Premier League Picks Of The Week 7

Sports - Football - Premier League - Week 7

Here are my Premier League Picks Of The Week 7:

25 goals - most by Everton and West Ham = 3 each

231 shots - most by Man City = 28

81 on target - most by Man City = 8

110 corners - most by Everton = 12

221 fouls - most by Watford and Huddersfield = 17 each 

32 bookings - most by Crystal Palace = 4

0 red cards

4 penalties - 3 scored (Vardy for Leicester, Kane for Tottenham, Stanislas for Bournemouth)

What a game! Bubbles were blowing loud and galore as West Ham beat Manchester United by a goal margin over two in a league game for the first time since October 1982. Manuel Pellegrini’s men have picked up seven points from the last three games, showing great team spirit against absolute shambles (no discrediting the home side). Felipe Anderson (5’), Victor Lindelöf (43’ own goal) and Marko Arnautović (74’) were on the scoreboard for the Hammers, shattering José Mourinho’s men at London Road, Marcus Rashford (71’) with the only lonely reply. More to the Mancs' misery below.

The draw at Stamford Bridge stunned everyone, it was “spectacular” as Jürgen Klopp put it, with top quality play, goals and saves, honours even seemed a fair result. More to that cracker also below.

What a team! It’s the Red Devil’s worst start to a league season in 29 years. Their Portuguese boss can moan and groan as much as he likes, about the ref, about the linesman, about certain players, about the lack of investment, bla bla bla bla bla. It all doesn't distract from the fact they are not playing as a team. They were absolute sleepwalking shambles on Saturday. Mourinho’s bags under his eyes showed he is done. This is the worst and least organised/inspired/driven I have ever seen the record 20-times champions. Full. Stop.

Newcastle have lost their first four home games on the trot for the first time ever after Leicester beat them comfortably 0-2 in a game of few chances at St James Park. Protests are still loud against Mike Ashley, more rumours about him selling but nothing happening nor changing just frustrate and anger the fans more and more, not even mentioning the pressure on Rafael Benítez. The Spaniard has done a great job in the couple of years he has been at the Tyneside club but is getting nothing back for all his troubles.

Cardiff City are on their worst run since 1964-65 having failed to win in eight games in all competitions after losing 1-2 against Burnley on Sunday. Only the Magpies have scored fewer goals.

What a man! Marco Silva said something right at half-time as Everton scored three in the second half to beat Fulham 3-0 thanks to Gylfi Sigurðsson’s brace (56’ and 89’) after the Icelandic midfielder had missed a penalty (52’) and Cenk Tosun with an easy header (66’). It’s the Toffees first win since August, whilst the Cottagers suffered their fourth defeat of the season, Ryan Sessegnon hitting the woodwork, oh so close, but yet so far. The London club have never won at Goodison Park in the league, losing 23 - the last 22 in a row - and drawing the other four games.

Roy Hodgson looked furious after watching Mamadou Sakho concede a silly penalty which handed Bournemouth a late winner against Crystal Palace at Dean Court on Monday night. The win took the Cherries up to seventh, six points ahead of Palace in 13th. David Brooks’ first Premier League goal for the home side was just as much of a cracker as Patrick Van Aanholt’s slammed in equaliser - but the latter looked offside. So, fair result in the end.

Twitter Source: @AnfieldExpress

What a goal! Daniel Sturridge’s last-minute equaliser silenced Stamford Bridge. It was a stunner, from distance, into the top right corner, no chance for the keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga who stared on gobsmacked, mouth wide open himself (89’). Eden Hazard had given the Blues the lead beating Alisson with a low strike (25’) after Mohamed Salah had missed a couple of chances for the visitors. Both most expensive keepers in the world made sure the scoreboard didn’t fill up and maintained both sides’ unbeaten league records. The result sees the Reds second behind City on goal difference, whilst Maurizio Sarri’s men are third.

Ivan Cavaleiro scored with his first touch in the Premier League to help Wolves beat Southampton 2-0 at Molineux. It was one of two decisive late goals in a less spectacular game (79' and 87').

What the hell?! Arsenal also left it late, two goals in two minutes to beat Watford to make it five league wins in a row. Craig Cathcart turned the opener into his own net off Alex Iwobi's fine drive (81') and Mesut Özil doubled the score a couple of minutes later (83'). New Gunners boss Unai Emery's heat map showed the Spaniard is on fire trying and working hard to reform the team his way.

David Wagner said his side will win games if they keep playing like they did against Tottenham despite losing 0-2 thanks to Harry Kane’s brace. It seems very hard to believe that watching Huddersfield stuck rock bottom still waiting for their first win of the season after seven games, having only scored three goals against 16 conceded.

Salah and Paul Pogba were both surprise substitutions for Liverpool and United respectively. Well, not really surprisingly, as both players were nowhere near their best. The big difference is though, the effort, results and their sides’ form and positions. From top to flop, respectively. Klopp to Mourinwho?!
Man City meanwhile top the table on goal difference after dominating and beating Brighton 2-0 thanks to Raheem Sterling and Sergio Agüero. Pep and co are probably wondering what all the fuss is about - we will see how they will fare next week in their big test against the Reds, the only side to beat the champions last season.

My Predictions - Actual Results 

West Ham 1:1 Man United - 3:1

Arsenal 2:1 Watford - 2:0

Everton 2:1 Fulham - 3:0

Huddersfield 0:2 Tottenham - 0:2

Man City 3:0 Brighton - 2:0

Newcastle 1:2 Leicester - 0:2

Wolves 1:0 Southampton - 2:0

Chelsea 1:2 Liverpool - 1:1

Cardiff 0:0 Burnley - 1:2

Bournemouth 1:1 Crystal Palace - 2:1

Click here for last week’s Premier League Picks.

All pictures, facts and stats were taken from the BBC match reports, MOTD, Twitter, Sky Sports and RMC apps and coverage.

Reds Outplay PSG In 5-Goal Thriller

Sports - Football - CL - LFC 3:2 PSG

Liverpool started their 2018-19 Champions League campaign with a five-goal thriller at Anfield, ending up impressive 3-2 winners against French champions PSG on Tuesday night.

The Reds dominated throughout, pushing and detaining any kind of threat from the Parisians, who looked very subdued at times.

Corner for corner, chance after chance went to the home side in the early stages and after just over half an hour, all the dominance finally paid off.

In a rare start Daniel Sturridge headed in Andrew Robertson’s cross six minutes before James Milner doubled the lead from the spot after Georginio Wijnaldum was fouled.

Belgian right back Thomas Meunier pulled one back for the visitors before the break, but it still looked all too comfortable for Jürgen Klopp’s men.

There was not much to see from the £400million frontline of Neymar, Kylian Mbappé and Edinson Cavani, Liverpool were in control.

Mohamed Salah was not at his best either though, losing the ball too many times and when the great Egyptian scored, it was harshly ruled out for a foul.

The Reds were stunned by Mbappé’s equaliser with only seven minutes left on the clock, pouncing and netting past Alisson in the box to make it 2-2.

But then came the super-sub, Roberto Firmino! Put on the bench because of an eye injury he sustained in his side’s win at Tottenham on Saturday, the great Brazilian came on to find the winner deep into stoppage time, beating Alphonse Areola with a low drive from a tight angle.

It was well deserved, with late drama or without, the Reds had outplayed the Red and Blues.

Thomas Tuchel was left wondering what the hell happened again as the last time the German met his compatriot Klopp at Anfield in 2016 with Dortmund, there was late drama and defeat as well. Deja vue!

This result makes it six out of six wins for the Reds, their best start to a season since 1961/62, and they have never been beaten in a European game at Anfield under their great German boss!

Hell yeah! #YNWA (nor get bored!)

Liverpool Goals: Sturridge 30’, Milner pen 36’ and Firmino 91’.

PSG Goals: Meunier 40’ and Mbappé 83’.

HT Stats: LFC 2-1 PSG 

Possession: 52%-48%

Shots: 8-7

On target: 5-4

Corners: 8-1

Fouls: 7-4

Bookings: 1-1

FT Stats: LFC 3-2 PSG

Possession: 52%-48%

Shots: 17-9

On target: 7-5

Corners: 13-1

Fouls: 14-10

Bookings: 1-1

Liverpool Team: 13 Alisson; 26 Robertson, 4 van Dijk (booked 27’), 12 Gomez, 66 Alexander-Arnold; 7 Milner, 14 Henderson (c), 5 Wijnaldum; 10 Mané (3 Fabinho 93’), 15 Sturridge (9 Firmino 72’), 11 Salah (23 Shaqiri 85’). 4-3-3

Subs not used: 8 Keita, 18 Moreno, 22 Mignolet, 32 Matip.

PSG Team: 16 Areola; 14 Bernat, 3 Kimpembe, 2 Thiago Silva (c), 12 Meunier (booked 45’+1’); 11 di María (17 Choupo-Moting 80’), 5 Marquinhos, 25 Rabiot; 10 Neymar, 9 Cavani (23 Draxler 80’), 7 Mbappé. 4-3-3

Subs not used: 4 Kehrer, 19 Diarra, 24 Nkunku, 34 N’Soki, 50 Cibois.

Referee: Cüneyt Çakir

Man of the match: Georginio Wijnaldum

Ground: Anfield

Attendance: 52,478

Click here for my last LFC match.

All pictures, facts and stats were taken from the BBC match report, Twitter, Sky Sports app and RMC Sport match coverage.

Reds Bash Hammers 4-0

Sports - Football - Premier League - LFC 4:0 WHU

Liverpool recorded their 500th Premier League win in convincing fashion, beating West Ham comfortably 4-0 in their season opener at Anfield on Sunday early afternoon.

The home side impressed and dominated possession and play from kick-off with their front trio constantly threatening, Egyptian king Mohamed Salah taking only 19 minutes to tap in the opener from Andy Robertson’s precise cross.

An unmarked Sadio Mané doubled the lead from close range just before the break, becoming the first LFC player to score in three consecutive opening top-flight fixtures since John Barnes between 1989-92.

The Senegalese forward looked offside when he drilled in his second off Roberto Firmino’s pass to make it 3-0 to the Reds after the interval, but the flag stayed down, replays showing some oh-so-slight deflection off a Hammer.

New signing Naby Keita impressed with a driving performance as well, with some slick moves and plenty of tempo, also contributing to the first goal.

Meanwhile skipper James Milner bossed the pitch from start to finish (rugby-style with a headband wrapped around the stitches on his forehead), and Virgil van Dijk’s presence was heard, felt and seen at the back for the Reds.

Substitute Daniel Sturridge added to the party scoring with his first touch, 24 seconds after coming on in the 87th minute, making it 4-0 and sealing Liverpool’s biggest opening home league win since 1932. 

New Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini watched his side being well beaten and not giving the new Red record-signing keeper Alisson Becker much to do, easily catching Fabián Balbuena's header, one of just the two attempts on target for the visitors.

And the defeat could have been heavier with chance after chance for the home side, leaving Jürgen Klopp all smiles and full of praise, the German could not have asked for a better start to the new season, but also warning of the bigger and harder challenges ahead.

Liverpool Goals: Salah 19’, Mané 47’ & 53’ & Sturridge 88’.

Match Stats: LFC 4-0 WHU

Possession: 64.8%-35.2%

Shots: 18-5

On target: 8-2

Corners: 5-4

Offsides: 5-3

Fouls: 14-9

Bookings: 1-2

Liverpool Team: 13 Alisson; 26 Robertson, 4 van Dijk, 12 Gomez, 66 Alexander-Arnold (booked 21’); 9 Keita, 5 Wijnaldum, 7 Milner (c); 10 Mané (23 Shaqiri 82’), 9 Firmino (14 Henderson 69’), 11 Salah (15 Sturridge 87’). 4-3-3

Subs not used: 1 Karius, 2 Clyne, 3 Fabinho, 20 Lallana.

West Ham Team: 1 Fabianski; 26 Masuaku, 21 Ogbonna, 4 Balbuena (booked 55’), 24 Fredericks; 41 Rice (11 Snodgrass 45’), 16 Noble (c); 8 Anderson (17 Hernández 62’), 19 Wilshere, 30 Antonio (booked 52’); 7 Arnautovic.

Subs not used: 5 Zabaleta, 13 Adrián, 14 Obiang, 20 Yarmolenko, 23 Diop.

Referee: Anthony Taylor

Ground: Anfield

Attendance: 53,235

Man of the match: Sadio Mané

Click here for my last LFC match report.

All pictures, facts and stats were taken from the BBC match report, Sky Sports coverage and app and Twitter.

Pre-Season: Reds Run Over Rovers 0-2

Sports - Football - Pre-Season - BRFC 0-2 LFC

Liverpool ended comfortable 2-0 winners against Blackburn Rovers on Thursday night at Ewood Park thanks to second-half goals from Lazar Markovic and Daniel Sturridge.

As in the other three pre-season friendlies, Jürgen Klopp fielded a different team each half, giving youngsters some play time as well as coupling experienced players with newbies, as the World Cup stars are not joining the side in training till end of the week.

And the match kicked off in glorious sunshine, Dominic Solanke being awarded a penalty after just five minutes when challenged by keeper David Raya Martin trying to reach Ben Woodburn’s pass.

But the Rovers keeper made up for his error pushing away James Milner’s spot kick and keeping the scoreline at 0-0.

The Reds did have the ball in the net with just under half an hour gone, Divock Origi tapping in Alberto Moreno’s cross after Adam Lallana’s blocked shot, but the flag was up.

Loris Karius denied the newly promoted Championship side by blocking a nice drill by Dominic Samuel, a little confidence booster after the German keeper’s Champions League nightmare.

Lallana hit the woodwork before seeing Charlie Mulgrew clear his goal-bound shot off the line seconds later, two chances, zero goals, the two teams went into the break deadlocked, 0-0.

Ten changes were made after the interval for the Premier League team - keeper Karius the only survivor, the Reds continued dominating play and chances.

The game was refreshed, boosted, especially long awaited Naby Keita impressing with his play and interplay for Klopp’s men, setting up Sturridge, creating chance after chance.

The latter collected the ball and spotted Markovic’s fine run, who netted the number 15's accurate pass with a fine touch and effort to make it 0-1 to the visitors after 64 minutes, not long after the home side had made nine changes.

Red academy midfielder Rafael Camacho’s chance beat sub keeper Jayson Leutwiler but was cleared off the line by Paul Downing minutes later.

With just over quarter of an hour to go, Keita’s force was felt again and his run and pass was finished off by Sturridge this time, making up for earlier misses and doubling the Reds’ lead.

Leutwiler denied Camacho before the full-time whistle, ending a nice dominant run out for the Reds before they head off on to their US Tour where they will face Klopp's former side Dortmund (22/07), champions Manchester City (26/07) and bitter rivals Manchester United (28/07).

And it was all topped up not long after the match with the official announcement of Alisson Becker having completed his medical and joining from AS Roma to replace under-fire Karius and out-of-favour Simon Mignolet after a long media-frenzy and speculation, breaking the transfer world record for a keeper.

All in all the Reds can be happy with their progress, in the pre-season matches, the transfer market, general dealings and wheelings, and team spirit, general optimism felt all round, despite the bad news of the week of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain confirmed to be missing most of the season through injury.

Liverpool Goals: Markovic 63’ & Sturridge 73’.

Match Stats: BRFC 0-2 LFC

Possession: 30.3%-69.7%

Shots: 4-16

On target: 2-6

Corners: 1-3

Offsides: 2-1

Fouls: 13-7

Blackburn Team: 1 Raya; 3 Williams, 14 Mulgrew* (c) (45’), 26 Lenihan, 2 Nyambe; 8 Rothwell, 31 Bennett, 6 Smallwood, 29 Evans* (45’), 9 Samuel; 23 Dack. 4-5-1

2nd half substitutes 60’: 25 Downing, 18 Davenport, 11 Whittingham, 13 Leutwiler, 17 Bell* (45’), 28 Tomlinson, 32 Conway, 34 Wharton, 27 Travis* (45’), 37 Fisher, 24 Nuttall.

Liverpool Team: 1 Karius* (59’); 18 Moreno, 17 Klavan, 32 Matip, 2 Clyne; 20 Lallana, 7 Milner (c), 58 Woodburn; 29 Solanke, 27 Origi, 54 Ojo. 4-3-3

2nd half substitutes 45’: 3 Fabinho, 4 Van Dijk, 8 Keita, 12 Gomez, 15 Sturridge, 26 Robertson, 47 Phillips, 48 Jones, 50 Markovic, 64 Camacho, 62 Kelleher* (59’).

Referee: Jonathan Moss

Ground: Ewood Park

Click here for my previous LFC match report.

All pictures, facts and stats were taken from the LFCTV matchday coverage and Sky Sports App and website.

Salah & Mané Shoot Down The Magpies

Sports - Football - Premier League - LIV 2:0 NEW

Liverpool outplayed and outshone Newcastle with a top-class convincing 2-0 home win, that could have easily been more, the front trio starring and shining once again in the Saturday evening kick-off.

Jürgen Klopp made two changes from the side that beat West Ham 4-1 last weekend, Jordan Henderson replacing James Milner and Dejan Lovren coming in for Joel Matip.

Rafael Benítez returned to Anfield making three changes for Newcastle after their draw at Bournemouth last weekend, with Jonjo Shelvey out injured and Matt Ritchie and Ayoze Pérez dropped to the bench, Mikel Merino, Jacob Murphy and Christian Atsu starting in their place.

The home side dominated play from the offset with over 80% possession, 290-71 passes, 90%-56% accuracy in the opening half an hour alone. Their stamina and patience payed off eventually.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on the edge of the box set up Mohamed Salah to his right, who put a low left-footed shot through goalkeeper Martin Dúbravka's legs to break the deadlock five minutes before half time, his 24th league goal of the season, 32nd in all competitions.

Only Fernando Torres has scored more goals in a single season for Liverpool (33 in 2007/08) since Robbie Fowler in the 90s.

The Egyptian has scored in his last seven appearances in all competitions, the last LFC player to score in more is Daniel Sturridge (8) in February 2014.

Loris Karius denied Mohamed Diamé with a full-stretch dive and save to his right seconds before the break, a lovely curving shot into the top left corner, a chance out of nowhere. It was the only real stop the Red keeper had to make.

Roberto Firmino produced a top-notch set-up through the centre of Newcastle's defence with Sadio Mané ready to double the score ten minutes after the interval.

The Senegalese slotted his strike home with his right, flick, into the right side of the back of the net, a beautiful move and goal, exemplary sparkling football all round by the Reds.

That's his 14th, Liverpool's 67th goal of the season and 200th under Klopp.

LFC have scored more PL goals against NUFC than they have versus any other side in the competition = 91.

Salah had a couple of penalty shouts late on, but the referee stayed consistent in waving off any stumbles, falls, rolls and moans.

The Reds remain unbeaten after 22 league games against the Magpies at Anfield, last losing 0-2 in April 1994 (W18, D4).

Rafa had previously never lost against Liverpool with other teams recording five draws before this match (3 with Chelsea, 2 with Newcastle).

This win takes Klopp's men up to second, one point ahead of Manchester United before their trip to Crystal Palace on Monday.

The two bitter rivals will meet next weekend, what a clash it will be, decisive in who will end closest to league leaders Manchester City.

HT Stats: LFC 1-0 NUFC
Possession: 75%-25%
Shots: 9-3
On target: 2-2
Corners: 4-2
Fouls: 3-4

FT Stats: LFC 2-0 NUFC
Possession: 71%-29%
Shots: 14-7
On target: 3-2
Corners: 8-3
Fouls: 7-9

Liverpool Goals: Salah 40', Mané 55'.

LFC Team: 1 Karius; 26 Robertson, 4 Van Dijk, 6 Lovren, 66 Alexander-Arnold; 23 Can, 14 Henderson (c), 21 Oxlade-Chamberlain (7 Milner 79'); 19 Mané (20 Lallana 74'), 9 Firmino (32 Matip 88'), 11 Salah. 4-3-3
Subs not used: 12 Gomez, 18 Moreno, 22 Mignolet, 29 Solanke.

NUFC Team: 12 Dubravka; 3 Dummett, 20 Lejeune, 6 Lascelles (c), 22 Yedlin; 15 Kenedy, 10 Diamé, 23 Merino (14 Hayden 73'), 30 Atsu; 7 Murphy (17 Ayoze Pérez 85'); 9 Gayle (21 Joselu 66'). 4-4-1-1
Subs not used: 2 Clark, 11 Ritchie, 19 Manquillo, 26 Darlow.

Referee: Graham Scott
Man of the match: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Ground: Anfield
Attendance: 53,287

Click here for my last LFC match report.

All pictures, facts and stats were taken from the BBC match report, Twitter and SFR coverage.

Liverpool Boss It 0-4 At Bournemouth

Sports - Football - Premier League - AFCB 0:4 Liverpool

Liverpool bossed the show and cruised to a 0-4 win at Bournemouth to move up to fourth in the Premier League table on Super Sunday.

Philippe Coutinho opened the scoring in the 20th minute with a bit of magic after hitting the post with a free-kick earlier on.

The Brazilian made it five goals in five games after a fine run, moving too quick for the Bournemouth defenders, before slotting the ball past Asmir Begović.

Dejan Lovren doubled the score for the visitors at the Vitality Stadium soon after with a fine header.

Star man Mohamed Salah made it 0-3 before half-time after Jermain Defoe had hit the post for the home side.

The great Egyptian produced one of his excellent quick runs before netting his 11th goal in 11 games, and his 20th of the season.

The man of the match became the first Liverpool player to score at least 20 league and cup goals in a single season since Luis Suárez and Daniel Sturridge in 2013-14, and the first to score 20 goals before Christmas since the great legend Ian Rush in 1986-7.

Roberto Firmino got the deserved fourth with a diving header to seal the win 0-4 and extend the Reds' unbeaten run to 12 matches in all competitions.

The convincing victory was much needed after disappointing draws at home against Everton and West Brom and took Jürgen Klopp's men up to fourth, above Arsenal and Burnley, but still 18 points behind league leaders Manchester City.

Eddie Howe's side meanwhile, stay 16th in the table, only one point above the relegation zone, after their sixth game without a win (3D, 3L).

Liverpool are unbeaten in their last nine league games (6W, 3D), their best run since an 11-match run ended in November 2016.

They are the first team in top-flight history to win four consecutive away games by a margin of at least three goals.

Next for the Reds is a trip to London on Friday night, where they will face Arsenal at the Emirates.

One can only hope they keep the confidence from this win and if they play against the Gunners as they did in the reverse fixture or last season's stunning opener, they should be fine and able to extend that thrashing away record.

Liverpool Goals: Coutinho 20', Lovren 26', Salah 44', Firmino 66'.

Bournemouth Team: 27 Begovic; 15 Smith, 2 Francis (c), 5 Aké (booked 10'), 11 Daniels (3 S Cook 56'); 33 Ibe, 16 L Cook, 6 Surman, 7 Pugh (24 Fraser 45'); 17 King (19 Stanislas 31'); 18 Defoe. 4-4-1-1
Subs not used: 1 Boruc, 4 Gosling, 8 Arter, 9 Afobe.

Liverpool Team: 22 Mignolet; 12 Gomez, 6 Lovren, 17 Klavan, 26 Robertson; 21 Oxlade-Chamberlain, 14 Henderson (c), 5 Wijnaldum; 11 Salah (20 Lallana 71' (booked 73')), 9 Firmino (29 Solanke 76'), 10 Coutinho (28 Ings 87'). 4-3-3
Subs not used: 1 Karius, 7 Milner, 10 Mané, 66 Alexander-Arnold.

HT Match Stats: AFCB 0-3 LFC
Possession: 45%-55%
Shots: 3-11
On target: 1-5
Corners: 1-2
Fouls: 4-3
Yellow cards: 1-0

FT Match Stats: AFCB 0-4 LFC
Possession: 44%-56%
Shots: 6-21
On target: 2-7
Corners: 2-3
Fouls: 5-10
Yellow cards: 1-1

Referee: Andre Marriner
Man of the match: Mohamed Salah
Ground: Vitality Stadium
Attendance: 10,780

Click here for my previous LFC match report.

All pictures, facts and stats were taken from the BBC match report and Twitter.

LFC Move Closer To CL Last 16

Sports - Football - Champions League - LFC 3:0 NKM

Liverpool got one step closer to qualify for the Champions League knockout stages for the first time since 2008-09, topping the group after beating NK Maribor 3-0 at Anfield, in not the most riveting and convincing victory on Wednesday night.

Click here for my full LFC ByTheMin match coverage.

The first half was the only goalless half of the night in Europe, agonising to watch the Reds dominate the ball, creating chance after chance, Maribor's keeper Jasmin Handanović and defensive back line of eight frustrating the hell out of the home side.

Ragnar Klavan and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were the two changes for the Reds since the two sides met in Slovenia a couple of weeks ago, replacing Dejan Lovren and Philippe Coutinho due to lack of form and fitness respectively.

It didn't help when Liverpool were forced to make their first change, Georginio Wijnaldum getting injured with just over 15 minutes played, to be replaced by Jordan Henderson.

Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino created most chances for the Reds, but it was still goalless at the break, the home side unable to break the deadlock despite 12 chances and 84% possession in the first half alone!

The atmosphere reflected the frustration and disappointment, the Maribor fans making themselves heard at Anfield more than once or twice.

Momo finally found the breakthrough shortly after the interval with a cheeky back-footer, Joël Matip winning the ball back near the centre-circle, passing to Trent Alexander-Arnold, who found the Egyptian in the box.

Salah registered his 10th goal in all competitions, plus three assists, that's more goal involvements than any other LFC player.

Seconds later, the Reds were awarded a penalty after Bobby was wrestled to the ground by Aleksander Rajčević, who was booked for his wrestling/judo skills.

Skipper James Milner's spot kick was soft and predictable, Handanović able to glove it onto the post and clear.

With that miss, Liverpool have messed up five out of their last seven penalties!

Salah missed more sitters, Firmino was denied by Handanović, the crowd died down and shut down more and more in silence.

Even Jürgen Klopp showed less tantrums and more composure than usual. Worrying. Disappointing.

Emre Can finally doubled the lead with just under half an hour to go, banging the ball from the centre of the box with his right foot into the back of the net off Milner's pass.

Loris Karius did not have much to do, but the couple of times Maribor did attack, the keeper showed full attention and good focus, stopping and saving well.

Substitute Daniel Sturridge made it three in the final minute, waking up Anfield with a nice first touch and then strong volley with his left foot, capitalising off another Red corner and sleepy defence in the box.

It was a very one-sided game, but the visitors can be very happy the way they frustrated the hell out of the home side. Patience is a virtue. One more and more LFC fans seem to lack...

It is a win for the Reds which sees them top of Group E, a point ahead of Sevilla in second, plus a clean sheet, but it was nowhere near the quality, glory and entertainment of other European clashes.

On a more positive note, Liverpool have kept four clean sheets in their past five games in all competitions, after managing none in the seven games before that, and have scored 14 in the last five matches. 14!

⚽️👊🏻⚽️👊🏻⚽️

I stayed SOBER FOR OCTOBER - you can still help and donate to MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT here. Thanks. #Cheers #ToHealth #ToLife

Liverpool Goals: Salah 49', Can 64' & Sturridge 90'.

Liverpool Team: 1 Karius; 18 Moreno, 17 Klavan, 32 Matip, 66 Alexander-Arnold; 5 Wijnaldum (14 Henderson 16'), 23 Can, 7 Milner (c); 11 Salah (15 Sturridge 73'), 9 Firmino (16 Grujić 85'), 21 Oxlade-Chamberlain. 4-3-3
Substitutes not used: 22 Mignolet, 12 Gomez, 26 Robertson, 29 Solanke.
Coach: Jürgen Klopp

NK Maribor Team: 33 Handanović (c); 4 Šuler, 26 Rajčević (booked 53'), 3 Billong; 28 Viler, 8 Kabha, 6 Pihler, 22 Milec; 39 Bohar (booked 23') (20 Bajde 69'), 27 Mešanović (9 Tavares 58'), 10 Hotić (7 Ahmedi 81'). 3-4-3
Substitutes not used: 69 Obradović, 5 Vrhovec, 12 Vršič, 29 Palčič.
Coach: Darko Milanoč

HT Stats: LFC 0-0 NKM
Possession: 84%-16%
Passes: 459-91
Shots: 12-1
On target: 2-0
Corners: 9-0
Fouls: 2-4
Yellow cards: 0-1

FT Stats: LFC 3-0 NKM
Possession: 75%-25%
Shots: 23-5
On target: 9-1
Corners: 17-2
Fouls: 7-9
Yellow cards: 0-2

Referee: Ivan Kružliak (SVK)
Assistants: Martin Balko & Tomaš Somolani (SVK)
Additional assistants: Peter Kralović & Filip Glova (SVK)
Fourth official: Branislav Hancko (SVK)
UEFA delegate: Danilo Filacchione (ITA)
Man of the match: Emre Can
Ground: Anfield

Click here for my previous LFC match report.

All pictures, facts and stats were taken from the BBC match report, Twitter and beIN sport live match coverage.

Premier League Picks Of The Week 7

Sports - Football - Premier League - Week 7

The 7th week of the Premier League action saw:

22 goals - most by Tottenham & Man United = 4
256 shots - most by Arsenal & Everton = 23
75 on target - most by Arsenal = 11
92 corners - most by Everton = 9
188 fouls - most by West Ham = 15
24 yellow cards - most by West Brom & West Ham = 3 each
0 red cards
1 penalty - 0 scored (Berahino denied by Forster for Stoke)

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What a match! It was a routine win for Arsenal beating Brighton 2-0 on Sunday at the Emirates, a nice 21st anniversary present for their boss Arsène Wenger. The second goal was sweet, Alexis Sánchez's back-heel pass finding Alex Iwobi nicely to make it 2-0 and three points for the Gunners, taking them up to fifth in the table, just three goals behind the champions. The French manager has now won Premier League matches against 45 different clubs - a record! Man City totally outplayed Chelsea, beating the Blues 0-1 at Stamford Bridge, which keeps them in fourth place on goal difference. It was disappointing to watch, no competition at all, the result not quite reflecting the Citizens dominance, staying top of the league on goal difference.

What a team! Crystal Palace lost again, surprise surprise. Just like their local rivals, it was too easy for United as well, winning comfortably 4-0 and it could have been more. The thrash took the Red Devils just one goal behind the top. Watford showed strength and stubbornness once again, grinding out a result, a late late late equaliser, 2-2 at West Brom. In contrast to that, Bournemouth and Leicester shared their miserable form, no goals, a point each. And why Everton don't like Sundays: They lost their last five Premier League matches on this day by an aggregate score of 1-13! Burnley meanwhile remain unbeaten away from home after beating the Toffees convincingly 0-1 at Goodison Park, the win taking them up to sixth on 12 points from seven games with more away points than in the whole of last season. Ronald Koeman's side meanwhile are down in 16th on seven points. Contrast.

What a man! Harry Kane can't stop scoring! The star striker made it 0-3 to Tottenham within 23 minutes at Huddersfield, in style! Floating and bossing it! The 24-year-old Spurs forward has 13 goals in September, equalling the record in a single month by Lionel Messi (March 2012) and Cristiano Ronaldo (October 2010). Romelu Lukaku continued his top run too, adding a late goal to make it 4-0 to United and keeping his scoring streak going. Daniel Sturridge got a rare start for Liverpool and had scored five goals in the four previous league starts at St James Park, seven in total against Newcastle, making them his favourite opponent. But the out-of-form striker did not impress on Sunday, wasting chance after chance. Philippe Coutinho opened the scoring with a smacker from outside the box, the Reds seemingly in total control. Until the defence mucked it all up again, Joel Matip desperately running back after leaving a big gap between him and Dejan Lovren, kicking the ball against Joselu, for it to roll over the line oh so slowly to make it 1-1. So so so agonising for Jürgen Klopp's men once again, here is my full match report. The only positive stat: The Reds haven't lost a Premier League game in October for the last seven years according to Martin Tyler. Yay?

What a goal! Richarlison's last-breath equaliser for Watford, completing the comeback from two goals down to save a point at West Brom, in the 95th minute, was his second consecutive 90+th minute goal. Peter Crouch scored a late winner as well for Stoke City, three goals in seven appearances for the 36-year-old striker, two of those as a sub, prove he has still got it. Diafra Sakho's last-minute winner for West Ham against Swansea relieved the London Stadium and manager Slaven Bilić of all tension and despair. For now. Marcus Rashford's top-quality free kick, made it too easy for Marouane Fellaini to net, putting United on top, temporary at least. Kevin De Bruyne's finish for City against a less-impressive Chelsea, the build-up and conversion, was just top-quality! Boom!

What the hell?! Dele Alli was rightly booked for his diving antiques in Tottenham's comfortable win at Huddersfield. After his England middle-finger ban, you would think he would try to stay out of trouble. Manager Mauricio Pocchetino rightly came out strong saying the 21-year-old has to learn and work on his attitude. Do these players forget they are being watched?!?!?! It made a change to the officials act and react correctly. Bournemouth were denied an obvious handball by Leicester's Danny Simpson! And Lovren had his shirt pulled to bits, again, nothing given. The refs are just blind, ignorant and/or oblivious. When will the FA introduce something called VI-DE-O that will show the officials within seconds whether their decision can stand or not. And how many times do I rant about it!!! FFS!!!

My Predictions - Actual Results
Huddersfield 2:4 Tottenham - 0:4
Bournemouth 1:1 Leicester - 0:0
Man United 3:0 Crystal Palace - 4:0
Stoke City 1:1 Southampton - 2:1
West Brom 1:1 Watford - 2:2
West Ham 2:0 Swansea - 1:0
Chelsea 2:2 Man City - 0:1
Arsenal 2:0 Brighton - 2:0
Everton 2:1 Burnley - 0:1
Newcastle 2:1 Liverpool - 1:1 or click here for my match report

Click here for last week's Premier League Picks.

Pictures, stats and facts taken from the BBC match reports, MOTD, Twitter, Sky Sports and SFR match coverage.