Liverpool sunk at the last by the Yellow Submarines

Unlucky? Not in my book.  We fell into the trap of believing Villarreal to be a special team because they currently lie fourth in La Liga.

If Villarreal hadn’t scored at the last Klopp in some eyes would have been vindicated in leaving his best striker in Sturridge on the bench.

Even the much denigrated Christian Benteke got some minutes ahead of him.

At the break with Coutinho feeling unwell, Klopp replaced him with the disappointing Jordon Ibe.  By then Liverpool were in relatively control and the game was there to win.

Why not move Firmino into the Coutino role and put Sturridge up top?

The formation was a defensive move from the off designed to sneak an advantage or come away with a draw.

It’s only a one-nil loss in the first leg, but it feels like an opportunity lost.

For some reason I equate this to Rafa Benitez second Champions League Final against AC Milan. Knowing Milan’s fear of Peter Crouch he refused to start him.  By the time he brought him on the match was over, even though he had an immediate impact in helping to get a goal back.

Okay, it’s not that bad.  But I hate hiding in the shadows when you have the ammunition to hand.

Personally, I’m tired of the criticism of Daniel Sturridge.  He scored a goal in each of his last three games and it was still not enough to get him on the pitch.  There have been masses of column inches pointing the finger at the striker’s lack of heart and his ability to lead the pressing game, but it’s nonsense.

Liverpool required a presence in the box. Time and again, Moreno and Clyne on the overlap delivered balls into the box with a lack of bodies on the end it.  It didn’t make sense?  Sturridge wouldn’t be human if he didn’t feel slighted and was thinking about his future at the club because it appears the manager sees him more of an impact player.

Should he decide to leave there would be no shortage of takers in the Premier League and abroad, but then they say a week is long time in football.

Liverpool had a clear chance in the fifth minute when Joe Allen arrived late in the box on the end of the Adam Lallana’s cross, hit his shot straight at the keeper.  Either side of Asenjo would have seen us grab an early lead.  Lack of goals from our midfielders has been a major bugbear this season.

Granted, Firmino hit the post after a sweeping move, but that was as good as it got in front of goal.

Stung with almost the last kick of the ball, it felt like a kick in the teeth. A superb diagonal ball floated tantalisingly over the head of Toure, who had been superb all night and as slow as he was to turn, Moreno as the manager acknowledged in his post-match interview, was out of position allowing Denis Suarez to roll the ball unsolicited across the face of goal for substitute Adrian Lopez to tap home.

It’s far from over, but it could and should have been so much better.

Man of the match: Kolo Toure – found wanting for the goal, but if Moreno hadn’t wandered up field the potential for a chance would have been snuffed out.  His positional play was exceptional and up until the goal Liverpool hadn’t missed a beat defensively.

Moreno instantly threw away all his recent good work.  With the match petering out into a draw he vacated his position to leave Suarez unaccompanied.  Criminal defending and one wonders whether his attacking nature is a part of his game we’ll just have to accept.

What was the point of playing two full-backs so high up the pitch to deliver balls into the box for a non-existent goal threat?

Daniel Sturridge’s absence suggested a smash ‘n’ grab mind set from Klopp and the refusal to bring on his premier striker gives one the feeling that he sees him as a luxury player and not to be trusted in the heat of battle.

Nathaniel Clyne’s final ball is too often found wanting.  He fails to pick out either a final pass or deliver a quality cross and while he has the pace to subdue opposing threats, Liverpool formation depends on him as a creative outlet on the right and for the amount of crosses he sends in he appears not to lift his head to find a target.  Disappointing.

Early days, but Jordon Ibe is too predictable and must learn to go on the outside of the defenders, particularly if he’s playing on the left.  He did so once and had some success.

The Villarreal fans just as Borussia Dortmund’s fans had before them showed a touch of class unveiling a banner which said ‘96 You Will Never Walk Alone’.  In an emotional week which saw the conclusion to the inquest of the Hillsborough Disaster in which the 96 Liverpool fans were unlawfully killed, it was a beautiful moment.  YNWA.

Liverpool 2 Newcastle 2: Liverpool see winning position slip through the hands of Simon Mignolet

We can talk about a tale of two halves, but in this case it wasn’t.  That would be to simplistic.  Newcastle gained parity with barely three or so chances.

There are always deciding factors that swing matches and in this game there was one, Simon Mignolet.  Liverpool two-nil up from superb strikes from Sturridge and Lallana, Newcastle showing a bit of fight without looking threatening were suddenly back in the game.  As he so often has been Simon  Mignolet was the culprit.

His only remedy for the cross in middle of his goalmouth is to punch and to the back post to paw the ball away at full stretch.  At full stretch he missed his touch leaving Papiss Demba Cissé to head in unopposed.

Sitting in the ground there was not disbelief because we have seen it before, but anger that for a match which we had under cruise control the momentum was thrown away.  Newcastle, managed by Rafael Benitez (given a warm welcome) and fighting for their very survival needed very little invitation to step up.

Sitting behind Mignolet in the Kop one can testify to his lack of command and failure to express himself vocally.  To my way of thinking he is a clown, possibly the least effective goal keeper at Anfield in the last 30 years. David James had his foibles, but at least he was vocal.  Jerzy Dudek could be clumsy, but at least he would still try to claim the ball.

Mignolet’s fault position is to stay on his line instead of being alert for through ball and his kicking is atrocious.  Just one game from Danny Ward made one realise how woeful Mignolet’s distribution is.  His kicking whether out of hand or on the ground is poor lacking distance and direction.  It often ends up with hoots of derision or groans from the Kop.

Any top class team cannot hope to win leagues with a liability in goal and make no mistake Mignolet is that and more.  Jurgen Klopp is known for his strong decision making and one has to believe that his first decision in pre-season, if it hasn’t been made already will be to jettison the Belgian number two.

It was shame because Liverpool totally bossed the first-half with Joe Allen continuing his good form and Alberto Moreno looking very solid defensively.

Daniel Sturridge strike was superb from distance. Fed by a lovely looping ball by Moreno the inform striker collected the ball from a chest trap, turned and hit a crisp angled drive into the corner of the net from 20 yards after barely a minute. Sturridge is not just a predator, he is a scorer of great goals as I have often said.

I believe that the future forward line may well comprise of Sturridge and Origi and with the progression of Origi could well be a lethal cocktail.

Lallana like Liverpool was purring and looking supreme.  We were soon two up.  Picking up Moreno’s square pass he utilised the time and space afforded him before curling a beautifully struck effort left-footed shot into the top corner of the net. Majestic and just the remedy with the ground buzzing amid the news of Mamadou Sakho’s failed drug test.

Little did we know that after our brilliant destruction of Everton mid-week and such a dominate first-half that the inconsistencies of this season would again be laid bare. It may seem harsh to blame Mignolet for Newcastle’s second, but these are saves that David de Gea and Hugo Lloris pull off as a matter of course – the change of direction to pull of an almost impossible save.

He knew, we knew and I suggest Jurgen Klopp knew it.  The Kop were vitriolic in their criticism and even more so over the second goal.

Whether the capitulation is something leftover from the Brendan Rodgers era is hard to fathom, but one sensed it at two-one and even after Newcastle drew level and even after regaining dominance in possession it was apparent that the lifeblood had been sucked out of Liverpool.

Disappointing to say the least. But I would suggest that even with a recently signed five year contract there is no hiding place for Mignolet.

Man of the Match: Alberto Moreno – Solid in defence and showed the maturity in performance that we have been craving.  He has now overtaken Coutinho in assists which is some going for a full-back which reflects the progress he has made in recent weeks.  Like Liverpool needs to find a consistent level of performance.

The soft  underbelly reared its ugly head again in our fallibility under pressure to throw away leads.  Whether it hints at mental degradation or  an inability to cope with pressure from a winning position it’s something Klopp needs to work on over the  pre-season.

Simon Mignolet - I have said all along that a five-year contract would not be the measuring stick which decides his future as he is obviously not a top-class keeper.  These days £50 million is the going rate for a top keeper and we cannot afford  yet another retrograde step in the transfer market because his mistakes must have a demoralising effect.

Liverpool should have been awarded a penalty when Sturridge was upended in the area, but the very average Andre Marriner saw differently.

Liverpool 4 Everton 0: Liverpool inflict humiliation on Everton, but may loose Origi after horrific tackle

If we had come away with a ten-nil victory tonight Everton would have been flattered.  They were summarily thrashed and the frustration manifested itself in a malicious tackle from Mori on Origi.  In old fashioned parlance Mori would have been described as having ‘done him’.

The immediate reaction was it took the gloss of a fantastic performance where we dominated in every area. Jurgen Klopp stated  “… it was just a twisted ankle’, although rumours seeping out suggest it could be a season ender.

It’s a wonder it took 43 minutes to get the breakthrough as Liverpool were cutting through at will and running rings round for the likes of McCarthy and Stones who was made to look like a probationer.

Oviedo under pressure sliced his clearance to Coutinho who sent through Lallana only for the boyhood Evertonian’s shot to be blocked by keeper Robles.

Everton came close with Lakaku picking up a loose ball after Sakho’s failed interception to shoot just over.

There was some spicy tackles going in and Lallana mowed down Barkley without seeing yellow.  Sakho as he has recently produced a tremendous last ditch tackle on Lakaku as the Belgian looked odds on to score after powering into the area.

Lallana again came close meeting the overlapping Clyne’s cross with a thumping header past the post.  Lallana involved in everything was then brought down outside the area. Coutinho, in attempt to deceive the keeper whipped his shot just past the far post.

Liverpool were so dominant they could well have already closed the game out.  Firmino storming into the area after a long ball from Lucas saw his shot well saved by Robles getting down well.

After so much possession it appeared Everton would get away with not conceding before half-time.  Not a bit of it.  Mr Creativity, Milner on the right produced an inch perfect cross for the inform Origi to latch onto and power home a brilliant header.  Once again he’s led the line with distinction and it was goal he deserved.

Two minutes later another Milner cross from the byline was decisively headed home by Sakho standing alone in the front of the goalmouth.  Two in three for the big man.

Five minutes into the second half and we had that tackle from Mori which left Liverpool with one recognised striker (even if Jurgen Klopp says Firmino is a striker and not a False nine).  If he is out for the rest of the season, Liverpool will miss his all round play, his physicality and his ability to stretch the play.

Daniel Sturridge didn’t have to wait long to get on the score sheet.  Stones with confidence levels now underground, saw his misplaced pass fall to Lucas.  He threaded his pass into the path of Sturridge who clinically stroked the ball past Robles for his fiftieth league goal for Liverpool in just 87 games, only Albert Stubbins (77 games), Roger Hunt (79) and Fernando Torres (84).  King Kenny did it 99 games if you were wondering.

Everton were embarrassing. Continually losing the ball in and around their own area leaving Liverpool time to have pot shots at will.  Lallana will kick himself for not bagging a hat-trick with chances and glorious chances at that going begging.

Coutinho added more gloss on the performance.  Picking up the ball on the edge of the area he sent in his now trade mark curling finish into the bottom right corner.

Liverpool were in cruise mode for the next 25 minutes plus with ole’s ringing around the ground.  The atmosphere round the ground was tremendous as one would like and expect at Anfield at all times. The crowd took up the challenge from the away fans out shouting and out humouring them.

There have been performances this season away at Chelsea, Man City and the uplifting Europa tie against Dortmund and now thrashing Everton which makes one believe that with right additions in pre-season we will be a force next season.

The lost three points against Southampton now takes on huge significance with the run we are currently on and the battle for a European place through the League.

Man of the match: James Milner – another excellent performance from the England man who is leading by example in the absence of Henderson and as the most experience player on hand in the first eleven.  He is delivering quality football between the lines and especially in the final third and is covering almost every blade of grass.

Mamadou Sakho was excellent and had Lakaku in his back pocket.  I watched him embrace Lovren at the end after recording a clean sheet and keeping the big Belgian quiet and they are building an obvious bond at the back.

Huge concern over the loss of Origi and one can only hope that the rumours of an end of season injury are just that… rumours.

Bournmeouth 1 Liverpool 2: Liverpool continue winning run

Ten changes from the Dortmund starting line-up and interestingly Danny Ward gaining a first League start after his impressive performances on loan to Aberdeen.

In a very attacking line-up we started with two out and out wingers in Ibe and Ojo and youngsters Randall and Smith coming in to fill the full-back positions. Stewart return to the fold for the injured Emre Can possibly out for the season.

In the absence of Henderson (injured) and Milner (sub) Lucas Leiva took the captain’s armband at centre-back alongside Kolo Toure.

Bournemouth showed their respect for the 96 with a floral wreath carried onto the field by the two captains which said simply “Bournemouth remembers the 96.’

Like Borussia Dortmund, Bournemouth exude class.

Two minutes in, Sturridge fastened onto a defensive pass deflected off Firmino shooting straight at keeper Boruc.

Liverpool as is the standard pressed high closing down the Bournemouth defence.  The home side to their credit isolated Lucas with the speedy King using his pace to pressurise the Brazilian.

Ojo, who shone once again, picked the ball on the right, cut in past the left-left before showing tremendous balance to go outside the covering defending before seeing his shot blocked. Randall following in saw his shot pawed away by Boruc.  Bournemouth were struggling to settle into the game against the speed and pressing of Liverpool starving them of any room to build up from the back.

Ward started the game confidently kicking well out of hand and on the ground and picking off a whipped cross in mid-flight.

Both Ibe and Ojo looked threatening from the get go. Pacey and incisive they released the ball at the right time and both were not restricted by staying out on the touchline.  Ojo, in particular barely wasted a ball.

But it was Ibe of the two who made more of a direct impact.  Four minutes from half-time, Ibe who has been inconsistent for much of the season collected a ball on the left from Ojo who drifted from right to centre of the pitch.  Ibe went on the outside before threading a ball through to Sturridge with his back to goal, who controlled with two touches before instinctively back heeling powerfully for Boruc to pull off a diving save. Firmino, hovering like the striker his manager says he is, prodded home from 3 yards.

Sturridge looking sharper by the week started his 4th consecutive league game for the first time since April 2014 shot over from 25 yards.

The England forward would not be denied.  Leaping to connect to Jordon Ibe’s excellent dead-ball delivery from the left, he headed into the corner of the net.

Three minutes into the second-half we should have been home and hosed.  Boruc spilled a corner and Firmino from the centre of the area turned and volleyed wide.

Joe Allen was catching the eye intercepting on numerous occasions and showing steely determination in the tackle.  Without Can, he moved the ball forward with excellent short passing and little shuttle runs to take the ball out of defensive areas.

He played a delightful through ball to send Sturridge through only for the striker to see his dink clip the outside of the post.

Stewart, caught a couple of times in possession, did a tremendous amount of sweeping up in front of the back and in between the centre-halfs.

King at the other end of the pitch continued to give Lucas a torrid afternoon continually beating him for pace.

Francis excellent cross from the right was met powerfully by Lewis Grabban from the centre of the area with Ward saving well low down to his left.

Sturridge with seven minutes remaining ran on to Adam Lallana’s (on for Ibe) pass, controlled the ball at the edge of the area before turning the defender inside the box and unleashing a tremendous drive which crashed against the upright.  The striker ravenously hungry for what would have been his 50th goal for Liverpool again linked up with Lallana before turning this time on his right to fire just over.

Three minutes into injury time Bournemouth stuck.  Joushua King finally turned Lucas in a central area before smashing home a ferocious shot to leave Ward with no chance.
With added time almost at an end, Steve Cook rose majestically in the box to meet Marc Pugh’s cross and almost inflicted a Dejan Lovren style finish to Liverpool.

The victory showed that Liverpool have strength in depth, beating a very good Bournemouth team having made ten changes and playing a debuting goalkeeper.  It also shows just how much winning can have a positive affect through a club.

Excellent victory for a scratch side who have never played together in a top class game.

Man of the match: Joe Allen – excellent from start to finish playing as if he was the captain elect rather than making only his fifth start of the season.  Led from front inspiring a team full of inexperience, tackling and intercepting at one end and delivering key passes and through balls at the other.  If Joe keeps on like this in the remaining games it may well gain him a new contract as with the absence of the injured Henderson and Can his influence on the team is paramount.  His game offers the creative elements that both Lucas and Stewart do not possess in midfield and only the inexperience duo Brannagan and  Perdo Chirivella of those available have anything like that ability in their lockers (will be interesting to see whether they get some game time in the remaining games in a bid to ensure cover).

Both Ibe and Ojo showed excellent ability on the ball.  Ibe, as he hasn’t done so much this season was confident and controlled on the ball, involved in both goals showed good awareness for the first in spotting Sturridge and the second in his superb delivery for the striker to head home.

Ojo is excellent running with wonderful ball and looks to go both ways.  One run in which he went inside and then outside taking out two defender before seeing his shot blocked was thrilling.

Daniel Sturridge on another day could have a hat-trick or even four goals. But it was great to see him looking sharp in the last third and enjoying his play.  This is a player after all who did not have a pre-season, but now looks to be flourishing – let’s hope it a continues.

Randall held his own and Smith as he has on occasions looks more of a defender than Moreno and possesses quality in the final third.

Onwards and upwards.

Liverpool 4 Borussia Dortmund 3: Liverpool win 5-4 on aggregrate on one of those crazy European nights at Anfield

It was one of the nights to be a Liverpool fan/supporter.  Proud as punch that the minutes silence to commemorate the 27th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster was held in complete silence by both sets of supporters (not that we’d expect anything less) and then a stunning rendition of YNWA sung once again with fervent passion by both sets of supporters and continued long after the the music had stopped.

I was surprised at the omission of Allen and Sturridge, expecting the later to start upfront with Origi as they had ended so positively against Stoke. But, then our indefatigable manager isn’t going to give two hoots what I think.

There were early warning signs as Aubameyang curled his shot past the upright.

Nine minutes in and we were two down with Dortmund looking formidable breaking from deep.  Speed, technique and precission.  Weigl controlling the tempo and flow with grace and Emre Can left seemingly alone in the centre of midfield to stem the procession.

Bad defending it may have been, but Dortmund were all class.  Henrikh Mkhitaryan struck first and then Patrick Aubameyang emphatically striking into the top corner at full stretch after running away from last man Sakho.

Looking to the left and the right of me the feeling of hope seemed to evapotate in unison.

To the right of me there was Jawaid, critical in the extreme of our inability to keep the ball and David, just silent, head in hands. To the left, there was Karl slamming Firmino and pleading with Klopp to take him off.  Arjun, Harj and Dogus looked pensive.

But just then I looked down at my phone to see a WhatsApp message from Mo, it read simply “Remember Istanbul.  Don’t give up” (message sent at 20:17).

Dortmund could and should have been out of sight.  There were chances missed and last ditched tackles at the ready.

Divock Origi doesn’t just lead the line, he is  the genuine article.  There was was an attempted flick on goal from a wonderful James Milner run and cross down the right and a header past the post.  There was an embarrassing spin and air shot from Adam Lallana for which I swear I heard the comment “Uber for Lalllana,” from behind me.

We made it to half-time with no further damage.

The players rolled out for the second-half and Jurgen Klopp was still not listening to me.  No changes, no Sturridge and no Allen.

It was a damage limitation exercise as far as I was concerned.  But this is Liverpool where we dream and dream big and hope was somehow springs eternal.

Liverpool was still trying and 3 minutes into the second-half Emre Can strived forward to play an inch perfect through ball in the knowledge that Origi’s BMW like acceleration would take him away from Hummels to slot home.

Ten minutes later the hope turned to despair as Hummels coming forward looking for retribution, played a sublime through ball inside Clyne and the out of position Lovren into the stride path of Reus to stroke home a curling shot past Mignolet.

To all the world it felt like one step forward and two steps back with Dortmund possessing the ability to go through the gears at will.

Then the turning point. With just under 30 minutes to go Joe Allen came on for the ineffective Firmino and Daniel Sturridge replaced the equally subdued Lallana.

Within three minutes we were firmly on the front foot.  Joe Allen shot high over and Sturridge snagged a shot wide, but it showed intention.

A minute later that intention turned into a goal.

Coutinho finding space just outside the area, bent his shot around the defender and into the corner of the net past Weidenfeller.

We hoped, but I doubt whether any of us truly believed as I clipped David in the back of head for his non-celebration.

Suddenly, Dortmund were no longer their free flowing selves with the winning post firmly in sight as with so many teams in that position they began to retreat and become more inhibited.

And then belief.

Cometh the hour cometh Sakho.  After yet another shanked corner from Milner, who otherwise had a tremendous game, Sturridge missed a back heel flick on which broke the concentration of the defenders allowing Sakho to stoop low and head in the equaliser on the night.  Boom!

Twenty-three minutes to go and with Kagawa and Reus now off for Ginter and Ramos there was less accent on the offensive (even with Gundogan on the pitch).

My mind drifted back to the annuals of Anfield history. We needed someone to pick up the Gerrard mantle as against Olympiakos.

Then it came. One minute into injury time. The ball worked from a free-kick into the feet Sturridge who subtlely flicked the ball inside the defender for Milner bursting to the byline who stood up a cross to the back post.  Lovren, doing a serious impression of Michael Jordan’s ‘hang time’ hovered in the air for what seemed like an eternity before powering his header inside the post.

The Roxy (the home of Liverpool’s London Supporters Club for watching games with a cinema sized screen) where we watched the game exploded, the noise, the bedlam could only be second to being at the end the game.

Dortmund had one last chance with the last kick of the game, which substitute Gundogan curled just wide.

Man of the match:  Divock Origi once again led the line like a Trojan, superb control and held the ball up like a veteran. His goal inspired hope and made the much heralded Hummels quiver every time he raised a gallop.

He was closely followed by James Milner who was everywhere and anywhere and whose final cross for Lovren’s winner had quality written all over it.

Liverpool 4 Stoke 1: Much changed Liverpool cruise past Stoke

With the second leg against Borussia Dortmund four days away, Jurgen Klopp made seven changes from the team which so manfully drew the first leg.  Among the starters were Daniel Sturridge, Kolo Toure, Martin Skrtel, Joe Allen, Sheyi Ojo (his first Premier League start), Roberto Firmino and returning from injury Kevin Stewart, another enjoying his first League start

With the loss of Jordan Henderson possibly to the seasons end, we welcomed back Lucas Leiva to the bench.

Liverpool pressed high from the start and for Oriji read Sturridge, supported by Firmino.  Eight minutes in and we were ahead. Milner rolled the ball into the path of Alberto Moreno from a free-kick and with very little pressure the left-back hit a swerving shot with the outside of boot past Haugaard from 25 yards for his first Premier League goal since December 2014.

Notable Joe Allen was already having some influence from the centre off the pitch both in a creative and physical sense.

Daniel Sturridge also started well looking to provide evidence that he too was more than capable of leading the line, particularly after his manager’s reported comments of his  place no longer a guaranteed certainty.

One move was proof positive of Sturridge mood. Defending on the edge of his area he hooked the ball over his right shoulder to Firmino and showed a turn of pace to run almost the length of the pitch for a return, only to see the ball played behind him.

The control Liverpool had on the game was thrown away by the usual benign defending from dead balls situations.  Shaqiri’s superbly delivered ball into the middle of the Liverpool area, only for Liverpool’s defence melt away allowing Bojan to race in unchallenged and head beyond Mignolet.  Woefully disappointing and it doesn’t seem to matter which combination of central defenders we have on patrol.

The inability to deal with the aerial threat almost cost us dear from open play, as Crouch headed home Peiters’ superb diagonal cross only to have it wiped for outside.

On the break the ball was fed through to Sturridge in a central position, with very little back-lift he struck a sizzling 25 yard-drive past the past the post.

Sturridge was warming to the task.

Ojo who had erstwhile struggled to get in the game on the right side, had immediate success on the left.  The winger skipped past Shaqiri covering on the right before delivering a inch perfect cross for Sturridge to nod home on the far post.

Liverpool were in cruise mode, but once again our achilles heel almost halted progress as Shawcross headed wide from another Shaqiri free-kick.  Imbula, then stung the hands of Mignolet with a shot from 20 yards before half-time.

Ojo after his promising first-half performance was replaced by Origi at half-time and within five minutes of the break the substitute on the crest of wave after his Dortmund performance struck.  Fastening on to Milner’s whipped cross Origi completely unmarked in the six-yard box headed home.

Firmino almost inadvertently scored after Pieters’ clearance rebounded off him and onto the roof of the net with Haugaard scrambling back.  Mignolet then saved superbly from Cameron’s looping header pushing it over the bar.

Liverpool were completely on top.  Sturridge found Moreno on the overlap with an intricate back heel for the left-back to whip in a cross only for Origi to inexplicably slide his finish wide of the target.

Stoke was still showing ambition. Origi soon extinguished any remaining desires.

Picking up the ball wide of the left Origi sliced past right-back Bardsley, before curling a cross/shot into the bottom corner.  Cross or shot it was stunning and a fitting winner.

Man of the match: Joe Allen – was superb controlling the play from the middle of the park and supporting the attack.  Displayed enough physical presence to assert pressure in the central areas and looked displeased when hooked.

Sheyi Ojo with just one piece of brilliance in the making of Sturridge’s goal had fan’s salivating for more.

Origi’s two goals were excellent, but of more intrigue was his pairing up with Sturridge who looked more lethal with another striker to work next to.   Interesting to hear pre-match comments from Klopp who hinted at being able to use them as pairing in the future.

Liverpool are now back in the race for a Europa place.

Borussia Dortmund 1 Liverpool 1: Divock Origi steps up for crucial away goal

The pressure was on from the moment the draw was made with ‘The Normal One’s homecoming to face Borussia Dortmund’s formidable yellow wall of sound.  How would they treat the returning hero…?  Like the champion who dragged them from 13th upon his arrival in 2008 to win five domestic trophies in seven seasons and a Champions League final in 2013?  There was never a doubt.

The special nature of the game and the bond between the clubs was seen and felt with both sets of supporters belting out a rousing joint rendition of YNWA.  Pure class, something that can never be bought in Manchester or West London.  The atmosphere was phenomenally electric.

By the way both supporters have come together to appeal against high ticket prices.

The rumour leading up to the game was bourn out with announcement of the team.  Sturridge on the bench and Origi starting which pointed at Klopp imposing his pressing game with Divock Origi billed as the chief protagonist from the front.

Make no mistake this was a difficult task and most observers expected us to be on the end of the a severe beating with Dortmund having moved on from the pressure based pressing game under Klopp to more of a possession orientated game to one of a more clinical nature based around the attacking talents of Aubameyang, Reus and Mkhitaryan.

That fact that African player of the Aubameyang year was replaced with almost 25 minutes to go spoke volumes of the way the players implemented Klopp’s plans to a tee.

While there were standout performers led by Sakho and  Origi justifying his selection with an excellent all-round display, the defensive cohesion was from attack to defence and reminded one of Atletico Madrid.

We surrendered the ball willingly, knowing with Origi’s pace upfront  and the incision in behind of Coutinho and Lallana there in lay the ability to turn defence into attack with quick transitional play.

Dortmund finding less space than were used to at home, waited past the quarter hour before breaching the Liverpool defence, only for a seemingly nailed on goal from ex-Liverpool target Mkhitaryan to be thwarted at the last from a brilliant last ditch tackle at full stretch by Sakho.

Almost immediately, Lovren on the end of Milner’s free-kick headed the ball down in the ground and into the arms of Weidenfeller when  either side of the keeper would’ve done the trick.

While Mkhitaryan looked impressive with the ball at his feet , buying a yard and committing the defence, the support given by Henderson,  Milner and Can ensured space was at the premium for the erstwhile lethal Aubameyang.

When the goal finally came it was no surprise that it came our way even against the run of play.   Moreno played a delightful chip inside to Milner who got up well flicking the ball into the path of Origi,  The striker controlled the ball before powerfully holding off Piszczek and seeing his shot deflect of the defender and beyond the reach of Weidenfeller.

As the half came to a close Origi had the chance to close the game out after being put through by a lovely weighted ball by Moreno, but could only clip the ball against the chest of the onrushing keeper.

If the door was slightly ajar on Benteke’s remaining at Anfield, Origi first-half performance slammed the door firmly shut  on any remnants of career at Liverpool.  It was type of performance that manager and fans alike have been crying out for from the former Villa striker.

Three minutes into the second half and Dortmund were level.  The corner was worked to Mkhitaryan who produced a fast flat delivery with purpose into the box to inexplicably find the very impressive Mats Hammels at the top of his run to power home from close range with Adam Lallana left alone to defend against the rampaging German.

Given the way we’d defended, the lack of discipline in not picking up Hummels was disappointing.  The finger may well be pointed at Sakho for giving away the ball way, which led to the corner, but Dortmund had a lot to do from that point and there no pressure on the cross let alone the Hummels.

To our credit we stepped up and but for Weidenfeller could have retaken the lead.  The superlative Origi motored down the left before finding Allen on his inside.  The diminutive midfielder flicked the ball to Lallana who in turn found Coutinho with a back heel.  Coutinho’s right foot shot from the centre of the area was almost past Weidenfeller before the keeper pulled off a miraculous save to palm the ball away and it didn’t end there as the ball stayed in play.

The recycled ball it found it way to Clyne who unleashed a long range drive only for Weidenfeller again to push away and in the same passage of play Coutinho driven shot was parried to safety by the keeper.

Sixty-three percent possession shows just how much ball Dortmund had, but where Liverpool delivered was in clear cut chances and as well as Origi played, he will be disappointed not to have taken his one on one opportunity before half-time.  Just as Lovren will know his header from 6 yards was a glaring chanced missed.

That said, to come out of game against a quality side having more than held our own is a huge positive to take back to Anfield for the second leg.

Man of the Match: Divock Origi – Led the line manfully, stretching the play with his pace and using his physicality to provide a problem to the Dortmund backline.  Offered himself as the outlet ball, often control balls and driving into the channels or out wide waiting for support.  He also gave the defence a breather with the incessant attacks from Dortmund.  He deserved his goal having controlled the ball, committed the defender before shooting home and could have had another.

He was closely followed Sakho, who time again intercepted or put his body on the line to block shots as did his centre-back partner Lovren.  It was disappointing that neither got to Hummels in time, but forgiveable given the lethal nature of Dortmund’s attack around the box.

It was a masterful coaching display by Klopp who stymied the much vaunted attaching trio, but also didn’t just leave his team to defend for 90 minutes.  Choosing their moments to counter-attack on another day could quite easily have come away with the spoils.

The second leg will be a titanic battle with Liverpool slight favourites because of the away goal.  Of interest is whether Daniel Sturridge starts against Stoke on Sunday or on Thursday or in both matches?

Whoever starts, let’s hope its one of those famous Anfield nights.

Title contenders Spurs held to draw versus determined Liverpool

Liverpool 1 (Coutinho) Tottenham Hotspur 1 (Kane)

Blog by dedlfc (David Douglas)

Pregame Thoughts: Prior to the game there were some very interesting comments from our manager Klopp that sometimes pressing is about the appearance of pressing and coaxing the opposition into anticipating a press that doesn't come. Three changes from our team vs Southampton with Firmino again out with a hamstring injury, Moreno, Henderson and Milner brought back in.

Two smart clearances from Dejan early on were a catalyst to the frenetic game.

Wonderful utilization of wide areas from the Tottenham fullbacks to present a shot for Eriksen which is straight at Migs, that was an early warning shot.

Wonderful shape in this game with both sides playing the pressing game forcing smart possessional play by both back lines. Tottenham having the better of it with our boys being sloppy in possession, but Milner almost got his shot off for a stellar chance on goal.

Three minutes of mayhem and madness from Mignolet sees him involved in a mix up with Clyne for a complicated clearance, then a terrible clearance from a pass back, then he's involved in a mix up with Lovren for a nearly disastrous clearance. 

Moreno forces a sharp save down low to Lloris' right.

Coutinho given a yellow card for diving after he does wonderfully well to nip the ball off Eriksen in midfield and gets chopped down by the Spurs CB on the subsequent break. 

Coutinho booked for diving

Kane on a break with a far post daisy cutter curls wide of Mignolet's far post.

End to end stuff, Lallana ball in evades both Studge and Milner. He has been in an excellent spate of form in recent weeks for both club and country.

Sloppy pass from Can, almost sets up a chance for Spurs, but Hendo cleans up. 

Our number one striker Sturridge misses a great chance with him hitting a one on one straight at the keeper Lloris – no finesse or invention to trick the keeper – very disappointing failure to convert that great chance!!!

Sturridge shocked at missing the one v one vs Lloris (Spurs)

Lallana with a turn and shot well saved by a fully stretched Lloris. Subsequent break by Spuds gives Kane a chance and Dejan Lovren once again with an important intervention. Lovren has saved Sakho a couple of times in the first half.

The brilliant Lloris again comes to Spurs rescue. Lallana bangs his spinning half volley on the ground to loop one goal bound, but Lloris miraculously uses his agility with his arms and decides he's not letting it in.

Kane really giving the exceptionally poor Sakho the total runaround, his willingness to work out wide parting the Reds down the middle like he was Moses the lawgiver!!!

Half-time Thoughts: We again had chances to bury Spurs title chances but again our inability to score has meant we go into a game at halftime 0-0.

***GOAL*** Coutinho 51' Excellent link up play between Studge and Coutinho, with an excellent unselfish off the ball run by Lallana freeing up space for our brilliant Brazilian magician to calmly slot home to Lloris' left with his right foot. That'll do lads.

Coutinho celebrates his goal vs Spurs

Henderson's and his midfield intervention and feed forward highlights an all around robust performance from the man. He seems to have taken the mantle of the more defensive of the double pivot, which has the double bonus of simplifying things for Can.

Bit too over stretched out on that header from Sturridge. Great crossfield delivery from our little Brazilian magician Coutinho deserved a goal but not this time !!!

A lovely chip from Dier, taken out of the air and towards goal by Son. Wide, but woulda been one helluva equalizer. Spurs are looking increasingly threatening.

***GOAL*** Kane 53' Worthy equalizer produced by Spurs. Excellent little flick from Eriksen keeps the ball in and feeds Kane in one. Feeding Kane is a good idea, as the English striker shows by turning and putting it out of Mignolet's reach into the far corner of the net. Game on. Lovren should and could have done better defensively – his first mistake of the game but it has cost us severely!!!

Kane gets the equaliser vs Liverpool

Kane involved again to give Eriksen a chance that Mignolet spots through Sakho's legs and does well to stop and push wide for a corner – Credit where its due for a very good save by Mignolet !!

We are a bit deflated after that equalizer – think Klopp needs to make a change to freshen us up a bit.

There goes that magician again! Coutinho bamboozling Walker on the left and earning a corner that Milner puts in a decent area only for Lloris to be first to the ball. 

Origi on for Studge. Studge for the umpteenth time since returning from injury looks not too happy about being taken off – what I would suggest to our number one striker is to put the ball in the back of the net when the chances come along and stop moaning when you haven’t worked hard enough for the side – he has played today like he is either carrying an injury or is scared of getting injured. He really needs to do better.

Eriksen with a pacy break and excellent ball to find Chadli in space, but Henderson once again shows that he's prepared for the defensive workload today, and slides in to force a corner. A corner that Mignolet impotently flaps in the air for and misses, but mercifully the ball goes beyond everyone.

Kane's guile in going from wide areas in continues to give Liverpool's backline headaches. For a guy with regrettable athleticism, he really utilizes and manipulates space in his favor so well.

Lallana doesn't quite break Danny Rose's right ankle from behind, but it was a solid effort.

Little Joe Allen on for Lallana causes havoc with his pressing around the Spurs' box which provides a chance for Coutinho, but the Brazilian's cut inside goes wide. 

Christian Eriksen's sterling game continues with a dangerous free kick that goes just wide.

Holy late heroics surprisingly by Mignolet. Great strike from Dembele pushed wide for a corner that Alderweireld heads off target.

Moreno switched on rather than his normal ball watching in a dangerous Spurs attack inside our box. Good defending to stop that cross.

Game ends on a late Spurs corner kick that goes nowhere. Phew!

Man of the match – Coutinho – our Brazilian magician keeps producing the goods, he needs more support from his team mates and next season you never know where this will take us – if Leicester can challenge after just avoiding relegation last season why can’t we challenge next season!!!

Philippe Coutinho v Spurs 33 passes 5 chances created 5 shots 1 goal 2/2 take-ons 5/8 tackles - Excellent stats for our best player.

Full-time analysis

It was a fair result we created the better chances in the first half – title contenders Spurs dominated the chances and possession in the second half – Coutinho was outstanding throughout ably supported by Lallana – we are missing the goal threat and skill of Firmino and also need our main striker to get back his goalscoring touch. On another day we would have won this game comfortably.

Spurs look like a well functioning unit with their pressing game giving our defence kittens and our midfield consisting of Can, Henderson and Milner struggling to contain the midfield control of Dembele, Dier, Alli and Eriksen. Dembele was excellent throughout and is a very under rated midfielder especially when Alli has been getting all the plaudits. 

Leicester now have a great chance on Sunday to move seven points clear if they beat Southampton at home.

Liverpool: Mignolet, Clyne, Lovren, Sakho, Moreno, Henderson, Can, Milner (Ibe 90), Lallana (Allen 82), Coutinho, Sturridge (Origi 72).

Subs Not Used: Toure, Skrtel, Smith, Ward.

Booked: Coutinho, Can.

Tottenham Hotspur: Lloris, Walker, Alderweireld, Wimmer, Rose, Dier, Dembele, Son (Chadli 66), Alli (Mason 88), Eriksen, Kane.

Subs Not Used: Vorm, Trippier, Onomah, Carroll, Davies.

Ref: Jon Moss (W Yorkshire).

Our manager Klopp’s comments:-

When asked about the Coutinho dive which resulted in a yellow card 'I don't want to answer this question. I am not long enough in this country to know what I can say and what I can't say. It is a good rule that I have to wait half an hour after the game before I can talk to the referee if I want to.'

Then, clearly taking Coutinho's side, he added: 'He is in a full sprint and he falls, if he doesn't want to give a free kick, we have to accept it. But it is two decisions, not a free kick [and a booking]. But you are experienced enough to write what you think.'

TV replays indicated the midfielder's fall had been exaggerated.

Coutinho recovered to score a brilliant opening goal and was hailed by Reds legend Jamie Carragher afterwards as one of the best players in the Premier League.

Klopp concurred: 'He is a genius player. It is about his talent and potential.'