1.) 13 Dec 2018
13 Dec 2018 10:26:53
We could've won 4 nil easily, not saying that as a liverpool fan but look at the chances missed. Mane with 2 in the last ten mins.

The game reminded me of the marsile liverpool game a few years ago where we won 4 nil needing a win to progress. We were ruthless that night.


2.) 13 Dec 2018
13 Dec 2018 10:33:09
A lovely read, thanks Ed.

The dust hasn’t even settled and I see that Klopp is already being bombarded with the “Who do you fear in the next round” question. We know that we will be facing a strong team, there is no such thing as an easy option at this stage.

What the media should be asking is, who doesn’t want get us? I am fairly confident that the answer will Be ALL of the group winners because the prospect of facing the current Premier League leaders and a team that have only conceded only 6 league goals in 16 games, there are safer options for them. Those managers will look at our team, they will see arguably one of the Top 3 Goalkeepers, Center Backs and Forwards in the world and be praying for a different name to come out of the hat.

{Ed001's Note - I would fear an easy draw myself, we do better when it is difficult!}


3.) 13 Dec 2018
13 Dec 2018 10:40:04
thanks ed! Matip has really impressed me this season. he does try and make something happen with the ball at his feet. and his aggression is much improved. gutted for him. an excellent performance from everyone and pleased for the midfield three in particular because the reaction to the team was really negative!

if we play anywhere near as well on Sunday we should get the 3 points!

{Ed001's Note - welcome mate.}


4.) 13 Dec 2018
13 Dec 2018 10:47:36
Great Read as usual. Thanks ED01.

Agree completely with Koulibaly! absolute rock for Napoli. I hope Man Utd don't get him, he would improve their defence massively.

Loved Wijnaldum's performance but it's annoying! Why can't he do it every game.

{Ed001's Note - Koulibaly has shown no inclination to leave Napoli and I am one of those who feels he probably would be nothing like the same player if he moved. He seems to have an affinity for the club that gives him an extra 10% every time he plays.}


5.) 13 Dec 2018
13 Dec 2018 10:58:28
Fair review Ed01, Gomez and now Matip much improved, the presence of Alisson and Van dijk is a major factor in this, the whole defence look so confident and assured.
I know Mane missed a few but no worries as he was not at 100%. He can score a few against Man utd instead.

{Ed001's Note - fingers crossed!}


6.) 13 Dec 2018
13 Dec 2018 11:04:25
Fantastic read, Ed, and the analysis of the opposition is hugely appreciated as well.
Where do you rate van Dijk on a list of top Centre-backs? I believe he’s the best of the lot, and it’s not even close. Just look at our improvement since he came in.

{Ed001's Note - it depends, this season I would say he has been the best, but previously Godin was. Koulibaly is running him close though, as is the other Atleti centre back, as Godin has been poor this season. Alderweireld, if he was at his best, would be close too. Possibly Varane too.}


7.) 13 Dec 2018
13 Dec 2018 11:07:19
Great insight! You really do see what many don't tbh. For example, the Firmino insight. Some double footed tackles into him from fans for being awful. Really not fair! Off the ball, he broke a sweat I thought and was key in some important moments of the game. Overall though, really insightful piece there mate. Couldn't be more proud to be a fan of this beautiful club. Just hope we do United over with a clean sheet and the blue nose come home with a point even. We're close to something special, I know it!

{Ed001's Note - cheers mate. I did wonder why the fans were chanting Robbo's name when Bobby did all the work though! I thought that was a bit harsh. Even when Firmino is having an off game he contributes massively as his workrate gives opponents hell. They never get an easy ride against him.}


8.) 13 Dec 2018
13 Dec 2018 11:22:09
Cracking review Ed, agree with every line I think. And i'm glad you gave Hendo the rating he deserves, a lot of the ratings I've seen papers and that give him have been a 7. Expecting him to be running around doing everything from the number 6 role, imo showing either a lack of respect for him and his role in the side now, or just plain ignorance about different midfield positions. Was my MOTM till Alisson pulled out a worldie!

And in Robertsons defence I think a lot of the team were lose with the ball at stages.

I wish Gini would play like that every week, he still had moments he played within himself, the quick one two where he could have drove on and gave a poor pass instead comes to mind, but he looked dangerous for a change against Napoli

Cheers Ed.

{Ed001's Note - very true about the passing, both sides had loose periods, but Robbo and Bobby in particular seemed to struggle. I personally think those two were just trying too hard to do things quickly and both of them more than made up for it with the rest of their game.

As for Hendo, I don't know what newspapers say, as I don't read them, but he was excellent and I can't believe anyone who watched him would not see that!

Gini was the player we want, rather than the player we usually get. That is why I get so frustrated by his performances, because he is fully capable of performing at this level every single game.}


9.) 13 Dec 2018
13 Dec 2018 12:15:41
Thanks for that Tris, from the parts of the game I saw, I can't disagree with anything. Interesting point on Robbo, his passing has improved so much that the bar has been raised considerably. His vision in seeing Firmino on the edge of the box for his header was brilliant. Most wing backs would've gone for the percentage ball into the middle, where there were 3 or so red shirts but also around 5-6 Napoli players, rather than spotting Bobby charging in and unmarked.

I really like your points system, so much simpler to follow and much better than the "6s all round with the odd 7" you see in the papers. I'll try the same for the Man Utd review and see if I can do it justice!

{Ed001's Note - I am sure you can. I have never liked the usual paper way of doing it because it always seems so arbitrary. Usually the reporters are so busy writing their match reports they are barely watching the game anyway, so it is guesswork.}


10.) 13 Dec 2018
13 Dec 2018 12:57:28
Thanks Ed!

{Ed001's Note - welcome.}


11.) 13 Dec 2018
13 Dec 2018 13:42:17
For someone who's been an offensive player his entire career, Wijnaldum should really work on his shooting. He strikes the ball like Sterling when he was still with us.


12.) 13 Dec 2018
13 Dec 2018 13:49:52
Great review ed, I’ll be honest, I’m a massive fan of Henderson but I didn’t think he had a great first half, he just seemed to make a few bad decisions on top of a few bad passes. I just thought he was off the pace a little. That said, second half I thought he was absolutely brilliant. Decisions, tackling and passing were outstanding and well worth the high rating you gave him. I thought it was Wijis best match for us- particularly the first half.

{Ed001's Note - Gini did tire in the second half, he was going to be taken off because of it but then Milner got cramp.}


13.) 13 Dec 2018
13 Dec 2018 14:13:07
Spot on as usual tris.

{Ed001's Note - cheers lerch.}


14.) 13 Dec 2018
13 Dec 2018 19:32:06
Class that Ed, cheers mate.

{Ed001's Note - cheers again aoe….}


15.) 13 Dec 2018
13 Dec 2018 19:39:43
Hahaha oh bugger yes, I forgot I posted earlier ;) lol.


16.) 14 Dec 2018
14 Dec 2018 00:01:30
Ed, I like your little explanation about the scoring, starting at 5 and losing points for giving away penalties and other negative impacts. mario Ruiz must have had a stinker for a 1 haha!

{Ed001's Note - he was awful mate, he could easily have been sent off as he must have committed 40 pullbacks and trips on Salah that always ended up with Rui on the floor and Salah just running away from him.}