Pretty ‘meh’ game. But a nice, relaxed passage into round 4 with some good positives all the same. Along with moments of base stupidity.
Yesterdays admin-
Current total game unbeaten run:
P 8 W 7 D 1 F 17 A 9 CS: 2
7 Straight Wins.
Current unbeaten home total games run:
P 10 W 8 D 2 F 23 A 11 CS: 2
5 Straight Wins.
First game of the third part of the quadruple assault passed.
Straight knock-out Cup football is about one thing. Making sure you are in the hat for the next round at the end of the game. It doesn’t matter how you achieve it. And that wasn’t the most thrilling game by any stretch of the imagination. But the objective at KO was achieved at the final whistle so, in context, that was another pretty decent night all told in our outstanding start to the season.
To be able to change the whole XI at the start, putting out a team that would well arguably be top 10 in the league, and more than likely fighting for the European places, just highlighted again our ridiculous strength-in-depth everywhere on the pitch. And at that, 3 teenagers, one on full debut, who have every chance to form the backbone of future L’pool sides.
But the natural by-product of that was a lot of the play was disjointed and the press disorganised and not in synch. Which all wasn’t helped by some of the senior players (looking at you Endo, Frimpong and JMG), having really poor outings. So with that context, and the fact you’re playing (albeit a changed) Championship side, who were a PL side the past few years, who are also one of the favourites to bounce back up, it was little surprise the game was disjointed.
On the positive side, the new players and youngsters were very good. Mamardashvili was really solid in goal. Dominating his area aerially. As he should for his mammoth size. And showing his outstanding agility when called upon. Nottin’ he could do about the goal after Endo’s horrific mistake. Leoni showing yet again that Italy is unparalleled when it comes to producing top drawer defenders. Like the Georgian, he’s a really impressive figure to see up close in the flesh with his height and frame. Which he used to great effect dominating in the air. Whilst being totally cool and composed on the ball. All the while having that great Italian knack of knowing when to defend and when not. But what struck you more than anything, and I don’t know if this came over the TV screen, was his leadership.
HE was the one marshaling the backline. Constantly talking. Constantly gesticulating far more senior players around him into position. Easy to see why he’s so highly tipped as the next great Italian CH and captain of the Azzuri. Superb debut. Hopefully the injury isn’t bad.
I thought Trey was very tidy on his first Anfield start. And really grew into the game second-half after Curtis, who was very, very good again (there’s a reason Arne kept him over Harvey. And I love Harvey to bits), went off and he dropped a bit deeper and started dictating the play. And Rio got more invaluable experience as he grew into the game and had a sound outing.
Throw in the bonus of Alex getting off the mark, after superb anticipation, press, and a brilliant cut back from the best player by a Country mile on the park Chiesa, who doubled down on that with more composed brilliance to set up Hugo for the winner after a peach of an AndyRobbo ball, and there was a lot of positives to take from a very satisfying night.
*Sings ‘
Der, Der, Der, Hugo is a DIVVY!!!!!’ 
….. Just what the heck was he doing last night? The first booking was ridiculous petulance. The second was unbelievably annoying arrogance. Thankfully his teammates bailed him out seeing out the win. But he needs to be apologising to them all and everyone else in the ground supporting him. No more of that please mate. But meh, on the plus side, it means Freddy Church has a great chance to be on the pitch at some point Sat’day. And who doesn’t
LOVE that?
And the absolute bleeps in the crowd, maybe at their first game, who were madly and annoyingly screaming ‘
SHOOOOOOOT!’ everytime Joe had the ball the last third need to have a word with themselves and learn the game they are watching. Embarrassing nonsense that.
Kudos to the Southampton fans for both the impeccable silence. And for even making the journey on a Tuesday night. I’ve been on the reverse of that many times and if you aren’t taking a days holiday and staying over, it’s a bleep of a trek both ways. They’ll be like extras from the ‘
Walking Dead’ in work this AM haha.
Oh yeah, just to top off the night …..
SINCE 1995! 
Grimsby or Wycombe away for a new ground please football Gods tonight.
Up the Magnificent 7 Reds!
Liverpool centre back Giovanni Leoni has torn his ACL and will be out for several months.
in both games, to then get back in them, take the point and move on. To throw both away so late is ridiculous and proper frustrating. Play the percentages when things aren’t quite firing and take the point. 
That can NEVER be understated how they they are still dealing with that loss.