Author Archives: Leanne LFC

‘He Is Back To His Best’ Liverpool Fans Praise Midfielder After Derby Win

Leanne LFC April 1, 2017

Philippe Coutinho has struggled to re-find his early season for Liverpool since suffering an injury against Sunderland in January. However, the Brazilian re-found his star quality at the perfect time, with Liverpool confirming their superiority over local rivals Everton.

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The 24-year-old started off the season in the best possible way with a stunning free-kick against Arsenal setting the tone for what many considered to be his best season since arriving at Anfield. A second goal at the Emirates was equally indicative of his improved precision in front of goal as he latched on to Nathaniel Clyne’s low drilled ball and guided the ball into the far corner.

5 goals in his opening 11 league games saw the ‘world-class’ label thrown vaguely around in Coutinho’s direction. However, an ankle injury against Sunderland saw him miss seven league games for the Reds - a serious check in momentum for both him and the club.

Going into the Merseyside derby, with injuries to Lallana and Henderson, there was an increased pressure on Philippe Coutinho to perform. The Brazilian dually delivered, scoring the second goal for Jurgen Klopp’s side. Showing a quick turn of feet before dancing his way through the Everton defence, the 24-year-old curled the ball sumptuously into the top right hand corner. Back to his best.

Following the match, fans were quick to heap praise on the midfielder for delivering in a crucial tie for the side. Here’s how fans reacted to his performance at the weekend. Do you agree?

Credit has to go to Coutinho for how he reacted after such a shaky patch of form. His goal was proof of just what he is capable of and his all round impact on proceedings was tremendous.

The Brazilian has been widely linked with a summer move to Barcelona despite signing a new long term deal at the club. However, a 3-1 win on Saturday sees Liverpool’s top four fate firmly in their own hands and a return to the Champions League could see Coutinho remain on Merseyside.

With Lallana and Henderson unlikely to return any time in the near future, and fears over Sadio Mane’s fitness after being substituted in the second half, Coutinho will have a huge part to play in Liverpool’s hunt for the top four. If he can showcase his class more often than he has lately, he could provide Jurgen Klopp with a huge boost in the Premier League run-in.

 

 

‘His Best Performance For Liverpool’ Huge Praise For Liverpool Midfielder In Man City Draw

Leanne LFC March 19, 2017

Emre Can’s had his fair share of criticism this season, but another stellar display in the absence of captain Jordan Henderson saw the German gain a huge round of praise following Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City on Sunday afternoon.

Ridiculed for a lack of consistency and class in the middle of the park, Can was one of the stand out performers at the Etihad, bringing steel and grit to Liverpool’s display. Having scored the winner against Burnley last weekend, Can is certainly proving he has much more to give to this side with contract talks still at a standoff.

Here’s how fans reacted to Emre Can’s performance at the weekend. Do you agree?

Credit has to go to Can for how he’s reacted after such a poor patch of form. The snide and cheek we have witnessed in recent weeks, most noticeably against Arsenal, has given this team something it’s lacked since the days of Javier Mascherano and co., causing some to suggest he should retain his spot even when Henderson returns from the sidelines - a stark contrast to previous comments on the young midfielder.

The 23-year-old is very much playing for his future, with contract talks at a standstill. Whether it be down to wage demands or playing time, Liverpool would be foolish to let the midfielder leave Anfield in the summer.

While football fans of the modern era will always pick little holes in players performances, the consensus is very much that Emre Can should be a Liverpool player for the foreseeable future. With performances like this weekend, there’s no wonder clubs like Juventus are keeping a watchful eye on Can’s future.

Liverpool Midfielder Praised For Another “Oustanding Display” vs. Arsenal

Leanne LFC March 4, 2017

Liverpool came away with a pivotal three points against Arsenal on Saturday evening, pushing them back into the top four and increasing hopes of sustaining Champions League football for next season.

Roberto Firmino put the home side ahead after just nine minutes after Sadio Mane’s perfectly drilled low cross was well put away by the Brazilian. The Senegalese forward then doubled the lead with an emphatic finish before half-time, to cement Liverpool’s superiority over Arsene Wenger’s side.

A second half goal from Danny Welbeck made it a nervy second half for Liverpool supporters, but Jurgen Klopp’s side showed good composure and grit to see out the result.

Many players put in tremendous shifts throughout the ninety minutes, but one man who gained the majority of the plaudits was Adam Lallana. The ex-Southampton midfielder was at the heart of Liverpool’s forward play, adding creativity and verve to the side while leading from the front with his energy and intense pressing style.

The 28-year-old played a crucial part in Georginio Wijnaldum’s goal that sealed the points for the Reds, holding the ball up until his teammates could join the counter attack, before slotting a perfectly timed pass into the feet of Divock Origi who squared to the Dutchman. It was a perfect counter attacking move, and Lallana’s integral role at the heart of it was indicative of just how good he performed against the Gunners.

Here’s some of the reaction to Lallana’s performance against Arsenal.

 

Lallana has had a serious upturn in form since the arrival of Jurgen Klopp, with previous critics positively stunned at his turn around. Now, he is one of the key cogs within Liverpool’s engine room and often a player to ignite the spark.

Having recently signed a new deal with the club, it’s clear Klopp considers Adam Lallana to be a vital member of the team for the foreseeable future and who can blame him when the midfielder turns in the type of display we saw this weekend.

While he has struggled with consistency at times this season to produce at the very top of his game, much of that can be put down to the inconsistencies of the whole team. His quality is there for all to see and the movement and guile he brings on the ball, coupled with his extreme work rate off it, makes him one of the best central midfielders in the Premier League at present.

With Liverpool desperately searching for Champions League football for next season, Adam Lallana will have a huge role to play for the remainder of the season. If he can produce as he did against Arsenal, you wouldn’t bet against Liverpool nipping their rivals and taking fourth spot.

 

 

“Pure Class” Fans Heap Praise On Manchester United Midfielder After Stellar Show Against Leicester

Leanne LFC February 5, 2017

Manchester United capitalised on Arsenal and Liverpool dropping points on Saturday with a solid 3-0 win against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium. The result means the gap between the Red Devils and the top four is now down to just two points.

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The game got off to a sluggish start, with neither side really testing the opposition in the opening stages. However, two quick-fire goals on the stroke of half-time from Henrik Mkhitaryan and Zlatan Ibrahimovic before a clincher from Juan Mata ensured that United ended their run of three consecutive draws in the Premier League.

After 41 minutes of frustration, Mourinho opted for a change of tactics, moving Mkhitaryan away from the left wing, where he was placed to accommodate Rashford and Ibrahimovic, and into a more central role. It worked a treat for the Red Devils, who quickly starting turning up the gears following the change.

Mkhitaryan provided the moment of quality to open up the game for Mourinho’s side, beating Robert Huth to the ball just inside the Leicester half before running through on goal and slotting past Kasper Schmeichel. The Armenian midfielder then turned creator for United’s third, playing a wonderful one-two with Juan Mata before the Spaniard steered in at the near post.

Here’s how twitter reacted to Mkhitaryan’s display. Do you agree?

It’s crazy to think that just two months ago, the midfielder was being cast aside, much like Anthony Martial at present. Following a poor performance in the Manchester derby in September, Mkhitaryan has responded exceptionally from his early-season exile and his performance against Leicester typified just how far he has come.

Since being given another chance by Mourinho, Mkhitaryan has started 12 games, scoring five goals in the process. Moving into the number 10 spot has caused a significant rise in his performances and against Leicester he looked like United’s greatest threat - a stark contrast from his early season woes.

Scoring just 36 goals, the side are the lowest scorers of any of the big six - 10 goals behind Spurs, but Mourinho may have found a solution with Mkhitaryan providing the side with an extra edge and zip to their play from the middle of the park.

Despite getting off to a rocky start at Manchester United, Mkhitaryan has shown his quality in recent weeks, injecting a much greater attacking impetus into the side. Fans will be hoping to see more of the same from the 28-year-old as Mourinho’s side look to keep up the pressure on the top four and try and secure Champions League football for next season.

Fans Brand Liverpool Midfielder As The “Epitome Of Average” Following Another Poor Performance vs. Hull

Leanne LFC February 5, 2017

Liverpool’s season suffered another setback after a 2-0 loss against Hull City on Saturday in which the side looked bereft of ideas and energy. The result leaves Jurgen Klopp’s side’s hopes of Champions League football for next season up in the air.

Hull perfectly executed the blue-print that so many have come to adopt against Liverpool. Sitting deep and defending in numbers, the Reds were gifted no space in between the lines and once again struggled to stretch the opposition. It was an all too familiar performance at the KC stadium, with the pedestrian and lacklustre performance raising serious questions about the future of several squad members.

After suffering similar defeats against Bournemouth, Swansea and Burnley earlier in the season, Jurgen Klopp’s side have failed to overcome a clear weakness in their game - something that has seen them crash out of the title race and put hopes of a top four finish in doubt.

Most worryingly is the way in which Liverpool yet again looked devoid of innovation going forward. The return of Sadio Mane to the side, along with Coutinho and Firmino was set to see Liverpool regain their early season form in which fast, fluid and attacking football was a huge feature. However, even the Senegalese international couldn’t prevent Liverpool from coming unstuck against a so-called ‘weaker’ Premier League team.

After securing a 1-1 draw with runaway leaders Chelsea, things seemed to be looking up for Jurgen Klopp’s side. Solid displays from both Emre Can and Gini Wijnaldum provided the German with a selection headache prior to kick off. Going with his national compatriot, Klopp’s decision to go with a more robust presence in midfield proved to be costly for Liverpool, who certainly missed the energy of Wijnaldum.

Emre Can completed just 84% of his passes, winning only one aerial battle and two tackles in the entirety of the match. His leisurely demeanor in the first half was indicative of Liverpool’s pedestrian football and marked the decline he has experienced this season.

Here’s some reaction to Emre Can’s performance from Twitter. Do you agree?

Emre Can was a key player for Liverpool last season and he clearly has all the right tools to be a good player for Jurgen Klopp’s side. However, his performance against Hull marked the regression he has experienced this season and with his future currently up in the air, questions will be raised over whether Can will be at Anfield for much longer. With Liverpool looking to play fast, free-flowing football, WIijnaldum’s energy in the middle makes for a much better fit.

‘He’s The Best In The League No Doubt’ Twitter Reacts As Chelsea Star Gives Them 3 More Points

Leanne LFC January 22, 2017

Much has been made of Diego Costa in recent weeks, with the media fuelling speculation that the striker could be on his way out of the club amid a huge bid from China. The Spaniard was rumoured to have a fall out with Chelsea boss Antonio Conte, with the manager not happy with Costa’s supposed injury troubles that have seen him out of action for the Londoners.

However, Costa scored on his return to the side as Chelsea strengthened their grip on the Premier League title, moving eight points clear at the top. The Blues top goalscorer was applauded throughout the match by the home fans, as his side won against a struggling Hull City side.

He got the opening goal of the game, converting Victor Moses’ low cross from eight yards out and his celebration of moving hands seemed to put an end to speculation of his departure - much to the delight of Chelsea fans, I’m sure.

Here’s how Twitter reacted to Diego Costa’s performance. Do you agree?

Costa has been at the heart of Chelsea’s title bid this season, proving a real handful for defences with his strength and finishing ability. The Spaniard was the only player to have more than one shot in the side (6) and his return to the side couldn’t have been better timed, with the Londoners set for a showdown at Anfield next weekend.

It could have been a very different game had Costa not found the net just before the half time interval, with Hull doing well to frustrate the home side. They looked at risk of not making the most of their rivals shortcomings over the weekend, but Costa, once again, delivered when it mattered.

The mood following kick-off was a stark contrast to last weekend when Chelsea’s run was halted by Spurs. Diego Costa’s future was up in the air and fans were understandably worried about what that could mean for their title hopes. His return, and goal, will have certainly lightened the mood at the club as they moved closer to another Premier League title. Any risk of instability or distraction has dissipated - Chelsea are back in control and continue to roll on.

Any risk of instability or distraction, after the defeat at White Hart Lane and Costa’s wantaway strop, has been seen off now. Chelsea are back to normal, back in control, and looking likelier than ever to stroll to this year’s title.

Costa’s record at the club speaks for itself, with the 28 year old’s quality clear for all to see. Coming up with important goals for Chelsea, he is the most important player to club have, thus Antonio Conte and co. will be delighted to have him back. It would take surely take something miraculous for Chelsea to not end up lifting the trophy at the end of the season.

‘Time To Ditch Him’ Liverpool Fans Fume At Defender’s Performance vs. Swansea

Leanne LFC January 21, 2017

Few would have envisaged Liverpool coming up short against Swansea on Saturday afternoon, with the Reds holding the record of highest scorers and the away side conceding the most goals thus far. However, the Swans took full advantage of Liverpool’s defensive errors to gain a vital three points as they look to beat relegation.

Defensively, Liverpool have always been questionable. Conceding sloppy goals and failing to do the real basics provided a thorn in their side. However, that was thought to have been somewhat put to bed this season, with victories against Chelsea, Arsenal and City suggesting the Reds could battle at the top of the Premier League. The phrase “old habits die hard” is rather fitting in this situation, with Jurgen Klopp’s side coming unstuck by their own sloppiness at the back.

Dejan Lovren gave away a needless corner for Swansea’s first goal, heading the ball out of play under no pressure. The resulting corner was put in by Fernando Llorente, after the Croatian in the air to compound his earlier error.

After a performance fuelled with mistakes, Liverpool fans have been left pondering the long term future of Lovren at the club. Joel Matip is clearly the first choice centre back for Jurgen Klopp, but with neither Lovren nor Klavan covering themselves in glory at Anfield, many have called for the German to invest - be it in January or in the summer.

Here’s how Twitter reacted to Dejan Lovren’s performance. Do you agree with these thoughts?

Despite heavy suggestions that his time at the club is up, many have been calling for the return of Mamadou Sakho to partner Matip. The Frenchman has fallen out of favour with Jurgen Klopp, but the defensive frailties within the side highlight the need for change in the centre back positions. Liverpool fans certainly seem keen on the idea of a Sakho-Matip pairing.

Neither Klavan nor Lovren are consistent enough to provide the defensive pairing for a side wanting to challenge at the top of the Premier League. Klopp himself reflected on the quality of his back four following the defeat, and surely it is only a matter of time before he looks elsewhere for a quality defender.

Has Klopp’s trust in his players been thrown back in his face? Many suggested Liverpool needed external recruitment to address their defensive issues, but he said he believed in his squad and would rather educate them into becoming better players. But with the defence continuing to be the clubs Achilles heel, surely it is time to invest?

Liverpool Fans ‘Really Impressed’ With Teenage Midfielder’s Performance vs. Plymouth

Leanne LFC January 18, 2017

Harry Wilson was the latest in a line of Liverpool youngsters to be given a crack in the first team by Jurgen Klopp. The German has provided the academy players with a number of opportunities of late, most recently in Liverpool’s FA Cup replay with Plymouth.

Wilson has enjoyed a fine season for the Under 23’s so far this season, scoring a total of 19 goals and registering 9 assists. As a result, the Welshman has established quite the name for himself within the club, and fans were intrigued to see what he could do at Home Park.

Coming on in the second half, Wilson conducted himself well, showing little signs of being overwhelmed by the occasion. The 19-year-old almost got a debut goal for the Reds when he closed down Plymouth’s goalkeeper, as the ball ricocheted off the midfielder narrowly missing the back of the net.

Furthermore, Wilson showed some bright moments down the right-hand side, providing further indication of the bright future he has at the club. Brilliantly dummying the ball, Wilson passed it off to Ben Woodburn before Sheyi Ojo’s attempt at goal.

In his 30 minutes on the pitch he completed 15 passes, including 1 key pass. His enthusiasm and determination to impress almost led to a goal and it is that hunger and desire that will surely impress Klopp, a manager who demands such an attitude from all his players.

Here’s how Twitter reacted to Harry Wilson’s performance. Do you agree with these thoughts?

The Welsh duo, which have an average age of 18.5 years old, shows the quality within the club’s academic set up and the youngsters are getting ample opportunities to showcase their ability under Klopp’s tutelage.

Having already made his international bow for Wales, it is clear that Harry Wilson is highly thought of by many. 19 goals for the Liverpool U23’s shows he has the quality to find the back of the net on a continuous basis, and there is few clubs that provide such a chance for young talents to grow as Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.

It’ll be interesting to see if Klopp continues to utilise his youth products at the competition progresses into the latter stages.

‘Oustanding’ Liverpool Fans Heap Praise On Defender After His Performance vs. Everton

Leanne LFC December 20, 2016

When news of Joel Matip’s ankle injury was reported, Liverpool fans were left to question who could fill his role. Dejan Lovren has always seemed like a player with a mistake in him, while Lucas Leiva is more of a makeshift centre back.

Few would have foreseen fellow summer signing Ragnar Klavan having such a positive impact on the side in recent weeks and that was the case once again against Everton. Winning 100% of his tackles while also registering 7 clearances and 3 interceptions, Klavan kept Lukaku largely at bay for the entirety of the ninety minutes.

As a result, Everton found it hard to muster up any real attacking threat on Simon Mignolet’s goal. His performance built upon his impressive display against Middlesbrough as the Reds recorded back to back clean sheets.

The 31-year-old has been the reliable figure at the back for Liverpool, using his experience to help nullify attacking threats. Furthermore, his confidence on the ball has seen him fit comfortably into Klopp’s system. The Estonian managed a passing accuracy of 88% at Goodison Park, illustrating his composure in possession.

Not much was known of Klavan when he moved to the Premier League, but the defender’s recent performances in the absence of Jurgen Klopp’s first choice centre back illustrates the quality he possesses.

In response, Liverpool fans have been quick to praise Klavan, with their fears over the defence in the absence of Matip well and truly eased by the centre-half’s emergence.

Here’s how Twitter reacted to Klavan’s performance. Do you agree with these thoughts?

In his first Merseyside Derby, Klavan rose wonderfully to the occasion and produced exactly what was needed of him. Timely interceptions and incisive blocks were key to ensuring Mignolet was never called into severe action, thus the plaudits for the Estonian are warranted.

Not to mention a crucial tackle against Lukaku that prevented Everton from taking the lead in the first half. Jamie Redknapp certainly believes that the veteran has what it takes, stating that he “might be just what they need at centre-back.”

Having only finished higher than sixth place in the Premier League once in the last seven years, Jurgen Klopp will know the importance of keeping Liverpool’s back line tight.

Klavan’s no-nonsense style have given a much bigger sense of control to the defence and based on current performances, he could find himself partnering Matip in the near future.

‘He Is Dire’ Liverpool Fans Have Had Enough Of This Defender After Bournemouth Collapse

Leanne LFC December 5, 2016

A second half capitulation from Liverpool ensured the Reds missed their chance of going second in the Premier League. Jurgen Klopp’s side were two goals to the good on separate occasions but defensive cracks and increased pressure from Bournemouth saw three points fall out of their grasp.

Dejan Lovren’s performance was rather questionable, with Joel Matip’s ankle injury highlighting the weak links in defence. The Cameroonian, who joined Liverpool in the summer on a free transfer, has become a pivotal part of Jurgen Klopp’s side - evident by the fact that the two losses sustained this season were without Matip.

In his absence, Lovren looked there for the taking. The Reds have lost twice this season, both of which Joel Matip didn’t feature in and it was all too familiar a story at the Vitality. Giving away the ball in his own half, the Croatian put his side under pressure, leading to James Milner conceding a penalty that instigated Bournemouth’s fight back. Rather than showing his experience and leading by example, Lovren, like many of his teammates, lost his head. Liverpool paid the price for failing to wrap up the game. A chance not taken.

Here’s how some fans on Twitter reacted to Lovren’s performance:

So far this season, Liverpool have been relatively solid at the back, with the defensive partnership of Matip and Lovren proving successful. However, what became apparent today in Matip’s absence was the fragility of the ex-Southampton defender. Despite being an experienced figure within the side, an error never seemed too far away from Lovren’s game.

On the back of such deflating defeats, fans often go into panic mode, as has been the case with the calling for several players to get the axe after throwing away a 2-0 lead. It would be silly to write off Lovren after just one game but he does find himself under pressure. A sustained absence from Matip could spell real trouble for Liverpool.

There has also been concern for summer signing Loris Karius. The goalkeeper was another guilty of a poor performance in this fixture. Liverpool need to hope this is a one-off performance from him, with Simon Mignolet proving to be similarly poor in recent years. What’s good for Karius is that he is only 23 and has plenty of time to adapt to English football and improved as a goalkeeper, Lovren, at 27, should now be in the prime of his career and now in his 4th season of English football, he has few excuses.

Title Credentials Proven: Why Yesterday Was A Different Kind Of Win For Liverpool

Leanne LFC November 27, 2016

Liverpool displayed a different kind of performance on Saturday against what can only be described as a double-decker Sunderland defence. While it wasn’t the most eye-catching display from the Reds, the grit and perseverance on display was aplenty as they marched to a 2-0 win.

A Clear Sign of Progression

Throughout Brendan Rodgers’ tenure at Liverpool, frustration proved to get the better of Liverpool. Throwing away leads and failing to make chances count was all too often a feature of their league campaign despite dominating the lion’s share of possession. Chances went begging, heads dropped and a solemn acceptance of a point arose.

“Sunderland always play a defensive style It is difficult to come through but we stayed concentrated, worked for the moment and found a way.” – Jurgen Klopp

There was no such acceptance on Saturday, with a strong display of patience marking a clear sign of progression. Nathaniel Clyne and Milner had chances rebuffed while Roberto Firmino and Gini Wijnaldum forced decent saves from Jamie Pickford, who did well to keep Liverpool out as long as he did. However, Liverpool’s heads didn’t drop and they continued to mount pressure on the young keeper, who eventually couldn’t keep them out any longer.

With their domination and pressure paying off, you can’t help but wonder just how crucial the result could prove to be for Liverpool come the end of the season. A draw at home against Sunderland would have been a big setback but at 2-0 the confidence remains high on Merseyside.

A Chance Well Taken

Having found his opportunities severely limited this season thanks to the rampant form of Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane, Divock Origi has found it hard to reach the heights of last season.

Yet, handed the chance due to Coutinho’s early injury, Origi made his mark on proceedings. Receiving the ball on the edge of the box, the 22 year old riggled away from Duncan Watmore before cutting back and curling his shot into the far corner. Relief for the Reds.

Rallying The Troops

You couldn’t blame the Liverpool supporters for being rather subdued after seeing Philippe Coutinho stretched off before the half time whistle. It seemed to be heading for one of those days but Jurgen Klopp’s role as conductor played a key role in the change in fortunes.

The German was the orchestrator, rallying the Anfield faithful to get behind the side and mount further pressure on David Moyes’ side. Noise levels rising and pressure rising, Liverpool turned the screw and got their just reward.

The free-flowing football usually displayed by Liverpool may make for a better watch, but points are the only thing that matters. If you want to compete at the top end of the Premier League, you need to be able to grind out results against teams who pack their defence and hope for the draw. Liverpool did just that.