PL MD14: Everton 1-4 Liverpool, Finally a win away, and with style too!

Ah, Goodison Park, it's been a long while since we won here. But won here last night we did. Seriously, 3 games in 4 where Liverpool scored 4 goals in a game to take us to 43 goals scored in 14 League matches, 25 of which scored away from home which is crazy. Total it takes us to 63 goals in all competitions. Our form has been remarkable where goals for all 21 games in all competitions played so far,  have not been a problem, even draws and a loss, goals are still in abundant supply.

This match is all about 3 persons standing out, Hendo, Mo and Robertson with great shifts in from the 3.

GK: Alisson Becker - 7

Shot himself in the foot there for letting a goal in. But then again, conceding goals are part and parcel. And I'm not worried about an occasional goal leak because our front 3 of Jota, Mo and Mane have been firing, with goals plenty easy to come by. But other than that it was routine day for him.

RB: Trent Alexander Arnold - 8

Did the job despite not getting on the assist count. Still contributed to the attack so it's all good from Trent as usual.

CB: Joel Matip - 7.5

Started the game in favour over Ibrahim Konate. Could have done better preventing the goal by Gray. However, his towering presence was a threat and almost could have scored from the first corner very early.

CB: Virgil Van Dijk - 7

Started the game after scoring against his former club Southampton in the previous one. Another routine day at the office for Virgil which was expected of him.

LB: Andrew Robertson - 9
Goal Contributions: 2 Assists

Back to his scintillating best with a double assists. See? This competition in the squad which is Tsimikas is helping him up his game. 3 assists in 2 games, not a bad return.

DM: Fabinho - 8

Again a towering presence in the midfield. That's the reason why Fabinho should never leave this spot to another role because it messes up the synergy.

CM: Thiago Alcantara - 7.5

Another consecutive start for the Spaniard. Thiago started abit slow and sloppy before growing into the game. This is another player who shouldn't leave this particular spot. With him starting with Fabinho and Hendo, that's probably the best midfield we have now and especially with the former, we have not lost a game yet.

RM/RAM: Jordan Henderson - 9 - MOTM
Goal Contributions: 1 Goal, 1 Assist.

Ran the show. Absolutely ran the show.  A Captain's performance that set up the team's tempo well. Deadly in the right side of the midfield and he played a hybrid style that has elements of a Right Attacking Midfielder and winger. He slammed home a well taken long ranged goal to start the ball rolling and then assisted for Mo's 1st Goal. Weak Left foot too with that goal yet that finish was freaking sweet. 

RW / RF: Mohamed Salah - 9
Goal Contributions: 2 Goals

Deadly on the counter attack, 2 one on ones, no mistakes at all. What more can I say? Especially the 2nd goal where a Seamus Coleman mistake allows him to go free. And trust me, you wouldn't want to be in the receiving end of these finishers. 19 goals in all comps already?! 34 in the whole 2021 calendar! We're only 3 and a half months in! That's the reason why he deserved a much higher place in the Ballon D'or! Don't worry, Mo. We all still love ya.

ST/CF: Diogo Jota - 8
Goal Contribution: 1 Goal

Jota continues his fiery form with a pretty crazy goal at that tight angle! When someone doesn't really score, Jota has been answering the call in the recent matches he's played.

LW: Sadio Mane - 7

Didn't get on the scoresheet but doesn't mean he was playing badly. Ah well, you'll get your chance, mate.

NEXT GAME: Wolverhampton Wanderers

Although Wolves have been real scrappy form of late, with consecutive draws vs Burnley and Norwich, they are still a side not meant to be scoffed at. Because they can still pull off some surprises. That said though, all the Reds need to do is to keep this momentum and our front 3 firing on all cylinders. It'll be difficult, but then again, all matches in the PL can be difficult, as well as unpredictable. Because anyone can beat anyone.  

Liverpool FC 4-0 Arsenal - 2nd Half blitzkrieg routs Gunners.

This was undoubtedly one of the few most challenging matches, especially against a very VERY in-form Arsenal who after 3 defeats in the first 3 matches, made up some huge ground. 4 - 0 scoreline against this side may sound flattering but the scoreline could be far more than this if not for the first half heroics of Aaron Ramsdale. And to be fair to him, Ramsdale was the only Arsenal Player who had the biggest positive that match and the gunners have him to thank to limit that rout that would have otherwise been an absolute thrashing. Cause' aside from him, every one else played badly which made our game easier.

GK Alisson Becker - 7

Honestly was not tested all that much because Arsenal wasn't really pushing hard at all, funnily enough. But even if he was, it was pretty routine work for him in the office. Kinda felt like Man Utd again for him because it was similarly easy.

RB Trent Alexander Arnold - 8.5
Goal Contributions: 2 Assists

Contributed 2 more assists which takes him to was it 9 or 10 assists in 6 games for club and country? Staggering either way!

LB Kostas Tsimikas - 8

Not as imperious as TAA but still nonetheless effective and I can tell he really enjoys playing. Gets a start ahead of Andrew Robertson.

CB Joel Matip and Virgil Matip - 7.5 each

The fact that Arsenal didn't really do much kinda makes them look easily look too good. But in reality, they aren't really tested at all, snuffing out Lacazette and Aubameyang, so that's why I'll just describe both of them as a pairing with the same grade each.

DM Fabinho - 9

Breaking up attacks from Arsenal is the reason why Van Dijk and Matip didn't have much to do. And that's what Fabinho does. And he did stop 2 major attacking attempts. Cracking night.

CM: Oxlade Chamberlain - 8.5

Attacking wise he wasn't as good but in defense, especially when tracks back, he does so quickly and does it well. Pretty classy display from Ox.

CM: Thiago - 8

Nearly as class as Ox, Thiago provides the slight creative edge that Liverpool needed.

RW: Mohamed Salah - 8.5
Contribution: 1 Goal

Finally got himself a goal and was causing problems in the right side, often interlinking with Trent expertly.

ST / CF: Diogo Jota - 9
Contribution: 1 Goal

Caused big problems in the center role. And that header pass that triggered the 3rd goal by heading to Mane who assisted for Salah. Got himself a goal before that too! Intercepting the loose ball given away by Nuno Tavares and sending a few defenders and Aaron Ramsdale to the floor. Quite a sweet goal I must say which started he 2nd half rout.

LW: Sadio Mane - 9
Contribution: 1 Goal, 1 Assist

Opened the scoring with that much needed header at the right place, right time. Then assisted for Mo. Back to his sharp best. Even that rib injury during internationals didn't stop him from playing well.

SUBS:

Henderson - 7 Swapped for the Ox to shore up the midfield. The Job's already complete though so it was a pretty routine sub call for the Captain to get some minutes while recovering from some certain injury scares.

Minamino - 8
Contribution: 1 Goal

Subbed on for Jota due to a certain knee issue but didn't take long for him to find the net, 48 seconds in fact to complete the demolition. 


Tyler Morton - NA: Swapped for Thiago for his PL Anfield Debut. The damage was already done and the game was already effectively over, but for Tyler to earn some minutes is still nonetheless pretty valueable. Could we see him in the Porto Game? Potentially.

JURGEN KLOPP - 9

Next Game: PORTO! Home!

We drubbed them away 5-1. Now with Qualification to the Knockouts long secured with max 12 points in 4 in the group stages, for sure we can rotate because for our key XI for our next PL Match, we'll need them to stay injury free.

MD09: Manchester United 0 - 5 Liverpool FC - 1st Half Blitzkrieg with a Salah Masterclass

OK! Not gonna lie, when I saw the lineup, again I was not confident. And every time we come to Old Trafford, our form tends to get thrown out the window. However, then again, our Scousers have been on an absolute high momentum. Funnily enough, as far as all the games go for this season, this was by far the easiest, literally by a huge long shot, against Man Utd of all teams. I know we also beat Watford 5-0 but never did we have an easier time dismantling and burying the game before half time. That said I didn't like how dirty Man United were playing, they were all out to try injured and deplete our team. Naby rumors say that he'll only be out for a couple weeks, but no updates on Milner. Still a massive win, and back to back Old Trafford wins since Jota and Salah scored goals in the 4-2 win along with a Firmino Brace.

Really, I've been saying time and time again. Liverpool's offensive power is devastating because of right coaching but more importantly the correct and most reliable synergy of the forward line where everybody is in sync. This game is no exception. Everybody in front, consisting of Robbo, Trent, Keita, Firmino, Salah and Jota, all gelled in sync in what is our best ever Old Trafford away day, heck maybe even the best performance against Man U ever. I don't think any other Man U wins would have come close.

GK: Alisson Becker - 7.5 / 10

Routine day at the office, which is funny considering it is supposed to be Manchester United that he was facing. However he handled his box well and made a few routine saves that kept that clean sheet although I wouldn't have minded if CR7's goal wasn't ruled out either, as the game by then was well and truly buried.

RB / FB: Trent Alexander Arnold - 8.5 / 10
Contribution: 1 Assist

Typical Industrious performance from him, often swapping sides of the wings with Robbo and nice quick assist grab for Jota's 2nd goal!

CB: Ibrahima Konate - 8 / 10

Surprise call for Konate for a large game like this. But Konate don't care. To be fair, he wasn't really tested that much though he kept Cristiano Ronaldo quiet for much of the game.

CB: Virgil Van Dijk - 8 / 10

Equally sharp as his partner Konate, Virgil Van Dijk had no problems stemming Manc's attacks either because let's just say, Man U were simply horrendously bad. He had a bone to pick with CR7 after the latter fowled Curtis Jones which was hilarious though.

LB / FB: Andy Robertson - 8 / 10

Didn't add to the assists from his side, but his build up play was nonetheless solid and deadly. Another good outing for him.

CDM: Jordan Henderson - 9 / 10
Contribution: 1 Assist

Filled in for Fabinho who is ruled out to a knock. But no problem in such an important game as this. And wow, what a pass! Past a gap through 2-3 players for Mo's Hat Trick Goal.

LM: James Milner - NA

Didn't play enough to warrant a rating before getting subbed to injury. However he was on hand queuing up behind Jota just in case the latter didn't connect the 2nd goal.

RM / FW: Naby Keita - 10 / 10
Contribution: 1 Assist

Always running, always pressing, eyes on the ball and whoever gets it, always tracking, this was his best performance. He plays more as if an Attacking Midfield, even almost as a center forward and bossed the midfield area and more than willing to do the dirty work. Not a bad strategy to keep pivoting between 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1.

LW: Diogo Jota - 8 / 10
Contribution: 1 Assist, 1 Goal

Back in again with the goal as he did in the previous Old Trafford encounter! Enjoyed his game on the left flank and linking up with Keita, Firmino and Salah.

CF / LWF: Roberto Firmino - 8.5 / 10

Didn't get on the assist or scoresheet. However he was heavily involved in the buildups to the goals as the glue to the rest of the forward line, always swapping and overlapping on the left with Jota.

RW: Mohamed Salah - 10 / 10
Contribution: 1 Assist, 3 Goals

Time for lunch of goals for him. Has to be a perfect 10. Has to be. Who scores a hat trick against Manchester United in their own turf? What a masterclass! SIGN DA TING!!! The question of Ronaldo vs Salah, who is the better forward, is undoubtedly clear.

SUB 1: LM - Curtis Jones - 8 / 10

Took a bit of time to grow into the game. But managed to keep the left attacking flank moving all the time. Should be ready to go for the Preston Game.

SUB 2: RM: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - NA

Didn't do enough to really change the game as it was truly done by the time Keita went out.

SUB 3: RW: Sadio Mane - NA

Same scenario. Only there needed to get some minutes when the win was already firmly in our grasp.

JURGEN KLOPP - 9

This is the difference between a world class coach and an average or below average coach. Klopp made some bold changes and also enforced changes, with Konate in for Matip even though the latter had been on top form and shape. He played to their strengths and exploiting the relative immobility of the midfield line and that resulted in an ultimate schooling lesson for Ole Gunnar or Goner Solskjaer. Unusual team selection, but was a perfect game plan. 

Next Game: Preston Away

We can afford to rest some big guns after what was like a huge gauntlet of games. We could afford to and did slow down the tempo after the 5th goal to kinda rest up abit. Brentford, Man City, Atletico, Watford, Man U, geez. Those are big matches this past whole 2 weeks and the whole of this week had been entirely away but the last 2 games were bloody simple, especially Man U, which was nice. And after Preston, it is Brighton then Atletico again. It was huge that we won them away last week and everyone's on such a high momentum. A draw with Atletico Madrid will suffice to secure qualification to the knockouts.

My expected XI vs Preston:

Kelleher, Neco Williams / Conor Bradley, Matip / Konate, Gomez, Tsimikas, Curtis Jones, Tyler Morton, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Minamino / Musialowski, Kaide Gordon, Divock Origi.

With injuries to Fabinho, Thiago, Keita, Milner... our only fit Midfielders who can give the experience are Curtis and Ox. However, maybe a start for Musialowski? Because from our U23 match, Musialowski is absent, Tyler Morton too, and for obvious reasons Kaide Gordon. So maybe a new opportunity for em'.

MD8: Watford 0 - 5 Liverpool - Salah's masterclass and beyond outrageous goal and Firmino's Hat Trick rips apart Ranieri's Hornets

To be completely honest, when Claudio Ranieri was appointed manager, and Watford's first match under him was us, I was not at all confident. New Managers can always bring about new challenges and surprising moments. Moreover the farce that is the international break made Alisson and Fabinho unavailable. I was not worried with Kelleher, it's more of Fabinho.

I was predicting 1-1 initially...

Until we got an absolute beat down of the Hornets. Even these problems didn't stop our boys from losing momentum. In fact, although Man City result was a draw, which was a fair result and no complaints from me, and it was a bloody good game either way to see where our momentum was. And to be honest, Watford was just plain bad today. Poor start for Ranieri's first game in charge.

GK: Caoimhin Kelleher - 7 / 10

2nd start this season, 2nd clean sheet. Kelleher apart from the save at the closing stages of the game, literally had nothing to do at all. Easy evening for the young Irishman. Again with Alisson out, I was not worried with Kelleher being a reliable and excellent stand in and he'll do the job.

RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold - 8 / 10

Was a thorn in the right side and was industrious in Liverpool's attack to help bottle Watford to prevent them from coming forward.

CB: Joel Matip - 7 /10

It was a case of Watford getting bottled so much at their goal that Joel Matip was hardly troubled at all. 

CB: Virgil Van Dijk - 7 / 10

Same as Joel Matip. Easy game is a happy day in the office.

LB: Andy Robertson - 7 / 10

Like Trent, his energy helped to stay Watford's attack for large portions of the game. Contributed to Firmino's 3rd goal, even though albeit indirectly.

DM: Jordan Henderson - 7 / 10

Deputised well in the absence of Fabinho. In truth, Watford was so bad that they weren't really threatening the midfield so it made Henderson seem to have a decent game at the very least.

RCM: Naby Keita - 7 / 10

It's the same case for Naby Keita who deputised for the injured Curtis Jones as for Hendo. One of the easiest games played that it was routine.

LM/LW/Secondary RB: James Milner - 8 / 10

This guy just can't go down, can he? And as far as the midfield goes, he set the best tempo of all 3 midfielders today and used his good vision to great effect. Kinda doubling and overlapping Sadio Mane as a half left-winger. Another assist means he has done at least 1 for 18 consecutive seasons. Easy Peasy for Jimmy. Moved to right back for a bit when Trent came off before Neco took over for the final assist.

LW: Sadio Mane - 9 / 10

Today's match is pretty much the tale of the deadly thrilling three. Mane started the story. Seemed to return back to his old self, and frankly he had a good night to kick off the scoring frenzy with a delightfully outrageous pass from Salah and was energetic from start to finish.

FW: Roberto Firmino - 10 / 10

Was in the right place at the right time for all of his 3 goals. Short ranged goals are the weakness for any goalkeeper, including the veteran Youtuber and the Cycling GK Ben Foster and I know how good Ben can be even for Watford even at this age.

RW: Mohamed Salah - 10 / 10

Holy crap.... are you fucking kidding me?! That goal, everyone will be just watching that replay on repeat over and over and over again. And that's a difficult goal, like what he did against Man City. It's Deja vu all over again. Really, enough said. And he even picked out a delicious assist for Mane to kick off the goal fest, that was pinpoint accurate. Cheeky, cheeky, cheeky! He's in a form of his life, 8 games he played, 8 goals. What a streak!

SUB 1: LB Kostas Tsimikas - 6 /10

Got some minutes in his belt while Robbo catches a break to rest up for Atletico Madrid. Still industrious.

SUB 2: RM Alex Oxlade Chamberlain - 6 / 10

Subbed on for Trent in preparation for Atletico, moving to the midfield while Milner hangs back to Right Back.

SUB 3: RB Neco Williams - 7 / 10

Subbed in for fellow assistant Milner to take over Right Back duties for 10 minutes. 1st appearance of the season, marked with a 1st assist, charging down past and beating Danny Rose and picking out Firmino for his Hat Trick to round off the game. And that was not easy to pull off.

Next match: ATLETICO MADRID

We have some scores to settle and Atletico Madrid has always been a thorn on our side. However, with this match, we should enter the game full of confidence. On top of that, Alisson and Fabinho will be rested, fresh and ready to go. So it is kinda playing in our favor.

We are ready, we are coming for you.

#FSGOUT FSG OUT!!! AN OPEN LETTER TO FENWAY SPORTS GROUP! GET OUT FROM OUR CLUB!!!

 FSG Out. I called this and I saw this coming from a mile away. Precisely the reason why we should have bought players in instead of risking of going with such a threadbare squad knowing we have a lot of games to play on all fronts. It's a bloody beyond huge of a gamble!!

⁠
-Thanks FSG for fucking us up over and over.
⁠
- Thanks for fucking us over last season with the lack of a CB signing when all our CBs were injured. Konate should have been brought in when Lovren was injured but nope you didn't and you waited till the 2nd half of the season then we panicked buy Ben Davies whom didn't play with us for some reason, and loaned in Kabak. But by then, the damage was already done.
⁠
- Thanks for fucking us this season by not signing a Gini Replacement. With our midfield getting on in age, it was scratching people's heads why a new one isn't bought in. And now Keita is currently stuck at home with an apparent Coup D'Tat happening in Guinea,
⁠
- AND Fucking us AGAIN this season by not signing a forward, now Minamino, Firmino and Elliott are out injured and later Salah and Mane are going for AFCON, leaving only Origi as our only forward left and Kaide Gordon and Oxlade Chamberlain as our only options.
⁠
This all leads back to you, FSG! FSG Out!!! SIGN SOME PLAYERS OR GET OUR FSG U FKING INEPT INGRATES! When will all this end?!!! #FSGOUT

UEFA Champions League 2021-2022 Draw: Group B Liverpool Group of death? But I like it.

OK! This morning we had our draw for the UEFA Champions League.

Here's the breakdown:

GROUP A:
Manchester City
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)
RB Leipzig
Club Brugge

GROUP B:
Liverpool
FC Porto
AC Milan
Atletico Madrid

GROUP C
Sporting CP
Borussia Dortmund
Besiktas
Ajax

GROUP D
Internazionale
Real Madrid
Shaktar Donesk
Sheriff

GROUP E
Bayern Munich
FC Barcelona
Benfica
Dynamo Kiev

GROUP F:
Villareal
Manchester United
Atalanta
Young Boys

GROUP G
LOSC / Lille
Sevilla
Salzburg
Wolfsburg

GROUP H
Chelsea
Juventus
Zenit St Petersburg
Malmo

Few interesting groups and 2 of which stand out as one of the hardest:
Group A and Group B. Group A is like Last season's group H: Just swap out United for City, which still makes it a difficult group. However, I think Majority would say that the group of Death is Group B which is us. Initial thoughts, wow, this is gonna be a rough group. But I like it. Jurgen actually 'Laughed, pretty loud" as his reaction. But really, it's a tasty group to watch, not gonna lie. However, AC Milan did lose players this window, one of whom was perhaps the best Goalie in Serie A, Gianluigi Donnarumma. We are still stuck with Jan Oblak in Atletico so it'll still be again a challenge.  Which leads to...

Group A is still a tough group, PSG heavily upgraded their squad. Now Messi's there, Wijnaldum's there, Sergio Ramos, Hakmi and now Gigi Donnarumma is there too! Expect PSG to dominate there or it'll be totally unbearable if PSG doesn't qualify. And Man City's countless spending also led to Jack Grealish who is also in form too. 

That said, if you think about it, if we can dump any one of AC Milan or Atletico Madrid or even both, this will make our path subsequently a whole lost easier. With that said though, I really hope FSG really pulls off some transfers right now because this is insane, we're gonna have to keep playing heavy with our first team because there's no dead rubber match unless we happen to secure the group early.

MD2: Liverpool vs Burnley - Comfortable in Full Anfield! Full Back artillery unleashed

Burnley Burnley Burnley

You guys and Sean Dyche have always been a tough nut to crack. We still made it comfortable despite that difficulty. And finally playing in front of a Full Anfield Crowd after a full 520+ days of empty stadiums. 

GK: Alisson Becker 7.5 / 10

Fairly tested throughout the game and managed to keep his cool despite the valiant attempts by Burnley to get their opening goal. Not exactly the best performance by him but a clean sheet nonetheless.

LB: Kostas Tsimikas - 9 / 10

The man of the match. Kosta was always a constant threat from the left back position and connected well to assist for Jota's opening goal.  Defensively he was impressive as well. Frankly he's almost as good as the right sided Trent. But for a boss performance, he does deserve a higher mark than Trent. Robbo, best watch out. Kosta's in town. And he's ready.

RB: Trent Alexander Arnold - 8/10

Imperious playing on the deadly right hand side with Elliott. Connected beautifully to assist Mane's goal following a neat build up from Van Dijk and Harvey Elliott. Game stat wise he may have done more than Kostas but that is to be expected.

RCB: Joel Matip - 8.5 / 10

It's easy to see why Klopp always pairs Matip and Van Dijk together even though Konate should be given an opportunity to start. To be fair to Matip, if it ain't broke, don't fix it because for assurances at the back, he's very effective. Was busier than Van Dijk, 8 freaking aerial duels won is more than any other player on the pitch which is nothing to sneeze at either.

LCB: Van Dijk - 8.5/10

Back to his sharpness and man do we miss his long range distribution. Even though we do have the full backs for it, at least Van Dijk can also provide that artillery from the center back when needed. That 60 yard volley pass to Harvey Elliott which started the build up to Mane's goal was pin-point precision. 

CDM: Jordan Henderson - 7.5 / 10

Back on the field since the beginning of 2021 to start over Fabinho who was given compassionate leave. Captained his squad and dictated the midfield. Looked sharp and fit and kept his passes simple and positioned well. Typical performances that you'd expect from him.

LM: Naby Keita - 7 / 10

Quieter of the midfield, but at least now he is finding form when required. It'll take a miracle for him to stay fit because he still has that potential. Promising, but could be tidier. 

RAM: Harvey Elliott - 9 / 10

Was handed a surprise start for finally a PL debut and didn't look back. Truth be told though, for some time I've been wanting him as part of the front 4 in a 4231. But 433 will do and it's no problem for him. He performed well as though he was a natural matured senior. So well that the fact he even stayed on for the full 90 minutes shows how much confidence Klopp has in the lad. Dominated the right side of the midfield despite his young age and proved classy and just plainly oozes confidence. Should have gotten the assist when it was ruled out however that didn't affect his confidence. Tricky customer to deal with, winning the Reds quite a few fouls early and later played a part in Mane's 2nd goal after connecting Van Dijk's 60 yard pass with a very nice touch before connecting to TAA which then lead to Mane's goal. An excellent Premier League debut for Harvey that should have gotten off to a flying start with a goal which was a shame. That said, he may very well be significantly more effective a Number 8 than Keita. Give him the number 16 shirt.

ST: Diogo Jota - 8 / 10

2 games, 2 goals. Both scoring first. And the first goal to be scored this season in front of a full Anfield stadium. Was a menace down the center and often plays switcheroo with Mane.

LWF: Sadio Mane - 8 / 10

Got himself on a score sheet and was also a constant menace on the left hand side. Synergises well with Kostas Tsimikas. What a team goal this was.

RWF: Mo Salah - 7.5 / 10

Not the best night for him because of the offside goal. But doesn't take away that he was a threat in front of goal and does gel well with Elliott. Shame.

Bottom Line: Newbies are ready

If there's one thing that's absolutely sure about it, Newby KT and HE are ready, no doubt about it. Both Kostas Tsimikas and Harvey Elliott are gonna have a season of their lives. They already started very well in the preseason and this game just augments the reason even further.

2021-2022 Matchday 1: Norwich vs Liverpool 0-3 Ratings!

Nice start to the season where everyone got off the right foot and with Tsimikas having a point to prove in place of the injured Robertson. Liverpool once again, made pretty comfortable work of Norwich for successive encounters on opening days with a cool 0-3 victory. Not all is perfect though, and I'll say why in the ratings.

Alisson Becker - 8.5 / 10

Had little to do throughout the game but his alertness is why he's in the books for a good while longer. That triple save when Norwich were seeking a consolation goal late in the game. Something any Red would just have their jaws drop really and other keepers would simply struggle especially at near point blank range.

Trent Alexander Arnold - 7.5/10

Still the typical Alexander-Arnold but his defensive work is improving steadily. Combined well with Tsimikas.

Kostantinos Tsimikas - 8.5 / 10

He was Liverpool's best player during the pre-season and made this game pretty comfortable for him. Can be a bit sloppy sometimes but for someone to start a league game for the first time in a while, few would complain as otherwise he was industrious in attack. And though didn't get the assist, he set up for Mo's goal which eventually went in from a corner.

Virgil Van Dijk - 7/10

It was nice to finally give a full game for Van Dijk to try as he didn't manage to connect a full game this whole preseason ever since coming back from his major injury. No issues with him. Give him abit of time, and his sharpness will only start increasing abit more.

Joel Matip - 7.5/10

Could have fared abit better of stopping some of the Norwich attacks however, the typical Van Dijk and Matip partnership remained ultimately comfortable. Could have gotten a goal added which would have been nice, bummer from the corner.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - 6/10

It's just not really working out for him to be part of an attacking midfield style, let alone trying to groom him to be a Number 9. Was almost practically missing all day long. Just doesn't fit in the system to justify his high price we bought him for 5 seasons ago.

Naby Keita - 6.5 / 10

Not much better than Oxlade but at least he tries for it.

James Milner - 8 / 10

Not the best of nights, but he dictated well in an unusual DM role. And for him to cover more blades of grass than any other player in all teams in the premier league during this matchday (fun fact, 12.65 clicks or kilometers) speaks volumes of his endurance. Cause' put it plain, Jimmy ain't slowing down like how fine wine should be.

Diogo Jota - 8/10

Good start by opening his 21/22 account and taken his goal very well. He had been on fire since returning from injury at the closing stages of last season, along with a few more Euro 2020 goals along the way, and stil maintaining his momentum. Would be nice to see him along with any of our front 3 fight for the golden boot.

Mo Salah -  9 / 10

5 Opening Games, each scored by Salah, record breaker. Need we say more? Couldn't score in pre-seasons but this time it paid off. Last year 3 goal contributions, this time same, with 2 assists, nicely unselfish and one bloody cracking goal as a reward for his efforts and was a constant menace and a huge threat to Norwich's goal with each time getting closer to closer to scoring till that goal happened from a set piece.

Sadio Mane - 7.5 / 10

Not as prolific as the other forwards but did allow the attack to flow nicely when needed, combined well with Tsimikas and occasionally does switcheroo between the center to the left. Could have scored but luckily his blocked shot was collected by Salah to tees it back to Firmino.

SUBSTITUTES

Fabinho - 59"over Oxlade, 7

Shored up the midfield in the middle of the park and gave that much needed presence needed 

Roberto Firmino - 59" over Diogo Jota, 8

Instant impact once he came on and allowed the floodgates of Norwich to open. Took his goal extremely well after getting fed by Mo Salah and allowed Mane to stay towards the center.

Harvey Elliott - 82" over Keita, NR.

Came in too late to make any impact but at least he got some minutes in the tank. For now he'll be used in a similar role as Keita as a Number 8.

Summary:
Although 3-0 would seem like a cool comfortable scoreline, the weakness lies in the midfield. So even though still early this season, should still sign another midfielder to help. Another Striker or forward won't hurt either because we need to take into account that we may be without the Brazilian boys to quarantine after international duty, as well as Salah and Mane and Keita in AFCON.

An Open Letter To Fenway Sports Group: We Care, do you? If you do, sign players. (ALL Liverpool fans to read) and Share #YNWA

 "We care, do you?" 

That's what fans of Arsenal called out in this hashtag #Hashtag when they were campaigning against Stan Kroenke.

Now it is deja vu for us, here in Liverpool.

Dear Edwards, John Henry and Fenway Sports Group,

When you first took over in 2010, replacing Hicks and Gillett, most of us were absolutely buzzing. Believe me it hasn't been the straightest of roads, Roy Hodgson didn't exactly do well and when King Kenny did return, the damage had already been done. Then came Suarez, Sterling, Sturridge, and Coutinho and we came close to the title in 2013-2014.

You helped build up our squad by going a total overhaul when Klopp came. Bringing us trophies but partly it was due to Coutinho's massive deal and Sakho and Solanke...etc

Look I understand that it hasn't been easy with Covid, but no team has ever made it easy with Covid.  But teams can still scrounge up the funds, Sancho, Daka, Malen, Saul. The latter 2 you allowed these targets we are so heavily linked with to slip away. Both in the matter of just an hour apart. It really shows that you don't care about us. 

So I say again, "We care. Do you?"

I urge you to please sign some players even if the funds need to come straight from your own pockets. We need our squad to succeed.  But we need to freshen up this aging squad. The sell to buy approach has proved so deadly catastrophic. Especially ever since the fiasco with the European Super League. You know the saying, if you fail to prepare, then prepare to fail. We have members of the squad that are not good enough and our depth is perhaps some of the worst we seen in ages. The moment you fail in this transfer window, you have lost all respect from us and lost all the trust we have on you. You want us to trust you? Then you make this window count. It is do or die, make or break this season. Especially now we somehow scraped UCL qualification thanks to the efforts of Klopp.

We care, do you? 

I endorse the Spirit of Shankly members along with other Liverpool Fans across all Social Media Platforms. 

#YNWA

Liverpool Individual Player Season Ratings 20-21

Alisson:  A
Keep or Sell: Keep

Didn't start the best at the start of the season and was soon brought down to Injuries. However he bounced back and didn't do badly in front of a constantly changing defense. That goal.... oh my. That could very well be the moment of the season and prove ever so huge for us. Assist last season, one goal this season both at the death. His form picked up later and proved that he's more than capable of dealing with pressure on top with the passing of his father. His performances in general is around a B to a B+, but his goal is worth an A

Adrian: D-
Keep or Sell: Sell

7-2 Aston Villa, couldn't save a thing. Fuck, I don't wanna remember that result.

Caoimhin Kelleher: A
Keep or Sell: Keep
Goalkeeper

Last season he was pretty dicey but this time really stepped up his game when Alisson was injured and Adrian wasn't good enough and was eventually promoted and grew to be the number 2 we all wanted. He was absolute class earning himself a clean sheet in his first Champions League Match. Give him a new shirt number. Give him 13!

Trent Alexander Arnold: A
Keep or Sell: Keep
Right Wing Back

Took a while to regain his mojo, but the latter half he was nothing short of excellent and finally regained his form. Been an absolute menace and proved a huge threat on the already powerful right flank with Salah and Thiago. I hope Gareth Southgate is watching. TAA may be in the EURO2021 Provisional squad now. But come June 1st, we hope to see TAA in the England Final Squad. 

Neco Williams: B
Keep or Sell: Loan
Right Back

Neco is someone you either like or hate. He's nowhere the level of TAA but he tries hard. He had a real rocky spell when Neco first filled in for TAA's injury but grew into the role just fine. He just needs more time to improve. So I hope a loan spell is in order to give him more game time and to help in his development to become a worthy deputy right back. Did get an assist in the champions league for Curtis's goal, so that's a start.

Andrew Robertson: B+

Keep or Sell: Keep

Left Wing Back

One of those players who is consistent and reliable but doesn't have the exact same impact as Trent in general even if I were to take Trent's dip in form into account. He still is pretty much always available and has nearly never missed a single minute of action for the 4 seasons he has been involved in. 

Nathaniel Phillips: A*
Keep or Sell: Must Keep.
Center Back

Simply put, Outstanding. 

Really stepped up to the plate and far beyond exceeded expectations, did so well that he has earned cult hero status. Imagine what would have happened if we allowed Nat to move on. We were therefore extremely fortunate. And imagine how he would pair well with Van Dijk after he returns next season. Sure he is no perfect defender, and he has quite a number of limitations in terms of lack of pace. But considering he really put in a colossal shift in and how great he coped with some of the biggest opposition thrown at him, no one can complain. Old school style defender. But sometimes, just old school is still best. One goal, one assist, excellent considering he's 5th or sixth choice defender doing a first team defender's job.

Rhys Williams: A-
Keep or Sell: Loan maybe.

He didn't perform anywhere as well as Nathaniel and I am sure this will split opinion. But he's the only fit CB left with Kabak down. And again, you take a 5th and 6th choice / academy grad to do a first team job. And he started okay in the champions league keeping a few clean sheets consecutively when he started. However later alot of his flaws and inexperience was really starting to show. Lately though, he's been fine, during this final run in. So give this young lad a chance. I also hated that his lack of pace when he played was holding us back, but he's young, cut him some slack. Also his height and aerial ability to connect and head balls from corners means set piece play was proven to be potentially pretty fucking strong. He could have scored quite a few especially during the final few games and was a big threat. He can still use a loan spell to further gain more experience.

Ozan Kabak: A
Keep or Sell: Keep, perma sign him.
Center Back

Whether or not we keep him, Kabak was a bit of a good cheap business. Dozen plus games and he's fine. Young and certainly have room to grow. I'd keep him! He'll be better off here than languishing in 2nd Tier with Schalke. 

Curtis Jones: B
Right Midfielder, Attacking Midfielder

He did score 4 though, not bad for someone so young and still learning the trade.  He plays well in the attack but still can be let down by giving the ball away often. With time, I hope  Curtis Jones will keep getting better.

Fabinho: A+
Keep or Sell: Keep
Defensive Midfielder, Center Back

He can defend surprisingly good. But no matter how good he does it there, his presence in the midfield has been sorely missed so much. The moment Klopp returned Rhys back into the starting lineup and restored Fabinho back to his original Defensive Midfielder role, that balance that was completely messed up was finally back to where it was. It may result in a few leaky goals in part to Rhys and Nat's inexperience, but the midfield spine was what it really needed to pull off some really awesome results during the last few games where every point counts. The difference, was just pure night and day.

Henderson: B, A* for his leadership
Keep or Sell: Keep
Defensive Midfielder, Center Back

Another Defensive Midfielder turned Makeshift Defender, also like Fabinho did quite well too. But injuries really plagued this season as his leadership is worth a A* in itself. However, despite being down, we have been at least managing without him decently comfortably.

James Milner: B, A* for his leadership
Keep or Sell: Keep and let him retire here.
Center Midfielder, Left Back

Same rating as Henderson as his games have a slight dropoff. May be old, but Jimmy surprisingly still has some good gas in the tank. Partially cause he is also one of the fittest if not still the fittest in the squad. He's definitely one that has a potential to be part of Klopp's staff when he retires. We really made good with Jimmy over the course of 6 full solid seasons at Liverpool and till now just for his leadership, even Klopp heavily respects Milner for the presence alone he brings to the dressing room.

Gini Wijnaldum: A+
Keep or Sell: He's gone
Center Midfielder

Mr Consistent to put it simply. And we're all sad to see him go. All his heroics all the way back in the champions league and he still has the energy to support the attack. The lack of goals do mask it abit but no doubt that he's been an absolute cog in Klopp's formation. Farewell, legend.

Thiago Alcantara: A
Keep or Sell: Keep
Center Midfielder, Attacking Midfielder

Now we're starting to see how much impact Thiago has in the midfield especially if Fabinho is not covering CB duties. I thought already from the off till the last few games he's been okay for me. Once Fabinho is back in midfield, the synergy between the two of them becomes obvious. Got his goal, took a while but better late than never.

Mo Salah: A*
Right Forward, Right winger

Along with Nathaniel Phillips who also gets an A-Star rating, Mo Salah was among of the only few shining lights on top of all these injuries in the squad. Aside from Nat and Rhys, you can safely say that Mo was literally carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders and literally carrying the team on his back. Time and time again he's been the one bailing us out of danger and nick crucial goals when we needed him, a definition of world class. 

D. Jota: A+
Striker, Left Forward/Winger/Right Forward
Keep or Sell: Definite Keeper

Jota came to Liverpool with a price tag that raises some eyebrows, cause' for a Wolves player, he ain't cheap. However, the fact that he still got the ground running with 19 goals in all competitions for club and country, rivalling Cristiano Ronaldo's 2020-2021 International goal tally is testament to his ability despite his injury spells, quite impressive must say. His goals count rivaled Mane's and outscored Firmino's tallies. We've thought Jota may be just a deputy attacker that we all wanted so badly, but as it turns out in a 4231 Jota has been integral of the main front four in this formation. At only 24 years, we may very well have yet to see the best out of DJ yet. If not for his injuries, he would have been  an outstanding player. But still has performed above expectations relative to the games he played. Even got his first Champions League Hat Trick too.

Roberto Firmino: C+
Attacking Midfield, Center Forward
Keep or Sell: Jury's out

He's starting to age quite a bit and this season's performances especially in the beginning really let him down. That's why quite a few times he's been benched in favor of Jota. However, the reason why he didn't get lower rating is because of his recent resurgence and he started to step up in his game instead of relying on Salah and Jota so much.

Sadio Mane: C
Left Winger/Forward
Keep or Sell: Keep but Jury is out

Sadio is in the same boat as Firmino, woefully underperformed with Jota starting over Mane sometimes and slowly regaining his sharpness as well. If he also doesn't step up his game, chances are Jota will permanently take his position or someone will come in during the transfer window.

Xherdan Shaqiri: C
Left Midfield / Winger
Keep or Sell: Sell

Shaq's time has been severely limited on pitch due to how good others next to him. So it's no surprise that potentially we can see a move for Shaqiri. However he is definitely not by any means bad, just average.

Divock Origi: D
Striker, Right Winger
Keep or Sell: Sell

Did try, but has contributed nothing to be generous with him. 17 Appearances and 1 Goal, and that is against lowly Lincoln in the EFL Cup. Has to go given that Jota was supposed to be the attacking Deputy over Origi and also Minamino potentially coming back from Loan.

Takumi Minamino: B-
Attacking Midfielder, Right Winger, Right Forward
Keep or Sell: Keep

Still young and with Southampton, total 7 goals in all comps, we may still see some potential with Mini although some people may beg to differ. Give him another season and have him be a deputy in the 4231 formation.

My Liverpool FC Transfer Targets for 21-22: Who's out and who are my targets,

Alright, another season drawing to a close. For sure, given how bad our season is, riddled with Injuries, our squad needs heavy reinforcements at the same time dumping of deadwood that just can't do it for me anymore. 

OUT:

ADRIAN - As much as he has done for us the last season, this season shows why the former West Ham Number 1 should be shown the door. Especially the 7-2 loss to Aston Villa, alot of the problems began to show. Kelleher has also stepped up to be the worthy number 2 Adrian should have been.

The 2 Joes: Gomez and Matip - Gomez's young, he's talented. However, my god, he along with Matip, are possibly the most injury prone centerbacks I have ever fking seen in my entire life. When fit they are good no doubt about it, but have they been able to be fit without getting injured for months after being fit for a few weeks? Enough said about it.

NABY KEITA - Since Thiago has arrived, Naby Keita has gone down the pecking order. Again because of his horrendous injury record, he has to go.

Georginio Wijnaldum - It is very likely that he may be released on a free, unless he is offered a new contract at the last minute. He has served the reds well and it would be a shame if he goes. Definitely he'll need a replacement when that happens. Although Curtis Jones can largely perform the same duties as Gini and Thiago and has proven to punch well above his weight, there are some people that are clearly better than Curtis.

Divock Origi - Apart from his heroics from the 18-19 Champions League, he offers nothing so he should go as other forwards are more deserving of fighting for their places. Already the forward line is flooded with Salah, Mane, Jota, Firmino, Minamino, Shaqiri.

MY TARGETS

IBRAHIMU KONATE - It's very certain that Konate would very well be signing with us. It's just a matter when. But I really hope this is followed up accordingly.

OZAN KABAK - For sure, he gets my nod for getting a permanent contract here, seeing how well he plays along with Nat Phillips during his loan spell prior to his injury. Please make it happen, Kabak and  Van Dijk. Or Konate and Van Dijk. Would be quite deadly as a back pairing. Besides he would be better off here than suffering in turmoil in the 2nd Division now Schalke are relegated.

CHRISTIAN PULISIC - Chris has always been my target for the last few years, ever since the Yank was at Dortmund. He would be a perfect replacement for Firmino in the long term. And he's young, and will be well suited as an Attacking Midfielder, Winger, or Forward. Ideal swaparound for Minamino or Shaqiri should that be done. He may have indicated that he would fight for his place in the chelsea team, but he would be well better off with us. And with Klopp knowing how Dortmund plays and he also knows Pulisic, this would make sense.

HAALAND / MBAPPE / SANCHO - That is a must. Our forward line isn't getting any younger. So any young high profile signing is a big must. However if Pulisic and Daka are signed, then only then I'll drop this group.

PATSON DAKA - Always a good proven forward even at his young age, Daka is a cheaper alternative to Sancho. When he plays, he's an absolute thorn.

WIJNALDUM REPLACEMENTS:
YVES BISSOUMA - Brighton's Number 8 that can be a much more worthy number 8. Graham Potter has admitted that there can be every possible chance for Yves Bissouma to play Champions League Football next season. 

RENATO SANCHES - Would be a tight competition, given how Lille are legit title contenders of the French Ligue 1. Like Yves, he's young and hungry for more. With Lille's financial difficulty due to the impact of Covid 19, Sanches will be the one helping the club to break even. Sanches would be a wise choice given he was fellow teammates with Thiago Alcantara in Bayern Munich.  Given that he is only 23 means there's room for improvement but the fact even at this age he's been a full fledged Portugese International since as a teenager for 5 years says it all.

RUBEN NEVES - Given how good business we've been doing lately with Jota and Ki-Jana Hoever, I would love to jump in for Ruben Neves. He has a knack of scoring some pretty ridiculous long range beauties and ultimately a good young presser.

HOUSSEM AOUAR - Highly linked with Arsenal, the young French is a powerful Attacking Midfielder and would be great addition as well. 22 years of age, he'll be able to last for plenty long here.

DONNY V. D. BEEK - Frankly, why did Manchester United sign him in the first place if he's not going to be a regular starter? With Wijnaldum Leaving, why don't we just pry him off their hands?

The big change needed is that our squad needs severe reinforcement and more to the point, I need a new board like Shiekh Mansour, a board that is not afraid of spilling out the big cash often.

Man Utd 2-4 Liverpool: Top 4? Hell it's on!!!

 1. Tale of Nat Phillips and Defensive Solidarity with Rhys

10 minutes in, he caused a goal to be leaked in. But for the next 20-30 minutes, it was him making amends and literally carrying us on his back. Caused a potential penalty situation which was overturned by VAR, nearly scored as well after navigating to the right, but led to an assist to that cheeky backheel by Jota which was still good anyway. Most number of headers in the match as he grew into the game. I mean, couple of quirks and mistakes are unavoidable, understandable given the situation of Liverpool's lack of center backs. But honestly, you can't ask for more because he has been delivering. And the more we use him, the more we can trust him. 

That doesn't mean to say Rhys Williams didn't contribute much but he also likewise stood firm. For Klopp saying 'Yep' when asked if Rhys should start, is volumes on how much he trusts the young center back. And mistakes aside, the young and new pairing did not let us down especially when Man Utd start to really turn up the heat in the 2nd half.

2. Firmino shows up in Big Games

About time for Bobby! His goal involvements are absolutely timely. It's the first time that he's scored against United and what a crucial time to do it, before the first half ended. Ultra alert for his second goal as he scoops up the loose ball rebounded from Dean Henderson following a shot by Trent Alexander Arnold and belts it away to give us that cushion we need.

3. Trent's Masterclass, are you seeing this Gareth Southgate?

This match was another reason why it really scratches peoples' heads that TAA wasn't in the Euro 2021 squad. He was the best man on the pitch tonight, easily. One assist for Firmino's goal and his involvement of setting up the next one is obvious enough. Nothing needed to be said here! And all this was in front of Gareth Southgate who happened to be in attendance and watching from the stands.

4. 200th Appearance, 30th Goal for Salah, this season, that celebration.

30 Goals in all comps. And what a match and time to have gotten it. 200 Games for Liverpool. Look at how much this really meant to him. Killed the game with a break at the dying minutes... sounds familiar? He did that at home last season! Also had the captain's armband for the closing stages.

5. Top 4, UCL? It's on! But we are not done yet!

Bring it on, Top 4. The race is still wide open! But still doesn't hide the fact that there is still a lot of work to be done. Moreover, it is still no guarantee yet. And I still feel whether or not we qualify for the UCL, our squad needs a heavy reinforcement of another forward, like Sancho, Haaland or Mbappe. Don't care if Klopp rules it out. Another midfielder is definitely needs to be in the works too. That said the remaining matches for Leicester and Chelsea are all difficult and the 2 of which? Leicester and Chelsea each other consecutively, FA Cup and the league match. Either side or both will have to drop points for the latter match. Last match for Leicester is Tottenham (Home), Chelsea is Villa (Away).

Which this combination:
Best case is
Leicester and Chelsea draw their last 2 games. 68 points and 66. We can still afford one loss if we win 2 with decent margins.
Chelsea lost to Leicester and draw the last one. Same scenario, we can still afford 1 loss and 2 wins.

Worst case is:

Leicester win both games or Chelsea at least wins Leicester, Liverpool must beat all 3 games.