The rise and rise of Jordan Henderson

Welcome to my blog! I'll be here after every Liverpool game this season, giving my thoughts and views on the game, my player ratings, and probably the occasional rant. Feel free to comment, share, or get involved via social media. You'll find me on Twitter as @MNunny91. All abuse and opinion is welcomed.

8 years ago, in 2012, a 22 year old Jordan Henderson was told he was free to join Fulham. Struggling to assert himself as a Liverpool regular, then manager Brendan Rodgers was happy to cut his clubs losses on a player who seemingly would never fulfil his early promise. Henderson was tearful, and his career was in the balance.

 It’s now 2020, and at the time of writing, Jordan Henderson is 6/4 favourite to be crowned PFA Footballer of the Year. He is also a Champions League and Club World Cup winning Liverpool captain. This is a career comeback of Istanbul proportions. 8 years on, Jordan Henderson is no longer a figure of fun, he is the beating heart of one of the best club sides English football has ever seen.

For many, he has always been criminally underrated and under appreciated as a footballer. Many people forget the role his suspension played in Liverpool’s famous title capitulation of 2013. Had he not received a second yellow card in the 3-2 triumph over Manchester City, the now 30 year hoodoo may have been broken a few years sooner. Before last season’s Champions League triumph, he was in danger of being labelled footballs nearly man, a rare constant in a series of glorious Liverpool failures. The aforementioned title collapse. The 2016 Carling Cup final. The 2016 Europa League final. The 2018 Champions League final. Henderson was at the forefront of all of them, and a weaker personality may have crumbled under in the incessant pressure that comes with being an under-achieving Liverpool captain. Not Henderson. His unwavering self belief and determination epitomises the record breaking squad he captains, and finally he is becoming appreciated by the masses, and loved by his own clubs supporters. 

The criticism he has faced in the past is flawed. The narrative that 'he only passes sideways or backwards' is not only innaccurate, but a very strange stick to beat a deep lying midfielder with. Those very traits of ticking possession over and not surrendering the ball are regularly lauded on the continent, with the likes of Sergio Busquets being heralded as a genius, whereas Henderson is labelled as safe and one dimensional. Its a very English trait to chastise a footballer for keeping the ball well.

He has become an influencer of big games for Liverpool, popping up when they've needed him the most, something Steven Gerrard made a career out of. On the rare occasions Liverpool have found themselves under pressure this season, Henderson has made an impact. His goal early in the second half when trailing at home to Spurs, his opener at Molineux where the home side were battering the Liverpool door down, and his all round performance against Manchester City spring to mind. Liverpool's famous front three of Mane, Salah and Firmino are infinitely better due to the tireless workrate of Liverpool's midfield, something that often goes unnoticed in the stands but is clearly appreciated and recognised within the playing squad. He is an exceptional leader of men, no longer England captain, but his maturity and ownership of the bust-up between teammate Joe Gomez and Raheem Sterling while away on England duty was well publicised. The respect from his fellow players is there for all to see, and it seems this is finally being reciprocated by those who once couldn't wait to reach for their keyboard in order to criticise. 

Bandwagons are very easy to be jumped upon in the modern of era of social media scrutiny. Sir Alex Ferguson's bizarre critique of Hendersons running stlye have stuck with him for years, yet nobody ever references the fact that arguably footballs greatest ever manager was interested in signing him. Jurgen Klopp has built this Liverpool team over 5 years, many have come in a few have left, however Henderson has remained a constant. Its possible that Klopp may know better than us armchair fans. He ignored the calls to upgrade on his captain, and its now reaping the benefits. 

It has taken a long time for Henderson to be loved, even by his own supporters. He now has his own song, and the image of him lifting the champions league trophy aloft in Madrid will forever be etched into Liverpool folklore. His trophy lift is becoming something of a signature move, and he is getting plenty of practice in this dominant Liverpool side.. If Henderson is the man who finally lifts the Premier League title after 30 long, painful years, he will undoubtedly become a Liverpool icon. Its time we all put some respect to the name Jordan Henderson. 

Salzburg 0-2 Liverpool - Ramblings and Ratings

Welcome to my blog! I'll be here after every Liverpool game this season, giving my thoughts and views on the game, my player ratings, and probably the occasional rant. Feel free to comment, share, or get involved via social media. You'll find me on Twitter as @MNunny91. All abuse and opinion is welcomed.

Well that was a game and a half, wasn't it?! In the end, a job very well done, a tricky European away tie negotiated via a superb second half showing, but my word did we miss some chances. Not just half chances, proper guilt edge, sitter type chances.

I thought Salzburg looked a proper team over these two legs. Really well drilled, exiting outfit to watch with some really impressive technicians. Minamino and Hwang in particular were a real nuisance, dropping off the back four and into those intelligent spaces that are very difficult for midfielders to pick you up. First half they exploited our lack of a natural CDM numerous times. I was crying out for Fabinho at times, for as good as the midfield three were for us tonight, none of them sense danger over their shoulders as well as Fabs. 

The build up to this game was a bit strange I felt. This was a really tricky game that would have caught out quite a few lesser sides, certainly Liverpool teams of the not so distant past might have wilted under the considerable pressure of having to avoid defeat to stay in the competition. Nobody had really given Salzburg a sniff. They scored three goals at Anfield and have a lad up front that scores goals like they're going out of fashion. Boisterous crowd, energetic young coach bellowing orders and a team pressing high. This was no easy assignment, and I have to admit I was starting to get an overwhelming feeling of this is going to be 'one of those nights'.

I wanted to grab Salah and give him a bloody good shake. That chance first half that Keita sticks on a plate for him was an absolute sitter. Perfect for Mo, time to open his body up and slot one in the far corner, like he's done time and time again. Nope. Dragged it about 10 feet wide, looking like he'd never scored a goal in his life. 

The game was so open. Only this Liverpool team could rock up away from home in a 'must not lose' European tie and have 22 shots on goal. The neutral must have been in football heaven. I can only think Klopp had seen enough of Salzburg in the first game to think the best form of defence for us was to attack, as they're clearly a better side in an attacking sense than they are the other end. We had big Alissons to thank a couple of times in the first 45, notably a cracking double save when their lad had sent Hendo for tomorrow's paper.

Second half was class. One of the best halves of football we've played all season for my money. Shored things up at the back, bar that one chance for Haaland after Mo had missed another sitter, and took a couple of our chances, finally. Probably 2 of the more difficult chances we had, by the way. The Keita goal is a lovely move, and not an easy finish. I have absolutely no idea what the keeper is thinking when he comes sprinting off his line but it's a cracking little stand up from Sadio and Keita did the rest. Naby was quality tonight, really sharp, backing up his performance at the weekend. Exciting times for him, I've been quite vocal on these blogs about wanting so much more from him because you can tell there is a super Footballer in there. Maybe this is the start of us seeing the proper Naby Keita that tore up the Bundesliga. 

Mo's finish a minute later is a joke. How can you miss 17 sitters and then tuck that in? On the run, going wider, on his weak foot with about an inch of the goal visible. It's outrageous, a 1 in 100 type finish. That's what I love about Salah, he can be having an absolutely rancid game with nothing going right for him, but you just know he'll have a say still. He's such a threat even when he's not at it in front of goal. Exceptional movement and he is as strong as an Ox. 

So it's job done in the Champions League. Group winners, and hopefully a favourable last 16 tie to come. There is nobody I fear in the Champions League, I believe this team is better than anything else in the competition and there is nobody that will fancy coming to Anfield for a knockout game, especially after what happened to Barcelona last season. This fixture full December has started perfectly so far, and with Watford to come at the weekend, it should continue (touch wood). Until then, up the Reds! 

Ratings

Ali B - Great performance. Saved us a couple of times in the first half and is just the most reliable, safe pair of hands you could wish for. I'm worried about his skin in this winter weather, not as handsome as he once was. 8.

Robbo - Usual Robbo stuff. Bombs forward all day, defends all day, perfect left back. Volleyed cross field ball for Trent first half was magnificent. Defended well against their tricky little lads. 7.

Deji - Did fine. One great ball for Mo first half with his weak foot. Marshalled Haaland pretty well but then got injured again. He's always getting injured. 6.

Virgil - Bossed it really. The classic Van Dijk performance, winning everything in the air, smashing cross field balls like a prime Gerrard and defending like he's the best player to ever play the game, which he might well be. 8.

Trent - Thought he struggled. Got roasted by their left back twice and was out of position numerous times in the first half. We only needed a point lad, you don't have to play up top every week. 5.

Gini - Pretty solid but also unspectacular. Copy and paste for pretty much every other away game he's ever played for the club. 6.

Hendo - Tremendous. He's been absolutely superb recently and this was another dominant showing. Only passes sideways apparently, according to the Internet. Loved him slating Gomez for something after the final whistle. Leader. 8.

Keita - Has he finally arrived? Back to back quality performances, both with goals and loads of invention and quality. I'm excited. 8.

Salah - Completely and utterly shite until the goal, then was shite again after it. Even when he's useless he's better than most other wingers in world football. 6.

Bobby - A little bit sloppy at times. Ended up in our own box tackling one of their lads in the second half. Work rate is barely believable. Improved as the game went on. 7.

Sadio - The best player in the world currently. Was full of beans again and really deserved a goal but it wasn't to be. Had their full back on toast. Phenomenal player and virtually impossible to defend against. 8.

Liverpool 5-2 Everton - Ramblings & Ratings

Welcome to my blog! I'll be here after every Liverpool game this season, giving my thoughts and views on the game, my player ratings, and probably the occasional rant. Feel free to comment, share, or get involved via social media. You'll find me on Twitter as @MNunny91. All abuse and opinion is welcomed.

'Lallana, Origi, Shaqiri. Haha. Good one Jurgen. I know it's only Everton, but come on seriously, stop having me on and show me the real lineup.'

This was me an hour before kick off. The size of Jurgens cojones to pick that team for a Merseyside Derby! Outrageous disrespect. Perhaps he knew quite how bad Everton actually are. However large the chasm is between ourselves and the blue half of Merseyside, this is still a game where the majority of Anfield expect a proper dog fight and an almighty scrap. What transpired was scarcely believable. I have never seen a professional football team be caught out by a long, straight ball that many times in 90 minutes before, and I've watched a lot of football. That being said, these red reserves were absolutely scintillating in that first half. The quality of the goals, the pace of our play, the sheer ruthlessness in front of goal and the desire to prove those pre match doubters wrong. What a team. Hats off to the manager tonight, that was one hell of a risk for him to take, with everything to lose and not that much to gain. If this had been the game that we'd tripped up, the knives would have been out, but he has so much trust in this squad of players, none of us should ever doubt a decision he makes. We've just smashed 5 past the not so noisy neighbours and some of the main men got a night off to rest their legs. The stuff of dreams.

Where do I even start with that crazy game? The first goal. The pass from Mane is just obscene. A total liberty. Wrong foot, eye of the needle, perfect weight, if there's a better pass than that for the rest of the season I will be stunned. Utter perfection, and a gorgeous finish from Mr Merseyside Derby himself, Divock Origi. He just loves playing the blue shite. Nothing will ever quite beat the memory of the 96th minute winner in front of the Kop last season, but this performance was up there with his most complete in a Liverpool shirt. Then there is Mr Shaqiri, who ran on to another glorious Sadio pass to make it 2-0. I'll be honest, I had written him off as a Liverpool player. He's barely played since his heroics against the Mancs last season, for one reason or another, and I know I certainly wasn't alone in believing his Anfield days were well and truly numbered. Tonight he gave us all a reminder of what a high quality operator he is, and who knows, this could rejuvenate him. A flying Shaqiri in the second half of this season could be a bonus that none of us expected. I'll touch more on our defense later on, but let's focus on the positive first. I didn't believe Origi was capable of scoring his second goal. What a first touch and finish that is, just absolutely sensational. If Messi does that, we'd be talking about it for weeks. Mane then rounds off one of the best individual 45 minutes of football I have ever witnessed with a goal of his own, courtesy of another rapid counter attack and more shambolic Everton defending. Mane is the best player in the league. There can be absolutely no doubting that anymore. His creative side sometimes goes under the radar when we talk about his strengths, but the assists for the opening goals tonight were breathtaking, and his all round performance bordering on unplayable.

Now the negatives. We look a shambles at the back right now. It feels ridiculous to type that, as we have won 14 out of 15 league games and sit 8 points clear at the top of the Premier league, but the standards we set last season are currently a distant memory. We are far too easy to score against and it needs to be sorted. Trent, for all his wonderful attacking play and catalogue of cross field passes, was horribly out of position numerous times tonight and we won't keep getting away with it. Dejan Lovren has filled in well for Matip on the whole, but it cannot be ignored that the defense is far more suceptibal to errors with him in it. Van Dijk cannot do it alone. The loss of Fabinho is going to create more pressure on the back line as we have lost our shield, nobody else in the squad can do the job that Fabinho does. Collectively, we need to tighten up and be more solid. If that negatively impacts our attacking play, so be it. Let's get back to keeping clean sheets, scoring goals will take care of itself with the individuals we have in the team. Creativity is never going to be an issue when you have Mane, Salah and Firmino. 

As good as we were at times going forwards, Everton were absolutely rancid at the back. With the run of fixtures they have, I would not be surprised to see them in the bottom 3 when the calendar reads 2020. Marco Silva will be gone by the weekend, I see absolutely no way he can survive his team conceding 5 goals against their arch rivals with the pressure he was already under. I was expecting a battle, a real fight, possibly nicking it by a goal or two. To come to Anfield and be as open as that, as easy to play against as they were, was unforgivable. Lord only knows how much of a bloodbath it might have been had the likes of Salah and Firmino been playing. I touched on it earlier, but there was 5 instances of one long ball leading to a clear run on goal, I have never seen that before on a Sunday morning, let alone a Premier league football match. Another side note, I thoroughly enjoyed the coverage on Amazon prime. Give me Ally McCoist over the odious fossil that is Martin Tyler every day of the week. 

Tonight was big. A Derby is always big of course, but after seeing City brush Burnley aside last night, this was the perfect response. And we have the added bonus of saving some legs for the frankly ridiculous run of games coming up over December. Next up is Bournemouth away, which is another potential banana skin. I'll be interested to see if Mane might be left out of that one, it seems logical after this evening but I can't help but feel like it would be similar to taking the engine out of your car with how he's playing. That's all in the future, let's enjoy tonight first. Enjoy being 8 points clear, enjoy being 11 clear of City, and enjoy Everton still being absolutely dire. See you at the Vitality on Saturday afternoon, as always, up the Reds! 

Ratings

Adrian - Solid, probably the best backup keeper around at the moment. Loved him knocking a ball over Calvert Lewin's head with the outside of his foot. Piss take. Didn't have much to do other than pick the ball out of his net twice, no fault of his own. 6.

Trent - Another diagonal for the scrap book in the buildup for Shaq's goal, another assist to his name, the best attacking full back in world football. However, he is taking the piss at times with his positioning. Who cares until it costs us, I suppose. 7.

Dejan - Ball for Divocks second was glorious, made to look even better by Everton lining up their back 5 on the edge of our 18 yard box. Was a little bit Lovren like at times defensively. I miss Matip. 6.

VVD - Was spraying diagonals around and barely breaking sweat at times, but isn't defending as well as he can. Thought he was fortunate to get away with the tackle on Calvert-Lewin. Must be fuming with the lack of clean sheets. 6.

Robbo - More solid than spectacular tonight. Highlight was laughing in Tom 'the tramp' Davies face. He's turned into the master of shithousery in recent weeks, which has made me love him even more. 6.

Milner - Solid. A calming presence among the madness. Mr dependable. Covers a ridiculous amount of ground still, give him a new contract. 7.

Lallana - At times he was brilliant, running around like a lunatic and making things happen. Gave it away a couple of times in bad areas. Not convinced he's still up to it, but Klopp is a big fan, clearly. Had 10 yards of space in Evertons box at one stage and decided to do a weird, Cruyff turn/lay off thing. Absolute headcase. 7.

Wijanldum - Quality tonight. Absolutely everywhere. Passes it well, wins it back, gets around the pitch as well as anyone, and scores a goal. I maybe underrate him at times. Very good footballer. 8.

Shaqiri - Outstanding. Lovely to see him and his glorious calf muscles back. Tremendous movement for his goal. Overall play was so sharp, looked like a man with a point to prove. Could be a real weapon with Salah off the pace. 8.

Origi - The best player to ever play the game. Erect a fucking statue. Name a stand after him. Give him whatever he wants. Hates the Ev since that Argie tried to cripple him. What a bloke, give him the key to the city. 9.

Mane - I was convinced I'd be handing out my first 10/10 after his first half performance, which was bordering on ridiculous. As good as I've ever seen. If he scores the 2 sitters second half, I'd have given him an 11. What a player. Best in the world right now? 9 MOM. 

Subs

Hendo - Came on and started threading through balls like a prime Gerrard. 7.

Firmino - The skill for the 5th is a joke to be honest. Sent Holgate for tomorrow paper. Piss taker. 7.

Gomez - Glad his eye is better. Looks to have healed nicely. Savlon works a treat. N/A. 

Crystal Palace 1-2 Liverpool - Ramblings and Ratings

Welcome to my blog! I'll be here after every Liverpool game this season, giving my thoughts and views on the game, my player ratings, and probably the occasional rant. Feel free to comment, share, or get involved via social media. You'll find me on Twitter as @MNunny91. All abuse and opinion is welcomed.

You know when you bump into your ex in the supermarket and despite you both being far happier now, all of your bad memories come back and you can't stop thinking about them for the rest of the day? That is Crystal Palace away. Roy Hodgson. The ghost of Liverpool past. Hicks and Gillett, Milan Jovanovic, Christian Poulson, Paul fucking Konchesky. This was only 10 years ago, terrifying memories. Hodgson still looks like a sad face drawn on to a wrinkly old scrotum. If all of that wasn't enough, you remember Selhurst Park, Crystanbul, 2014. Throwing away the title. Everything about this fixture is mental torture. Visions of Dwight Gayle and Suarez covering his face in that ghastly old warrior away shirt just wouldn't go away. And then suddenly, courtesy of another late winner, you're transported back into the glorious present, and realise just how lucky we are to be watching this Liverpool team.

To properly enjoy the good times, you need to have experienced the bad times in equal measure. This team is truly remarkable. I feel like I've written this a hundred times already this season, but winning ugly is becoming our trademark, and this was Carlos Tevez levels of ugly. Brace yourselves for the internet barrage of 'LiVARpool' and the conspiracy theories of the FA wanting us to win the league, I love how deeply camped in everyones heads we've become. They'll ignore the fact that it was a blatant push, and it was correctly ruled out, but in all honesty we could have had no complaints whatsoever if we'd gone in at half time 1-0 down. It arguably would have flattered us. That was as flat and disjointed as I've seen us for a long, long time. All the hallmarks of eleven players that had been travelling all over the world for the last two weeks. It was a shambles, no tempo, no quality, no energy. Half time could not come quickly enough. I've had a bit of a pop at Salah recently, I don't think he's been at his best this season, but we missed him badly today. Sometimes you don't realise how much you need something until it's taken away from you. Even when Mo isn't at the races, he's a threat, a nuisance. We didn't get that with the Ox out wide, and that is purely down to the fact that he is very much a central midfielder these days. Playing him as a winger is an idea that should be shelved for the rest of the season.

There was always going to be a reaction second half. Klopp would have got into them at half time, and maybe the disallowed goal was the kick up the arse that we needed. Mane misses a chance that he would normally stick away with his eyes closed, but then makes amends via a scrappy strike and the help of both posts. We are definitely getting some fortune this season. I expected us to kick on from there and see out the game, maybe nick another on the counter attack and go home with a nice, simple, professional three points. But no, this is Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Such a tough ground to go to and win, the crowd are as good as it gets, the pitch always looks tiny with the stands right on top of you. It's a fixture you just have to get through, and get out. It was always going to be Benteke to come on and cause us problems, the guy is about as mobile as a lamppost but suddenly morphs into Thierry Henry against us, I was convinced that scissor kick was nestling in the bottom corner. Then Zaha scores, and in times gone by, we might have crumbled. Not this team, no chance. They just refuse to lie down and be beaten, I've never seen a team that reacts so positively to adversity as this team does. It's almost as if it makes us angry. I never had any doubt in my mind that we would go straight up the other end and get a winner, and that is a mark of how far we've come. The mark of champions some would say, but I still can't bring myself to mutter those words yet.

Bobby deserved a goal today. Should have scored at 1-0 and sealed it, but if anyone epitomises our will to win and never say die attitude it's Bobby. The anxiety that five minutes added time used to bring me has also evaporated, like all successful teams, we seem to have mastered the art of shithousery. Fabinho smashing one out of the stadium into Croydon instead of rolling it out of play was a personal highlight. I don't think it can be understated how important these late wins on the road are becoming. When you make a habit of scoring late or coming from behind, it gives you an air of invincibility and the confidence levels in that changing room must be astronomical right now. Long may it continue, the winter period is going to be brutal, games will come thick and fast and there will be many more bumps along the way if we want to win this league. Napoli are up next at Anfield, and it's about bloody time we turned them over. Up the Reds!

Big Ali - Great save late on from Schlupp. Can't do anything with the goal, other than swear in Portuguese about another clean sheet being cruelly taken away from him via lacklustre defending. Tidy with the ball as always, but I'm not convinced with the all black kit. Looks like the milk tray man. 7.

Robbo - Looked absolutely shagged first half, injured as fuck. Kept giving the ball away carelessly and got skinned by Townsend on more than one occasion. Then he goes up the other end and plays a big part in the Mane goal. Not at his best today, needs a rest but it's hard to see where he'll get one. 6.

Dejan - Thought he was excellent until he gets roasted for the Zaha goal. Big weakness is when he gets isolated in a one on one. Passing was really crisp, and defended well in general. I was certain he was gonna try and smash one in the top corner from 50 yards at some point. 7.

Virgil - MOM. Imperious today. Won absolutely everything in the air against some proper giants. Not sure what the 'personal issues' were that made him miss the Holland game midweek, but I have a feeling it was probably Klopp on the blower saying 'have a fucking rest lad, Palace away on Saturday'. 8.

Trent - Was on an absolute wind up first half. First, he twats one out for a corner under no pressure on the halfway line, then pings a volley 70 yards straight to Townsend to have another run at poor old Robbo. Improved second half thankfully, but he'll have far better games. 5.

Hendo - Ran around a lot, didn't influence the game a lot. Could copy and paste this into Wijnaldums rating. Midfield was very much on the fringes of the game today, never really got their foot on it and started to boss it. One cracking pass into Sadio was the highlight. 6.

Gini - We were playing away from home, so he did fuck all. Scored a three times for Holland in the week, and coincidentally, three was the amount of times I had to look around to make sure he was still playing. Should have scored right at the death. 5.

Fabs - Sloppy today. Couldn't pass 5 yards. Gave it away then rugby tackled their lad to get himself a suspension. Banned for Brighton and not Everton, bonus. 5.

The Ox - Not a winger. Not in a million years. Really struggled throughout, no surprise to see him hooked for Divock. Will likely get a start in midfield against Brighton with Fabbers in the sin bin. 5.

Bobby - Looked really bright today. Link up play was tidy, worked his arse off as he does every week. Delighted for him to grab the winner. Good way to mark his 150th game for the reds. 7.

Sadio - A constant threat, missed a great chance which probably pissed him right off, so decided to score 5 minutes later. Probably the best player in the league at the minute, wouldn't swap him for anyone. Always has a say on every single game. 7.

Subs

Divock - Came on and just kept getting absolutely battered. First two lads that tried to cripple him got injured. Made of concrete is Divock. Didn't influence the game an awful lot. 5.

Milly - Wouldn't have been a scrappy away game without a cameo from old gammon head. Steady as he always is. 5.

Gomez - Cheek seems to be clearing up nicely after little Raheem showed him his new acrylic manicure. 5.

The Reds 3-1 Man City - Ramblings and Ratings

Welcome to my blog! I'll be here after every Liverpool game this season, giving my thoughts and views on the game, my player ratings, and probably the occasional rant. Feel free to comment, share, or get involved via social media. You'll find me on Twitter as @MNunny91. All abuse and opinion is welcomed.

Sunday 10th November - Liverpool 3-1 Man City

Glorious. What a bloody glorious Sunday afternoon that was. After all the talk, all the hype, all the hyperbole and hysteria, this Liverpool team came up with all the answers yet again. All of them were absolutely sensational, to a man, against a team that turned up and played some eye-wateringly good football at times. There's so much to talk about, so much meat to chew, but what a huge result for us that is. Mentally, more than anything. It wasn't a title decider, far from it, there is so much football left to play and lets not forget, we've been here before. Time will tell, but today feels gargantuan. The acid test has been passed, with flying colours.

We didn't touch the ball for the first five minutes. Then suddenly, BANG. One handball appeal turned down, two passes later and Fabinho is smashing one past Bravo and Anfield is erupting. I said in my preview that I expected to be talking about VAR, and unfortunately, yet again it will dominate the headlines, rather than the epic game of football we've all just witnessed. And that, for me, is the biggest reason why this system must be scrapped. Football needs emotion, it thrives on it. Human error is also a huge part of sport, and life in general. VAR isn't stopping the complaints or the feelings of being hard done by, it is exacerbating them. What I will say, is that this perceived Liverpool bias that the internet has seemingly created, is complete and utter nonsense. We've had our fair share of VAR based fume. The 'foul' on Origi at Old Trafford. The Firmino offside armpit at Villa Park. Do not buy in to the anti-Liverpool brigade and their propaganda. It evens itself out over the course of a season.

Let's be honest, I am as biased as they come when Liverpool are involved, but it is handball against Trent. We have really got away with one there. We should be facing an early penalty, instead, 15 seconds later, we're 1-0 up. The finest of fine margins. I would have been furious, as City were, had the shoe been on the other foot, but I don't believe this Liverpool team would have reacted so poorly to the early adversity as City did. Before you could blink it was 2-0, and what a gorgeous goal it was. Trent with a 50 yard switch on his wrong foot, Robbo with the most invitingly perfect cross you could ever wish to see, and Salah making a difficult finish look like the most simple of tap ins. That goal was Liverpool at our absolute best. These full backs are a joy to behold, the best pair in world football for my money. Trent had a tough day at the office against Sterling defensively, but going forwards he's had a say on yet another game. Guardiola's system surprised me, I expected a plan of some kind in order to stop the supply from the full backs, but it never materialised. Angelino was isolated and positionally woeful, and we took full advantage. I said before the game whoever defended better would win the game, and despite City coming to Anfield and creating plenty of chances, we were far superior in that department. 

I didn't think City played badly, far from it. They were a huge threat throughout the entire ninety minutes. It took some old fashioned, body on the line type defending from Lovren and Virgil to keep them at bay. That was a big difference for me, the desire for the men in red to throw themselves in front of a strike and take a hit in order to keep them out. I didn't see that from City, the first goal is a prime example. If that's Kevin De Bruyne lining one up from 25 yards, there is absolutely no chance that he would be allowed the time and space that Fabinho was to smash in the opener. For what it's worth, the keeper is absolutely blameless for that goal. I think Gary Neville was being extremely harsh on Bravo on commentary, it's such a pure strike of a football. 

The front three were unplayable today. They are as good as it gets. So difficult to defend against, so clever in their shape and quick in their movement. We should cherish every moment of them being together in a Liverpool shirt, because they are remarkable. I have never seen ninety minutes pass by without one of them having a moment of individual magic, you just cannot keep all three of them quiet. City's back four never looked like they could cope, Laporte is such a big miss for them but he is only one player. I'm not convinced the result would have been any different with him on the pitch. Half time at 2-0, your team talk is all about getting that next goal. The first 20 minutes of the second period was the best I've seen from us this season. So calming, so clear in our thinking and decision making. Stamping our authority on the game and getting that decisive third goal. What a sensational ball in from Henderson that was. And to think the internet told me he can only pass sideways! Bernardo's goal did bring a slight sense of anxiety from the calmness and serenity that had preceded it, which says a lot about the quality of this City team that we have just defeated. 

I think the Premier League has found it's new rivalry. This will now be the clash that everyone looks out for when the fixtures are announced at the start of the season. City have a problem with Anfield, that much is clear. Martin Tyler referenced Sergio Aguero's record of never scoring there about 40 times. There is a definitely a mental block for some of the City players. When you have bad memories such as the bus attack of last season, the heavy defeats of the past, it's impossible for them to not play on your mind, especially in such a cauldron of an atmosphere as it was today. There is no love lost on the pitch between these two teams. Gareth Southgate could have an interesting week with the England boys. Some counselling might be required. Gomez coming on and winding up Sterling was a particular highlight. It had all the ingredients of a derby game filled with hatred. The reaction of Guardiola after the game was that of a man under serious stress, he cannot find the solution to his Anfield puzzle.

So, an eight point lead over Leicester, nine over City. Is it over? No chance. It's only November, you'd be very naive to think that there won't be plenty more twists and turns to come, especially over the ridiculously busy christmas period. But, it's a huge result and a huge lead at this stage of the season. It's a lovely position to be in, but it will bring it's own pressures. We will be heavy favourites to go and lift that heaviest of monkeys off our backs in May, and that is the biggest bridge we will have to cross. But I have so much belief and confidence in this group of players, they are different, they know how to win. They are champions of Europe. Let's enjoy this win, refocus over the international break, and go to Palace with the same levels of intensity that we had today. And what a day it was! Try your best to survive the international break, and see you soon. Up the Reds!

Ratings

Big Ali - Such a calming influence, a colossus in between the sticks. Glue for hands, just makes every save look so simple, must be fantastic as a centre half to have him behind you. A huge presence. 8.

Robbo - What a cross for Salah, just absolutely phenomenal. A bit keen early doors, gave away some silly fouls, but settled into the game and did well against Bernardo on the whole. World class, there can be no denying it. 8.

Dejan - Excellent performance, really really good. Fantastic block on Sterling in the second half. Calm on the ball, City would have picked him as a potential weakness but he stood up and put in a great shift. 8.

Virgil - Might have done better with the header in the lead up to Bernardo's goal, but that apart he was at his dominant best. A leader, a huge player, very rarely fails to produce. 7.

Trent - Superb going forward, as always. Some trademark switches of play that really stretched City. Struggled defensively at times, Sterling got the better of him on a number of occasions. Should have pushed him far harder than he did in the first half. 7.

Fabinho - How good is this bloke? What a player. Absolutely sensational, barely put a foot wrong. Strong in position, tough in the tackle, and to top it off, smashed one in from 25 yards. Immense. MOM. 9.

Hendo - I thought he was outstanding for the hour he was on the pitch. Relentless work rate, made some clever runs into Angelino's channel to double up on their obvious weak link. The ball in for Sadio's goal is as good as you'll ever see. A real captains performance when many were calling for the Ox to start. 8.

Gini - Ran his socks off. Comfortable and composed in possession, strong and workmanlike off it. Really helped nullify the threat of De Bruyne. 7.

Salah - A constant threat, looked back to his brilliant best for the first hour. Really sharp, really quick, gave Angelino a proper roasting. Class finish, made it look ridiculously easy. 8.

Bobby - The heartbeat. The key to everything good that we do. Ridiculously unselfish and a constant menace. Work rate is better than any centre forward I've ever seen play the game. 8.

Sadio - Just a nightmare to defend against. The best player in the league, and possibly the world, on current form. You just knew he'd have his say, was never ever going to miss that header. 8.

Subs

Milly - Played for half an hour and I can't remember him touching it. Probably ran about 10k in half an hour though. 6.

The Ox - I said he wouldn't start, and it was the correct decision. His time will come, but for now, he remains Mr Midweek. 6.

Gomez - Should have planted a Zidane like headbutt on that little money grabbing, T-Rex impersonating shitebag and then turned up to England training tomorrow smiling like a Cheshire cat. 5.

The Reds v Man City - Big Match Preview

Welcome to my blog! I'll be here after every Liverpool game this season, giving my thoughts and views on the game, my player ratings, and probably the occasional rant. Feel free to comment, share, or get involved via social media. You'll find me on Twitter as @MNunny91. All abuse and opinion is welcomed.

Games do not come much bigger than this. It seems ludicrous, and rather presumptuous, to be calling this a title decider after 11 premier league games, but it's an enormous occasion no matter how much you try to shy away from it or dampen expectations. For that reason, I thought I would take a break from the norm and give you my take on what we should expect at Anfield on Sunday.

Let me start by saying, that this game will not decide the title. Anybody who thinks otherwise has clearly not watched enough domestic football in England. The carrot of a 9 point Premier League lead is there for Liverpool's taking on Sunday, but whatever the result, we will not even be a third of the way through the season. It's incredibly premature to say a title race is over in November. That being said, I can see Guardiola's press conference in my head right now, should The Reds win.... 'The title is over'. 'Congratulations to Liverpool'. 'We must now concentrate on the Champions League'. The mind games will undoubtedly be out in full force. Let's be honest, they already started earlier this week. Calling Sadio out as a 'diver' was a rather unsubtle way of putting pressure on the officials before the game has even started. You can guarantee if Mane takes a tumble in front of the Kop on Sunday, that diver remark will be in the referees mind before he decides whether or not to blow his whistle.

I have huge respect for this Man City team. They are a joy to watch and Guardiola is, in my opinion, the best tactician on the planet. But, I don't fear them. I don't fear anyone at Anfield. This City side have shown fallibility and chinks in the armour this season. There is a huge, Aymeric Laporte sized hole in their backline, and it'll certainly be tested on Sunday. Whichever combination of Stones, Otamendi and Fernandinho he opts for, they will be vulnerable. More so than last seasons team that came and sat deep, nullified our full backs and nearly stole all 3 points. Some say that Mahrez penalty is still rising. Going forwards, they're undeniably as good as it gets. I say it very much through gritted teeth, but Raheem Sterling on current form is probably a top 3 in the world player, and I never thought I would be saying that. He has however, never really turned up at Anfield since he left. Fingers crossed that trend continues at the weekend. They have threats all over the pitch, De Bruyne is magical, Aguero is lethal, Bernardo Silva is non stop. Make no mistake about it, this our toughest assignment of the season as well as it City's.

Where do I think the game will be won and lost? Whoever defends better on the day. We are short of clean sheets, especially at home recently, which is a slight concern. I do, however, think our back four has a better chance of stopping City than their back four has of stopping Salah, Mane and Firmino, if they're on top form. Their midfield is better than ours, ability wise, but I cannot see anyone coming to Anfield and outrunning us. We can nullify anyone through sheer energy and workrate. For that reason, I don't see Oxlade-Chamberlain starting on Sunday. He is a wildcard, a goal threat, very much a forward thinking midfielder, but I think Klopp will opt for the tried and tested with Wijnaldum and Henderson. There's no way he's dropping the captain for our biggest game of the season, and you know what you're getting with Gini, at home especially. I also expect Lovren to start over Joe Gomez, which would worry me, but Gomez hasn't exactly set pulses racing when he's featured this year. I can't see it being as cagey as last seasons reverse fixture, with the injuries City have I don't think it's in their best interests to try and shut up shop. I see an open game, a tense one, with both teams going absolutely full throttle. So often these much-hyped games fail to live up to expectation, but this is a game between two of the greatest squads the Premier League era has ever seen, so I'd be shocked if it's not very watchable for the neutral.

For the not-so-neutral, such as myself, it will more than likely be torturous. I am always rather glass half full when it comes to Liverpool, despite this being the best Reds team I've witnessed in my life time. A draw would be a better result for us than it would be for City, and if it was offered to me right now before a ball is kicked, I would be very tempted to take it. But, the prospect of a 9 point lead is pretty enticing, especially with December around the corner where we'll virtually be playing every other day, sometimes in different continents. If we arrived in 2020 nine points clear, I could maybe start daring to dream. The atmosphere will be special on Sunday, that is the one thing that is for certain. I didn't think I would ever again witness an atmosphere quite like the home game against City in April 2014, where Philly Coutinho smashed in that late winner and everyone was convinced it was finally our year, but maybe this game could rival it. The game in 2014 marked the 25th anniversary of Hillsborough, and the emotion of that occasion fueled scenes of utter delirium at the final whistle on that day. It might not top it, but games under the lights at Anfield are always a spectacle, especially when the stakes are high. I really can't wait.

My final thoughts, whatever may happen on Sunday, I just hope it's the football and the two exceptional teams that create the headlines, not VAR. The way this season has been going, it would not surprise me at all if I'm writing about a huge controversy like a last minute winner ruled out for being a toe nail offside or a stone wall penalty not being overturned on review in case it 'undermines' the referee. Fingers crossed that's not the case. I hate making predictions when Liverpool are involved, but if I had to stick my neck out I will go for us pinching a 2-1 win via a late goal from Origi, because that's what he does. Here's hoping a cheerful review come 7pm Sunday, and another Liverpool win. Up the Reds!

The Reds 2-1 Genk - Ramblings and Ratings

Welcome to my blog! I'll be here after every Liverpool game this season, giving my thoughts and views on the game, my player ratings, and probably the occasional rant. Feel free to comment, share, or get involved via social media. You'll find me on Twitter as @MNunny91. All abuse and opinion is welcomed.



Tuesday 5th November - The Reds 2-1 Genk

Remember, remember, the 5th of November, they say. Well I don't think anyone will remember much of this game in a few months time. All in all, that was about as pedestrian as a football match can be. We didn't just have one eye on Sunday, but both eyes plus a pair of bifocals. Understandable, but at the end of the day it's another 3 points putting us in a more than decent position to win the group. This should have been Divock's testimonial. I reckon he'll struggle to get a game in his actual testimonial.

The good first, Alex Oxlade Chamberlain. Thought he was excellent tonight. The fact he came off with 20 to go makes me think he is bang in contention to play at the weekend. He's had a bit of success against Citeh in the past which might well be on the bosses mind. You'd think it'll be Fabinho, Henderson, and a straight battle between the Ox and Gini for the third spot. Me personally, I think I'd go with Gini still. The tried and tested, keeps it better but probably doesn't offer you that explosiveness and goal threat that you get with the Ox. I just think Klopp has that trust with Gini, he'll be a 6 or a 7 every week whereas at the moment, Chambo is either a 9 or a 4. That being said, he's definitely getting back to his pre injury form, and is a massive weapon off the bench when tired legs are kicking in. Took his goal brilliantly tonight, could have taken the easy option and laid it off, but he was having none of it. Love the confidence.

Now the bad, and I'm aware this is probably going to be controversial, but Mo Salah is a slight concern for me at the moment. It might be a bit of rust coming back from his couple of niggles, it might just be a lack of fitness in general, but he doesn't look right to me. Hasn't looked like the Salah I know for most of this season if I'm being totally honest. I have a theory that he might not be all that enamoured by the constant lauding that Mane is getting, and as a result of that, is trying way too hard to be the main man again. Say what you like about the argument they had at Burnley being swept under the carpet, forgotten about etc, but I'm not so sure. There has always been competition between the front 3, less so Firmino because he's the nicest bloke on the planet, but you can tell at times both Sadio and Mo want to be 'the man', the golden boot winner, the player of the year, the man they're all talking about. Salah snatched at a couple of chances tonight that he would normally slot in with his eyes closed. He got into lots of good positions and was a constant threat as he always is, but for whatever reason his final ball or touch just isn't where it should be. Maybe with Mane on the bench he saw this as his opportunity to stamp his authority back, it just looked like someone trying too hard to me. Maybe I should remember that we are unbeaten and top of the league, and going along well in the Champions League, there isn't all that much to complain about is there? It's just Mo has set such ridiculously high standards since he joined us, that I expect him to score every week.

Was a strange old game tonight. The whole atmosphere and tempo of it just screamed 'massive game in a few days time'. The calm before the storm, if you like. But, the result was all that mattered tonight, along with giving some of the regulars like Robbo and Sadio a well deserved rest. I would like a few more clean sheets, that's 9 games now since the last one, which I believe was away at Sheffield United. That will definitely be irritating Virgil more than anyone. Sunday would be a good place to start. In the meantime, fingers crossed for a couple of hamstring niggles for De Bruyne and Sterling tonight, and I'll be back for the big one on Sunday. Up the Reds!

Ratings

Big Ali - Might have been a blessing that we had that mad 5 minutes before half time, as I was worried we might have to defrost the poor bloke for Sunday. Had nothing to do really, other than pick the ball out of the net and collect a few crosses. 6.

Milly - Gave Robbo a rest and that was his best contribution. Solid, dependable, massive square head. 6.

Virgil - Class tonight. A couple of interceptions that he made look extremely simple. He makes everything look simple. He can probably fly planes and cook to Michelin Star standards as well as play football really well. 8.

Gomez - He was okay, but he has a tendency to get way too tight at the moment and gets rolled. Stop it Joey. We need the Gomez back who was the next Bobby Moore before that clown at Burnley snapped his leg. 6.

Trent - I almost get bored talking about how good this kid is, passing is an absolute disgrace. Should be illegal. My twitter feed is essentially now just videos of him spraying diagonals and taking the piss. He's a right back, by the way. 8.

Fabs - Thought he was a bit sloppy tonight, got caught on it a few times and passing wasn't as crisp as it usually is. Watch him smash people all over the place and boss it on Sunday. 6.

Naby - I just want MORE. He does some things well and looks like a proper player, but I just don't know what it is, I'm always left wanting so much more. Still reckon he's too lightweight myself. 6.

Gini - Left his invisibility cloak at home today. Was very good, took his goal well, linked nicely with the forward boys too. 7.

Ox - MOM for me. Everything he did had purpose. Always driving forward. Took his goal well. Goes home to that bird from Little Mix, winning at life. 8.

Salah - Not at his best. Scratchy and snatchy. Hoping he'll bag a hatty at the weekend and make me look like a right mug. 6.

Divock - Perfect, stereotypical Origi showing. You look up and he's just skinned 2 blokes with a stepover, you blink, and he's fallen over his own feet. What a bloke. 6.