Welcome to the LFC Final Word. In this series, I provide an in-depth analysis of games from a Liverpool supporter's perspective.
Match Facts
Wolves vs Liverpool
Molineux Stadium
Friday 21st December, 20:00
Result
Wolves 0 - 2 Liverpool
Match Summary
I can't help but think that Liverpool have just brushed aside one of the most tricky fixtures of the season last night. When your team is playing against one of the other top clubs in the league, there's always a chance that you'll come off second best and drop points. As much as that sucks, it's something most supporters will understand and accept, and we saw this when Chelsea beat Manchester City recently. Does that mean that Chelsea are a better team than Manchester City? No chance. However, there are a few games each season when your team is expected to win but everyone is throwing around the phrase 'potential banana skin'. This was one of those games and the sentiment before the match seemed to be that Liverpool could quite easily drop points against this Wolves side away from home.
It's hardly surprising to see such predictions being made considering the amount of money that Wolves spent over the summer to create a rather impressive team. They've since gone on to beat Chelsea and have managed to share points with Manchester City, Arsenal, and Manchester United. With home advantage on their side and playing on the back of 3 consecutive victories, it would have been understandable if Liverpool needed to settle for a draw last night. That was not the case, however, and Liverpool managed to once again beat another team outside of the top 5 in a way that screamed 'we want to win the league and we're going to show you just how much!'.
Following his impressive cameo appearance against Manchester United, many would have expected Shaqiri to be gifted a starting place in Liverpool's lineup. This had me a little worried in a couple of days before the match because doing so would have had a negative impact on the defensive side to Liverpool's game. I was pleased when the teams were announced and Klopp had instead opted to keep Shaqiri on the bench and brought in Henderson to add some extra energy and pressing to the midfield. With the system that Wolves adopted throughout the game, this decision proved to be a wise one, and although counter-attacks were a danger at times, the Reds controlled the game for the most part.
Liverpool weren't at their best by any stretch of the imagination but managed to put on a professional display that fired them 4 points clear of Manchester City who have a game in hand against Crystal Palace this afternoon. One of the main reasons that Liverpool have been able to do this so many times this season is the addition of Virgil van Dijk who is now without a doubt one of the best central defenders in world football. The man oozes class and has helped Liverpool, along with the rest of the defensive unit, to keep teams at bay, for the most part, this season. The Reds have conceded just 7 goals all season, a record only matched by Chelsea in the early 00s. This has meant that Klopp's team have been able to stick to their game plan throughout games rather than having to chase results after conceding. The game management that Klopp has displayed so far this season has been really impressive. Substitutions seem to be making a huge difference to this team and arrive at just the right times.
Of course, Salah once again showed that he's the best forward in the league and is clearly getting back to his best. He's now the league's top goalscorer, and that's not bad considering a lot of people were foolishly claiming that he was a one season wonder after a small dip in form earlier in the season. Ultimately, Liverpool found a great balance between attack and defence last night and individual moments of brilliance were enough for the Reds to take all 3 points and place themselves top at the league for Christmas day. Merry Christmas, Liverpool.
The Final Word
This is a huge 3 points for Liverpool who have some really difficult fixtures coming up against Arsenal and Manchester City over the Christmas period. Keeping the pressure on Manchester City is the only thing that the Reds can do to keep themselves in this title race. The hope now for Liverpool supporters around the world is that a shock will occur and Manchester City drop points.
Focus now turns to the game against Newcastle at Anfield on 26th December. This is a game that Liverpool will be expected to win but complacency must not be allowed to seep into the team. I expect Shaqiri to be handed a starting place in this game as the onus at home will be for Liverpool to go out and attack Newcastle aggressively. For now, a job well done for Klopp and his team.
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