Double Double
Two games into the season, two wins, both with the same scoreline of two goals to nothing. Does a lot to calm the nerves about all the changes, doesn’t it? And to anyone who says “oh, it was just Ipswich and Brentford,” I say in return, “this is the premier league. Nothing is easy, ever. Plus the Bees never make it easy for us.”
Still, Liverpool did make it look easy today, to the point where Anfield stayed pretty quiet – the only part of the match I didn’t care for. Let’s hope it’s just because we’re in the summer doldrums.
I admit that I am rapidly warming up to this new system, especially the part where we score first. Yes, the roller coaster ride of the Klopp era is gone, but it is replaced with something that looks more stable and effective. It is, perhaps, how City fans feel about their team, because Slotball has some of the hallmarks of the Guardiola approach, the patience and measured control that make City so hard to play against. It will be interesting to watch the two go head to head this season.
Did you see Konate protecting Trent where Trent is weakest? That kind of partnership is essential. Similarly, the double pivot with Gravenberch and Mac Allister seems to be working very well. Today it was so good, that one of these two earns my man-of-the-match; Ryan Gravenberch was stupendous, and pretty much ran the show until he was replaced to much deserved applause in the 90th minute. The ability to hold up the midfield the way the Reds did today does a lot ease up concerns about the missing…well, holding midfield.
And we still have Endo to relieve the pressure.
SHOP THE AMERICAN SCOUSER COLLECTION TODAY
Alisson had to do his part with a couple of saves that for him looked routine, but was otherwise rarely threatened, and if this sort of defensive and controlling form by his teammates continues, he is going to rack up a goodly number of clean sheets.
Luis Diaz looks happy and took his goal well, and Jota’s assist was so perfectly timed and weighted, it helped Diaz make it look easy. The trio of Mo, Jota and Diaz look like they have an excellent understanding of the new approach and each other, and together with Szobo, they pulled off some lovely moves. Mo’s goal in the second half was classic Mo at his best, as he took it with impunity. That move came off a brilliant piece of industry from Szobo, who managed to nick the ball off a cluster of three or four Bees to start a rapid transition in midfield. Mo still had to finish it, and as we’ve witnessed before, when Mo isn’t in his happy place, he doesn’t make it happen. So not only was this a nice goal, it gave another indication as to the direction of the squad, and it’s a good one.
After going two up, Liverpool then did something in the last ten minutes that we need to get used to again, which is effectively shut down the game. It’s an important part of playing in the premier league, and it has the significant side benefit of protecting the players from injury.
All in all, a lovely start to the season. With a few more days until the transfer window closes, we may yet see a move or two, but at least for now, I’ll take it.
I’ll, uhh, take it very much.
