[ad_1]
The enigma of Roberto Firmino continues for Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp was not speaking metaphorically when he said Liverpool were ready to attack this Premier League title.
Preparation for this one was dominated by who would make the cut on his famous three forwards.
With hat-trick hero Diogo Jota stealing the show against Atalanta on Tuesday, the new kid on the block threatened to rid Roberto Firmino of his usual spot between Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah.
After all, four in three just doesn’t go. But it turned out that Klopp was shocked and selected them all.
And for much of the first half, it seemed to be a masterstroke, as the Reds brought him to the City with invention and energy.
However, as the match progressed, the overworked midfielder duo of Jordan Henderson and Gini Wijnaldum stretched out without a third man to lighten the load.
Energy reserves fell to worrying levels and so did Firmino’s production.
The riddle about the Reds’ number 9 continues.
The time stamp had not yet appeared on the clock when the number 9 appeared on the board for Xherdan Shaqiri.
Whatever the reasons, and they are likely to be doubled, Firmino has yet to set sail this season.
At a time when Salah scores more often than ever, Jota is hitting the ground in step and Mane continues to shine, Firmino seems desperately out of sync.
Perhaps fifteen days after the pressure of the Premier League can do him good.
The title myths dispelled by honed excellence
If there was a question about who are the best teams in the country, this dispelled it.
In the fight to declare that this Premier League season like no other can be won by almost anyone, the two thoroughbreds in the race offered a reminder of why they will run clean in the final furlong.
The first half, from start to finish and front to back, exuded quality as the two groups of players offered an exciting contest of fine-tuned and energetic excellence.
From Liverpool’s perspective, they carried out Jurgen Klopp’s lawsuit to the letter after he had told them the need to be brave in executing their bold Etihad game plan.
The visitors spent much of the first half leading, taking the fight to the hosts, but couldn’t do more of their dominance after Mohamed Salah’s early penalty kick gave them the advantage their game deserved.
However, with an 11-1 winning score over Liverpool in their last three games at this venue, City were always going to have a say in the proceedings.
They did it brilliantly when the incomparable Kevin De Bruyne escaped detection before laying down Gabriel Jesus, who pushed home a leveler after a wonderful turn.
In the second half, the Reds got tired and got back on their feet for the final third of the game. Crucially though, they held their ground, holding City down to very little.
It was proof that even without their defensive leader Virgil van Dijk and with little energy, they can impressively bolster themselves when their best defenders are on the field.
The result means that neither team tops the table heading into the international half-time, but it would take some courage to bet one or the other will be there when the final whistle goes off in May.
Get all the latest updates on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s injury, plus the latest news and reaction to the draw with Man City.
You’ll also get the latest talk and transfer analysis delivered right to your inbox every day with our FREE email newsletter.
Register here, it only takes a few seconds!
Another for the treatment table
It never rains but pours for Jurgen Klopp.
Literally in Manchester, where the Liverpool manager watched from a soaked technical area as Trent Alexander-Arnold fell to the ground in front of him in the second half.
“Calf!” It was the succinct summary of the Reds right-back when a physical therapist quickly reviewed it shortly after the hour mark.
The expression on Alexander-Arnold’s face told the story. He knew his career was on the run.
James Milner arrived when another injury hit Liverpool hard.
It’s a family theme this season, unfortunately it seems.
Klopp may curse his luck at the latest defensive injury, but he won’t think he’s gone under the stairs.
No, the Liverpool manager knows very well where his growing problems at the back come from.
* Who was your MOTM against City? Take our quick survey here.
His passionate post-match speech, which pointed to a Premier League “lack of leadership” on the five-substitute rule said it all.
Alexander-Arnold is the latest absent during a campaign that has already forced Liverpool to operate without Alisson Becker, Joel Matip, Virgil van Dijk, Fabinho, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Joe Gomez at one point or another.
One suspects that Klopp will be quietly enraged by the latter as his fingers cross for the safe return of his international contingent.
[ad_2]
