As Arsenal and Manchester City dropped points, it felt like Liverpool managed to win after a weekend in which they didn’t even play…
AN enjoyable weekend without stress.
Alright, a weird weekend without footy for The Reds but an enjoyable one, nonetheless.
Obviously, we all wanted the derby to be played, but it was clearly best to call it off given that roofs were coming off and the houses around Goodison were embroiled in their own remaking of The Wizard of Oz. Fair enough, safety comes first, and, in any case, a rest can’t hurt. The Reds looked tired at Newcastle and a few days on the couch won’t harm anyone.
No one could have predicted what was to happen next.
Crystal Palace are a bit of a bogey side for Manchester City lately and Fulham can be frustrating at Craven Cottage but, given the opportunity, two away wins wouldn’t have been too surprising. I don’t know. Maybe this is one of those weird seasons where everyone can beat everyone else and there are no certainties anymore. Well, everyone except…
If there’s one season where you have to get every narrow game over the line, then this is it. I’ll admit that a win at St. James’ Park would have struck me as one we got away with — and they’re often my favourites — but a draw seemed fair, though I’m less keen on the concept of ‘fair’ when it comes to conceding last minute equalisers.
Oh, I’d have taken the win all day and it would have been great to steal yet another late win at their place, but we were second best a lot of the time there. Without getting into all that business, it’s fair to say that their central striker had a very different game from ours. Let’s just say that.
No further comment.
It was hard not to feel for Caoimhin Kelleher, though. He’s been great for us and keepers are always susceptible for throwing the odd one in. Even the best can’t help themselves. Of course, there was the odd shout that he was responsible for all three, but I’m not so sure. Anyway, it’s done now, and I hope his head isn’t burnt out.
Ultimately, you want players who can get wins over the line. You want players who can take the pressure off when things are heating up. You want a player who is going to get his captain out of trouble when City could make the last few minutes very uncomfortable.
This weekend took the pressure off a tad. Just a tad. We’ve even got Alexis Mac Allister back for the derby. I bet they’re made up.
Just keep winning, Reds. That’s all this needs.
It’s a time for clear heads at this time of the year. Girona followed by Fulham, followed by Southampton, followed by Tottenham. Fulham and Spurs have to be the priority there and with players coming back and needing minutes (Elliott, Endo, Ali, Freddy Church and Quansah) with the long-term lads to come back, then this might be perfect timing.
A few signed contracts would help, too.
Of the clubs around us, only Chelsea can take solace from the weekend. A few weeks ago, I’d have said that they were just outside the Arsenal-City bracket, but they’re slowly beginning to build something. I like their midfield a lot.
Then again, a few weeks ago I’d have bitten your hand off to have Chelsea as The Reds’ biggest rivals so I’m taking that.
It’s all about consistency now. It’s all about putting the wins together and not getting carried away. It’s all about making sure I’m sorted for Leicester.
Sometimes the best strategy is not to play and, though we had no choice in that, it hasn’t turned out too badly.
Play Johnny Heitinga in Spain midweek and let’s get after Fulham on Saturday.
Isn’t this great? Isn’t this just a bit petrifying?
Karl
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