A more optimistic person will look at the red glasses and see that this is a sign that the real title contender is not playing at the peak of his powers.If this is a return to Liverpool’s last iteration under Jurgen Klopp, with a quarter of the Premier League season remaining, the manager and his fans will have to settle for their status. A controversial VAR defeat at Tottenham stands between the Reds and their unbeaten start to the season, with a point separating them from the top of the table.Not bad for a season that started with a troubled transfer window, saw Klopp’s midfield in rapid decline and looked to bring in a host of young players ready to claim the title next year.
The win was a classic glass-full-or-empty affair as Liverpool tried to reduce Everton to 10 men after veteran Ashley Young was sent off late in the first half.But a more optimistic person sees through red glasses that his failure to reach the peak of his abilities means a victory for a real title contender. “I think it’s because we had new players today,” Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk said.
“I think it was because we were playing against a team that was very compact and wanted to go behind at times and be dangerous on the break. “Trying to be patient, trying to play fast and sometimes taking risks when you pass and lose the ball, that can happen.”It depends on how you react and work defensively and I think we did a very good job. “But we must not panic, no matter what happens in the game. We must stay calm and chase the winner because we will lose whether it is 1-0 or 0-0 in the last minute.””This is the sign of a great team because we have players who can make the difference. “We did really well today.”Van Dijk may be a step ahead of his side’s comparisons to Anfield’s greats, but there is plenty of exciting potential to watch as Klopp looks to develop and renew his squad.Hungary’s Dominik Szoboszlai, who Klopp said was playing in his first derby, continued to gain prominence with the fans, while Mo Salah scored as did Mo Salah.
Add to that two league goals (201 goals) to sum up the current state of play at Liverpool. This was a game to remember, thanks in no small part to the explosive play of Everton defender Vitaly Mikolenko. team. Two goals.”It’s interesting that Mykolenko can also be praised,” Van Dijk said. “I think Salah was not only in a bad mood but he was playing against a very good player.”But on the other hand, he scored two more goals. This is the greatness we desperately need. I think (the quality) is very good. But after Young was sacked, Liverpool had to do what many other big teams do.
That meant they had to try their luck. Not only did Klopp prefer a VAR handball decision against Michael Keane for Salah’s penalty but, as with Young, his defender Ibrahima Konate should have been sent off for his second yellow card. Van Dijk: “What can I say? He could have scored, but he didn’t – lucky for us.” So what can I say? There is nothing else. “We were lucky not to get a second yellow card against Ibo, he knows that, but we will move on.” Against Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth, Luton and Brentford – it would be surprising if Liverpool fail to win in four games. to happen.After this game, Liverpool could face their old rivals for top spot when they visit Manchester City at the end of next month. Defeat at Everton lifted Shaun Dyche’s side above the relegation zone, although there was plenty of evidence that recent improvements under the experienced manager continued – Salah’s second goal finished late on to flatter the hosts.”He showed us the mentality.
It speaks volumes for a good manager’s mindset,” defender Jarrad Branthwaite said.“You fight to the end, you fight aggressively, you win the fight and we stick with it until the end. “You have to keep your head up and think good thoughts,” he said.
