Liverpool (H) | Post-Match Thread

[domalino]

I actually think Walker could play the RCB role Akanji is playing. He's better defensively has better recovery pace and is better one-on-one. Although Akanji is better on the ball. Akanji played a decent game id like to see him improve his awareness defensively.

I think what we saw is Peps preferred line-up for this system except Haaland for Alvarez, I wasnt a big fan of the inverted 3 atb system but its looking good, the players look comfortable and confident, Gundogan playing higher up in #8/#10 with Stones and Rodri to protect againts transitions, Kdb, im so glad he's back in top form, playing #8/#10 is great for him as opposed to the support striker role he was playing previously.

It feels like a really obvious move is to have Aké Dias Stones Walker as the back 4 and then just have stones push up into midfield instead of starting at RB and coming across into midfield.

 

[BlueMooner87]

Probably the most enjoyable game this season for me.

Slight mistake for their goal but it didn't effect us at all. We looked fantastic all game and solid at the back, even Ederson made a save (albeit an offside shot but he wasnt to know). That pass to Mahrez for KDB goal split them open in a similar fashion to Silva pass in the 6-1.

Also felt like the players really wanted it, fantastic performance and a result to keep up the pressure.

 

[Cityfan]

If tevez dickov and Sergio had a baby, out would pop alverez. Gonna be an incredible player and all for a bargain price.

Hope he's not getting Dickovs skill, Agueros injuries and Tevez's tolerance of City managers.
;-)

 

[chickaroon]

The thing that struck me about the dipper fan stream reactions to the game, was that they acknowledged how good this City side is and how much better than the current Liverpool side?

The quality of the City team has become an accepted fact by fans, pundits and the media. There are still lingering vestiges of City Bingo like the "Emptyhad" and Shearer claiming City has the biggest squad on MoTD, when both proven to be untrue.

We don't have the biggest squad, just the best squad.

 

[Gingers Dad]

I actually think Walker could play the RCB role Akanji is playing. He's better defensively has better recovery pace and is better one-on-one. Although Akanji is better on the ball. Akanji played a decent game id like to see him improve his awareness defensively.

I think what we saw is Peps preferred line-up for this system except Haaland for Alvarez, I wasnt a big fan of the inverted 3 atb system but its looking good, the players look comfortable and confident, Gundogan playing higher up in #8/#10 with Stones and Rodri to protect againts transitions, Kdb, im so glad he's back in top form, playing #8/#10 is great for him as opposed to the support striker role he was playing previously.

Stones in the middle gave the extra option. Played a big part in the equaliser. Rodri got in more advanced positions and eventually so did Stones when we totally owned them after the 4th.

 

[Asa's left peg]

It was pretty awesome, wasn't it?

 

[Vic]

When Rodri go this yellow the ref did that “you did one over there and another over there” thing which I thought was wrong because it was his first foul. Stones had done a couple and I wondered if the ref had confused them. i suspect someone had a word because a red card for two fouls would have been exceptionally harsh

He'd tried to grab someone earlier but the ref played advantage.

 

[The perfect fumble]

 

[Lovebitesandeveryfing]

Still savouring this one, and will do for days to come.
Normally, if I've seen a match live, I don't re-watch it in its entirety. For once I decided to do it for this one on City +, to get a clearer-eyed view of the whole ninety minutes. Because I was tense as hell for most of the match, and didn't really relax until we stuck the fourth in. I can't say I was really, fully enjoying it till then. Even then, I'd have preferred a fifth!
In fact, what clearly emerged on second viewing was that we thoroughly dominated them, and over both halves, not just the second. I had the impression watching it live that the first half was close, but that we'd just edged it. Not so. We actually thoroughly managed them. They had one serious shot on target — one only — and that was their goal. Otherwise Ed had almost nothing to do. They had two or three moments that appeared to be dangerous, but only because the lino kept his flag down following this stupid rule that he is supposed to do that and only if it's in the back of the net is it referred to VAR. On at least two occasions the Liverpool player was miles offside, with clear daylight between him and our last defender. By contrast, although we didn't create a lot of clear chances, you can see that they're really straining to hold us at bay. We're thinking faster, we've moving on and off the ball faster, we're much more inventive all over the pitch.
I'm actually having difficulty remembering a match where we have dominated this lot so thoroughly. The Mané sending off game doesn't rival it, in my view. Yes, we were already dominating the dippers in that one, but once Mané was off it did definitely change the whole nature of the game. There was no sending off here, no major players absent on their side (although there were on ours), but even if it isn't reflected in the number of goals scored, make no mistake, this was an absolute thrashing of the dippers all over the pitch. Watch it a second time right through and it becomes glaringly obvious.

 

[Cityfan]

Agreed 100% with Akanji. Grealish is now flavour of the month, so it seems it's Akanji's turn to be shit & not worthy of the shirt. :-/

It's all about opinions, but the £15m we spent on Akanji is the best value for money acquisition we've had since Fernandinho for £29m & Gundog for £22m.

It beggars belief that fans are getting on his case when he's had a brilliant first season with us. Pep picks him to start more often than not, so that's what City think of Akanji... \0/

Think Alvarez might argue about best value for money, but he's been a great but I agree.

 

[the blue panther]

Still savouring this one, and will do for days to come.
Normally, if I've seen a match live, I don't re-watch it in its entirety. For once I decided to do it for this one on City +, to get a clearer-eyed view of the whole ninety minutes. Because I was tense as hell for most of the match, and didn't really relax until we stuck the fourth in. I can't say I was really, fully enjoying it till then. Even then, I'd have preferred a fifth!
In fact, what clearly emerged on second viewing was that we thoroughly dominated them, and over both halves, not just the second. I had the impression watching it live that the first half was close, but that we'd just edged it. Not so. We actually thoroughly managed them. They had one serious shot on target — one only — and that was their goal. Otherwise Ed had almost nothing to do. They had two or three moments that appeared to be dangerous, but only because the lino kept his flag down following this stupid rule that he is supposed to do that and only if it's in the back of the net is it referred to VAR. On at least two occasions the Liverpool player was miles offside, with clear daylight between him and our last defender. By contrast, although we didn't create a lot of clear chances, you can clearly see that they're really straining to hold us at bay. We're thinking faster, we've moving on and off the ball faster, we're much more inventive all over the pitch.
I'm actually having difficulty remembering a match where we have dominated this lot so thoroughly. The Mané sending off game doesn't rival it, in my view. Yes, we were already dominating the dippers in that one, but once Mané was off it did definitely change the whole nature of the game. There was no sending off here, no major players absent on their side (although there were on ours), but even if it isn't reflected in the number of goals scored, make no mistake, this was an absolute thrashing of the dippers all over the pitch. Watch it a second time right through and it becomes glaringly obvious.

Agreed, but, I don't need to rewatch. I've been buzzing about it since Saturday and honestly feel that's the best football from a whole team that I've ever seen.

 

[Lovebitesandeveryfing]

Agreed, but, I don't need to rewatch. I've been buzzing about it since Saturday and honestly feel that's the best football from a whole team that I've ever seen.

That's one hell of a claim, but I think it can be argued. What was striking — and it becomes even more flagrant on second viewing — was that there wasn't one player who didn't appear to be playing almost at his maximum. Obviously there are different levels of potential between, say, a De Bruyne and an Akanji, but both players were giving it everything they reasonably could. As was everyone, all over the pitch. Ed can't easily be judged, because he had almost nothing to do. (Once or twice I noticed his distribution was right off the mark, but he also pinged out several balls worthy of any midfield player).
An astonishing performance, for sure.

 

[bennyboy]

They reckon nothing will happen to Pep for shaking hands after the goal but they will get pulled up for surrounding the ref after the non sending off of Rodri.lol

 

[blue ranger]

I actually think Walker could play the RCB role Akanji is playing. He's better defensively has better recovery pace and is better one-on-one. Although Akanji is better on the ball. Akanji played a decent game id like to see him improve his awareness defensively.

I think what we saw is Peps preferred line-up for this system except Haaland for Alvarez, I wasnt a big fan of the inverted 3 atb system but its looking good, the players look comfortable and confident, Gundogan playing higher up in #8/#10 with Stones and Rodri to protect againts transitions, Kdb, im so glad he's back in top form, playing #8/#10 is great for him as opposed to the support striker role he was playing previously.

You’ve clearly forgotten the Soton away game in the Carabao. Walker was awful
in that match and the issue is his passing range isn’t good enough to play the role. For me he is a brilliant RB but I wouldn’t play him anywhere else.

 

[Dribble]

Think Alvarez might argue about best value for money, but he's been a great but I agree.

Yes Alvarez could/should be on that list. But to be fair, when I typed it I had in mind long established players we'd bought cheap & who'd served us well over the years. )(

 

[bluemoon32]

 

[SebastianBlue]

Still savouring this one, and will do for days to come.
Normally, if I've seen a match live, I don't re-watch it in its entirety. For once I decided to do it for this one on City +, to get a clearer-eyed view of the whole ninety minutes. Because I was tense as hell for most of the match, and didn't really relax until we stuck the fourth in. I can't say I was really, fully enjoying it till then. Even then, I'd have preferred a fifth!
In fact, what clearly emerged on second viewing was that we thoroughly dominated them, and over both halves, not just the second. I had the impression watching it live that the first half was close, but that we'd just edged it. Not so. We actually thoroughly managed them. They had one serious shot on target — one only — and that was their goal. Otherwise Ed had almost nothing to do. They had two or three moments that appeared to be dangerous, but only because the lino kept his flag down following this stupid rule that he is supposed to do that and only if it's in the back of the net is it referred to VAR. On at least two occasions the Liverpool player was miles offside, with clear daylight between him and our last defender. By contrast, although we didn't create a lot of clear chances, you can clearly see that they're really straining to hold us at bay. We're thinking faster, we've moving on and off the ball faster, we're much more inventive all over the pitch.
I'm actually having difficulty remembering a match where we have dominated this lot so thoroughly. The Mané sending off game doesn't rival it, in my view. Yes, we were already dominating the dippers in that one, but once Mané was off it did definitely change the whole nature of the game. There was no sending off here, no major players absent on their side (although there were on ours), but even if it isn't reflected in the number of goals scored, make no mistake, this was an absolute thrashing of the dippers all over the pitch. Watch it a second time right through and it becomes glaringly obvious.

I think this chart says it all.

Pure dominance apart from their fluke goal (which only served to poke the beast). They’d probably been better off not scoring, as then perhaps we may have only beaten them 2-0, conserving more energy throughout.

 

[svennis pennis]

Still savouring this one, and will do for days to come.
Normally, if I've seen a match live, I don't re-watch it in its entirety. For once I decided to do it for this one on City +, to get a clearer-eyed view of the whole ninety minutes. Because I was tense as hell for most of the match, and didn't really relax until we stuck the fourth in. I can't say I was really, fully enjoying it till then. Even then, I'd have preferred a fifth!
In fact, what clearly emerged on second viewing was that we thoroughly dominated them, and over both halves, not just the second. I had the impression watching it live that the first half was close, but that we'd just edged it. Not so. We actually thoroughly managed them. They had one serious shot on target — one only — and that was their goal. Otherwise Ed had almost nothing to do. They had two or three moments that appeared to be dangerous, but only because the lino kept his flag down following this stupid rule that he is supposed to do that and only if it's in the back of the net is it referred to VAR. On at least two occasions the Liverpool player was miles offside, with clear daylight between him and our last defender. By contrast, although we didn't create a lot of clear chances, you can clearly see that they're really straining to hold us at bay. We're thinking faster, we've moving on and off the ball faster, we're much more inventive all over the pitch.
I'm actually having difficulty remembering a match where we have dominated this lot so thoroughly. The Mané sending off game doesn't rival it, in my view. Yes, we were already dominating the dippers in that one, but once Mané was off it did definitely change the whole nature of the game. There was no sending off here, no major players absent on their side (although there were on ours), but even if it isn't reflected in the number of goals scored, make no mistake, this was an absolute thrashing of the dippers all over the pitch. Watch it a second time right through and it becomes glaringly obvious.

Think there is a comparison to be had there. The dippers look on the whole, absolutely shite without Mane.

I hated the snide, stud throwing, elbow wielding, kicking out shithousery of the man, but he was integral to their side. Very happy he’s gone.

 

[Dribble]

Still savouring this one, and will do for days to come.
Normally, if I've seen a match live, I don't re-watch it in its entirety. For once I decided to do it for this one on City +, to get a clearer-eyed view of the whole ninety minutes. Because I was tense as hell for most of the match, and didn't really relax until we stuck the fourth in. I can't say I was really, fully enjoying it till then. Even then, I'd have preferred a fifth!
In fact, what clearly emerged on second viewing was that we thoroughly dominated them, and over both halves, not just the second. I had the impression watching it live that the first half was close, but that we'd just edged it. Not so. We actually thoroughly managed them. They had one serious shot on target — one only — and that was their goal. Otherwise Ed had almost nothing to do. They had two or three moments that appeared to be dangerous, but only because the lino kept his flag down following this stupid rule that he is supposed to do that and only if it's in the back of the net is it referred to VAR. On at least two occasions the Liverpool player was miles offside, with clear daylight between him and our last defender. By contrast, although we didn't create a lot of clear chances, you can clearly see that they're really straining to hold us at bay. We're thinking faster, we've moving on and off the ball faster, we're much more inventive all over the pitch.
I'm actually having difficulty remembering a match where we have dominated this lot so thoroughly. The Mané sending off game doesn't rival it, in my view. Yes, we were already dominating the dippers in that one, but once Mané was off it did definitely change the whole nature of the game. There was no sending off here, no major players absent on their side (although there were on ours), but even if it isn't reflected in the number of goals scored, make no mistake, this was an absolute thrashing of the dippers all over the pitch. Watch it a second time right through and it becomes glaringly obvious.

Very similar. I rarely watch a game back, but I happily did with this match. When the match was over, I was baffled when reading reports that the first half was supposed to be pretty even. That's not the same game I was watching.

We gave them a right dicking in the first half, & the only difference in the second was their eventual collapse under the same pressure we'd been applying from the kick off.

Make no mistake, this was a masterful exhibition of swift, incisive, controlled football, & to a man we were excellent from back to front.

Most City fans have been collectively buzzing since Saturday & it's not just about the all important three points... It was the dominant manner of the stiffing we gave the Dippers which was utterly brutal.

Klipperty was in total shock in the post match interview. Teeth was totally lost for words, but to his credit he offered no excuses. Klopp & the whole world witnessed a strong Dipper side getting schooled by a Super Slick City... :-)

 

[Lovebitesandeveryfing]

I think this chart says it all.

Pure dominance apart from their fluke goal (which only served to poke the beast). They’d probably been better off not scoring, as then perhaps we may have only beaten them 2-0, conserving more energy throughout.

Just one thing I've got to disagree with you about, and it's important. Their goal wasn't a fluke, and it's something that Pep and the players should take careful note of. The dippers are extremely good at that kind of goal (even now, in their diminished state), and it's exactly the kind of three-pass counter-attack goal that we've so often been sucker punched with in the Champion's League. And not just by Liverpool. You can actually win the whole bloody thing, from group stage through to the final, by getting that down to a fine art, and there are teams that have done exactly that. It doesn't matter so much in the league because you can usually recover from it, both within the game, and over several games. But in the CL you're punished by it, and you're out for yet another year. We've got to learn to watch out better for it, if only in Europe.