Player ratings: Liverpool 4-0 Wolves
Whoever said you can’t tame a wolf, has never played at Anfield. A superbly dominant display as another of our toughest opponents this season were swatted aside. Anyway, without further ado…
Kelleher (8) – May have expected to be busier than he was but made one excellent stop first half, quickly adjusting his footing and tipping an audacious chip from Podence around the post. Dominant with crosses and good distribution. Ladies and gentlemen, I think we have a new second choice keeper.
Williams (6) – Picked up an unnecessary booking within the first two minutes and was about a centimetre away from conceding another penalty and getting himself sent off. Thankfully he didn’t and all round game improved once more. Still has a lot to learn though.
Matip (8.5) – Rock solid defensively, brought the ball out well from the back and even got himself on the scoresheet, nodding home in front of the Kop. Such a frustrating player with injuries, as he’s so good when he’s fit.
Fabinho (9) – I think even Fabinho himself will be surprised at quite how easily he’s taken to playing CB. The biggest compliment I can pay him is that he looks like he’s played the position all his life. One moment aside where he dived in on Traore, he put in a near faultless display, including one goal saving clearance. Brilliant player.
Robertson (9) – Facing up against two former Barcelona players in the shape of Traore and Semedo would have been daunting to some players but when you’ve given Messi himself a slap, these two should provide no serious concerns and they didn’t. Traore even switched wings second half to try and get a bit more joy. Endless running, solid defensively and a constant outlet on the left. One dribble out from the back was particularly enjoyable.
You all thought he was gonna get McMOTM didn’t you? Well didn’t you?? Ha!
Wijnaldum (9.5) – Did someone say McMOTM? Covered every blade of grass in the engine room, his close control brilliant as always and then his goal… After driving forward with the ball, it was actually poor movement from Mane that made his mind up to shoot. Took all his options away so quick look up and then used the defender as a guide to bend the ball around him and into the top corner. Beautiful finish and something we all know Gini’s got in his locker. There were a few worthy candidates for McMOTM but that goal clinched it.
Henderson (8) – Played a very disciplined midfield role, conscious of Jones inexperience beside him but was integral in snuffing out the midfield threat of Wolves which we did brilliantly. It was Hendo’s pass that led to Coady’s mistake Salah pounced on for his goal. Not an assist (wishful thinking TP) but Hendo won’t care. Subbed second half and rightly so as we need to keep him fit.
Jones (7) – Judging by the last two games I think the coaches have really been concentrating on the counter pressing and defensive side of Jones game as he has improved immeasurably in that department. That may have come to the detriment of some of his more creative play but it’s imperative that the midfield dirty work, positioning etc just become second nature to him. Once he starts doing it automatically without having to concentrate on it, the creative flare will return. It’s worth bearing in mind he was up against Moutinho and Neves, two players who if we signed, I’m sure the fan base wouldn’t grumble and Jones didn’t look at all out of place in that company.
Salah (8) – All our attacking threat was coming down the left but it was the little Egyptian who showed the predatory instincts, anticipating the mistake from Coady before pouncing, ruthlessly punishing the error. Showed some outrageous footwork in the Wolves box as well. Really looks to have the bit between his teeth this season.
Firmino (7) – The fans were back and so were Bobby’s tricks. Couple of cheeky nutmegs and then a sublime scissor kick pass to send Mane free down the wing. Livelier display from the Brazilian who looks like he’s missed the fans more than most.
Mane (7) – Mane’s relative goal drought continues. At first glance it looked like he’d ended his wait for a goal when the fourth went in but the replays showed it to actually be a fairly comical own goal by Semedo. He brings so much more to the team than just goals however and even though he hasn’t been scoring, I don’t think anyone could question his form. Last night he was beating players and keeping possession while on the ground! VAR finally did what it’s there for as well, as replays showed there was clearly no contact between Mane and Coady in the penalty incident and the decision to award it was rightly overturned.
Subs:
TAA (7) – Great to see Trent back, he’s been sorely missed. Trademark cross that led to the own goal
Jota (6) – Will have been disappointed not to start against his old club.
Keita (6) – Played 10 minutes so we’ll wait to hear how long he’s out for now.
Klopp-watch (10) – It’s another 10 troops. How could it be anything else? One of our toughest home games on paper, seriously depleted and overworked squad and we completely dominate the game and win 4-0. You could see how happy Klopp was to have the fans back and it was great to see the trademark fist pump towards the Kop at the end.
Summary
Where do you start after a performance like that? The vast strides Kelleher seems to have made? The intelligence and versatility of Fabinho? The unwavering fitness and commitment of Robbo and Gini? I could wax lyrical about all these things all night and that’s without mentioning our forward players. It all ultimately boils down to one thing however. The environment created by Klopp.
Our system is so effective and our players coached so brilliantly that we can take 25% of our most important players out of it and still completely dominate a team that’s full of quality and has been threatening to break into the top four. Completely dominate them, from start to finish, in every department.
it’s not just about systems and personnel though. Klopp famously named them mentality monsters but not without good reason. There has been no excuses about injuries from the players, no let up on the gas at all and that comes from the manager and the recruitment team getting right not only the footballing ability aspect of their scouting but the personality traits as well.
If you wanted to discuss Klopp’s best signing you could make a valid case for Mane, Salah, Fabinho, Gini, Robbo, Van Dijk and Alisson and Jota looks another gem. The recruitment, the coaching, the environment and mentality Klopp’s created. Enjoy it troops because we’re witnessing genius management at work. What a time to be a Liverpool fan.
A dead rubber against Midtjylland on Wednesday then, early kick off and finally a chance to rest our key players. I’d be surprised if we see Robbo, Hendo, Mane or Salah take to the field but one of Fabinho and Matip will likely have to play, due to Nat Phillips not being registered. Until then however, we can bask in the glow of another glorious victory. Walk on!
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