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Tweets of the Week: Liverpool bantered, Premier League stepdads and who is Luke Garbutt?
The best tweets from the world of football this past week, featuring Liverpool getting battered and bantered, Premier League managers rated as potential step fathers, a very confused Carlo Ancelotti and so much more. They won the league but everyone enjoyed seeing Liverpool getting hammered by Man City this week. When they said City were …
30 MINUTES TO 1 HOUR OLD
Liverpool news and transfers LIVE - Kai Havertz claim
Latest Liverpool transfer talk and breaking news
Liverpool starting line-ups see Keita start and Robertson rested
Our ECHO writers make their team selections ahead of Liverpool's match at Anfield against Aston Villa
1 HOUR TO 2 HOURS OLD
Liverpool player to make position change to remain on first-team track
Ki-Jana Hoever arrived from his native Netherlands when his contract at Ajax expired in the summer of 2018 and has played predominantly as a full-back so far in his Liverpool career
2 HOURS TO 4 HOURS OLD
Liverpool's recent problem likely to change with Villa 'perfect'
Aston Villa have the worst defence in the Premier League and could be perfect opponents for Liverpool
Liverpool youngster Jones signs long-term deal
Curtis Jones, who has made eight appearances in all competitions for Liverpool this season, has signed a new contract.
Klopp on anger after Man City defeat: I've had so many setbacks
Jurgen Klopp has explained why he tries not to shout "like crazy" at his players, even though defeats never get easier to take.
Bayern and Man City clear Champions League favourites, says Klopp
Holders Liverpool are out of the Champions League and Jurgen Klopp expects Manchester City or Bayern Munich to take the trophy.
4 HOURS OLD
Van Dijk reveals Jurgen Klopp was the reason he chose Liverpool and SNUBBED Man City and Chelsea
The defender has enjoyed an incredibly successful career with the Reds, winning the Premier League title, the Champions League and a Club World Cup under Klopp's reign.
Michael Ballack says Timo Werner was right to join Chelsea over Premier League champions Liverpool
The RB Leipzig striker was heavily linked with Jurgen Klopp's side for quite a while but in a dramatic twist, the German has now agreed a deal to join Chelsea.
Jurgen Klopp tips Manchester City or Bayern Munich to succeed Liverpool as Champions League winners
Jurgen Klopp says that Manchester City and Bayern Munich will battle it out for European supremacy this summer in Portugal when the Champions League resumes.
Pep Guardiola is confident that Manchester City will have their two-year Champions League ban lifted
The result of City's appeal against a two-year Uefa sentence will be known this month and could have repercussions on signing new players and keeping existing stars like Kevin de Bruyne.
Gabriel Jesus returns to Southampton in a slump but Pep Guardiola backs him to replace Sergio Aguero
Jesus is the one City player to have endured a difficult return to Project Restart and goes to Southampton on Sunday without a goal in eight matches as City's record marksman recovers.
Ask Crouchie! Peter Crouch answers more of your questions in our weekly column
PETER CROUCH: This week our resident columnist gives his view on Harry Kane's disallowed goal against Sheffield United and debates the future of Sean Dyche at Burnley.
Unusual Liverpool return sums up career misfortune for perennial 'bridesmaid'
Pepe Reina returns to Anfield this weekend with the empty stands rather symbolic of a career which promised so much but never delivered the prizes it merited
Klopp on poor loser accusations and why he can't let bad moods linger
The Liverpool boss admitted he wasn't happy after Thursday's loss at Man City and lifted the lid on how he deals with defeat
Klopp dismisses summer rethink and considers transfer 'risks'
Jurgen Klopp has discussed what Liverpool need to do if they are to defend their Premier League crown
Jurgen Klopp sends Champions League warning to Man City
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp believes Man City can win the Champions League - but need one thing to change
Liverpool news and transfers - Curtis Jones signs new long-term deal
Latest Liverpool transfer talk and breaking news including updates on Thiago Alcantara, Virgil van Dijk and more
Ex-Liverpool star Neil Ruddock reveals health plight after Strictly snub
Ex-Liverpool defender Neil Ruddock has opened up on his health problems after turning down the chance to star on Strictly Come Dancing
By: brian cawte
roy has to go he is a good manager at a small club but this is "LIVERPOOL" AND WERE NOT A SMALL CLUB
By: Colin1
In reply to <a href="https://www.footballfancast.com/opinion-2/football-blogs/liverpool#comment-40690">Jay Wright</a>.
Hodgson hasn't really got a lot to choose from. The whole team needs changing. Unfortunately you need funds for that.
By: Stephen cogley
Not only is it the managers fault I also think the players should look at there displays. There trying to blame it down to ownership under hicks and co but look at man utd there in debt don't like there owners but where are they in the league so there just looking for any excuse. What excuse have they got for getting beat on sun by everton was the grass to long lads or was it cos you didn't care. The manager needs to go after all he picks the team and he is not picking the correct system we need 4 4 2 with Torres and kuyt as the 2. When kuyt first came to us he played up front as a forward and scored loads put him back where he should be.
By: Stephen cogley
Think the manager should be sacked NOW before it gets worse did you see him laughing at the end of the derby defeat when he was shaking hands. No manager should be that happy his team got beat. Give the job to king kenny
By: otema julius
Roy to blame not Benitez as others have stated. the best he has done at LFC is to sell good players and bring in British rejects and outcast from other PL teams. Let any body out their state the quality that make the two British players Roy bought that suits LFC (KOncasty and cole no i mean cooled).Can one compare koncesky to insua or compare Cole to Reira. P'se get rid of Roy before its too late. This one season performer is a very big liability to the team with his tactics of no-wing play but overlap by defenders.
By: redjonjo
I wish I knew what hodgson drank before the game then maybe Id have seen the same great play he senn best they ahve played in a good while my arse
Liverpool linked with a transfer for Bayern Munich star: Another brilliant midfield option?
Newly-crowned Premier League champions Liverpool are reportedly eyeing a transfer for Bayern Munich midfielder, Thiago Alcantara.
The post Liverpool linked with a transfer for Bayern Munich star: Another brilliant midfield option? appeared first on Mad About EPL.
Matchweek 31 Talking Points: Man City Defensive Woes Continue While Chelsea Push For Third
Liverpool’s long-awaited Premier League title was finally confirmed on Thursday night following Manchester City’s loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The Reds had, earlier in the week, comfortably cruised to a 4-0 win over Crystal Palace. Jurgen Klopp’s men have had an incredible season and the Liverpool manager has finally delivered what the club’s fans have been dreaming about for years. While the Premier League title is done and dusted, the relegation battle, as well as the European spots, are still undecided. Let’s take a look at the 5 talking points from Premier League Matchweek 31 Manchester City defence to
The post Matchweek 31 Talking Points: Man City Defensive Woes Continue While Chelsea Push For Third appeared first on Mad About EPL.
Star Duo Set To Return: Predicted 4-3-3 Liverpool Lineup vs Crystal Palace
Liverpool will take on Crystal Palace, and will hope to go one step closer to winning the Premier League title. Here's the predicted Liverpool lineup.
The post Star Duo Set To Return: Predicted 4-3-3 Liverpool Lineup vs Crystal Palace appeared first on Mad About EPL.
Bayern Munich open to selling star: Chelsea & Liverpool among potential destinations| Opinion
Bayern Munich are reportedly willing to let David Alaba leave the club, and a few Premier League clubs may be interested in signing the Austrian. The Telegraph have reported that the German giants want to sell the player rather than see him leave on a free transfer when his contract expires next summer. The report states that Bayern have been trying to negotiate a deal for a year, but the two parties have not agreed on a new deal for the 27-year-old versatile defender. The Austrian has made nearly 400 appearances for the German side and has been an integral
The post Bayern Munich open to selling star: Chelsea & Liverpool among potential destinations| Opinion appeared first on Mad About EPL.
Key Defender To Miss Out: Predicted 4-4-2 Everton Lineup vs Liverpool
Everton take on Liverpool in the Merseyside derby later tonight, and here is the predicted Everton lineup vs Liverpool.
The post Key Defender To Miss Out: Predicted 4-4-2 Everton Lineup vs Liverpool appeared first on Mad About EPL.
Liverpool Linked With A Transfer For €60million Rated Italian Ace: How Will He Fit In?
Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing AS Roma attacker Nicolo Zaniolo, who will cost at least €60 million.
The post Liverpool Linked With A Transfer For €60million Rated Italian Ace: How Will He Fit In? appeared first on Mad About EPL.
Taylor And McGinn To Start For The Villans | 4-3-3 Aston Villa Predicted Lineup Vs Liverpool
Aston Villa will lock horns with Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday evening hoping to pull.
The post Taylor And McGinn To Start For The Villans | 4-3-3 Aston Villa Predicted Lineup Vs Liverpool appeared first on The 4th Official.
Liverpool Vs Aston Villa Tactical Preview: Team News, Predicted Lineups, Key Men And Odds
Liverpool will entertain Aston Villa at Anfield on Sunday evening hoping to return to winning.
The post Liverpool Vs Aston Villa Tactical Preview: Team News, Predicted Lineups, Key Men And Odds appeared first on The 4th Official.
Keita Comes In, Gomez Dropped From XI | 4-3-3 Predicted Liverpool Lineup Vs Aston Villa
Liverpool suffered a humiliating defeat against Manchester City in their midweek clash. The Reds would.
The post Keita Comes In, Gomez Dropped From XI | 4-3-3 Predicted Liverpool Lineup Vs Aston Villa appeared first on The 4th Official.
Gomez With 2, Salah Gets A 6 | Liverpool Players Rated In Defeat Against Manchester City
Liverpool took the field for the first time since being crowned the Premier League champions..
The post Gomez With 2, Salah Gets A 6 | Liverpool Players Rated In Defeat Against Manchester City appeared first on The 4th Official.
Foden And De Bruyne Get 9 | Manchester City Players Rated In Dominant Win Vs Liverpool
Manchester City entertained the new Premier League champions, Liverpool, at the Etihad Stadium earlier this.
The post Foden And De Bruyne Get 9 | Manchester City Players Rated In Dominant Win Vs Liverpool appeared first on The 4th Official.
3 Tactical Decisions Pep Should Make To Ensure A Win For Manchester City Vs Liverpool
Manchester City will play hosts to Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday evening hoping to.
The post 3 Tactical Decisions Pep Should Make To Ensure A Win For Manchester City Vs Liverpool appeared first on The 4th Official.
Five of the worst football ads ever: Owen, Rooney and Venkys chicken
Every business out there wants to be associated with a successful football club or player to get more attention for their brand, but it doesn’t always work out so well. In some cases, the resultant advertisements and endorsements are just downright awful. Marketing agencies should learn from these lousy examples. Liverpool bring Paisley back from …
Fantasy Premier League GW33+: Three must-buy midfielders for your team this week
With the Fantasy Premier League season coming into the final six games, it’s extremely important to get your transfers right ahead of gameweek 33+. Here are the three cheap midfielders we think are must-have in your FPL team: Phil Foden, Man City – £5.3 The moment Philip Walter Foden turned 20, he immediately found his …
Football’s best talent factories: River Plate
Club Atletico River Plate of Buenos Aires is one of the dominant clubs in South America. The Argentinian outfit has won 36 Primeira División titles, as well as four Copa Libertadores titles. A key player in the club’s success and finances has been their ability to create and develop world-class players that move on to …
The six matches that defined the Liverpool-Man City rivalry in the modern era
From stirring three goal comebacks to bus bombardments, Liverpool and Man City’s rivalry has grown in intensity and acrimony over the years. The latest chapter of this rivalry was written on Thursday night, when Manchester City absolutely smashed the new champions by four goals to nil. It could have been five only for Riyad Mahrez’ …
‘I was not in a good mood’ – Klopp gives more measured reaction to City defeat
Jurgen Klopp was in a better mood this afternoon as he reflected on Liverpool’s humbling 4-0 defeat at Manchester City. Liverpool travelled down the M62 on Thursday night to face the side who they had succeeded as champions just a previous, but were on the wrong end of a thrashing in East Manchester, goals from …
Thiago Alcantara ‘very close’ to Liverpool move
Liverpool are reportedly closing in on a deal for Thiago Alcantara with the Bayern Munich midfielder ‘very close’ to a switch to the Premier League champions. Thiago is believed to be keen on a new challenge after seven seasons in the Bundesliga with Bayern, with the 29-year-old having just a year remaining on his current …
Rumour Has It: Chelsea target Havertz to discuss future, Thiago to join Liverpool or Man Utd
Kai Havertz is reportedly looking to resolve his future following Bayer Leverkusen's DFB-Pokal final loss to Bayern Munich.
Milner admits he could have left Liverpool as he opens up on life under Klopp
Liverpool midfielder James Milner has played a big part in the club's recent success after spending a season at left-back.
Rumour Has It: Sancho still wants Man Utd move, Inter look to buy Sanchez
Manchester United could welcome Jadon Sancho and see Alexis Sanchez leave permanently.
Klopp: I'm still the normal one
Liverpool secured their first league title since 1990, but Jurgen Klopp said he was not special.
Klopp: All Liverpool players should get a medal for winning title
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp will not just give away appearances to those who have yet to play in five league games this season.
Chelsea need a Van Dijk figure to improve at set-pieces - Lampard
Chelsea's set-piece struggles will be taken it into consideration when it comes to potential signings, says Frank Lampard.
Why Liverpool signing Ben White would be a brilliant piece of investment Liverpool, Arsenal, Man United, Man City and Leicester City are all believed to be interested in signing Ben White, according to Football Insider (h/t Sussex Live) The Brighton and Hove Albion centre-back is currently on loan at Championship side Leeds United until the […] More
The post Liverpool signing this 22-year-old promising starlet would add valuable depth to their formidable backline appeared first on Media Referee.
Predicted Liverpool XI to face Manchester City in the Premier League Second-placed Manchester City welcome new Premier League winners Liverpool to the Etihad stadium. Liverpool were crowned the champions with seven games left. The game between the two sides is definitely something football fans will be looking for. The fixture will be an exciting one […] More
The post [Image] Predicted 4-3-3 Liverpool XI to face Man City – Can the champions win this dead rubber at Etihad? appeared first on Media Referee.
Forget it Klopp – Liverpool signing this 30-year-old Chelsea flop star would be an absolute waste
Why Liverpool signing Danny Drinkwater would be an absolute waste As per Leicestershire Live, Liverpool legend John Barnes has urged the Reds to sign Chelsea midfielder Danny Drinkwater, who won the Premier League title with Leicester City in the 2015/16 season. He currently plies his trade with Aston Villa on loan. Drinkwater, 30, is a […] More
The post Forget it Klopp – Liverpool signing this 30-year-old Chelsea flop star would be an absolute waste appeared first on Media Referee.
Why Liverpool must push hard to sign Napoli star Kalidou Koulibaly Liverpool want to sign Napoli powerhouse centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly in the summer transfer window. Corriere Dello Sport (h/t Express) claim Liverpool are in pole position to sign one of the most sought-after defenders in Europe. However, Napoli want a whopping £90m for the African […] More
The post Liverpool submit bid for £90m-rated star – Are the Reds right in adding to their title-winning squad? appeared first on Media Referee.
Liverpool signing this 29-year-old Spanish star would take the team to the next level – Agreed?
Why Thiago Alcantara to Liverpool would boost their midfield As per Bild’s Christian Falk (h/t Liverpool Echo), Bayern Munich star Thiago Alcantara wants to join Liverpool in the summer. Alcantara, 29, is a product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia youth academy. He made 100 appearances for the Catalans’ first-team. After winning a Champions League title […] More
The post Liverpool signing this 29-year-old Spanish star would take the team to the next level – Agreed? appeared first on Media Referee.
[Image] Predicted 4-3-3 Liverpool XI to face Crystal Palace – Can the Reds edge closer to the title?
Liverpool prediction: Probable Reds XI to face Crystal Palace After a draw in the Merseyside Derby, Liverpool are set to take on Crystal Palace on Wednesday at Anfield. Jurgen Klopp’s men failed to take maximum points on Sunday and would be raring to move closer to the title. They lacked sharpness up front and would […] More
The post [Image] Predicted 4-3-3 Liverpool XI to face Crystal Palace – Can the Reds edge closer to the title? appeared first on Media Referee.
The Liverpool Football Club Latest Football News
- Sat, 04 Jul 2020 21:30:24 +0000: Klopp's Dortmund double can help guide Liverpool's second album - Liverpool | The Guardian
Critics are already out in force after Liverpool lost to City but the German is well practised in ignoring knee-jerk judgments
Liverpool have lost three games in the past two Premier League seasons, but as the most recent defeat was by four goals it has already been suggested that the new champions have been enjoying their title success a little too much.
Jürgen Klopp has heard it all before. Not on Merseyside, where he has just delivered the first title since 1990, but in his native Germany, where he followed up his unexpected Bundesliga title with Borussia Dortmund in 2011 with an even more unlikely retention a year later. “We didn’t do anything different the second season, all we did was continue to train hard and try to keep improving,” the Liverpool manager said.
Related: How Klopp-ball: Merseyside edition was launched by Liverpool at the Etihad | Sachin Nakrani
Related: Jordan Henderson: 'I changed from wanting to be a player that did everything' | Jonathan Liew
Continue reading... - Fri, 03 Jul 2020 21:30:55 +0000: Jürgen Klopp promises title medals to entire Liverpool first-team squad - Liverpool | The Guardian
- Premier League rules set five appearances as trigger
- ‘These guys will get a medal, even if I produce one myself’
Jürgen Klopp believes every member of his first-team squad should be presented with a Premier League winner’s medal, regardless of the appearances they have clocked up, and has promised to manufacture more or give away his if necessary.
“If you play one game you should have a medal, if you play no games you should have a medal,” said Liverpool’s manager as he questioned the rule which sets five appearances as the trigger. “I don’t know who thought of five games, who came up with that idea, but I don’t think it’s a good rule because people don’t understand how important the squad is to win a championship. You train five million times a year and if you don’t train at the highest level you have no chance to win a championship.”
Related: Steve Bruce confident Allan Saint-Maximin will stay at Newcastle
Continue reading... - Fri, 03 Jul 2020 20:00:53 +0000: Jordan Henderson: 'As you get older, your dreams get bigger' | Jonathan Liew - Liverpool | The Guardian
Liverpool’s captain talks pressing, politics, what makes Jürgen Klopp angry and the mentality that breeds success
“Through tough times, you can forget how much you love the game,” Jordan Henderson says. “You can take it for granted a little bit. When you’re a small kid, you don’t really think about trophies and winning things. You’re just thinking about playing football. But as you get older, your dreams get bigger. When you get to 16, 17, 18, it comes down to winning at all costs. Doing anything you can.”
We’re talking about trophies, and fulfilment, and happiness. When does pure enjoyment, the thrill of the game, give way to something larger? Why do footballers fixate so much on silverware, measure their lives in medals? At what point does it stop being about the taking part, and become about the winning?
Related: Jürgen Klopp promises title medals to entire Liverpool first-team squad
Why not aim for every trophy and every competition? We believe in ourselves
#WhenWillWeSeeChange? pic.twitter.com/JZYj3K2cP7
Continue reading... - Fri, 03 Jul 2020 07:37:15 +0000: Jürgen Klopp says Manchester City loss nothing to do with sealing title – video - Liverpool | The Guardian
The Liverpool manager, Jürgen Klopp, says being crowned Premier League champions last week had no impact on his team's 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Manchester City. Klopp said the defeat hurt, and that says City had a point to prove while Liverpool failed to capitalise on their chances. The result is the Reds' second league loss of the season, but still leaves them 20 points clear of Pep Guardiola's side
Continue reading... - Thu, 02 Jul 2020 23:55:58 +0000: Manchester City 4-0 Liverpool: Premier League – as it happened - Liverpool | The Guardian
Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden and Kevin De Bruyne were outstanding against a lacklustre Liverpool side that missed chances early on
Related: Sterling and Foden star as Manchester City rain on Liverpool's title parade
Related: Manchester City serve up football d’escalier, the perfect riposte a little too late | Barney Ronay
Related: Pep Guardiola: 'I have trained incredible players and Foden will be one of them'
“What can I say? We beat the champions, an extraordinary team. The game was good. They had clear chances in the first minutes with Salah but after that we mad a good performance and could have scored more goals. We tried to play football and take risks because [Liverpool] are the best team I’ve ever faced in my life with the high pressing ... But we had the courage to play.”
He says he’s particularly pleased because it was clear Liverpool did not take this match lightly. “I saw how focused they are. Even in the guard of honour, they were focused. They did not even say thank you.”
“I saw a brilliant attitude. We didn’t behave like somebody who became champions a week ago. But we lacked fluidity, and for some 50/50 situations they were just quicker than us. Then the pitch becomes bigger immediately.... They used their chances and we didn’t. City was 100% the deserved winner, of course, but 5-3 or something would have been possible aswell. We had moments where we could have scored but we didn’t.”
Then the manager shows irritation at the line of questioning, seemingly convinced that Sky’s man is trying to get him to criticise his team’s attitude. The questions were imprecise but not provocative, except in these sense that imprecise questions from journalists are annoying: but Klopp’s irritation has more to do with the tonking his team just got. But he maintains that his team were full of fight. Sure, but they were also very sloppy. “If you want to lead this story in the direction that we were not focused on this game, then do it,” says Klopp.”
“[Liverpool] have been brilliant all year. We knew we had to come out strong. We were disappointed with the season, we lots some games we shouldn’t have. We had an opportunity today to make a point and we did. Next season starts today.”
“We know we’ve got the FA Cup and Champions League. In the Premier League games coming up we need to finish strong and that will only help us in the other competition.”
City win this skirmish after Liverpool have already settled the campaign. In that sense, what happened here today doesn’t matter. But Liverpool will be at least slightly miffed at being dismantled by their nearest rivals, especially as they contributed to their own defeat with some uncharacteristically shambolic defending Gomez and Robertson were all over the shop, and Mané and Firmino were ragged up front. City were technically excellent at times, with De Bruyne, Sterling and Foden all excellent and Rodri a constant influence. It’ll be interesting to see how Liverpool react to this: shrug it off and let the rest of the season fizzle out? Or come back and annihilate poor old Aston Villa on Sunday? There’ll be personnel changes for that game, I’ll wager.
NO GOAL! Mahrez fires in at the near post after a lovely interchange with Foden, but he handled the ball in the build so the goal doesn’t cont.
90 min: There will be at least four more minutes before Liverpool can return to the dance piste.
88 min: Mendy cuts out a cross by Oxlade-Chamberlain at the expense of a corner. Robertson swings it over. Ederson palms it away, and City sweep forward on another counter-attack. The indefatigable Henderson charges back to snuff it out.
86 min: Silva catches Williams late as the defender whacked the ball clear.
84 min: Liverpool substitution: Minamino on, Mané off.
81 min: De Bruyne orchestrates another attack, feeding Mahrez at the edge of the area. The Algeria international shows quick feet to make space for a shot and then drills a low effort wide from 18 yards.
79 min: Man City substitution: Otamendi and Bernardo Silva on, Sterling and Laporte off.
78 min: Keita holds back De Bruyne in midfield to curb another City attack.
77 min: Salah opens his body and curls a shot around Laporte and towards the far corner. But Ederson is wise to it and makes a comfortable save.
76 min: Liverpool substitution: Williams on, Alexander-Arnold off.
75 min: Laporte and Mendy take turns clearing dangerous crosses.
74 min: Klopp must have had an angry word during that break. Liverpool are playing as if their pride is hurt. They’re trying to salvage a goal at least.
Drinks break
69 min: Liverpool are strolling now. Which, incidentally, can be a good way to ease your way out of a hangover “Although frustrating to watch as a Liverpool fan, this is the only acceptable way for a team to respond to having to give a guard of honour to your rivals,” honks Matt Dony. “I think I would have turned down the guard, for fear of a subsequent case of the hubrises.” Maybe to offset that, Liverpool should give City a guard of honour on the way off? Set them right for next season.
Liverpool opened up easily again. Rodri sprays a pass to De Bruyne in plenty of space mid-way inside the Liverpool half. The Belgian weighed up his options before sliding in Sterling, who sidestepped Robertson and slotted a low shot past Alisson. Oxlade-Chamberlain slides it to try to clear it but only helps it into the net. And the replay shows that the ball was, in fact, heading wide. So thats an own goal. It’s been that kind of night for Liverpool.
65 min: A crisp ball from mid-way inside the City half finds Salah near the penalty spot with his back to goal. He flips it off to Origi coming in from the left. Laporte gets in the way of the forward’s first-time shot.
63 min: Liverpool substitutions: Origi and Keita on, Wijnaldum and Firmino off. Firmino has looked particularly knackered today.
60 min: Laporte gives the ball away at the back. Mané retrieves at the edge of the area and slides it to Firmino, whose shot from the centre is blocked. This game fluctuates between spells of high class and outbreaks of mass sloppiness.
58 min: City substitution: Mahrez on, Jesus off.
57 min: Two Liverpool players stand at the end of the City wall ... but they forget to get out of the way when Alexander-Arnold shoots: so the shot deflects off Henderson and goes wide.
56 min: After a VAR review, Liverpool do not get a penalty: instead it’s a freekick at the edge of the area following a foul by Walker...
54 min: A mistake by Garcia gifts the ball to Henderson, who looks up and slots a pass through to Mane, who’s free 15 yards out .... and he somehow steps over the ball! All he had to do was shoot on sight, but instead he performed some kind of dance move: Liverpool still in party mode, you say? “City are still in two competitions,” notes Sam Baker. “They are actually holding back here.” Or, to put it another way, they’re turning on the style when it doesn’t matter?
52 min: De Bruyne romps down the right in loads of space, then measures out a low pass to Foden, who guides it past the keeper. But it’s not the cleanest connection so Van Dijk is able to hook it clear from in front of his own goal.
51 min: Sterling scurries towards the box as City stream through Liverpool again. He opens fire from 18 yards. Fabinho hurls himself in front o it to deflect it wide.
49 min: Liverpool are still asleep at the back. Alexander-Arnold flings a throw-in straight to Jesus, who wriggles towards the box and fires off a shot that forces a save from Alisson.
48 min: Corner to City. De Bruyne curls it in, Alisson makes an easy catch.
46 min: Gomez’s ordeal is over: he’s been hauled off and replaced by Oxlade-Chamberlain. Presumably that means Fabinho will drop back into defence.
So who thinks this is unfolding in a good way for Aston Villa? They face Liverpool at the at weekend in dire need of points to avoid relegation. Will they meet a rabble? Will Klopp make lots of changes? That depends partly on how the second half goes here...
So, about that inbox: no irate fans are suggesting Klopp is a fraud who has been exposed. Instead, it seems sense is common, after all. “Liverpool won the league in 1983 with six games to go and didn’t win any of the last six,” recalls Jim Morrish. “The team were already (mentally) on the beach. They still won the league in 1984 ..... and the European Cup..... and the League Cup.”
I’m going for a, ahem, drinks break. Will be disappointed if, by the time I get back, there aren’t at least a few mails in my inbox saying Klopp has taken Liverpool as far as I he can?
Liverpool started well and should have taken the lead but once Sterling began tormenting Gomez, the champions crumbled like lads who’ve been on the razz for days. Uncharacteristic sloppiness has made them easy prey for City, who added two slick goals after De Bruyne’s penalty. Klopp will understand but not accept this, at least not right now.
45+2 min: Good tackle by Garcia on Firmino. But Liverpool recycle the ball and work it to Salah in a dangerous position. From the right-hand byline he drops a cross at he back post. But there’s no one there.
Robertson loses the run of himself and runs into a challenge he can never win with Foden, who sees him coming and lays the ball off quickly to De Bruyne and then spins and darts into the box to collect the instant return pass. And then he sweeps it high past Alisson for an impeccable finish from 15 yards.
43 min: City look to be in total control now. Liverpool have barely threatened since falling behind. Their sloppiness at the back has killed their mojo and got City’s dander right up.
41 min: Jesus booked for doing something that the camera didn’t pick up. A naughty word or gesture, perhaps.
38 min: Alexander-Arnold delivers a testing ball from the right. Walker keeps an eye on it and chests it back to Ederson from six yards out. “Gomez is having a stinker,” says Richard McGahey. “He gives up the penalty and now loses track of Sterling, drifting around in the penalty area with little awareness of what was going on.” There’s a fair chance Sterling will be whispering something along those lines to him too.
Another sweet moment for Sterling! He gets involved in a City counter-attack by helping the ball on to Foden and then turning and dashing into the left-hand side of the box. As Liverpool’s defence flounders, Foden carries it forward. De Bruyne makes a decoy run to the right, and Foden slips the ball through to Sterling, who takes it it under control and then sidefoots past Alisson. Clinical.
32 min: Nice move by Liverpool. But when Fabinho runs no to the ball in the right-hand side of the box, his pullback goes behind Salah at the edge of the six-yard area.
30 min: Van Dijk springs Mané with yet another pass behind Walker. But the forward can’t find anyone with his cross.
28 min: An absolutely exquisite pass by De Bruyne to Jesus. He found a gap that did not even seem to be there. Sadly, Jesus did not take advantage, confusing himself as he tried to spin past the last defender and ultimately skewing it way wide.
Drinks break
De Bruyne sees Allison go one way and then sweeps the ball into the opposite corner. What a satisfying minute that was for Sterling, in particular.
PENALTY! Sterling tricks his way past Gomez, who tries to hold him back. Sterling flops to the ground to leave the ref with an easy decision.
20 min: This time it’s City who find space behind the Liverpool defence with a long diagonal pass, from Walker to De Bruyne. But Alexander-Arnold gets back swiftly to challenge De Bruyne, who runs the ball out of play.
19 min: Firmino takes down the ball 10 yards outside the area, then helps it on quickly to Salah, coming in from the right. Salah shuffles towards the box before fizzing a low shot past the keeper ... and against the base of the post!
18 min: Alexander-Arnold jabs the ball through to Salah, who fires a cross into the near post. City get it away. But Liverpool regain the ball fast. “Just out of curiosity: how many times do you think Alexander-Arnold will execute that switch to Mané before Walker realises he’s leaving basically an entire postcode of space behind him for a quite fast inside forward to run into?” wonders Adam Kline-Schoder. That’s a rhetorical question, right?
16 min: Liverpool pop the ball about in the City half until Mendy ushers Salah off the ball and clears. “It’s interesting, for all of City’s many, many qualities, how easily they can be undone by a simple long ball,” agrees Stephen Carr. Yes, and its good to have champions who are not too snooty to exploit that.
14 min: Mendy curls a delicious ball in from the left-hand touch line. Sterling and Foden come within millimetres of connecting with it from close range.
13 min: Van Dijk tries another long pass from the back towards Mané. Garcia intercepts this time. It’s clear that Liverpool reckon City are vulnerable to a fast, direct approach.
11 min: De Bruyne loses the ball at the edge of the Liverpool box under a tackle by Fabinho. The referee seems poised to give a freekick but decided not to. Correct decision. Liverpool tear forward and Alexander-Arnold angles a cross from deep towards the penalty spot. Sadio Mané makes a mess of his header, failing to find the target.
9 min: By the sounds of it, lots of fireworks are going off somewhere close to the stadium. Whoever could be responsible for those?
8 min: City enjoy a spell of possession, with Rodri integral to it. He is everywhere, prodding and prompting.
6 min: Liverpool are jazzed. There’s an electricity about them, an intensity that’s making them slightly sharper and slightly more aggressive than City so far.
4 min: Van Dijk spots a run from right to centre by Salah and flights the ball towards the Egyptian. Salah takes it on his chest and fires off a first time shot from 25 yards. Ederson, in the middle of his box, reacts quickly and pushes it away. Firmino races on to the rebound but his shot from a difficult position is weak. Easy stop for Ederson.
3 min: City faff about with it at the back. Liverpool watch them for a bit and then Mané pounces, dispossessing Walker and clipping a cross towards Salah in the middle. It’s just too long. Ederson collects.
1 min: Liverpool kick off. They lose the ball quickly and City shunt it forward to Jesus. He tries to hold it up and wait for support, but Van Dijk steps in and takes the ball.
City trudge out of the tunnel, then split in two and line up on either side of it to welcome the champions. They are as glum-faced as you’d expect. Liverpool make them wait. Then Jordan Henderson leads his men out. They resist smug smiles as City applaud just enough to respect the protocol. And with that, the formality is done.
Roy Keane is on Sky punditry duty, which means he’ll be looking for any imperfections that he can attribute to a lack of moral courage. Not an easy man to impress, he nonetheless approves of Liverpool’s warm-up: apparently they have been “vocal and intense” as they limbered up, which suggests: “They’ve come here to win. It’s set up to be a brilliant game.”
Guardiola, asked whether he wants to win today to lay down a marker for next season, replies: In football life changes week by week. Of course we want a good performance against this team, but next season will be a new season with new targets.”
Klopp explains his teams selection: “you pretty much need the most experienced team for all the things that City ask you in a game. You need to play rather from your belly than from your brain. You need to do it instinctively right ... You need to be ready to suffer in this game. If we are not brave in both departments - defending-wise and attacking-wise, we will not have a chance. I like these games.”
Dejan Lovren, by the way, has been left out with a minor knock. “Nothing serious,” says Klopp.
Fancy watching a video explaining how Liverpool won the title? Course you do.
It looks like Liverpool mean business: they’re starting with what was become their classic lineup. So a big test is on the way for Eric Garcia, the 19-year-old who has recovered from the injury he suffered against Arsenal and slots back into central defence.
Man City: Ederson; Walker, Garcia, Laporte, Mendy; Rodrigo, Gundogan, De Bruyne; Foden, Jesus, Sterling.
Hello. After a few days making merry in the grand old style, Jürgen Klopp takes his troops over to Manchester City today to thank them personally for losing at Chelsea last week. A 30-year quest has reached a glorious climax and all that remains is for everyone associated with Liverpool to check out the mugs on Pep Guardiola & Co as the deposed champions lay on a guard of honour for the new kings. That’s the etiquette, apparently, and it’ll be a moment to watch and enjoy. For the sake of good sport, it’d be nice to think it’ll generate bad blood.
What happens once the game gets going will be fascinating. League points don’t matter any more because no accountant could make the maths work for City now; but there’s a moral point to be made: a chance for City to say: “You may have won the title, but on our day we’re still the better team”. Or, on the other hand, for Liverpool to say: “We took your title and now we’re going to batter you in your own backyard. Just because we can”. That’s the sort of attitude that Klopp says he wants to see from his men, who can still set more records this season if they really want to. So what we may have here are the two best teams in England going at each other with gusto, for honour not gongs. A duel of rare purity awaits.
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News Archive Below
- Mon, 26 Jun 2017 12:04:21 +0000: Liverpool reject £11m Moreno bid - Latest Stories, Video, and Commentary about Liverpool | BBC
Liverpool reject an £11m bid from Serie A side Napoli for Alberto Moreno - and will demand £15m for the Spanish defender. - Sat, 24 Jun 2017 06:20:53 +0000: World Cup winner Arbeloa retires aged 34 - Latest Stories, Video, and Commentary about Liverpool | BBC
Former Liverpool, Real Madrid and West Ham defender Alvaro Arbeloa is retiring from football at the age of 34. - Fri, 23 Jun 2017 11:53:04 +0000: Liverpool complete £34m Salah deal - Latest Stories, Video, and Commentary about Liverpool | BBC
Liverpool complete the 39m euro (£34m) signing of Roma's former Chelsea winger Mohamed Salah, who joins on a five-year deal. - Fri, 16 Jun 2017 16:07:01 +0000: Rams agree fee with Liverpool for Wisdom - Latest Stories, Video, and Commentary about Liverpool | BBC
Derby County agree a deal to sign defender Andre Wisdom from Premier League side Liverpool for an undisclosed fee. - Wed, 14 Jun 2017 08:00:05 +0000: Premier League fixtures in full - Latest Stories, Video, and Commentary about Liverpool | BBC
Find out your club's full fixture list for the 2017-18 Premier League season.