International breaks have been a bit hit or miss for the Reds of late, but Liverpool could not have managed their way in and out of this most recent break. Returning to Anfield to face Southampton saw Liverpool levy a 3-0 defeat for the visitors.
Since the drubbing suffered against Spurs, the Reds have won four on the bounce in response. Better still, each victory has seen the attack rejuvenated forcing three-plus goals in each fixture. It is the kind of run that could not have come at a better time as the Reds begin the crucible of their campaign. With 12 matches more between now and the new year Liverpool began this block of matches a strong, sensible performance.
Despite the frustrations supporters may have felt a few weeks ago, Jurgen Klopp looks like he might have developed a plan for the point in the season where the games come thick and fast. The Reds may not be front running in the same way that they were a year ago but they look more prepared for the festive run in this time around.
Here are four findings from the match.
Salah Still Soaring
Seeing Virgil van Dijk at Anfield playing for the wrong side, may have reminded supporters of Liverpool’s transfer disappointments during the summer, but Mo Salah continually shows that the transfer window was not all busted moves.
The record transfer has been nothing short of a talisman since arriving on Merseyside. It is is mid November and the Egyptian has already tallied more goals than anyone did all last season. In his mere 18 appearances, Salah’s brace against the Saints gives him 14 goals since becoming a Red. With nine goals in 12 Premier League matches, he also now leads the league.
To think earlier in the season, he was under greater scrutiny for profligacy. Had he finished a few sitters, he’d be well into double digits in the league and nigh on 20 before the New Year. Now, the pacey wide-man has surpassed Robbie Fowler’s in Liverpool’s record books for goals in the first dozen games.
Firmino Flourishing
Another Red playing in top form is Roberto Firmino. He may not be getting on the scoresheet but his graft in the middle is so crucial to how Liverpool play he may be the side’s most pivotal player. Looking slightly jaded a few weeks ago, the Brazilian is back to his best.
Twisting, turning, popping up almost anywhere on the pitch, Firmino is practically reinventing the notion of a false nine, if that is even the proper label for his role. Perhaps a better name would simple be the fulcrum. He is Liverpool’s central forward but rather than being the target man who bangs them in, he is the hub around which the entire side attacks.
In fact, Firmino was unlucky not to score, twice. His countryman benefitted from one of those excellent chances, when Fraser Forster’s save rebounded across the box and Philippe Coutinho slotted it home. However, Firmino pouncing on Dustin Tadic’s poor decision-making and winning the ball back just outside the box was the moment that broke the game open.
Flying Fullbacks
The unlikely return of Alberto Moreno on the left side raised plenty of concern at the fullback position. Add to it the tandem of youngsters Joe Gomez and Trent Alexander-Arnold on the right and worries of weakness in the position across the backline seemed reasonable.
Yet, on both sides of the defense, fullback has proved one of the least problems in a defense that has at moments been patchwork. Moreno has been a revelation since returning to the stating eleven. Gomez’s league work was rewarded with an international call-up for his play, where he impressed for England too. Meanwhile, Alexander-Arnold has garnered plenty of attention in continental fixtures.
Given the scheduling challenges, the 19-year-old started on the right in a league appearance that suited him. Against the Saints, Alexander-Arnold’s pace proved more valuable than his lack of size. The youngster put in an excellent shift. Of course, it was not perfect but any errors were minor and the teenager provided solidity at the back and posed problems going forward.
Schedule Scheming
The worst combination of circumstances conspired to unravel Liverpool’s run last year by the end of the festive season. This year, however, Klopp already looks more prepared, more equipped, and more canny to manage the scheduling madness. Small adjustments are visible evidence for anyone outside Melwood. Plus, the depth of the squad is starting to show and players are returning from injury.
Against West Ham there was the noticeable bridling of the fullbacks, providing more balance at the back. Sadio Mané’s return from injury allowed the Senegalese forward to start with Firmino and Salah across the front in the club’s preferred front line. Yet, there was more control in the overall performance.
Against Southampton, the Fab Four finally got their first run out at Anfield, creating threat across the pitch. Even a slightly juggled defense, due to absences of Joel Matip and Joe Gomez, the defense looked steady and in control. Pairing Gini Wijnaldum and Jordan Henderson in the middle gave the side a different shape but balance all the same. Small changes are delivering big impact.