What an absolutely fantastic day. Sorry, let me rephrase What ANOTHER absolutely fantastic day with these title hungry Reds.
Where to start .....
..... With the man who's made this all happen. Jürgen Norbert Klopp. The current incumbent in the LFC hot seat who's like a reincarnation of the erstwhile Scottish great who redefined this great club and set us on the road to our current position as the most successful club in this Country's rich football history.
People on these here boards mocked when I compared him to Shankly from the get go after that awesome, introductory presser last October. Those laughs have become quieter and quieter as the past 11 months have rolled. And today, just like the great man, we saw in glorious technicolour the absolute power and sway the German holds over his adoring public. I've been going the match since 1981. Through that time, L'pool have had 10 permy managers and one temporary one. From the greatest of them all, Bob Paisley, through the greatest player to ever wear Red, Kenny Dalglish; to the absolute bottom dwelling dross of Hodgson. And NOBODY through those 11 men have had such a magnetism, such a power, over the fanbase as Kloppo holds. For 65 minutes or so of that game today, we were quite frankly ***** as fans. Down in large part to the very real emotions and utter, nerve wringing edginess of a very real title challenge that's in full flow in November. Down also to a not greatly exciting first hour in Baltic conditions. But ***** nonetheless. It was quiet and edgy in the stands. And it wasn't helping the players who were going about their business in a very patient, professional manner without getting the breaks. Step forward the manager, in his manic, and downright scary gesticulating to anyone and everyone as he fair bollocked the whole ground and roused everyone. NO Liverpool manager in my lifetime has been able to galvanise the entire crowd like he can and did today. Turning a nervy, edgy shitshow of a supporter experience into a rousing, bouncing last 25 minutes that saw the boys home to an absolutely vital, and you feel pivotal, 3 points.
Which brings us onto Divock's sublime opener 10 minutes into that resurgence. That goal was MASSIVE. And lead to the maddest celebration of the season thus far. We'd toiled away with shots hitting defenders and the 'keeper (who was excellent BTW. REALLY like Pickford), crosses flashing across the face, balls just not dropping. It was feeling like it was never going to happen. Then Origi casually cut back and passed it into the corner and the place went ballistic. I hate to use 'them' as an example. but it was what Utd have done time after time after time in similar games throughout the PL era. It was what the great L'pool sides I grew up watching did time after time after time in winning titles when it's not all about sparkling football every single game. But being patient, keeping that self belief in what you're doing is right, and then someone stepping up with the vital dagger to the oppo's heart just as they think they've earned their share of the spoils. Biggest goal of the year thus far. BY far.
Which leads back to us as fans. It's been a LONG time since we've been as deadly serious as this. Not 'hoping to be there in the end.' Not 'seeing where where we're at after Chrimbo.' But being a genuine, serious contender from the start of the season not just daring to dream in November, but confidently believing. And we've forgotten just what it takes to win this thing. But these Reds haven't. These Reds kept their cool today and just patiently carried on playing their football. Knowing the chances would eventually come against a Sunderland side that was basically a 7-3-0/ 8-2-0 formation. So deep where they for almost the whole game intent to just hit on the break. (Which they did well to their credit and Karius again had his chance to shine. Another top game from him.). Teams are going to do this at Anfield. You come out and play, we'll rip you to shreds 5 or 6. Even Utd came in fear of a real hiding and sat with 11 deep. So we need to learn to be as patient as the players. Safe in the knowledge that they'll find a way. As they have most every game this year. And as they will right the way through until May. Klopp shouldn't have to intervene. We should be showing that patience and support ourselves. If you can't get behind these special Reds, why even go the match?
Special shout out to Can and Wijnaldum as well who I thought totally dominated the middle as Jordan had a quieter day for him this season. But the real pleasing thing, as they repeatedly keep showing, is this team FULLY believes in themselves and no longer panic. They'll just patiently keep plodding away knowing that they'll find a way eventually.
The only downside was Phil going down. That looked real bad. But hey, if he's out a while, we get to have a 'proper' forward leading the line through the Chrimbo grind which isn't a bad thing. Be it Daniel or Divock who was superb from the moment he came on the park today.
Brilliant day that I couldn't be happier with. These Reds are something else and the best collective group we've had the PL era. They'll be right up there on the final day in May. Whether they win it or not remains to be seen. But it'll take one **** of a good side to finish above them because these lads are deadly serious. And it's ******* brilliant to be privileged enough to be along for the ride.
Oh yeah, before I forget, Anthony Taylor is still an absolute shithouse and the worst referee we have.
14 games unbeaten and counting!
Up the patient, deadly, SERIOUSLY in this race Reds!
*Edit* I forgot Ben Woodburn getting to experience this ride for the first time too. At just turned 17 years and 42 days of age. The third youngest L'pool debutant ever. In front of 53K plus in the PL. Welcome to the party young man. Enjoy the moment. They'll be MANY more!
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