2 pot 1 games aren’t over btw. Think inter is the other pot 1 game still to play. Atletico were pot 2 if that’s what you thought were 1, you play 1 at home and 1 away so stil have the away 1 to come.
First half he gave away one foul when bundled into him, otherwise was pretty much faultless. Even in 2nd half when he went past him to create half a yard of space, got back to tackle and give away the corner instead. Was brilliant today, he’s always at his best when he’s intense defending and seems to step it up against the best. Just needs to be consistent now, think he offered less going forward but meant was more solid back 4 which worked well. Just have to find that balance now
Back to basics works. Playing Wirtz as part of a front 3 works. Easing new players into our old system works. We can evolve from this. The press looks back on it, fitness looks better and the players know what is expected of them. New players have to earn the space in the team. While I was critical of Slot about the lack of everything after the Utd game. I have to applaud him now; he’s recognised the issues and addressed them. If he beats City, I might even forgive him for throwing the Palace game There will be more ups and down as we evolve. I accept that. I will never accept what we had become over the past few weeks. Hopefully, we have turned a corner now.
Isak misses start of season: We win 5 consecutive games. Isak returns: We go on record losing streak. Isak gets injured again: we start winning again. I'm noticing a pattern...
We have to appreciate that this is Bradley's first full season as a starter for Liverpool. Yesterday showed what he is capable of at his best, but it's a lot to ask for him to maintain that level for 2 matches a week.
So basically, the side from last night was the one that featured for most of last season, with the same shape, but with new faces only in place of those that actually left the club or who have sadly passed. We obviously tried to change too much, too soon and the side looked unbalanced and unlike a team. We just need to use that as a base and made incremental changes as the season goes on.
Only new signing that didn’t start compared to last few weeks was kerkez to be fair. But we played a normal midfield 3 which had a bigger impact than anything as previously been Szobo at RB to fit Wirtz into midfield and that’s hasn’t helped the balance.
