EPL 2017/18 - Game Week 24

What a classic! What a game! Two attacking teams and best goal-scorers at each other with all kinds of records to break or set. Where buses are parked far away and they came in fired up motorbikes as in Mad Max. All the worries about Coutinho's loss was consigned to the dustbin. Coutinho was very important to Liverpool but he was not the best. Not even the best Brazilian who should be Roberto Firmino. His goal was audacious! When the lineup came in without Virgil van Dijk, some feared the worst. But Liverpool as a team and individually stepped up which was what Klopp said as much - to step up. It also gave the chance to show the best of Klopp. He had belief and conviction. This does not mean the Reds will go on to win every match like this but it was a tactical master class with courage to boot.

It inflicted Manchester City's firs defeat in 40 premier leagues games and their first this season ending their record run. All teams who have played City and have lost previously just defended. Only Crystal Palace ( and some folks like to laugh at Roy Hodgson) and Liverpool took the game to them. The relentless Liverpool pressing resulted in that no City player was truly outstanding in this match perhaps maybe the irrepressible Kevin de Bruyne.

Liverpool's left-back Andrew Robertson was so effective that City's top scorer had to be taken off eventually. Robertson was in one moment even chasing the ball right up to City's goalkeeper. He was so fired up! This is where despite his attacking abilities, Alberto Moreno failed and became a defensive liability. Robertson gave City top scorer Raheem Sterling a nightmare. Even if he is in a toilet looking into the mirror now, he could see Robertson right behind him.

Next, Alex Oxlade Chamberlain proved his true worth. Klopp knew what he is doing when he was signed. Receiving the ball from Firmino, he paced and powered through 2 defenders and sent a low stinging shot for the first goal. He was versatile, his shot was sublime and wonderful! He had the most touches, dribbles and created chances. However, the equalizer by Leroy Sane was a gift considering that Karius conceded at the near post what he should have saved. That is a goalkeeper's sin and that surely confirmed what we all know that both Liverpool goalies suck. The Reds need a solid one, quickly and now! City scored thrice from four shots towards the end! In part, it was Joe Gomez's fault. 

Meanwhile, Roberto Firmino is a great player who is also the most underestimated. He created chances, pressed relentlessly and his goal was an absolute gem! His goal was Liverpool's second and that is so important. It was audacious as he held on strongly, turned and had John Stones beaten and as the goalie Ederson was coming out, he floated a delicate chip that sailed over the helpless Ederson's finger tips, landed, kissed  the post and hit the net and promptly got yellow carded for pulling out his shirt. What a goal! This goal was a carbon copy of what Robbie Fowler did to Peter Schmeichel and Manchester United in 1995! Wacth the clip from this link:

http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/287482-five-things-we-loved-in-the-win-against-manchester-city

Sadio Mane then scored another scorcher with his left foot. It appeared the ball stayed with him a full second as he unhinged himself into the perfect shot. which flew into the top corner. The gegenpressing was so impressive, it left City's defence in panic at times and mistakes often. That was how Ederson cleared a ball straight to Salah far out and Salah stretched his foot and hit an instant shot sailing over the goalie and into an empty net. 3 goals in a nine minute spell against City, nobody does it better.

The team work was fantastic - Firmino laid and assisted Chamberlain's goal. Chamberlain assisted Firmino's, Salah assisted Mane and they were so good City's goalie Ederson assisted Salah. In trying to play a quick ball release he landed the ball on Salah's outstretched foot who in an instant flashed a shot a long way from goal leaving Ederson clutching thin air. At 4-1, I was thinking, will Liverpool being Liverpool self destruct and lead their own collapse? It was as if they heard me and it soon it became 4-3. Klopp was tops but he has to do something quickly. Get a really solid, reliable goalkeeper. Find a better defender than Lovren who had a decent game but he is panicky rather than a leader.

It is a game that even neutrals would love. It is the reason why soccer fans take the trouble to travel to support their teams and pay for high television fees to watch live matches. Liverpool are simply the most exciting team (why would anyone want to watch parked buses and 0-0 games). No one could stop them when they play like they did. All they have to do is make their defence really solid. They have made a statement of intent of what potential they have to fight for the title. 

In such a thrilling match, where Liverpool were simply sensational, we should not pour cold water and sweat the small stuff. Enjoy soccer for the moment. What a game!

Listen to this song on Liverpool: "Salah, oh Mane, Mane. And Bobby Firmino! For we sold Coutinho.....

https://www.buzz.ie/football/corks-biggest-liverpool-fan-appeared-soccer-268782

Watch:

https://www.mancity.com/citytv/match-highlights/2018/january/liverpool-v-city-extended-highlights

Now allow me to quote Bill Shankly: "Some people believe football is a matter of life and death. I am very much disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you that it is much, much more important than that".

Now, read this article about football, life and friendship:

http://www.football365.com/news/football-is-my-light-my-release-my-sanctuary

Brighton v Chelsea - Chelsea are now fourth level on points with the Reds who are in third by goal difference. Brighton have gone down to 16th and have their own worries as they are merely 3 points above the relegation zone and have just been beaten by WBA who have not won in ages. Chelsea have a stalemate not only not having won in in their last 5 matches that were all drawn, they have not scored in 3 matches. They played Norwich twice in the F.A. Cup and still could not win (won on penalties). Rumour of them wanting to sign Andy Carroll from West Ham smacks of desperation if true. Such Chelsea performances give Brighton hope to try to salvage something here. So Brighton at home should treat this as a cup game. Can Chelsea win this one? Chelsea are lacking confidence right now and if Brighton are bold enough they could get a point but their own patchy form could be their own undoing. 1-2.

Arsenal v Crystal Palace - The Gunners are now 6th, 23 points away from City and 8 points adrift for top four and they have just put on a most inept performance without Alexis Sanchez and perhaps  with both Sanchez and Ozil leaving will drop down several notches to become an ordinary team. This could be negated somewhat if they signed both Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Dortmund and the Brazilian Malcom from Bordeaux. Arsenal is currently languishing having not won in their last five matches. That 1-2 defeat by Bournemouth was certainly hard to watch for Arsenal fans. Palace shot up to 12th after carving out a 1-0 win over Burnley. When they both met in December, Palace gave Arsenal a scare when Palace lost 2-3 at home after which Palace held City 0-0. This London derby is a worrying match for Arsene Wenger. 

A tribute to Theo Walcott who was quite a teenage sensation in his time. Walcott has 108 goals for the  Gunners in 397 appearances which is 2 more appearances than Thierry Henry and top 15 top scorer for the Gunners' all time list. He came back from a potential career ending injury to score 19 goals even missing the last 10 games of last season. Remember that hattrick in a World Cup qualifier against Croatia? That was a glimpse of his real potential but many may feel that has not done enough. Many has forgotten that he was performing at a high level for five seasons even before he turned 21! He was even the top scorer when he partnered Robbie van Persie with 21 goals in one season. 

When Arsenal held Barcelona, the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) Lionel Messi said that Barcelona were afraid of Theo Walcott after his magnificent performance. In his exact words: "When we were playing Arsenal at the Emirates we were so in control of the game at 2-0, with all respect Arsenal were not even in the game,” said Messi. “Then Theo came on and changed the game. He pretty much single-handedly salvaged a draw that night." He was certainly one of the Arsenal greats. The longest serving Arsenal player of 12 years has left to join Everton. 

Given the situation, Arsenal must win here but currently, players and form are out of the window. If Palace could hold off City, Arsenal could be easier. The Gunners could sell sneak a close win here but I feel a draw is likely. 2-2.

Burnley v Manchester United - Burnely is still a cool 7th place 3 points ahead of Leicester but recent results have not favoured them. On Boxing Day, they played so well to hold United at their Theatre of Dreams (2-2) in a match they could have won and they have not won since but at Turf Moor, they can be difficult to beat. If they could hold off the Red Devils at their own den, why can't they do so or better at home? United have kept 4 clean sheets since that 2-2 draw - winning 3 and drew 1 and Paul Pogba as been strutting his stuff hitting the highest with 9 assists and have not been is a losing United team. Burnely have lost a bit of steam in recent times so United have a strong chance to make their own result unless Burnley turns a corner. Can they frustrate United? It's a game the Red Devils could win and they have to keep pace with City. Can Sean Dyche come out with something to thwart them at home? United won their last 3 matches but against somewhat against inferior opposition. 1-1.

Everton v WBA - How quickly things have changed. The Toffees have many wins and was unbeaten for awhile when Sam Allardyce came. All these have changed dramatically and they haven't won a match n their last 5 with 4 straight defeats, the last one a comprehensive 4-0 thrashing by Spurs. The Baggies last 2-0 win over Brighton must surely provide them much needed inspiration and Everton's poor form will give them hope and courage. If the win can inspire WBA, then Everton may find their winless streak extended. 1-1.

Leicester v Watford - The Foxes avoided defeat at Stamford Bridge and kept a clean sheet. The Hornets rescued themselves a point from trailing Southampton 0-2. In their same tie in December, Watford came from behind to win 2-1 at home but then Southampton have been dismal. Watford's form has improved a but Leicester have not lost in four matches. They can pip Watford at home. 2-1.

Stoke City v Huddersfield - Stoke City have a new manager - Paul Lambert who previously manged Aston Villa and Norwich. He was a decent to good manager when I was watching him in the Premier League. Stoke are hanging precariously in 18th after just having lost 0-3 at Old Trafford and haven't won for a very long time. Huddersfield have gone down to 16th and just had 1-4 spanking by West Ham at home. In their December tie, Huddersfield were held by Stoke at home. Stoke wasn't good then and if they were to be better and at home, they may find themselves getting a first win for the longest time. This is their chance for victory over an equally off form Huddersfield. 1-1.

West Ham v Bournemouth - The Hammers shot up the charts to 11th now and they should be giving a medal to David Moyes. The Cherries too have shot up to 14th and both sides have improved with almost identical undefeated results and playing well with confidence. West Ham's 4-1 win away to Huddersfield must really be something. So too Bournemouth's bravery in having defeated Arsenal after trailing 0-1. Bournemouth have averaged slightly more than 2 goals per game in their last 5 matches. Score, they will but then they have suddenly crashed 0-3 to Wigan in the Cup. Typically in such a match up and if both play to their strength, a draw is imminent for me. 2-2.

Manchester City v Newcastle - City's defeat by Liverpool at Anfield was bared for all to see. Their potential record of holding all comers to remain undefeated were broken by a marauding Liverpool side. City still lead United by 12 points. When they both met in December, an ultra defensive Magpies almost held City only to have lost 0-1 but Newcastle themselves have not lost in their last 4 matches. Rafa Benitez must have seen how Palace and Liverpool did it. The contrast of both sides cannot be more drastic. City's great bubble has burst at Anfield. The Magpies unbeaten 4 match run would have encouraged them but 1-1 at home with Swansea is not great. City as usual would be too strong especially at home. Benitez may come out with something to surprise but the visitors do not have the tools. 2-0.

Southampton v Tottenham - The Saints are still in the danger zone while Tottenham were rampant against Everton. Southampton managed to eke out a win and a draw and in their December tie were crushed 2-5 at White Hart Lane. In that time till now, Tottenham won all matches except a draw at the hands of West Ham. Not only Harry Kane but Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli and most of all Son were in superb form. He is truly now a Son of Tottenham. When Sprus crushed Everton their link up play, movement were first class and finishing clinical. Kane's has an all time high confidence and he could score anytime anywhere while Eriksen and Alli are strutting their usual stuff. Most impressively, Son is at his brilliant best. Tottenham are quite unstoppable right now. 0-2.

Swansea v Liverpool - The Reds moved up to third with that incredible win over City at Anfield and have shown that life without Coutinho would not affect them. They are a team and with great individuals. Swansea are sadly the last team in 20th with 17 points. Swansea won once and drew their last two in five matches. Liverpool won their all their last 5 matches scoring 15 goals including a 5-0 mauling in December. Swansea have improved but Liverpool are on song. Unless Klopp decides to rest some players with so many games around and Champions League coming on again or bad habits return. However, it seems the Reds have buried some ghosts of the past except that they despite being so exceptional leading City 4-1, they panicked and let City back to 4-3 and the goalkeeper saga is continuing when Karius let in from the near post. Liverpool should be too strong now. Liverpool must do all they can to keep Mohd Salah who is one of their most important player since Luis Suarez despite reported Real Madrid interest. 0-3.