And that's why we're the best team in Europe.
Funny game that. L'pool absolutely sensational at times without ever really getting out of third gear. Through which Norwich played really well and could well have scored more. Some belter goals and saves. Mixed individual performances. But all in all just about the perfect opening to a season.
First half, some of the attacking football was ridiculous. The intensity Klopp's been on about this week that set's us apart was back and made a lot of reactionary fools over pre-season look just that. The amount of Norwich lads puffing and going down with cramp trying to keep up was ridiculous. All the while, as brilliant as what L'pool where, they never really looked like they'd reached anything approaching first gear. Just a massive class apart from last years Championship winners. Who got a very harsh lesson in the difference from that league to playing the very best of the best. Whilst playing really, really well themselves. I sincerely hope they stick to their principles of playing good, attacking football all season and don't revert to what many promoted sides do after an early walloping. You've just played the best team in all of Europe lads that are on a whole other level to most anything you'll face this year outside of City. Keep on playing the way you are, albeit a tad naive against some bigger sides, you'll win far more games than you'll lose and survive another year. All credit to them. Really refreshing to see a promoted side with that attitude. It's getting few and far between with the financial fear of not going out of the PL.
Norwich deserved the goal they scored after we naturally took our foot right off the gas the second half and became a tad sloppy at times. Whilst still being in control and knowing they could easily go up another few levels if needed. 4 up at half time on the opening day with 37 and a half LONG games to go I can well forgive them for that. Norwich could well have had a couple first half when, amongst the brilliance of our attacking play, we looked little out of synch the back but that will come again sooner rather than later. Chelsea and chance #2 to win silverware this year Wednesday should focus the backline to be totally on it quickly.
I had Henderson down as the MOTM. He was superb and just totally embodies everything this side is all about with his full out commitment to the last whistle. Can't be said enough just what a proper captain that lad is. He must have had his name song on 5 or 6 separate occasions which is a new experience for Jordan but absolutely superb to hear as more people finally start to appreciate how integral he is. I was pleasantly surprised to see JMG straight back in. Personally thought he'd reward Matip for the end of last season and continuity to start out. But like Klopp's always said, those that show me in training will always get the chance. So you can only presume he's won that pre-season battle fair and square. A little ropey first half but he settled and gradually started to show signs of just why he's by far the best option for the next decade or so for this football club. And as we noticeably appear to be playing an even higher line this season, the pace of both Joe and Virgil within that speaks for itself. Mo will get 40 plus all comps this season. Telling yer. You forget, in the summers gap of not seeing him live much, just how ridiculously top bracket a footballer he is. And he's come back as fresh and as sharp as he ever has. And poor Norwich. Just as they think they can get out with an easy last 20, on comes Sadio doing ridiculous Sadio things from his first touch. What a late cameo that was. What a masterful front three we are privileged to possess. (Just how good was Bobby again too?). What a F gang of Reds these lads are. And with a ridiculous quality bench barely touched into the bargain. Kind of puts to bed all the cry arsing over no major buys huh? Lads, we're managed by one of the two top coaches in the World. He kind of knows what he's doing and just what a superb group he has. Trust him hey?
As anticipated, the atmosphere was European-esq wild at kick-off and through the first half in particular. 'We are the Champions, Champions of Europe!' just can't be belted out enough every game and every ground we visit to remind people of the fact. Naturally dipped the second half as the team eased up with a game long since won. But to get the Kop stood for the full 90 and bouncing against Norwich is a seriously good sign of just how fun it's going to be at Anfield again this season. Side-note on the atmosphere- As impressed with Norwich as I was on the park, can their fans off it please F off back from where they came? Lower league cockwombles. And the REALLY sad part is they genuinely think they're being witty with the only stereotypical garbage they know. 'You're **** ahhhhhhhhh!' after every goal kick is cringe worthy enough. 'This is a library/ Where's your famous atmosphere?' after the atmosphere dipped second half. Lads, for one, it's not a library yanno? You can't take books out and return them the next time you come. And if yuse weren't so ***** and the game killed by half-time, we might have something to continue going at the second. But to then roll out 'Sign on ...... ' Aside from poverty being NO laughing matter, this isn't the L'pool of '80's austerity yanno that your dads experienced and have passed these pathetically outdated, oh so hilarious and (un) original ditties down to you. Educate yourself, grow up, think on, and enjoy your night out at Europes best instead of making an absolute show of yourselves. Dickheads.
The only sour note on the perfect opening night was of course Alisson. Didn't look too clever at all but if it's just his calf that's a relief. Hopefully he's not out too long. One things for darn sure, I personally feel 100% more secure with Adrian back there, particularly with a ball at his feet (some of the balls he was immediately pinging around fills you with calm), then I EVER did Mignolet. I'd honestly be fearing that our season could implode before it's even begun with the Belgium in nets. Now, not so much. The superb reception Adrian got when he came on, who must have been pinching himself, said it all. Mignolet wouldn't have, and never has, gotten anything like that.
Even if Alisson's out through the first break, we have a very favourable run of Southampton and Burnley away, and Arsenal home, to think we'll be sound. And now Adrian get's to represent the European Champions in the European Super Cup with a chance to win his first medal in football Wednesday. Surreal doesn't begin to explain that for a lad who was training by himself back home in Seville as a free-agent this summer.
All-in-all the perfect opening night to remind everyone who'd madly forgotten through the transfer nonsense just how ****** good these Reds are. And now we get to put our feet up and watch the only other game of real relevance this weekend to ourselves this dinner-time.
Over to City. The floor to respond is yours.
Up the 'We are the Champions, Champions of Europe!' Reds!