Build Back Better, Anfield Style
Outside of Anfield’s western corner, fans visit food shops in the build up to the December 28th, 2019 match v Wolves. Kop End in the background.
It was imperious and near total domination. And far better than what we’ve seen since the start of the season.
Fans, like myself, looking for a response, saw one. The Mighty Reds looked to have done a complete 180 from the performance against Brighton—and much of the rest of the season as well. They were competent, confident, and all-conquering.
A tweak in the midfield, the double pivot with captain Jordan Henderson and Thiago playing the role of double sixes, gave the side a boost. It allowed for both wing backs to get involved while also inserting four dangerous Liverpool attackers up top. On paper the formation was a 4-2-3-1, but often came off as something more like a 4-2-4.
The defense had cover. Going forward there was energy, more intensity. Exactly what we expect to see.
Trent, my word, that free kick. Found his confidence. He was up and back. Defended well. Got into dangerous positions. And overall hit a stride we haven’t seen all season—except for maybe that missile against Bournemouth.
The whole squad gave the impression they’ve shrugged off the slump and are ready to take on the rest of the season at full throttle. Something they’ll certainly need in the next two league matches—at the Emirates, then at home to City. But let’s forget the return fixture at Ibrox next Wednesday. The club should view it as another opportunity to solidify the current shift in tactics.
But before we brush off the 2-0 win against Glasgow Rangers as a good performance against a subpar team, just remember the blue side of Glasgow were Europa League Finalists last season. Along the road to Sevilla, where they lost to a strong Frankfurt side, they beat four quality European clubs—Dortmund, Red Star Belgrade, Braga, and Leipzig (German Cup Champions last season). And by my count only four players from the final roster left in the off season. Rangers weren’t and aren’t push overs. Though, their Champions League group stage performances this season date could suggest they’re out of their depth in the competition.
Nevertheless, a single game does not a season make. And while we’re a bit more comfortable as fans, I don’t think any of us are where we want to be. We’ll want to see this take hold. Because anything less than a top four finish will be a total failure and that’s going to be a dog fight this season.
We go again, as fans like to see. Off to London…well, I’ll be watching from a bar in DC.
