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.

Villa 1-2 The Reds - 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.

Saturday 2nd November - Aston Villa 1-2 The Reds

 

My blood pressure can't take much more of this. I mean, bloody hell, that was an absolute roller-coaster of emotions. Frustration at another drab opening 45, pure red faced anger at VAR telling me Firmino's fucking armpit was offside, and then pure run around your living room like a lunatic elation when Sadio nods in that corner. The beautiful little fucker. What a win. What a team. They just never lie down, we refuse to be beaten.

I'd like us to start games better. This was another pretty drab opening 45 minutes. Really flat, maybe it was the shock of actually playing at 3pm on a Saturday afternoon, the rarest of rare beasts. This had the makings of a tricky game and it certainly was. I have to admit, when I logged on to Instagram and saw the lineup with 'Lallana' on it rather than the absolute collusus that is Fabinho, I was panic stricken. I'm not having him as a number 6 I'm afraid. Yes he's tidy on the ball, decent passer and all that, but he can't smell danger and he's as weak as a kitten. Honestly you could blow the fella over, must weigh 8 stone soaking wet. He did his best but having him come in for Fabs reminded of when I smashed my sporty little Volvo C30 into a 6 foot tall deer and received a fucking Nissan Micra as a courtesy car. I can't bring myself to talk about VAR again. How that is offside against Firmino I will never know. How can your armpit score a goal? And then to top it off, their centre half practically catches it and it doesn't even get checked. Just bin it off, I'm so sick and tired of mentioning it. We are talking about VAR more than we ever were the officials. That can't be right. 

When my Arabian live stream was working, which was very intermittently, the front 3 were having an absolute mare. Get in a good position, have options a plenty, pick the wrong one or fall over, repeat. So many times. The one second half where Hendo has 2 to pick out with a 10 yard pass and he just knocks it straight at their centre half nearly gave me an aneurism. My phone was very close to being sent to early cracked screen grave on numerous occasions. It had all the makings of 'one of those days', it really did, but this group of players are really something else. The best Liverpool team I've seen in my lifetime by a country mile. Every time we're in a corner, up against a wall, when all hope looks lost, someone always comes up with a moment of magic. Mane was absolutely shocking for 80 minutes, and then comes up with a goal and assist. Mental strength at its absolute finest. 

Time will tell, but that had all the hallmarks of a title winning result. We've only played 11 games but that just felt absolutely gargantuan. I was expecting Jurgen to run on the pitch and smash his glasses again. I keep going on about it, but City next week is just huge. Anfield will a bear pit. I can't wait, what an opportunity for us. Guardiola can fuck off as well, the bald prick. Calling out Mane at the weekend, we live rent free in his swede and I really want us to smash those tippy tappy fuckers. It's becoming the leagues new rivalry and I'm for it. Those Arsenal v United games, back when they were good at football, were unreal. Roy Keane trying to scrap with Patty Vieria in the tunnel, just all out war for 90 minutes. Bring it on. Before that, we've got those little Belgian lads again on Tuesday which should be a cake walk, I imagine we'll see some rotation with the big one in mind. See you then! Up the Reds.

Ratings

Big Ali - Not his fault for the goal but at the time I'm used to him saving those so it wound me up. Did well in general, mopped up that through ball at the end when we were playing the highest line ever seen. 6.

Robbo - What an absolute bloke. 87th minute, I'm just gonna sprint 70 yards and twat a header in the top bin, show you lot how it's done. Just a diamond of a player. Love him. 8.

Dejan - I thought he was better than Van Dijk. More parallel universe stuff. Did alright against that massive fucker who's got about 17 kids. 7.

Virg - I know he's the best player that's ever played the game, but I reckon it's gone to his head. Keeps pinging balls to nobody. 6.

Trent - Mad that your best source of creation is a right back. Everything goes through him. I thought he was superb again, always looking to get forwards. Ball for Sadio's headed chance was an absolute joke. 8.

Lallana - Wasn't Fabinho. Probably a good decision to not risk the suspension but I missed him in there. Missed a sitter late on, barely made contact with it. 87 Cruyff turns. Iraqi bloke commentating on my stream couldn't pronounce his name. 6.

Gini - Was absolutely phenomenal apparently. Just a shame he wore that invisibility cloak he brings to away games every other week. 5.

Henderson - Was dire for an hour then remembered what he's in the team to do. Run around like a maniac and give it to the lads who can play football. 6.

Mo - Dreadful. Absolutely shite. Couldn't trap a bag of sand and couldn't pass 5 yards. Good bollocks from Jurgen to sub him. Should have happened sooner if anything. 5.

Robby Bob - Dropped deeper and deeper and deeper as it went on because no fucker could pass 5 yards. Ran his bollocks off as always. 6.

Mane - Dire for 80 minutes. Having an absolute stinker, then sticks the most perfect ball in with his wrong foot for Robbo, and nods in a 94th minute winner. What a player. 8.

Subs

The Ox - Got on the ball and tried to make things happen. Forced it a bit too much at times but I'm enjoying him at the moment. Should start midweek. 6.

Div - Didn't really do much but neither did Salah so who cares. Like bringing a lamppost on for a traffic cone. 5.

Naby - Miracle recovery from his injury midweek, otherwise known as 'I am absolutely having one and I fancy an early bath'. He was fine. 5.