Need a bit of perspective here. Some people are making too much noise about this loss. It doesn't help anyone and
builds unwanted pressure on the team.
A month ago, I wouldn't have dared to think that we will be top at Christmas and begin the year with a seven point lead on City. We had lost to PSG away and our champions league hopes were in the balance and even the league form was not convincing enough. From there to where we sit today, is astonishing and should be a matter of pride , I must say.
As for the game, yes the first half we didn't get enough of the ball,it was partially fault of our midfield 3 . But it was also the fact that we were being pinned down at City's home at 100mph and we couldn't play at that same pace , not least start with that kind of stuff. The match seemed like a carbon copy of the CL quarterfinal in the first half. Our midfield that day was again unable to connect with forwards. The first goal we scored that day was when someone looked up, turned, with speed , pass and run. This is what happened when Salah created that chance for Sadio yesterday. Unfortunately,apart from Gini, the other two Milly and Hendo cannot do that kind of thing. Kudos to them for the effort , but sometimes the superior technical ability makes a hell lot of difference.
Fabinho did make a difference compared to both Milly n Hendo and the reason is his superior technical ability. His ability to find space for himself and pick out passes. Sometimes, he reminds me of Alonso, although, I wouldn't dare to go into the comparison.
For me the only two players which need more improvement are Trent and Hendo. I think Hendo's position come summer will be really under threat. His passing was really out last night and again, unable to make space and pick the right pass. Too many times we were passing to the player who is already marked by City's players or sending a forward for a wild run in blind alleys. I also think Trent was not at his best last night. Unfortunately, when you play teams like City, anything less than your best is not good enough. One thing he really needs to develop is to look up when he drills a cross. I am pretty sure boss will get this point across sooner rather than later.Competition for places will also help, as it really pushes a player to always perform at a minimum consistent level.
We also looked a bit leggy near the end, passes going astray , and were unable to even make 5 yard pass properly. I guess the festive season finally took a bit of a toll at the end and we seemed to ran out of steam, but then it's alright, they are human not machines.
This game and perspective regarding this would have been very different if it ended 1-1 . Sane's goal was surely offside, which reminds me to mention that Ref. I couldn't believe what he was upto . Kompany's red, Fernandinho's murderous tackles and Sterling falling over and that Gini Yellow...Is this kindergarten ??
So, even though we lost, the best thing I take away is that now we have a team which is on par with City , Man to Man and even better . I am pretty sure if we meet them again in the latter stages of CL this year, we will batter them for last night's result. Let's make sure, one game we lost doesn't turn some of us to "doubters" , we have to remain "Believers"
The simplest thing we have to do is strike back quickly. There is no time to dwell on the defeat. But the best part of football is that there is always a next game around the corner. We need to put things right and go again. Make sure this defeat is out of player's minds ASAP and we set pace at the summit again.
And don't worry about what all the media, the pundits and commentators said last night . The entire media wants this liverpool team to fail ; as it fulfills their agenda that they were right in saying that this liverpool team will bottle it. There is half a season to go yet. I think the one thing whole league has witnessed in the past 3 - 4 weeks is that if you have a go at City, they are there for the taking. They still have to play Chelsea, Arsenal, Spurs at home and Scum away. Surely, they will drop something , they are no more the invincibles.
And let us not forget, last season the only team which beat City in the league was us, but still City won the league. So, we could do the same as well, just keep believing..
