Topic: PL: Liverpool 2 v Fulham 0 ‘40 Mo, Shaqiri '53

[deFacto please, you bastards]

It's starting to look like it with every passing game.
I can see us letting loose in games like Manchester United and Everton at home, and again pulling a performance similar to one today against Newcastle for instance. This upcoming block of games, culminating with match at Etihad - is pretty much where season is going to be shaped. Title won't be decided just yet - but it can certainly be lost. We seem to play the long game of make it through the winter close enough to the top, bed in new players, save others from burning out then throw our cards on the table and hit those afterburners.

I fully agree. The game against Watford away once we are back with PSG and Everton to follow will be incredibly difficult, we have a hard time playing there and its a difficult place for most sides in the league to get a result. It's the ultimate potential banana peel for us, they have good technical and physical players who know how to press, their problem is inconsistency and a proper consistent center forward, so it will be a challenging start to another hectic period for us.

Hoping to God we have no injuries after this useless international shite

[lamonti]

Ferguson's United won a LOT of games in a similar manner as we did today.

I've been thinking about this: the amount of times Ferguson-era teams would win and we would all be talking about how shit they had been and how Fulham (/fill in the blank) should've taken their one fluke chance.

The points we're picking up are so commendable, and hopefully in the long run the fluidity will come back. Probably foolish to think that we'd start the season like we were playing in January to April last season. Doesn't work like that.

[Zoomers]

One small query though.

Did that seem unusually quiet to anyone else? You could hear the players shouts all game.

I didn't watch the game but just saw the 2nd goal and it was dead quiet before we scored.

[jillcwhomever]

I didn't watch the game but just saw the 2nd goal and it was dead quiet before we scored.

It was quiet most of the way through to be fair, maybe being a early kick off plus rememberance day? It always seems a strange day somehow for football.

[Miltonred]

Last season in games where we had greater than 65% possession our win record was very low, I can't find the stat, but I recall it was less than 20%. This year in those games, we have a 100% win record (in the EPL).
That's an important improvement.

Additionally more and more teams are aware of the high press and risk of turning the ball over in bad positions, and their coaches are taking measures to prevent that. We aren't a surprise anymore and what we were doing was not rocket science.  So I feel that we may not see that type of heavy metal football anymore because the conditions aren't there so much for it to happen. Whats happening is many (including me) are forgetting those 0-0's and 0-1's where we couldn't beat the parked bus, but remembering the 4-1's and 4-2's where we ripped up poorly set-up teams.

[PoetryInMotion]

I third that. United in 2008/2009 won what, 11,12 games by a one goal margin? With Ronaldo,Tevez,Rooney and Berbatov in their side. They had scored less goals than us, lost more matches and ended up winning the league by 4 points despite us beating them twice.

Even Chelsea in 2016-17 under Conte won so many games 1-0 that it got routine. They just managed to score somewhere and then shut up shop. Remember, that was the 2nd highest points in PL era until Man City broke got the highest in the subsequent season.

[PoetryInMotion]

Last season in games where we had greater than 65% possession our win record was very low, I can't find the stat, but I recall it was less than 20%. This year in those games, we have a 100% win record (in the EPL).
That's an important improvement.

Additionally more and more teams are aware of the high press and risk of turning the ball over in bad positions, and their coaches are taking measures to prevent that. We aren't a surprise anymore and what we were doing was not rocket science.  So I feel that we may not see that type of heavy metal football anymore because the conditions aren't there so much for it to happen. Whats happening is many (including me) are forgetting those 0-0's and 0-1's where we couldn't beat the parked bus, but remembering the 4-1's and 4-2's where we ripped up poorly set-up teams.

Spot on. The only bus we failed to break this season was Red Star and even they played a decent middle block before they brought their bus. 

[RyanBabel19]

Shairi goal was sublime

Chambers should have been sent off

Ref let shitloads of timewasting just continue to happen for them

We look like we are focusing more on managing games than playing the fast, free flowing, attacking football of last season

[Indomitable_Carp]

First half was a bit more competitive, second half was a foregone conclusion after that second goal. Good solid three points.

It was quiet most of the way through to be fair, maybe being a early kick off plus rememberance day? It always seems a strange day somehow for football.

Midday KO's are always going to be rubbish. I even noticed (through the television admittedly) at one point a few Fulham fans even tried to get "Is this a library" chant going, before they realised there was only about eigth of them bothering to sing it and it quickly died off. 

But like you say this was an especially weird day for it. Quite frankly a midday KO should not have even been allowed.

[Gaz123456]

But like you say this was an especially weird day for it. Quite frankly a midday KO should not have even been allowed.

I'd go as far as saying that there shouldn't have been ANY matches today. Perfect time to get a live Friday game out of the way and play the rest on Saturday and Monday night.

[norecat]

Cracking goals from Salah and Shaqiri. Mitrovic goal correctly flagged os. Still unbeaten in the league in November. Looking good. Klopp signings have generally been spot on.

[jillcwhomever]

First half was a bit more competitive, second half was a foregone conclusion after that second goal. Good solid three points.

Midday KO's are always going to be rubbish. I even noticed (through the television admittedly) at one point a few Fulham fans even tried to get "Is this a library" chant going, before they realised there was only about eigth of them bothering to sing it and it quickly died off. 

But like you say this was an especially weird day for it. Quite frankly a midday KO should not have even been allowed.

I think you have a point.

[Gerry Attrick]

Shame we couldn't rack them up against the worst defence in the league but at least we won.

[deFacto please, you bastards]

Last season in games where we had greater than 65% possession our win record was very low, I can't find the stat, but I recall it was less than 20%. This year in those games, we have a 100% win record (in the EPL).
That's an important improvement.

Additionally more and more teams are aware of the high press and risk of turning the ball over in bad positions, and their coaches are taking measures to prevent that. We aren't a surprise anymore and what we were doing was not rocket science.  So I feel that we may not see that type of heavy metal football anymore because the conditions aren't there so much for it to happen. Whats happening is many (including me) are forgetting those 0-0's and 0-1's where we couldn't beat the parked bus, but remembering the 4-1's and 4-2's where we ripped up poorly set-up teams.

Very well said. The draws against Burnley,Newcastle,Everton,West Brom [the 2nd one being towards the end of the season], the loss to Swansea in January.

[jillcwhomever]

Last season in games where we had greater than 65% possession our win record was very low, I can't find the stat, but I recall it was less than 20%. This year in those games, we have a 100% win record (in the EPL).
That's an important improvement.

Additionally more and more teams are aware of the high press and risk of turning the ball over in bad positions, and their coaches are taking measures to prevent that. We aren't a surprise anymore and what we were doing was not rocket science.  So I feel that we may not see that type of heavy metal football anymore because the conditions aren't there so much for it to happen. Whats happening is many (including me) are forgetting those 0-0's and 0-1's where we couldn't beat the parked bus, but remembering the 4-1's and 4-2's where we ripped up poorly set-up teams.

Great post and it's why I'm not getting too down about it. If we continue like this we will be there or thereabouts. In the meantime we're getting the job done.

[deFacto please, you bastards]

Even Chelsea in 2016-17 under Conte won so many games 1-0 that it got routine. They just managed to score somewhere and then shut up shop. Remember, that was the 2nd highest points in PL era until Man City broke got the highest in the subsequent season.

Yup, they won what 12 matches in a row? Even when they were conceding goals in some games they still had the ability to find a way to win, they had built up confidence by that point.

[Sudden Death Draft Loser]

You know what?

We won

3 points

Clean sheet

International break coming up

Do we really need a thread with people pissing and moaning about 'not being good enough'

Lock it.

Totally agree. We are gaining points at a good rate - all that matters.

[Koplass]

Last season in games where we had greater than 65% possession our win record was very low, I can't find the stat, but I recall it was less than 20%. This year in those games, we have a 100% win record (in the EPL).
That's an important improvement.

Great point! That's a huge difference. At this point last season we'd already dropped 6 points against teams outside the top six (15 out of 21) this season we have the maximum of 24 out of 24. It might not be spectacular but it's effective.

[Keith Lard]

Totally agree. We are gaining points at a good rate - all that matters.

We played well today. Sweet heavens - you’d think we had played poorly today.

Managed energy well - decent zip to our play.

Amazing start to the season - a lot to be proud of.

[Wabaloolah]

How Chambers missed out on a red card is beyond me, out of control, over the top of the ball with his studs to Mo's ankle, lucky it was not a serious injury, a horrendous challenge and a big shit out from the ref

[duvva 💅]

How Chambers missed out on a red card is beyond me, out of control, over the top of the ball with his studs to Mo's ankle, lucky it was not a serious injury, a horrendous challenge and a big shit out from the ref

I thought it was a red, very similar to the one in the Cardiff game yesterday

[Wabaloolah]

You know what?

We won

3 points

Clean sheet

International break coming up

Do we really need a thread with people pissing and moaning about 'not being good enough'

Lock it. 

yep totally agree but let the moaners moan it gives them a sense of purpose and at least it keeps them from arguing with their other halves!

[Kenny's Jacket]

I do as I watched both closely. They didn't put a foot wrong and I'm not sure what more you could ask of them. The ball didn't fall kindly for them but that's not their problem. They were good on the ball and their control and passing were good. It's a team game and they both did everything that was asked of them.

Mane  wasnt good  today.  Had genuine trouble controlling the ball when through. 

[Kenny's Jacket]

I thought it was a red, very similar to the one in the Cardiff game yesterday

It was very similar, thought that myself. 

[Sheer Magnetism]

And to think I posted in the HT thread that Robbo's end product has been lacking. Good result obviously, 73% possession and we never really looked in danger. Having said that, it still doesn't seem to be gelling. Hopefully Naby will be able to settle in now and start really hitting form.

[Kenny's Jacket]

I liked the corner flags.  Our corners were shite but the flags were a nice touch.

Ref was cack again; Chambers should have walked, underdogs allowed to pull and push, pulled back a quickly taken free kick in the 2nd half but allowed us to do it in the first.  inconsistent, which pisses me off more than anything else..

Fab played well, looks forward more than Hendo.  Shaq was sound, Mo getting back up to speed, Virgil and Joe were imperious.

Wins by Yernited and The Bitters too much to ask for?......I thought so.

To be fair Gomez could have gone too.  The ref, if anything was good for us. A very close offside went our way as did taking a free kick from the wrong place.

[RedForeverTT]

If that Mitrovic goal has been given against us then I would be livid. An offside is an offside whether it is 2inches or 20 yards.

Our reverse passes around the penalty area didn't have the unpredictability and zip like previous year. Are we missing the presence of Can and Ox?

[RyanBabel19]

To be fair Gomez could have gone too.  The ref, if anything was good for us. A very close offside went our way as did taking a free kick from the wrong place.

You would argue he doesn't make the second challenge if he was booked for the first AND BT sports commentators LOVE ignoring attackers having a handful of defenders shirts when they get fouled. Mitrovic was dragging Gomez shirt all over the place in one of those 2 challenges and he was the first to grab out of the two

[Mr_Shane]

I think this ref was ok compared to other refrees I have seen so far.

The little cube is endearing himself to me.

Their goalkeeper also had to bail them out a few times.

Strange time to play a game. First  half we were cut open a few times Fulham should have scored and Sessegnon should have at least hit the target, its almost like we switched off and were not prepared for the game. After that we got better

[RedForeverTT]

And to think I posted in the HT thread that Robbo's end product has been lacking. Good result obviously, 73% possession and we never really looked in danger. Having said that, it still doesn't seem to be gelling. Hopefully Naby will be able to settle in now and start really hitting form.

I thought Robbo was given too much to chase, most passes were 1-2 yards too far for him and he had to speed up to make up ground with no time to look up. Twice it could have gone out of play but Robbo managed to cross it just before it went over the goal line. A bit unfair to him given the lousy balls given to him from Mane and then Milner.

[Jake]

This was a clear win.
Redmen deserve all the praise.
Even when the Atmosphere at Anfield lacking.
Nothing can stop us from being top of the table, for a few hours...
Deserve the three points.

Just wait till we get in top gear.
Forget about the other clubs, focus on us.
Keep it up Klopp!

Fulham will feel hard done by, things seemed to conspire against them in the first half. Gotta take your shot though and that's what we did

[RyanBabel19]

Todays ref was a ringer for this bloke from The Waterboy

[Sudden Death Draft Loser]

To be fair Gomez could have gone too.  The ref, if anything was good for us. A very close offside went our way as did taking a free kick from the wrong place.

Clearly offside, no idea what all the fuss is about.

[Kenny's Jacket]

You would argue he doesn't make the second challenge if he was booked for the first AND BT sports commentators LOVE ignoring attackers having a handful of defenders shirts when they get fouled. Mitrovic was dragging Gomez shirt all over the place in one of those 2 challenges and he was the first to grab out of the two

You could also argue that if Mitrovic gets away from Gomez, hes in a very good position. The point is, on the whole decisions went our way today and Im pleased with that.

[Kenny's Jacket]

Clearly offside, no idea what all the fuss is about.

There was no clearly about it. 

[hesbighesred]

Spot on. The only bus we failed to break this season was Red Star and even they played a decent middle block before they brought their bus. 

And went 2-0 up from a corner and a long range shot - both very low percentage situations that we've generally dealt with exceptionally this season. Not saying Red Star didn't deserve it - they did - but it's not like they broke us down and created hatfuls of clear-cut chances.

[RyanBabel19]

You could also argue that if Mitrovic gets away from Gomez, hes in a very good position. The point is, on the whole decisions went our way today and Im pleased with that.

If he gets away from him he's in a good position but he fouled him to get there so it doesn't matter. Salahs in a great position to score if he shoves his marker while he jumps for the ball and runs onto it leaving only one defender to beat, he's still fouled someone to gain that position so the rest becomes irrelevant.

They didn't really, they timewasted all game, booted the ball away twice, Rico suddenly forgot where the ball goes for a kick then miraculously remembered when the ref told him to hurry the fuck up, the offside was clear so not really sure why the huge debate, they took an age whenever they got a throw and seemed to just keep walking forward till the ref had the bollocks to get back and take it from where they know the ball went off, Chambers avoided a clear red for a studs up over the ball challenge, somehow the ref decided not to book a single player for all of their timewasting antics.

Personally i'd say they got off extremely lightly given how much they were trying throughout the game

[hesbighesred]

There was no clearly about it. 

Apart from the line of white shirts in front of our defence as the ball was played. Our offside trap is fantastic, let's not be thanking our lucky stars when it works yet again.

[Kenny's Jacket]

If he gets away from him he's in a good position but he fouled him to get there so it doesn't matter. Salahs in a great position to score if he shoves his marker while he jumps for the ball and runs onto it leaving only one defender to beat, he's still fouled someone to gain that position so the rest becomes irrelevant.

They didn't really, they timewasted all game, booted the ball away twice, Rico suddenly forgot where the ball goes for a kick then miraculously remembered when the ref told him to hurry the fuck up, the offside was clear so not really sure why the huge debate, they took an age whenever they got a throw and seemed to just keep walking forward till the ref had the bollocks to get back and take it from where they know the ball went off, Chambers avoided a clear red for a studs up over the ball challenge, somehow the ref decided not to book a single player for all of their timewasting antics.

Personally i'd say they got off extremely lightly given how much they were trying throughout the game

I really cant be arsed debating in a position against LFC, Id rather enjoy the win and a little bit of luck, however the offside was not clear and the free kick from Alison could easily have been asked to be re-taken

[him_15]

Top of the league! For now at least.