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Liverpool’s recent fixtures have been a microcosm of their season so far—a blend of brilliance, resilience, and occasional frustration. On the Scouser Tommies podcast, Jim Boardman and Jay Reid provided a fascinating analysis of Liverpool’s performances against Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Newcastle, touching on the key dynamics that define these rivalries.
Liverpool’s Dominance Against Real Madrid and Manchester City
As Jay Reid remarked, “It was the essence of Klopp ball, with an added Slot twist.” Under Arne Slot, Liverpool combined their trademark high-intensity style with a new layer of tactical maturity. The victories against Real Madrid and Manchester City showcased Liverpool’s ability to adapt and dominate. “We just looked like a team who were fully and utterly accomplished,” said Jim Boardman.
Photo: IMAGO
The match against Manchester City was particularly noteworthy. Reid described the sight of players like Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch confidently “taking the mick” out of City’s midfield. These performances sent a strong message to both European and domestic rivals, reinforcing Liverpool’s credentials as serious contenders.
Stumble at St. James’ Park
The draw against Newcastle, however, was a stark reminder of football’s unpredictability. Jim Boardman reflected on the emotional rollercoaster of this game: “We were so bad at half-time, if someone had offered us a draw, we’d have bitten their hand off. But the way we conceded the equaliser felt like a sucker punch.”
Reid highlighted Newcastle’s ability to disrupt Liverpool’s rhythm, crediting Eddie Howe’s tactical acumen. Despite the frustrations, both hosts agreed that this match was an outlier in an otherwise stellar run. Reid optimistically noted, “If we’re dropping points once every eight games, we’re in good shape.”
Anticipation Builds for the Merseyside Derby
The upcoming clash against Everton has all the makings of a classic Merseyside derby. It’s the last one at Goodison Park, barring unforeseen delays with their new stadium. Boardman noted the unique atmosphere these derbies bring, emphasising how they resonate with local fans: “For Liverpool fans, this is the big game of the season.”
Slot’s pre-match analysis added an intriguing layer to the conversation. He urged Liverpool to be “aggressive in a smart way,” cautioning against giving away unnecessary set pieces—a key strength for Everton. Reid also raised the tactical potential of deploying Wataru Endo, praising his physicality and discipline as assets in such high-stakes encounters.
Newcastle, Man City, and Everton: A Rivals’ Perspective
While the Scouser Tommies’ hosts celebrated Liverpool’s triumphs, they didn’t shy away from discussing the club’s vulnerabilities. Reid was vocal about Newcastle’s physical approach, describing their striker Calum Wilson’s theatrics: “He’ll probably spend more time on the ground than his feet.”
On Manchester City, both hosts praised Mohamed Salah’s sublime assist for Cody Gakpo’s goal, with Reid exclaiming, “He threaded it through the eye of a needle.” Salah’s performances were a recurring theme, with both hosts championing his case for a new contract. Reid emphatically stated, “You’re not replacing Mo Salah without it costing an absolute fortune.”
As for Everton, their recent victory has buoyed their fans, but Reid was confident Liverpool could impose themselves: “This is the opportunity to put Everton back in their place.”
Looking Ahead: Liverpool’s Prospects
As the festive fixture list looms, Liverpool face challenges not just from rivals but from injuries and suspensions. Boardman voiced concerns over Gravenberch’s workload, while Reid advocated for squad rotation to maintain freshness.
Despite these concerns, optimism abounds. Liverpool’s blend of experience and youth, coupled with Slot’s tactical innovations, positions them as formidable contenders. As Jim Boardman aptly summarised, “When we’ve just humbled Real Madrid and City, you ask yourself, why would any player want to leave?”
In this most wonderful time of the year, Liverpool fans will hope their team continues to deliver presents in the form of wins, starting with the Merseyside Derby.
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