Paul Tomkins, Andrew Beasley, Daniel Rhodes, Chris Rowland and several other TTT regulars will give their thoughts for 24 hours after the game, and we’ll have all the post-match statistics too.
Post-Match Thoughts
Paul Tomkins
Though it ended with a tight scoreline, Liverpool absolutely bossed most of the game, out-passing City, and created by far the better chances (or at least, dangerous moments where a shot could have been taken, especially in injury time).
Sadio Mané, as noted here, has possibly never been better. This was surely his best performance in the centre-forward role, and is closing in on 20 goals in all competitions again (18); something the in-form Diogo Jota has done, in a week when Bobby Firmino was back among the goals. Luis Diaz also looks capable of scoring plenty.
Meanwhile, Mo Salah’s finishing has totally deserted him (albeit he’s still a threat, and a creative force.)
I’m not sure his agent indirectly mocking Jürgen Klopp on Twitter or the AFCON/World Cup qualifiers are taking their toll, along with the contract standoff, but he needs to relax in front of goal – right now he’s totally lost his mojo. A Salah goal would take him to 30, and give him the lift he needs. Even without his goals, Liverpool are still scoring two or three every week, and no opponent can afford to ignore his runs.
Mané was exceptional, as was Thiago Alcantara, who had his most impressive game in a red shirt. Naby Keita also looks to be at his very best, if he can stay if (as ever, that ‘if’ is huge; plus, I’d fine him for any shot over 25-yards out).
Man City’s lucky late second gave the scoreline a respectability (from their point of view) it did not deserve. But this is a time to celebrate the result: reaching the FA Cup final, and giving a City – who somehow kept 10 men on the pitch (as they copied their midweek opponents Atletico Madrid for shithousery) – a metaphorical bloody nose.
This article – the rest of my take on the game and the views of the other writers – is for subscribers only. See details below for how to sign up for £5 a month.
[ttt-subscribe-article]
