Activity

Full time – 2-1

Liverpool progress to the final to face Flamengo with a late goal by Firmino. Alisson though kept Liverpool in the match and was the busiest but the introduction and combination of TAA and Firmino (on for Milner and Origi) settled the match. Yet again, its a great ball into the near post from TAA that sets Liverpool up for another Final. Firmino did ‘more’ with the ball than Origi did through the whole match who again miskicked a shot directly in front of goal but didn’t get lucky in finding a Liverpool player.
At one point, I was beginning to think that LFC should have pulled out and focussed on the Carabao Cup instead with the way they were playing. Keita and Ox did well but were often let down by other players.
It was a tough match – made more difficult by a mediocre performance BUT like we have seen often in the EPL, they kept going, kept in the match and got a late winner. Its no surprise to me that the goal came from 3 of the regular starters and from one of the best balls into the box all match by a player who is becoming one of the best creative players in the EPL – TAA…
Hopefully we will have VVD back fit for the final and I honestly can’t see Liverpool playing a team like they did today – not if they want to win. It does show that some really aren’t ‘good’ enough (or should that be consistent enough) to be anything more than support players – players to come in to rest others or cover injuries – but too many of those in the team and we look ordinary. Some of the kids played better last night – especially Elliott. Minamino hopefully will give us some opportunity to keep pace and quality in the team if Salah, Mane or Firmino need a rest…
Next up Flamengo on Saturday in the Final before facing Leicester on Boxing day…
Come on you REDS!!! YNWA