WEST Ham United were quite good for 45 minutes. They looked a side capable of upsetting the odd applecart.
They weren’t upsetting this one. Liverpool had other ideas.
The Reds were irresistible from about 15 minutes in and they were not to be denied. They repeatedly bamboozled West Ham and ought to have found themselves two ahead before Mo Salah did the decent thing and converted from inside the six-yard box.
It was a pleasure to be back. Anfield was expectant of a win but it was also eager to play a part. It wanted to embrace its globetrotting heroes and remind them this is where the action is.
They didn’t need reminding. Liverpool look like a side enjoying their work but also look like a side deadly serious about it. There was a steeliness about the enterprise. They spurned chances but then refused to stop creating them. And there, then, was the opener.
It was all about overwhelming opponents by using and driving into space. Naby Keita had the ball, Sadio Mane vacated, Andy Robertson arrived and then so too did Mo Salah, and so too did the moment everyone had been waiting for. Liverpool’s opening goal of the campaign and the return of the Egyptian King.
Sadio Mane could well be the barometer of the season. If he hits what he can then Liverpool may just be unstoppable. He was magnificent today. His intelligence dictates so much of our attacking and his finishing was terrific. There is so much threat in the way Liverpool attack, they come from all angles and are capable of so many different types of goals. Fifteen-stitch James Milner was incredible for the second. It was a lung-busting run, but full of nous. Liverpool scoring tap ins is great news. And Liverpool scoring offside goals was nice.
We won. We got a preferential decision. Let’s say those things again: We won. We got a preferential decision. Anthony Taylor is a dreadful referee who also comes from Wythenshawe. He shouldn’t be near Premier League games, he shouldn’t be near Liverpool matches. He is staggeringly bad, he is also tainted. Someone needs to do something.
Alisson is going to drive some people mad but the plan and the approach is absolutely correct. Let’s say this now — it will occasionally go badly wrong, and when it does we must back it wholeheartedly. It is the way to go about our business, there. Bringing them on to us.
Gini Wijnaldum ran the show in the middle of the park. He showed something in all phases of the game. He won it, gave it quickly, gave it intelligently, gave it with purpose. His was a tour de force. There was just more of him than any other midfielder on the pitch.
But there was more Liverpool than West Ham on the pitch. There was a relaxed intensity about Liverpool. It will come. But we will find our way.
It has started now; 37 more hurdles, 37 more challenges to come for Liverpool. But most of them will be similar to this. Relaxed intensity is the way forward. Liverpool are certain. Liverpool have other ideas. Liverpool are on the march.
Liverpool are serious.
Let’s be serious. Let’s have the time of our lives.
The city motto: Deus nobis haec otia fecit. God has given us these days of leisure.
Let’s enjoy every single one of them. It is the least we can do.
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— The Anfield Wrap (@TheAnfieldWrap) 12 August 2018
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Quality as usual Neil. Bring on palace.
Love the city motto ending! Indeed
A few thoughts on a great day all round
1. Taylor is just incompetent, manc or not.
2. Contrast Jimmy M with Jack W.
3. Gini is about to have a real breakout season.
4. Trent had his “shit crossing boots” on.
5. £25 million a year in wages buys you composure (Ali B & VVD).
6. Shaq ran round like a man on a mission
7. Naby K though……
PS poor form for the cycle hub to be “unavailable”on day 1 after all the publicity. A few pies left at 13.15 at homebaked though. Steak and cheese!
8 FrankC is the best poster in the world
Relieved to see Salah is still the best player in the world and it wasn’t all a dream. He’s got a group of lads around him wanting to take his mantle this year also. I’m not one for getting carried away but struggling to think of a reason why not. Loved watching keita with the ball, Milners attitude and ability, the prospect of Gini when he starts making the right final choice, Bobby for being bobby, the keeper, Virg, Robbo the subs the lot of them. Trent is such a special player and Mane just amazing today.
No doubt it wont always be this easy but this is a group of lads I can put faith in.
Great game, slightly worried that Naby is not doing enough running. Mane looks different class.
Great start to the season. Couldn’t ask for a better one to be honest. Loved the way Keita silkily moves, like a ghost in and out. I wish he and the rest stay injury free.
Once the honeymoon period is over by game 10 we will have some of this out of the way I hope:
– Alisson still to be tested
– Rustiness in some of the players understandable
– Gomez still making poor decisions
– Fabinho coming up to EPL speed
– Shaqiri showing us why his low center of gravity is a force to reckon with
– Lovren, Matip, resurgence
– Gini’s, Henderson and Keita’s true impact if we haven’t already started witnessing it
Next up is Palace. Just don’t underestimate them at their ground, then we will be ok.