Opening days don't come much better do they? Twatted the opposition going forward, kept them to practically no chances going the other way, no injuries, no red cards, clean sheet, absolute breeze...oh yeah and going top of the League.
We've built on the good pre-season we had with a wonderful performance. And in the process, we went top of the League.
We've picked up from where we left on last season. Front three looking as good as ever, defence looking as good a unit as they have done for a very long time. Midfield being the steady players we've become accustomed to. And a very easy welcome into Premier League football for our new keeper.
It's really difficult to find a fault in our team performance today. It was exceptional. Obviously every player has areas they could of improved upon but as a team it was as close to faultless as you'll find. And after that game, West Ham will be employing "The Chosen One" at the end of December to save them from relegation again.
A faultless performance can't be said for that pr**k of a ref. Absolute disgrace of an official.
Alisson - must admit I can see meself getting worried with this lad because of how cool he is with the ball at his feet. He played the ball out in typical Brazilian fashion - with that one exception that went straight to the West Ham right winger. If teams rush him, I worry. But hopefully he'll prove those doubts wrong. Other than that, the fella was exceptional. I didn't have any worries about him punching the ball from the cross, he got distance on it and with today's balls wobbling as much as they do, it's very difficult for keepers to catch them. Very good debut.
Alexander-Arnold - wasn't young Trent's finest day but I thought he did well enough. Kept their record signing Anderson quiet, so much so that he had to change flanks. Then kept Antonio quiet for the most part. Defensively he was more than alright and for a full back, that'll do me. His offensive play was a little off today, some really poor crosses but I'll settle for that from my right back.
Gomez - first real outing as a centre-half for us and didn't put a foot wrong. With Trent on the right, Virgil beside him and Robbo on the left, there's only one spot left in the back four and if young Joe can maintain that level of performance then he's first in line to take it. A lot of us have always liked Joe Go and felt he was better suited to centre half, today justified Jürgen's trust in him. Brilliant performance Joey.
Van Dijk - another faultless performance from the big man. Very assured. It's becoming the norm from the Dutchman. He's marshalling that young back line into a top quality defensive unit. Strong, commanding, calm, everything you want from a defender.[/b]
Robertson - very quickly becoming the best left back in the world. Fantastic performance, both ends of the field. Like Trent on the other side, he kept their wingers quiet, no matter which one he was up against. Got up the field and supported Mane the way a full back should. His delivery was spot on. Always in the right position. Best left back we've had in the Premier League era.
Wijnaldum - a very understated performance, the type that some of our midfielders over the years would be proud of. Doing all the simple things exceptionally well. Didn't perform as well when Henderson came on and he was pushed further forward but as the deepest of the three in the first half, he was outstanding. Kept the ball ticking over, won the ball back numerous times, an unfashionable but vital performance from our Gini.
Milner - I can see why he won man of the match, both on the forum and from Andy F***ing Hinchcliffe (why is he commentating?). It was an excellent performance from the elder statesman of the team. He's given the boss a real headache in regards to who to pick for Palace next Monday. After a performance like that, he really deserves to keep his place. Fantastic pull back for Mane's first. I thought this year he was going to be very limited in terms of his game time but if he can continue that vein of form then he's gonna get a lot more than I thought he would.
Keita - after 90 minutes of competitive football in a Red shirt, I can safely say that lad has something special about him. He was my man of the match just because it was his debut. I weren't expecting such a high standard from the off but Naby just fitted into the side like a hand to a glove. Assured in his passing, just one dodgy effort on his left foot. Didn't get stuck in as much as I was expecting. After reading about his performances in Germany, I was expecting somebody who just dived into tackles but he looked like he picked his tackles with a lot of maturity today.
Salah - hardly the outstanding performance we've come to expect from our Egyptian King but still an easy seven or eight out of ten. A well taken goal. The interchanging play between him Firmino and Mane was a joy to see. Three months since the last time we saw it and it's like nothing has changed. Still as threatening as they've always been.
Firmino a lot of hustle and bustle today but never looked that much of a threat to their goal. Very unselfish performance though. Worked for the team throughout. Might not be what some of us consider a true centre forward but you can't deny the fella's work ethic. Truth be told, I'd rather Sturridge came on for him but that's just because I felt Danny's form in pre-season had earned him some game time if not to start.
Mane - excellent by our new number 10. Two very well taken goals. The first was slightly behind him so to turn it in was very good indeed. Didn't try and do too much with it, just knocked it into the net. And the second was a great instinctive strike. Always looked to threaten their defence, linked up well with his team mates and richly deserved the two goals. More of the same going forward Sadio.
Henderson - looked to pick up from his form at the end of the season rather than his World Cup displays. For England his passing was much more forward thinking, for us he's a lot more conservative but it works. Keeps the ball moving and always finds himself in acres of space, which is why his passing frustrates a lot of people. But a good run out for a lad who hardly had any pre-season time. Probably starts on the bench against Palace as well.
Shaqiri - the new lad is going to find his time on the pitch limited. He's joined a club that has the best front line in the world. But he looked like when he did come on that he'll fit right in. Some clever runs, nice touches and neat passes. If he can perform like that then when he is called upon I have no fear he'll do a job for us.
Sturridge - made up he got his goal. Could of had another as well. He's carried his pre-season form into the season. Jürgen has a real decision to make now about who starts up top. Six goals in pre-season and one with his first touch in the League almost forces Danny into our starting XI. And it was his goal that took us top. Well done Dan.
Overall, it's hard to do anything but F***ing smile from ear to ear. It's great to see the Reds back in action, especially when we perform like that. Looking like the Champions we are. Sitting top of the League from day F***ing one.
Thank you Reds. Thank you Jürgen. Thank you Liverpool Football Club.
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