LAST season Liverpool came back from this international break and lost heavily away to rivals Manchester City.
In midweek, they drew a home European game they had dominated against Sevilla after Roberto Firmino missed a key penalty which drove his form into the doldrums. They then drew a home game against Burnley they would have been expected to win comfortably.
The comparison brings its own conclusions with this season. There is a greater sense of purpose about Liverpool but also a greater level of performance. The former adds to the latter, but Liverpool are just a better football team now.
It is worth remembering, though, that Liverpool then included Philippe Coutinho and Emre Can. The development of this side as both individuals and as a collective is testament to these players, their coaches and their manager.
This week this season, like that week last season, has had every type of test this Liverpool side will face this season. It has had all the flavours and Liverpool have stood up to them all and come away with three wins, each of which was impressive.
Today’s was the most underwhelming of the games, but for the consummate professionals in the dressing room it may prove the most pleasing. Liverpool didn’t rest on their laurels, didn’t reflect on victory and lose themselves, Narcissus in the water. Liverpool, instead, dived in and had a lovely swim.
It was perhaps too easy at times, Liverpool could have knuckled further down. But they had eased themselves through the water and constantly had the other side in view. They won the game in a quick 45 minutes, making the second half redundant as a contest.
✊️ Liverpool 3 Southampton 0
Up the seven in a row Reds 🔥 pic.twitter.com/FOn92ZVpI8
— The Anfield Wrap (@TheAnfieldWrap) 22 September 2018
In every sense, Xherdan Shaqiri made a mundane win fascinating. Pre match: How would he fit in? During the game: Can Liverpool get him on it more? Second Half: Why was he taken off? Shaqiri is another of Jürgen Klopp’s footballers with a redemption arc. Daniel Sturridge was our romantic hero against Paris Saint-Germain. Today was Shaqiri’s turn to emphasise his seriousness of purpose during his third turn at a big club.
He did that. He was the first 45’s compelling performer with no stats to his name. The record should show a brace. Instead they show diddly squat, but he was a pleasure to watch.
And then he wasn’t there.
We will discover why. The question will be asked, and it will be answered, and it will be reasonable. The manager felt that he wanted a change and the easiest way to change was to revert. He had spent much of the first half shouting at Mohamed Salah, demanding something — perhaps something around how he arcs his runs or something around where he positions himself when Liverpool were in their back third. There was something.
Salah was, for this observer, fine. He had a good 90 minutes, scoring one, nearly scoring another and having a goal disallowed. He wasn’t a joy to watch, but this analysis overlooks the fact he very often wasn’t last season. Last season he wasn’t in games as much as his colleagues but he was scoring in them. His penalty box instincts were crystal clear today.
Given Klopp’s response first half though, the thought occurs that it may well be a side where there is more pleasure and more joy to play wide. Your life may well not be an easy one being Jürgen’s number nine. He demands the world.
Joel Matip returned too and marked it with a goal. It was a lovely header, the sort which should be acclaimed but also be more regularly seen. Liverpool have delivery. They have height. They have quality. That Matip has probably been our highest-scoring centre back during his tenure is cause for annoyance.
On the whole pitch, he was at times rusty but at others he offered a reminder of his ability. It was lovely to see him burst forward and be part of Liverpool’s attack, but fab to see him be unflustered on the whole. He is too good for this opposition and that is exactly what you want from your fourth centre back. Not since Sami Hyypia in 2008-9 have Liverpool been able to boast of similar.
Virgil van Dijk’s substitution will be a concern. Gini Wijnaldum’s ovation as much for efforts in times past as today. Jordan Henderson shouted at all his teammates almost as much as his manager. Southampton looked a better side than they have in recent memory, but ran into Liverpool; different class to last season, top of the league and deservedly so.
Liverpool improved from September 17 to be one of the best in Europe. They are now one of the best in Europe. The more you improve the tougher the next improvement will become, but Liverpool are not finished. It has been a fabulous week for the club, a brilliant start to September adding to a marvellous August.
This is what it is to be on the march.
Six down, 32 to go.
These Reds. These days.
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— The Anfield Wrap (@TheAnfieldWrap) 22 September 2018
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Pics: David Rawcliffe-Propaganda Photo
It all feels great right now but still such a long way to go. Injuries, bad referee decisions, costly mistakes etc etc will all come our way at some point but with our help, more of those “European might” atmospheres in the league games Klopp is asking for, we lwe have a set of players each and every one of them who will give it everything they’ve got, implementing an exhilarating game plan from a manager who along with Pep may be the best in the world right now. Let’s enjoy the fight whatever happens. Not overburden these lads with all the history and expectations.
Like you say Neil, 6 rounds in. 32 to go with a massive test again next weekend. Isn’t it great hearing everyone talking about Liverpool as a serious football team again.
Second that !
I’ve been fed up for many many years of us having a shit September. When the first of October hits, knowing we haven’t a hope. Not really. I remember way back, boys and girls. I remember the Septembers we played knockout European footie against teams from Yugoslavia or the USSR. I remember Septembers that sounded like a Maserati engine being tuned and tested. I haven’t heard that sound for such a long time. Too many coughing Astras. The odd Dacia Duster that needs it plugs sparked.
This year, we’re top, with two absolutely key League games coming up. Historic ones. Chelsea away, City at home. I very much don’t want to see Clive Walker Chelsea days. I want to see a Kenny day at Stamford Bridge, a Raul Meireles day, the big shithouse. We know how to play City at ours, so I’ll settle for that. on repeat for ever.
Lads are saying they’d take two draws. I would too. Probably. But if a spiv wandered up to me and opened his Harrington and offered me one win or two wins? Yeah, I’d buy that for a dollar.
More dull second halves with a 3-0 half time lead please.