Liverpool are coming off a robust exhibiting within the Champions League with a 6-nil win over Azerbaijani membership Qarabag FK. But, as most Liverpool followers would know, huge mid-week outcomes don’t all the time portend robust performances within the Premier League. And with Liverpool’s harm disaster nonetheless in full bloom, any followers dreading a match-up with Eddie Howe’s facet could be forgiven their doubt over the Reds. What transpired on Saturday, although, is at the least a respite from the seemingly listless performances which have plagued the Reds this season.
Let’s take a more in-depth look, then, into Liverpool’s huge day at Anfield as they swept apart Newcastle 4 objectives to 1.
Winners and Losers
Winners
The New Boys
We’ll go a bit of deeper on each Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz as each budding stars completely smashed it right now. But it have to be mentioned that Milos Kerkez had one other terrific outing right now, together with notching an help on the lengthy ball out to Ekitike for what would change into the eventual winner. Kerkez’s enchancment has flown a bit beneath the radar over latest weeks however the left-back has actually grown into the Liverpool facet since December. And since I’m not relying on something from Alexander Isak till subsequent season given the brand new yr, it feels fairly secure to say that the brand new signings have all kind of labored out.
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Hugo Ekitike
Ekitike has been so good and, as was on show on this match, extremely ruthless that he warrants his personal part other than the others. Two objectives on the day with a type of finishes being so chic that I do know I’m going to be considering of it for a while. In actual time, I believed Hugo had pushed himself too far huge to make any sort of effort on aim nevertheless it seems he put himself right into a place to attain with a end that solely he might have put by means of. Absolutely attractive and clearly took Newcastle keeper Nick Pope abruptly.
Ryan Gravenberch
Yung Gravy as he’s identified in my family put in the kind of crucial if understated efficiency that has change into a trademark since he’s discovered his method into Liverpool’s midfield. Composed, elegant, and durable, the midfield normal continues to develop by leaps and bounds as a Premier League midfielder. Because his contributions – management of each the defensive and offensive tempo – doesn’t all the time present up on the scoresheet, he doesn’t all the time get credit score. Today, although, he was fairly spectacular as he kind of led a midfield that took away the center of the pitch from Newcastle for many of the match.
Dissecting the Narrative
This was an enormous day for narrative: Liverpool’s inconsistency after robust performances in mid-week tournaments, questions round whether or not Liverpool might discover their method again to extra engaging soccer with out leaving themselves fully huge open, the type of Liverpool’s defenders notably Ibrahima Konate, and the questions over Liverpool’s spending spree over the summer season vis-a-vis the return from these offensive superstars that had been bought.
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Today’s match featured counters to all 4 narrative factors, with the latter two particularly coming to stark reduction. Ibou’s efficiency particularly was fairly the sparkler as he and the whole protection as soon as extra appeared comparatively strong with marked enhancements by way of set-pieces/long-throws. Yes, Newcastle doesn’t seem like they’ve bought a superb long-throw on their crew – Hall took at the least one and because it didn’t occasion get into the field, I believe they went away from it. But at one level within the first half, Newcastle held a 5-nil benefit by way of corners. And on the opposite finish of the pitch, Konate’s aim felt just like the cherry on prime of an enormous efficiency within the midst of mourning the passing of his father.
For Florian Wirtz, it was one other match the place the wunderkind displayed the standard that made him one of the vital wanted younger gamers in all of world soccer. What stood out most to me, although, was what felt like a stout and bodily efficiency the place he frolicked being marked by Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali. Multiple instances in the course of the match, Wirtz managed to carry off a defensive problem from Tonali and stored his ft whereas in tight areas. It is but another feather within the cap for the younger German creator, nevertheless it was clear that the whole crew’s offense actually clicked most when the ball ran by means of him with a purpose to discover house for the ultimate move. He is such a particular participant and I believe Liverpool followers can and may thank their fortunate stars that the post-Klopp Era has two superstars (and probably a 3rd in Isak) whose high quality is so plain and who have already got an amazing understanding with one another. The future is vibrant.
All that mentioned, there’s nonetheless some main questions for the brass and coach to reply: transition planning within the middle of protection, extra depth typically, and questions on who will take up the mantle out on the wing at any time when Mo Salah does name time on his Liverpool profession. All huge issues that should be sorted over the following yr or so. At the very least, between Wirtz and Ekitike, Liverpool seem like they’ve discovered the reply for changing the output of Sadio and Mane and Roberto Firmino. No small feat.
What Happens Next
Liverpool get 8 days earlier than their subsequent match, which can be a prelude to the Super Bowl because the Reds host Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City on Sunday. This season has been fairly turbulent for practically each crew, together with City, with league’s most costly facet falling sufferer to dropped factors towards low and mid-table sides. They’ve not executed it as typically as Liverpool, however it’s saying one thing that the Reds solely discover themselves 7 factors again of City within the desk.
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It hasn’t been an amazing title protection for Arne Slot’s facet, nevertheless it’s additionally clear that the edges are a bit of extra aggressive throughout the league this season than in different years. It doesn’t wave away the priority and disappointment from the outcomes not going our method, however it’s a little bit of a balancing factor for me to replicate on different groups on the prime dropping factors towards the likes of Leeds, Burnley, and Crystal Palace. It’s possibly a faint little bit of consolation, nevertheless it’s there.
Here’s hoping we get extra performances like right now’s as we head in direction of the enterprise finish of the season.