Jesus F***ing Christ.
That was F***ing epic. A game of two halves and we bossed them both. That first half was out of this world. We came out of the blocks hard and fast and they didn't want to know, they did not want to know. We blitzed them all over the park and our front six absolutely dominated them. The first half they took all the pressure off our defence and didn't even register a shot on target, that is testament to the high press that was executed perfectly. Firmino's never say die attitude ensuring Salah got the chance for the first goal, the Ox with a Gerrardesque screamer and the ball from Salah to Mane for the third was undoubtedly clever and delicious. That first half was perfect.
To be honest i didn't expect them to maintain that intensity in the second half and City started to take the sting out of the game. While they had the bulk of the possession i never felt that they were going to score at all during the game and that's the way it went. Our midfield discipline was extraordinary and we remained compact and focused for the entire half.
Milner was absolutely outstanding, ran his bollocks off but always with a purpose and marshalled the midfield area superbly, a close call for MOTM but edged out just by Arnold. Thought Arnold was out of this world tonight, no fear, no hesitation, was nice to see him letting Sane out of his pocket at the final whistle. On the 2 occasions he did get caught out with the inside ball, he fully recovered and nullified the attack with consummate ease. Can't really say much for Karius, Lovren or van Dijk as they had little to do and that is a testament to how well our midfield defended. They made their job easy.
Firmino ran himself into the ground again and was instrumental to the success of the high press, he just runs and runs and runs and runs and runs and runs and never ever gives up, reminds me so much of Rush. Salah just keeps getting better and better, that Player of the Year award is almost within his grasp now, hope his injury isn't serious and his leaving of the pitch just a precautionary measure. Mane was outstanding also, ran himself into the ground, one of the main reasons we obliterated them in the first half, combining well with Robertson on the flank to give Walker nightmares.
Well, i said the Ox needed to step up and by F**k did he step up. That goal was stunning, had there been no net that ball would now be orbiting the earth! Ran his socks off and put himself through the wringer physically, especially in the second half when we were under the cosh. Henderson did what he always does and that is clean up in the centre of the park, when the extra onus and pressure is not on him to be the creator and he can concentrate on his primary duty then he is so pivotal to this system.
Andy Robertson, well what can i say, he is unbelievable. He just keeps getting better and better. Blitzed Gundogan and Walker in the first half and was more than happy to sit back and blitz Sterling in the second half.
Have to reiterate, Trent Alexander Arnold, what a F***ing performance that was. I cannot be hard on this kid, he's just nineteen years old but he was the best player on that park tonight, just edging Milner and Hendo out. He's learned from his mistakes quickly and absolutely bossed Sane.
Massive shout out to the supporters tonight as well, their energy was infectious and spurred the side on no end. Even the booing of City every time they had the ball had an effect, you could see it. I know this is a touchy subject but even the attack on the bus had an effect on City, dark arts aplenty.
Last but not least, Jürgen Klopp. What a masterclass that was, said he was going for the jugular and that's exactly what he did. I love that he sticks by his principles no matter what. He has said all week he was going all out attack and that's exactly what he did. Next week he will go the Etihad and play the same football, you just know we will and i love him for it.
Europe was scared of us prior to the last draw, they'll be petrified after seeing that performance. Feel the clean sheet was the clincher in this leg, fancy us to get a goal or two in the away leg.
Brilliant performance by the lads tonight, every single one of them, fought until the very end.
Wow.......... I wasn't expecting a result as clinical as this...............
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