Liverpool Banter Archive May 06 2016

06 May 2016 21:43:02
Great game last night, Sturridge did what was asked so don't understand the knockers, Klopp showed he knows how to manage him, Can was cool, Lallana is not world class, Milner is gaving a really good run, we will beat Sevilla, MUFC will keep van gaal, man city were rubbish against real, guardiola was shown up by simeone, it augurs well for next season, worth putting a bet on lfc to win CL next year 😊.

06 May 2016 23:19:40
You have it all well Sussed out mate lol. Ron is bound to have a cheeky £20 on it. He's loaded. Nah if I'm honest I think il have a few pound on us for the f a cup next year. Depending on who we bring in you never know. Would love another title challenge but really can't see it unless we don't make Europe at all. Really excited for next season tho.

07 May 2016 01:49:26
Tbh was a weird performance from sturridge, played really well through out and caused havoc. However, should probably have finished another chance. saying that if that's his off day I'm alright with it! Added still have a feeling he isn't 100%

Have been critical of him as a for a few games when he looked uninterested but if he can continue this commitment then his natural ability and link up with our creative players is top drawer.

07 May 2016 05:11:43
Its not that he isn't committed he just thinks he looks cool and collected.
It showed you what it meant to him when he scored and the celebrations at the end.

07 May 2016 07:46:08
😄 me? Loaded?

Not a chance, but I don't mind the odd fiver on us. It's one of my few vices. 🤑.

06 May 2016 19:10:53
Not a comparison but rather an observation.
Klopp joins an elite group of (now) 6.
Paisley, Shankly, Fagan, Houllier, Benitez and now Jurgen.
Managers who.?

06 May 2016 19:29:26
2 finals within their first two seasons.

06 May 2016 19:38:58
Got to a European final with LFC.

06 May 2016 19:42:09
Managers to reach European finals with Liverpool.

06 May 2016 22:39:19
The fans like?

07 May 2016 01:52:13
Managers who don't shop at Selfridges?

07 May 2016 05:24:24
Managers who have had lunch with and tried to sign ken augero.

06 May 2016 18:26:58
Quick question, what's the difference between winning champions league games and winning Europa league games in terms of coefficient?

Read eds mentioning winning the Europa league wouldn't make much difference to our European standings. Obviously different but how would winning the champions league differ in moving are ranking up than the Europa league?

{Ed002's Note - A lot - from UEFA: The club coefficient rankings are based on the results of clubs competing in the five previous seasons of the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League. The rankings determine the seeding of each club in all UEFA competition draws.

UEFA Champions League points system
First qualifying round elimination – 0.5 points
Second qualifying round elimination – 1 point
Group stage participation – 4 points
Group stage win – 2 points
Group stage draw – 1 point
Round of 16 participation – 4 points

Since 2009/10 clubs have been awarded an additional point if they reach the round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals or final.

NB Points are not awarded for elimination in the third qualifying round or play-offs, since those clubs move to the UEFA Europa League and are awarded points for participation in that competition.

UEFA Europa League points system
First qualifying round elimination – 0.25 points
Second qualifying round elimination – 0.5 points
Third qualifying round elimination – 1 point
Play-off elimination – 1.5 points
Group stage win – 2 points
Group stage draw – 1 point

Since 2009/10, clubs have been guaranteed a minimum of two points if they reach the group stage and are awarded an additional point if they get to the quarter-finals, semi-finals or final.}

06 May 2016 19:58:46
That is far too much math for my simpleton mind. Though looks like it is a big difference! Thanks eds, keep up the great work and fantastic site.

06 May 2016 17:54:19
Not to rain on everyone's parade but am I the only one that thinks Sturridge wasn't magnificent yesterday like the world is saying. He should have scored the first goal and the 3rd, he missed a guilt edged one on one with the keeper and a couple of other presentable chances. Admittedly he was moving better and positioning himself better than of late. It can only bode well for the final and the start of the new season! Oh Danny boy the pipes are calling from glen to glen.

06 May 2016 18:07:30
He was pretty awful all game him and the full backs and gk were the only players not at the outstanding level of the rest of the team but he decided the game that's a forwards luxury bad 87 minutes great 3 minutes and we win the game 3-0 with him being involved in all 3 goals. I'll take more of the same.

06 May 2016 19:04:19
Nosense.

06 May 2016 19:04:57
We are a better team with origi up top.

06 May 2016 19:11:31
He's a pure goal scorer, they're priceless.

06 May 2016 19:37:28
Without his positioning the 1st wouldn't of been scored. Firmino wouldn't of been there to cross and Sturridge influenced the panic on Bruno to not deal with it.
The second goal he got spot on.
The 3rd goal, if he bangs it in or Llalanna finishes it off. Not a problem to me. It went in.
The one on one he missed. Can't argue with that, a lad of his quality he should be knocking them in.
Still a bad day at the the office and he played a hand in 3 goals. Let's hope he has a good day for the final.

06 May 2016 19:46:03
I agree totally, I thought he gave away the ball away and also didn't pass to his team mates when they were in better position's than him. I think Sturridge hasn't looked himself this entire Season (Yes I know Injuries) however Klopp stated" he was 100% fit" If that is the best we can get then.

06 May 2016 20:58:57
The whole team -mostly of them anyways- was impressive last night. Sturridge in particular forced the villarreal own goal with his presence, scored the second, and then almost got the third. Then we can say what we want, but he was a handfull. let's ask the villarreal defenders if so.

06 May 2016 21:49:26
That was just Danny's warm up game for the final.

07 May 2016 01:15:35
I agree but it's a step in the right direction. Something like 12 goals in 23 matches this season? All while shaking off the rust!? Its an impressive return condidering.

07 May 2016 00:06:05
I don't understand how people can come on here and give out about Daniel Sturridge. He is top drawer his stats prove this. He puts the ball in the net with more regularity than any people I have seen play for us apart from Suarez. "We are not a better side with Origi". He has the potential to be top drawer but 5 good games doesn't put him on the same footing at Sturridge. If both are fit for the final I bet my last euro on it that Sturridge plays. If not for the fact he has been injured all year he would be England's number 1 striker. I hope for some reason he doesn't go to the euro's and is 100% fit for the start of next year, hopefully to spearhead our CL campaign. Ps; I think at this stage he should have a song a lot of inferior players to him have had songs sung about them at Anfield.

06 May 2016 17:36:48
LFC TV is free all weekend if anyone's interested, starting from tonight.

06 May 2016 18:43:51
Excellent thank you very much.

07 May 2016 02:48:46
Great clip of Klopp celebrating with the fans after the game. got to love this guy.

06 May 2016 16:16:22
Ed1 what do you know about Sevilla? They are 7th in the Spanish league 12 points off Villarreal, should we read anything into that?

{Ed001's Note - they are very inconsistent, they have been dreadful away from home, I am not sure if they have won a single game yet. On a good day, they are better than Villareal, but their inconsistency is what has held them back.}

06 May 2016 16:57:17
Just like us then!

06 May 2016 17:07:28
Gegen we have been very good away from home this season and very consistent since February, your point is?

06 May 2016 17:49:32
Haven't been that consistent since Feb? Still dropping points where we shouldn't. Admittedly changing a lot of players around, but a poor show agaisnt Villarreal away and a great one at home. Lost to saints after being 2-0 up, pegged back agaisnt Newcastle but battered Stoke.

06 May 2016 21:07:46
Villarreal better than Seville according to my Spanish colleagues, we were all over Viller last night, play like last night we should be in CL next season.

07 May 2016 02:15:47
Seville have been aweful all season in Liga play bar winning vs Barcelona and Real at home. They haven't won as much as a sausage on the road in Liga play this season but are a Cup team as they are in the EL and Copa Del Rey finals. They can be beaten, for sure.

06 May 2016 15:43:43
Hi eds and reds.
I've been reading the rules for qualifying for the CL on UEFA. com but for some reason I'm confused.
It says on there that the winner of the Europa league will have to play CL qualifiers.
But the reporter klopp was speaking to after the game said we go straight into the group stages.
Can someone clear this up it's driving me nuts.
Cheers.

06 May 2016 16:07:22
The winner of the Europa league qualifies for the qualifying round. If the winner of the Champions League has already qualified for the group stages via league position then the group spot for the winners of the Champions league is passed to the winner of Europa league. I. e. Atletico and Real are both qualified for the group stages through league position so the winner of the Europa League this year gets into the group stages.

{Ed002's Note - Correct.}

07 May 2016 02:16:34
Great info, Sava.

06 May 2016 17:10:17
Which also means 1, 2, 3 and EL winners get into group stage and the 4th placed team go through Qualifiers.

06 May 2016 14:52:50
As it has been mentioned a few times on here Lallana was superb last night. Did anyone notice that he was escorted by an official in a suit after the game. I presume he was being taken for a drugs test.

He certainly played like he was on something.

{Ed023's Note - Sturridge confirmed that he did get a drugs test after the game so I say as they both walked off together it was Sturridge who got the test and not Lallana}

06 May 2016 15:36:32
The people who will be tested are decided before the game, not based on their performance in the game (I'm sure your comment was tongue in cheek but FYI)

06 May 2016 15:36:40
OK thank ED. Appreciate the info.

{Ed023's Note - No worries KBL, anytime}

06 May 2016 16:03:26
If it was based on performance, they would have tested Soldado for steroids, he wanted to pick a fight with everything including lovrens legs at one point!

06 May 2016 17:10:59
Didn't he aim a kick and a tug at mid air at one point? 😂.

06 May 2016 17:51:18
Think of test Dennis Suarez for oestrogen.

06 May 2016 19:13:19
I think the ref was on something too.

07 May 2016 07:22:53
Didn't know steroids caused constipation. Hmm, that soldado must be having it tough.

06 May 2016 13:54:53
good day ed02

just one question for you, if Liverpool qualify for the Champions league via winning the Europa which pot we be in for the Champions league draw?

Thanks.

{Ed002's Note - It depends who else qualifies - but based on co-efficients Liverpool are ranked in the late 30s.}

06 May 2016 13:13:02
any idea if henderson and origi to be fit and in contention to play europa final?

06 May 2016 13:30:53
Klopp on Henderson: "He was really celebrating. I saw in is eyes that he believes he has a chance (for the final) . Same for Divock Origi. "

06 May 2016 13:38:11
I believe both are possibilities (bearing in mind however may have recovered but may not yet be match fit) .

06 May 2016 11:07:04
Lallana was eveywhere.
He was my man of the match.

The best thing about last night?
Soldado being booed off. He never made an impact in any way when he played at Tottenham. He just looked like a lost no-hoper. I had no idea how dirty he was?
He easily could have had two yellows and off the ball he was shouting and kicking.
Just love it when someone plays so negatively and they get zero reward.

Also, best atmosphere in the ground. I was lucky enough to go to the Dortmund game too but I think the noise level was higher and more consistent.
YNWA!

06 May 2016 11:26:42
Possibly Lallana's best game in an LFC shirt last night.

06 May 2016 13:25:41
What game were you two watching 🙈, here put these on 👓.

06 May 2016 13:34:45
I was very disappointed with Villareals blatant attempts to get someone carded in the first half - rolling on the floor at the faintest of brushes. Soldado in particular dropped like he was shot when touched lightly (and accidentally) on back of the head by Lovren, but then wasn't shy of trying to hurt Liverpool players with late tackles. Shocking and he in particular deserved what he got, they were clearly very very rattled.

06 May 2016 13:44:31
Do you think he played badly waro?

06 May 2016 14:23:37
Didnt play badly but by no means mom, that would have to fall between either can or firmino for differing reasons. That fact that firmino had a hand in all three goals says it all but the fact villareal looked like boys against men in midfield was primarily down to how the boss bossed the middle of the park.

Tbh it was more or a team performance than an individuals efforts, they were all mom.

06 May 2016 14:36:34
Lallana mom, hehehe. Is it some kinda funny thing i don't get or something?

06 May 2016 10:33:24
What a night, what a performance. I was one of the vocal critics last week and I'll stand by everything I've said but last night Klopp got everything right. Before the match I think he had three big questions:

1. Should Sturridge Start?
Every journalist and the majority of fans questioned Klopp for not bringing Sturridge off the bench last week and after playing 90 minutes on Sunday it looked like he might be on the bench again. Klopp has an arrogant streak and I'm sure there was a voice in the back of his head saying 'ignore everyone else, you didn't get it wrong last week, stick to your guns'. If he were a lesser man he may have been stubborn and not played him but he's better than that, Sturridge started and gave the performance we all hoped for. Studge was a long way from his best but he was instrumental in all three goals and missed a handful of further chances. His celebration showed how much it meant to him (proving a point perhaps? ) but what really struck me was when he came back onto the pitch after the final whistle to celebrate with everyone. He looked sheepish at first but the team grabbed him and for the first time in a while it looked like he was happy.

2. Should Can Start?
In hindsight this doesn't look like a question at all. I wanted him to start but thought he would only get 60 minutes or so but Can looked like one of the fittest guys on the pitch, he's a beast. What I thought really interesting was a comparison to the Utd game at Anfield. That day Sakho was given the responsibility to distribute the ball from defence but our set up last night was very different. When looking to bring the ball out of defence Can dropped between the CBs and the full backs pushed forward effectively creating a 3-4-3. I don't know if this is going to be our thing going forward or it was just for last night's game but it gave us a lot more options both in terms of passing and in Can dribbling the ball forward (which he did with great effect) . I think we're often too quick to anoint our next great player but Can looked imperious last night.

3. How should the team be set up?
Last week's result made this a real quandary, go all out attack and we'd risk playing into Villareal's hand and ship an away goal, something which would have completely changed the game. Play too cautiously and we risked repeating last week's performance. Because of Can's injury I thought Klopp may go with a three man midfield but I was delighted to see he went for his plan A, the 4-2-3-1 high press. The down side of the high press is that if it fails it leaves you exposed to a counter attack, last night it didn't come close to failing, how we played was the archetype of Klopp's vision, I do not believe that Villareal have ever been under as much pressure as we put them. I saw people on the live chat questioning what Lallana bring's to the team, I'll tell you what he brings, the ball. The number of times he nipped in to steal it was unreal, Villareal were shaken from the start and they never recovered.

Assorted musings:
I haven't talked about Firmino, Milner, Toure or Lovren, there were all sensational. I haven't talked about the atmosphere, Klopp's brought it back with a vengeance. I haven't talked about the 18th, Sevilla must be terrified. Last night was the most Klopp I've seen this team and I loved it, I'm absolutely buzzing.

06 May 2016 11:25:33
Muscatred you and me both. I don't make any apologies either as I to stand by what I said BUT last night vindicated all in my opinion. It just looked like we had been told to just go out and play and we thrived under that freedom. Villarreal just had no answer. All we need now is a squad capable of playing like that for a full season. I know he's had his critics but I also thought Moreno played well last night, push in the box not withstanding of course. Looked the promising young fullback I was looking forward to seeing when he first arrived. Moreno came from Seville of course so should know our final opponents well. On a side note, how satisfying is it to watch opposition capitulate under your teams dominance? Lol.

06 May 2016 12:22:49
So basically what you are saying is damning the manager. Last week we did the job required. The goal we conceded at the end gave you the opportunity to call his tactics.
A lot of fans kept repeating that we could easily turn over the 1-0 result and to keep faith. I don't think your opinions over the last week are vindicated. The Manager got it right over the 2 games because we are in the Final.

06 May 2016 13:30:36
Terry, our opinion of how we played last week is not dependent on the result of the tie, they are completely independent of each other. The fact that Klopp fixed his mistake with a great performance last night does not mean he didn't make a mistake in the first place. Furthermore, I was one of those fans saying we could overturn the 1-0 result but we made our task much harder than it needed to be. Don't forget that right up to the 81st minute we were one goal away from going out of the competition and we came close to conceding that goal on more than one occasion. The idea that we won so Klopp must have got everything right is very naive.

06 May 2016 13:53:44
Completely incorrect. If we hadn't have shipped the last minute goal, people would be calling the first performance genius. There's an element of luck in the game and I think we were unlucky to concede and not score in the first game.

I think the strategy was keep it tight away at Villarreal and then try to blow them away at home. It worked perfectly. If we had gone with the line-up last night at Villarreal we might have been spanked 3-1.

06 May 2016 14:27:13
RedHands, I'm people, I was upset with our performance long before they scored.

06 May 2016 14:32:19
Im with red hands, it can't always be balls out in your face football. Over the tie he got it spot on. let's hope his footballing acumen lasts to the final and we blast sevilla away and claim another european trophy.

06 May 2016 17:18:13
The first leg we were completely gutless and showed no drive to win the game at all. I can understand keeping it tight and being patient but playing for a nil nil draw was wrong and we actually got from the game what we put in, which was nothing. I felt disappointed because I thought we had the talent in our team to do what we did last night in both legs. Maybe not so emphatically. By your argument you may as well say that Rogers poor for is okay because he got LFC 2nd place. Both seasons were independent of each other as were both games. I too like Muscatred said that I had every confidence Klopp could turn it around but in my opinion playing for the bore draw got us what it deserved.

06 May 2016 19:21:36
Totally agree with Terry Mc.
If we'd had played the same way 1 week ago as last night we'd have shipped 3 goals on the counter.

Last night showed the doubters and critics were completely WRONG last week and they are short-sighted in tactical terms. This was a 2 legged tie and you base your assessment of the manager's tactics and team selection over 2 legs. Loads of people called out Klopp last week saying he'd ended our season with his "mistakes". Now they're claiming credit! Ridiculous. Get a bit of backbone and support the club to the end!

06 May 2016 22:48:38
Ron, not a single person said Klopp ended our season.

06 May 2016 10:21:54
Stupid question probably I know but.

If we are only allocated 9,000 tickets in Basel who gets all the rest?

I'm assuming sevilla also get 9,000 and the remainder go to people living in Switzerland?

{Ed002's Note - No, sponsors, corporates etc..}

06 May 2016 10:59:48
Ok thanks mate.

06 May 2016 11:29:36
Blatter and platinis mates.

05 May 2016 23:01:03
eds, any chance of some direction to finding information about how UEFA decide on stadium venues for finals etc? I'm algoods with Basel hosting, but just interested to read how UEFA approach the process?

{Ed002's Note - There is no fixed process. They are decided two or three years in advance based on who wants to host the games and who has hosted them before.}

06 May 2016 10:03:07
What a night that was, amazing it was the perfect result, I just love Can so much he slotted back in seemlessly can't really fault anyone apart from Moreno pushing in the box, the Villareal players didn't know what hit them, atmosphere was excellent, next stop Basel!

06 May 2016 11:11:57
Villareal got hit by a Jurgenaut!

06 May 2016 09:40:37
One for Ed01 if you're still around mate.

Firstly great result last night, proper team performance and no one had a bad game.

What would you do with Lucas now?

For me he has been a certain starter when fit for a few seasons.

But with Emre doing so well in that deep lying role last night, where does Lucas fit? Push Emre forward and play Lucas in DM?

Then what about Henderson?

Finally we are looking at our squad and picking teams from a selection of great options, instead of thinking "oh well, he'll have to do"

Cheers in advance.

{Ed001's Note - horses for courses mate, keep hold of him and use him depending on the opposition. When a more defensive team is required play him in there. When you want to dominate the ball more, put him at centre back.}

06 May 2016 10:12:30
Forget the concept of a best XI, it's about the most suitable XI for the game. Best XI means you need to be like Barcelona with such overwhelming quality that noone can touch what you're doing anyway.

06 May 2016 08:45:50
Me heads banging the sun is shining (by the way I'm in lanzarote) gone thru all the posts and I can't find one slagging of post now that's great to see.

06 May 2016 09:14:56
Those who were having a pop at Klopp for the first leg are buffoons. Klopp knows what he is doing. As far as it goes that was text book European two legged football. Keep it tight away from home so that you give yourself a chance in the home leg.

06 May 2016 09:41:52
We got it just right last night I thought with a combination of high press and harrying of Villareal's players when in possession. I'll admit I was still a little nervous until the third goal went in, what a great night! Let's hope we can take that game to the final against a good Sevilla team.

06 May 2016 09:56:26
Reusch

come back on Sunday at 16:01 and it will be normal service resumed.

Moaning because we are playing the kids people are so desperate to see but aren't allowed any time to develop.

06 May 2016 14:11:33
Hopefully they won't but I no what you mean mate.

06 May 2016 08:04:19
Saw something- think it was on the echo- earlier, saying: "Dejan Lovren, not to be confused with Dejan Lovren a timid central defender who played for Liverpool in the 2014/ 15 season"; and that sums it up for me, really.
When Kloppo arrived the idea of having Dejan as one of our starting centre backs next season was ridiculous, now the idea of him not being is ridiculous. Yesterday's was an impeccable performance from a central defender, ably assisted by Kolo, may I add, who is definitely worthy of a new contract.
Obviously the sliding tackle on Mbakanu when he was through on goal will get a load of credit, but when Dennis Suarez broke away 2 on 2 Dejan not only slowed the attack with a great body shape, but then won the ball back for us. Sensational stuff.

As for Emre, I don't know what I can say that hasn't been said already, but that man is a powerhouse. Extraordinary footballer.

06 May 2016 09:16:31
Emre Can in that position in midfield showed everything that I think a central midfielder should be, physical, dominant, good range of passing and didn't let anyone go past him.

06 May 2016 07:14:34
In Lallana's goal, the last defender was out of the pitch and only his hand which he leaned on when sitting there was in the pitch and I thought after the game that it was that hand tha kept Lallana onside. That could have been funny. But apperantly a defender keeps the attacker onside even if fully outside the pitch if he wasn't allowed to leave the pitch by the referee.

06 May 2016 08:07:50
I found it hilarious when I saw him sitting behind the by-line, yet still try to claim offside. I mean, you couldn't do a better a job of playing an opponent onside!

If being outside the by-line played opponents offside, then it would be way too easy for defenders in threatening scenarios to suddenly make their opponents offside.

06 May 2016 05:39:01
Just have to say, I am one of the the first people on the Mignolet out brigade, but he pulled of a cracker of a save in the first 10 minutes so fair play, thought Clyne and Can where a different class tonight, some eejit told me Can was only 22 lol YNWA.

06 May 2016 06:04:25
I thought his save in the first game was even more impressive.

06 May 2016 06:12:57
Nice to win keep a clean clean sheet and a great night in all at anfield, really happy with it.

06 May 2016 08:08:07
He has always been a decent shot stopper and he does make good saves from time to time. But we should expect that because he is a Goal Keeper!

06 May 2016 08:29:38
In fairness Mingolet did okay last night and even his kicks weren't awful. Good day at the office for him.

06 May 2016 05:43:51
Clyne was hopeless don't get me wrong, except the odd cross for assist. He was completely poor through out the game. A match where your full backs enjoy unlimited freedom he did nothing and it was most Milner shifting to right to whip in crosses.
Let's celebrate the win and improve the areas where we should be.

05 May 2016 23:01:24
Hi Ed001,

Any chance of one of your brilliant match reviews?

{Ed001's Note - We were excellent last night, got in their face from the start and harried them into mistakes and losing their cool. They simply were unable to handle the pressure and folded. Pressure from the atmosphere and pressure from our players. We used the atmosphere to grow as a team, they crumbled under it. That was a fully deserved team victory, which clearly meant so much to everyone, even the normally cool Sturridge was swept along in the atmosphere to the point he just threw himself into a celebration of pure joy after he scored.

Mignolet - was solid all night, though he was not really tested, he did not make any mistake when called upon. That spread confidence throughout the side.

Clyne - mixed game from him. Got forward really well and showed some great flashes, but a lot of mistakes littered throughout. Overall though, despite the odd poor touch and cross, he had a very good game, with the freedom of the park most of the night.

Lovren - excellent again. Showed his Southampton form. Never panicked in possession and there when needed defensively.

Toure - vying for MOTM last night. When he plays like that it is hard to believe he is in the final stages of his playing career. What a back up to have! I hope he remembered to let Soldado and Bakumbu out of his pocket before he went home...

Moreno - same old Moreno, charging forward at will and getting caught wrong side of his man, but he did it better. When he did get back he was winning the ball and putting the man under pressure, rather than just hacking him down repeatedly while looking at the ref. Still no final ball, but it was a more mature display from him. There were very real signs of improvement there, his charging forward at will was not mindless, it was because Dennis Suarez was leaving a huge gap for him to get into. He wasn't just standing up alongside the defensive line, he was holding and timing his runs better.

Can - what can I say? He was top class last night, dominating their midfield completely. His run forward with the ball was the catalyst for our first goal and he fully deserved the MOTM award. Had he really just been out injured? It felt like he was a ringer at times, the 15 year old sneaked into an under 8s game.

Milner - this was the ideal game for him. He was able to just run around hassling and hustling, chasing and getting into wide areas with the ball. Probably his best performance in a Liverpool shirt, played some good passes and really got under their skin.

Lallana - put them under real pressure from the kick off. They couldn't cope with his work rate. He was winning the ball back one second then charging forward the next. Still fannies about on the ball at times, but overall he was excellent.

Firmino - he seems to grow in the biggest games. Some of the stuff he did was fantastic. That turn that destroyed Soldado was beautiful, one of those moments that just leaves you open mouthed. He always seems to be available when we have the ball and wanting a pass. His work with Coutinho, in particular, is fantastic. They have a proper understanding.

Coutinho - not one of his better nights, yet he was still excellent. That just shows you the level he has reached in the past, because he really had a good game last night. Chasing back, harrying them into mistakes and then making things happen on the ball.

Sturridge - you could see it really meant something to him last night. That being held back had really fired him up for this and he had a point to prove. Lucky to get the goal he did, yet unlucky not to have got more. His desire was plain to see and his joy at scoring was fantastic.

Subs - difficult to say anything about them, none of them had anything really to do but all came in and kept the performance going without missing a beat. When you are so completely on top, that is all you can ask from the substitutes.

06 May 2016 05:07:19
Great analysis there Ed.
Not far from my own thoughts, just that push from Moreno, he is not an intelligent player is he?
Other than that I thought we did superb and really controlled Bakambu Suarez and Soldado.

{Ed001's Note - no he isn't, but it was no different from the push on Milner, but no one was screaming about the pen we could have had as we won so easily.

By the way, no wonder they were inspired though, this was before the match:

06 May 2016 05:08:22
15 year old sneaking in to under 8s haha love it, agree he was a big player last night, good read ed.

06 May 2016 05:40:54
Love these post match reports ed001, what a performance! What a about kloppo after the game getting all the stands individually cheering he's a joy to watch, like a choir master leading the supporters like if one of our own was leading.

{Ed001's Note - I love Klopp, he is the right man for us.}

06 May 2016 06:25:36
Couldn't agree more mate, it seems everybody loves klopp, he's a nutter and gets a lot of attention for his touch line antics but for the right reasons, his passion is inspirational and infectious.

06 May 2016 07:03:56
Klopp was working the crowd a la 1980's Hulk Hogan - fully expected him to rip his shirt off and show us his guns.

06 May 2016 13:06:06
Cheers Ed001, appreciate it.

06 May 2016 04:50:03
just finished watching a brilliant team performance from Liverpool, starting with a good save from mignolet and continuing with dominant performances from lovren and toure, milner and can, and then the movement and trickery, of sturridge, firmino, lallana and countinho breathtaking stuff, the crowd was awesome and it was a hard day's night for the yellow submarine who were well and truly sunk. All being managed by jurgen klopp who has now lead us to 2 cup finals, and to think our Europa league campaign was so low key when he took over, I have said it before and I will say it again, securing his signature has been one of the best decisions the fsg has made, he is truly the real deal and we are very lucky to have him managing our club. We are now 90mins away from a champions league return, sevilla will be tough but if we play like tonight we will take some stopping and to all those doubters still out there, start believing. The improvement in lovren by the way is staggering, one of many players klopp has improved, the sturridge celebration was also a great thing to witness and let's hope it finally puts these silly stories about him and klopp to bed.

06 May 2016 04:58:01
Great team effort mate, what I loved was the fans and players come together for this one.

06 May 2016 01:17:59
What a fantastic game, the spine of he team looked so much better for having Can back - physical strength, calm on the ball, smart distribution, winning most headers that came his way (and to a Liverpool player) - he was MOM for me but superbly complemented by Milners energy around him, a masterclass in directing the attack from Firmino, a fired up Sturridge (what a celebration, felt like a message there! ), and Lovren/ Toure a solid partnership at the back with some fantastic last ditch tackles to shut out Bakambu. Special shout to Llalana and his relentless pressing and goal (could easily have been 2) and Migs crucial save early on. Well done reds, let's go all the way now!

06 May 2016 05:52:24
Anybody know if kolo has had his contract extended? What a player to have as our back up, never complains, top pro, excellent personality to have around the squad, a leader and ever reliable when called apon.

06 May 2016 01:03:26
Just a quick update for my fellow Aussies. Foxtel have announced they have purchased the LFC tv channel, along with ManU, Chelsea, ManCity, Arsenal and Spurs. Games won't be live, but there will be heaps of additional content etc. A real kick in the nuts for Optus!

06 May 2016 06:57:41
Optus is owned by Singtel. And looking at the way Singtel screw Singapore bpl fans, Ozzie bpl fans will not be far off. Hd switch to using Kodi for almost half a yr.

05 May 2016 23:01:35
Eds, a strange thought. If score remained 1 - 0 at full time would VillaReal's away goal have put Liverpool through (counted as double) ? I'm sure I know the answer but the rules actually state it must be for the away team?

{Ed001's Note - no mate, it was not classed as an away goal.}

06 May 2016 03:13:31
Last I heard about was Emre Can was his season is over as well as the European championships in the summer. Tonight he not only plays but dominates the pitch as though he owns it. I hope that him coming back earlier than expected doesn't affect the longevity of his Liverpool career as we have seen so many times through the years.

06 May 2016 02:16:47
Marcelino "In no way whatsoever will we be affected by the atmosphere in an adverse manner at all"

That's what they all say lad.

06 May 2016 05:44:04
also sad to hear his sour grapes after the match, getting upset about klopp's celebrations, well klopp told him afer his ott celebration last week that he had celebrated to early, he can obviously dish it out but he cannot take it himself, he has just experienced a European night at anfield and he and his team have been completely destroyed.

{Ed001's Note - he really did himself no favours. Shame as he seems really likeable bouncing around like a leprechaun on speed on the touchline.}

06 May 2016 00:04:23
Think emre can was a beast tonight also think he should be given the captaincy next season IMO he's going too end up Germany's captain l can't look at any other player in our squad an make an argument for them to have it.

06 May 2016 01:23:02
Emre looked like he had never even left. Bravo, sir.

06 May 2016 01:36:46
Can had a cracking game but he's had some stinkers this season too. The captaincy is Hendos - why take it off him?

06 May 2016 00:48:32
Lovren but ya emre future captain.

06 May 2016 06:12:35
He looks like he's got the world at his feet, emre it's hard to believe he's so young, I believe had had grown as a player a lot this year getting better with every game. Tbh my optimism toward last nights game doubled as soon as I seen he was starting.