The 12th man is crucial to high tempo Anfield performances…
Liverpool simply couldn’t recreate the tempo and intensity of our home victory over Villarreal, when Klopp selected the exact same XI as he did last night. That was partly because of a subdued crowd, who like most of the players on field, had half an eye on the Europa League Final in six days’ time. It’s clear that when Anfield is noisy and intimidating, it boosts teams managed by Klopp – with the manager putting so much emphasis on rapturous support. Of course, it works both ways and the side has to give the crowd something to get noisy about – which we rarely did bar a promising first 15. Hopefully the fact so few proper fans will be in Basel won’t have an impact.
Christian Benteke is a good striker in the wrong side…
Benteke’s goal:minute ratio for Liverpool is better in the Premier League than it was for Aston Villa. The Belgian has bagged nine goals, but only been given 13 top flight starts all season. Last night, he came on and stole us a point, making it 14 points in total that his goals this season have won us. That’s a mightily impressive stat. It’s no surprise that when balls are delivered aerially into the box Benteke becomes more of a threat. His last two goals, against Swansea and Chelsea, were headers from Sheyi Ojo crosses. Don’t be surprised if Benteke hits the ground running at a Premier League rival if Klopp decides to move him on in the summer.
Jurgen Klopp teams really, really, never, ever give up…
How many times have we stolen points in injury-time under Jurgen Klopp? Off the top of our heads, late, late goals got us wins or earned us draws against West Brom, Norwich, Crystal Palace, Borussia Dortmund and now Chelsea. When Klopp arrived he criticised fans for leaving early. Now, there’s no way any supporter would depart after 80 minutes as Liverpool have proven an ability to claw their way out of trouble on countless occasions this campaign.
Emre Can’s going to be the lynchpin of our midfield for years, but he’s not the finished article…
Emre Can was heralded as a world beater following his performance against Villarreal, and rightly so – it was jaw-dropping. But against Chelsea we saw that he has a long way to go. The German was bypassed in midfield and struggled to get his foot on the ball and make correct decisions, something that’s troubled him in the past. He’s still the first midfielder on the team-sheet, but we need a Villarreal performance and not a Chelsea one against Sevilla.
Sheyi Ojo is a rare teenager who backs up talent with end product…
In 370 minutes of football for Liverpool, Ojo’s registered four assists and bagged a goal. That’s pretty outstanding for an 18-year-old in his first full season as a professional. His cross last night resulted in Benteke’s equaliser and goes down as an assist, adding to his wonderful cross for Sturridge against Stoke, his corner for Benteke’s strike v Swansea and his closing down against Watford which led to Firmino’s goal. Ojo is a physically excellent naturally, and now can learn the intricacies of the game under Klopp. What’s certain is the talent is there in bundles, and we can’t wait to see him following a full pre-season.