I thought it was a very professional display. There was a lot of negativity floating around before this game for a variety of reasons so a win was crucial to lift the mood and get three points. The Coutinho situation, mixed with frustration in the transfer market and despair at our defending midweek, meant that this game was a must win. A must win against a team that has disproportionately frustrated us in recent seasons. In light of Spurs and Arsenal getting beat, two of our direct competitors for top four, it is an even more important result.
The main talking points, in my opinion, are the following:
A debut to rememberProbably the most interesting aspect of the much changed line up was Klopp's decision to play our new left back, Andy Robertson. An Ł8 million signing from Hull, there has been a muted reaction to his signing. The majority of fans were relieved to sign a specialist left back given Milner's obvious limitations playing there as a natural midfielder. Moreno supporters and detractors alike were also in agreement that he needed competition. After three years of disappointment from Moreno, it is clear that we needed a specialist left back. Realistically, little was known about Robertson. Playing in a poor Hull side after beginning his career in his native Scotland, knowledge of him was always going to be limited. Most people relied on a number of informative articles and podcasts posted in the transfer forum of this website. These told a story of a player who was calm and collected going forward if a little questionable in defence. Fans awaited with interested their first chance to properly guage him themselves.
What a debut. Few players, particularly in defence, have made such an impression on their debut in recent seasons. Liverpool fans will care not to remember the debut of defenders like Skrtel, who succumbed to the nerves of the occasion. There was no such problem with Robertson. Bar one nervy clearance early in the game, he was calm and composed throughout. He showed the maturity of a regular first team member and of a more experienced player at this level. One of the most striking aspects of his performance was how unfazed he seemed to look even when things didn't quite go his way. When crosses didn't meet their target or shots went wayward, he turned and jogged back to his position in order to get on with his job. There weren't any looks of anguished panic which are so typical of players that are out of their depth.
His mentality was matched by his footballing skills. He didn't have much to do defensively but what he needed to do he did it calmly and efficiently. Moreno critics will be pleased with his unwillingness to dive into challenges that he has little chance of winning. He knew when to stand up and shepherd opponents into difficult positions. When he had to tackle he did so with accuracy and conviction. He always looked in control in his defensive duties. He forced the opponents he challenged to do all the hard work which usually led to their efforts breaking down.
Perhaps most surprising was the enthusiasm with which he threw himself into attack. A young player making his debut for a club like Liverpool could be forgiven for wanting to put in a conservative performance but Robertson did the opposite. When he received the ball in dangerous areas he wasn't afraid to wrap his left foot around the ball and get it into the danger area. On another day he would have had an assist had Joel Matip's finishing not been so lacking. It wasn't only those well struck crosses that impressed. His movement and sharpness of passing in the final third of the pitch was extremely effective. He had an understanding of the quick passing triangles that benefit players like Mané in transitions. He showed a deft touch in tight situations and did not lose the ball in many scenarios in which a defender would be forgiven for doing so.
It is early days. It will be interesting to see how Robertson copes when he comes up against a better side because, with all due respect, Palace were dreadful. However, he showed maturity beyond his years and it looks extremely promising. For me, he was Man of the Match.
A makeshift midfieldWhen the teamsheet was announced there were understandable concerns about what looked like a midfield trio lacking in creativity. Indeed, some of these concerns were justified and it transpired throughout the match that this is a midfield trio that should only really play together when circumstances dictate that they do. Henderson, Wijnaldum and Milner are all good professionals with plenty of ability between them but it is clear that their skillsets somewhat nullify each other. That said, it wasn't a terrible performance from the trio. Henderson and Wijnaldum in particular have been singled out for some criticism with that of the latter being more justifed than the former.
First of all, congratulations are in order for Giono Wijnaldum. His wife was due to give birth this weekend (and may already have done so for all I know) so I'm sure everyone at RAWK want to wish him well. One would also hope that was the main reason he was a tad anonymous, his mind being elsewhere. It is a frequent criticism of Wijnaldum that he is a passenger and it is flaring up again after our first three games this season. The problem with Wijnaldum is that he needs creative players alongside him for his talent at keeping things ticking along nicely to be appreciated. When there is no creativity in the middle of the park, like yesterday, his simple play can be frustrating. Let's hope the resolution of the Coutinho situation, or a midfield addition, will bring out the best in Gini again as he seems to be the type of player who needs to feel his way into a season.
Henderson didn't do much wrong either. It is important to remember that he is still trying to achieve full fitness. He sprayed some nice balls about and helped the defence out on the rare occasion that Palace carried a threat through the middle. Again, though, like with Wijnaldum Henderson's limitations are magnified by the lack of a more dynamic player in the middle of the park like Lallana or Coutinho. Nonetheless, it cannot be denied that he imposed himself on the game much better than Wijnaldum did and played one glorious ball over the top which could easily have been an assist. The hope with Henderson is that he can get back to full fitness for the whole season because that's when he really thrives.
As for Milner, many despaired when they saw his name on the teamsheet in the middle of the park, myself included. There is a growing consensus amongst Liverpool fans that while Milner did an admirably professional job last season in covering our lack of a competent left back, he should simply be a squad player at best this season. Indeed, there was little in this performance to suggest that he should be a starter, even at LB given Robertson's superb debut. That said, he had a solid game. He was professional and combative in the middle of the park. He didn't lose possession of the ball and was rarely wasteful. Given our limited midfield options, it is good to know he can step in when needed because Can's inconsistent development is still an issue.
All in all, this midfield got the job done but Liverpool really do need to consider adding more options in this part of the field.
A rare clean sheetA shambolic defensive display in the first half of our crucial CL qualifier a few days after haemhorraging three goals against Watford had put the issue of our defence firmly on the agenda again. Klopp made three changes to the defence with the game on Wednesday in mind - with Klavan, Robertson and Gomez replacing Lovren, Moreno and TAA respectively - but the solid performance yesterday will have given him food for thought. Robertson's calm and assured display was in stark contrast with Moreno's erratic, risky play and Klavan's cool approach was the exact opposite of Lovren's head staggers as well. Gomez should also be pleased with his efforts in his rehabilitation from injury.
Klavan has come in for some strong criticism since his arrival at Liverpool last summer from Augsburg in Germany. A cut price signing, he was always meant to be defensive cover. However, as a result of Matip's frequent injury issues last season he had to be over deployed. As a back up defender, though, we can really have few complaints about him. He was very solid yesterday bar one critical error which Benteke should have punished. He needs to eliminate those type of errors from his game but he was otherwise impassable. It will be interesting to see how Lovren does upon his return, as it quite clear that the removal of Moreno's disruptive influence at left back brings a bit more calm and stabilty to the back four.
Matip was very enjoyable to watch once again. He remains one of the steals of the summer last year on a free transfer. He came in for some criticism following his display against Watford last week but he really is a fine player. Unfortunately, some view him through the prism of his lanky frame and think he is not a dominant enough player. While he may lack the physique of a traditional, dominant defender - he more than makes up for it with his technique, strength and cool approach to the game. It remains to be seen whether Liverpool will ever land VVD but Matip will compliment whoever he plays alongside this season.
Mané in among the goals againThere's not much more that can be said about this lad other than he is just utterly brilliant. Comparatively quiet yesterday, he ws still one of our most threatening players. Shifting to his favoured left hand side early in the game, he soon became an important outlet. He linked up well with Robertson and was constantly looking to be involved. The goal was classic Mané. Pace and determination. If he stays fit all year he will score a bucket load of goals. As someone pointed out in one of the threads here, the reason we don't need a 20 goal a season striker is that we already have a 20 goal a season man.
He will face competition in the goal stakes from our new Egyptian winger. Mo didn't really get into the game in his time on the pitch but his quality was apparent. His first burst down the right hand side of the pitch resulted in chaos in the box from which we really should have scored. He also rose above much bigger Palace players to get a header on target as well. He forced a great save with a lovely curled effort towards the end. Salah is going to be involved in a lot of goals this season, whether he is creating them or nipping in and scoring. In this market, it is insane that Mané and Salah combined cost less than one Paul Pogba or one Romelu Lukaku.
Fans were pleased to see the return of Daniel Sturridge after another injury setback in pre-season. At this stage, it's just a matter of enjoying him on the pitch while we are fortunate enough to have him. He didn't get a lot to do in the game but he still oozes class with some of his touches and turns. He needs to get back in amongst the goals to be truly back at his best though. Perhaps more interesting was another promising showing from young Dominic Solanke off the bench. He showed strength and determination to force the goalscoring situation for Mané and could may well be another steal.
ConclusionThis was a routine win. It is unlikely to be remembered for either positive or negative reasons. That does not take away from its importance. Liverpool needed the three points yesterday to brighten up what has been a pretty difficult few weeks for Reds. The fact that they showed grit and determination to grind it out should be viewed as a huge positive. Liverpool teams of the past would have faded after a relatively non-descript first half but yesterday they came out of the blocks flying and on another day could have won by two or three goals. Jurgen Klopp deserves credit for keeping them going until the end. There may be serious frustrations with our recruitment policy at the moment but until that is resolved we need to be squeezing every last bit of productivity out of our current squad. By the end of the summer the frustration of this window could be a distant memory. Whatever happens, with Jurgen Klopp at the helm it's going to be an interesting ride.