, 32 Matip, 6 Gomez; 7 Milner, 14 Henderson (c), 23 Can; 19 Mané, 9 Firmino, 11 Salah. 4-3-3
Subs not used: 4 van Dijk, 5 Wijnaldum, 21 Oxlade-Chamberlain, 22 Mignolet, 29 Solanke, Ings, 66 Alexander-Arnold.
Referee: Kevin Friend
Ground: The John Smith's Stadium
Click here for my last LFC match report.
All facts and stats were taken from the BBC match report, Twitter and SFR coverage.
Pre-match notes:
14th Huddersfield's league run:
D D L L L
4th Liverpool's league run:
W W W W L
Six changes for Liverpool after their FA Cup defeat against West Brom, keeper, three in defence, two in midfield. Not really surprising after the last couple of results and Jürgen Klopp's general rotation policy and rhythm this season.
David Wagner made seven changes from his side's 1-1 FA Cup draw against Birmingham, a long injury list not helping the German, but a bold move with just three at the back, a clear message to his best mate, no favours tonight!
I'm expecting the worst, but hoping for the best, don't have a clue what to expect after the last few matches... #LIVMCI #SWALIV #LIVWBA 💩🙈🙏🏻🙈💩
My (optimistic) prediction: 1-2 (cursing myself) #jinx? #COYR ⚽️👊🏻👏🏻👊🏻⚽️
Match notes:
1' Kick-off by the Reds, the ground bouncing, echoing, mad, the French commentators not knowing what hit them. Love it.
3' Mané messes up collecting a fine cross, fails to break past the last two in the process, Firmino picks the ball up, shoots from afar, Lössl has it, easy. First attempt on target though.
6' Chaotic start, neither side settling, the ball bouncing and falling here, there and everywhere, the fans still dominating every and all attention and focus! Awesome!
8' Can loses the ball just as Liverpool looked like dominating and pressing, the home side hit back with some lovely interplay, keeping the ball well.
9' Karius collects. And breath. Robertson breaks on the other side, right side of the box, wins a throw, comes to nothing.
11' Free kick to the Terriers near the centre circle, they're taking it slow.
12' Neither side able to keep the ball atm, give, take, shake, make, break, leak...
13' Milner puts the ball out for a goal kick, no threat by the visitors there.
14' Robertson smashes the ball out for another goal kick, I think that was supposed to be a cross...
15' Huddersfield threat cleared, the only thing Liverpool are dominating at the moment is possession, nearly 80%!
17' KARIUS SAVE! Van La Parra cross from the left met by Depoitre free in the box, right-foot shot is kept out nicely, strong save, the Red defence just watching again, where was the cover? I think I've scribbled and questioned that plenty of times before in much frustration...
20' Lössl collects, after Salah surrounded by Huddersfield players was unable to do much with the ball.
22' First corner for the Reds, Salah won it and takes it, punched away by Lössl, another Liverpool corner on the other side eventually.
23' Milner takes the second corner, cleared, the Reds keep the ball and the home side back, on guard.
24' CAN SHOT curled to the left corner, Lössl dives to his right, keeps it out. Strong performance by the stopper so far.
Over halfway through the half, Huddersfield can be happy the way they have kept Liverpool out and frustrated - CAN SCORES WHILST I WRITE THAT!!! 0-1 deflected right-footed low volley from outside the box into the bottom right-hand corner, a smacker, no chance for Lössl. 26' #BOOM
30' Liverpool with 90% possession over the last 10ish minutes, a couple of chances blocked, I wouldn't say they are bossing it just one goal ahead, but will be very happy having finally broken down the Terriers! The Red fans are now the louder ones, just. Hardly.
35' Lössl collects, most of the play has been around the centre circle, neither side pushing for much, the Reds dominating possession still.
37' Kongolo clears another Liverpool threat, Salah behind him in the box, not far, well played.
39' Mané concedes a free kick, Hogg falling all over him, a couple of yards outside the box...
40' Ref Friend is taking his time, making the marks, whistles, nice curled shot by Löwe but wide, not far off though. The crowd is on fire.
42' BALL IN THE NET FOR HUDDERSFIELD but the ref had already blown the whistle, flag up against Mooy, calm down (talking to myself).
43' Firmino flagged offside as Lössl blocks his shot away with his gloves.
45' Liverpool pouncing around the Huddersfield box again and again, the home side blocking and defending for their lives.
FIRMINO MAKES IT TWOOOOO as the announcement of one minute added on is made. From the tightest of tight angles on the left, right-footed sneaky low shot in past Lössl, squeezed between keeper and post, 0-2.
And that is half time, 0-2. #WOOHOOOOO
HT Stats: HUD 0-2 LIV
Possession: 23%-77%
Shots: 2-7
On target: 1-4
Corners: 0-3
Fouls: 2-4
The Terriers looked to frustrate their visitors, but the Reds are on top at the break thanks to Can and Firmino.
Liverpool Goals: Can 26' & Firmino 45'+1.
Huddersfield Team: 1 Lössl; 5 Löwe, 25 Jorgensen, 26 Schindler, 5 Kongolo, 33 Hadergjonaj; 8 Billing, 6 Hogg (c), 10 Mooy; 20 Depoitre, 24 Mounié. 5-3-2 (not 3-5-2 as first thought)
Subs not used: 2 Smith, 13 Coleman, 17 van La Parra, 21 Pritchard, 22 Ince, 23 Quaner, 44 Hefele.
Liverpool Team: 1 Karius; 26 Robertson, 6 Lovren, 32 Matip, 6 Gomez; 7 Milner, 14 Henderson (c), 23 Can; 19 Mané, 9 Firmino, 11 Salah. 4-3-3
Subs not used: 4 van Dijk, 5 Wijnaldum, 21 Oxlade-Chamberlain, 22 Mignolet, 29 Solanke, Ings, 66 Alexander-Arnold.
Referee: Kevin Friend
Ground: The John Smith's Stadium
Click here for my last LFC match report.
All facts and stats were taken from the BBC match report, Twitter and SFR coverage.
Monday, 29 January 2018
LFC Crash Out Of FA Cup 2-3 Against WBA
Sports - Football - FA Cup - LFC 2:3 WBA
Liverpool crashed out of the FA Cup falling 2-3 against West Brom and ending their 19-game unbeaten run at Anfield with the video assistant referee (VAR) at the centre of the attention in the late kick-off Saturday evening.
It was a frantic first half, Roberto Firmino chipping in the opener for the Reds from close range after just five minutes, before Jay Rodriguez thumped in the equaliser just 71 seconds later.
Four minutes after that, the visitors were ahead thanks to Rodriguez again, the former Burnley forward slotting home and Albion 1-2 up, Liverpool just watching. What is defending again?
With just under twenty minutes gone, Gareth Barry thought he had made it 1-3 off Craig Dawson's through-ball, only to be disallowed eventually for offside confirmed by the VAR Andre Marriner. Close call.
Halfway through the first half, Mohamed Salah was brought down in the box by Jake Livermore, referee Craig Pawson ignored the appeal, for the VAR to cancel his decision. Another close call but correct.
It was the first time a referee had referred to the new technology to make a final decision correcting the official's first call, it took over four minutes, Barry was booked in the process for his protests.
And after all that, Firmino missed the spot kick, his right-footed shot hitting the cross-bar.
Alan Pardew was forced to make two changes before the break due to injury, losing Kieran Gibbs and Hal Robson-Kanu, replacing them with Ahmed Hegazi and Matt Phillips respectively.
But the changes did not deplete the Baggies' game, quite the opposite, they stayed on top, confusing and destroying any kind of organisation and threat by the home side.
The VAR was called for a third time before the break, Rodriguez in an offside position when Dawson's cross-shot went in off Joel Matip, but was deemed not to be interfering with play, the own goal stood, 1-3.
It was a weird back-heel clearance attempt by the Red defender, keeper Simon Mignolet not exactly strengthening his case of his position in the team with an oblivious display, his defensive colleagues not much better though.
Liverpool conceded three goals in consecutive home games for the first time since January 2007, West Brom the first away team to score three first half goals at Anfield since Real Madrid in October 2014.
Jürgen Klopp looked surprisingly calm.
The second half was less frantic, more settled, Liverpool dominating with chances and possession, but West Brom never out of control.
The visitors' stopper Ben Foster kept strong, denying substitutes James Milner and Danny Ings and defender Virgil van Dijk late on.
The stats show who was doing their job: Mignolet 0-6 Foster in saves made.
Salah did pull one back for the home side with just over ten minutes to go, becoming only the fourth LFC player this Millenium to hit 25 goals after Michael Owen, Fernando Torres and Luis Suárez. Even in Daniel Sturridge's best season, he only scored 24. And it's only January.
That's the only positive-ish stat of the match, even Klopp conceded the Reds were just not good enough and West Brom deserved to win, not blaming the referee nor VAR as other managers would have loved to place the blame, that's for sure.
How quick the form has crumbled to bits for the German's side, after the ultimate high of beating the league leaders Manchester City, to losing against the bottom side Swansea and then this, another chance of silverware out of the window.
Next, the Reds travel to Huddersfield on Tuesday, who will dare to predict the result? How good or how bad can it get for the board to make changes? To buy? To invest more? What is consistency?!
If you want more, you have to do more!!!
Liverpool Goals: Firmino 5' & Salah 78'.
West Brom Goals: Rodriguez 7' & 11' & Matip OG 45'+2'.
Liverpool Team: 22 Mignolet; 18 Moreno, 4 van Dijk, 32 Matip, 66 Alexander-Arnold; 5 Wijnaldum, 23 Can (booked 61') (7 Milner 65'), 21 Oxlade-Chamberlain (28 Ings 65'); 19 Mané (14 Henderson 65'), 9 Firmino, 11 Salah. 4-3-3
Subs not used: 6 Lovren, 12 Gomez, 29 Solanke, 52 Ward.
West Brom Team: 1 Foster; 3 Gibbs (26 Hegazi 37' (booked 85')), 6 Evans, 25 Dawson (booked 83'), 2 Nyom; 11 Brunt, 20 Krychowiak, 18 Barry (booked 26') (5 Yacob 71'), 8 Livermore; 19 Rodriguez, 4 Robson-Kanu (10 Phillips 39'). 4-4-2
Subs not used: 9 Rondón, 13 Myhill, 14 McClean, 17 Burke.
HT Stats: LFC 1-3 WBA
Possession: 65%-35%
Shots: 12-5
On target: 3-2
Corners: 2-1
Fouls: 2-4
Yellow cards: 0-1
FT Stats: LFC 2-3 WBA
Possession: 69%-31%
Shots: 23-8
On target: 8-3
Corners: 6-2
Fouls: 5-9
Yellow cards: 1-3
Referee: Craig Pawson
Man of the match: Jay Rodriguez
Ground: Anfield
Attendance: 53,342
Click here for my previous LFC match report.
All pictures, facts and stats were taken from the BBC match report, Sky Sports app, Twitter and beIN sport live match coverage.
Liverpool crashed out of the FA Cup falling 2-3 against West Brom and ending their 19-game unbeaten run at Anfield with the video assistant referee (VAR) at the centre of the attention in the late kick-off Saturday evening.
It was a frantic first half, Roberto Firmino chipping in the opener for the Reds from close range after just five minutes, before Jay Rodriguez thumped in the equaliser just 71 seconds later.
Four minutes after that, the visitors were ahead thanks to Rodriguez again, the former Burnley forward slotting home and Albion 1-2 up, Liverpool just watching. What is defending again?
With just under twenty minutes gone, Gareth Barry thought he had made it 1-3 off Craig Dawson's through-ball, only to be disallowed eventually for offside confirmed by the VAR Andre Marriner. Close call.
Halfway through the first half, Mohamed Salah was brought down in the box by Jake Livermore, referee Craig Pawson ignored the appeal, for the VAR to cancel his decision. Another close call but correct.
It was the first time a referee had referred to the new technology to make a final decision correcting the official's first call, it took over four minutes, Barry was booked in the process for his protests.
And after all that, Firmino missed the spot kick, his right-footed shot hitting the cross-bar.
Alan Pardew was forced to make two changes before the break due to injury, losing Kieran Gibbs and Hal Robson-Kanu, replacing them with Ahmed Hegazi and Matt Phillips respectively.
The VAR was called for a third time before the break, Rodriguez in an offside position when Dawson's cross-shot went in off Joel Matip, but was deemed not to be interfering with play, the own goal stood, 1-3.
It was a weird back-heel clearance attempt by the Red defender, keeper Simon Mignolet not exactly strengthening his case of his position in the team with an oblivious display, his defensive colleagues not much better though.
Liverpool conceded three goals in consecutive home games for the first time since January 2007, West Brom the first away team to score three first half goals at Anfield since Real Madrid in October 2014.
Jürgen Klopp looked surprisingly calm.
The second half was less frantic, more settled, Liverpool dominating with chances and possession, but West Brom never out of control.
The visitors' stopper Ben Foster kept strong, denying substitutes James Milner and Danny Ings and defender Virgil van Dijk late on.
The stats show who was doing their job: Mignolet 0-6 Foster in saves made.
Salah did pull one back for the home side with just over ten minutes to go, becoming only the fourth LFC player this Millenium to hit 25 goals after Michael Owen, Fernando Torres and Luis Suárez. Even in Daniel Sturridge's best season, he only scored 24. And it's only January.
How quick the form has crumbled to bits for the German's side, after the ultimate high of beating the league leaders Manchester City, to losing against the bottom side Swansea and then this, another chance of silverware out of the window.
Next, the Reds travel to Huddersfield on Tuesday, who will dare to predict the result? How good or how bad can it get for the board to make changes? To buy? To invest more? What is consistency?!
If you want more, you have to do more!!!
Liverpool Goals: Firmino 5' & Salah 78'.
West Brom Goals: Rodriguez 7' & 11' & Matip OG 45'+2'.
Liverpool Team: 22 Mignolet; 18 Moreno, 4 van Dijk, 32 Matip, 66 Alexander-Arnold; 5 Wijnaldum, 23 Can (booked 61') (7 Milner 65'), 21 Oxlade-Chamberlain (28 Ings 65'); 19 Mané (14 Henderson 65'), 9 Firmino, 11 Salah. 4-3-3
Subs not used: 6 Lovren, 12 Gomez, 29 Solanke, 52 Ward.
West Brom Team: 1 Foster; 3 Gibbs (26 Hegazi 37' (booked 85')), 6 Evans, 25 Dawson (booked 83'), 2 Nyom; 11 Brunt, 20 Krychowiak, 18 Barry (booked 26') (5 Yacob 71'), 8 Livermore; 19 Rodriguez, 4 Robson-Kanu (10 Phillips 39'). 4-4-2
Subs not used: 9 Rondón, 13 Myhill, 14 McClean, 17 Burke.
HT Stats: LFC 1-3 WBA
Possession: 65%-35%
Shots: 12-5
On target: 3-2
Corners: 2-1
Fouls: 2-4
Yellow cards: 0-1
FT Stats: LFC 2-3 WBA
Possession: 69%-31%
Shots: 23-8
On target: 8-3
Corners: 6-2
Fouls: 5-9
Yellow cards: 1-3
Referee: Craig Pawson
Man of the match: Jay Rodriguez
Ground: Anfield
Attendance: 53,342
Click here for my previous LFC match report.
All pictures, facts and stats were taken from the BBC match report, Sky Sports app, Twitter and beIN sport live match coverage.
Tuesday, 23 January 2018
Swans End Reds Unbeaten Run
Sports - Football - Premier League - SWA 1:0 LIV
Here are my match notes of a very frustrating display and rare defeat for Liverpool, suffering against stubborn Swansea, losing 1-0 at the Liberty Stadium on Monday night, ending the Reds' unbeaten run after 18 games.
The first half an hour just saw one shot, way off target high over the bar by Mohamed Salah. That's it.
Swansea kept Liverpool quiet staying in their own half after creating one or two threats themselves with Jordan Ayew the main producer and danger, but nothing close.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain produced the first shot on target after 33 minutes, straight to the Swans keeper Lukasz Fabiański.
Defender Kyle Naughton volleyed way over after the home side's free kick on the right was headed away by Virgil van Dijk.
There were some shaky moments for Joe Gomez. The home side ended the first half on top, corner after corner... AND GOAL! Their first shot on target and it's in, five minutes before the break!
A corner was not cleared, van Dijk headed the ball down straight to Federico Fernandez who provided Alfie Mawson with an easy finish from close range, 1-0! The defenders did it all for the Welsh side!
Again, Liverpool showed how weak they are at the back! Yes, van Dijk didn't help the Reds there either! Jürgen Klopp must have been fuming!!!
Andy Robertson and Ayew clashed, the Red got booked for it despite his protest, not happy, a minute left in this dreadful half.
Joel Matip was the next one in the book for a nasty challenge against midfielder Sam Clucas, frustrations showed on the visitors at the end of the first half...
One minute was added on, Salah on the left, to Sadio Mané, who put it wide! Right-footed, falling, wasted chance.
HT 1-0, as always, Liverpool didn't make it easy for themselves, Swansea holding and then taking advantage well thanks to Mawson. Klopp will have been fuming and wanting to wake the Reds up!!!
The home side could be and probably were very happy at the break. No changes were made by either side.
And the second half mirrored the first, Liverpool nowhere, Salah with another miss well wide, frustrated, Swansea in control, the fans loud and happy.
Robertson was there but not really, in and around the box, but kept missing and messing up chances, passes and crosses. Argh.
Just under an hour gone, Fabianski tapped over Salah's free-kick for a corner, Swansea cleared the threat.
Liverpool were still surrounded and denied by the Swans, every move ending nowhere. Complete opposite to the last match!
The first substitution was made by the home side, 64', Tom Carroll replacing Nathan Dyer.
Liverpool brought on Adam Lallana for the Ox, 68', Klopp looking like he's pulling himself together...
Danny Ings came on for Georginio Wijnaldum who looked disappointed, 73', Klopp giving out instructions... Hands, arms, shouts, all waving and echoing around... There was not much else happening of note.
Ings got a shot off Salah eventually, but Fabianski held on, Liverpool getting closer but still looking shaky, the home side holding firm.
The Swans made their second change, 79', slowly but surely Ayew walked off, Wilfried Bony on, applause all round, deserved.
Gomez put a shot wide, summarising his useless/helpless/poor game.
Salah created another chance after a short corner to van Dijk who directed a soft header to Fabiański, who collected it easily.
Pf. I think all the Reds put in against City looked lost and lacking on Monday night. Who was I being optimistic and thinking we would thrash the Welsh side?! Apologies and applause to Swansea!
Four minutes were added on, the Swans still fighting, Liverpool still missing. Salah put another one wide, nowhere near.
Last minute, the Liberty Stadium was echoing louder than loud. Liverpool on the attack again, Fabianski collected again.
Roberto Firmino headed against the post late on, Lallana unable to make much of the rebound. Fabianski punched the following corner clear... And that was full time.
There was some late drama but the Reds just couldn't give enough, Swansea took it, easy, and topped it, three crucial points in their battle for safety. Deserved.
Swans manager Carlos Carvalhal was understandably over the moon with Swansea's first home win under him and the Portuguese boss summarised the game brilliantly with the quote of the season:
"They (Liverpool) are like a Formula 1 car. But at 4pm in London it will be difficult to speed, they would be a car like any other.
"We (Swansea) needed to make sure there was traffic, we could not let them have open roads to drive in."
Swansea have earned seven points in their four Premier League games under Carvalhal (W2 D1 L1), two more than they'd picked up in their 12 before his arrival (W1 D2 L9).
On the other side, Klopp admitted defeat, feeling like it was pretty much a giveaway:
"I am more frustrated about the performance than the result. We didn't play how we wanted to play.
"We gave them the opportunity to score and then we did exactly what Swansea wanted. Swansea knew that to win they needed our help, and unfortunately we gave it to them."
This was Liverpool's first defeat in 15 Premier League games (W10 D4), and just their third of this season.
But the German boss seems to dislike this Welsh side, having lost three Premier League games against Swansea, more than against any other opponent in the competition.
What a difference a week makes. Next on the list are West Brom in the FA Cup at the weekend, and then Huddersfield in the league next week.
It can only get better, right?
Swansea Goal: Mawson 40'.
Swansea Team: 1 Fabianski; 16 Olssen, 6 Mawson, 33 Fernandez (c), 5 van der Hoorn, 26 Naughton; 17 Clucas, 4 Ki, 8 Fer, 12 Dyer (15 Carroll 64'); 18 Ayew (2 Bony 79'). 5-4-1
Subs not used: 11 Narsingh, 13 Nordfeldt, 27 Bartley, 51 Mesa, 62 McBurnie.
Liverpool Team: 1 Karius; 26 Robertson (booked 44'), 4 van Dijk, 32 Matip (booked 45'), 12 Gomez; 5 Wijnaldum (28 Ings 73'), 23 Can (c); 18 Mané, 21 Oxlade-Chamberlain (20 Lallana 68'), 11 Salah; 9 Firmino. 4-2-3-1
Subs not used: 7 Milner, 17 Klavan, 22 Mignolet, 29 Solanke, 66 Alexander-Arnold.
HT Stats: SWA 1-0 LIV
Possession: 35%-65%
Shots: 2-4
On target: 1-1
Corners: 3-2
Fouls: 4-6
Yellow cards: 0-2
FT Stats: SWA 1-0 LIV
Possession: 28%-72%
Shots: 3-21
On target: 2-4
Corners: 3-9
Fouls: 5-9
Yellow cards: 0-2
Referee: Neil Swarbrick
Man of the match: Alfie Mawson
Ground: Liberty Stadium
Attendance: 20,886
Click here for my previous LFC match report.
All pictures, quotes, facts and stats were taken from the BBC match report, Sky Sports app, Twitter and SFR match coverage.
Here are my match notes of a very frustrating display and rare defeat for Liverpool, suffering against stubborn Swansea, losing 1-0 at the Liberty Stadium on Monday night, ending the Reds' unbeaten run after 18 games.
The first half an hour just saw one shot, way off target high over the bar by Mohamed Salah. That's it.
Swansea kept Liverpool quiet staying in their own half after creating one or two threats themselves with Jordan Ayew the main producer and danger, but nothing close.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain produced the first shot on target after 33 minutes, straight to the Swans keeper Lukasz Fabiański.
Defender Kyle Naughton volleyed way over after the home side's free kick on the right was headed away by Virgil van Dijk.
There were some shaky moments for Joe Gomez. The home side ended the first half on top, corner after corner... AND GOAL! Their first shot on target and it's in, five minutes before the break!
Again, Liverpool showed how weak they are at the back! Yes, van Dijk didn't help the Reds there either! Jürgen Klopp must have been fuming!!!
Andy Robertson and Ayew clashed, the Red got booked for it despite his protest, not happy, a minute left in this dreadful half.
Joel Matip was the next one in the book for a nasty challenge against midfielder Sam Clucas, frustrations showed on the visitors at the end of the first half...
One minute was added on, Salah on the left, to Sadio Mané, who put it wide! Right-footed, falling, wasted chance.
HT 1-0, as always, Liverpool didn't make it easy for themselves, Swansea holding and then taking advantage well thanks to Mawson. Klopp will have been fuming and wanting to wake the Reds up!!!
And the second half mirrored the first, Liverpool nowhere, Salah with another miss well wide, frustrated, Swansea in control, the fans loud and happy.
Robertson was there but not really, in and around the box, but kept missing and messing up chances, passes and crosses. Argh.
Just under an hour gone, Fabianski tapped over Salah's free-kick for a corner, Swansea cleared the threat.
Liverpool were still surrounded and denied by the Swans, every move ending nowhere. Complete opposite to the last match!
The first substitution was made by the home side, 64', Tom Carroll replacing Nathan Dyer.
Liverpool brought on Adam Lallana for the Ox, 68', Klopp looking like he's pulling himself together...
Danny Ings came on for Georginio Wijnaldum who looked disappointed, 73', Klopp giving out instructions... Hands, arms, shouts, all waving and echoing around... There was not much else happening of note.
The Swans made their second change, 79', slowly but surely Ayew walked off, Wilfried Bony on, applause all round, deserved.
Gomez put a shot wide, summarising his useless/helpless/poor game.
Salah created another chance after a short corner to van Dijk who directed a soft header to Fabiański, who collected it easily.
Pf. I think all the Reds put in against City looked lost and lacking on Monday night. Who was I being optimistic and thinking we would thrash the Welsh side?! Apologies and applause to Swansea!
Four minutes were added on, the Swans still fighting, Liverpool still missing. Salah put another one wide, nowhere near.
Last minute, the Liberty Stadium was echoing louder than loud. Liverpool on the attack again, Fabianski collected again.
Roberto Firmino headed against the post late on, Lallana unable to make much of the rebound. Fabianski punched the following corner clear... And that was full time.
Swans manager Carlos Carvalhal was understandably over the moon with Swansea's first home win under him and the Portuguese boss summarised the game brilliantly with the quote of the season:
"They (Liverpool) are like a Formula 1 car. But at 4pm in London it will be difficult to speed, they would be a car like any other.
"We (Swansea) needed to make sure there was traffic, we could not let them have open roads to drive in."
Swansea have earned seven points in their four Premier League games under Carvalhal (W2 D1 L1), two more than they'd picked up in their 12 before his arrival (W1 D2 L9).
On the other side, Klopp admitted defeat, feeling like it was pretty much a giveaway:
"I am more frustrated about the performance than the result. We didn't play how we wanted to play.
"We gave them the opportunity to score and then we did exactly what Swansea wanted. Swansea knew that to win they needed our help, and unfortunately we gave it to them."
But the German boss seems to dislike this Welsh side, having lost three Premier League games against Swansea, more than against any other opponent in the competition.
What a difference a week makes. Next on the list are West Brom in the FA Cup at the weekend, and then Huddersfield in the league next week.
It can only get better, right?
Swansea Goal: Mawson 40'.
Swansea Team: 1 Fabianski; 16 Olssen, 6 Mawson, 33 Fernandez (c), 5 van der Hoorn, 26 Naughton; 17 Clucas, 4 Ki, 8 Fer, 12 Dyer (15 Carroll 64'); 18 Ayew (2 Bony 79'). 5-4-1
Subs not used: 11 Narsingh, 13 Nordfeldt, 27 Bartley, 51 Mesa, 62 McBurnie.
Liverpool Team: 1 Karius; 26 Robertson (booked 44'), 4 van Dijk, 32 Matip (booked 45'), 12 Gomez; 5 Wijnaldum (28 Ings 73'), 23 Can (c); 18 Mané, 21 Oxlade-Chamberlain (20 Lallana 68'), 11 Salah; 9 Firmino. 4-2-3-1
Subs not used: 7 Milner, 17 Klavan, 22 Mignolet, 29 Solanke, 66 Alexander-Arnold.
HT Stats: SWA 1-0 LIV
Possession: 35%-65%
Shots: 2-4
On target: 1-1
Corners: 3-2
Fouls: 4-6
Yellow cards: 0-2
FT Stats: SWA 1-0 LIV
Possession: 28%-72%
Shots: 3-21
On target: 2-4
Corners: 3-9
Fouls: 5-9
Yellow cards: 0-2
Referee: Neil Swarbrick
Man of the match: Alfie Mawson
Ground: Liberty Stadium
Attendance: 20,886
Click here for my previous LFC match report.
All pictures, quotes, facts and stats were taken from the BBC match report, Sky Sports app, Twitter and SFR match coverage.
Sunday, 5 November 2017
LFC Break Hammers At London Stadium
Sports - Football - Premier League - WHU 1:4 LFC
Mohamed Salah's double helped Liverpool to their first consecutive league win since August, thrashing West Ham 1-4 at London Stadium on Sadio Mané's much awaited return from injury.
Click here for my FT Notes on the match.
The opening goal came off a killer counter from West Ham's first corner in the 21st minute, Mané with the break, run and pass to his right, where Salah gratefully collected, controlled and tapped in the ball with his left boot, Joe Hart well beaten. Exemplary.
Two minutes and 37 seconds later, Salah took Liverpool's first corner of the game, Hart punched away skipper Mark Noble's block, nearly conceding an own goal, for Joël Matip to net the rebound with his right boot and make it 0-2 to the Reds.
The visitors were happy to play kick-about in the middle of the park after that, frustrating the hell out of the hosts, manager Slaven Bilić and co-owner David Gold no happy men.
To many Reds fans' surprise, Simon Mignolet captained the visitors in Jordan Henderson's absence due to injury, and showed too many shakes and nerves once again.
To many Reds fans' surprise, Simon Mignolet captained the visitors in Jordan Henderson's absence due to injury, and showed too many shakes and nerves once again.
Manuel Lanzini pulled one back ten minutes into the second half, off the chest, onto the right foot and into the right corner, nice one.
But seconds later, the bubbles were still blowing, former Gunner Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain restored Liverpool's two-goal cushion with his first league goal for the club, netting the rebound after Hart blocked and denied his first attempt, nicely set up by Roberto Firmino.
Lanzini came close again seconds later in an action-packed few minutes with just over an hour gone.
Salah made it four and sealed the deal for the Reds with 15 minutes to go, Mané in the build-up again, running, stumbling, getting back up again, running on, providing the Egyptian with the perfect ball into the box, which he netted with the left foot.
London Stadium emptied very quickly, YNWA echoing around with the boos at the full-time whistle, LFC manager Jürgen Klopp all smiles.
It was much needed goals, a much needed win, much needed points for the Reds. A big blow for the Hammers.
The win takes Liverpool closer to the top four whilst West Ham dropped down dangling into the relegation zone.
Their points total after 11 games equals their 2010-11 season when they were relegated from the top flight.
Klopp and Co meanwhile, will be much happier going into the international break after their fourth consecutive win in all competitions, scoring 17, conceding just one.
Liverpool Goals: Salah 21', Matip 24', Oxlade-Chamberlain 56' & Salah 76'.
West Ham Team: 25 Hart; 21 Ogbonna, 8 Kouyate, 2 Reid (booked 47'); 3 Cresswell, 16 Noble (c) (booked 37') (Arnautovic 61'), 10 Lanzini (booked 90'), 14 Obiang, 31 Fernandes (9 Carroll HT); 17 Hernandez (15 Sakho 72'), 20 Ayew. 3-5-2
Substitutes not used: 13 Adrian, 23 Haksabanovic, 26 Masuaku, 41 Rice.
Liverpool Team: 22 Mignolet (c); 18 Moreno, 17 Klavan, 32 Matip, 12 Gomez; 5 Wijnaldum, 23 Can, 21 Oxlade-Chamberlain (6 Lovren 87'); 19 Mané (7 Milner 77'), 9 Firmino (29 Solanke 77'), 11 Salah. 4-3-3
Substitutes not used: 1 Karius, 15 Sturridge, 16 Grujic, 66 Alexander-Arnold.
HT Stats: WHU 0-2 LFC
Possession: 43%-57%
Shots: 2-3
On target: 0-3
Corners: 1-2
Fouls: 5-6
Yellow cards: 1-0
FT Stats: WHU 1-4 LFC
Possession: 48%-52%
Shots: 6-15
On target: 1-7
Corners: 2-3
Fouls: 9-13
Yellow cards: 3-0
Referee: Neil Swarbrick
Man of the match: Mohamed Salah
Ground: London Stadium
Attendance: 56,961
Click here for my previous LFC match report.
All pictures, facts and stats were taken from the BBC match report and SFR live match coverage.
Saturday, 4 November 2017
FT Notes: West Ham 1-4 Liverpool
Sports - Football - Premier League - WHU 1:4 LFC
Biggest pre-match news: Sadio Mané starts for Liverpool after long absence!!! And stopper Simon Mignolet skippers the Reds in Jordan Henderson's absence due to injury.
2' West Ham keeper Joe Hart blocks Roberto Firmino after an early Liverpool free kick, Alberto Moreno brought down loud and painful.
6' Hammers play the ball too far and out for a throw a second time they look close to pushing forward, Obiang with the overhit this time.
9' Ayew hits the post after breaking clear and collecting Lanzini's ball over the top, looking to curl the ball around and past a hesitant Mignolet, Liverpool caught sleeping and running behind.
13' Hernandez goes to ground a little too over-dramatic there, ref doesn't give anything, Bilić is furious. A couple of minutes break as Hernandez receives treatment.
15' Lanzini takes a free kick from about 25 yards out, cleared by the Reds.
16' A lot of tumbles and falls, appeals for free kicks, the ref's whistle on high demand, the visitors winning the call this time in their own half.
18' Offside flag up against Hernandez, Hammers pushing more as the Reds keep losing the ball.
21' Fernandes wins the first corner of the game, on the right, off his throw, the home side on top at the moment. As I write that, the corner is cleared, Mané and Salah break clear, KILLER COUNTER, 0-1! Mané runs and runs and passes to his right, Salah gratefully collects, controls and taps it in with his left, Hart well beaten. BOOM!
24' Salah corner, first for the Reds, Hart punches away NOBLE's block, nearly an own goal there, but MATIP NETS the rebound with his right boot, wham, bam, thank you ma'am, 0-2.
Liverpool are on their way to their first back-to-back league wins since August.
There were just two minutes and 37 seconds between the two LFC goals. West Ham co-owner David Gold does not look impressed.
34' Liverpool happy to play kick-about in the middle of the park, comfy with the two-goal lead, West Ham growing more and more frustrated.
37' First booking goes to West Ham skipper Noble for diving, cheeky one the French commentators say, stupid one I say!
40' Some harsh tackling, but Klopp and Bilić are going more mental than anyone else at the moment, great entertainment on the sideline, like a dance choreography between the two managers.
44' Roadrunner style, Salah breaks on the right, wins a corner, second for the Reds, Hart collects.
45' Mané gives away a free kick, soft one, the home side looking for anything and everything, desperate.
Two minutes added on before the break, loud boos echoing around London Stadium, the Hammer fans are not happy.
Mignolet comes out of the box, unable to clear the ball against Ayew on the right, flappy, floppy, needless.
But I'm happy, nothing comes off that little slip up, Liverpool stay two goals up at the break, West Ham drawing a much more sloppy and frustrated picture!
HT Stats: WHU 0-2 LFC
Possession: 43%-57%
Shots: 2-3
On target: 0-3
Corners: 1-2
Fouls: 5-6
Yellow cards: 1-0
Andy Carroll is brought on for West Ham at the break. Surprised to see Fernandes is the one replaced, who had a lot of influence and power in the first half, the little the Hammers created.
47' Reid booked for foul on Mané, cynical one.
49' Mané shot wide, goal kick for the Hammers.
51' Carroll elbows Matip, concedes a free kick, but avoids a card, very lucky escape there.
54' Flag goes up against Lanzini, clearly offside.
55' Mané goes down again, nothing given, lucky not to end up in the books... LANZINI, chest, right foot, right corner, cheeky, pokey one! 1-2 AND GAME ON!
56' OXLAAAAADE right foot, blocked and denied well by Hart, BUT CHAMBERLAIN NETS THE REBOUND with his left foot!!! 1-3 thanks to Oxlade-Chamberlain, the former Gunner's first league goal for the Reds, just when the Hammers thought they were back in it!!! Hart looks devastated, Bilić can't believe it! Nicely set up by Firmino by the way.
59' LANZINI AGAIAIAIN, this time high, tight angle again, so close. I. Can't. Keep. Up.
60' Mignolet gets the ball, Lanzini goes down, soft, softer, the softest, nothing given, game on.
61' Bilić has had enough, brings on Arnautovic in place of Noble. The skipper is injured actually. My mistake.
62' Free kick for the Hammers on the left, Lanzini takes, Chicharito heads it high.
64' Lanzini flagged offside again, close one this time. Hammers edging closer, Mignolet takes the kick.
65' Free kick given against the Ox, a bit late there, and nowhere near the ball, faire enough.
66' Mignolet catches, Carroll and Can are down after a collision.
69' Hernandez heads high, claims push, nothing given, goal kick. Firmino puts a shot across goal and wide on the other side.
72' Last change for the Hammers, Javier Hernandez is replaced by Diafra Sakho with just under 20 minutes to go.
75:01 SALAH MAKES IT FOUR!!! Sadio Mané with the build-up, runs, stumbles, falls over a challenge, gets back up again, runs on, provides Salah with the perfect ball into the box, edge of the box, the Egyptian takes and nets with the left foot! 1-4, a lot of fans are heading for the exits.
Salah is just one league goal behind a certain Harry Kane totalling seven in the league and twelve in total for the Reds this season.
77' And James Milner replaces Sadio Mané, Klopp is taking no fitness risk here.
81' Salah left-footer from the centre of the box, Hart catches.
84' Liverpool attack again, Salah shoots again, blocked by Hammers defence this time, for a change.
86' Milner shot wide, had all the time and space in the world, with a couple of team mates, a bit selfish there by the sub.
86' Liverpool on the attack again, Firmino shot goes high.
87' Second Liverpool change, Dejan Lovren comes on for the Ox. And last change at the same time, Solanke replaces Firmino, hug from the German coach.
89' Chance after chance for the Reds, the visitors win a corner, Milner cross, blocked, free kick to the Hammers, Matip fouled Reid.
90' Lanzini is booked and free kick goes to the Reds near the middle-line.
Three minutes added on, YNWA echoes around the London Stadium. Klopp is all smiles with the fourth official.
Kick-about for the Reds near the centre circle, Hart clears the ball eventually.
Goal kick to the Hammers, the whistle and boos go eventually, Bilić gutted, the ground is empty already.
Klopp is pushing and sending his team out onto the pitch, with many thanks I hope and think.
Much needed goals, much needed win, much needed points for the Reds.
The win takes them up to sixth, level on points with Chelsea and Arsenal in fourth and fifth respectively, who face Manchester United and Manchester City respectively tomorrow.
West Ham drop down to 17th, one point off the drop zone, where Everton and Palace have a game in hand.
Their points total after 11 games matches their 2010-11 season when they were relegated from the top flight.
I will be very surprised if Bilić stays in the job... The international break giving more time to find a replacement...
FT Stats: WHU 1-4 LFC
Possession: 48%-52%
Shots: 6-15
On target: 1-7
Corners: 2-3
Fouls: 9-13
Yellow cards: 3-0
West Ham Goal: Lanzini 55'.
Liverpool Goals: Salah 21', Matip 24', Oxlade-Chamberlain 56' & Salah 76'.
West Ham Team: 25 Hart; 21 Ogbonna, 8 Kouyate, 2 Reid (booked 47'); 3 Cresswell, 16 Noble (c) (booked 37') (Arnautovic 61'), 10 Lanzini (booked 90'), 14 Obiang, 31 Fernandes (9 Carroll HT); 17 Hernandez (15 Sakho 72'), 20 Ayew. 3-5-2
Substitutes not used: 13 Adrian, 23 Haksabanovic, 26 Masuaku, 41 Rice.
Liverpool Team: 22 Mignolet (c); 18 Moreno, 17 Klavan, 32 Matip, 12 Gomez; 5 Wijnaldum, 23 Can, 21 Oxlade-Chamberlain (6 Lovren 87'); 19 Mané (7 Milner 77'), 9 Firmino (29 Solanke 77'), 11 Salah. 4-3-3
Substitutes not used: 1 Karius, 15 Sturridge, 16 Grujic, 66 Alexander-Arnold.
Referee: Neil Swarbrick
Man of the match: Mohamed Salah
Ground: London Stadium
Attendance: 56,961
All facts and stats were taken from the BBC website and SFR live match coverage.
Biggest pre-match news: Sadio Mané starts for Liverpool after long absence!!! And stopper Simon Mignolet skippers the Reds in Jordan Henderson's absence due to injury.
2' West Ham keeper Joe Hart blocks Roberto Firmino after an early Liverpool free kick, Alberto Moreno brought down loud and painful.
6' Hammers play the ball too far and out for a throw a second time they look close to pushing forward, Obiang with the overhit this time.
9' Ayew hits the post after breaking clear and collecting Lanzini's ball over the top, looking to curl the ball around and past a hesitant Mignolet, Liverpool caught sleeping and running behind.
13' Hernandez goes to ground a little too over-dramatic there, ref doesn't give anything, Bilić is furious. A couple of minutes break as Hernandez receives treatment.
15' Lanzini takes a free kick from about 25 yards out, cleared by the Reds.
16' A lot of tumbles and falls, appeals for free kicks, the ref's whistle on high demand, the visitors winning the call this time in their own half.
18' Offside flag up against Hernandez, Hammers pushing more as the Reds keep losing the ball.
21' Fernandes wins the first corner of the game, on the right, off his throw, the home side on top at the moment. As I write that, the corner is cleared, Mané and Salah break clear, KILLER COUNTER, 0-1! Mané runs and runs and passes to his right, Salah gratefully collects, controls and taps it in with his left, Hart well beaten. BOOM!
24' Salah corner, first for the Reds, Hart punches away NOBLE's block, nearly an own goal there, but MATIP NETS the rebound with his right boot, wham, bam, thank you ma'am, 0-2.
Liverpool are on their way to their first back-to-back league wins since August.
There were just two minutes and 37 seconds between the two LFC goals. West Ham co-owner David Gold does not look impressed.
34' Liverpool happy to play kick-about in the middle of the park, comfy with the two-goal lead, West Ham growing more and more frustrated.
37' First booking goes to West Ham skipper Noble for diving, cheeky one the French commentators say, stupid one I say!
40' Some harsh tackling, but Klopp and Bilić are going more mental than anyone else at the moment, great entertainment on the sideline, like a dance choreography between the two managers.
44' Roadrunner style, Salah breaks on the right, wins a corner, second for the Reds, Hart collects.
45' Mané gives away a free kick, soft one, the home side looking for anything and everything, desperate.
Two minutes added on before the break, loud boos echoing around London Stadium, the Hammer fans are not happy.
Mignolet comes out of the box, unable to clear the ball against Ayew on the right, flappy, floppy, needless.
But I'm happy, nothing comes off that little slip up, Liverpool stay two goals up at the break, West Ham drawing a much more sloppy and frustrated picture!
HT Stats: WHU 0-2 LFC
Possession: 43%-57%
Shots: 2-3
On target: 0-3
Corners: 1-2
Fouls: 5-6
Yellow cards: 1-0
Andy Carroll is brought on for West Ham at the break. Surprised to see Fernandes is the one replaced, who had a lot of influence and power in the first half, the little the Hammers created.
47' Reid booked for foul on Mané, cynical one.
49' Mané shot wide, goal kick for the Hammers.
51' Carroll elbows Matip, concedes a free kick, but avoids a card, very lucky escape there.
54' Flag goes up against Lanzini, clearly offside.
55' Mané goes down again, nothing given, lucky not to end up in the books... LANZINI, chest, right foot, right corner, cheeky, pokey one! 1-2 AND GAME ON!
56' OXLAAAAADE right foot, blocked and denied well by Hart, BUT CHAMBERLAIN NETS THE REBOUND with his left foot!!! 1-3 thanks to Oxlade-Chamberlain, the former Gunner's first league goal for the Reds, just when the Hammers thought they were back in it!!! Hart looks devastated, Bilić can't believe it! Nicely set up by Firmino by the way.
59' LANZINI AGAIAIAIN, this time high, tight angle again, so close. I. Can't. Keep. Up.
60' Mignolet gets the ball, Lanzini goes down, soft, softer, the softest, nothing given, game on.
61' Bilić has had enough, brings on Arnautovic in place of Noble. The skipper is injured actually. My mistake.
62' Free kick for the Hammers on the left, Lanzini takes, Chicharito heads it high.
64' Lanzini flagged offside again, close one this time. Hammers edging closer, Mignolet takes the kick.
65' Free kick given against the Ox, a bit late there, and nowhere near the ball, faire enough.
66' Mignolet catches, Carroll and Can are down after a collision.
69' Hernandez heads high, claims push, nothing given, goal kick. Firmino puts a shot across goal and wide on the other side.
72' Last change for the Hammers, Javier Hernandez is replaced by Diafra Sakho with just under 20 minutes to go.
75:01 SALAH MAKES IT FOUR!!! Sadio Mané with the build-up, runs, stumbles, falls over a challenge, gets back up again, runs on, provides Salah with the perfect ball into the box, edge of the box, the Egyptian takes and nets with the left foot! 1-4, a lot of fans are heading for the exits.
Salah is just one league goal behind a certain Harry Kane totalling seven in the league and twelve in total for the Reds this season.
77' And James Milner replaces Sadio Mané, Klopp is taking no fitness risk here.
81' Salah left-footer from the centre of the box, Hart catches.
84' Liverpool attack again, Salah shoots again, blocked by Hammers defence this time, for a change.
86' Milner shot wide, had all the time and space in the world, with a couple of team mates, a bit selfish there by the sub.
86' Liverpool on the attack again, Firmino shot goes high.
87' Second Liverpool change, Dejan Lovren comes on for the Ox. And last change at the same time, Solanke replaces Firmino, hug from the German coach.
89' Chance after chance for the Reds, the visitors win a corner, Milner cross, blocked, free kick to the Hammers, Matip fouled Reid.
90' Lanzini is booked and free kick goes to the Reds near the middle-line.
Three minutes added on, YNWA echoes around the London Stadium. Klopp is all smiles with the fourth official.
Kick-about for the Reds near the centre circle, Hart clears the ball eventually.
Goal kick to the Hammers, the whistle and boos go eventually, Bilić gutted, the ground is empty already.
Klopp is pushing and sending his team out onto the pitch, with many thanks I hope and think.
Much needed goals, much needed win, much needed points for the Reds.
The win takes them up to sixth, level on points with Chelsea and Arsenal in fourth and fifth respectively, who face Manchester United and Manchester City respectively tomorrow.
West Ham drop down to 17th, one point off the drop zone, where Everton and Palace have a game in hand.
Their points total after 11 games matches their 2010-11 season when they were relegated from the top flight.
I will be very surprised if Bilić stays in the job... The international break giving more time to find a replacement...
FT Stats: WHU 1-4 LFC
Possession: 48%-52%
Shots: 6-15
On target: 1-7
Corners: 2-3
Fouls: 9-13
Yellow cards: 3-0
West Ham Goal: Lanzini 55'.
Liverpool Goals: Salah 21', Matip 24', Oxlade-Chamberlain 56' & Salah 76'.
West Ham Team: 25 Hart; 21 Ogbonna, 8 Kouyate, 2 Reid (booked 47'); 3 Cresswell, 16 Noble (c) (booked 37') (Arnautovic 61'), 10 Lanzini (booked 90'), 14 Obiang, 31 Fernandes (9 Carroll HT); 17 Hernandez (15 Sakho 72'), 20 Ayew. 3-5-2
Substitutes not used: 13 Adrian, 23 Haksabanovic, 26 Masuaku, 41 Rice.
Liverpool Team: 22 Mignolet (c); 18 Moreno, 17 Klavan, 32 Matip, 12 Gomez; 5 Wijnaldum, 23 Can, 21 Oxlade-Chamberlain (6 Lovren 87'); 19 Mané (7 Milner 77'), 9 Firmino (29 Solanke 77'), 11 Salah. 4-3-3
Substitutes not used: 1 Karius, 15 Sturridge, 16 Grujic, 66 Alexander-Arnold.
Referee: Neil Swarbrick
Man of the match: Mohamed Salah
Ground: London Stadium
Attendance: 56,961
All facts and stats were taken from the BBC website and SFR live match coverage.
HT Notes: West Ham 0-2 Liverpool
Sports - Football - Premier League - WHU 0:2 LFC
Biggest pre-match news: Sadio Mané starts for Liverpool after long absence!!! And stopper Simon Mignolet skippers the Reds in Jordan Henderson's absence due to injury.
2' West Ham keeper Joe Hart blocks Roberto Firmino after an early Liverpool free kick, Alberto Moreno brought down loud and painful.
6' Hammers play the ball too far and out for a throw a second time they look close to pushing forward, Obiang with the overhit this time.
9' Ayew hits the post after breaking clear and collecting Lanzini's ball over the top, looking to curl the ball around and past a hesitant Mignolet, Liverpool caught sleeping and running behind.
13' Hernandez goes to ground a little too over-dramatic there, ref doesn't give anything, Bilić is furious. A couple of minutes break as Hernandez receives treatment.
15' Lanzini takes a free kick from about 25 yards out, cleared by the Reds.
16' A lot of tumbles and falls, appeals for free kicks, the ref's whistle on high demand, the visitors winning the call this time in their own half.
18' Offside flag up against Hernandez, Hammers pushing more as the Reds keep losing the ball.
21' Fernandes wins the first corner of the game, on the right, off his throw, the home side on top at the moment. As I write that, the corner is cleared, Mané and Salah break clear, KILLER COUNTER, 0-1! Mané runs and runs and passes to his right, Salah gratefully collects, controls and taps it in with his left, Hart well beaten. BOOM!
24' Salah corner, first for the Reds, Hart punches away NOBLE's block, nearly an own goal there, but MATIP NETS the rebound with his right boot, wham, bam, thank you ma'am, 0-2.
Liverpool are on their way to their first back-to-back league wins since August.
There were just two minutes and 37 seconds between the two LFC goals. West Ham co-owner David Gold does not look impressed.
34' Liverpool happy to play kick-about in the middle of the park, comfy with the two-goal lead, West Ham growing more and more frustrated.
37' First booking goes to West Ham skipper Noble for diving, cheeky one the French commentators say, stupid one I say!
40' Some harsh tackling, but Klopp and Bilić are going more mental than anyone else at the moment, great entertainment on the sideline, like a dance choreography between the two managers.
44' Roadrunner style, Salah breaks on the right, wins a corner, second for the Reds, Hart collects.
45' Mané gives away a free kick, soft one, the home side looking for anything and everything, desperate.
Two minutes added on before the break, loud boos echoing around London Stadium, the Hammer fans are not happy.
Mignolet comes out the box, unable to clear the ball against Ayew on the right, flappy, floppy, needless.
But I'm happy, nothing comes off that little slip up, Liverpool stay two goals up at the break, West Ham drawing a much more sloppy and frustrated picture!
HT Stats: WHU 0-2 LFC
Possession: 43%-57%
Shots: 2-3
On target: 0-3
Corners: 1-2
Fouls: 5-6
Yellow cards: 1-0
LFC Goals: Salah 21' & Matip 24'.
WHU Team: 25 Hart; 21 Ogbonna, 8 Kouyate, 2 Reid; 3 Cresswell, 16 Noble (c) (booked 37'), 10 Lanzini, 14 Obiang, 31 Fernandes; 17 Hernandez, 20 Ayew. 3-5-2
Substitutes: 7 Arnautovic, 9 Carroll, 13 Adrian, 15 Sakho, 23 Haksabanovic, 26 Masuaku, 41 Rice.
LFC Team: 22 Mignolet (c); 18 Moreno, 17 Klavan, 32 Matip, 12 Gomez; 5 Wijnaldum, 23 Can, 21 Oxlade-Chamberlain; 19 Mané, 9 Firmino, 11 Salah. 4-3-3
Substitutes: 1 Karius, 6 Lovren, 7 Milner, 15 Sturridge, 16 Grujic, 66 Alexander-Arnold.
Referee: Neil Swarbrick
Ground: London Stadium
All facts and stats were taken from the BBC website and SFR live match coverage.
Biggest pre-match news: Sadio Mané starts for Liverpool after long absence!!! And stopper Simon Mignolet skippers the Reds in Jordan Henderson's absence due to injury.
2' West Ham keeper Joe Hart blocks Roberto Firmino after an early Liverpool free kick, Alberto Moreno brought down loud and painful.
6' Hammers play the ball too far and out for a throw a second time they look close to pushing forward, Obiang with the overhit this time.
9' Ayew hits the post after breaking clear and collecting Lanzini's ball over the top, looking to curl the ball around and past a hesitant Mignolet, Liverpool caught sleeping and running behind.
13' Hernandez goes to ground a little too over-dramatic there, ref doesn't give anything, Bilić is furious. A couple of minutes break as Hernandez receives treatment.
15' Lanzini takes a free kick from about 25 yards out, cleared by the Reds.
16' A lot of tumbles and falls, appeals for free kicks, the ref's whistle on high demand, the visitors winning the call this time in their own half.
18' Offside flag up against Hernandez, Hammers pushing more as the Reds keep losing the ball.
21' Fernandes wins the first corner of the game, on the right, off his throw, the home side on top at the moment. As I write that, the corner is cleared, Mané and Salah break clear, KILLER COUNTER, 0-1! Mané runs and runs and passes to his right, Salah gratefully collects, controls and taps it in with his left, Hart well beaten. BOOM!
24' Salah corner, first for the Reds, Hart punches away NOBLE's block, nearly an own goal there, but MATIP NETS the rebound with his right boot, wham, bam, thank you ma'am, 0-2.
Liverpool are on their way to their first back-to-back league wins since August.
There were just two minutes and 37 seconds between the two LFC goals. West Ham co-owner David Gold does not look impressed.
34' Liverpool happy to play kick-about in the middle of the park, comfy with the two-goal lead, West Ham growing more and more frustrated.
37' First booking goes to West Ham skipper Noble for diving, cheeky one the French commentators say, stupid one I say!
40' Some harsh tackling, but Klopp and Bilić are going more mental than anyone else at the moment, great entertainment on the sideline, like a dance choreography between the two managers.
44' Roadrunner style, Salah breaks on the right, wins a corner, second for the Reds, Hart collects.
45' Mané gives away a free kick, soft one, the home side looking for anything and everything, desperate.
Two minutes added on before the break, loud boos echoing around London Stadium, the Hammer fans are not happy.
Mignolet comes out the box, unable to clear the ball against Ayew on the right, flappy, floppy, needless.
But I'm happy, nothing comes off that little slip up, Liverpool stay two goals up at the break, West Ham drawing a much more sloppy and frustrated picture!
HT Stats: WHU 0-2 LFC
Possession: 43%-57%
Shots: 2-3
On target: 0-3
Corners: 1-2
Fouls: 5-6
Yellow cards: 1-0
LFC Goals: Salah 21' & Matip 24'.
WHU Team: 25 Hart; 21 Ogbonna, 8 Kouyate, 2 Reid; 3 Cresswell, 16 Noble (c) (booked 37'), 10 Lanzini, 14 Obiang, 31 Fernandes; 17 Hernandez, 20 Ayew. 3-5-2
Substitutes: 7 Arnautovic, 9 Carroll, 13 Adrian, 15 Sakho, 23 Haksabanovic, 26 Masuaku, 41 Rice.
LFC Team: 22 Mignolet (c); 18 Moreno, 17 Klavan, 32 Matip, 12 Gomez; 5 Wijnaldum, 23 Can, 21 Oxlade-Chamberlain; 19 Mané, 9 Firmino, 11 Salah. 4-3-3
Substitutes: 1 Karius, 6 Lovren, 7 Milner, 15 Sturridge, 16 Grujic, 66 Alexander-Arnold.
Referee: Neil Swarbrick
Ground: London Stadium
All facts and stats were taken from the BBC website and SFR live match coverage.
Monday, 23 October 2017
Spurs Thrash LFC 4-1 At Wembley
Sports - Football - Premier League - THFC 4:1 LFC
Harry Kane scored two and set up one as Tottenham downed Liverpool 4-1 at Wembley in the Super Sunday afternoon kick-off.
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The super striker didn't even take four minutes to rip through the Red back line and round keeper Simon Mignolet to break the deadlock.
Eight minutes later, the 24-year-old set up Son Heung-min to double the score, the Red defence just lagging behind.
Mohamed Salah pulled one back for the visitors just over halfway through the first half, putting away Jordan Henderson's through ball.
But just before the interval Dele Alli's volley from the edge of the area made it 3-1.
Kane sealed the deal just over ten minutes after the break after Mignolet flapped and failed to clear a free-kick, the rebound of Jan Vertonghen's shot falling to the Ballon d'Or nominee to make it 4-1.
Liverpool's defence was just over-stretched. All goals were due to leaks, massive gaps, lack of physical presence, speed and any kind of cover.
Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren were nowhere near good enough, too slow, too sloppy, clueless, Joe Gomez and Alberto Moreno unable to cope.
It said it all when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was brought on for Lovren with just over half an hour gone.
But the visitors were unable to get back into the game, despite Salah's and Philippe Coutinho's best attempts and dominance in possession.
Spurs stopper Hugo Lloris showed the opposition how it's done with some great stops, quick reaction, strong and solid presence. Something the Reds are missing!!!
Their Belgian stopper has made 13 errors leading to goals in the league since making his Liverpool debut in 2013, three more than anyone else.
The London side's boss Mauricio Pochettino was very happy for his fans, in front of Diego Maradona and Kobe Bryant, "Wembley starts to feel home" with a Premier League record crowd of 80,827.
Tottenham are up to third on 20 points, level with United in second, four points ahead of Chelsea in fourth, after their second consecutive win at their new home.
LFC manager Jürgen Klopp took "100% responsibility" pointing out the "bad, bad, bad defence. Their desire was better than ours."
Sad but true. It was no contest. The Reds are left slumbering in ninth on 13 points, trailing the top by 12 points.
Liverpool have conceded 16 goals in the league this season, their worst defensive record after nine top-flight games since 1964-65.
They have struggled most on the road, conceding 15 goals, the most in the league this season.
Next on the fixture list: A little break as the Reds are out of the League Cup, until they host Huddersfield at Anfield on Saturday.
The Tigers are high-flying after beating Manchester United 2-1 in a very convincing, strong, organised and confident display.
Again, something the Reds are missing!!!
Tottenham Goals: Kane 4' & 56', Son Heung-min 12' & Alli 45'+3.
Liverpool Goal: Salah 24'.
Tottenham Team: 1 Lloris, 4 Alderweireld, 6 Sánchez, 5 Vertonghen, 2 Trippier, 23 Eriksen (15 Dier 81'), 29 Winks, 20 Alli, 24 Aurier, 10 Kane (18 Llorente 88'), 7 Son Heung-min (17 Sissoko 69').
Subs not used: 3 Rose, 13 Vorm, 14 Nkoudou, 33 Davies.
Liverpool Team: 22 Mignolet, 12 Gomez, 32 Matip, 6 Lovren (21 Oxlade-Chamberlain 31'), 18 Moreno, 7 Milner, 14 Henderson, 23 Can (booked) (16 Grujic 83'), 10 Coutinho, 9 Firmino (15 Sturridge 77'), 11 Salah.
Subs not used: 1 Karius, 17 Klavan, 29 Solanke, 66 Alexander-Arnold.
Match Stats: THFC 4-1 LFC
Possession: 36%-64%
Shots: 14-12
On target: 6-7
Corners: 3-5
Fouls: 2-8
Yellow cards: 0-1
Red cards: 0-0
Referee: Andre Marriner
Man of the match: Harry Kane
Ground: Wembley
Attendance: 80,827
Click here for my previous LFC match report.
All pictures, quotes, facts and stats were taken from the BBC match report, MOTD2, Twitter and SFR match coverage.
Harry Kane scored two and set up one as Tottenham downed Liverpool 4-1 at Wembley in the Super Sunday afternoon kick-off.
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The super striker didn't even take four minutes to rip through the Red back line and round keeper Simon Mignolet to break the deadlock.
Eight minutes later, the 24-year-old set up Son Heung-min to double the score, the Red defence just lagging behind.
Mohamed Salah pulled one back for the visitors just over halfway through the first half, putting away Jordan Henderson's through ball.
Kane sealed the deal just over ten minutes after the break after Mignolet flapped and failed to clear a free-kick, the rebound of Jan Vertonghen's shot falling to the Ballon d'Or nominee to make it 4-1.
Liverpool's defence was just over-stretched. All goals were due to leaks, massive gaps, lack of physical presence, speed and any kind of cover.
Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren were nowhere near good enough, too slow, too sloppy, clueless, Joe Gomez and Alberto Moreno unable to cope.
It said it all when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was brought on for Lovren with just over half an hour gone.
Spurs stopper Hugo Lloris showed the opposition how it's done with some great stops, quick reaction, strong and solid presence. Something the Reds are missing!!!
Their Belgian stopper has made 13 errors leading to goals in the league since making his Liverpool debut in 2013, three more than anyone else.
The London side's boss Mauricio Pochettino was very happy for his fans, in front of Diego Maradona and Kobe Bryant, "Wembley starts to feel home" with a Premier League record crowd of 80,827.
Tottenham are up to third on 20 points, level with United in second, four points ahead of Chelsea in fourth, after their second consecutive win at their new home.
Sad but true. It was no contest. The Reds are left slumbering in ninth on 13 points, trailing the top by 12 points.
Liverpool have conceded 16 goals in the league this season, their worst defensive record after nine top-flight games since 1964-65.
They have struggled most on the road, conceding 15 goals, the most in the league this season.
Next on the fixture list: A little break as the Reds are out of the League Cup, until they host Huddersfield at Anfield on Saturday.
The Tigers are high-flying after beating Manchester United 2-1 in a very convincing, strong, organised and confident display.
Again, something the Reds are missing!!!
Tottenham Goals: Kane 4' & 56', Son Heung-min 12' & Alli 45'+3.
Liverpool Goal: Salah 24'.
Tottenham Team: 1 Lloris, 4 Alderweireld, 6 Sánchez, 5 Vertonghen, 2 Trippier, 23 Eriksen (15 Dier 81'), 29 Winks, 20 Alli, 24 Aurier, 10 Kane (18 Llorente 88'), 7 Son Heung-min (17 Sissoko 69').
Subs not used: 3 Rose, 13 Vorm, 14 Nkoudou, 33 Davies.
Liverpool Team: 22 Mignolet, 12 Gomez, 32 Matip, 6 Lovren (21 Oxlade-Chamberlain 31'), 18 Moreno, 7 Milner, 14 Henderson, 23 Can (booked) (16 Grujic 83'), 10 Coutinho, 9 Firmino (15 Sturridge 77'), 11 Salah.
Subs not used: 1 Karius, 17 Klavan, 29 Solanke, 66 Alexander-Arnold.
Match Stats: THFC 4-1 LFC
Possession: 36%-64%
Shots: 14-12
On target: 6-7
Corners: 3-5
Fouls: 2-8
Yellow cards: 0-1
Red cards: 0-0
Referee: Andre Marriner
Man of the match: Harry Kane
Ground: Wembley
Attendance: 80,827
Click here for my previous LFC match report.
All pictures, quotes, facts and stats were taken from the BBC match report, MOTD2, Twitter and SFR match coverage.
Sunday, 15 October 2017
MUFC Parked Bus Gets Point At Anfield
Sports - Football - Premier League - LFC 0:0 MUFC
Liverpool were once again unable to capitalize on their dominance, handing bitter rivals Manchester United a point at Anfield in the Saturday lunchtime kickoff.
Click here for my live match notes.
The goalless draw was not as boring as last season's, but José Mourinho will be just as satisfied with his bus parked at the back getting him another point, again.
The Reds were on top, from start to finish, chance after chance, the Red Devils just had star keeper David de Gea to thank for keeping a clean sheet.
On the other side, Simon Mignolet did not have much to do, but the couple of times the Belgian stopper was called upon, he kept solid.
Jürgen Klopp's side coped much better at the back in general, covering, marking, challenging, which was missing a lot in previous matches.
Romelu Lukaku, who scored in every league game before this meeting, created most and pulled one save out of Mignolet in the first half for the visitors.
But in the second half, there was no sign of him. The home side took over completely.
Philippe Coutinho and Mohamed Salah worked most and hardest to push and produce something for the Reds, but the final edge, inch, push was missing.
So many misses, close calls, 10-0 shots in the second half, but none on target, just showed once again, stats don't count, goals do!
Emre Can and Georginio Wijnaldum missed sitters, even Joel Matip came close, keeping de Gea on his toes, literally (making a crucial save with the tip of his boot earlier in the first half).
All those misses and frustrations aside, Liverpool can take some encouragement out of this point though too.
Klopp has just lost once against Mourinho in seven meetings (W3 D3).
The Reds have kept their first clean sheet in the league since the 27th August, when they thrashed Arsenal 4-0.
The fact that Mourinho is happy with the point shows how times and forces have changed.
The draw keeps United unbeaten in second place on 20 points, two points and six goals behind high hitters City, whilst the Merseysiders are down to eighth, but level on 13 points with Burnley, Arsenal and Chelsea above them.
Next weekend LFC will be heading to Wembley to face 3rd placed Tottenham, who scraped and scratched out a 1-0 win against Bournemouth who are 19th.
Fingers crossed, the Reds can jump on Spurs' weaknesses at home and it will finally work and click for them. At some point, eventually, it just has to. It's their best chance to close the gap to the teams above, gain confidence and start a run.
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LFC team: 22 Mignolet; 12 Gomez, 32 Matip, 6 Lovren, 18 Moreno; 5 Wijnaldum, 14 Henderson (c), 23 Can; 11 Salah (21 Oxlade-Chamberlain 78'), 9 Firmino (29 Solanke 87'), 10 Coutinho (15 Sturridge 78'). 4-3-3
Subs not used: 1 Karius, 7 Milner, 17 Klavan, 66 Alexander-Arnold.
MUFC team: 1 De Gea; 25 Valencia (c), 12 Smalling (booked 74'), 4 Jones, 36 Darmian; 21 Herrera, 31 Matic; 18 Young (booked 87') (2 Lindelof 92'), 22 Mkhitaryan (14 Lingard 63'), 11 Martial (19 Rashford 66'); 9 Lukaku. 4-2-3-1
Subs not used: 8 Mata, 17 Blind, 20 Romero, 38 Tuanzebe.
HT Stats: LFC 0-0 MUFC
Possession: 63.4%-36.6%
Shots: 9-6
On target: 5-1
Corners: 1-3
Offsides: 2-1
Fouls: 2-6
Yellow cards: 0-0
Red cards: 0-0
FT Stats: LFC 0-0 MUFC
Possession: 62.2%-37.8%
Shots: 19-6
On target: 5-1
Corners: 7-3
Offsides: 3-1
Fouls: 7-13
Yellow cards: 0-2
Red cards: 0-0
Referee: Martin Atkinson
Man of the match: David de Gea
Ground: Anfield
Attendance: 52,912
Click here for me previous LFC match report.
All images, facts and stats were taken from the Sky Sports and BBC match reports and coverage.
Liverpool were once again unable to capitalize on their dominance, handing bitter rivals Manchester United a point at Anfield in the Saturday lunchtime kickoff.
Click here for my live match notes.
The goalless draw was not as boring as last season's, but José Mourinho will be just as satisfied with his bus parked at the back getting him another point, again.
The Reds were on top, from start to finish, chance after chance, the Red Devils just had star keeper David de Gea to thank for keeping a clean sheet.
On the other side, Simon Mignolet did not have much to do, but the couple of times the Belgian stopper was called upon, he kept solid.
Jürgen Klopp's side coped much better at the back in general, covering, marking, challenging, which was missing a lot in previous matches.
But in the second half, there was no sign of him. The home side took over completely.
Philippe Coutinho and Mohamed Salah worked most and hardest to push and produce something for the Reds, but the final edge, inch, push was missing.
So many misses, close calls, 10-0 shots in the second half, but none on target, just showed once again, stats don't count, goals do!
Emre Can and Georginio Wijnaldum missed sitters, even Joel Matip came close, keeping de Gea on his toes, literally (making a crucial save with the tip of his boot earlier in the first half).
All those misses and frustrations aside, Liverpool can take some encouragement out of this point though too.
Klopp has just lost once against Mourinho in seven meetings (W3 D3).
The fact that Mourinho is happy with the point shows how times and forces have changed.
The draw keeps United unbeaten in second place on 20 points, two points and six goals behind high hitters City, whilst the Merseysiders are down to eighth, but level on 13 points with Burnley, Arsenal and Chelsea above them.
Next weekend LFC will be heading to Wembley to face 3rd placed Tottenham, who scraped and scratched out a 1-0 win against Bournemouth who are 19th.
Fingers crossed, the Reds can jump on Spurs' weaknesses at home and it will finally work and click for them. At some point, eventually, it just has to. It's their best chance to close the gap to the teams above, gain confidence and start a run.
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LFC team: 22 Mignolet; 12 Gomez, 32 Matip, 6 Lovren, 18 Moreno; 5 Wijnaldum, 14 Henderson (c), 23 Can; 11 Salah (21 Oxlade-Chamberlain 78'), 9 Firmino (29 Solanke 87'), 10 Coutinho (15 Sturridge 78'). 4-3-3
Subs not used: 1 Karius, 7 Milner, 17 Klavan, 66 Alexander-Arnold.
MUFC team: 1 De Gea; 25 Valencia (c), 12 Smalling (booked 74'), 4 Jones, 36 Darmian; 21 Herrera, 31 Matic; 18 Young (booked 87') (2 Lindelof 92'), 22 Mkhitaryan (14 Lingard 63'), 11 Martial (19 Rashford 66'); 9 Lukaku. 4-2-3-1
Subs not used: 8 Mata, 17 Blind, 20 Romero, 38 Tuanzebe.
HT Stats: LFC 0-0 MUFC
Possession: 63.4%-36.6%
Shots: 9-6
On target: 5-1
Corners: 1-3
Offsides: 2-1
Fouls: 2-6
Yellow cards: 0-0
Red cards: 0-0
FT Stats: LFC 0-0 MUFC
Possession: 62.2%-37.8%
Shots: 19-6
On target: 5-1
Corners: 7-3
Offsides: 3-1
Fouls: 7-13
Yellow cards: 0-2
Red cards: 0-0
Referee: Martin Atkinson
Man of the match: David de Gea
Ground: Anfield
Attendance: 52,912
Click here for me previous LFC match report.
All images, facts and stats were taken from the Sky Sports and BBC match reports and coverage.
Sunday, 23 July 2017
Liverpool Lift PL Asia Trophy
Sports - Football - PL Asia Trophy - LFC 2:1 LCFC
Liverpool lifted the Premier League Asia Trophy after beating Leicester 2-1 at the Hong Kong Stadium.
Click here to relive all the action with my ByTheMin coverage.
The 2016 champions took the lead after 12 minutes with a lovely goal.
Defender Christian Fuchs got to the byline, crossed from the left, finding Algerian forward Islam Slimani towards the far post, who headed it in, to complete a nicely worked goal.
Another Algerian midfielder was the shining light for Leicester in an action-packed opening 15-20 minutes.
Riyad Mahrez created and produced most, team mates Daniel Drinkwater and Jamie Vardy helping him out nicely, with some lovely team play.
Liverpool looked more clumsy, defender Joel Matip especially, not having a clue what to do with the ball, taking too long, giving it away, too much, too many times.
Red boss Jürgen Klopp was going mental on the side-lines, ranting at one of the officials.
The crowd was having their fun with it, chanting and cheering to see if the loud German would be cautioned...
But he remained in the technical area. Jawohl.
It was hard to believe this was a friendly.
A nice run and great cross by Barca target Philippe Coutinho set up striker Mohamed Salah to head it past Kasper Schmeichel and level the score 1-1 with 20 minutes gone.
And just before the break, the little magician was at it again.
A right-footed smacker of a strike by the Brazilian from the edge of the left corner of the box gave Schmeichel no chance and made it 2-1.
The crowd were on their feet and in awe, and Klopp much happier.
The second half saw a bulk of substitutions and more changes throughout, continuously changing the flow of play and action.
Liverpool kept dominating possession and play though, Leicester missing most opportunities.
It was not to be for Craig Shakespeare's men, the Reds seeing them out of the competition holding on to their fine lead.
The Red fans are left hoping and definitely believing that this is just the first of many trophies, just a warm-up of what is to come.
Liverpool Team: 1 Karius; 66 Alexander-Arnold*, 32 Matip*, 6 Lovren*, 7 Milner* (c); 5 Wijnaldum*, 20 Lallana*, 10 Coutinho*; 11 Salah*, 9 Firmino*, 27 Origi*. 4-3-3
Substitutes: 12 Gomez*, 14 Henderson*, 15 Sturridge*, 16 Grujic*, 17 Klavan*, 18 Moreno*, 22 Mignolet, 29 Solanke*, 38 Flanagan*, 40 Kent*, 58 Woodburn*.
Leicester Team: 1 Schmeichel; 18 Amartey*, 5 Morgan* (c), 15 Maguire, 28 Fuchs; 26 Mahrez* (booked), 22 James*, 4 Drinkwater*, 11 Albrighton*; 19 Slimani*, 9 Vardy*. 4-4-2
Substitutes: 2 Simpson*, 10 King*, 13 Musa*, 16 Lawrence*, 17 Jakupovic, 20 Okazaki, 21 Iborra*, 23 Ulloa*, 25 Ndidi* (booked), 29 Benalouane*, 31 Elder, 32 Barnes, 33 Moore.
*Subs made, most in the second half
HT Stats: LFC 2-1 LCFC
Possession: 58%-42%
Shots: 6-3
On target: 3-1
Blocked: 3-1
Offside: 1-1
Passes: 220-161
Touches: 311-231
Tackles: 8-6
FT Stats: LFC 2-1 LCFC
Possession: 64%-36%
Shots: 11-6
On target: 6-2
Blocked: 4-2
Offside: 2-1
Passes: 541-314
Touches: 704-450
Tackles: 12-15
Referee: R. Madley
Man of the match: Philippe Coutinho
Ground: Hong Kong Stadium
Click here to read my last LFC match report.
Pictures, stats and facts taken from the LCFC and LFC matchday blog and Sky Sports match coverage.
Liverpool lifted the Premier League Asia Trophy after beating Leicester 2-1 at the Hong Kong Stadium.
Click here to relive all the action with my ByTheMin coverage.
The 2016 champions took the lead after 12 minutes with a lovely goal.
Defender Christian Fuchs got to the byline, crossed from the left, finding Algerian forward Islam Slimani towards the far post, who headed it in, to complete a nicely worked goal.
Another Algerian midfielder was the shining light for Leicester in an action-packed opening 15-20 minutes.
Liverpool looked more clumsy, defender Joel Matip especially, not having a clue what to do with the ball, taking too long, giving it away, too much, too many times.
Red boss Jürgen Klopp was going mental on the side-lines, ranting at one of the officials.
The crowd was having their fun with it, chanting and cheering to see if the loud German would be cautioned...
But he remained in the technical area. Jawohl.
A nice run and great cross by Barca target Philippe Coutinho set up striker Mohamed Salah to head it past Kasper Schmeichel and level the score 1-1 with 20 minutes gone.
And just before the break, the little magician was at it again.
A right-footed smacker of a strike by the Brazilian from the edge of the left corner of the box gave Schmeichel no chance and made it 2-1.
The crowd were on their feet and in awe, and Klopp much happier.
The second half saw a bulk of substitutions and more changes throughout, continuously changing the flow of play and action.
It was not to be for Craig Shakespeare's men, the Reds seeing them out of the competition holding on to their fine lead.
The Red fans are left hoping and definitely believing that this is just the first of many trophies, just a warm-up of what is to come.
Liverpool Team: 1 Karius; 66 Alexander-Arnold*, 32 Matip*, 6 Lovren*, 7 Milner* (c); 5 Wijnaldum*, 20 Lallana*, 10 Coutinho*; 11 Salah*, 9 Firmino*, 27 Origi*. 4-3-3
Substitutes: 12 Gomez*, 14 Henderson*, 15 Sturridge*, 16 Grujic*, 17 Klavan*, 18 Moreno*, 22 Mignolet, 29 Solanke*, 38 Flanagan*, 40 Kent*, 58 Woodburn*.
Leicester Team: 1 Schmeichel; 18 Amartey*, 5 Morgan* (c), 15 Maguire, 28 Fuchs; 26 Mahrez* (booked), 22 James*, 4 Drinkwater*, 11 Albrighton*; 19 Slimani*, 9 Vardy*. 4-4-2
Substitutes: 2 Simpson*, 10 King*, 13 Musa*, 16 Lawrence*, 17 Jakupovic, 20 Okazaki, 21 Iborra*, 23 Ulloa*, 25 Ndidi* (booked), 29 Benalouane*, 31 Elder, 32 Barnes, 33 Moore.
*Subs made, most in the second half
HT Stats: LFC 2-1 LCFC
Possession: 58%-42%
Shots: 6-3
On target: 3-1
Blocked: 3-1
Offside: 1-1
Passes: 220-161
Touches: 311-231
Tackles: 8-6
FT Stats: LFC 2-1 LCFC
Possession: 64%-36%
Shots: 11-6
On target: 6-2
Blocked: 4-2
Offside: 2-1
Passes: 541-314
Touches: 704-450
Tackles: 12-15
Referee: R. Madley
Man of the match: Philippe Coutinho
Ground: Hong Kong Stadium
Click here to read my last LFC match report.
Pictures, stats and facts taken from the LCFC and LFC matchday blog and Sky Sports match coverage.
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