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Updated: 2 hours 34 min ago

Ranked! Jurgen Klopp’s top 10 Liverpool FC European victories

3 hours 46 min ago
Jurgen Klopp has overseen some of the most incredible European nights in Liverpool FC history. Narrowing down the list to just 10 is no easy feat, but we think you’ll be pleased to take this walk down memory lane.

The manager’s reign in Europe did not end in the fashion we had all hoped for, but it takes little away from what he and his side have achieved on the continent.

From heroic comebacks to a show of utter dominance, we have been privileged to bear witness to some of the greatest nights that will forever be etched into the club’s history books.

If you could bottle up the emotions this list evokes, the world would be a much better place to be.

10. Porto 1-5 Liverpool, 2021/22

 Liverpool's Mohamed Salah celebrates after scoring the first goal during the UEFA Champions League Group B Matchday 2 game between FC Porto and Liverpool FC at the Estádio do Dragão. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

 Liverpool's Mohamed Salah celebrates after scoring the first goal during the UEFA Champions League Group B Matchday 2 game between FC Porto and Liverpool FC at the Estádio do Dragão. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

We’ve had few problems scoring against Porto in Europe, this being the third of three convincing victories over the Portuguese side in a short space of time.

Before it came the 5-0 drubbing in 2018 and the 4-1 win in 2019, and this one was just as enjoyable as the formidable trio of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane were all on the scoresheet.

The trio were slick from the off, but so was Curtis Jones – who was involved in four of the five goals. A thoroughly enjoyable clash and unlike so many on this list, free from any heart palpitations!

Fourteen goals at the home of a European side in the space of four seasons shows how dominant Klopp’s Reds were during this period.

9. Atletico Madrid 2-3 Liverpool, 2021/22

 Christian Bertrand/Alamy Live News

 Christian Bertrand/Alamy Live News

It was frantic and unnecessarily dramatic – but when do Liverpool do it the easy way? – as the Reds had a two-goal lead inside 13 minutes before Atletico pegged them back in the next 21.

Salah was reliable in Europe once more, scoring the opener and then the winner from the penalty spot, with a Naby Keita beauty in between.

It was a group game victory that tasted so very sweet and, incredibly, the win extended the Reds’ unbeaten run at the time to 21 games – these are the days you’d wish to relive!

8. Man City 1-2 Liverpool, 2017/18

 Liverpool's Mohamed Salah celebrates scoring the first goal to equalise and make the score 1-1 during the UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final 2nd Leg match between Manchester City FC and Liverpool FC at the City of Manchester Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

 Liverpool's Mohamed Salah celebrates scoring the first goal to equalise and make the score 1-1 during the UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final 2nd Leg match between Manchester City FC and Liverpool FC at the City of Manchester Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

You can still feel the emotions of this match even now, the overwhelming nerves as Man City opened the scoring and piled on the pressure, could the Reds withstand it?

Well, yes. Yes, they could. Pep Guardiola exploded on the sideline – what’s new – and got sent off, giving him a different view as Liverpool scored twice through Salah and Firmino.

The let-off when Salah scored – off an incredible team move it must be said – was indescribable, and Bobby’s was just the icing on the cake. What a game, what a night.

7. Liverpool 3-0 Villarreal, 2015/16

 Liverpool's Daniel Sturridge celebrates scoring the second goal against Villarreal during the UEFA Europa League Semi-Final 2nd Leg match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

 Liverpool's Daniel Sturridge celebrates scoring the second goal against Villarreal during the UEFA Europa League Semi-Final 2nd Leg match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

You can still see it now, Firmino’s exquisite piece of footwork near the penalty area that bamboozled Roberto Soldado – it summed up the Brazilian’s brilliant night.

The No. 9 was involved in all three goals as the Reds overturned a 1-0 first-leg deficit to qualify for the Europa League final, with Daniel Sturridge and Adam Lallana on the scoresheet after a first-half own goal.

A fine individual performance from Bobby, but this was a night to remember for the Reds under Klopp, securing their place in the first of four European finals.

6. Bayern 1-3 Liverpool, 2018/19

 Liverpool's Sadio Mane celebrates scoring the third goal during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 2nd Leg match between FC Bayern M¸nchen and Liverpool FC at the Allianz Arena. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

 Liverpool's Sadio Mane celebrates scoring the third goal during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 2nd Leg match between FC Bayern M¸nchen and Liverpool FC at the Allianz Arena. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Virgil van Dijk‘s raking ball to Mane, who oozed composure and class to finish the chance is the moment that is immediately conjured when looking back to this classic.

After a stalemate at Anfield in the first leg, the 3-1 win was a show of intent against the German champions – not everyone can attest to doing the same at the Allianz Arena.

A fine European night in a magical Champions League campaign.

5. Liverpool 5-2 Roma, 2017/18

Liverpool's Roberto Firmino (right) celebrates scoring his side's fourth goal of the game with Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold (left) (Martin Rickett/EMPICS Sport)

Liverpool's Roberto Firmino (right) celebrates scoring his side's fourth goal of the game with Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold (left) (Martin Rickett/EMPICS Sport)

A Salah masterclass against his former club, and it can be easy to forget they had Alisson in goal – we can thank this night for exposing him to the magic of Anfield!

Five goals in 68 minutes had us in dreamland. Salah and Firmino had two goals each, plus two assists, as the Reds ran riot against a naive Roma – there could and should have been a greater margin.

They pulled two back to give us something to think about, but this was Liverpool at their ridiculous best.

4. Liverpool 3-0 Man City, 2017/18

 Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold celebrates as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain scores the third goal during the UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final 1st Leg match between Liverpool FC and Manchester City FC at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

 Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold celebrates as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain scores the third goal during the UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final 1st Leg match between Liverpool FC and Manchester City FC at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

A 19-minute masterclass was all that was needed to blow Guardiola’s side out of the water in the quarter-final at Anfield, they didn’t know what hit them.

Salah, Mane and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were all on the scoresheet on a night that saw ‘Allez Allez Allez’ really take flight, with Anfield at its feral best.

The second half required more of a defensive mindset and, in the end, the Reds ended the match with just 34 percent possession – how fun was 2017/18?!

3. Liverpool 4-3 Borussia Dortmund, 2015/16

 Liverpool's Dejan Lovren scores a dramatic injury time winning fourth goal to seal a 4-3 (5-4 aggregate) victory over Borussia Dortmund during the UEFA Europa League Quarter-Final 2nd Leg match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

 Liverpool's Dejan Lovren scores a dramatic injury time winning fourth goal to seal a 4-3 (5-4 aggregate) victory over Borussia Dortmund during the UEFA Europa League Quarter-Final 2nd Leg match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

The disbelief in the stands after the final whistle said it all, there were tears and shouts of ‘what just happened’ – perhaps with a bit more colourful language!

It was an introduction to what we could expect from a Klopp side on the European stage, down 2-0 inside 10 minutes and Liverpool turned it around with four brilliant second-half goals.

One of the greatest Anfield nights.

2. 2019 Champions League Final

 Liverpool's captain Jordan Henderson lifts the trophy after the UEFA Champions League Final match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Liverpool FC at the Estadio Metropolitano. Liverpool won 2-0 to win their sixth European Cup. (Pic by Peter Makadi/Propaganda)

 Liverpool's captain Jordan Henderson lifts the trophy after the UEFA Champions League Final match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Liverpool FC at the Estadio Metropolitano. Liverpool won 2-0 to win their sixth European Cup. (Pic by Peter Makadi/Propaganda)

If this was a list based on performances alone, we all know it would not be high on the list, but in a cup final all you need to do is win. And Liverpool did just that.

Salah’s penalty and Divock Origi‘s strike brought No. 6 back to Liverpool, Tottenham never really posed a threat, and it was not a bad way to kick off Klopp’s trophy haul!

‘Let’s talk about six, baby!’

1. Liverpool 4-0 Barcelona, 2018/19

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp (fourth right), Mohamed Salah (fifth right) and Virgil van Dijk (third right) celebrate after the final whistle

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp (fourth right), Mohamed Salah (fifth right) and Virgil van Dijk (third right) celebrate after the final whistle

The undisputed greatest night.

Even all these years later, you still find yourself shaking your head over just how Liverpool managed to do it, especially considering they were without Salah and Firmino.

Gini Wijnaldum was a man on a mission and the ‘corner taken quickly’ will be talked about for decades to come, it was a perfect night beyond all our hopes and expectations.

The “f**king mentality giants” came to the fore, and the ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ in front of the Kop is an image and moment that is burned into our memories – a night that perfectly encapsulated the magic of Klopp and Liverpool.

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Categories: LFC NEWS

Amorim twist, Everton injury & more Diaz-Barca rumours – Latest Liverpool FC News

Mon, 04/22/2024 - 17:08

A shock update has emerged regarding Ruben Amorim‘s future, while Everton have an injury concern ahead of Liverpool’s midweek trip to Goodison Park.

Amorim to Liverpool “unlikely”

Sporting Lisbon head coach Ruben Amorim dismissed reports linking him with Liverpool (John Walton/PA)

Sporting Lisbon head coach Ruben Amorim dismissed reports linking him with Liverpool (John Walton/PA)

Sporting CP manager Amorim has stood out as the favourite to succeed Jurgen Klopp this summer, following Xabi Alonso’s decision to stay at Bayer Leverkusen.

There has now been a significant twist, however, with the reliable David Ornstein, from the Athletic, claiming that West Ham have held talks and that a move to Liverpool is now deemed “unlikely.”

At this point, who on earth is the Reds’ next manager going to be? The odds tell us Feyenoord’s Arne Slot is now the favourite! Better start digging into him.

READ: De Zerbi? Slot? Mourinho?! – Fans react to shock new Liverpool manager update

4 things today: Everton injury & “ashamed” United fan

 Everton's Norberto Bercique Gomes Betuncal 'Beto' (L) challenges Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Everton FC, the 243rd Merseyside Derby, at Anfield. Liverpool won 2-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

 Everton's Norberto Bercique Gomes Betuncal 'Beto' (L) challenges Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Everton FC, the 243rd Merseyside Derby, at Anfield. Liverpool won 2-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
  • Everton striker Beto is an injury doubt for the Merseyside derby after a sickening clash of heads with Nottingham Forest‘s Morgan Gibbs-White – we wish him the best because that was a horrible one!
  • An “ashamed” Man United fan has warned others after receiving a ban for vile Hillsborough taunts – when will these people learn?
  • Jordan Henderson was spotted back at Liverpool’s AXA Training Centre – there’s a key reason why and it’s not because we’re re-signing him!
  • An ‘injury’ to Virgil van Dijk has been cleared up after a nasty collision at Atalanta – it’s a good job we didn’t get a close up of the issue, it sounds grim!
Latest Liverpool FC News

 Liverpool's Luis Díaz reacts after missing a chance during the FA Premier League match between Fulham FC and Liverpool FC at Craven Cottage. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

 Liverpool's Luis Díaz reacts after missing a chance during the FA Premier League match between Fulham FC and Liverpool FC at Craven Cottage. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
  • Luis Diaz to Barcelona is a link that won’t go away, as the winger would like to make the move – so says a report in Spain – but could they really afford him? (Sport)
  • Liverpool also reportedly sent scouts to watch Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres in action over the weekend – he scored twice to make it 35 goals for the campaign (HITC)
  • Liverpool have made contact with Real Madrid left-back Ferland Mendy over a summer move – Newcastle are also in the mix to sign him (L’Equipe)
Other chat from elsewhere

  • Nottingham Forest will make a formal request to the PGMOL for VAR audio after three shocking penalty decisions went against them at Everton – they’re not earning many fans with this (Telegraph)
  • Cole Palmer is likely to miss Chelsea‘s trip to Arsenal on Tuesday through illness – the Gunners are getting all the luck this season! (BBC Sport)
  • Newcastle want to sign Peterborough United youngster Ricky-Jade Jones, who has been linked with Liverpool. He’s been called “the quickest player that I have worked with” by manager Darren Ferguson! (The Chronicle)
Video of the day and match of the night

A huge Merseyside derby awaits on Wednesday, and we talked with Liverpool legends Phil Thompson and Ian Callaghan about the occasion and what it means:

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Match of the night is Middlesbrough vs. Leeds (8pm BST), in a crucial game for the visitors in their promotion bid.

A win would take Daniel Farke’s side one point clear of Ipswich and into second place, but they will have played one game more.

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Categories: LFC NEWS

Liverpool new manager odds slashed – Feyenoord’s Arne Slot now favourite

Mon, 04/22/2024 - 16:36

With Ruben Amorim seemingly ruled out of contention for the Liverpool manager job, a new favourite has emerged among bookmakers in Feyenoord’s Arne Slot.

Sporting CP boss Amorim was considered the leading candidate to take over from Jurgen Klopp, but he is now deemed “unlikely” to be offered the job.

With Xabi Alonso and Julian Nagelsmann having already ruled themselves out, it has sent Liverpool fans into the unknown when it comes to Klopp’s successor.

Last week, The Athletic’s David Ornstein claimed the club were ready to be “brave over popular” when it comes to their target, which appears to be the case.

Arne Slot is remaining in the Netherlands (Richard Sellers/PA)

Arne Slot is remaining in the Netherlands (Richard Sellers/PA)

According to bookmakers, via OddsChecker, Feyenoord manager Slot is now favourite to take the Liverpool job, with odds as low as 3/1.

Here are the latest Liverpool new manager odds:

Arne Slot – 3/1
Roberto De Zerbi – 4/1
Gary O’Neil – 12/1
Thomas Tuchel – 12/1
Thomas Frank – 14/1
Thiago Motta – 16/1
Unai Emery – 16/1
Andoni Iraola – 18/1
Eddie Howe – 18/1
Ange Postecoglou – 28/1

Beyond Slot, who on Sunday led his Feyenoord side to triumph in the final of the KNVB Cup, Brighton‘s Roberto De Zerbi (4/1) is the obvious second favourite.

It was previously claimed that De Zerbi had been ruled out, but the Italian may now have come back into the frame.

New Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes is a known advocate of De Zerbi’s, having attempted to hire him at Bournemouth.

 Bournemouth's manager Gary O'Neil during a post-match press conference after the FA Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Liverpool FC at the Vitality Stadium. Bournemouth won 1-0. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

 Bournemouth's manager Gary O'Neil during a post-match press conference after the FA Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Liverpool FC at the Vitality Stadium. Bournemouth won 1-0. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Hughes’ connections also stretch to WolvesGary O’Neil (12/1), Newcastle‘s Eddie Howe (18/1) and Bournemouth‘s Andoni Iraola (18/1), who are all among the top 10 with bookmakers.

Other popular names include Thomas Tuchel (12/1), who will be a free agent at the end of the season as he prepares to leave Bayern Munich, and Brentford‘s Thomas Frank (14/1).

Bologna manager Thiago Motta (16/1) is believed to score highly in terms of data, while Ange Postecoglou (28/1) was mentioned as a possible contender immediately after the news of Klopp’s resignation.

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Categories: LFC NEWS

De Zerbi? Slot? Mourinho?! – Fans react to shock new Liverpool manager update

Mon, 04/22/2024 - 16:13

With the news that Ruben Amorim is now unlikely to be targeted as Liverpool’s new manager, fans have reacted to various candidates to succeed Jurgen Klopp.

After weeks of speculation over Amorim being front-runner to take over at the end of the season, The Athletic‘s David Ornstein now reports he is “unlikely” to become next manager.

Instead, West Ham are considering the Sporting CP boss as a potential successor to David Moyes – which has come as shock news to Liverpool fans.

It comes after Ornstein’s recent claim that the club were prepared to be “brave over popular” when it came to identifying their successor to Klopp.

Since this latest update, a host of names have been mentioned as possible targets – and, perhaps fittingly, few have proven popular among supporters.

Here’s how Liverpool fans have taken to the news on Amorim and potential alternatives to step into the dugout at Anfield.

Roberto De Zerbi could be the new favourite…

Richard Hughes wanted De Zerbi at Bournemouth, so he must be the favourite if this is true.
Ornstein doesn’t get much wrong tbf! https://t.co/xqA9GEaN5w

— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) April 22, 2024

According to Ornstein, Ruben Amorim is unlikley to ”prove the preffered candidate” for Liverpool. Read between the lines and it sounds like Liverpool have identified who they want.

Who’s your guess? Mine’s Roberto De Zerbi or Thomas Frank.

— Maxi (@MaaxiAngelo) April 22, 2024

At a loss who Liverpool might turn to. Most viable options are Roberto De Zerbi, Arne Slot or Thomas Tuchel. Not sure any are to my liking but preference would go to De Zerbi. My suspicion is that Paolo Fonseca is high up the list (which worries me).

— Paul Grech (@paul_grech) April 22, 2024

got a feeling it will be De Zerbi

— Sarah (@sarahhansenh) April 22, 2024

De Zerbi would be a massive mistake

— Harry (@Harry_W25) April 22, 2024

Appointing De Zerbi, Gary O’Neil or anyone in the Premier League at the moment will be Brendan Rodgers version 2. Utter disaster.

— Martin (@Turner_LFC) April 22, 2024

Feyenoord manager Arne Slot’s odds have dropped…

Very interesting this. Amorim been the overwhelming favourite for the Liverpool Job since Alonso decided to stay at Leverkusen. I have heard we like Feyenoord manager, Arne Slot. Intriguing to see now who we do actually get as the new #LFC Manager. https://t.co/X2gEKvd3pS

— Spion Kop (@TheKopHQ) April 22, 2024

I like the idea of Arne Slot. Remember when Spurs were looking at him 12 months ago and he seemed like a good coach. Plus not knowing a lot allows me to delude myself into thinking he's the second coming of Cruyff.

— Taffin (@CalvLyfeson) April 22, 2024

There has to be a reason that Arne Slot shot up the bettings odds out of nowhere…probably gonna be him

— BEN (@SMXLFC) April 22, 2024

Arne Slot now 2nd favourite according to the bookies. This is going to be a fascinating few years for Liverpool Football Club.

— Ishan (@IWLFC98) April 22, 2024

Could Jose Mourinho’s presence at Craven Cottage be a bizarre clue?

Surely just a coincidence… right?#LFC #Amorim #Mourinho pic.twitter.com/cpaPFtXPUo

— AnfieldIndex (@AnfieldIndex) April 22, 2024

pic.twitter.com/wsQVFPOBGq https://t.co/WManET0jXU

— Josh Sexton (@jsexton24) April 22, 2024

genuinely why would Jose Mourinho be at Fulham vs Liverpool? pic.twitter.com/FbSbLb7Qqx

— ???™? (@joepearce_) April 22, 2024

Mourinho at Fulham makes sense now pic.twitter.com/D6uhd82SYP

— – (@AnfieldRd96) April 22, 2024

Mourinho one year contract then round 2 for Xabi pic.twitter.com/VFtJoeWUC7

— ? (@UsmanIfc) April 22, 2024

There’s no need to panic at all over the next manager. We can’t get better than what we’ve got. This has been the first time it’s happened. Everyone else is a downgrade so let’s just embrace the madness and get Jose in for 18 months.

— ????? (@Pablotommo_) April 22, 2024

Plenty of other names were suggested…

When I had a look for Klopp successors last month, these were the gettable options who showed up as dominant in the data:

Nagelsmann, Conceicao, Amorim, Xavi, Tuchel, Schmidt, Flick, Inzaghi, Gasperini, De Zerbi and Alonso.

— Josh Williams (@DistanceCovered) March 28, 2024

Keep an eye on Roger Schmidt

— Trond Findahl* (@Truba9) April 22, 2024

Tuchel?

— L4 (@L4Kop10) April 22, 2024

We’re gonna end up with Thomas Frank

— Tom Little (@TomL1ttle_) April 22, 2024

Arne Slot or Gary O’Neil defo

— Rg (@ReeceGray460) April 22, 2024

Who should Liverpool target as their next manager? Let us know in the comments!

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Categories: LFC NEWS

Ruben Amorim now UNLIKELY to be new Liverpool manager – leading source

Mon, 04/22/2024 - 15:27

Despite being widely considered front-runner for the Liverpool job, Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim is now viewed as “unlikely” to succeed Jurgen Klopp.

Upon the news of Xabi Alonso’s ongoing commitment to Bayer Leverkusen, Amorim was presented as the leading candidate to replace Klopp at the end of the season.

But after claims of talks between the Portuguese’s representatives and the club, The Athletic‘s David Ornstein has now claimed he is “unlikely he will prove the preferred candidate.”

This comes with new interest in Amorim from West Ham, who are considering both him and Julen Lopetegui to potentially take over from David Moyes if he departs.

 Ruben Amorim (Sporting CP Manager) in action during the Taca de Portugal 2nd leg semi-final game between - SL Benfica v Sporting CP - Estadio da Luz, Lisbon, Portugal (Joao Bravo/SPP) Credit: SPP Sport Press Photo. /Alamy Live News

 Ruben Amorim (Sporting CP Manager) in action during the Taca de Portugal 2nd leg semi-final game between - SL Benfica v Sporting CP - Estadio da Luz, Lisbon, Portugal (Joao Bravo/SPP) Credit: SPP Sport Press Photo. /Alamy Live News

It is a shock update given the belief that Amorim would step into the dugout at Anfield, with Liverpool now seemingly assessing other targets.

Interestingly, odds have dropped over Feyenoord manager Arne Slot, who is now second-favourite among bookmakers behind Amorim at 6/1.

Slot, who typically favours a 4-2-3-1 setup, lifted the KNVB Cup on Sunday following a 1-0 victory over NEC Nijmegen.

Slot the new favourite

Arne Slot is remaining in the Netherlands (Richard Sellers/PA)

Arne Slot is remaining in the Netherlands (Richard Sellers/PA)

Feyenoord won the Eredivisie title last season and are likely to finish second this time out, though sitting nine points behind leaders PSV Eindhoven with four games to play, they are still in with a chance of a double.

Amorim’s Sporting are now two games away from winning the Portuguese top flight, with fans urging their manager to stay during a 3-0 victory over Vitoria SC.

Brighton‘s Roberto De Zerbi (5/1), Wolves‘ Gary O’Neil (15/1) and Bologna’s Thiago Motta (15/1) are among the other favourites as Liverpool take a data-led approach to identifying their next manager.

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Categories: LFC NEWS

Ryan Gravenberch extends eye-opening record after £150m midfield makeover

Mon, 04/22/2024 - 10:37

Ryan Gravenberch‘s first Premier League goal came in the 33rd game of the season, but it continued a telling record following Liverpool’s midfield makeover.

It has been a slow campaign for Gravenberch, who made his 20th start for Liverpool in Sunday’s 3-1 win at Fulham amid speculation over a move to Turkey.

Whether those rumours are to be believed or not is unclear, but the Dutchman showed up with an excellent goal from the edge of the box to make it 2-1 at Craven Cottage for a crucial win in the title race.

The goal was Gravenberch’s first in the Premier League, coming in his 22nd appearance, adding to two previous efforts in the Europa League and one in the FA Cup.

Incredibly, that four-goal haul means he has become the fourth midfielder this season to exceed Liverpool’s top-scoring midfielder from last term.

Curtis Jones managed three goals in 2022/23, while only two of Harvey Elliott‘s five for the campaign came when played in midfield.

Stefan Bajcetic (one) was the only other player to score from midfield; Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Thiago and Naby Keita all blanked, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain‘s sole strike came as a left winger.

Now, Gravenberch joins Dominik Szoboszlai (seven), Alexis Mac Allister (six) and Jones (five) in improving on last season’s paltry contribution.

While it has been a difficult run for Liverpool of late, this vindicates a decisive transfer window that saw them spend almost £150 million to revamp their midfield.

 Liverpool's Ryan Gravenberch (L) celebrates with team-mate Harvey Elliott after scoring the second goal during the FA Premier League match between Fulham FC and Liverpool FC at Craven Cottage. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

 Liverpool's Ryan Gravenberch (L) celebrates with team-mate Harvey Elliott after scoring the second goal during the FA Premier League match between Fulham FC and Liverpool FC at Craven Cottage. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Fabinho and Henderson were sold to Saudi Arabia, while Milner, Keita and Oxlade-Chamberlain were all released, and though Thiago has remained, he has barely played.

The addition of goals from midfield has helped lighten the load on the forward line – with even Wataru Endo chipping in twice from the No. 6 role.

Speaking to LFCTV after the game, Gravenberch admitted he was “very happy” to finally net in the Premier League.

“I got the ball from Harvey, and soon as I took the first touch I knew already that I wanted to shoot,” he explained.

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“When it goes in, it’s nice if it goes in off the post! So yeah, I’m very happy with my first Premier League goal.”

The 21-year-old added: “For us, it was important. We are out of Europe and we had to get confidence again.

“We win today, so that gives us an extra boost.”

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Categories: LFC NEWS

Ibou turns into No. 1 fan, Trent stirs pot & Mourinho – 5 things spotted in Fulham win

Mon, 04/22/2024 - 10:00

A Liverpool victory with little to no drama was what our hearts needed, and Liverpool duly obliged, putting three past Fulham and the relief in the celebrations were clear.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ryan Gravenberch and Diogo Jota ensured the Reds’ title hopes remain alive with five games to go, delivering a much-needed injection of belief.

The Reds attempted to make life hard for themselves by conceding an equaliser just before the end of the first half, but they gave us few other frights on their way to three valuable points.

There were joyous celebrations – which we’ve missed – some stirring of the pot and classy responses, all things that were spotted from the 3-1 win…

Gravenberch’s anime nod delights Ibou!

ibou teasing grav for doing an anime celly ??? pic.twitter.com/9tyWZMpvF3

— el (@404NUNEZ) April 21, 2024

With his fourth goal of the season, Gravenberch pulled out a celebration in an ode to the anime series Jujutsu Kaisen, and Ibou was clearly a big fan!

He all but squashed the Dutchman on the sideline as the pair celebrated after the final whistle, and Kostas Tsimikas was there to ensure the two didn’t topple over.

? | Ryan Gravenberch with the ‘Divine Dogs’ celebration, which is from Jujutsu Kaisen! pic.twitter.com/Zltu8eb265

— LFC Transfer Room (@LFCTransferRoom) April 21, 2024

It’s good to see smiles back on faces!

Trent riles up Fulham fans…

the players celebrating trent’s free kick goal ?? pic.twitter.com/TMiVnQZtuP

— hae (@drwnunez) April 21, 2024

A sublime free-kick deserves celebrating, and Trent did just that, very much enjoying his time in the spotlight, and the subsequent boos directed his way from the home fans.

He had a wry grin as he elicited some anger with his extended celebration – you can tell he thoroughly enjoyed every second of that interaction, and so did we.

Darwin and Mo enjoyed Trent’s strike

Mo and Darwin enjoyed Trent’s goal, but Ibou’s reaction is the best of the lot ? pic.twitter.com/p7XH9P7Koy

— Joanna Durkan (@JoannaDurkan_) April 22, 2024

Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez started from the bench on Sunday, and a clip during the game showed them with pretty stern faces, but that wasn’t the case when they watched Trent’s goal.

Quite the opposite, in fact, with the pair sharing in the joy together on the bench.

But if you look closely, Ibou may steal the show with his hands on his head reaction!

Jose in the building

 Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho during the FA Premier League match between Fulham FC and Liverpool FC at Craven Cottage. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

 Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho during the FA Premier League match between Fulham FC and Liverpool FC at Craven Cottage. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

With a certain club on the hunt for a new manager and Jose Mourinho spotted at Craven Cottage, we couldn’t be surprised by the tedious links trying to make it make sense.

It would be absolute chaos, but think we’ll pass on that one!

Elliott’s show of class

The Fulham fans might have booed Harvey Elliott throughout but he's gone over to give his shirt to a young lad in the home end

— Lewis Steele (@LewisSteele_) April 21, 2024

Fulham supporters were really committed to booing Harvey Elliott every time he got on the ball, clearly not forgiving of the fact he moved to his boyhood club at age 16.

Nevertheless, Elliott showed his class after the match by still giving his shirt to a young Fulham fan.

Jurgen fist pumps at Fulham ???

Five to go pic.twitter.com/TwC6uswoAD

— The Anfield Wrap (@TheAnfieldWrap) April 21, 2024

Sometimes it’s the little things that say everything about a person.

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Categories: LFC NEWS

“A bit childish” – Diogo Jota critical of Liverpool’s approach to Fulham goal

Mon, 04/22/2024 - 09:50

While Liverpool came away with a “massive” win with a 3-1 result at Fulham, goalscorer Diogo Jota was critical of their “childish” approach to conceding.

There was a sense of catharsis on Sunday as order was restored with a 3-1 victory at Craven Cottage, after a miserable run of form.

Jota’s goal, the third of the afternoon, was a major relief, adding the gloss after Ryan Gravenberch restored the lead early in the second half.

But speaking to Premier League Productions after full-time, the Portuguese was clearly disappointed with how Liverpool tried to control in the game before Timothy Castagne’s first-half equaliser.

“I have to say it was a bit childish from our side, the way we conceded,” Jota insisted.

“Obviously that was their best momentum in the first half and we didn’t know how to control it.

“We had the chance to do it with a couple of goal-kicks, we tried to play fast, I don’t think that was a clever thing to do.

“And we conceded. That’s football, that’s the Premier League.

“But I’m really pleased with the way we reacted and the way we played and controlled the game in the second half.”

 Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold (R) celebrates with team-mate Andy Robertson after scoring the first goal during the FA Premier League match between Fulham FC and Liverpool FC at Craven Cottage. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

 Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold (R) celebrates with team-mate Andy Robertson after scoring the first goal during the FA Premier League match between Fulham FC and Liverpool FC at Craven Cottage. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

It was perhaps fitting that Liverpool’s opener came from a set-piece, with Trent Alexander-Arnold‘s exquisite free-kick bookending a spell in which they had struggled to convert chances from open play.

But further goals from Gravenberch and Jota put the ghosts of Atalanta and Crystal Palace behind them, with the No. 20 hopeful they will now flow “like ketchup.”

“It’s hard to say. Sometimes things just click,” he said when asked why Liverpool’s struggles came about.

“I think [against Palace], I’ve never seen something like that, where pretty much everyone had a clear chance and we all missed.

“But that’s football.

 Liverpool's Diogo Jota celebrates after scoring the third goal during the FA Premier League match between Fulham FC and Liverpool FC at Craven Cottage. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

 Liverpool's Diogo Jota celebrates after scoring the third goal during the FA Premier League match between Fulham FC and Liverpool FC at Craven Cottage. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

“I always like to say, sometimes it’s like ketchup, because when the first drop comes out, everything flows.

“I hope that’s the case for the team. Three goals today was good away from home, and in three days we play again, so let’s take that.”

Jota added: “Obviously it was a long time for me without playing and in the starting XI, and watching from home I think we missed sometimes this goal which brings the extra comfort and kind of kills the game in a way.

“It’s massive for us, it was a really good game like I said, especially second half. We need to take that into the next game.”

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Categories: LFC NEWS