9/14/2025 at Turf Moor

The first international break has come and gone, and it was quite the eventful one for Liverpool. The Swedish forward from Newcastle finally made the switch over to Anfield. It was a long and grueling transfer saga that many had already given up on. At least for this window. But, the Reds finally got their wish, and it ended up costing a British record transfer fee of 125 million pounds.

However, with club football returning, Arne Slot had only one thing on his mind. Taking three points back home. And that he did, although, not in the way many would assume. Burnley, the newly promoted side, took it to the Reds, only allowing one goal. But, they couldn’t find the back of the net themselves. The game ended one to nil, with Slot and company having a sigh of relief. Liverpool have now taken the full twelve points available in their first four games, and sit atop the table.

The Reds played in their usual 4-2-3-1 formation as Hugo Ekitiké started at the helm, with Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo as the wingers. In the middle, Florian Wirtz maintains his position as the no. 10, and Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch resumed to their normal posts as the pivot. In the back, Milos Kerkez and Dominik Szoboszlai played fullback. And finally, Virgil Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté played as the center halves while Alisson Becker played in net.

Burnley on the other hand, set up in a very defensive formation – a 5-4-1. Lyle Foster started as their main man up top. In the middle, Jaidon Anthony played on the left, Lesley Ugochukwu and Josh Cullen played in the middle, and Loum Tchaouna played on the right. Quilindschy Hartman and Kyle Walker played as wingbacks, and Maxime Estève, Hjalmar Ekdal, and Josh Laurent played as the center halves. Finally, Martin Dúbravka stood between the posts.

This season and last, Liverpool have shown that they are a team that can guarantee you two goals almost every game. So against Burnley, I’m sure that all supporters alike expected them to make it rain. But, for the first 45 minutes, everything was at a standstill. Liverpool controlled possession, and led attack after attack. They played with an extremely high line, with Ibrahima Konaté stepping up to the 18-yard box on several occasions. But, when a team puts all 11 players in that box, it can be quite hard to breakthrough. The most notable moment in the first half, funny enough, came from the manager. Milos Kerkez was subbed in the 38th minute for the veteran, Andy Robertson. Kerkez had picked up a yellow card for diving, and Slot was not willing to take a chance on playing a man down. Especially since, Liverpool had shown no signs up to that point of taking full control of the game.

On top of this, Liverpool, although looking strong for the most part, showed signs of carelessness on Burnley’s few counter attacks. This lack of cohesion caused some concern for the Reds, but luckily, were able to clean things up as the second half began. Slot made one more substitution as well. Conor Bradley came on for Alexis Mac Allister. Thus, Szoboszlai was able to push into a more comfortable position in the midfield.

When the whistle blew, starting the second half, you could tell there was a different type of attitude from the Reds. They moved with more passion, and seemed to have more of a pep in their step. However, Burnley stood strong. No matter how well you play, going against that defensive set up is extremely difficult. But it only takes one moment to break the deadlock.They began taking more chances at long shots, and failed in that regard. They struggled with set pieces, and could rarely get clean looks at the net. Dúbravka most certainly played a part in this as well. Because no matter how well Burnley’s defense played, Dúbravka was the core. In the minuscule moments in which Liverpool looked towards goal, he made himself known.

This continued on for the entire second half. Attack after attack. Switch after switch. They recycled the ball what seemed like a million times. Nothing was working. Slot eventually had to turn to his bench, to see if someone could be the difference maker. Federico Chiesa then entered the game for Ekitiké in the 72nd minute. No matter the player, no matter the transfer value, as Liverpool had a lot of it, they could not find a way in. Nevertheless, it’s not uncommon for newly promoted sides to be a bit rash and lack maturity when needed. Lesley Ugochukwu picked up a second yellow in the 84th minute, and now Burnley played with ten men.

But, did this really change anything for them? The answer is no. Following the red card, Burnley brought on Armando Broja and Joe Worrall, and proceeded to play a 5-4 formation. Although they were a man down, they still had 10 players in their box, including the keeper, and time was running out for the Reds. Something had to change, and Slot wasn’t going to sit back and let the game pass him by. Rio Ngumoha came on for Florian Wirtz, and Jeremie Frimpong came on for Ibrahima Konaté in the 87th minute. Having fresh legs on the pitch seemed to help, but at the end of the day it was more of the same. There was no hole to find, no pass to weave, just nothing.

But like I said before, there’s always some lack of maturity when it comes to the newly promoted, and this time, it comes at the hand of Hannibal Mejbri. Literally. The ex Manchester United player jumped to block a cross from Frimpong in the 94th minute, and stuck his arm out from his body, blocking the ball. He stood in the box, head in hands, as the referee pointed at the spot. Liverpool had a penalty, and who other to take it than Mohamed Salah. Although his penalty record hasn’t been a fraction of what it usually is, there’s no other man to trust in a situation like this. He stepped up to the ball, and absolutely smashed it in the top right corner, as Dúbravka could only watch. Liverpool was up one to nil, in the 95th minute, the final minute of injury time. It didn’t take much longer for the whistle to blow following the restart of play. The away fans cheered, and the rest of Turf Moor, fell silent.

It’s no question that Liverpool walked away from that game with a stroke of luck. Although Burnley played strong and compact defensively, Liverpool need to do better. Yet, at the end of the day, a win is a win. The Reds have taken 12 points from 12 available. We’re just left wondering whether this is what champions do, or if their luck is bound to run out. In the meantime, they look towards Wednesday. They take on Atlético de Madrid at Anfield in the first Champions League match of the season.

Up the Reds!

8/31/25 at Anfield

Match-week three of the 25/26 Premier League campaign, yet there’s already fans that would deem this match as ‘title deciding’. Arsenal made the trip north to Anfield on August 31st, and left with zero points. Liverpool on the other hand, have now taken a full nine points from their first three matches. The game ended one to nil – Liverpudlians left with smiles, and the North London crowd had a quiet train home.

Liverpool began the match with the same eleven that stepped out last week against Newcastle. Hugo Ekitiké as the lone striker, with Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah supporting from the wings. As the ten, Slot chose Florian Wirtz, with Gravenberch and Mac Allister as the pivot right behind him. The Hungarian duo of Milos Kerkez and Dominik Szoboszlai began as full-backs. And holding down the fort, as per usual, was Vrigil Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté. Finally, in goal was Alisson Becker.

Arsenal began the match with a forward trio of Viktor Gyökeres, Gabriel Martinelli, and Noni Madueke. In the middle stood Mikel Merino, Martín Zubimendi, and Declan Rice. In defense, Ricardo Calafiori started on the left, with Jurrien Timber on the right, and finally, the star duo of Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba. Also, David Raya served as the man between the posts.

Immediately, it could be seen that Arsenal was not fielding their strongest team. Bukayo Saka remains out, injured, as well as Arsenal captain, Martin Ødegaard, who started the match on the bench due to a shoulder injury. However, it was Arsenal who seemed to be starting the game on the front foot. Most of which, as a result of the brilliant play from Noni Madueke. He played on instinct, and was causing problems for the Reds in the back. In previous games, this may have been a problem for Liverpool’s new left-back, Milos Kerkez. But, time and time again in the first-half, he showed his pace, defensive awareness, and tackling ability in a great way. Undoubtedly, it was his best 45 minutes as a Red.

The remainder of the half saw mostly passive attacks, with Arsenal controlling possession. For the Reds, it seemed this was the opposite of how they had been playing all season. They looked defensively sound, however, moving forward, they couldn’t seem to muster anything. The half ended nil to nil, and Arsenal was surely feeling confident. To control the game the way they did, at Anfield, was impressive.

It’s safe to say however, that their confidence didn’t last long. Liverpool looked like a new squad. Their defensive prowess continued from the first-half, and they looked to have a certain calmness to them in possession. Specifically, Dominik Szoboszlai was having the game of his life. Starting out of position, at right-back, he was all over the pitch. Flying down the wings creating space for Salah, dropping into the middle to receive the ball from his center-backs, and pressing like an absolute maniac. Despite this however, Arsenal maintained their reputation of having the best defense in Europe. Liverpool could not break the deadlock.

Time passed, and the Reds maintained their 70% possession in the second-half. Arsenal couldn’t touch them, prompting substitutions from Mikel Arteta. The new signing, Eze, Ødegaard, and the 15-year-old, Dowman, came on. In response, the Reds brought on Federico Chiesa, Joe Gomez, Curtis Jones, and Wataru Endo. With these changes, you’d expect Arsenal to be on the front foot yet again, with Liverpool focusing on defensive substitutions. But, Liverpool remained control, and as the seconds ticked towards the 90th, it seemed that a piece of magic would be the only thing preventing a nil-nil draw.

Thankfully for the Reds, there was a wizard on their team that day. A player that naturally plays as a ten, but most recently, has featured as a fullback. Dominik Szoboszlai.

Liverpool picked up a free kick. Center of the pitch. 32 yards out. Szoboszlai and Salah stood over the ball. They both looked like men with intent. However, only one person could take the set piece. And the Hungarian wouldn’t pass up this opportunity. He curled the ball over the wall and smacked it in off the left post. Anfield erupted in the 83rd minute, and the Reds led one to nil. To follow, Arsenal fell into panic mode. It looked for the first time in the second-half that they tried to take chances moving forward. But, it was too little too late.

The Reds won the highly anticipated match, and have now won three out of three to start the Premier League season. Arsenal on the other hand, have two wins out of three, now sitting third in the league table. With the first international break upon us, Liverpool are sitting pretty at the top of the table, looking towards Burnley on their return.

Up the Reds!

8/25/25 at St. James’ Park

You could cut the tension with a knife at St. James’ Park. The transfer saga with the Reds and the Geordies over their Swedish striker, Alexander Isak has caused turmoil up north. From the whistle, this game was more than just the second match of the new Premier League campaign. It was about pride. And Newcastle was prepared to show what their teammate was missing out on.

Liverpool began the match with a forward trio of Gakpo, Ekitiké, and Salah. As the ten, Arne Slot chose the new summer signing, Wirtz. And as the pivot, Jones, and Gravenberch filled in. Defensively, they played Kerkez on the left, Van Dijk and Konaté in the middle, and Szoboszlai as the right-back. Alisson Becker then rounded out the team in net.

On the flip side, the home team started with a front three of Harvey Barnes, Anthony Gordon, and Anthony Elanga. In the middle, they played with Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimarães, and Joelinton. In defense, they played Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schär, Dan Burn, and Tino Livramento. Finally, Nick Pope stood between the posts.

The home team came out strong and aggressive. Liverpool seemed on their heels at times as a result of the rampant press from Newcastle. The game was moving quick, and neither team could string passes together for more than a few moments. Simultaneously, Newcastle was the team creating more chances, making runs, and fighting in their oppositions half.

It may have been because of the press, or the fact that they were getting bullied, but the Reds often resorted to balls from deep in their own territory. Thus, Newcastle would win the ball so high up the pitch that Liverpool found themselves panicking for much of the first thirty minutes. However, it only takes one chance to change the course of a match completely. That moment was delivered by Liverpool’s number six, Ryan Gravenberch. His prayer from 25 yards out found the bottom-left corner. Nick Pope could simply stand in awe. Liverpool led one to nil on the verge of halftime.

The remaining ten minutes or so seemed like a different game entirely. Liverpool seemed more patient. More calm. It was their game to lose, and they were in control. But, Newcastle was not out of it quite yet. Eddie Howe’s side persisted adamantly in their press, creating moments in which Liverpool looked vulnerable. However, there is a limit to just how aggressive you should be on the press. Newcastle learned that the hard way.

A thirty meter sprint, and Anthony Gordon threw his leg out in an attempt to deflect a pass from Liverpool’s skipper. This ended up with his studs straight into his calf. A quick VAR review and Newcastle’s deadliest attacker was sent off. Not a great way to end the first period.

Fast-forward through halftime, which almost certainly consisted of a tantalizing lecture from Eddie Howe, and Liverpool was already striding forward. Hugo Ekitiké picked up the ball in his own half, and carried it straight to the final third. He laid the ball off to Gakpo, and with some luck, it ended up right back with him on the penalty spot. It was his first chance of the game, and he slotted it with ease. It was as if it was shooting practice to end off training. Two to nil in Liverpool’s favor. Newcastle playing with ten men. The script couldn’t have been written better for the Red’s second match of the season.

Something, however, seemed to set off Newcastle in a direction that no one could have anticipated. Following the second goal, the game resorted back to its original state. Scrappy, aggressive, and not much football. There were many set pieces for the home side, in which they almost always elected Nick Pope to take. This allowed them to essentially eliminate the red card, and ultimately, make things really hard for Liverpool. One set piece in particular, from nearly midfield, was not the brightest moment for the Reds. In one of the rare free kicks not taken by Pope, Livramento swung a ball in for Guimarães. The Brazilian absolutely toppled over Milos Kerkez, and headed the ball into the back of the net. It was riveting, and Newcastle’s players and fans found hope once again.

With more and more set pieces, and more struggle to build up play for the Reds, they were so often found sitting deep. With a deep back line, they allowed themselves to come on to the ball. Likely, this was a tactic implemented by Slot, in hopes to cover their defensive holes shown previously this season. The clock ticked towards ninety, and there was one more set piece to be taken by Newcastle from their own half. Liverpool chose a high line, as they didn’t want a chance created in their final third in the 88th minute. This came back to bite them. Taken by Nick Pope, the ball found itself bouncing off Konaté’s back, and towards William Osula. He took a chance on a fifty-fifty, and found the net. Somehow, some way, Newcastle found themselves back in the game. And they weren’t settling for a draw. With eleven minutes of injury time, they had a chance to win the game. A man down, and they were scaring the Premier League title holders like it was nothing.

The Reds couldn’t string together passes. They looked timid and were clearly ready for the final whistle. Even with Arne Slot’s substitutions, Newcastle continued to press forward. Except for the one chance Liverpool could create. It only takes one chance. Their build-up play took a 180 degree turn. They moved the ball from one side of the pitch to the next. The ball touched every single player in Red as it made it’s way towards the other side of the field. They had to get the ball in the box, or else they’d be leaving with one point.

Bradley found Chiesa. Chiesa to Salah. Salah then played a ball into the box towards Szoboszlai who let it roll through his legs. There waiting, was Liverpool’s new starboy. 16 year-old Rio Ngumoha. You’d think the boy would be scared. You’d think he would fumble the opportunity in front of him. Absolutely not. He took the ball first-time and curled it into the side netting. Liverpool’s youngster was the hero, and this was a night he would never forget.

The game ended three to two. It was one of the most entertaining matches the Premier League had seen in a long time. Liverpool secured the three points, and now head home to prepare for their game at the weekend, against Arsenal.

Although exciting, Liverpool can’t live off these magical moments to win games. First Chiesa, and now Ngumoha. This was now their second game in a row in which they lost a two goal lead. It can’t continue. For a side with dreams of a consecutive Premier League titles, they need to learn to take their opponent out of the game when they can.

As for Newcastle, they now have started the league with a draw and a loss. Not great by any standard. Especially for their quality. However, I think this game said a lot about Newcastle. They are hungry, relentless, and a side that should not be trifled with. Although their start hasn’t been ideal, I expect things to start moving in the right direction for the Geordies.

12/26/24 at Anfield

It was an eerie Boxing Day at Anfield this year, as fog seemed to linger about in every nook and cranny in the stadium. And although the players barely saw the ball down at the Kop End, Liverpool snuck away with a three to one victory over Leicester City. This putting the Reds seven points clear at the top of the table approaching the new year.

The first six minutes of the game was reminiscent of the Klopp era for the Reds, with chances coming in bunches. But the game would follow an entirely different script than expected when the Foxes struck first. Jordan Ayew slid one past Allison Becker with ease, with Andy Robertson yet again being the culprit in LIverpool’s back line. This made it an uphill battle for Liverpool, however, it wasn’t a challenge they were yet to face.

The remainder of the half stayed consistent with the first six minutes. Constant chances and an opposing net that had not yet flinched. Liverpool was dominating but troubled to find an equalizer, setting up for a mean half time discussion from Arne Slot. Although, Cody Gakpo seemed to have different plans. The Dutchman whipped the ball into the top right corner from the left wing in the closing seconds of the half. The clubs were on level terms once again.

The second half required a lot more patience from the Reds, and thus, they provided. Following a plethora of passes in Leicester’s box, Alexis Mac Allister found the Scouser, Curtis Jones, streaking towards the net, resulting in an easy finish. This marked the England internationals third goal of the premier league season.

Tides shifted in Liverpool’s favor, but the game was far from over. The Reds continued killing Leicester with passes and control, and they did not seem to have much of an answer. But, with a one goal difference, anything could happen. All the foxes could do was hope for one more big chance to fall their way.

Nevertheless, all that hope was killed by none other than the Egyptian King in the 82nd minute. Mohamed Salah slotted in his premier league leading 16th goal of the season. This ultimately came on the counter attack, assisted by Cody Gakpo after a wonderful switch of play.

At the end of the day, Liverpool did their job. Getting the three points and keeping their leading point tally as large as possible. Despite a rocky start, the game was always in their hands, even after trailing for 40 minutes. The Reds will continue to smile on this Boxing Day and beyond, looking forward to their return to London to face West Ham at the weekend.