Best away day in a
LONG time that. On and off the park. Nearly home tired, but still buzzing, so let’s do this …..
Yesterday’s admin-
Title Countdown:
1 win down/ 26 to go.
5 points down/ 83 to go.
Current PL unbeaten run:
P 4 W 1 D 3 F 7 A 5 CS: 1
1 Straight Win/ 1 Straight CS.
Current unbeaten away PL run:
P 2 W 1 D 1 F 4 A 2 CS: 1
1 Straight Win/ 1 Straight CS.
In amongst some poor football, as they naturally reverted back to what they’ve known for the past season, there’s been flashes the first two games of just how good and exciting an Iraola side can be. Not least in attack. And for the first time, after another hard weeks graft the training pitch this week, we started to see just how good that can be over a full 90. First half the shape of the side was excellent. For the first time under Andoni, everyone in sync knowing their roles on and off the ball. And it paid off in spades as L’pool came flying out of the blocks and benefited from the high press, lightening quick transitions over and over. Capped off by two superb early Isak goals that made the rest of the game a much easier formality. The first one we’ve seen on countless occasions for Newcastle. Just hanging on the shoulder, finding the gap and space, then the instant finish. The second mesmerising footwork, after a sublime ball into him from Cody, finished with exceptional poise to kill the game 10 mins in. More could, and should have been added before half-time. The second half a controlled stroll to the 3 points, as they naturally let up given all they had put I nto the first 45. Where a third goal in the game was much more likely to be a Liverpool one. And a ridiculous, stonewall peno turned down on a technicality.
All achieved through the first half graft that laid the foundation to see the game out in a very pleasing, professional manner with little concern. All facilitated by some major players really stepping up to be counted …..
Big Virg back to his imperious, untouchable best. Aurojo adding both impenetrable defensive solidity from right full. With the ability on the ball to calmly play forward and find his man. Proper defender him. Which is no surprise being Uruguayan. They love the pride in hitting lads hard that side of the ball and protecting their goal with their life. But the lad can play too. Helped in turn by Munoz doing some great work both backwards out of possession, dropping in to cover Aurojo. And then being lightening quick on the break in transition to cause havoc the other way. AllyMac having his best game in months. Another worthy contender for man-of-the-match. He was superb linking everything. Fair F’s to Gakpo. The one thing you didn’t doubt would be his professionalism after the City disgrace. And he’s continued his superb start to the season. Very noticeable how Iraola has tweaked his position and made him far more direct. Taking less touches on the ball and whipping the ball inside to Alex way quicker, and more often, than he ever has under either Jurgen or Arne. He looks a completely different player under the Basque. Decisive, and sacrificial now in putting the team first.
The only slight nark, and it’s not really a nark as he works harder than anyone and never stops grafting, is we still haven’t quite unlocked Wirtz. He’s busy and trying stuff. But they are just falling frustratingly that little bit short right now whatever he’s doing. We’ll get there as you know he’s bonafide, generational difference maker quality. But it still just isn’t quite happening for him just yet.
All in all an excellent team display that showcased all the traits of what makes Andoni one of the most exciting young coaches around.
And as for the away end …..
I don’t know whether it was because many stayed down overnight. I’m currently 4hrs into a long train journey home as I type and this train is full of lads who did similar. Ipswich and Norwich are the two single worst games to get to from the North West. But more want to do that than a long London journey, where tickets are moved on to Southern Reds which often kills away atmospheres. As London’s just a boring chore. But Ipswich on a Friday night is more of an adventure. So subsequently a well bevvied away end full of hard core regulars. That was the best away end in
MANY a month. With the entire songbook gone through constantly. Song after song after song in a belter atmosphere.
And I honestly don’t remember the last time there was
SO much excitement for a new signing like there was for Barcola. Everyone was buzzing all day for his debut. And the fact he has been honoured with Maxi’s boss chant just lit up the crowd even more. Can’t wait for the entire Kop to be bouncing to it Wednesday! We know a top, top player when we have one and this lad has everything to go down as one of our very, very best. You could see the absolute fear in the Ipswich FB when he got the ball at just what his Olympic sprinter speed can do. And his song just bounced and bounced solid. Along with Isak’s first half that has just picked up since the opening day when we rammed the Geordies petty song about him back down their grids.
All-in-all a superb start to the weekend, in shorts and sunnies weather, for one of the best aways, on and off the pitch, in a
LONG time. And a very good night had by all after in a place where you know you’ll get no hassle.
Roll on Wednesday and stating the march to Madrid and hopefully # 7.
Up the unbeaten Reds!
️ Valencia reach verbal agreement to sign Harvey Elliott from Liverpool, here we go !
The 18-year-old has put pen to paper on a long-term contract with the Reds and will now return to Genk for the duration of the 2026-27 season 
www.bbc.co.uk