Post by deadbat on Oct 24, 2020 23:03:25 GMT
Pod links below and match report beneath ….
soundcloud.com/tufty-club/tufty-club-reaction-20-21-liverpool-away
open.spotify.com/episode/4aKcuiqjSBT5oKzWX4zAfo?si=AqCllsTnRMKL-kICerUGNA
At the home of the Premier League Champions, it was always going to be a difficult ask for the Blades to get anything and so it proved as they were beaten by Liverpool but United gave a much better performance than maybe they have done all season and were only just edged out having led at Anfield in the first half. United did create a number of chances and with more composure and better concentration at the other end, could easily have taken something from the game.
United tweaked their side with a first start for Rhian Brewster up top with McBurnie and Ampadu got the nod over Jack Robinson. In midfield Norwood was out again and back in came Ben Osborn as United looked for a formula to get some points on the board.
Liverpool had Alison back in goal but were without the long-term casualty Virgil Van Dijk. Jota got a start in midfield in a very attacking line up spearheaded by the trio of Mane, Salah and Firmino.
United were playing in a green and gold strip and started on the attack but McBurnie mis controlled after good work from Berge. However, Liverpool were almost ahead on their first attack as a ball round the corner saw Mane in as Ramsdale oddly decided to come off his line but as the ball was slipped towards goal, Egan got back to clear off the line.
Lundstram was booked for a wild, stupid tackle on only 2 minutes and from its Alexander Arnold nearly embarrassed Ramsdale whose positioning was poor again well off his line. Fortunately, he got back and was able to tip over.
United tried to move forward after being penned in early and slowly started to see more of the ball but Ampadu overhit his pass. However, after a few minutes of improvements, a moment of controversy arrived. McBurnie was tripped clearly by Fabinho but after the ball went out, the decision was whether it was in or outside the box. It seemed it may have been just outside on first glance (of course on the line is a penalty) but maybe VAR had better angles and another replay showed that Fabinho’s heel was on the line and after a lengthy delay, the penalty was given.
After Lundstram missed one and with no Sharp or Norwood starting, BERGE took responsibility and sent Alison the wrong way to give the Blades a shock lead.
Liverpool tried to hit back and a soft foul on Basham saw Alexander Arnold whip in his trademark free kick but Egan cleared. Jota tried to run though the Blades also but the ex Wolves man was chopped down. Wijnaldum fired over but after this United had an excellent spell. McBurnie won a number of headers and was working very hard to keep the ball up the top of the field. He won another header and then Baldock’s cross appeared to strike Robertson’s hand but maybe VAR thought his arm was in a natural position.
On 20 minutes another good move saw McBurnie in on the angle (although he may have been flagged offside) but his shot was poor and pulled badly wide. Soon after more neat play saw Berge hit a shot that deflected wide. Another effort came when Baldock, who had started the game in superb fashion, hit an angled cross that Osborn met on the full but Alison pushed away.
The next phase saw Liverpool who easily could have been a few goals down, start to come good and knock the ball around better but they did not test United with Basham and Egan making good blocks. A lovely ball behind the back, saw Osborn lost Salah but Egan got his toe in at the last moment to send the ball behind.
United still kept trying to attack though and after a soft appeal from McBurnie who went down too easily on a headed chance, Berge may have had an even better appeal for a penalty than the one given when he was tripped by Jota but VAR were not going to give United two penalties at the Kop end.
On 40 minutes, Liverpool were level as Henderson sent over a super whipped cross, Mane got away from his man to powerfully head goalward and Ramsdale made a good reaction save but the power was such he could not divert it away and no United players reacted and FIRMINO knocked it home under no pressure. A few United players appealed for offside but it was clearly on in both parts of the move.
Straight after it was nearly 2-1, but like with the McBurnie chance, it was offside as he went through but shot at Ramsdale who saved well. United finished the half on the attack with Baldock again prominent on the ball and a few things did not drop.
United went in level and would have been delighted with how they performed and maybe a touch disappointed not to be leading on the chances they created and how long they had led and had a number of appeals for other penalties outside the one they got.
The second half saw Baldock have an early chance but it deflected wide – it may not have been going in anyway but the corner came to nothing. Liverpool came forward with their first attack but Robertson’s shot was blocked out before Osborn and Stevens both mis controlled and Liverpool won two corners with the final one seeing Salah curl wide from the edge of the box. The same man nearly was in on the angle but he took too long and Liverpool were perhaps guilty of trying to walk it in.
Burke came on for Brewster who had been disappointing in his first start and instantly was involved nearly getting in on Alison’s poor touch and then speeding past Fabinho before his shot on the angle was saved by the keeper.
On the hour, Liverpool thought they had taken the lead as a great ball by Alexander Arnold saw Salah take a touch and volley home superbly but the replays showed he was offside and the goal was disallowed.
However, the rest bite was brief for the Blades the goal came soon after. Like the first goal, United will have been disappointed not to stop it at source and then lost the header when it came over.
Mane worked space down the right and was not closed down and sent over a dangerous cross and JOTA was able to get away from Stevens and head home. United would not have been happy to concede a relatively basic goal and the Irish defender knew he should have done much better. Stevens then was booked for a rash tackle and looked to have lost his head a bit after doing well first half.
Liverpool started to dominate possession after this for a period and United struggled with Mane, Salah and Alexander Arnold to the fore. Still, United had a chance when Berge came inside and Basham had a shot saved from Alison. McGoldrick came on for Lundstram with 15 minutes to play and the sub nearly had an impact as he curled an effort just over. United now were having a better spell and Baldock and Basham combined before the latter’s pirouette would not have gained him high marks on Strictly and the home side broke.
Liverpool had another spell of play but could not find the vital ball before Osborn at the other end had no support. Salah should have made the game safe as he rolled Egan and was on but his dink over Ramsdale hit the post and came straight back to the keeper. Ampadu shot over the bar before Milner came on for Jota and then Minamino for Firmino.
United were not finished as the game became stretched and Stevens had a shot blocked before Berge took a booking for a cynical foul as Liverpool threatened to break
Three minutes of stoppage time were played and United kept attacking and had a final chance when McBurnie headed down and Burke hit a shot over the bar when well placed. The final whistle went and it was another defeat but a much more encouraging performance from the Blades despite the loss.
United – It was so much better than a week ago. We drew v Fulham but I feel much better about us after today. First half we were great. We had a rocky start and they had two chances but then after that we found our feet and kept a good shape. We had a number of chances, won a penalty and could have had another. McBurnie (maybe offside) and Osborn had chances. Berge was a constant threat and McBurnie won lots of headers and we looked like the Wilder United of old – getting men forward and throwing people into the box. We easily could have had another goal actually. Liverpool showed flashes but we kept them at arm’s length and they did not threaten much at all. Not sure Ramsdale had much to do after those two early moments of poor positioning but then out of nothing Salah nearly got in and soon after they score. It was a great cross and Liverpool are great at crossing the ball but we need to do better on the header. Ramsdale did about as well as he could and our players stand around. After this you feared for us and even though we were nowhere near as good 2nd half, they did not rip us apart but another poor goal just after the let off from the offside, was our undoing again. Stevens and Baldock both have to do better to at least put their men off on the header and the cross. After this again I thought they may score quite a few more but it never happened. They hit the post but did not have tons of chances and we had maybe more if not clear ones – McGoldrick, Basham and then Burke all had half chances. We got into some great areas and played some nice composed stuff but ultimately as good as that was, the final bit was poor again. The difference between the two sides in crossing was stark. I thought in general play we actually matched them for periods albeit their quality took over for a spell 2nd half.
On another day we score another goal at least and could have easily drawn. The stats don’t show it but it felt like we had as many chances as they did throughout the game and were right in the game throughout. I felt it was a committed, organised and brave performance with some quality but maybe just where it counts, we did not quite prove it which led to the defeat. I cannot fault us too much today as we gave a pretty good performance against the Champions and the team that will probably go on and win it again, I feel.
We just looked more like our old self. The way we pressed, harried, won loose balls and also played some decent stuff when we had it. It was a more confident performance and one we can take heart from.
I felt the new line up worked and Ampadu gave us some legs/mobility. Osborn did ok and Stevens did at left centre back first half but then struggled second half. The other two centre backs were really good, Egan only got beat once I think and the midfield worked hard especially first half. They saw a fair bit of the ball too. Berge was excellent most of the game and a real threat. I also thought that is the best McBurnie has played for ages and worked so hard for the team. Brewster looked very nervous and looked like a raw kid. He has to do much better than that and looked way off the pace.
One major worry is we are conceding constantly from crosses and headers. Villa, Wolves, Leeds and now this one. It is not good enough and if we don’t switch on more, then we are going to get relegated. It is a major concern as for all the good shape, tackles, blocks and foot ins we saw today, switching off at the vital times keeps on costing us. A great side like Liverpool and the two goals they score are headers (well the first was a rebound from one) rather than brilliant individual goals.
We now have City next week and that will be tough. Oddly, I am more concerned about a team like them that can pass you apart – Liverpool more direct. However, West Ham, Leicester and others have given them problems so you never know. If we play like we did today then we might get something but we have to do better in the two final thirds as whoever we play, even if we do ok and show improvements like we did today, we won’t be in this league unless we are better at composure attacking wise and concentration defending wise. We have still only scored one goal in open play and rarely look like scoring despite once again getting in good areas. We will have to score more goals sooner or later or it is going to be a relegation season and that is the harsh truth.
Ratings:
Ramsdale 7/10 – Started the game with a rush of blood to the head twice when he came off his line for no reason and once Egan saved him and then the second on the long-range free kick, got back. Just. After this he settled down. The goal was a point-blank header which he had to react. Some may think he should have pushed it out but I felt it was a good save and others needed to react. It was hard to push it out when it was so quick and just had to save it really. After that he made a few standard saves and had no chance on the second goal.
Baldock 7/10 – First half great. He got up and down well and put in some good crosses. Looked really determined. Loved him baring Wijnaldum off the ball and looked well up for it. Very advanced up the pitch and pushed Robertson back too. Second half he was not as far forward and a few times like the goal not tight enough to his man but he was much more like his old self today. However, his final ball often was still not good enough and takes too long to make decisions.
Osborn 7/10 – Thought he was good at left wing back. Surprised he started there but he stuck to his task and did well defensively, was constantly in motion the other way and was neat and tidy when he had it. A few times maybe when he got forward took a bit long and lacks that bit of real pace/quality but he was a good performer tonight.
Stevens 6/10 – First half good and defended well with a few blocks and interceptions and limited them to few chances. Second half not as tight to his man and then I felt he started to struggle and was a bit at full stretch a few times. Errored badly on the goal losing his man. He has to put his body in and know where Jota is. Then got booked and lost his head a bit. Had a few attacking moments near the end with a few shots blocked when he took too long to make a decision. Think we will persist with him left centre back for a period though now but he needs to concentrate more when it matters as he is another making too many mistakes.
Basham 7/10 – Thought he was really good for long spells with lots of energy and got forward a fair bit to help us attack more than we have done. Had a few shots/crosses and was in the Liverpool box a fair bit. He did well defensively too and got his foot in on a number of occasions. It may have been Basham that was slow on the goal though that lost his man Mane for the header but would need to watch again.
Egan 7/10 – Cleared off the line early on and led the defence well for most of the game. Made some good tackles and blocks and did the little things the defence have not been doing and got to the ball first. He got done by Salah once near the end but thought he gave a solid and committed performance against maybe the best attack in world club football and another more like his old self.
Ampadu 7.5/10 – Really impressed. Sure, he gave it away a few times but for the most part he kept it nice and simple, gave the defence protection, drove forward when he could and gave us something we have lacked as a midfielder, some legs, pace and athleticism. He did lots of little things and I thought it was a really promising game for him in that position and hope we persist with him here for an extended spell.
Lundstram 6.5/10 – Thought he started the game well and was involved a lot early – including a stupid booking. He got on it and moved us forward and was looking strong and forceful. He was good defensively too. After the break not sure I saw him at all and they started to see more of the ball in midfield and like last week him and Berge faded badly for 15 mins (Berge came again though to be fair) and he was rightly subbed – he may have gone earlier than he did.
Berge 7.5/10 – Along with Ampadu, a contender for our man of the match. Started the game with a driving run and had a few other good moments first half. Scored the penalty, had another shot blocked and was involved in most good things we did. They struggled to hold him when he ran with it and looked a real force. 2nd half he faded for 20 minutes and we lost control about this time but then did come good and had a few more decent moments around minute 70-85. He looked knackered by the end and needs to get physically fitter for the Premier League so he does not fade in games like is happening but no doubting the quality he showed today.
McBurnie 7/10 – I have slagged him off a far bit this season and some of the end of last but he was really good today. Led the line like a proper centre forward. Held it up when he could, chased things, won headers and was involved in lots of attacks. Won a penalty and then had a good chance (might have been off) but missed this badly. Second half not as involved in things I felt. He does throw himself to floor way too much though and is a bit embarrassing. Needs to get physically stronger but it was a much better performance today. He was a threat and worked hard.
Brewster 4/10 – Thought he was really poor. Had a few flicks early but most of the time the ball bounced off him or away from him. He looked very nervous and seemed to not know where to run to or what to do when he had it and constantly gave it away. Surprised he stayed on after half time but then finally went. A really poor debut in isolation but sure/hope he can do much better – he cannot do much worse – it was certainly one of the poorer debuts I have seen and followed on from his headless chicken cameo last week. Early doors of course.
Subs –
Burke 6.5/10 – Did more in 2 minutes than Brewster did in 55 as he closed Alison down and then had one great run and shot. Showed his pace a few other times but needs to get his head up more. Few daft fouls at the end and then a wild finish when well placed.
McGoldrick – Came on and had one good effort not far over and then gave it away at the other end and could not even foul his man to make amends. Was involved in some of our final attacks but often he was a long way from goal to make a difference.
Manager Wilder 7/10 – Tactically I was concerned when I saw they had effectively 4 up with pace and breaking play but we were brave and did not just sit in and defend. We attacked and got men forward and we saw the United we had seen a lot under him not the conservative mob we have seen the first few weeks this season. We got our rewards with a goal and maybe could have had another. The leveller came at a bad time and then it was a struggle for a spell. I am not sure we sat back, they just are relentless with fitness and quality. Credit to us though after another sloppy goal we had a go. His subs were right and better too and showed we were trying different things. I like the fact he changed the team and gave us more legs in key positions. Ultimately it is a defeat but he feels it is more a step forward. The attitude, commitment and at times even the football was much improved but it’s still another defeat when all is said and done. As he says we once again cannot find that last bit.
Liverpool – Not been their flowing best at times this season and the defeat at Villa was the shock of the season so far but with City struggling to convince and Spurs, Man Utd, Chelsea so up and down – they could probably lose 4 or 5 times the games they lost last year and still win it easily. Van Dijk being out is a blow but they are so good going forward they will just outscore other teams most weeks. They will have to as have conceded as many goals as any teams this season although the Villa freak result makes up most of that.
They effectively played 4 strikers today knowing how little threat we posed and did not need to worry about us the other way really. First half it did not work and at times they struggled a lot when we attacked and we had men over. We could have scored more goals and actually caused them all sorts of problems really and maybe they could have been 2-0 down. They stuck in and got the goals but they were not convincing really at all today and maybe a tad fortunate to win but will say they did enough 2nd half and had a lot of the ball.
They felt the back 2 would deal easily with our strikers and that the wing backs for us would have to defend knowing they could not leave centre backs isolated and one on one – so their two full backs could push on. Tactically it may seem a good tactic from Klopp but when you have far superior players you can play like they did but it did not quite go like he would have wanted really. First half they were a bit all over the place and lacked the structure they would normally have. We actualy got through them quite easily at times.
Having Alisson back is a boost especially with Van Dijk out but the two centre backs are poor and better teams/strikers may have made them pay really. First half better strikers and they could be going in a few behind. After they levelled there was an inevitability, they would get another and so it proved but they were never fully comfortable. They will take the win but they were not fantastic. Sure, they had other chances and had a goal disallowed too.
Interesting for all the plaudits they get, I always feel and saw it again today the biggest assets are their work rate of the front three allied to the quality but also the way they play is quite direct. They play a lot of long diagonal balls or balls for the front three to chase. They also cross the ball a lot. They score a lot of goals from crosses. Their crossing is fantastic though and the difference between a team like them and us is shown in this area. It shows it is not all about great skills, dribbling but sometimes putting the ball in the right areas.
Opponent Man of the Match – Mane is great and every time I see Liverpool, he is the key man. I think if he is taken out as much as is made of Van Dijk and Alisson; that they are not the same team. Salah and Firmino show amazing moments but Mane are a constant threat and he was involved in both goals. Alexander Arnold puts in some super balls and Henderson is very underrated in what he does as he showed at times tonight. Jota was lively at times and of course won it with a really good header for a small man.
Opponent Weak link – Thought that Fabinho and Gomez both looked shaky but the former gave away a penalty and was beaten aerially (McBurnie) and on the floor (Burke) and never looked at the races at all.
Referee/Officials/VAR – Mike Dean. He gave it as a free kick and then VAR said it was a penalty. I have to say I thought it was just outside on a few replays but then another showed his heel on the line as he tripped him. If that is the case then it has to be given of course if it is on the line. I was surprised we got it. Thought we had two decent shouts for others with the hand ball (maybe less so as down by his side) and then Berge was definitely tripped and this was clearer than the first – no idea why that was not given at all – simply they could not give two penalties against Liverpool at the Kop end in one half! Outside of this the Salah one was just off as he probably would have been if he scored in the first half and so would McBurnie if he scored. We had a few booked for quite clear and cynical fouls as their quick and athletic players tried to get away and we had to take them for the team – Stevens and Berge. Lundstram’s was just daft so early on and wild. He has done this a few times this season. The rest of the game Dean was fine really. Not sure he got too much wrong really and did not fall for the theatrics of Salah and Jota (when he tried to stay down to get us to put it out) and McBurnie for us. I actually like him as a ref. He is a bit of a showman but does not have many bad games these days and whenever we have him, he has been really good and more than that quite impartial. He seems to not give a crap about reputations and the size of the clubs.
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open.spotify.com/episode/4aKcuiqjSBT5oKzWX4zAfo?si=AqCllsTnRMKL-kICerUGNA
At the home of the Premier League Champions, it was always going to be a difficult ask for the Blades to get anything and so it proved as they were beaten by Liverpool but United gave a much better performance than maybe they have done all season and were only just edged out having led at Anfield in the first half. United did create a number of chances and with more composure and better concentration at the other end, could easily have taken something from the game.
United tweaked their side with a first start for Rhian Brewster up top with McBurnie and Ampadu got the nod over Jack Robinson. In midfield Norwood was out again and back in came Ben Osborn as United looked for a formula to get some points on the board.
Liverpool had Alison back in goal but were without the long-term casualty Virgil Van Dijk. Jota got a start in midfield in a very attacking line up spearheaded by the trio of Mane, Salah and Firmino.
United were playing in a green and gold strip and started on the attack but McBurnie mis controlled after good work from Berge. However, Liverpool were almost ahead on their first attack as a ball round the corner saw Mane in as Ramsdale oddly decided to come off his line but as the ball was slipped towards goal, Egan got back to clear off the line.
Lundstram was booked for a wild, stupid tackle on only 2 minutes and from its Alexander Arnold nearly embarrassed Ramsdale whose positioning was poor again well off his line. Fortunately, he got back and was able to tip over.
United tried to move forward after being penned in early and slowly started to see more of the ball but Ampadu overhit his pass. However, after a few minutes of improvements, a moment of controversy arrived. McBurnie was tripped clearly by Fabinho but after the ball went out, the decision was whether it was in or outside the box. It seemed it may have been just outside on first glance (of course on the line is a penalty) but maybe VAR had better angles and another replay showed that Fabinho’s heel was on the line and after a lengthy delay, the penalty was given.
After Lundstram missed one and with no Sharp or Norwood starting, BERGE took responsibility and sent Alison the wrong way to give the Blades a shock lead.
Liverpool tried to hit back and a soft foul on Basham saw Alexander Arnold whip in his trademark free kick but Egan cleared. Jota tried to run though the Blades also but the ex Wolves man was chopped down. Wijnaldum fired over but after this United had an excellent spell. McBurnie won a number of headers and was working very hard to keep the ball up the top of the field. He won another header and then Baldock’s cross appeared to strike Robertson’s hand but maybe VAR thought his arm was in a natural position.
On 20 minutes another good move saw McBurnie in on the angle (although he may have been flagged offside) but his shot was poor and pulled badly wide. Soon after more neat play saw Berge hit a shot that deflected wide. Another effort came when Baldock, who had started the game in superb fashion, hit an angled cross that Osborn met on the full but Alison pushed away.
The next phase saw Liverpool who easily could have been a few goals down, start to come good and knock the ball around better but they did not test United with Basham and Egan making good blocks. A lovely ball behind the back, saw Osborn lost Salah but Egan got his toe in at the last moment to send the ball behind.
United still kept trying to attack though and after a soft appeal from McBurnie who went down too easily on a headed chance, Berge may have had an even better appeal for a penalty than the one given when he was tripped by Jota but VAR were not going to give United two penalties at the Kop end.
On 40 minutes, Liverpool were level as Henderson sent over a super whipped cross, Mane got away from his man to powerfully head goalward and Ramsdale made a good reaction save but the power was such he could not divert it away and no United players reacted and FIRMINO knocked it home under no pressure. A few United players appealed for offside but it was clearly on in both parts of the move.
Straight after it was nearly 2-1, but like with the McBurnie chance, it was offside as he went through but shot at Ramsdale who saved well. United finished the half on the attack with Baldock again prominent on the ball and a few things did not drop.
United went in level and would have been delighted with how they performed and maybe a touch disappointed not to be leading on the chances they created and how long they had led and had a number of appeals for other penalties outside the one they got.
The second half saw Baldock have an early chance but it deflected wide – it may not have been going in anyway but the corner came to nothing. Liverpool came forward with their first attack but Robertson’s shot was blocked out before Osborn and Stevens both mis controlled and Liverpool won two corners with the final one seeing Salah curl wide from the edge of the box. The same man nearly was in on the angle but he took too long and Liverpool were perhaps guilty of trying to walk it in.
Burke came on for Brewster who had been disappointing in his first start and instantly was involved nearly getting in on Alison’s poor touch and then speeding past Fabinho before his shot on the angle was saved by the keeper.
On the hour, Liverpool thought they had taken the lead as a great ball by Alexander Arnold saw Salah take a touch and volley home superbly but the replays showed he was offside and the goal was disallowed.
However, the rest bite was brief for the Blades the goal came soon after. Like the first goal, United will have been disappointed not to stop it at source and then lost the header when it came over.
Mane worked space down the right and was not closed down and sent over a dangerous cross and JOTA was able to get away from Stevens and head home. United would not have been happy to concede a relatively basic goal and the Irish defender knew he should have done much better. Stevens then was booked for a rash tackle and looked to have lost his head a bit after doing well first half.
Liverpool started to dominate possession after this for a period and United struggled with Mane, Salah and Alexander Arnold to the fore. Still, United had a chance when Berge came inside and Basham had a shot saved from Alison. McGoldrick came on for Lundstram with 15 minutes to play and the sub nearly had an impact as he curled an effort just over. United now were having a better spell and Baldock and Basham combined before the latter’s pirouette would not have gained him high marks on Strictly and the home side broke.
Liverpool had another spell of play but could not find the vital ball before Osborn at the other end had no support. Salah should have made the game safe as he rolled Egan and was on but his dink over Ramsdale hit the post and came straight back to the keeper. Ampadu shot over the bar before Milner came on for Jota and then Minamino for Firmino.
United were not finished as the game became stretched and Stevens had a shot blocked before Berge took a booking for a cynical foul as Liverpool threatened to break
Three minutes of stoppage time were played and United kept attacking and had a final chance when McBurnie headed down and Burke hit a shot over the bar when well placed. The final whistle went and it was another defeat but a much more encouraging performance from the Blades despite the loss.
United – It was so much better than a week ago. We drew v Fulham but I feel much better about us after today. First half we were great. We had a rocky start and they had two chances but then after that we found our feet and kept a good shape. We had a number of chances, won a penalty and could have had another. McBurnie (maybe offside) and Osborn had chances. Berge was a constant threat and McBurnie won lots of headers and we looked like the Wilder United of old – getting men forward and throwing people into the box. We easily could have had another goal actually. Liverpool showed flashes but we kept them at arm’s length and they did not threaten much at all. Not sure Ramsdale had much to do after those two early moments of poor positioning but then out of nothing Salah nearly got in and soon after they score. It was a great cross and Liverpool are great at crossing the ball but we need to do better on the header. Ramsdale did about as well as he could and our players stand around. After this you feared for us and even though we were nowhere near as good 2nd half, they did not rip us apart but another poor goal just after the let off from the offside, was our undoing again. Stevens and Baldock both have to do better to at least put their men off on the header and the cross. After this again I thought they may score quite a few more but it never happened. They hit the post but did not have tons of chances and we had maybe more if not clear ones – McGoldrick, Basham and then Burke all had half chances. We got into some great areas and played some nice composed stuff but ultimately as good as that was, the final bit was poor again. The difference between the two sides in crossing was stark. I thought in general play we actually matched them for periods albeit their quality took over for a spell 2nd half.
On another day we score another goal at least and could have easily drawn. The stats don’t show it but it felt like we had as many chances as they did throughout the game and were right in the game throughout. I felt it was a committed, organised and brave performance with some quality but maybe just where it counts, we did not quite prove it which led to the defeat. I cannot fault us too much today as we gave a pretty good performance against the Champions and the team that will probably go on and win it again, I feel.
We just looked more like our old self. The way we pressed, harried, won loose balls and also played some decent stuff when we had it. It was a more confident performance and one we can take heart from.
I felt the new line up worked and Ampadu gave us some legs/mobility. Osborn did ok and Stevens did at left centre back first half but then struggled second half. The other two centre backs were really good, Egan only got beat once I think and the midfield worked hard especially first half. They saw a fair bit of the ball too. Berge was excellent most of the game and a real threat. I also thought that is the best McBurnie has played for ages and worked so hard for the team. Brewster looked very nervous and looked like a raw kid. He has to do much better than that and looked way off the pace.
One major worry is we are conceding constantly from crosses and headers. Villa, Wolves, Leeds and now this one. It is not good enough and if we don’t switch on more, then we are going to get relegated. It is a major concern as for all the good shape, tackles, blocks and foot ins we saw today, switching off at the vital times keeps on costing us. A great side like Liverpool and the two goals they score are headers (well the first was a rebound from one) rather than brilliant individual goals.
We now have City next week and that will be tough. Oddly, I am more concerned about a team like them that can pass you apart – Liverpool more direct. However, West Ham, Leicester and others have given them problems so you never know. If we play like we did today then we might get something but we have to do better in the two final thirds as whoever we play, even if we do ok and show improvements like we did today, we won’t be in this league unless we are better at composure attacking wise and concentration defending wise. We have still only scored one goal in open play and rarely look like scoring despite once again getting in good areas. We will have to score more goals sooner or later or it is going to be a relegation season and that is the harsh truth.
Ratings:
Ramsdale 7/10 – Started the game with a rush of blood to the head twice when he came off his line for no reason and once Egan saved him and then the second on the long-range free kick, got back. Just. After this he settled down. The goal was a point-blank header which he had to react. Some may think he should have pushed it out but I felt it was a good save and others needed to react. It was hard to push it out when it was so quick and just had to save it really. After that he made a few standard saves and had no chance on the second goal.
Baldock 7/10 – First half great. He got up and down well and put in some good crosses. Looked really determined. Loved him baring Wijnaldum off the ball and looked well up for it. Very advanced up the pitch and pushed Robertson back too. Second half he was not as far forward and a few times like the goal not tight enough to his man but he was much more like his old self today. However, his final ball often was still not good enough and takes too long to make decisions.
Osborn 7/10 – Thought he was good at left wing back. Surprised he started there but he stuck to his task and did well defensively, was constantly in motion the other way and was neat and tidy when he had it. A few times maybe when he got forward took a bit long and lacks that bit of real pace/quality but he was a good performer tonight.
Stevens 6/10 – First half good and defended well with a few blocks and interceptions and limited them to few chances. Second half not as tight to his man and then I felt he started to struggle and was a bit at full stretch a few times. Errored badly on the goal losing his man. He has to put his body in and know where Jota is. Then got booked and lost his head a bit. Had a few attacking moments near the end with a few shots blocked when he took too long to make a decision. Think we will persist with him left centre back for a period though now but he needs to concentrate more when it matters as he is another making too many mistakes.
Basham 7/10 – Thought he was really good for long spells with lots of energy and got forward a fair bit to help us attack more than we have done. Had a few shots/crosses and was in the Liverpool box a fair bit. He did well defensively too and got his foot in on a number of occasions. It may have been Basham that was slow on the goal though that lost his man Mane for the header but would need to watch again.
Egan 7/10 – Cleared off the line early on and led the defence well for most of the game. Made some good tackles and blocks and did the little things the defence have not been doing and got to the ball first. He got done by Salah once near the end but thought he gave a solid and committed performance against maybe the best attack in world club football and another more like his old self.
Ampadu 7.5/10 – Really impressed. Sure, he gave it away a few times but for the most part he kept it nice and simple, gave the defence protection, drove forward when he could and gave us something we have lacked as a midfielder, some legs, pace and athleticism. He did lots of little things and I thought it was a really promising game for him in that position and hope we persist with him here for an extended spell.
Lundstram 6.5/10 – Thought he started the game well and was involved a lot early – including a stupid booking. He got on it and moved us forward and was looking strong and forceful. He was good defensively too. After the break not sure I saw him at all and they started to see more of the ball in midfield and like last week him and Berge faded badly for 15 mins (Berge came again though to be fair) and he was rightly subbed – he may have gone earlier than he did.
Berge 7.5/10 – Along with Ampadu, a contender for our man of the match. Started the game with a driving run and had a few other good moments first half. Scored the penalty, had another shot blocked and was involved in most good things we did. They struggled to hold him when he ran with it and looked a real force. 2nd half he faded for 20 minutes and we lost control about this time but then did come good and had a few more decent moments around minute 70-85. He looked knackered by the end and needs to get physically fitter for the Premier League so he does not fade in games like is happening but no doubting the quality he showed today.
McBurnie 7/10 – I have slagged him off a far bit this season and some of the end of last but he was really good today. Led the line like a proper centre forward. Held it up when he could, chased things, won headers and was involved in lots of attacks. Won a penalty and then had a good chance (might have been off) but missed this badly. Second half not as involved in things I felt. He does throw himself to floor way too much though and is a bit embarrassing. Needs to get physically stronger but it was a much better performance today. He was a threat and worked hard.
Brewster 4/10 – Thought he was really poor. Had a few flicks early but most of the time the ball bounced off him or away from him. He looked very nervous and seemed to not know where to run to or what to do when he had it and constantly gave it away. Surprised he stayed on after half time but then finally went. A really poor debut in isolation but sure/hope he can do much better – he cannot do much worse – it was certainly one of the poorer debuts I have seen and followed on from his headless chicken cameo last week. Early doors of course.
Subs –
Burke 6.5/10 – Did more in 2 minutes than Brewster did in 55 as he closed Alison down and then had one great run and shot. Showed his pace a few other times but needs to get his head up more. Few daft fouls at the end and then a wild finish when well placed.
McGoldrick – Came on and had one good effort not far over and then gave it away at the other end and could not even foul his man to make amends. Was involved in some of our final attacks but often he was a long way from goal to make a difference.
Manager Wilder 7/10 – Tactically I was concerned when I saw they had effectively 4 up with pace and breaking play but we were brave and did not just sit in and defend. We attacked and got men forward and we saw the United we had seen a lot under him not the conservative mob we have seen the first few weeks this season. We got our rewards with a goal and maybe could have had another. The leveller came at a bad time and then it was a struggle for a spell. I am not sure we sat back, they just are relentless with fitness and quality. Credit to us though after another sloppy goal we had a go. His subs were right and better too and showed we were trying different things. I like the fact he changed the team and gave us more legs in key positions. Ultimately it is a defeat but he feels it is more a step forward. The attitude, commitment and at times even the football was much improved but it’s still another defeat when all is said and done. As he says we once again cannot find that last bit.
Liverpool – Not been their flowing best at times this season and the defeat at Villa was the shock of the season so far but with City struggling to convince and Spurs, Man Utd, Chelsea so up and down – they could probably lose 4 or 5 times the games they lost last year and still win it easily. Van Dijk being out is a blow but they are so good going forward they will just outscore other teams most weeks. They will have to as have conceded as many goals as any teams this season although the Villa freak result makes up most of that.
They effectively played 4 strikers today knowing how little threat we posed and did not need to worry about us the other way really. First half it did not work and at times they struggled a lot when we attacked and we had men over. We could have scored more goals and actually caused them all sorts of problems really and maybe they could have been 2-0 down. They stuck in and got the goals but they were not convincing really at all today and maybe a tad fortunate to win but will say they did enough 2nd half and had a lot of the ball.
They felt the back 2 would deal easily with our strikers and that the wing backs for us would have to defend knowing they could not leave centre backs isolated and one on one – so their two full backs could push on. Tactically it may seem a good tactic from Klopp but when you have far superior players you can play like they did but it did not quite go like he would have wanted really. First half they were a bit all over the place and lacked the structure they would normally have. We actualy got through them quite easily at times.
Having Alisson back is a boost especially with Van Dijk out but the two centre backs are poor and better teams/strikers may have made them pay really. First half better strikers and they could be going in a few behind. After they levelled there was an inevitability, they would get another and so it proved but they were never fully comfortable. They will take the win but they were not fantastic. Sure, they had other chances and had a goal disallowed too.
Interesting for all the plaudits they get, I always feel and saw it again today the biggest assets are their work rate of the front three allied to the quality but also the way they play is quite direct. They play a lot of long diagonal balls or balls for the front three to chase. They also cross the ball a lot. They score a lot of goals from crosses. Their crossing is fantastic though and the difference between a team like them and us is shown in this area. It shows it is not all about great skills, dribbling but sometimes putting the ball in the right areas.
Opponent Man of the Match – Mane is great and every time I see Liverpool, he is the key man. I think if he is taken out as much as is made of Van Dijk and Alisson; that they are not the same team. Salah and Firmino show amazing moments but Mane are a constant threat and he was involved in both goals. Alexander Arnold puts in some super balls and Henderson is very underrated in what he does as he showed at times tonight. Jota was lively at times and of course won it with a really good header for a small man.
Opponent Weak link – Thought that Fabinho and Gomez both looked shaky but the former gave away a penalty and was beaten aerially (McBurnie) and on the floor (Burke) and never looked at the races at all.
Referee/Officials/VAR – Mike Dean. He gave it as a free kick and then VAR said it was a penalty. I have to say I thought it was just outside on a few replays but then another showed his heel on the line as he tripped him. If that is the case then it has to be given of course if it is on the line. I was surprised we got it. Thought we had two decent shouts for others with the hand ball (maybe less so as down by his side) and then Berge was definitely tripped and this was clearer than the first – no idea why that was not given at all – simply they could not give two penalties against Liverpool at the Kop end in one half! Outside of this the Salah one was just off as he probably would have been if he scored in the first half and so would McBurnie if he scored. We had a few booked for quite clear and cynical fouls as their quick and athletic players tried to get away and we had to take them for the team – Stevens and Berge. Lundstram’s was just daft so early on and wild. He has done this a few times this season. The rest of the game Dean was fine really. Not sure he got too much wrong really and did not fall for the theatrics of Salah and Jota (when he tried to stay down to get us to put it out) and McBurnie for us. I actually like him as a ref. He is a bit of a showman but does not have many bad games these days and whenever we have him, he has been really good and more than that quite impartial. He seems to not give a crap about reputations and the size of the clubs.
