Liverpool supporters flooded into the gates at Anfield on Sunday afternoon with high expectations and left fully satisfied, perhaps already dreaming of a first top-flight title in 28 years.
An emphatic 4-0 victory was the perfect way to begin that quest for glory. But it was the performance against West Ham rather than the scoreline that would’ve encouraged manager Jurgen Klopp.
It featured everything we’ve come to expect from a stellar Liverpool display. The pace in attack was frightening as the fearsome front three of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane picked up where they left off last season, leaving defenders tripping over themselves as they hurriedly retreated.
Klopp’s trademark ‘gegenpressing’ was executed with great effect as new signing Naby Keita impressed with an action-packed performance in which his closing down and driving runs shone through. The balance he helped bring to the midfield was apparent as the Reds blended surging attacks with composed spells of possession.
Big-money signing Alisson on the other hand had little to do between the sticks, while Joe Gomez partnered Virgil van Dijk in central defence as the back-line were largely faultless. The youngster’s assured display was testament to Liverpool’s strength in depth – something they’ve significantly improved over the summer which was reflected in the composition of their midfield, as well.
Fabinho was denied his competitive Liverpool debut as he remained an unused substituted, while James Milner and Georginio Wijnaldum joined Keita in the middle, both boasting impressive form. The Englishman’s work ethic and overall play was hardly curtailed by the thick bandage around his head, concealing 15 stitches. He was heavily involved in his side’s build-up play, leading the way for most passes (102) and key passes (3).
🍾Man of the Match, @LFC ‘s James Milner
— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) August 12, 2018
Most in match in all of these categories
122 touches
Completed 95/102 passes
3 chances created
7 crosses
12.55km distance covered pic.twitter.com/GcXM31PQqH
With Jordan Henderson missing as well, Wijnaldum played as the number six at the base of the midfield three and excelled in the role. As the Hammers retreated deeper and deeper into their own area, the Dutchman spread play beautifully, switching play quickly. He registered a 100-per-cent success rate with his nine long balls, speaking volumes of his ability to spread play and stretch the opposition’s defence.
All of these individual displays bodes well for Liverpool and is perhaps foremost among their credentials as title contenders. The competition for places is going to be fierce this season with the arrival of Switzerland winger Xherdan Shaqiri or the possibility of incorporating another man in midfield and going with two up top – as they did for a spell against West Ham – rendering even the starting berths of their attacking triumvirate uncertain.
Bring the likes of Adam Lallana and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain into the equation as well and you get the full picture. Klopp has a plethora of personnel and tactical options at his disposal and that’s the mark of title-winning team. He had little to call on when Salah had to go off injured in the Champions League final against Real Madrid last season. A shallow, albeit rich, talent pool will not be a drawback this term.
A summer splurge upwards of £170 million has thrust Liverpool into the spotlight with Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho predictably among those suggesting that they ‘must’ win trophies this season following such lavish spending. Despite the added pressure, the Reds will be confident of rising to the challenge.
The mood within the camp and among their passionate fan base was never better heading into a season than it was this summer. A convincing dismantling of West Ham in their opening fixture was most crucial in its role of carrying forward that pre-season hype into the start of the campaign. Given their slip-ups against lesser teams last season, this result also serves as a statement of intent from the Reds in their efforts to rectify that shortcoming.
Great start to the season. 👏👏#LIVWHU pic.twitter.com/XfxlHWmsF2
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 12, 2018
With clashes against Crystal Palace, Brighton and Leicester City to follow, this optimism could quickly turn into unwavering belief – the kind which translates into their players going into every game expecting to win and often snatching victory when they’re up against it.
Otherwise known as title-winning form.
