Liverpool v Spurs Review
A festive trip to Tottenham delivered three vital points but little else to warm the soul, with slow build-up play, injuries mounting and performances that left more questions than answers despite the result.
Matchday Experience and Team Selection
Hello all, Merry Christmas. Went to the game Saturday for the first time in a little while, so thought I would post a review and a few thoughts before I leave the country for warmer pastures.
A few thoughts. Lovely stadium, great experience. I had expensive tickets so the hospitality was first class. The turkey and stuffing pie was great and the Guinness was extra cold. Are all tickets now with apps? I miss the traditional tickets, to be honest. No real surprises with team selection from us, basically who is fit and generally who has played recently.
A Poor Game but Crucial Points
Poor game overall, not great and not much to be thankful for apart from the three points, albeit very important they seem to be. The slow play and build-up continued. We have generally been like that since Slot has taken over, but there is little rhythm or tempo to the play. It is frustrating to watch at times. Much like watching at home, you can see what should happen, but then it does not. Runners stop running, crosses do not go in, passes go back and back.
Midfield Issues and Familiar Frustrations
Anyone remember the old Harry Enfield old-time footie players? At times we looked like that. Kerkez, who I do not want to be harsh on, is clearly playing within himself but was poor going forward, and Macca is playing like an old man. The advanced midfield position is wasted on him as he is too slow and the passing is also slow.
Hugo needs to show a bit more but is a handful, and likewise the midfield need to look for the earlier pass. We miss that cross-field switch from TAA, and the direct running of Diaz. I can understand why Diaz left, but he has not really been replaced and obviously Gakpo is injured.
Injuries, Challenges and a Loss of Edge
More injuries, squad stretched. Interesting, an ex-footballer I was with suggested Isak, if fully fit, does not get hit by Van de Ven. Injury caused by lack of fitness or sharpness? Possibly, still a reckless challenge. As was the rake on VVD, and the brain-dead Romero. Very poor against the nine and ten of Spurs. We seem to have gone from mentality monsters to kittens in a few weeks.
Quality Moments and What Comes Next
However, Wirtz is every bit a top-notch footballer and he needs to be on the ball more. Certainly looking stronger. Hugo and Isak both took their goals well. Where have our counterattacks gone? Our speed of break and ability to pick the correct pass has gone. Certainly a feature under Klopp and even last season, but it all seems a mess at the moment.
I hope this is just a way to build some form and get results however possible. Hopefully we get to see stronger performances in the second half of the season. Optimistically, there are two trophies to play for. Who knows what might happen. It is not what was expected, but I would personally like to see another attacker at the expense of Macca, although there is little choice. Perhaps a transfer or two for Christmas. Otherwise, get some of the academy lads to fill some places in the squad for now.
Lastly, great support from the Reds in the away end, and Spurs as well, to be fair.
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