Right, so the nerves have calmed and a bit of rationalism has kicked in. Fantastic performance, one of our greatest European games ever. Roma started off strong partly because we were holding back and assessing their formation and style of play. Klopp said as much in his post match interview. Credit to them for starting well, but it wasn't all their doing. Thought those 15 minutes between 30 and 45 were scintillating. Pace, power, movement.
Seen a few United fans calling us hypocrites because we were playing long balls, but the difference is these long balls were purposeful and were stretching Roma all over the shop. Credit to the front three because their movement enabled it. There are specific runs though if you look at it closely, like Mane running in from the left wing between the center backs, Salah running on the shoulder of the left center back and Firmino dropping deeper to win lobbed balls from Karius. Specific, training ground routines really. The second goal was the perfect example of this. Great long ball played into Salah's feet, whose first touch into Firmino is incredible. A bit of luck from Firmino but that's what you get when you end up with the second ball 2 v 2 in dangerous situations.
Thought the Dzeko goal was part Lovren's fault, part lack of pressure on the ball. Give a defender/midfielder enough time to pick a pass out and he will. Get closer, blind his passing line and it's harder. Sure, Lovren could have done a lot better but that straight pinged ball from the center circle is extremely hard to defend against once it is played. Reminded me of Dwight Gayle's goal to make it 3-3 on that fateful night in 2014 where Skrtel got sucked in because he didn't know if he had to track the man or the ball.
A top class performance that I thoroughly enjoyed. Plenty of little snapshots that will stay with me forever. Like Salah landing on his arse and the defender (Jesus?) still kicking it out to safety with all the time in the world to control and make a pass. The sheer terror there though, it was incredible viewing. Only Suarez in my living memory of watching Liverpool has caused such fright. Think we'll get through this tie with a professional away performance, and enter the final unbeaten throughout the completion. Let's go grab big ears #6!
