The good, the bad and the returning hero: Liverpool 3-1 Cardiff
Job done then, after a fairly dire first half that saw us dominate the ball but struggle to create many clear chances. The best of them Jota created for himself, with a glorious turn that out him one v one with the keeper, nutmegging the defender in the process. I fully expected him just to roll it past the keeper into the corner but instead opted to blast it and while it was a good save from the keeper, he shouldn’t have had much of a chance with it. Anyway let’s take a look at what we did well and what we did not so well.
The bad
I’ll start with what I didn’t think worked too well for us on the day. I felt we were too slow in our build up play first half. I felt Jones in particular was taking too many touches in possession and slowing the play down. A good example was when Mini scored first half but Jones had waited too long to release Kostas (who had another good game) causing the Greek to stray offside. Jones shooting was also extremely poor today considering how good he can be but inconsistency is inevitable with young players and nothing to be concerned about. I suspect he’ll be frustrated with his performance today however.
I thought Naby was poor, Mini struggled to get involved first half but was much improved second half and has a real knack for arriving at the right time to get his goals. I thought Konate was lucky to get away with the penalty claim, was clumsy at best and his positioning for their goal was poor I thought. You’ve got to love that recovery pace though, man can he shift and showed some nice passing throughout. Kelleher had a couple of heart in mouth moments and had he been sent off, he couldn’t have had many complaints, although I do think the officials got it right but it was one that could go either way. Decision making is what its all about for the modern keeper though, they won’t get it right every time but all valuable experience.
The good
Much improved second half display and the deadlock was broken when Trent finally found his crossing boots and put in a free kick that was expertly headed home by Jota.
Around the hour mark, the fans got their wish as not only did Diaz make his debut but Elliot returned from his long lay off and it was great to see him back.
I thought Diaz had a promising start and Klopp will have loved the way he chased the lost cause, won back possession and then set up the killer second goal. Also took a really sore one to the knee but didn’t overplay it and showed a bit of mettle which I like to see.
I thought Virgil looked back to his effortless best today and another assist for Robbo (9 in his last 9 games) and great to see Thiago make his return.
You’ve also got to give the boss a shout out in this section, when you get a goal and two assists from your substitutes, you’ve done something right.
The returning hero
The star of the show however was young Harvey Elliot, great to see him back and he looked lively as soon as he came on. The brashness and confidence of youth shone as he didn’t look to have any anxiety about the injury and the touch and finish for his goal was exquisite, you’d never believe he’d been sidelined for months. Couldn’t be happier for the lad and I think he’ll be a big player for us in the second half of the season and beyond.
Summary
True to form then, we looked laboured and lacking rhythm for large parts, as we often do after a break but we got the job done and hopefully that’s our tune up match out the way before we get back to business in the PL.
Lots to be positive about however. The squad has returned to full fitness and is looking very strong, our new signing has made a bright start and we still have Mane and Salah to return to the mix. Everything is in place to bring some silverware home this season. The PL is difficult but not impossible but the domestic cups and CL are there for the taking. Whatever happens, the next few months will be a hell of a ride. Walk on!
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