There is certainly a feelgood factor surrounding the Fields Of Anfield Road these days. And long may it continue. Saturday just gone (14th April) saw the visit of Bournemouth to Anfield. To be fair, Bournemouth played well in patches. In the first half their approach play in the first two thirds of the pitch was quite impressive. But in reality, they lacked any penetration in the last third. Virgil Van Dijk comfortably dealt with Jermaine Defoe. It was good to see an ex-Red return, but to be fair, Jordan Ibe didn’t really trouble us at all. He did get a great reception when he was subbed early in the second half though. All in all, a comfortable three points for Liverpool.
A Comfortable Three Points
At times it looked as though Liverpool didn’t get out of second gear. It will not be of any surprise that the goals came from Mane, Salah and Firmino in our 3-0 victory. A comfortable three points indeed. It goes without saying that you would normally urge Liverpool to score as many goals as possible. But, very late on, after Firmino’s strike we wanted the scoring to end. The reason being, the lady who sits behind us had a wager on a score of 3-0, with first goalscorer being Mane. Kerching!! Well done. We were willing Andy Robertson to put his shot into The Kop in the last few seconds. And fair enough, he did. A few celebratory drinks no doubt on Saturday night, courtesy of Billy Hill.
One thing so evident on Saturday was the confidence that seems to be oozing through the team at the moment. It speaks volumes that I can now actually watch our opponents corners!!! Before the arrival of Van Dijk and the upgrade in the whole back four and goalkeeper as a result, it was the equivalent of ‘behind the sofa time’ when the Daleks came on TV on a Saturday night on Doctor Who. Van Dijk just oozes class doesn’t he.
A huge credit to Trent Alexander-Arnold as well. It was clear that teams were targeting him, but he has come through the test brilliantly. He has tightened up considerably defensively. And as far as his contribution going forward is concerned, his crossing is exceptional at times. Proof of that particular pudding, his brilliant cross to Mo Salah for the second goal.
Mo Salah still had plenty to do though. But Mo being Mo, he made it look easy.
Next Up
West Brom away are next up. Although virtually down anyway, what a great result for them yesterday. Anyone who wins at Old Trafford earns great kudos as far as I am concerned, but to win with all that pressure on them was an excellent achievement. A win against the Baggies next week though will almost certainly relegate them for sure. If we win, they will be 9 points behind Swansea with 9 to play for. And Swansea have a superior goal difference.
If they do go down though, don’t be surprised to see them back soon. They have a reputation for being a bit of a yo-yo club.
Before that though Chelsea play their game in hand away to Burnley on Thursday. Obviously, fingers crossed for either a Burnley win or a draw at least. With Arsenal losing again yesterday, Burnley have plenty to play for. Two points behind Arsenal in 6th and only two points behind.
Thank you to the Bournemouth fans for their tributes to the 96. Glad to see they are safe and that they will be in the Premier League next season. A comfortable three points nonetheless. Let’s hope the injury to Dejan Lovren isn’t too serious and he is OK for next week.
In case you haven’t seen the match, or even if you have, you can see a brief story of the match below…..
Also, you can have a look at the video I took from my seat in the Kop when the tribute to the 96 commenced…..
Not sure why the screen is so narrow though. Probably the way I’m holding my phone.
Fingers crossed we enjoy a comfortable three points again next week.
