Liverpool Banter 2

02 Nov 2026 17:09:26
Just a point about the game yesterday. I couldn't see but my son in the Kenny could. At the end of the game Gakpo Gravenberch going to Timber hugging laughing etc. we have just lost to one of our biggest rivals.

I understand they are your international team mates but surely you wait till later in the tunnel maybe? Not a good look. It might seem petty but I find that annoying.

02 Nov 2026 17:18:41
It was just a football match and that is inferior to the human connection they share. You will find there are things bigger than football. I have got no qualms with that really.

02 Nov 2026 17:59:49
They can have their interaction later. We have just lost but they are laughing and joking Maybe some care more than others.

02 Nov 2026 18:00:16
I agree 100% with Stevie. Iraola is friends with Arteta but he's not having a love in on the pitch. You're out of the title race and lost at Anfield. Bad time to be laughing and joking.

02 Nov 2026 18:39:13
Humans are not clones, they react in different ways. There isn't any right or wrong.

02 Nov 2026 18:51:52
I kinda miss the time when it seemed like a terrible result like this actually bothered the players. This is elite sport. Im all for the auld Roy Keane stare straight ahead lark in the tunnel. Plenty of time for backslapping and hugs in the players lounge afterwards. During the game the opposition are the enemy.

02 Nov 2026 19:09:23
WDW - there is most definitely a right and a wrong in the way humans react.

02 Nov 2026 19:10:13
Ryan can laugh at another club. No it's not professional on the pitch at anfield after a loss. The lads not the type of character I want about the place. When we were struggling he's not one to put in real performances. Too laid back and overpaid. He can go.

02 Nov 2026 19:13:32
First time Gravenberch has been able to successfully find a teammate all season.

02 Nov 2026 19:17:50
I agree Florian, I miss the days when players went to war with the opponent. Perhaps it's because the lack of commitment players have to clubs and vice versa. Maybe I'm wrong but players feel a lot more transient these days, look at Cherki last year putting on Ekitike's shirt mid game I mean honestly it's all a bit nice really! Bring back the rough and tumble, physical battles.

02 Nov 2026 19:29:39
Excellent rage bait, it snared those you would expect.

02 Nov 2026 19:35:36
Cody is just one of the nice guys, he's always helping players up off the floor, apologising for tackles etc. He's got no devilment in him at all. It can and should wait until they're off the pitch, then he can have his love ins. Not many have the passion for the club in the way we'd like as supporters, I don't like happy losers.

02 Nov 2026 19:39:57
Ugbes - Absolutely not. Liverpool need players who are annoyed by losing, particularly to rivals and under those circumstances. Those two are reportedly paid a combined half a million a week (goodness knows how) to represent Liverpool FC and despise losing. Roy Keane's take on this nonsense is spot on.

02 Nov 2026 20:01:28
Just another sign we're not at the level

True title contenders wouldn't be flirting.

02 Nov 2026 20:14:43
Would you like having Gravenberch starting away in a derby or at Old Trafford? Not sure. Lad can play but I think Liverpool might move him on.

02 Nov 2026 20:14:57
Andoni sadly has inherited the same problems Arne Slot had, how can you motivate multi, multi millionaires who get the same fortunes weekly win, lose or draw. The culture is too nice at the club from top to bottom, with only the fans who have any real worries.

03 Nov 2026 00:32:10
I personally don't care about this at all. And if you're going to go on and say that they can have a laugh later, then to me that just means it really is just feelings over facts on this one.

03 Nov 2026 06:22:53
@WarMachine, there is a distinction between right and wrong in the real world. The context we are talking about is a game of football - it is sport and is inconsequential in the real world. Congratulating an opponent (who, as in this case, may be a friend) is fine. In fact, as youngsters we were taught to congratulate the opposition on a good game after each match.

Apologies, for not placing my comments into perspective given the context. To be honest, I didn't think there was a need in a world where countries like America and Israel have taken it upon themselves to bomb sections of society off the face of the earth for little more reason than the fact that they can.

02 Nov 2026 21:39:00
Crucifixion? Good, Door to the left, one cross each!

03 Nov 2026 07:19:49
Understood WDW. I just have the view that it's right to shake the hand after the game and it's bad taste to be laughing and joking after a defeat. A defeat should not make them feel happy and joky after a game, I don't care who they see. My son plays games against his school friends on a Sunday. If he loses against them, he certainly isn't laughing and joking with them after the game.

He's not happy. It makes me think they don't care enough and then makes me think we are paying their huge wages for players who couldn't really give a damn if they win or lose. I want players playing their hardest for the club and caring a lot when we lose. Thus doesn't give me that impression. That's just my opinion.

03 Nov 2026 08:28:30
Some people really can't handle losing a game of football.

03 Nov 2026 10:20:05
Indeed, @Fifth and @Flash. This is nonsense and a sign of people doing too much trying to get a reaction. They are compatriots and national team buddies. they go at it during a game and once the whistle goes, they lay down their weapons and chat because you know, the so called "war" is over.

Also, these guys have prolly known each other since they were kids in the academies and all made it up to the top level. Should they just suddenly now become sworn enemies because they play against each other? Put the crap in the bin, man.

Also, do these people know that in the tunnel before a game, these players chat a bit, high five each other before the game and do so after the game?

Again, rage-baiting nonsense.

03 Nov 2026 11:45:20
I'm in the Roy Keane camp for this one; it's a 'fight to the death' until the final whistle goes. Once that happens you can do what you want. I get where OP is coming from, as personally, I wouldn't be saying a word to the opposition after a game, if I wanted to talk to a national teammate or otherwise on the opposing team, I would be doing it at some stage after I've left the pitch, but of course I understand why lads do it.

02 Nov 2026 15:50:35
I recall a few seasons ago when November always seemed to be a bad month for us. Having now lost our first game in November this season, I hope that's not a bad omen for us.
We need to start scoring more, and stop this habit of going behind in a lot of our games.


I can see a bit of improvement in attitude so far under AI, but we are still a lot of work in progress, and patience will be needed.

02 Nov 2026 16:24:25
"Here Here" KBL,

Sir Bob won the clubs first ever European Cup in 1977 and with it the usual League title 76/77, at Villa Park in "December" 1976 we were very lucky to get away with an absolute 5-1 trouncing, the team never looked back after that game as the above honours prove, sometimes the most disappointing loss is the best thing that can happen to you?

YNWA Andoni.

02 Nov 2026 16:40:28
I remember Nightmare November under Roy Evans.

However, more recently, our best form of the season has consistently been between the last international break of the calendar year and the festive period. Then January we see a dip, which has sometimes lasted through February.

02 Nov 2026 16:50:15
I was at that game, 007, at Villa Park in 1976. I didn't know what I was watching. Completely outplayed. Blooming hell, just realised that was 50 years ago!

02 Nov 2026 17:36:48
How was that Cornish. paradise Rome?

We had a couple of hidings at Villa park in the late 70's.
I remember Easter 79- went with my youth football team Bromley Heath to see us get pummelled 3-1.

02 Nov 2026 18:14:51
Hiya Bristol, my friend. We had great weather, mate. Did a fair bit of coastal walking. It was warm enough to laze on the beach, though we didn't. I never tire of going down there. Did you get down there this year?

I was there in Easter 79, too. Back in the days when it was an all standing away end and it wasn't all ticket!

02 Nov 2026 18:30:00
Good to hear Mate 👍
Going back down early Dec - Padstow food week!

Getting to that away end was a fearfull
Walk back in those days depending where you were parked up.

02 Nov 2026 18:41:03
Padstow food week in December sounds brilliant. Me and the wife ate at Pucellis the other week.

You are right about that walk to your car, mate. The walk back down the Blues was even worse. Brummies aren't as friendly as us Black Country folk!

To the Editors, I'm sorry for turning this site into an alternative to Facebook!

02 Nov 2026 19:14:49
November is notoriously crap anyway. Cold, Christmas still ages away and no bank holidays. Our form is probably no different to any other month but it's just not as much fun because it's November.

02 Nov 2026 14:10:00
Bit of a loaded question ED001 but i have really been excited at the progress this team is making and the spirit they show and i am sure they will be there and there abouts for challenging for things in the very near future.

What would your goals for this season be? Seem a little off city and Arsenal but I have a lot of faith in Iraola to get them there.

{Ed001's Note - get through the group stage of the UCL, qualify for it next season via the Prem and anything in the cups is a bonus. It is mostly about building a side to suit Iraola's style, this season is giving him time to look at what is there and deciding who needs to be moved on and replaced. I think we will end up top 3 in the league, which would be great considering the mess he inherited, with players unfit after working part-time last season and an SD who spent the transfer window only working part-time. I thought it would be a real struggle until Xmas to be honest, but we are already starting to look so much better.}

02 Nov 2026 15:41:17
That has been my feeling this season too. We as fans always expect instant success but finish in the champions league spots, get a good run in that and then the other cups it will have been a great season.

The other thing for me is we are enjoyable again to watch, last season was a real struggle at times to stomach but onwards and upwards from here.

02 Nov 2026 15:50:05
I agree on the whole very positive. The fitness massively improved is noticeable. Onwards and upwards with Andoni.

02 Nov 2026 14:50:59
I'd agree, Ed.

Third is the best we can do with the personnel we have at the moment.

We're ahead of where I thought we'd be too. I was worried we would be getting caught on the break often. We actually look pretty strong defensively.

02 Nov 2026 16:06:21
Biggest problem for Andoni, he's got to find a solution as soon as? for replacing the goals that Salah was regularly producing, 11 PL goals from 9 PL games quite evidently proves that is going to be difficult.

I have yet to see a game where we have been outplayed by a far better footballing team, the two PL games lost have been fully influenced by the officials to not be fair to both sides.

02 Nov 2026 16:18:10
It must've been a dream I had, that I kept reading we would walk the league if we'd had any other manager, than Slot, with the squad we had last season.

02 Nov 2026 14:58:43
Go with that Ed001 that would be a decent season
The greedy bollocks in me would like to bear Everton at Wembley in the Carabao cup though as well.

{Ed001's Note - beating Everton is always good.

02 Nov 2026 16:58:16
100% Ed, I really feel we are working towards this and actually better off where we are considering the squad and their fitness levels from the past 2 years and thought we would have more bumps than we had, it's clear the players are enjoying the set up so much more and responding to it.

02 Nov 2026 17:33:48
Agree Ed001 👍. Already massive improvements on last season TG 🙏.

02 Nov 2026 19:11:06
Rome, we don't have the squad we did last year do we? It's a different squad and different league.

I, for one, do still think AI in charge last year wins that league.

02 Nov 2026 19:25:46
It's definitely going to be an interesting season, I'm sure there will be plenty of ups and downs and I honestly don't think we have been anywhere near what we can and hopefully will be under AI. When I watch our performances this season you can see a lot of problem areas in our games ( in particular pressing and distances) however what I also see is improvement week to week. The team are learning but it will take time.

If we can get 3rd and have a run in the CL then I'd take that. When you look at our injuries they have been significant, Isak only returning after a season wiped out, Ekitike out long term, Bradley and Leoni too. Then add in Szob too. All teams have injuries but Ekitike is huge for us!

02 Nov 2026 22:57:26
I think the next 2 league games are huge. Win those two winnable games, and everything will feel good again.

Attitude has to be right now. We are starting to raise the bar. Now we got to continue to meet that bar every game and push it further.

03 Nov 2026 10:21:06
You got me excited, Ed. Suit up and let's go.

02 Nov 2026 13:33:56
Two losses against the two best teams in the league, with one being the reigning champions. Two decisions altered the game in both cases. But for me the biggest issue is the poor results against Fulham and Forest. That's 4 points dropped imo.

Even a win against one would of put us on the same points as if we drew with City and Arsenal. The biggest issue we had under Klopp in some seasons was to many draws, not killing the teams off. This is something I hope Iraola sorts out.

02 Nov 2026 13:47:57
Agree with what you say there, Big HA.

02 Nov 2026 13:55:38
We are miles better now than we were against Forest and Fulham. So that is a good thing.

02 Nov 2026 14:07:34
Those two decisions has cost us points. Grav was in no way a 2nd yellow, never in a million years, and Isak should have got a penalty. Never a more clear foul than you will ever see. The fact that VAR never even got involved with the shirt pull tells me that my suspicions about match fixing is true and prevalent. We are not the only team to suffer the consequences of, quite frankly, pathetic officiating either.

Something which seems to be a weekly occurrence. I've said it before, and i'll say it again, take these games as serious as you would watching WWE wrestling, as that's about as real as it gets. VAR is just a tool to micro manage the results to their (insert blame here) liking. The league is corrupt and so are the people that run it.

02 Nov 2026 14:33:44
BHA it is a work in progress. The Forrest game was unlikely as they were gifted a goal with that penalty which left us constantly chasing that game.

03 Nov 2026 10:23:20
@Big, refs ruined the result in the Forrest game as well because the Incident Review Panel ruled after the game that the pen they gave Forrest was an error and should not have been given.

And who was on VAR that game? You guessed it, Michael Oliver.

02 Nov 2026 12:39:37
I thought we acquitted ourselves pretty well yesterday.

Positives were:
- Trey Nyoni was absolutely brilliant again and is making a case to be our first midfield pick now
- Jacquet had a really different type of battle with the awkward and pointy Kai Havertz and came through again
- Love Araujo running around kicking people
- We seem to be much better at set-pieces
- We seem to be much fitter
- The coach showed bravery in selecting Trey.

Negatives:
- Kerkez is really struggling on the ball. Arsenal actually left him to have the ball.
- I have no idea what we are doing with throw-ins. The lack of movement/options from throw ins, especially on the left-hand side, is concerning.
- These goal kicks aimed at drawing out the opposition press by building from our 6 yard box seem to be worthless, and if anything, an unnecessary risk
- Our forwards just don't get enough touches and as a result, look like strangers playing together
- Barcola seems a bit shocked by the intensity of the game. Hopefully it is just period of adaptation
- Szobo coming on in the midfield two was probably not the right choice at that moment in the game. But at the same time, Trey's minutes are probably being managed, so I can understand that
- Would have liked to see Rio come on earlier and possibly even switch with Barcola.

And lastly, given the referees just get worse, we might just have to up our dark arts game now. Sad situation to be in but we've now had 3 high profile officiating errors costing us anywhere between 4 and 8 points already.

02 Nov 2026 13:12:29
FPF, my biggest issue with your post is the last one- AM and DS were embarrassing yesterday.

Isak shouldn't have to flounce to the ground for VAR to look at the pen incident, even if the ref missed it. But if AI could see it from the touchlind, why couldn't the ref or the linesman?

02 Nov 2026 13:26:09
PD - I was reading Tomkins latest blog where he talks about how biased toward the visitors the refs are at Anfield on fouls and pens. Even without a tin hat on, the numbers are wild. Check it out.

02 Nov 2026 14:21:17
FPF, thought he was behind a pay wall these days? Used to enjoy his articles.

02 Nov 2026 14:49:08
I think maybe this last one is a freebie.

03 Nov 2026 10:35:39
FPF, the first time I knew of or even heard of Paul Tomkins was in 2019 and he was already talking about this stuff.

Like you, I advise people to check out his stuff because the numbers are staggering.

02 Nov 2026 06:54:18
So we lost a bit of control when Trey went off, that leaves AI with a big problem of where to play sob, it's either Sob or Wirtz not both.

02 Nov 2026 07:03:43
Very true, was thinking exactly the same thing. I think Iraola made the wrong switch. We also have a real problem if Isak isn't firing, until Ekitike is fit there's just no quality alternative in the squad including Gakpo or Koumas. Neither are good enough as a nine or false nine.

02 Nov 2026 07:38:15
It's hard to blame Isak if we aren't giving him any chances, he should of made a big deal of that pull (no idea why he didn't)

It needed one of our top players yesterday to score a worldie, you could just see as soon as they scored the pattern of the game was set out.

Yes we played well but it's was a lot of huffing and puffing, no shots on target (very difficult granted with how Arsenal dropped off and defended)

It needed someone to step up a get a goal from somewhere but it just didn't happen.

02 Nov 2026 11:57:16
We still have a ball progression problem. We have loads of ball carriers but not enough passers. We need to be feeding the forwards more often, and quicker.

02 Nov 2026 12:12:41
I think the fact that we identified players like Zubimendi and Wharton suggests it is a player profile we are looking to bring in. Nyoni has stepped in and made himself look integral which, for a player that is 19, first genuine senior season, must drive the more senior players to offer more, hopefully.

When Nyoni went off, the midfield failed to function. Szobo is quality, but he is not a natural passer (I. e. breaking lines, quick decision making) he tends to dally on the ball and assess his options. He is also on the front foot a lot when pressing, eager to win back possession, which is great if a CAM with cover behind. But, as one of the 8's, he has to be smarter, and not leave gaps that can be so easily exploited.

It is so no wonder Wirtz improved when Nyoni entered the team, as Nyoni is mentally quite fast, recognises opportunities to break lines and get the ball up the pitch. Van Dijk trusts him a lot, and will seek him out when in possession of the ball. Wirtz trusts him too, and will find pockets of space to receive.

It is really important we don't overplay Nyoni, but, at this point, he offers far too much to be left out. If we don't bring in another astute passer in midfield, then Nyoni will be required.

02 Nov 2026 12:35:06
IF, and I'm not saying it is because I don't agree, but IF the choice is between Wirtz and Dom it's Dom all day, it's a no-brainer. Wirtz has zero end product. Dom was our best player by a country mile last season, his goal contributions increased by 50% after being moved from the 10 to an 8 so it's hard to argue he should be moved back to a 10, a position he was criticised for not producing enough in.

02 Nov 2026 14:31:31
I don't fully understand it, but what do I know? People talk about Wirtz like he's the next "Zidane", who needs more and more time to "adjust", for his team mates to "adjust" to him and for him to "adjust" to the "new" environment. Because moving from one European country to another is unimaginably difficult and probably very perilous at the same time. It's a wonder he's able to kick a ball during a match, at all. 😉

An "opportunistic signing" that basically hasn't worked out so far, as they may or may not. And just the remnants of a regime that didn't know its head from its posterior.

03 Nov 2026 10:42:34
Chewy, Dom has no end product either and even worse, cannot find a key pass to break the lines, takes too much touches before releasing the ball, lack the vision nor awareness to find holes in the oppo's defence etc., all of which Wirtz has shown to possess.

So no, Dom is not a no brainer because he is a no.10 without a single creative bone to his body. Wirtz is levels above him in this regard. He just needs to show it more consistently.

02 Nov 2026 11:13:18
I think our biggest problem to solve is potency up top.

The Iraola tactics yesterday (and in other games) have created numerous chances on the turn over.

If we had the attack of Klopp days we'd be smashing in 3-4 goals.

We just lack that ruthlessness we once had.

If/once this changes, I'll think we'll be a force and a half.

02 Nov 2026 12:00:43
It's a bit of that, but also we had very quick and direct passers in Hendo, Fab, Virg, Trent and Robbo. Bar Nyoni and Jacquet, we lack that at the moment. Araujo has shown some glimpses of it too. We have too many ball carriers and not enough quick passers.

02 Nov 2026 11:56:09
Arsenal started with Havertz upfront, some Random Ukranian guy on the left and a chelsea flop at right. don't tell me they are Blon Dor Winners. Our team with £300 mill worth players uptop should have smahed them yesterday.

02 Nov 2026 13:27:02
Tzolis is Greek.

02 Nov 2026 14:41:10
I'm struggling to understand what value your comment is adding to this thread Sonic?

I was highlighting that our attacking potency is an issue. That we create numerous fast break opportunities under AI, but don't capitalise?

03 Nov 2026 10:47:56
Sonic, and what did all those players do for Arsenal up top? Nothing.

Why? because their manager is essentially Tony Pulis with a billion pound squad where attackers are supposed to defend and not attack.

And don't try to tell me that their attack is better than ours because even their fans don't think so.

Also had Ali not do an "Ali", where would their goals have come from in open play playing 10 men at the back like Stoke in their prime?

Ah, I forgot, set pieces but wait, that's not open play so essentially, nothing.

Like @Full said, you are adding no value to this thread.

02 Nov 2026 10:59:17
I hate it when player falls to the ground or act like they've been shot with the slightest touch and wasn't looking forward to seeing Gabriel do his stuff yesterday. He didn't let us down with a blow to the face that would knock out the best heavyweight boxers, only he didn't get touched in his face, just a push in his chest.

In my opinion a VAR review and a yellow for cheating.
Having said that we have Macca who drives me mad, a wonderful player but loves to dive around the place but yesterday he was outdone by Havertz who falls with every challenge, that boy was almost needing an ambulance every 10 minutes!

02 Nov 2026 11:14:45
Havertz is the worst. He even wanted to contest that drop ball after a head injury. Horrible horrible player.

02 Nov 2026 11:55:39
Sorry but I think Macca took the prize for the worst playacting yesterday. Utterly embarrassing.

{Ed025's Note - the sad thing is Mikey it was thoroughly expected mate..

02 Nov 2026 12:05:46
Arsenal are absolutely maddening to watch. I was fuming all game watching them dive and flop. Lewis-Skelly came on for Guimaraes and his first action was to dive to win a foul. I was raging!

I know people are talking about the Isak penalty, but Tzolis had two hands on Gakpo in the box as well. Whether force was being applied or not, two hands on an opposition's waist is a foul.

Ultimately, the referees are rewarding them for it. So they feel validated.

{Ed025's Note - then again FPF you could say Liverpool got away with a few as well mate..especially Trey who got very lucky with a couple of poor challenges, of course you are only looking at the Arsenal ones as is your want, i thought the ref was ok even though the Isac one was deffo a pen but feel it was more down to VAR than the actual referee, its hard to have sympathy for you though when you have a prick like Macca taking the piss out of the ref with his constant cheating and play acting..sometimes you reap what you sow..

02 Nov 2026 13:30:02
Ed025 - nobody is asking for sympathy from an Everton fan :)

{Ed025's Note - good because you are not getting any mate.. :)

03 Nov 2026 10:54:51
Ed25, No player is getting sent off in a big game after 4 minutes of play so let's put that to the side.

And had Nyoni gotten a yellow there, he wouldn't do that again because he knows he is on a yellow hence, that would not have happened either so again, let's put that in the bin.

And you saying the ref was okay is just lazy. The ref was awful for both teams and even Freddie Ljunberg said, he found his perf. esp. in the second half to be "very poor" while former ref chief Keith Hackett said he was so poor that he would have benched him as a ref for 2 weeks.

As for Macca, you won't find me supporting his antics and that's well known. But that does not remove from the fact that the whole Arsenal team engage to time-wasting, cheating, flopping to the ground whenever the oppo does as much as walk by them because they have been doing it for years under Arteta.

Therefore, it shows they practice these antics and have it down to a T which is disgraceful.

Multiple things can be correct at the same time.

{Ed025's Note - Arsenal are experts at the dark arts Oli we all know that and as i said Gabriel was the first one to do it in the game, i would not listen to people like Hackett though mate he was one of the worst ever..

02 Nov 2026 09:54:39
Morning all,

First time at Anfield and the city for me in decades yesterday. Liverpool has come on in leaps and bounds as a city since the grim days of the late 80s. All of Liverpool should be proud and the hospitality and friendliness hasn't changed. Love it here.

On the game I think we were asleep for the first 15 and paid the price. We struggled to break down an organised defence and that is a problem we have for a few seasons even under Klopp and last season under Slot. On the players, the amount of running Wirtz does is crazy and I would say hurts his game second half. Barcola needs to trust his ability to take on his man more. Isak was a mystery to me. The three of these need to do better but I think they will if they can figure out how not to crowd each others space. Was impressed by Trey and while I understand the reason to replace him to go more attack minded I think we got worse when he departed. The rest were all ok to be fair. Some mistakes, some good moments but this was an hard game against a difficult opponent who know how to defend a lead. Atmosphere was amazing and how i remember it.

Give it time and patience I would say. Enjoy the ride. A bit like Klopp's early seasons there will be ups and downs. Stick together and we will get there.

YNWA.

02 Nov 2026 10:03:12
Well said Jon, instant success is not what happens in football and the ride there is always the best part.

We will get top 4 and will keep improving as the season goes on.

02 Nov 2026 10:51:27
Barcola (apart from his hattrick game) hasn't looked any better than Rio. Both never take a man on and attacks just stall while they decide who to pass to, Barcloa is rapid apparently, when has he shown that in a one on one?

02 Nov 2026 10:53:10
3rd Anfield game for me this season where we've failed to score from open play.
I may have to ban myself 😬

I can still see the improvement and we're not that far off the top teams.