Liverpool banter 6

11 Apr 2024 10:09:19
I'd like to see vvd rested 2nite, played a lot of football recently and I can't see where else in run in we would rest him. definitely need him for all 7 league games and I would think for away games in Europe if we make semi final.

11 Apr 2024 11:39:07
I'd be looking to give Virgil, Macca and Lucho a break today if possible.

11 Apr 2024 11:59:37
Cant rest core players away in Europe when it's are best chance at another cup get the win and try rest them elsewhere.

11 Apr 2024 13:03:32
I think the time for resting key players has gone for this season. Max of 12 matches left this season, every single one of which is either a cup tie or a must win league match.

If we find ourselves in commanding positions with 30 minutes left in a match, there will hopefully be opportunities to reduce the workload for some players, or if we go into the second leg against Atlanta with a large lead from the first leg.

Looking at it now, I wouldn't want to go into any of our remaining matches with van Dijk not starting.

11 Apr 2024 13:39:21
Fair point mate.

Thing is we can’t afford to slip up in the Europe. Maybe do the thing Klopp did before. First half VVD plays. Then second half Konate plays?

11 Apr 2024 14:29:09
Looks like Salah and Diaz getting a rest tonight, if rumours are to be true.

11 Apr 2024 14:52:19
I’d go all out for this trophy now. We took off players in the FA Cup and got Knocked Out.
The league looks a stretch after failing to beat City and United. This is our best shot as it stands.

11 Apr 2024 16:05:23
This is the only tournament Klopp hasn’t won.

I want this one.

11 Apr 2024 16:19:29
I would prefer to try and get the job done tonight and them rest them in the second leg if opportunity allows, as that's the start of the run of 4 away games in a row.

If we can leave some at home, I'd prefer that.

11 Apr 2024 16:31:20
I’d imagine Klopp is going to go as strong as possible as he can now until the end of the season. He has minimum 9 and maximum 12 games left with this squad.

Saying that I expect some rotation tonight and minutes off the bench if possible for the lads returning from injury but I imagine it will be a starting 11 of the nucleus of players that Klopp would use if needed in big games.

Taimikas is an example of a squad player that is outside of that nucleus at the moment and might explain why he is getting no minutes.

11 Apr 2024 16:45:00
We are at home danny.

11 Apr 2024 17:08:58
With you on that, RR. That ship may have sailed. Besides, VVD has sat out majority of the EL games this season to keep him fresh for the time of the season when you want to go for the comps. you’re still in. Klopp may go big and try to win the tie from the off.

11 Apr 2024 18:31:55
think we have to go all out for this match, we usually win at home and its vital that we take a good lead over for the 2nd leg .
out of the FA Cup, lost the advantage that we had in the league, yes we blinked first, so let's go big time and that Final is in Dublin .

11 Apr 2024 18:54:17
And that shows how much I know.

11 Apr 2024 21:56:53
Lucky the second leg is at Anfield.

11 Apr 2024 08:12:48
Question for ed001. Firstly hope you and yours are all good. What player/ players do you think we need this summer to improve the first eleven? Personally I think quality centre half and someone who can put the chances we create away although both are a tough challenge to find and expensive
Up the pool.

{Ed001's Note - I think we need a left-footed centre-back to give a bit of balance at the back, either to allow us to play a back 3 or to be the long term replacement for Virgil. If we are going to switch to a back 3, that would probably be the priority.

Then it depends on how we are going to play. If it is Amorim's current 3-4-3 I am not sure we need much, as Jota/Darwin provide the centre-forward role, but that would be if Danns is going to develop into the first team as Jota's fitness cannot be relied upon. On the right, it is a much narrower role and more creative, so Salah/Szoboszlai/Elliott has that covered. However, if we are continuing to play with no width from full-backs and need our wide forwards to actually play wide, then we need to replace Salah with 2 actual wingers for there.

So other than a left-sided centre-back I think it really comes down to style of play and buying players to fit it and replace players the new man in charge doesn't fancy.}

11 Apr 2024 09:22:49
Ed1. What would you do with Fabio Carvalho? I don’t watch the Championship but catching up on Hull highlights I see he has been scoring a lot. But those are just 3 minute highlights. I don’t know how his general play has been.

{Ed001's Note - I haven't watched more than highlights either, I have read comments from those he has played against though, just to see if they raved about him or not. The general consensus seems to be that he is a bit lazy and doesn't get involved enough but when he does he is excellent. I have no idea how true that is though.

Personally I would probably move him on, I just don't see where he fits into this team and we need to make space in the squad and lower the wage bill for the PSR. Then we can use any space to just buy only top class players. If they aren't top class, then we should not bring them in and use the youth academy instead.}

11 Apr 2024 09:34:28
Ed001, do you think Carvalho might have a chance if Amorim comes in? I know he made some silly comments about Klopp whilst he was away at Leipzig but there is maybe a chance for a fresh start now. I always felt he wasn't quite right for Klopp's version of a 4-3-3 as he wasn't quite suited to being a winger or a wide midfielder, and was a bit physically weak at a young age to play as a 9 or a false 9.

However with Amorim favouring two no.10 style players just off the striker, on paper that could suit him in my opinion. He's having a good end to the season with Hull City for sure. Just not sure how much damage he's done his reputation amongst coaching staff and team mates. Or if what he said was potentially blown out of proportion even.

{Ed001's Note - I am sure that whoever replaces Klopp will want to look at footage of him and if he has done enough, they will give him a chance in pre-season to show what he has. Then it will be up to the lad. Usually a new manager will want to give everyone a clean slate and start afresh.

Personally I am just not convinced he has the fight in him, that was why RBL were not impressed. He didn't work hard enough for their liking.}

11 Apr 2024 09:52:44
Ed1. Shame really because there is talent in there somewhere. But like you said it’s probably best to move him on, especially if it’s true that he is lazy.

{Ed001's Note - it is a shame, the one thing they really need though is to work hard.}

11 Apr 2024 10:31:44
And working hard should be the easiest! Especially when you have bundles of talent.
Less talent players that made it are always those that work super hard. They may never be as good be it in footballing brain or technical ability, but you know for sure they always give their best.
Really p. es me off when great talents don’t work hard and it eventually goes to waste, unfortunately this phenomenon will probably never go away. Just within Liverpool we’ve seen Le Tallec, Jack Robinson, and now FB et al, all training and playing with the first team since teenagers but non ever hitting the heights their talents promised, and the common theme is always - they didn’t work hard enough.

11 Apr 2024 11:14:51
My shopping list would be

Jonathan Tah
Jeremie Frimpong
Gonçalo Inácio
Cole Palmer.

11 Apr 2024 12:21:10
Thanks for the reply ed001 who would you take as a left sided centre back then mate?
Up the pool.

{Ed001's Note - in an ideal world, Bastoni. But it is more likely to be someone like Hincapie, Inacio or Lukeba. Murillo might be a decent option as well.}

11 Apr 2024 12:51:40
Bastoni is a sick player. He’s been the best defender in Serie A for about 3 seasons now. He is exactly who we should be going after.

11 Apr 2024 14:11:13
Murillo looks very good Ed.

{Ed001's Note - I doubt he would be good value though, which is why he was last on the list. I agree though, looks very good. Pacey, good on the ball and good defensively one on one. Not the best in the air though.}

11 Apr 2024 15:23:19
Edd001 I definitely see amorim playing 3 at the back. I can't see where trent fits in unless he gets a chance in midfield and majorly impresses. Macallister is undroppable if these performances are consistent next season so it's a fight out for a DM role. Bradley would be fantastic for the attacking wingback role.

{Ed001's Note - you and your anti-Trent agenda. It is tedious because Trent has been the best right wing-back around for the last few years, so why on earth would Amorim not want him in a system with even less defensive responsibility? Bradley doesn't have the quality of cross that Trent has.}

11 Apr 2024 16:36:31
I watched the Barcelona game last night, the young lad at CB looked good and played beyond his years, think he was only 17!

{Ed002's Note - No interest from Liverpool but there is from elsewhere.}

11 Apr 2024 16:41:57
Genuine question I’ve seen people say that Diaz wouldn’t suit an Amorim front 3. But Diaz plays in a Klopp front 3 already.

What’s the difference in the 2 front 3’s please?

11 Apr 2024 16:47:59
I’ve said this before Mizer will have a dig at Trent any given opportunity 🤷‍♂️.

11 Apr 2024 17:11:35
Exciting times indeed, Ed.

11 Apr 2024 17:19:59
Cole Palmer will never play for Liverpool.

10 Apr 2024 21:02:39
I predict the next manager will build a team around Trent Alexander-Arnold as a midfielder. So signing a DM to compliment Macca and Trent will be a big priority signing this summer. As well as replacing Salah and maybe looking at Robinson of Fulham to challenge for a left back spot.

10 Apr 2024 21:19:41
So just bin off Endo.

10 Apr 2024 21:47:19
Dont think Amorim plays 3 in centre mid tho.

10 Apr 2024 22:15:56
Let’s hope the new manager isn’t Southgate as we know what he thinks of Trent. Hendo will be brought back In and the team will be built around Maguire.

With Southgate in charge the “I predict a riot”.

10 Apr 2024 23:19:50
Heard that the new manager wants LFC to bring in the DM from Porto, he is class, but do we need him .

10 Apr 2024 23:39:52
Baj is, back training.

11 Apr 2024 07:04:36
More "scout spout".

11 Apr 2024 08:40:37
Baj is far from breaking back into the first team he’s played barley a handful of games two whole seasons, at this stage he cannot be relied on.

11 Apr 2024 09:18:20
@ Jaydee, when Baj did play he was one of our better players. He made some of his teammates look like amateurs.

11 Apr 2024 09:22:58
The last thing we need is a new DM. That's Endos spot, he gets injured or is out, give it to Trent, rotate Baj in when fit, he deserves his chance.

11 Apr 2024 10:18:51
Jaydee, Baj has been out for this entire season so of course he has not played. When he was fit last season, he was playing in CM regularly. So, I don't think he is "far from breaking into the first team". In fact, I would say he is already a part of it as he is always included when Klopp provides updates on the availability of the first team as a whole.

11 Apr 2024 16:12:58
Trent isn't a defensive midfielder, in my opinion. Right wing back would suit him. Not sure where that leaves Bradley though.

11 Apr 2024 17:41:42
Baj is a class act, just needs to stay fit and he’s a regular, Trent needs to play somewhere his passing range and crossing is top notch and we’ve missed him big time, we romp United with him fit. If he’s to play in midfield taking Thiago spot…. we have an overspill of midfielders…. would we be open to selling 1 to create extra funds.

{Ed025's Note - but who gets dropped for Trent Magico?, Macca is a shoe in, Endo is the only fit DM....so are you saying Slob gets the chop mate?..

11 Apr 2024 17:44:32
Just what we need, another midfielder. We have Mac, Szob, Endo, Grav, Jones, Elliot, Bajectic, potentially Trent if the OG is correct (which I don't believe) and a new chap from Porto? All for two CM positions as Amorim only plays 2 CM's if he does come in.
As Jude says who's leaving?

11 Apr 2024 18:39:35
so many games over the season, people are only thinking of a first eleven, Baj is very young, in time I think that he will be an important player for us,
Ha Trent also Mizer .

11 Apr 2024 18:42:42
two players at least, we have so many injuries, we need good cover, I am thinking Goncalo Inacio at left centre back, plus Alan Varela at DM, plus a forward, one of Diaz or Salah could move in the summer .

10 Apr 2024 14:01:15
A gem of a beauty from Paul Ince. "Mohammed Salah is not a world-class player but yes, he is a world class goalscorer".

What does one expect from the forwards, in the first place, if it's not to score? Do I want tricks and dribbling and speed in the forwards? Yes, but only if it serves goalscoring. I'll still take the slow guy who can't dribble or do tricks, as long as he scores.

The nonsense some of these supposedly "learned guys" serve up, is beyond belief. And this guy really sounds like he is really up deep inside his own backside. 😤.

10 Apr 2024 14:11:43
Think Ince is just jumping on the Mo Salah bandwagon, yes Mo is slowing down but he is getting the goal or assist.

10 Apr 2024 14:58:33
I might get pelters for this or even worst case get called a coward again 😂.

But I kind of agree with Ince that Salah isn’t a world class player anymore but he does have attributes and moments that could be defined as world class and is still an excellent footballer.

For me the word world class gets thrown about far too much and the world class player and world class goal scorer is perfectly summed up with Haaland.

Personally I believe there’s only been a handful of world class all round players over time but lots of players who have attributes that are world class.

Longevity plays a huge part in it and Salah has 100% nailed this hence why I say he is no longer world class as it’s very easy to argue that he is no longer the same player in 23/ 24 that he was in 17/ 21 when he was world class.

It’s only my opinion mind and would love to hear others thoughts.

Great topic of discussion this Aray.

10 Apr 2024 15:04:18
Yes but why go into hyperbole and use extreme terms when all he is doing is showing his utterly confused brain and confusing the mind of readers? What he said does not sound the least bit rational if you know football, and he is supposed to know football too well. It's like saying Alisson is not a shot stopper but still a great goalkeeper.

10 Apr 2024 15:19:04
Jk23, I guess a lot of it rests on the definition of world-class, and I know that each one of us probably has his own. That's fine. So much of football and everything that goes with it, is subjective and open to debate.

Yes, Salah's powers are dimishing. But for me he is still up there. How many of us think that he can't produce the 20 goals per season this year? Or next year or the year after? And then, there you have it. We stumble back into the definition of "world -class" again.

What I didn't like about Ince's quote was the use of absolutes that seem contradictory to me, and then also being cute about it. From a guy like him, you would expect incisive meaninful stuff, not this drivel that has no meaning.

10 Apr 2024 15:29:48
Ince is a pillock.

10 Apr 2024 15:31:20
Salah might be having a dip in form at the moment (even though he is still scoring almost every match) but I think history with Salah tells us to avoid jumping to conclusions that this means he's in decline or no longer top level. In form Salah gets into most teams - including national sides - in the world. That, in my opinion, makes him world class.

I do think we have to acknowledge that the stunning solo goals, slalom dribbles into the box and brilliant curled finishes into the far corner appear to be mainly in the past now but Salah has adapted and evolved quite brilliantly such that the goals and assists continue. I think it's most notable how he has replaced those unstoppable dribbles from the left flank in towards goal with those brilliant balls in behind, especially that one he plays from quite deep with the outside of his boot.

His evolution reminds me a little bit of what Giggs did and is the reason why I think Salah would be good for us for at least another couple of years.

All of that said, his all round contribution in the last three matches hasn't been enough from a player of his seniority and ability at this stage of the season. I wouldn't object to resting him tomorrow evening and give Elliott a deserved start. Salah will be back though.

As for Ince; surely one of the thickest ex-players to be afforded air time on tv and radio.

10 Apr 2024 15:58:56
I listened to it on the radio live as he made the comments in a conversation with Andy Goldstein and honestly, Goldstein was just coaxing him into a soundbite that would make a good clickbait headline.

Having heard the comments in context, I don't see the need to have such a reactionary view on what Ince said. He followed this line up by saying Salah is therefore world class. The statement about him not being a world class footballer was purely with regard to his all around game. Something I regularly see and hear Liverpool fans saying online and down the pub. Ince did also go on to say he hopes Liverpool win the league so he wasn't trying to be anti-Liverpool. He just got led down a path where whatever he said was going to make a headline for Talksport that would generate a reaction. If he'd called him a complete forward with no weaknesses you'd have rival fans all over Ince instead.

Ince was actually very good on the show by the way and he's the first ex-United pundit I've heard who gave a balanced view on Mainoo, pointing out how he was a huge part of why Man United were so weak in midfield against us, despite his wonder goal. Most other people don't want to acknowledge that Mainoo is all over the place positionally, doesn't track runners and gives the ball away sloppily all over the pitch. Instead they focus purely on his neat footwork, 5 yard passes and the 2 wonder goals he's scored. It was refreshing to hear an ex-United pundit not going over the top with hyperbole about a kid who has thus far looked out of his depth in multiple games but has albeit showed in flashes that he could be special.

10 Apr 2024 16:12:00
Are you alright MKS? Having a bad day, is it?

It may seem "reactionary" to you, but it's my opinion. As always you have the choice of reading and responding or not reading and not responding. But spare me the judgemental stuff, alright?

I know you for well over a decade on these pages, we read each other's posts, but I don't ever recall reading such overbearing judgemental stuff from you. There are many others on here who thrive on stifling opinions and putting others down. I didn't expect it from you.

If you can't reciprocate the respect you are given, then better not to respond or interact. Have a nice day.

10 Apr 2024 16:16:42
I am donning my hard hat for this one. I wouldn't say Salah has ever been world class (based on what I determine to be world class) . Hear me out. In my opinion, world class means regularly being a step above the best players in the world (which he is) but also regularly delivering on the biggest stages in football and winning the big games with individual brilliance. Think Messi, the Ronaldos et al.
For me, Salah has never performed in those big, one off games, the finals either for club or country. In fact, I'd say his performances in finals is actually quite lacking and that, for me, is why he isn't world class.

10 Apr 2024 16:47:56
Ey up. Just to have my turn stirring up the pot. If you start your post with, “gem of a beauty, ” then criticise someone else’s wording without context, you’re liable to get a retort of some sort.

FWIW, I thought the same as MKS before I even read his post and without the context he provided.

Both statements can be true at the same time. I wouldn't call Jota world class by any stretch, but he time and time again proves himself to be a world class goal scorer. Plenty of defenders are world class tacklers, but are terrible at positioning. Great shot stoppers flapping at crosses etc.

To be world class you need more than one string to your bow - unless you’re Robin Hood.

That said, Salah would still be welcome in 99.9% of teams in the world. That makes him world class in my book.

10 Apr 2024 17:02:06
Aray 100% agree and football is subjective and some people will rate players that others don’t which is the beauty of the game.

In me saying I don’t believe Salah is still a world class player it doesn’t take away what I do actually think of him and I love watching him play for us week in week out.

If it was up to me he’d be signing a new contract and staying with us for a few more years. I know fans are concerned with his wages.

But I’ve very much come to terms with the fact that my tickets, Liverpool shirts, merchandise and sky tv bill etc will be exactly the same price next season whether he is here or not so why should I care what the club are going to pay him, or any other player at that.

10 Apr 2024 17:05:34
This the guy who couldn't watch a penalty shootout, let alone take one and he calls himself the guv’nor?
Mans a tool.

10 Apr 2024 17:22:57
Apparently Jota for two seasons used to play as if he had never seen a football before as he was SO poor on the ball.

Which makes you question is Jurgen Klopp world class because he played him over 80 times. In which he was that poor he managed to hit that round white thing in between the posts 34 times.

10 Apr 2024 17:27:58
Insisted on being called Guv’nor.
Still hate that he played for us.

10 Apr 2024 17:32:32
Agree to be fair, salah does little other than score goals and even that’s stoped.

{Ed025's Note - "does little more than score goals" Mr Bean?.....hardest job in football mate and will take some replacing imo..

10 Apr 2024 17:55:14
Apart from scoring, assisting and helping out defensively what has Salah ever done for us.

10 Apr 2024 18:20:05
I think the best way to look at it and I think most will agree I think salahs general all round play will be replaced very easily his goals won’t .

Goals win games

Therefore salah will be missed when he leaves not for helping out Bradley or hugging the touchline or cutting in on his left but putting the ball in the net which is the aim of the game .

True great and will be missed enormously when he leaves . But we will still carry on and score goals we always do.

10 Apr 2024 18:46:51
Paul Mince
Thick as.

10 Apr 2024 18:50:52
Only 3 players have more assist than Salah in the league yet he does little other than score goals? Absolute clown.

10 Apr 2024 18:55:40
He's right. He's not world class anymore. For a long time he was, but not anymore. Just my opinion though.

10 Apr 2024 19:21:39
I'd argue that Salah was only world class that one season. After that he's been decent to really good only.

10 Apr 2024 20:59:20
Paul Ince renowned football scout.

Except he’s wrong.

Salah is/ was absolutely world class.

I could write more but I can’t believe there’s any doubt.

10 Apr 2024 21:06:52
Paul is right. He was all around world class but not anymore, just goal scoring. It's why City are better without Haaland and Utd were better without Ronaldo etc.
Doesn't make him less a legend, it's just realistic. Gerrard died down, so did Torres, everyone does. I would just say many who used to criticise Jota for only 'scoring' (when he actually does far more and always has) seem to the same as those defending Salah. See what's in front of you. Salahs numbers are great because he world class ability to do something mad difficult that others couldn't in the moment, but then spend 95% of the game wasting chances, giving the ball away, having horrible touches etc. His time has come I'm afraid. Doesn't detract from what's he's done. Fact is as the eds say footballers are transient employees and they have shelf lives. Nothing personal.

10 Apr 2024 21:53:55
Love it, blokes feeling himself back in after nearly 3 months out and he hasn't got it anymore. Could still win the golden boot and score 30 plus goals from the wing while playing in the worlds best league but yeh. he's not a world class player! We've been here before with Salah after a couple of poor performances, i can see him going gial crazy in these last 12 games.

10 Apr 2024 22:31:04
@JK23 totally agree with your original post. Some words and phrases lose their original meaning over time and ‘legend’ and ‘world class’ are examples. There’s also the acronym ‘Goat’ which is used by adolescents who tend to pick a player that they have seen play (albeit on the telly) who might even genuinely be world class and call them the goat.

I think with Mo you could make a serious case that he was the best player in his position in the world for at least a couple of seasons but I’m not sure that makes him world class to be honest but it is fair to say that he had (still has? ) some skills that are probably at world class level.

I am not a fan of Ince but I understand what he is trying to say and I think he might be right.

10 Apr 2024 22:49:09
Jude, Mo Salah is still class but he won't win the Golden Boot or get 30 plus goals, , I hopethat he does but he seems to be near the end at the top of the best league in the world, its it's sad but it happens to every footballer.

11 Apr 2024 02:12:01
Salah is world class, it's kind of gobsmacking to read people thinking otherwise. Even now, which team wouldn't have him? he's still scoring goals and providing assists and is a game changer, big time! We will miss him when he's gone, that is for certain.

11 Apr 2024 07:30:57
I always defined 'world class' as - If there was a squad of players that were made up of the best players from around the world, would they be included? That's my definition anyway.

Salah gets into that squad, particularly based on how many goals he would score, hence in my opinion, world class.

11 Apr 2024 08:02:21
All players are replaceable, hard cold fact but it continuley happens, just differing styles but always a new hero found or that we already have, we did great without him and i think a spell on the side might benefit the team again, if we get big money IMO we have no choice but to sell, absolute legend on the top shelf but the club moves on, will always be this way.

11 Apr 2024 09:03:38
Ar Ay, sorry if I didn't make it clear enough mate but I was intending to criticise Goldstein/ Talksport, not you. My point was that the comments when in context don't deserve a reactionary response, but Talksport and other media outlets haven't publicised them in context. They've done it as clickbait and soundbites. They goaded him into making comments they could monetise. I was only really looking to add the context to the discussion before Ince got lynched for something he didn't actually say or at the very least intend to say as it's come across in the wider media.

If I hadn't been listening to the show when he made the comments I would've definitely had the same reaction as you based off of what has been reported out, because that is what they wanted. They're very good at it which is why they make so much money from football fans. They know how emotional we all are about our teams and favourite players.

Sorry if you felt judged though mate, wasn't my intention at all, hence why I never name dropped you and focused my original reply more on defending Ince and calling out Goldstein/ Talksport.

11 Apr 2024 13:07:02
Wouldnt be so sure Kop that. on 23 now and has another dozen games left, mo be breaking the 30 again i think.

11 Apr 2024 17:14:58
Paul Ince said what he said in order to drive interest and attention towards him the same way Danny Mills spouted nonsense about Klopp not being a top PL manager cos he only won one title. Clearly, it worked.

11 Apr 2024 17:22:10
That's not actually true though is it Salah. We have been fine without him over Afcon and the last few weeks. Whilst subjective our win percentage over the entire time Salah has been with the club is significantly higher when he hasn't been playing. Mental I know but that's fact. The team has performed markedly less effectively when Virgil has been out or injured in comparison hence why I keep saying he is our most important player and needs replacing as a priority far higher than Salah. Again there's lots of variables and I'm not saying I don't like him whatever, or even that I don't think he should be in the team. I'm just saying I genuinely think his time as an elite level player is coming to an end.

11 Apr 2024 18:19:51
Ah yes. Paul Ince.

Still not forgiven Roy Evans for wasting £4 million quid on him.

Ged soon got the measure of him and booted him out to Middlesbrough for a cut price £1 million, I think just to make a point that he was not a valued top player like Ince thought himself as.

Apparently, Ince was a bad influence on the squad getting the spice boys into trouble.

He still talks codswallop, guess he has to earn a living.

11 Apr 2024 19:18:16
Hey Jude, if Salah does get his 30 plus goals, I will come on here and say that you were right, I hope that he does too, but it will be a close one .

10 Apr 2024 11:09:06
When you re a little down after the weekend's result and you see Allison, Jota, Trent and Bajcetic returning to training.

Just the little boost I needed to put the fire back in the belly.

I ve felt I was being a little chicken as a fan the last few weeks going in scared into every game. What if we slip up.

Well screw that. Time to win this thing. And the Europa cup. We'll win it all.

Arsenal will draw one of their tough games.

But I do believe we will need to win all our remaining 7 games.

That point was so important to stay ahead of City who I think have a good chance of winning all their remaining games.

So simply put, I've cleaned the train, serviced it, filled my ticket gun thingy, filled the snacks bar, got a liquor licence for those that enjoy that sort of thing, and am going to pull into every darn station a Liverpool fan resides.

7 games to go till we win the league!

All Aboard!

PS. We all know how Klopps last game is going to go anyway.

Drury:
Clock goes into injury time here.
They needed to just win to get the league but it looks like they'll just manage the draw.
City heading for an unprecedented 4 in a row.

Gary Neville chimes in. City are a machine. Simply unstoppable. In another era this Liverpool team could have won more trop.

Drury:
JJJOOOOOEEEEEE GOOOOOMMEEEEEEZZZZZZZ!

10 Apr 2024 11:28:53
That was excellent Davey Sulls. I truly hope it happens this way. 💥💥💥.

10 Apr 2024 11:32:18
Oh hold on. Var is checking. Bit odd as it was a strike from 40 yards. Not clear what they are checking but will bring that to you as soon as we have it.

In the mean time Joe Gomez has been sent off. First yellow card for removing his shirt but this is now red as he has removed everything else and is running around the pitch celebrating bollock naked.

Still no idea what VAR are checking here. We hear VAR refs are in consultation with Arsenal and Man City chiefs to come up with ideas here.

Gomez showing some real pace here as he is getting chased around by security officials. He has actually just clocked the fastest speed in premier league history here. Will that count as game is still running?

VAR check ongoing.

Thankfully Gomez has gone down the tunnel now.

VAR check over. GOAL reluctantly stands.

Oh GOD, Joe Gomez has re-emerged from the tunnel, still bollock naked except for a party hat and two exploding bottles of champagne.

Why can't anybody catch him?

The pixelator is also doing a terrible job of keeping up with him.

We'd just like to apologize to families and kids at home.

Oh god, what's he doing now.

Good lord, commercial! Quick! Go to commercial!

10 Apr 2024 13:42:35
Lol love it mate how many you had? Haha we're going to do it, I'm thinking last day win will do it. I reckon it'll be out of us and city when looking at fixture lists. Bring it on! We've got this.

I was so bitter after the utd result but we have to keep believing because arsenal for sure will drop points. It's upto us to go out and win all of our games. I think we still have villa and spurs to play and even west ham? If I remember right but it makes no difference who we're playing, although they are tricky opponents, every team in the league are and we've done well so far so I'll go on that. We can win, we just have to turn up every game and personally I believe we will.

Either way though let's be honest, we've had a great season and whoever wins it deserves it. What a season, 3 teams battling it out at this stage? Fantastic, makes it exciting, it'll be even more exciting when we're lifting that trophy.

10 Apr 2024 14:06:22
Lol Davey, I can just imagine the scenes mate. Of Gomez hitting a screamer that is, not him bollock naked 😂.

10 Apr 2024 14:48:57
I’ll take a Gomez 90min in off the backside after a goal line scramble to win the title. Or a Nunez scuffed shot that hit the post and trickles in.

Let’s win all our remaining games and see what happens. I do think the match up against Spurs and Chelsea may have some surprises in store for Arsenal. They may end up just like we did against Utd - dominate the game but somehow can’t win it and the opposition is on 100% clinical rate that day; 2 shots, 2 on target and 2 goals while they did have 20 shots, 10 on target and only scored 2 somehow.

10 Apr 2024 16:49:08
Gomez is becoming a pest with this scoring lark, all of a sudden against United he was capable of scoring 20 yard volleys and outside the box screamers, fans need to chill about it, he is the last player we need to encourage to have a shot, leave it until we are 3/ 4 up.

10 Apr 2024 17:07:16
Will never look at Joe Gomez the same, thanks Davey😂👍.

10 Apr 2024 17:09:37
I merely see into the future FSGfleecingus. I do not have the power to control it. That would be ridiculous.

7 prem games to go until the Joe Gomez X rated show.

10 Apr 2024 18:09:42
Magic!

10 Apr 2024 18:12:18
I played that all out in my head 🤣 Cheers Davey. Good laugh!

10 Apr 2024 19:52:18
Yes @davey Sulls I’m buying a ticket for this train
Next stop station number 20 last stop anfield 🙏🏻🙌🏻💪🏻.

10 Apr 2024 21:06:50
I have reserved you a personal carriage DHFC as a gold class customer.

I have taken the liberty of ordering your usual. A fully stacked complimentary minibar, a jacuzzi and cinema screen is ready to go for the big games.

Your personal live entertainment will be Dua Lipa. She is only contracted to sing but she did mention she quite fancies you so I'll put the "do not disturb" sign up just in case.

11 Apr 2024 08:05:18
That wasn't a dig at you @Davey, that was a class read with the voices becoming live in my head while reading, it comes from the games, he has started to become a problem with this shooting bit, he hasn't scored for a reason, it's a bit like ordering Coutinho from Wish HA.

11 Apr 2024 11:57:02
Love it Davey, albeit I am hoping we cruise the final game 6-0 for the sake of my heart!

11 Apr 2024 17:15:55
Oh crap, Davey! You got me hooked again. Let’s go get it!

10 Apr 2024 09:08:50
Hello! I suppose many of you are watching the Champions League. Just wanted to say that most referees, even from significantly weaker leagues, seem to maintain a higher standard than English referees. Considering the Premier League is regarded as perhaps the best league, it's very strange that they don't bring in the best referees. What's stopping that? The use of VAR is miles behind how it operates in Germany and Italy. There's almost never talk about referee performance after matchens there but in the PL it's almost after every match. What has gone so wrong?

10 Apr 2024 09:21:29
Howard Webb.

10 Apr 2024 09:44:29
I mean I don’t watch other leagues closely as I’m sure many on here don’t. But I would find it very difficult to believe that there is little or no referee controversies each match week.

10 Apr 2024 10:53:06
I was flipping back and forth between the 2 UCL matches last night. And I didn't see the slightest thing that was controversial.

Is "incompetence" an English privilege restricted to the Premier League or something? I know it isn't in the strongest terms possible. But we keep seeing it in the EPL, week in and week out. That's why I tend towards thinking that there is something else going on.

10 Apr 2024 12:23:00
The saka decision was as per VAR rules in my opinion. Saka sticking his leg out gave the VAR enough doubt not to overturn it (look at the amount of debate, it shows it wasnt clear and obvious) and got to that decision quickly. That's the high bar that it should be but the Premier league run it terribly.

10 Apr 2024 12:42:37
WYred- are you thinking of that was the prem then the VAR would have intervened?

10 Apr 2024 13:01:27
What that was Wy was a great decision from the referee and the VAR were clued up enough to see that and leave it alone.

What we would’ve seen in the PL is a 4 minute VAR check whilst they tie themselves up in knots trying to find a rule that it relates to which allows them to give the decision in the way they want.

Saka obviously kicked the keeper to try to buy a penalty after overrunning the ball. Anyone who knows football could see that which means our VAR officials would’ve 100% given it the other way.

10 Apr 2024 13:20:44
Looked like a Saka dive to me, the moment it happened. And I didn't think twice about it.

10 Apr 2024 13:21:31
Faith, if that’s the prem I think they give it. However, whilst not a dive, it’s creating contact and a way of playing the rules. Kane was the master at it and I think some of ours have done it too. Some argue Elliott did on the weekend but his was more subtle.

If refs get stronger on it they’ll eventually stop and if I was Arteta I’d be livid that Saka hasn’t just continued his run, he’s tried to be too cute and it’s backfired.

10 Apr 2024 14:42:34
don't think Saka kicked t he goalie but what he did was a classic hharry claim sorry kane move as in leaving his leg behind the goalie leg, go down and scream loudly broken leg scream ., should have got a yellow card for that and his or protests.

10 Apr 2024 17:56:57
I thought Elliott dived on Sunday . Player slides in and Elliott initiates the contact with WB thigh.

10 Apr 2024 22:54:22
No dive from Elliot, also thought that he was our best player when he came on he was brilliant, did a lot more than most,

11 Apr 2024 17:28:06
The ref got it absolutely spot on. Saka like several of the Arsenal players dive a lot but the refs say or do nothing. Saka dived van WH at the Emirates and was not booked. Same for Havertz vs Brentford a couple of weeks ago. Now he cheats ti get a pen vs Bayern. Not surprised.

11 Apr 2024 17:38:14
Saka is a cheat like his team mates and his manager.
What about the arsenal center half handling the ball in penalty area after keeper had took free kick and the ref after the game said he should of given a penalty
So just as bad as other uk refs poor and people say city get the refs decisions i rather think arsenal get the decisions from ref but there again they are a club full of cheats.

10 Apr 2024 07:39:01
{Ed's Note - Ed001 has posted a new article entitled, Manchester United v Liverpool - A Quick Liverpool Perspective

10 Apr 2024 08:24:21
I do feel like when salah doesn’t perform we struggle to score. I’m not blaming him, he’s going to be inconsistent, coming back and with Ramadan. But nunez is the chaos and so is Diaz to a a degree, we need someone to be the calm. Jota perhaps would have been the difference.

10 Apr 2024 10:37:13
When u take a step back from it after a few days as a team we probably played v well, a lot of individuals where just ok but as a team i thought we played well. people can say utd crap and all the rest but they still 6th after 31 games played. we limited them to v little going forward and created chances at our ease. obviously final ball/ shot wasn't what it should be. The Previous 3 games, brighton+ sheff utd in league and utd in cup i didn't think we played well as a team, gave up too many chances especially in them games whereas Sunday really utd scored 2 screamers in fairness but other than that created v little, in cup game they had plenty of good chances. Some how we have to get konate starting at least 5 out of our last 7 games in league, handier said than done with his injury record but he is a v good player who we badly need playing.

10 Apr 2024 10:37:20
Nice one, Ed.

You're right in the wastefulness could end up being a bigger story at the end of the season than the refereeing debacles we have faced.

Even on the first day of the season we had numerous opportunities to be 3 or 4 up against Chelsea. We missed a sitter to put Brighton away to bed. The Luton away misses were shockers. The three games against United could each have been cricket scores. The City and Arsenal home games too. I'd say there's at least 10 points lost to poor finishing of big chances this season.

I also agree that this is not a new issue. The CL final vs Real Madrid still rankles as does that Leicester City away game that somehow we lost!

Why Klopp chose to play Ibou vs Sheff Utd and omit him from the United game is stll a mystery to me. Perhaps Klopp was punishing him for going off with France. Sounds a stretch though.

{Ed001's Note - let's hope the story is that we win the 2 trophies left to us despite the wasteful finishing!}

10 Apr 2024 10:51:05
Agree with you totally about the Konate issue ED001.

I could not understand why he started Quansah instead.

No doubt we should still have won that game though.

{Ed001's Note - we should still have been good enough, but this was defo a game for Konate. I said as much to Bazza before the game, I was really uneasy once I saw the team. I do like Quansah, I do feel he will grow into a player good enough, but right now he is not the man for the big games when there is Konate there.}

10 Apr 2024 10:59:30
At the end of the day, its results that matter the most. Yes I love a flowing, technical, positive style of football. We've played very well in 3 matches against ManU, with two draws and one defeat. I, and we, console ourselves with having "been the better team". But what's the point of all that if you don't win? I guess I'm still deflated after that last game.

10 Apr 2024 11:51:08
Generally speaking we play well. And teams that play well typically win things. I do t think I’ve seen a team not play well or be the better team for the majority of a season and consistently compete for titles / trophies.

It’s not meant to minimise a bad result because they can happen whether you play well or not. But you will hear managers often talk about performances more than the outcome because the performances are within their control.

10 Apr 2024 12:18:38
ED1 💯 agree that Konate should have played ( not because of Quansah mistake ) just that Konate is a better, more experienced player. but main issue as you rightly say is the amount of chances we regularly miss., game after game . I don't get how we miss that many considering the amount of chances we make . and then teams seem to have a couple of chances against us n bang its in the net .

{Ed001's Note - it is a worry and it does need resolving if we are ever to achieve our potential.}

10 Apr 2024 13:05:13
Was konate not injured?

10 Apr 2024 13:23:34
Konate was on the bench, for the game. That's why so many of us are wondering how and why the selection of Quansah over Konate was made.

10 Apr 2024 13:28:49
The one positive to draw from it is that it keeps Ten Hag in post and as long as he’s their manager they won’t win a title or be remotely close to it.

10 Apr 2024 15:12:47
The lack of finishing has cost us for years more trophies. It's been mentioned for years. In some of the biggest games the lack of finishing has cost us and it's something klopps never improved. This is why regardless it's for a refreshment of manager coming in to see if this is an area wr can improve on because it's as frustrating as a fire performance.

11 Apr 2024 02:31:49
Spot on as per usual Ed1 mate, thanks for writing it up, always enjoy these.

I too, like Quansah. But unfortunately from me there is a but, he's not ready for this level of football. yet. I do believe he will be an exceptional player but he's far off at the moment. A young mind, he needs to mature a little to learn more and probably needs a little guidance with it.

One of them for me, I think if Gomez and Elliot had of started the game it'd of been a different result but it's all ifs and buts, same could be said if Jones started.

Did my bloody head in that game, the worst of the season for me. Well, apart from the Spurs game which was just an absolute shambles.

Anyway, hope you're well Ed1 mate :)

{Ed001's Note - I just think he needed a bit of bringing back down to earth, as he is playing so well and getting such plaudits, sometimes you need to remind a youngster that actually you still have a long way to go. By showing him that there is a better player in the squad picking Konate over him would have done that. As Paisley used to do by dropping them after a run of games back down to the reserves. Now he has learnt the same lesson but in a much harsher way and one that has now doubt resulted in abuse off the morons in our fanbase. Oh well, can't change it now and I actually blame Bazza because he told me Quansah would be fine before the game when I expressed my doubts about the selection to him. So he is a Jonah and jinxed it.

Good thanks mate. I am just looking at it as a point gained because we could so easily have ended up with nothing. How about you, how are things?}

11 Apr 2024 09:17:05
Agreed Ed1 mate. It's due to the lack of maturity, they get ahead of themselves at that age, I also think it's why a lot of them fail at the top level, if they take their time and be patient with a clear mind, listen to the manager you can't go far wrong. Sometimes being harsh has to be the case with youngsters at this level by like you say not throwing them in at the deep end in games like that.

And I know what you mean mate, some comments I've heard from people are just silly considering he's only 20, or 21? He has plenty of time to learn. It'll be interesting how the new manager handles these kids because for me it's so important, we have a lot of talented young lads there but can't just throw them in like that, give them their chances but don't be daft about it, do it gradually.

I am very well thank you Ed1 mate, can't complain as much as I love to because I'm a miserable bugger ;) lol - What's the next article if you don't mind me asking mate?

Have a good day Ed1.

{Ed001's Note - I don't know what will be the next article, I am just working on a player profile at the moment, updating Isak.

To be honest I wasn't meaning throwing him into the deep end is the problem, I think that is the best way for them to learn. But when they have had a run, a lot of plaudits and praise, then you need to closely monitor their play to watch for a bit of arrogance or laxity slipping into their play. For me he is borderline on both anyway, the way he plays normally I mean, not a bad thing to be arrogant to a degree, but when it slips into this kind of slack play because they might be believing their hype, then it is a problem. So I would want to manage him more closely because of it, including always turning to Konate, when fit, for the bigger, tougher matches, just to remind him that he is not there yet. But even failing that, he was consistently giving the ball away by not looking before passing across the defence in the first half, so he really should have been dragged off and given a proper dressing down at half-time. I know that is not the done thing these days, but you can't just let someone constantly make the same mistake over and over. They have to take responsibility for their mistakes and stop making them. It was a mistake by the coaching staff as a whole to not deal with it. You don't mind them making mistakes, that's how they learn, but not the same damn one multiple times in the same match. That is not learning, that is lazy and arrogant play. You can't allow that if you want the kid to reach his potential.}