Premier League Picks Of The Week 21

Sports - Football - Premier League - Week 21

The 21st week of the Premier League action saw:

29 goals - most by Arsenal = 4

250 shots - most by Bournemouth = 25

95 on target - most by Bournemouth = 12

77 corners - most by Crystal Palace = 10 

181 fouls - most by Watford = 15

33 bookings - most by Watford, Wolves and Man City = 4 each

2 red cards - Schindler for Huddersfield, Brady for Burnley

0 penalties

What a game! Six goals in 26 first-half minutes, four of them in just six minutes, it was absolute madness at Dean Court on the second day of the new year! The reporters all round, online, on telly, all of them couldn’t keep up. The frantic encounter somehow ended 3-3 between Bournemouth and Watford, with no goal after the break, leaving the Cherries in 12th after blasting 25 chances, whilst the the visitors moved to eighth making the most out of their 11 chances. Eddie Howe felt hard done by, but hey, what are defenders there for again???

The biggest game was the only game left on Thursday night (the third day of the new year, if you can't keep up), in which second-placed Manchester City ended league leaders Liverpool’s 20-game unbeaten run and opened up the title race after reducing the Reds’ lead at the top to four points with their 2-1 win at the Etihad. It was an intense game, but not of many chances. Pep Guardiola’s side didn’t give their opponents much space to play nor breath. Although the visitors looked more reluctant and less attacking throughout anyway, trying to keep play restricted and tied similar to the goalless draw between the two in October, which made the job easier for the champions. Roberto Firmino's header had levelled the score (64') after Sergio Agüero had given the home side the lead earlier on (40'). Sadio Mané had hit the woodwork and John Stones had to scramble the ball off the line earlier on in the first half. Leroy Sané netted the winner, firing in Raheem Sterling's fine pass eight minutes after the equaliser (72'). It was the first time Jürgen Klopp’s men conceded more than one goal in the league since their 2-2 draw at West Brom in April 2018 (PL Week 35). It was only the Citizen’s second win in their past 12 matches against against the Scousers. Crucial.

What a team! After their shock defeat against Wolves last week, Tottenham travelled to Wales a bit shaken, but ended up easy 0-3 winners at Cardiff, taking them back up to second and keeping them in the race before the big clash at the top on Thursday night mentioned above. With Harry Kane (3’), Christian Eriksen (12’) and Son Heung-min (26’) all on the scoreboard early on, the second half was just like a training kick-about. Next on the league fixture list for Tottenham, a bit more of a test: Manchester United.

Chelsea meanwhile had a miserable evening against Southampton, a goalless draw, which saw the Blues fail to score for the third time in the last five league matches at Stamford Bridge, as many as in their previous 22 games. The result opens up the race for the top four, with Arsenal breathing down their necks. See more about the Gunners' win below.

What a man! Huddersfield boss David Wagner sounded surprisingly positive after his side lost the crucial relegation clash against Burnley 1-2, where both sides were reduced to ten men in a true good old-fashioned battle. With only 10 points after 21 games and eight points from safety following their eighth successive league defeat, the Terriers will need a miracle-and-a-half. No team has stayed up with as few points after 21 games. The German-American called it exciting. The fans and followers wouldn't put it that way, worrying more like. Sean Dyche’s men meanwhile are up to 16th after their first successive win since September.

Caretaker boss Ole Gunnar Solskjær is only the second manager in Manchester United’s history after the great Matt Busby in 1946 to win his first four league games in charge after beating Newcastle 0-2 at St James’ Park. Hold your horses Red Devils. The four wins have come against four struggling sides/bottom half of the table (current positions = week 21) = Cardiff (17th), Huddersfield (20th), Bournemouth (12th) and the Magpies (15th). As mentioned above, next week will be a bit more of a challenge against Mauricio Pochettino's men. 

What a goal! Jamie Vardy’s 58th minute winner from a tight angle for Leicester completed a very miserable New Year’s Day at Goodison Park and Everton’s fourth defeat in the past five Premier League games (W1). It’s the Foxes’ third win in the last four (L1), one more than in their previous ten matches combined, taking them above Wolves into seventh, after their defeat against Palace, whilst the Toffees slumped down to 11th after the other matches were played the following day.

Marko Arnautović scored twice in two minutes (66’, 68’ - 131 seconds between the two) to make it 2-2 and salvage a point for West Ham against Brighton. But manager Manuel Pellegrini was not happy, after the Seagulls were ahead thanks to two goals in two minutes also, both coming from corners (Stephens 56’, Duffy 58’ - 125 seconds between the two). Similar to the match above, what is marking and defending again??? And how did the ref miss Lewis Dunk's elbow on Andy Carroll?! Frustrating. Mind-boggling. VAR anyone?!?!?!

What the hell?! Boos rang around the Emirates Stadium when Arsenal boss Unai Emery decided to take off Alexandre Lacazette 20 minutes after the French striker had doubled the Gunners’ lead, finishing off a lovely team move (55’). But Fulham had pulled one back (Kamara 69’), and soon after coming on, sub Aaron Ramsey restored the two-goal cushion (79’), before Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang made it 4-1 (83’), sealing only their second win in six games. Claudio Ranieri’s defensive worries continue, his side tied to 19th, whilst Emery’s men reduced the gap to Chelsea in fourth to three points. Still booing the Spanish manager's decisions = doing his job?!

My Predictions - Actual Results 

Everton 0:1 Leicester - 0:1

Arsenal 3:0 Fulham - 4:1

Cardiff 1:4 Tottenham - 0:3

Bournemouth 0:0 Watford - 3:3

Chelsea 3:1 Southampton - 0:0

Huddersfield 0:0 Burnley - 1:2

West Ham 2:1 Brighton - 2:2

Wolves 2:1 Crystal Palace - 0:2

Newcastle 0:3 Man United - 0:2

Man City 1:3 Liverpool - 2:1

Click here for the previous Premier League Picks.

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

FT Notes: Huddersfield 0-3 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.

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.

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.

Premier League Picks Of The Week 10

Sports - Football - Premier League - Week 10

The tenth week of the Premier League action saw:

23 goals - most by Liverpool & Man City = 3 each
114 shots - most by Crystal Palace = 19
68 on target - most by Crystal Palace = 9
92 corners - most by Crystal Palace = 11
195 fouls - most by Crystal Palace = 18
29 yellow cards - most by Watford & Stoke = 4 each
0 red cards
2 penalties - 1 scored (Mohamed Salah missed for Liverpool, Luka Milivojevic for Crystal Palace)

I've stayed SOBER FOR OCTOBER - you can still click here to help and sponsor me and MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT! Thanks a lot! Every little, every pound helps! #Cheers #ToHealth #ToLife

What a game! West Brom against Manchester City started with a flood of goals, three in under 15 minutes! Leroy Sané opened the scoring for the visitors with a vicious strike from 15 yards. Jay Rodriguez levelled the score for the hosts three minutes later lifting the ball past Ederson off Gareth Barry's cross. But seconds later Fernandinho restored the Citizens' lead, seeing the ball deflect off a couple of players and in off the post. Former LFC winger Raheem Sterling made it 1-3 with just over an hour gone after the game calmed down a bit. The home side pulled one back late on, what a massive mistake it was by Nicolás Otamendi, Matt Phillips capitalizing well on it, but it was too little too late for the Baggies. The blue league leaders keep flying high five points clear at the top even after not exactly their best performance.

What a team! Just when Arsenal looked to be on top of their game after taking Everton apart 5-2 last week, they were humbled by Swansea, in the first half. The Swans took the lead when Sam Clucas slotted one in against the run of play halfway through the opening half. And it could have been worse if it weren't for Petr Čech's stops, denying Jordan Ayew, who came closest to double the Welsh side's lead. But the Gunners hit back and completed a great turnaround after the break, thanks to two goals in seven minutes by Sead Kolašinac (51') and Aaron Ramsey (58'). It's the third successive game the Londoners have fought back from behind, ending manager Arsène Wenger's 800th Premier League game on top, remaining fifth in the league table, level on points with Chelsea in fourth.
Newcastle definitely don't like Mondays after losing their 10th consecutive top-flight match on this miserable opening day of the week. Burnley deserved the win thanks to Jeff Hendrick's second league goal of the season, sealing a nice fifth anniversary present for manager Sean Dyche, who has been linked with the vacant Everton job. I don't think he'd be that stupid: Burnley are sitting high and happy in seventh, whilst the Toffees are stuck in the bottom three, more to their defeat below.

What a man! Super sub Anthony Martial won the early kick-off on Saturday for Manchester United, beating two Spurs defenders to slot the ball home off Romelu Lukaku's headed cross with 81 minutes on the clock, just over ten minutes after coming on. Too easy. With this victory, the hosts have won their last six league games at Old Trafford, conceding zero, keeping them second in the league table. The last time they recorded such a strong league run at home was March 2010 under Sir Alex Ferguson. The weather was just as dire as the entertainment value and quality of the match though. The first half saw the visitors on top, the home side were poor, but took more control after the interval, José Mourinho's substitution(s) proved to be crucial. Harry Kane and Victor Wanyama were ruled out due to injury and certainly missed, both scorers in Tottenham's win over the Red Devils the last time the two sides met in an emotional farewell at White Hart Lane. The result put an end to Mauricio Pochettino's men's unbeaten run on the road this season, recording their second defeat in the league, keeping them in third place, local rivals Chelsea and Arsenal closing the gap to just a point. The London side definitely don't like this ground, having lost 21 of their 26 Premier League trips to Old Trafford. (After this match, Manchester City will surely not be all too worried though, neither side looking half as threatening and lethal as the league leaders.)

What a goal! Both West Ham goals impressed, from nice team play to top quality individual effort! Javier Hernández broke the deadlock with a nice finish and André Ayew doubled the Hammers' lead with a stunner driven from 20 yards out. But a spot kick by Luka Milivojević and late late late late late Wilfried Zaha goal grabbed a point back for Crystal Palace (90'+7!!!), who had also hit the woodwork twice and pulled numerous saves from Joe Hart. It ended a point each for Roy Hodgson and Slaven Bilić, but very different feelings, the fourth point of the season for Palace, denying West Ham a first Premier League away win in six attempts.
Eden Hazard made it three in three for Chelsea, as many goals as in his previous 17 games, to beat Bournemouth 0-1 at the Vitality Stadium. Clinical. Asmir Begović was beaten from a tight angle on the side the Bosnian keeper should have had covered. The Cherries fought hard, but just could not find a breakthrough. Cruel.
And what a run and goal Leicester's opener was against Everton! Jamie Vardy banged the chance in from close range after the Foxes broke and ripped through the Toffees, Demarai Gray with the run past Tom Davies and two more Evertonians, followed by a Riyad Mahrez cross, top top top counter attack. Jonjoe Kenny's deflection added to the visitor's misery, awarded to Gray, who was on fire and involved again with a fine run and shot. The Claude Puel era is up and running, it was certainly a Super Sunday for he Frenchman. Not sure caretaker David Unsworth will get nor want the job at the Merseyside club permanently at this rate, watching his side nowhere near competing, moulding in 18th.

What the hell?! Only Jürgen Klopp knows why Mohamed Salah took the spot kick for Liverpool. James Milner and Roberto Firmino left watching as Huddersfield keeper Jonas Lössl denied the Egyptian from the spot. It just added to the frustrations, the last league win difficult to remember. It was over a month ago to be exact, 2-3 at Leicester, felt like years ago! A slice of luck saw Daniel Sturridge capitalize on Terriers captain Tommy Smith's misplaced header to give the Reds the lead and relieve them of a lot of pressure!!! Firmino doubled the lead with a strong header off a corner. Georginio Wijnaldum made it three with a rifle of a shot, past four defenders, the 150th PL goal under Klopp. What was I ranting about again? The Reds turned on the style at Anfield in the second half, finally!!! Something/someone finally clicked and turned the switch on, and keeping only their fourth clean sheet in ten league games will boost the confidence more, too. The win takes Klopp's men up to sixth, three points behind the top four. It was the first league meeting between the two sides since February 1972 and there was a lot covered in the buildup to the match about the close friendship between the two managers, Klopp and David Wagner. History. The last time the Terriers beat the Reds was 1959 under non-other than Bill Shankly before his LFC era! History-and-a-half.

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

Click here for last week's Premier League Picks.

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

FT Notes: Hoffenheim 1-2 Liverpool

Sports - Football - Champions League - Qualifier

PRE-MATCH NOTES

The venue: the 30,000-capacity Rhein-Neckar Arena. Sold out within 17 minutes for this tie.

Hoffenheim won 11 and drew six of their 17 games there last season.

Their dangerman is former Leicester striker Andrej Kramaric, who scored 18 goals for them last season. Sandro Wagner, who starts alongside him in attack, bagged 12.

One person who certainly knows all about Hoffenheim is Roberto Firmino.

The Liverpool forward spent four years at the German club, scoring 49 goals in 153 appearances, before moving to the Reds in 2015.

Liverpool will look to Firminio to provide creativity in the absence of Coutinho.

ZDF: 1st European Cup tie for Hoffenheim, 333rd for Liverpool. #YNWA
BBC: While this is Hoffenheim's very first game in Europe it is Liverpool's 364th and 182nd in the Champions League/European Cup. Hm... Who's counting...

Hoffenheim were the only side Klopp's Borussia Dortmund failed to beat in the league in his first title winning season of 2010-11!

ZDF point finger at "Wackelkandidat" Simon Mignolet and same old defensive problems for draw at Watford. And transfer fiasco.

Klopp: "We need more players than money!" Clear dig at Coutinho! And owners!

MATCH NOTES - THE MAIN BITS:

3' SALAH GOAL - OFFSIDE FLAG WAS UP!!! Pfff...

10' PENALTY given by the assistant not the referee! Dejan Lovren v Serge Gnabry, eventhough it looked offside, tumbled down & got the penalty! Clumsy but OH SO SOFT!

11' Nr 27 Andrej Kramaric takes, SIMON MIGNOLET SAVES!!! Too easy to the keeper's left, but curling towards him! #TFFT

15' Mohamed Salah breaks on his own, shoots wide! Skipper Kevin Vogt was catching up trying to make up for his error, but it was one-to-one with keeper Baumann... #waste

26' Kaderabek sends a shot high from the right edge of the box. Closest either side has come for a while...

28' Hoffenheim free kick, Gnabry takes from about 25 yards out, into the box, cleared.

34' First European booking goes to Hoffenheim's number 4 Ermin Bicakcic after bringing down Salah about six yards outside the box.

35' WHAT A FREE KICK!!! FIRST EUROPEAN GAME, FIRST EUROPEAN GOAL FOR RED YOUNGSTER TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD! Right foot, over the wall, into the right corner of the net! Nice one! #YEAH #TAA 👊⚽👊 #BOOM #DANKE

40' That goal has calmed some nerves! More possession for the Reds now & settled play, less frantic & all over the place!

43' GNABRYYY denied by Simon Mignolet & Sandro Wagner puts the rebound just wide! The German commentator got loud there!

1 minute added on. Hoffenheim with the ball. Pressing. Pushing. But lose out the ball.

Liverpool counter, Mané v Vogt, the latter does well to kick the ball out for a corner.

LOVREN HEADS THE CORNER WIDE!!!

That was the last action before the break. HT Hoffenheim 0-1 Liverpool. AND BREATH!!!

HT Stats:
Possession: 61%-39%
Shots: 6-6
On target: 2-3
Corners: 0-2
Fouls: 6-8
Yellow cards: 1-0

The home side did well & dominated most of the game, only behind thanks to a TAA cracker!

Klopp will be happier with the away goal, but still worried with the shaky defence! At least Mignolet has kept strong! #sofarsogood #fingerscrossed

46' Hoffenheim kick off the second half & break & push straight away, but Wagner is flagged offside. No changes made by either side during the interval.

47' Mané crossed into the box from the left to FIRMINOOOO, what a chance from close range but it is blocked/deflected out for a corner, well done by keeper Oliver Baumann.

49' Salah from the right, defended nicely by Zuber winning the ball back.

50' GNABRYYY GOAL - OFFSIDE, cruel, I know, not the best play by Wagner, under pressure by the Reds this time. Makes a change! 😝

51' Emre Can booked for pushing down Demirbay.

52' First Hoffenheim change: 6 Håvard Nordtveit replaces 4 Ermine Bicakcic.

53' First Hoffenheim corner, the commentator reels down the negative stats the Reds have with set pieces. Nothing comes from it, out wide.

53' Second change made by young boss Nagelsmann, who likes to reshape his side after the break according to the commentator. 18 Nadiem Amiri comes on for 7 Lukas Rupp.

55' Second Hoffenheim corner, blocked and cleared.

55' TAA gets his first booking too, free kick on the left for the home side, cleared again.

62' James Milner getting ready to replace Jordan Henderson.

63' Change made & the captain's armband is handed over in the process.

64' Hoffenheim free kick out for a throw-in on the left. Possession & pressure all Hoffenheim... The home side win another corner. #gulp

65' Demirbay takes, Matip defends it out for another corner on the other side. Demirbay again, headed away this time. Clear. Breath.

66' GNABRY AGAIN unmarked in the box, smacks it high.

67' A Liverpool corner for a change! TAA takes it, Lovren, ball eventually goes out for a goal kick. TAA appealed for a free kick outside the box there, but, it wasn't much. A bit like the penalty...

70' SALAH SHOT soft, easily kept out by Baumann, corner for Liverpool. Last Hoffenheim substitution: 19 Uth replaces 29 Gnabry, who was MOTM for me! Great performance for the German side, created a lot, dominated the pitch! 

Keeper holds onto the ball off the corner.

74' MILNER NETS FROM THE LEFT, nice curl, deflected in by Nordtveit, 0-2, thank you very much, vielen Dank! ⚽👊⚽

76' Benjamin Hübner booked for bringing down Firmino. Salah eventually loses the ball at the edge of the box.

80' The German commentator points out how quickly Liverpool took the free kick after Mané was brought down, repeating again & again that the ball didn't stop moving... Advantage attacking team, no? Nein?

82' NICE SAVE BY MIGNOLET denying sub Amiri from close range, what a chance! Where is the marking?!?!?!

84' MANÉÉÉ wide, another chance wasted from close range. Solanke makes his Red debut in Europe replacing Firmino, strong performance by the number 9. Even the German commentator is full of laud.

86' First fans leaving the stadium. Nicht gut.

87' GOAL FOR THE HOME SIDE sub Uth finds the breakthrough, nice left-footer into the right corner of the net. TAA failed to cover there & Matip runs in to cover way too late... Reminds me of Saturday... 💩🙈💩🙈💩 1-2

89' Last substitution for Reds, Grujic on for Mané. Whilst I write this Hoffenheim come close again, pushing it late on... Liverpool flagged offside...

4 MINUTES ADDED ON!!! Hoffenheim free kick, headed high by Hübner. The German commentator got really loud then! What a chance! Tense finish... 🙈😱🙈😱🙈

All Hoffenheim...

Demirbay down injured... After Grujic's challenge... Nagelsmann not happy...

Last minute... Liverpool with the ball... GRUJIC SHOT gloved away by Baumann.

Hoffenheim want another free kick... Didn't see anything... YNWA echoes in the background... FT whistle blows, Hoffenheim 1-2 Liverpool.

Confident, strong & dominant performance by the home side, but not clinical enough in front of goal.

Under-fire Mignolet kept the Reds ahead thanks to a couple of good stops, including a spot kick denying Kramaric! MOTM?

TAA's goal was a cracking free kick, congratulations! Experienced Milner doubled the lead off the bench. And I've just seen it's been listed as a Nordtveit own goal. Harsh.

We had to leak one at the end, sub Uth netting late on to make the last minutes tense. But Hoffenheim deserved at least something.

So, we can take a one-goal lead & two away goals to Anfield, that should do it, no? #COYR ⚽👊⚽ #BOOM

Klopp just calls it half-time in the post-match interview & lauds his keeper, keeper coach, the opposition & Nagelsmann. Both managers stay optimistic & are happy with their sides' performances. You can see how much it meant to the Germans. 🇩🇪😊🇬🇧

FT Stats:
Hoffenheim 1: Uth 87'.
Liverpool 2: Alexander-Arnold 35' & Nordtveit OG 74'.
Possession: 63%-37%
Shots: 13-14
On target: 4-8
Corners: 6-5
Fouls: 13-12
Yellow cards: 2-2

1899 Hoffenheim XI: 1 Baumann, 22 Vogt, 4 Bicakcic (booked 34') (6 Nordtveit 52'), 21 Hübner (booked 76'), 3 Kaderabek, 10 Demirbay, 7 Rupp (18 Amiri 53'), 17 Zuber, 29 Gnabry (19 Uth 70'), 14 Wagner, 27 Kramaric. 3-4-3
Substitutes not used: 15 Toljan, 28 Szalai, 32 Geiger, 36 Kobel.

Manager: Julian Nagelsmann = youngest Bundesliga manager with 30!

Liverpool XI: 22 Mignolet, 66 Alexander-Arnold (booked 55'), 6 Lovren, 32 Matip, 18 Moreno, 14 Henderson (7 Milner 63'), 23 Can (booked 51'), 5 Wijnaldum, 11 Salah, 19 Mané (16 Grujic 89'), 9 Firmino (29 Solanke 84'). 4-3-3
Substitutes not used: 1 Karius, 12 Gomez, 17 Klavan, 27 Origi.
Manager: Jürgen Klopp

Referee: Björn Kuipers

Click here for my previous LFC match report.

Notes, stats and facts taken from Twitter, BBC and ZDF coverage.