[ad_1]
Firmino delivers Jota’s answer
There was no catch Roberto Firmino.
The ball had barely grazed the back of the Anfield Road End net when the Brazilian set off on a 70-yard sprint toward the Kop, arms outstretched in ecstasy, his colleagues in hot pursuit.
And it wasn’t just his Liverpool teammates who struggled to keep up with the cheerful Firmino.
The forward had been a continual threat to Tottenham Hotspur as he fell into midfield and found gaps, putting the game together well and displaying vision and clever footwork.
I daresay he was like the Firmino of yesteryear, rejoicing against one of his favorite opponents – he has now scored in four of the last five Premier League meetings between the sides.
A spin and clean shot that was repelled by Hugo Lloris in the first half was the trademark Firmino.
However, there was nothing typical of the forward jumping higher to meet Andy Robertson’s corner for the decisive intervention of the game.
Having seen his usual title role threatened by the form of Diogo Jota’s summer signing, Firmino’s rebirth has been particularly timely with the Portuguese on the sidelines for at least another month.
And perhaps it was a sign that Firmino chose to celebrate by running towards Kop’s rebound with, once again, 2,000 fans sounding like many, many more within Anfield.
An undoubted showman, his recent resurgence has come with fans being allowed to return to the stadiums. Coincidence or not, good to have old Bobby back.
Williams won’t stop the transfer debate
What a year for Rhys Williams. Twelve months ago, the 19-year-old, then on loan to Kidderminster Harriers in the National League North, had just enjoyed a fight with Guiseley and was preparing to face Altrincham.
Now it was a battle in the Premier League debut with Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son, the most feared forward association in the top flight that had helped propel Tottenham to the top.
Of course, with appearances in all six Champions League games, including three as a starter, Williams wasn’t completely wet behind the ears.
However, this was a completely different test.
If Williams, who preferred Nat Phillips over the stricken Joel Matip, was nervous, it didn’t show, his composure helped Liverpool dominate the first half, while his excellent, low cross pass kicked off the move for Mohamed Salah’s first goal. .
It’s unfortunate, then, that the youngster was the player who claimed Son onside’s decision for Tottenham’s draw, the kind of borderline decision that has consistently gone against the Reds this season.
The learning curve was steep, a misdirected header that gave Steven Bergwijn a chance in the second half, evidence of the increased pressure he was under. But while Tottenham advanced late, the youngster remained stoic.
It will not stop the demands for a new central in January. But Williams is exceeding all expectations.
Liverpool’s absence raises more questions
Many of the elements that have underpinned Liverpool’s success in recent years were reassuringly evident in this absorbing encounter.
But one absence in particular underscored a problem Jurgen Klopp knows he has to deal with during a busy holiday period.
With the game balanced at all times, the Liverpool manager decided not to make a single substitution, although Naby Keita was prepared to be introduced before referee Anthony Taylor called in time.
Some observers will be left scratching their heads at the perceived hypocrisy, given that Klopp is a strong advocate for the reintroduction of the rule that allows five substitutions in a Premier League game.
Get the latest news on injuries and Liverpool teams as Klopp faces the selection dilemma, plus the latest news and analysis of what’s next for the Reds.
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!
But the Reds’ manager keeping faith in the starting eleven, despite Williams being the only change from the weekend’s draw in Fulham, hinted that there were simply no suitable options in this game given the sheer number of injuries Liverpool have yet to deal with.
Rotation will be needed in the coming weeks, especially at Selhurst Park in Saturday’s early start with the Reds, similar to Crystal Palace, given the minimum time available to prepare for the game.
They got kicking their heels here. But people like Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Takumi Minamino know their time will come soon.
[ad_2]
