White Mirror
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Remember the reverse fixture at Anfield? Sure, the Reds emerged with a 3-0 win, but it was a misleading scoreline. If anything, that result felt a bit lucky. Coming into today’s game, there was a very real possibility of Liverpool suffering their second defeat of the season. The Cherries were enjoying brilliant momentum and a remarkable string of results, especially at home. That has seen them climb well into the European qualifying spots, beating the likes of Arsenal and City along the way.
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The game did not disappoint in this regard. Bournemouth were good, better than Liverpool in segments, especially in the opening 15 minutes of each half. But the Merseysiders are riding their own momentum. They were not about to let themselves fall into this particular pit trap. What we ended up with was a high tempo match with plenty of opportunities at both ends. And yet the only team on the score sheet was, from our perspective, the right team. It could have easily ended very differently; just ask Justin Kluivert, who picked this fortunate moment to generate a contender for howler of the season.
In other words, it was another lucky affair, mirroring what happened at Anfield, this time resplendent in white.
I’ve almost forgotten what it’s like to play a team that doesn’t employ the low block, so intimidating is Liverpool this year. This just isn’t how this Bournemouth side is built. Their tenacity and intent were evident all over the pitch, but they were matched by a Liverpool side that isn’t about to let anyone cower them away from their best chance at a title in a while. Still, no goals came, at least not until Gakpo’s heels were clipped from behind in the box by a careless challenge from Lewis Cook, and Salah placed his powerful shot in the corner with absolute precision, giving Kepa no chance whatsoever.
The irrepressible Egyptian doubled his tally in the second half with a signature goal. It was somewhat against the run of play and took the wind out of the Cherries’ sails. That goal, beyond the sublime finish, deserves a nod towards one Curtis Jones, who had just come on, and both started the counter with a gorgeous turn and release and then finished it with the perfect assist. You sometimes wonder in games, like today, if Mo is even there, and then he just shows up and reminds you that chances are just that – chances – until somebody converts them.
And boy does he do that.
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Surely he’s my man-of-the-match, then? No, that would be too easy. Instead I am going with a man who played arguably the best game of his season so far. That man is Andrew Robertson. His defensive display was top-notch. There was one moment when they zoomed in on him when he took a throw. You could see it in his face; he had that kid-like grin and was certainly enjoying himself. The same could not be said for anyone who came near him, on the flank or otherwise.
Never write out Robbo.
Fifteen games to go, and Liverpool is legitimately nine points clear (no games in hand for the chasing pack), and with a much superior goal differential to boot. More importantly, the squad is practically fully fit entering the home stretch, and the Reds don’t seem to run out of solutions, regardless of the opposition. It’s a luxurious position to occupy as we begin February. Perhaps I’m getting ahead of myself, but I truly don’t think we’ll let it go to waste.
Not this time.
