Official Liverpool FC Thread @ The Phins

2-2 vs Tottenham. Feels like a loss. 2nd half looked at lot like the last game vs Sevilla 2-2. Too many gaps in midfield. Too easy to get thru to dangerous locations.

And then there were the referee decisions at the end of the game. Brutal. Both build ups to the PK's were offsides. Both acts that called for a PK were dives. The 2nd one was brutal. Lamela dives afterwards and grabs the back of his upper leg. If anything, VVD kicks his calf (which I don't think he did). Brutal.

I can not believe the refs blew those calls. Not only awarding penalties on what shouldn't have, they even missed the damn offisdes!!! I've been so pissed since the match.... Well not much we can do but continue on. We got a break with Chelsea losing, so that was nice.

This sure seems like covering ones ass after the fact. And I guess the part about Lovren playing the ball deliberately is subjective. He obviously went to kick the ball... but he certainly didn't mean to kick it backwards into Kane's path. However, the more egregious offense in my mind is the second one that decided the points/tie. Moss waved off calls for a penalty... then went back aftewards to his AR. And the AR called the penalty. That's not normal. That's not right. The CR is the ruler at that point, not the AR.. why did he wave it off? None of that is addressed by the referee group.

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/914783/Liverpool-Spurs-penalty-controversy-referees-statement-Harry-Kane-incident

Kane was awarded a penalty in the second half after Moss adjudged Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius to have fouled him.

Moss then took several minutes to confirm his decision as he spoke to his assistant Eddie Smart and fourth official Martin Atkinson.

Footage caught Moss asking Atkinson if he had "anything from TV" even though the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) was not in operation.

After the delay, Kane went on to have his penalty saved by Karius but later made amends with another spot-kick in stoppage time to earn a 2-2 draw.

But the PGMOL say Moss was "misguided" by asking Atkinson that question and stressed that no information from the TV was used to make a decision.

A PGMOL spokesman said: "Jon Moss was in a good position to see that a Liverpool player deliberately played the ball before it fell to Harry Kane in the penalty area. He then correctly judged that Kane was fouled by Lorius Karius.

"However, given the speed of the attack he was uncertain of the identity of the Liverpool player who kicked the ball. Eddie Smart having identified that Kane was in an offside position, correctly sought clarification on whether Dejan Lovren had deliberately played the ball.

"His question created some momentary confusion when Eddie asked if "Lovren" had touched the ball. Moss knew a Liverpool player had touched the ball but not that it was Lovren.

"He then asked a question to his fourth official Martin Atkinson and acknowledges that referencing 'TV ' was misguided. Atkinson did not reply to the question and so had no involvement in the decision.

"Having properly reflected on the questions asked, Jon knew that a Liverpool player, now identified as Lovren, had played the ball and that no offside offence had occurred. He then awarded the penalty. For the avoidance of doubt. Atkinson did not view a television monitor and did not relay any information to the on-field officials.

"In real time this was a difficult series of decisions which the match officials judged correctly in recognising that Kane was not offside, as Lovren had deliberately played the ball, and he was fouled for the award of the penalty kick.

"The interpretation of "deliberately" kicking a ball considers whether a player has intentionally tried to kick a ball - it does not consider whether the ball ends up where a player may have wanted to kick it."

Good response to the Tot match by beating the Saints handily on the road. Southampton have been poor so perhaps that was a bit fortuitous to face them at the time we did. But anytime we play a team in the bottom quarter of the league, I'm expecting a struggle :lol: That whole bottom half is so close, really nuts this season.

Anyway, thought Karius was MOTM for me. Couple of key saves in the first half. And then when we went up 2-0 the Saints just really didn't play the same, very lackluster performance in that second half.

On to Porto. Huge match on Wed.

Yep you're right about that being a great response from the team. Its nice to face a bottom table team and handle business like that, which in the lead up to the end of the season we are going to need since we have more bottom table teams left than top of the table. Think I remember reading our average remaining opponents is like 12th. I'm glad that Klopp has given Karius until the end the season to show what he has, Migs has had over 200 starts and we know what he have with him.

I'm still livid over the Spurs match lol, still can't talk about it with out getting upset. Then I watched the Arsenal-Spurs derby as well and every time Kane complained that he didn't foul someone infuriated me more hahaha. Was hoping for a tie in that one, glad to see United lose (TBH they looked like we have against bottom table clubs, they squandered quite a few chances), hoping Chelesa someone how let one in for a tie today.

5-0 over Porto is a message to the rest of Europe. Problem is the other top teams in the PL have handled their business as well this week in the UCL. Wouldn't be surprised to see two PL teams in the final this year. And the UCL should amend their rules in who should be let in. The PL should have 4 teams solidified (not 3 and a playoff) and then 2 more teams sent to the playoff. Then Europa should have the 7th and 8th place PL teams in (would give great exposure to those teams that don't otherwise get in).

5-0 yesterday... true team performance. Everyone was on point. VVD saving Lovren's ass... Lovren stepping up at times. Milner looked like he was 23. The long ball really worked to get space behind and on top of the Porto D. And when Porto tried to play out, they got hammered by the press. Really the most complete game of the season IMO.

"Paul 13 wrote:

5-0 over Porto is a message to the rest of Europe. Problem is the other top teams in the PL have handled their business as well this week in the UCL. Wouldn't be surprised to see two PL teams in the final this year. And the UCL should amend their rules in who should be let in. The PL should have 4 teams solidified (not 3 and a playoff) and then 2 more teams sent to the playoff. Then Europa should have the 7th and 8th place PL teams in (would give great exposure to those teams that don't otherwise get in).

5-0 yesterday... true team performance. Everyone was on point. VVD saving Lovren's ***... Lovren stepping up at times. Milner looked like he was 23. The long ball really worked to get space behind and on top of the Porto D. And when Porto tried to play out, they got hammered by the press. Really the most complete game of the season IMO.

Yep by far the best overall team performance, and man those crosses by Roberston where great (Feel bad for Moreno, since he was playing so well in a world cup year and then gets the injury). VVD on that one block where he meet the strike at the same time as Porto defender was awesome, then of course Karius grabs his head instead of the ball hahaha. Overall was fun to watch, continue to grow and get better defensively.

Another solid win. Even the goal we gave up wasn't horrid, just Can being careless with the ball in a dangerous part of the field (even though he had a great match). Its really awesome to see the team come together like they have. We are the team no one wants to face in the champions league. Clyne played his first full game this past week with the U23s and impressed from what I've read. Oh also a really good read from TAW website that I like to go to about total football https://www.theanfieldwrap.com/2018/02/liverpool-van-dijk-and-firmino-will-klopp-compromise-on-the-road-to-total-football/ (great podcast as well).

That was a big three points pulled out late @ Crystal Palace. The 2nd half we really played much better. And were able to get TAA forward more for his crosses. In light of losing Coutinho, I reckon that has been the biggest thing when we've needed a goal against teams sitting back... getting Robo and TAA forward for crosses. And the quality of crosses from those two have added a much needed dimension.

Obv Salah has been the story of the season for LFC but Robertson has been brilliant as well. He's quickly becoming one of my favorite players. And the defense with him, VVD and Karius have done just enough to keep us ahead.

I don't know what this week holds with the UCL and Man City. With next year's UCL place now looking almost assured (would be nice if we could finish 3rd instead of 4th), I think the rest of what happens in the UCL this season will be a bonus. We weren't expected to get this far. However, as we're the only team to have beaten Man C in the PL this season, we just might be able to do some damage. Beating them again would be quite a story... knocking them out of the UCL would be somewhat shocking though. They do have their derby on Sat with a chance to clinch the PL title at home. So they'll be busy and a lot on their minds. Lets give them something else to think about.

Oh my word, did that really happen?!?! Pinch me I must still be dreaming lol. Hold City to no goals is a huge because we get one away go and they have to score 5 to beat us!!! Salah coming off early was worrying but the latest is that he should be good to go for the return leg. TAA was absolutely phenomenal, MOTM by shutting Sane out like he did the entire match (and to be honest I was a little worried after Rashford ran rampant on him against him at United). So many great performances on the pitch. I was sad to hear about the bus incident, and Klopp today said that because of it there may not be anymore welcomes like that on European nights :-/, damn bad apples!!!!

Derby coming up, hope those Everton cunts don't try to injure someone like they usually try to do in these derbys, especially when they've had a mediocre season once again. Good news is Ings is looking to get the start at Everton and imho well deserved, also would be a good time to get Clyne a start since he's back and fully fit, especially since we are razor thin on that back line.

Yeah I don't mind the nil nil result yesterday at all. Got thru it healthy (I believe) and we didn't lose to them. It also solidified in my mind that Solanke is not ready for first team action (I'm going to call him Slowanke from now on). We should have kept Origi around for games like that. I'm not sure that Slowanke will ever be ready for first team action. He just doesn't do it for me. I watched him at the England World Cup win (what was that U20 last summer? I forget), and talk about overrated because he could score.

I expected a bit more from Ings though. I thought he was really quiet offensively. Good work rate off the ball though. I suspect he'd be better off getting more of a run than what he's had this season. More consistent minutes from game to game. But I don't see that happening at LFC next season.

I thought everybody else was fine. Got thru it... on to the big one on Tuesday. It's either going to be a brilliant two game leg... or it's going to crush us. There's no in between there. You would think 3-0 would be enough to see thru. Do you rest Salah until and if it gets close in the second half? Obviously, if he's not 100%, they won't play him (Klopp already said that I believe). Man City's collapse yesterday against Man U is a brilliant result for us. They have zero confidence right now.

Gameday, prolly biggest match in last 10 years!!! Though I have many more hours to wait :-/ , my brother works until 5pm Alaska time but we always watch every match together. Enjoy the match @Paul13, win or lose I'm proud of our boys and the season we've had.

"finattic79 wrote:

Gameday, prolly biggest match in last 10 years!!! Though I have many more hours to wait :-/ , my brother works until 5pm Alaska time but we always watch every match together. Enjoy the match @Paul13, win or lose I'm proud of our boys and the season we've had.

What a brilliant result it was!? I'm actually stuck at work all day yesterday with the game recording on the old DVR and I'm telling myself "do not go on twitter!" which isn't hard for me right now (very busy at work). Got thru it and made it home without knowing what happened. Watched the game with my son and I don't know about you but I've been on cloud 9 since. Slept like a baby. Shower was the perfect temperature this morning. Breakfast tasted amazing (can't beat Weetabix! :lol:). I'm typing like a loon, not missing any spelling or key strokes. Hah!

As for the game, the boys were amazing in the second half. We were extremely fortunate not to give up that 2nd goal in the first half. I told my son after going down 0-1 (3-1) that the next goal would decide it. I'm glad we scored that next goal. The offsides call on Man City's second goal was fortunate (but correct). The bounce off the woodwork from Silva's shot that goes inbetween two City players standing on the six... WAS FORTUNATE. And it seemed like City just didn't have the effort left in them once they got to half time to continue to try to get that goal. And LFC came out in the second half a different team for it. Their confidence grew on the ball. Gini played a hell of a game. Everyone did. Lovren... my goodness did he lay it all out on the line. I don't know if he's the one to partner with VVD going forward, but he's looking to be the best on the current squad as his cohort. Milner needs a rest :lol: I have visions of what a Keita would do in that midfield role instead of Milner.

I wonder if we are still in the semis had Salah not been ready for the game?

And then Barca loses out on the semis... woofa. What a shame that is? :sidelol: I kind of just wanted to beat them on the field but alas. What can you do? I don't know if we can win the UCL... I mean everything happening after this is just gravy. But, I hope we can all enjoy the ride.

"Paul 13 wrote:

What a brilliant result it was!? I'm actually stuck at work all day yesterday with the game recording on the old DVR and I'm telling myself "do not go on twitter!" which isn't hard for me right now (very busy at work). Got thru it and made it home without knowing what happened. Watched the game with my son and I don't know about you but I've been on cloud 9 since. Slept like a baby. Shower was the perfect temperature this morning. Breakfast tasted amazing (can't beat Weetabix! :lol:). I'm typing like a loon, not missing any spelling or key strokes. Hah!

As for the game, the boys were amazing in the second half. We were extremely fortunate not to give up that 2nd goal in the first half. I told my son after going down 0-1 (3-1) that the next goal would decide it. I'm glad we scored that next goal. The offsides call on Man City's second goal was fortunate (but correct). The bounce off the woodwork from Silva's shot that goes inbetween two City players standing on the six... WAS FORTUNATE. And it seemed like City just didn't have the effort left in them once they got to half time to continue to try to get that goal. And LFC came out in the second half a different team for it. Their confidence grew on the ball. Gini played a hell of a game. Everyone did. Lovren... my goodness did he lay it all out on the line. I don't know if he's the one to partner with VVD going forward, but he's looking to be the best on the current squad as his cohort. Milner needs a rest :lol: I have visions of what a Keita would do in that midfield role instead of Milner.

I wonder if we are still in the semis had Salah not been ready for the game?

And then Barca loses out on the semis... woofa. What a shame that is? :sidelol: I kind of just wanted to beat them on the field but alas. What can you do? I don't know if we can win the UCL... I mean everything happening after this is just gravy. But, I hope we can all enjoy the ride.

Sounds like we both had the same great nights sleep and morning starts to our day :knucks: !! I'm still in such disbelief that we won 6-1 aggregate, but the better team won this time out.

After the ref gifted City their first goal (how the hell was that not a foul of Sterling with the full extension of the arm and having leverage from below since he's such a runt lol) they settled into the game (with only a few scary spots that you've already highlighted). Lovern was the man, I think without question he is the guy that should partner with VVD. I even told my brother during the game imagine having Keita there in the midfield for this one too hahaha. TAA is the real deal to, I see that now, he's gonna have some off games because he's so young and learning but at 19 years old put on a clinic on his side of the field. I think we can honestly win or lose the CL, there is no team that we shouldn't be able to be that's left in the field, RM would be toughest and would want them in a final instead of the semis.

Good I so wanted to beat Barca in the final to rub it in over Countinho!! If we win it we should send him a his medal since he was part of the first half of the campaign :sidelol:. I was stunned when I heard the result at the end of the Liverpool match, since I also avoid those results as well.

The 3-0 win against Bournemouth was a total team victory. Sure, the score remained 1-0 for entirely too long but that game was never in doubt. The team is firing on all cylinders. And I can't believe I'm saying this but with Lovren going out possibly due to injury, that is somewhat concerning :wink2:

I truly didn't expect them to be this good this soon after losing Coutinho. It's as if he's been holding back the development/integration of the front three. And the three midfielders are also the better for it. Can't understate the quality of the crossing from Robo and TAA and the impact they have had on the offense and the defense. TAA's ball to Mo for the second goal was a thing of beauty. Not to mention his finish. One of the best goals of the season for LFC. Have to hand it to the coaching staff as well. They are developing quite a team of players. How do we find a way to extend Klopp? Have to keep him. EDIT: nevermind, he's signed thru 2022 (after extending back in 2016). We should probably give him a raise anyway.

This club is perfect fit for Klopp, I see us as his final coaching destination. Hopefully beyond 2022 :-). What I remember noticing when Cuntinho was still playing with us is that while he was creative, others would look to him as the focal point to get the ball to the front three, especially when we played the lower table teams who choose to sit back. It was as you say holding us back, him leaving forced everyone to get better at supplying the front three. TAA apparently triggered a pay increase for himself, good on the lad he has been such a bright spot and a scouser and lifelong Liverpool, imgaine how crazy that must be to grow up supporting the team you are now helping to get back to the glory days :-).

As for Lovern, I was so worried yesterday when there wasn't any word on his injury but today the team said he should be okay. Also Gomez is nearly fit and back to full training. Will be great for the next week and half coming up.

It'll be interesting to see which 11 Klopp chooses for this Saturday's road game at WBA. With Roma clash coming up on Tuesday, want a healthy top 11 for that one.

So I'll be going to Anfield this next season, just depends on what games are on offer from the club since it'll be my first match there but I couldn't pass up going to see them versus United at the Horseshoe so I bought two tickets 5 rows up on the Liverpool supporters side behind the goal. Can't freaking wait, even though most of the big players will still be resting from the World Cup.

I have the same feeling about the WBA, I think it will be something similar to Everton match with possibly Gomez/Moreno playing since they are fit.

"blesonJaque wrote:

Liverpool began the revival and, perhaps, Roma the same. It is a pity that two sensations will play with each other in the semifinals. In any case, damn, I'm waiting for this game

Welcome to the thread and the forum :wink2:

"finattic79 wrote:

So I'll be going to Anfield this next season, just depends on what games are on offer from the club since it'll be my first match there but I couldn't pass up going to see them versus United at the Horseshoe so I bought two tickets 5 rows up on the Liverpool supporters side behind the goal. Can't freaking wait, even though most of the big players will still be resting from the World Cup.

I have the same feeling about the WBA, I think it will be something similar to Everton match with possibly Gomez/Moreno playing since they are fit.

ah, lucky... but I'm confused, you said you were going to see them play United at the Horseshoe. Isn't that game being played in Michigan? "Horseshoe" refers to the stadium Ohio State plays in. You don't want to get the two confused :lol:

Yeah, that's on my "list" of things to do.. see them play at Anfield.

Hahaha I sure as hell did get them confused. I'm lucky that I have a side gig with Delta and work a seasonal job from May-Sept, 6 hours a week and I fly for free on Delta metal and get 10% fares on that majority of other airlines. I was planning on going this season, but bought a house last year and was trying to be responsible and build up the savings again.

Mo Salah, player of the year, as many expected. So great!

Liverpool have been awesome to watch this season. I've seen almost all of Salah's goals. Hope he keeps it going. If they stay healthy the are building a very complete team. Still stiff competition with City, United, and the Spurs.

I really enjoy watching the Spurs but their offense has really sputtered, esp. since Kane went down. He hasn't really been the presence he was before and Delli Alli has been pretty blah the past couple of games. Not nearly as creative.

But, Back to Salah. What a player. Some of his goals have been just magical - perfect touch, such incredibly quick thinking. His reactions as to what to do with the ball - are so lightning fast - and most of the time he makes the right decision. Just a great season to watch imo. As long a Tottenham finish ahead of Chelsea all will be well. Cannot abide Chelsea.

Oxlade-Chamberlain out for the year and the World Cup. Sucks.

"Da 'Fins wrote:

Mo Salah, player of the year, as many expected. So great!

Liverpool have been awesome to watch this season. I've seen almost all of Salah's goals. Hope he keeps it going. If they stay healthy the are building a very complete team. Still stiff competition with City, United, and the Spurs.

I really enjoy watching the Spurs but their offense has really sputtered, esp. since Kane went down. He hasn't really been the presence he was before and Delli Alli has been pretty blah the past couple of games. Not nearly as creative.

But, Back to Salah. What a player. Some of his goals have been just magical - perfect touch, such incredibly quick thinking. His reactions as to what to do with the ball - are so lightning fast - and most of the time he makes the right decision. Just a great season to watch imo. As long a Tottenham finish ahead of Chelsea all will be well. Cannot abide Chelsea.

welcome to the thread mate! :yes:

"Da 'Fins wrote:

Oxlade-Chamberlain out for the year and the World Cup. Sucks.

yes it does, he was just getting into a groove with LFC. But I don't think he'll be missed as long as everyone else stays healthy for the rest of this season. More on that in my next post.