Premier League Picks Of The Week 1

Sports - Football - Premier League - Week 1

The first week of Premier League action saw:

255 Shots - most by Saints = 24

28 Goals - most by Liverpool = 4

256 Fouls - most by Boro = 18

41 Bookings - most by Stoke = 5

1 Red Card - Watson for Watford

4 Penalties - 3 scored, 1 missed

Jürgen Klopp going mental and dropping his glasses (again)!

Gary Lineker in his underpants/shorts on MOTD!

Gary Neville back on Sky Sports with Jamie Carragher on his case, any chance, every chance, lol!
(And I saw this on Twitter the other day, omg!!! => What a prank!!! <= Unbelievable!!!)

What a game! Arsenal 3-4 Liverpool! Disappointing first half, surprising second half. Here is my full report... A lot of eyes and boos are on Arsène Wenger, again, in his 21st season at Arsenal, last year of his contract, more and more fans cannot wait to see the back of him. But there are still plenty who back him, too. It will be interesting to see how his final season (of his current contract) at the London club unfolds and turns out.

What a team! No one really jumped out and shone, all teams lacked and leaked somehow, somewhat, apart from Hull City, beating the champions, what a start for them in the top flight! Leicester just confirmed the doubts surrounding them repeating anything anywhere near last season's unique historical glory, but I would not read too much into it. It's only the first of many games (38 to be exact). Wait and see...

What a goal! Adama Diomande's spectacular overhead kick for Hull City! And Philippe Coutinho's free kick equaliser, sweet and crucial when his side looked like non-existent just before the break at Arsenal.

What a man! I love Jürgen Klopp and his antiques on the touchline! It's not just me as a Liverpool fan, right?! He's just hilarious! Although Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is competing very well for the Crazy Man On The Touchline title as well! Makes a certain Portuguese manager seem less special me thinks...

What the hell?! Diego Costa was a very lucky man to remain on the pitch for the full time and be able to grab a late winner for the Blues. The 27-year-old had already been booked for remonstrating with the referee when he caught West Ham keeper Adrián very late. And the diving antiques in general annoyed me again, especially by Chelsea! They're on camera for goodness sake! And I like the new rule to get booked for contesting against the ref, but then please enforce it, too! The players still got away with too much, I feel!

My predictions - Actual results

Hull City 0:1 Leicester City - 2:1

Burnley 0:1 Swansea - 0:1

Crystal Palace 1:2 West Brom - 0:1

Everton 1:2 Tottenham - 1:1

Middlesbrough 1:1 Stoke City - 1:1

Southampton 2:0 Watford - 1:1

Man City 3:1 Sunderland - 2:1

Bournemouth 2:2 Man United - 1:3

Arsenal 2:2 Liverpool - 3:4 - click here for my match report 

Chelsea 1:1 West Ham - 2:1

Click here for my season preview

Pictures taken from the BBC match reports

Reds stun Gunners in 7-goal thriller

Sports - Football - PL - AFC 3-4 LFC

What an introduction to the new season that was! The first Super Sunday clash of the season at the Emirates saw seven goals, a penalty save, plenty of close calls and blunders, with a certain crazy German going mental and losing his glasses on the side-line, whilst the older Frenchman in the opposite dugout seemed less involved and left facing the boos and blushes.

One distraught Frenchman

And it all started so well for the home side in Arsène Wenger's 50th clash against the red Merseyside club. The Gunners were in control for most of the first half against a shaky Liverpool who just did not seem to get into gear.

Left-back Alberto Moreno was the villain of the half, leaving plenty of gaps, looking flustered and all over the place. It seemed only a matter of time until the Spaniard would cost the Reds dearly.

29 minutes gone, he brought down Theo Walcott in the box conceding a clumsily cheep penalty, to luckily and amazingly see it saved by much-doubted and under-fire keeper Simon Mignolet.

The Belgian stopper levelled Chelsea's Dmitri Kharine's record as the Premier League's best penalty saving goalkeeper, having saved 5 of 11 spot kicks = 45%.

The let off did not last long though, when 68 seconds later, Walcott was given plenty of space to send an easy tidy finish into the bottom corner, Moreno again at fault for not being in position, giving the home side a deserved lead.

However, all frustration was wiped away for the visitors just before the break, when Philippe Coutinho sent a deliciously sweet free kick curling into the top left corner, giving keeper Petr Cech no chance, levelling the score and leaving Arsenal with frustrated faces during the interval.

Whatever Jürgen Klopp said during the break, it worked. The Reds, like a puzzle, seemed to have finally found and got the parts together, Coutinho to new signing Georginio Wijnaldum to Adam Lallana who netted a lovely goal to make it 1-2 in the 49th minute.

And seven minutes later Coutinho made it three, with a smacker guided into the far corner off a great drive in by Nathaniel Clyne, to give the visitors a two-goal cushion.

With just over an hour gone, Arsenal were ripped and shredded to bits and pieces by individual brilliance, new star £34m-signing Sadio Mané making it 1-4 with great pace and skill, a top quality goal.

It was the first time a team scored four league goals at the Emirates against Arsenal since Chelsea in May 2009.

But that was far from game over. Only 73 seconds later, sub Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain hit a goal back to make it 2-4 with a great individual skip and run, unsighted goalkeeper and deflection. Game on after a goal rush of 5 in 20 minutes.

And tension and action were raised again, when with 15 minutes to go, Calum Chambers headed in Oxlade-Chamberlain's free kick to reduce the deficit to one goal, 3-4, increasing Mignolet's nightmare of a headache.

The tense finish to the game saw pressure rising on both sides, for Arsenal to hit back, for Liverpool to hold on, the latter succeeding. The full time whistle blew, 3-4, the boos rang around the Emirates, the fans not happy with the old man, whilst Klopp and the men from the Kop could not have been more relieved, together and thriving on the outcome.

Man of the match: Philippe Coutinho

Arsenal Goals: Walcott 31', Oxlade-Chamberlain 64' & Chambers 75'.

Liverpool Goals: Coutinho 45'+1' & 56', Lallana 49' & Mane 63'.

Arsenal Team: 33 Cech (c); 18 Monreal, 21 Chambers, 16 Holding, 24 Bellerin; 34 Coquelin (booked 37'), 35 Elneny (29 Xhaka 67' booked 86'); 7 Sanchez, 17 Iwobi (booked 57') (15 Oxlade-Chamberlain 59'), 8 Ramsey (19 Cazorla 61'); 14 Walcott. 4-2-3-1
Subs not used: 3 Gibbs, 10 Wilshere, 13 Ospina & 32 Akpom.

Liverpool Team: 22 Mignolet; 18 Moreno (booked 29'), 6 Lovren (booked 41'), 17 Klavan, 2 Clyne; 5 Wijnaldum (35 Stewart 88'), 14 Henderson (c), 20 Lallana (booked 26') (27 Origi 76'); 10 Coutinho (23 Can 70'), 11 Firmino, 19 Mané. 4-3-3
Subs not used: 13 Manninger, 16 Grujic, 32 Matip & 66 Alex-Arnold.

Match Stats: Arsenal-Liverpool
Possession: 50.7%-49.3%
Shots: 9-16
On target: 5-7
Blocked: 1-6
Corners: 5-4
Offsides: 4-3
Free kicks: 17-13
Bookings: 3-3

Referee: Michael Oliver
Ground: Emirates Stadium
Attendance: 60,033

LET THE NEW SEASON BEGIN...

Sports - Football - Premier League

Well, well, well. The new season is upon us. I don't know about you, but I still can't quite believe what happened last season! I'm still reliving, digesting and trying to make sense of it, pinching myself to check it did really happen, and loving the fact that it did! Unpredictable! Unforgettable!

So, if you go by last season, then the title favourites this campaign would be Burnley! Or Sunderland! Better: Bournemouth! No, but seriously, I will put a cheeky pound on each of them. After last season, you just don't know! 

I hate the fact that everyone is writing off Leicester's chances (AGAIN!)! It will be difficult to repeat last season's surprise heroics, but that doesn't mean we're back to the old and obvious top picks. Just because they spend most, does not mean they will do most nor best, far from it! That was more than proven last season! 

Anyways, enough of my thoughts and takes, here is a good overview of the main changes, stats and facts, a good appetiser to what awaits us in the Premier League 2016/17...

New Bosses: 

Big names, big clashes, big results, the challenge, show and pressure are all ooooon! With lots of hoo and plenty of ha! Who will last the season? Who will see Christmas? Who is overrated and will flop? Who is king and will be top? Only time will tell...

Antonio Conte at Chelsea: The temperamental Italian was very entertaining to watch during Euro2016 and is expected to make a great impact. That's what he was chosen for, to drag the Blues back up. (Win% 55.66)

Ronald Koeman at Everton: His departure from Southampton surprised many after he frowned upon those who leave their clubs mid-contract time. Interesting season ahead, especially against his former club.(Win% 54.88)

Caretaker Mike Phelan at Hull: A tough (temporary) job on his hands with the club in turmoil after his ex-United team mate Steve Bruce's departure. Nothing to envy. (Win% N/A)

Pep Guardiola at Man City: The Barcelona legend will not be remembered for much at Bayern and has a point to prove in his first Premier League job. (Win% 72.87)

Jose Mourinho at Man United: And the Special One is back, with more than a point to prove after leaving Chelsea in the bottom half of the table last season. (Win% 66.1)

Claude Puel at Southampton: The one-club-man Monaco legend has a lot to learn and prove in his first job outside of France. (Win% 42.49)

David Moyes at Sunderland: The former Everton and Man United manager is happy to be back, back with a vengeance I am sure. (Win% 43.79)

Walter Mazzarri at Watford: The 12th boss at Vicarage Road in the last decade, the Italian will know this job is not an easy but usually short and bumpy ride. (Win% 40.03)

Old Bosses:

Déjà vu? Under pressure? Who? Where? Never! These ones have been there, done that and are back on their old seats for more. Or maybe less. Hanging in there. We will see...

Arsene Wenger at Arsenal since 1996: In his 21st season at the club and final year of his contract, there is a more sick and tired feel to the Gunners. (Win% 54.1)

Eddie Howe at Bournemouth since 2012: The Football League Manager of The Decade is certainly enjoying his second stint with the Cherries in the top flight. (Win% 46.7)

Sean Dyche at Burnley since 2012: Winning promotion to the Premier League for the second time in three years, he will hope the spell will last longer this time. (Win% 40.6)

Alan Pardew at Crystal Palace since 2015: Never without some controversy and will be under pressure after a disappointing end to last season. (Win% 42.5)

Claudio Ranieri at Leicester since 2015: The charming Italian will have to prove all the doubters wrong again after the sublime last season, no one seeing a repeat possible. (Win% 46.37)

Jürgen Klopp at Liverpool since 2015: The Normal One won over the Red hearts very quickly last season, now the question is whether he can win enough points, and trophies. (Win% 48.6)

Aitor Karanka at Middlesbrough since 2013: The Spaniard has had his ups and downs and crises with the club but has not looked back since his return and Boro's promotion. (Win% 52.5)

Mark Hughes at Stoke since 2013: Finishing 9th the last three seasons, the Potters will feel too comfortable for their own good. (Win% 39.7)

Francesco Guidolin at Swansea since 2016: Taking the job in January with the Swans just two points from the drop, the Italian has taught the Swans how to win and smile again. (Win% 43.8)

Mauricio Pocchetino at Tottenham since 2014: Had made Spurs title contenders last season but left disappointed losing the edge at the end and no trophies. This season will be crunch time for the Argentine. (Win% 39.6)

Tony Pulis at West Brom since 2015: The former Stoke and Crystal Palace manager certainly knows how to spoil the show for the big boys, so, never to be underestimated! (Win% 36.4%)

Slaven Bilic at West Ham since 2015: The Croatian has lead the Hammers to their best finish in the Premier League era, breaking plenty of records and wetting the appetite for the fans this season. (Win% 52.17)

Ins and Outs: 

Numbers of signings and exits per club (on date compiled = 11/08/2016), West Ham and Middlesbrough topping the shopping list with 9 new names each, whilst Liverpool have cleared out most with 15 players shown the door.

Arsenal: 4 & 8

Bournemouth: 8 & 7

Burnley: 4 & 5

Chelsea: 2 & 8

Crystal Palace: 3 & 9

Everton: 5 & 5

Hull City: 1 & 3

Leicester: 6 & 10

Liverpool: 6 & 15

Man City: 8 & 4

Man Utd: 4 & 9

Middlesbrough: 9 & 4

Southampton: 4 & 9

Stoke City: 3 & 2

Sunderland: 3 & 8

Swansea: 7 & 10

Tottenham: 2 & 4

Watford: 5 & 7

West Brom: 1 & 3

West Ham: 9 & 3

Big spenders this summer:

Not many surprises there (again, amounts correct on date compiled = 11/08/2016). Will this be the Premier League table come May 2017? Sad if so... I may put a £5er on it though...

1. Man City £161.59m
2. Man Utd £157.25m
3. Liverpool £67.92m
4. Chelsea £63.58m
5. Arsenal £44.2m
6. Leicester £40.38m
7. West Ham £39.27m
8. Tottenham £31.03m
9. Bournemouth £29.84m
10. Swansea £27.4m
11. Southampton £24.23m
12. Crystal Palace £23.21m
13. Watford £21.72m
14. Everton £19.98m
15. Middlesbrough £19.3m
16. Stoke City £17.67m
17. Sunderland £14.08m
18. West Brom £5.53m
19. Burnley £3.66m
20. Hull City: £0

Total spending: £811.84

My predictions:

I will pick Tottenham as my favourites because they are the only fully settled side without any major changes nor reshuffles. 

It will be interesting to see how Sunderland will do without Big Sam, I think they will struggle, even with Moyes in charge. I name them on my relegation list with newbies Hull City, post-Steve-Bruce. Last but not least, hm... Difficult to say, but sorry, have to pick another promoted side, Burnley, but hope to be proven wrong by the Championship winners.

A little fact to back them up: Of the 71 promoted teams to play in the Premier League, 44% of them = 31 have been immediately relegated, meaning more than half stay up, the average finishing position being 15th. Thanks to the BBC for that little fact. And for MOTD. I cannot wait to see Gary Lineker in his underpants!!! 😂🙆😂🙆😂

Expect the unexpected! Let the season begin... ⚽😍⚽😘⚽😍⚽

All pictures thanks to Bing, stats and facts thanks to Wikipedia, BBC, Sky Sports and talkSPORT.

First European blood goes to Liverpool

Sports – Football – Europa League – Liverpool 2:0 Man United

Liverpool could not have asked for a better set-up, beating bitter rivals Manchester United 2-0 at Anfield in their first ever European meeting, which was the first leg of the Europa League Last 16.

And it could, should and would have been a much worse thrashing and thorough beating if it were not for the Red Devils’ star keeper David De Gea.

The Spanish stopper denied Philippe Countinho, DanielSturridge, Adam Lallana and Nathaniel Clyne with world-class saves, breath-taking athleticism, great reflexes and just brilliant reactions in an explosive atmosphere.

Jürgen Klopp’s men took the lead thanks to a Sturridge 20^th minute spot kick, after Memphis Depay fouled Clyne in the box, and it was more than deserved with the Reds having outplayed and outclassed LVG’s eleven by far.

The visitors did not create a single chance with Liverpool giving them no time on the ball, surrounding them at every chance, and can only thank de Gea’s brilliance for keeping them in the tie with a hint of a shout. Marouane Fellaini was lucky to stay on the pitch with a very clumsily dirty displace.

Roberto Firmino did double the score in the 73^rd minute, scoring in three consecutive LFC games for the first time, making it three consecutive wins for the Reds in all competitions.

This impressive win ended United’s run of four consecutive victories in the two sides’ meetings. The only disappointment for the Reds was that they did not score more. An away goal at Old Trafford in the second leg should do it. If it’s not already done.

United’s only shot on target came in the 51^st minute, a tame low effort my Morgan Schneiderlin, not much to do for Simon Mignolet. The Red Devils will have to dig so much deeper if they want to come back from this one.

With the FA Cup giving Liverpool a break this weekend, whilst United face West Ham in the quarter final, the power and score advantage stays with the Reds from Merseyside. Only time will tell and we’ll know come Thursday night whether they will bounce and pounce, or slip and trip, with for and consistency being neither sides’ main feature or strength this season.

Liverpool Goals: Sturridge pen 20’ & Firmino 73’.

Liverpool Team: 22 Mignolet; 18 Moreno, 17 Sakho, 6 Lovren (booked 43’), 2 Clyne; 10 Coutinho (booked 49’), 23 Can, 14 Henderson (c) (booked 2’), 20 Lallana; 11 Firmino (27 Origi 84’); 15 Sturridge (24 Allen 64’). 4-4-1-1

Subs not used: 4 Toure, 9 Benteke, 44 Smith, 52 Ward & 54 Ojo.

Man United Team: 1 De Gea; 5 Rojo, 17 Blind, 12 Smalling, 30 Varela; 27 Fellaini (booked 60’), 28 Schneiderlin (31 Schweinsteiger 79’), 7 Memphis Depay (booked 19’), 8 Mata (c) (21 Herrera 79’), 39 Rashferd (booked 45’) (16 Carrick 45’); 9 Martial. 4-2-3-1

Subs not used: 20 Romero, 36 Darmian, 47 Weir & 49 Riley.

Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo

Man of the match: David De Gea

Attendance: 43,228

Match Stats: Liverpool-Man United

Possession: 56%-44%

Shots: 13-5

On target: 8-1

Corners: 7-0

Fouls: 15-16

Benteke pen completes 10-man Reds comeback

Sports – Football – Premier League – Crystal Palace 1:2 Liverpool

Substitute Christian Benteke was the unlikely hero, scoring a last-minute penalty, handing ten-man Liverpool a dramatic 2-1 win at Selhurst Park.

Crystal Palace had lead through Joe Ledley’s finish a couple of minutes after the interval, netting the ball following a bit of ping pong in the box off a corner.

Jürgen Klopp’s men saw the frustrating afternoon go from bad to worse when James Milner was sent off for a second yellow card just after the hour-mark.

However, this setback seemed to spurn on the Reds more than before, making them more possessive and productive with the ball.

But it took a slipup by Palace keeper Alex McCarthy to get the visitor back into the match, handing the ball to Roberto Firmino, who couldn’t miss, to make it 1-1 in the 72^nd minute.

Liverpool took over from then on, covering and creating more, Benteke brought on with ten minutes to go and a point to prove.

In the last seconds of stoppage time, Damien Delaney made contact with Benteke’s ankle, bringing down the striker in the box, referee Andre Marriner awarding the penalty guided by his assistant.

Benteke stepped up to put an end to his 715 goalless minutes in all competitions and made no mistake of converting the winner.

It was a very different victory compared to the Reds’ impressive 3-0 win over Manchester City midweek, showing more evidence of Liverpool’s inconsistency and/or a good case of Klopp’s renowned resistance/comeback philosophy/mentality (aka “Gegenpressing”).

Liverpool ran further as a team than Palace over 90 minutes (113km-111km respectively), man of the match Adam Lalllana covering most of that and passing 92% accurate, good to watch.

Palace have now gone 12 Premier League matches without a win (D4, L8), the current longest winless run in the top flight, frustrating and disappointing for Alan Pardew and his men, especially after a better first half and taking the lead against Liverpool.

Klopp and his men will take more hope and inspiration from the second half display and comeback, and will need it, facing fears rivals Manchester United next in the Europa League.

Crystal Palace Goals: Ledley 48’.

Liverpool Goals: Firmino 72’ & Benteke pen 96’.

Crystal Palace Team: 12 McCarthy; 12 Souare, 27 Delaney, 6 Dann (booked 11’), 2 Ward; 28 Ledley (26 Sako 82’), 15 Jedineik, 7 Cabaye (22 Mutch 70’), 11 Zaha; 10 Bolasie, 25 Adebayor (Gayle 82’). 4-4-2

Subs not used: 1 Speroni, 14 Lee Chung-Wong, 29 Chamakh & 34 Kelly.

Liverpool Team: 22 Mignolet; 18 Moreno (booked 86’), 17 Sakho, 6 Lovren, 38 Flanagan (10 Coutinho 61’); 20 Lallana, 23 Can, 14 Henderson (booked 10’), 7 Milner (booked 40’, 2^nd yellow 62’); 11 Firmino (4 Toure 88’); 27 Origi (9 Benteke 80’). 4-4-1-1

Subs not used: 2 Clyne, 15 Sturridge, 24 Allen & 52 Ward.

Referee: Andre Marriner

Man of the match: Adam Lallana

Attendance: 24,709

Match Stats: Crystal Palace-Liverpool

Possession: 62%-38%

Shots: 19-14

On target: 5-4

Corners: 6-6

Fouls: 16-12

City lift the Capital One Cup

Sports - Football - Capital One Cup - Liverpool 1:1 Man City AET (1:3 on penalties)

Manchester City lifted the League Cup for the fourth time (1970, 1976, 2014 and 2016) thanks to second-choice goalkeeper Willy Caballero's heroic performance with three penalty saves which saw his side record a 3-1 shoot-out victory over Liverpool after the sides drew 1-1 in extra time at Wembley.

The 34-year old denied Lucas Leiva, Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana from the spot, rewarding his boss Manuel Pellegrini for choosing him ahead of first choice Joe Hart. The Argentinian stopper also kept out Divock Origi's header spectacularly earlier on in the match.

At the other end, Reds keeper Simon Mignolet had a very mixed afternoon. The Belgian let Fernandinho's shot slip through under his body to concede the opener shortly after the break. His side had dominated possession in the first half, but were unable to take advantage.

Daniel Sturridge gave away the ball on numerous occasions, unable to produce anything of note, caught offside most of the time, undoing his team mates' hard work, especially Lucas and James Milner.

After Mignolet's leak, City took over and looked to build on their lead through Sergio Aguero on a few occasions. But the red number 22 redeemed himself with a couple of breathtaking saves.

It was a game to forget for Raheem Sterling against his former side. Similar to Sturridge, he kept giving away the ball, missing chances, wasting sitters, looking just not there. 

Coutinho got the Red spirit back up and going late on, in the 83rd minute, seeing in the ball to level the score after Lallana had hit the post at the far end.

It finally got the competition back running and steaming through to extra time with both keeper's kept busy and teams sweating.

But penalties it was in the end. And after Fernandinho had hit the post with City's first kick, it looked like Jürgen Klopp's men were going to steel the show.

However, it was not to be. With Caballero's star performance and Jesus Navas and Aguero's conversions, it was Yaya Toure who sealed the deal, converting the winning penalty, giving Pellegrini his third major trophy in as many seasons and condemning Liverpool to their fourth League Cup final defeat (1978, 1987, 2005 and 2016).

It was the Red's fourth penalty shootout defeat in the competition, making it four defeats in 18 shootouts. Klopp has reached a cup final in each of his last five seasons as a manager, but has lost four. Tough luck?

The Merseysiders can seek revenge as the two sides will meet again midweek, in the Premier League, at Anfield, where the Kop will want to see Blue blood.

Liverpool Goal: 10 Coutinho 83'.

Man City Goal: 25 Fernandinho 49'.

Liverpool Team: 22 Mignolet; 18 Moreno (booked 65', 20 Lallana 72' (booked 118')), 17 Sakho (4 K Toure 25'), 21 Lucas, 2 Clyne (booked 53'); 10 Coutinho (booked 84'), 23 Can (booked 85'), 14 Henderson (c), 7 Milner; 11 Firmino (27 Origi 80'); 15 Sturridge. 4-4-1-1
Subs not used: 9 Benteke, 24 Allen, 34 Bogdan and 38 Flanagan.

Man City Team: 13 Caballero; 22 Clichy, 30 Otamendi (booked 109'), 4 Kompany (c) (booked 87'), 3 Sagna (5 Zabaleta 90'); 6 Fernando (booked 76', 15 Navas 90'), 42 Y Toure (booked 118'); 7 Sterling, 21 Silva (14 Bony 110'), 25 Fernandinho (booked 118'); 10 Aguero. 4-2-3-1
Subs not used: 1 Hart, 11 Kolarov, 26 Demichelis and 72 Iheanacho.

More stats and facts, reactions and views:

Sky Sport Opta Match Stats: Liverpool-Man City
Possession: 61.4%-38.6%
Shots: 16-20
On target: 4-7
Off target: 9-11
Blocked: 3-2
Passes: 553/703 (78.7%) - 302/431(70.1%)
Attacking third: 161/233 (69.1%) - 115/178 (64.6%)
Key passes: 10-14
Clear-cut chances: 1-1
Crosses: 8/21 (38.1%) - 9/26 (34.6%)
Dribbles: 20/29 (69%) - 18/27 (66.7%)
Offsides: 8-0
Recoveries: 75-69
Tackles: 23/29 (79.3%) - 18/27 (66.7%)
Interceptions: 24-29
Blocks: 1-3
Clearances: 14-27
Headed clearances: 8-17
Aerial duels: 14/46 (30.4%) - 32/46 (69.6%)
Blocked crosses: 2-4
Saves: 6-3
Keeper's catches: 2/2 (100%) - 2/2 (100%)
Fouls committed:  18-15
Fouls won: 15-18
Yellow cards: 5-5
Red cards: 0-0

Referee: Michael Oliver
Man of the match: Vincent Kompany

Manager reaction:

Jürgen Klopp: "We feel down but now we have to stand up. Only silly idiots stay on the floor and wait for the next defeat.
"We will strike back. We have felt how it is to lose. It is not the best moment but on Monday morning maybe we can change everything.
"We will go on and we will get better. We have to work really hard, carry on and there is light at the end of the tunnel. This is important."

Manuel Pellegrini: "I was concerned about the amount of chances we missed. After that we played better in extra time.
"It's a very important moment, and it's always very special to win a title at Wembley."

My views and questions:

Klopp sounded very much like Gerry and the Pacemakers... At the end of the storm... Is a golden sky...

The stats say it all! The Reds tried hard, with more of the ball (more possession), but did less with it (less chances on and off target).

Sturridge frustrated me most, so many offsides and wastes (8-0)!!! Will Christian Benteke get a chance in the next clash against City?! I doubt it and don't like it!
Both cases of Sturridge and Sterling show, stars cannot and do not shine the same on their own.

After this frustration, we need more variation, change. The summer cannot come quick enough for Klopp. Let's hope there will be more changes then, than there were in January, disappointingly and surprisingly.

I keep thinking of the following German song that fits my (and probably Klopp's) football mood and thoughts: Was soll das?! Womit hab ich das verdient?! (Translation: What's the point?! What have I done to deserve this?!) Here is the full version: https://youtu.be/6tFoIu9nhYQ 

Match Report: Bordeaux 1-1 Liverpool

Sports - Football - Europa League - Bordeaux 1-1 Liverpool

A relatively young Liverpool side started their Europa League campaign with a 1-1 draw, being denied their first win in four games by Bordeaux substitute Jussie in the last 10 minutes, earning his side a point in Group B.

Brendan Rodgers made eight changes after his side's 3-1 defeat at Old Trafford on Saturday, calling up Joe Gomez, Jordan Rossiter, Jordan Ibe and Divock Origi, as well as young substitutes Pedro Chirivelle and Cameron Brannagan, all gaining valuable European experience.

As always, Philippe Coutinho carried and produced most of the responsibility, play and chances, but could not compete on his own against a much better French side in the first half, Diego Rolan and Henri Saivet both coming close but not challenging Red keeper Simon Mignolet enough.

The Reds took over more control after the break, Rossiter and Chirivella, long-time youth team mates, gelling much better together, and Coutinho and fit-again Adam Lallana setting a much better and stronger tone for the visitors.

And on 65 minutes, the deadlock was finally broken by the former Saints man, with a stylish nutmeg through Pablo and first-time finish inside the far post.

And substitute Danny Ings looked like he doubled the lead with a similar cheeky effort, but was denied by the outstretched goalkeeper Cedric Carrasso.

But it was not to be. The youthful Reds tired soon and leaked in the closing stages. With nine minutes to go, Jussie had plenty of time and space and fired high into the net to level the score, Liverpool failing to clear their area, not for the first time this season.

It was a faire result in the end, a goal and point each, and good for the youngsters to gain experience and Lallana to find form in his first match back from injury. The main question and pressure is, if and when the Reds can find winning ways and form...

Bordeaux Goals: 1.: 81' Jussie (20).

Liverpool Goals: 1.: 65' Lallana (20).

Bordeaux Team: 16 Carrasso; 29 Poundje, 5 Pallois, 4 Nascimento de Castro, 2 Gajic (26 Guilbert 86'); 11 Chantome (booked 38'); 19 Maurice-Belay, 10 Saivet (17 Poko 76'); 24 Khazri (20 Jussie 69'); 27 Crivelli, 9 Rolan. 4-1-2-1-2

Subs not used: 7 Traore, 12 Thelin, 21 Yambere, 30 Prior.

Liverpool Team: 22 Mignolet; 17 Sakho, 4 Toure (booked 12') (8 Chirivella 28'), 12 Gomez; 18 Moreno, 23 Can, 46 Rossiter (32 Brannagan 80'), 33 Ibe; 10 Coutinho, 20 Lallana; 27 Origi (28 Ings 73'). 3-4-2-1

Subs not used: 11 Firmino, 34 Bogdan, 56 Randall, 58 Cleary.

Bordeaux-Liverpool Match Stats:

Possession: 46%-54%

Attempts: 9-10

On target: 5-6

Corners: 4-8

Fouls: 10-10

Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco

Attendance: 35,328

Man of the match: Philippe Coutinho

Pictures and stats taken from the BBC website