Liverpool Echo LFC Jury-10-18-22

This excerpt is from the first installment of the season-long LFC Jury with the Liverpool Echo. It appeared on October 18th, 2022.

What a win against City! It was the sort of performance we’ve come to expect from Liverpool, but haven’t seen all season: gritty, determined, confident. I’ll be honest, my pre-match predictions weren’t all that rosy. The team sheet gave me pause and the club’s form to this point has left much to be desired.

Klopp’s tactical shift moved Mo closer to the centre forward channel and pushed the defence’s usual high line further into our defensive half. Both of these adjustments gave Liverpool much more space to attack when in transition, something that’s been lacking much of the season.

Wednesday evening brings West Ham to Anfield. They too have started the season slowly. The hope is that Liverpool can build on the momentum from Sunday. I expect all three points. With matches coming thick and fast until the World Cup break, we’re going to need to go into the six-week pause on a high.

I’d like to see Klopp continue with the double pivot, move Mo further away from the touchline, and not rely as heavily on the high press. Those adjustments proved vital in the match against City and could pay dividends in both Europe and the Premier League.