#mo salah scenarios

[mchlgayser]

Please can we have a Mo Salah/Marco Asensio fic? Reader had a one night stand with Marco back in 2019 but only them two know and she’s now seeing Mo and the relationship is so pure but he sees the DMs Marco has sent since (she’s not interested anymore) and even though he trusts her, Mo gets jealous and takes his frustrations out on Marco in the LIV/RMA match. thank you

PRESENT TIME: : mohamed salah x female!reader

author's note: hello dear! I will do as you ask but I'm afraid I can't do the 'one-night stand' part with Marco and instead I'll change it to past relationship with each other. This is due to Mo's religion as a muslim. I'm sorry if this upset but I'll try my best to fulfill the other parts. This fiction is so out of the reality, like some I just add as to what I like it might not happened in rl too but anw thank u xx

contents warning: a fight almost broke off at the field

'Love you can hit the shower now, it's free!' Your husband said, going through his drawer to find clothes and some sort, you hum putting the phone back on the table and walk away-- But you stopped double checking to make sure that it was locked before you left to shower.

Salah stopped his movement the moment you lock the bathroom door and went through your phone, it was locked and the face is denied his so he calls for your three-year-old daughter, Habiba

'Can you come here for a moment darling?' She steps in and he put the phone right on her face and the phone unlocked 'Thank, now go back and watch your cartoon show..' He scrolls through your phone hoping he could find something, anything but to no avail he finds none.

Not until a notification popped on the screen and he saw @marcoasensio10 has sent you a message.

He clicks on it and it loads on an Instagram message, it was just one text from you but partially Marco.

He scroll further up until he can't, it started with;

@marcoasensio10: hey, it's me Marco. (16 May 2019)

@marcoasensio10: can we talk?? Please.... (17 May 2019)

@marcoasensio10: I miss the time when we used to date (27 Sep 2020)

@marcoasensio10: I heard you got married.. Congrats! (28 Sep 2020)

@marcoasensio10: How're you now? Good? Can I say that I still miss you?? (3 Oct 2020

And now there's finally one from you

@yourusername: I'm not interested Marco, I got a husband now, a married woman. You should stop messaging me like this. It's not appropriate. Please stop texting me or I'm blocking you (4 Oct 2020)

@marcoasensio10: Just checking up I guess? Well then see you (4 Oct 2020)

Time jumps to this year and he suddenly texting you again.

@marcoasensio10: I miss you y/n, dearly. Come back to me so we can fix our problem (Today at 08:34)

Salah was annoyed, not at you obviously, he trusted you with all his soul and heart and based on the text you haven't paid attention much to him either but he can't ignore the fact that he's jealous, jealous of the fact that somebody is loving his wife right now, his haven. He was frustrated with the fact that a guy of your past hadn't gotten past you.

When he heard the shower tap closing, he rapidly wears his clothes and locked the phone pretending like he wants to get out of the room by the time you got out 'Where are you heading to? You questioned, towel on top of your head as you dried it clean 'Just checking up on Habiba..' He mentioned sending a wink your way and left.

He was thinking of a plan, a plan to get revenge that won't seem to prominent in your eyes at the public's. He then remembered about his upcoming match against Real Madrid.

-

Today is the match, Mo had invited you over to see him play, you agreed seeing nothing's wrong with it and leave with your daughter, Habiba to the stadium.

You are now sitting on the v.i.p benchers, waiting for the game to start as fans continue cheering for both sides, you smile at Habiba as her hands got ahold of the rail, 'Are you excited baby?' She nods jumping up and down

'Papa!' She squealed pointing to the big screen, you look up seeing the camera are now focusing on him but it immediately switched to his other teammates, Habiba sulk pointing to the screen once again 'Papa!' She yelled, and you chuckle at her sulky demeanor 'There! There's papa Biba!' You exclaimed pointing down to the field and she screeched seeing her father.

-

The first half ended with Real Madrid leading 1-0, you had started to grew anxious buy it was the opposite for Habiba, she was happily playing with her tablet. You could see that Mo was down but it's not the only thing that caught you, it's including Marco waving over at you with a smile right in front of your husband.

You looked away from him looking down on Habiba and pretending like you catching up on her instead, Mo on the other hand could not take any longer. He push Marco hard he almost stumbles, Mo started going at him yelling words you could not make out, you was worried, so worried for your husband as players from both teams now started to separated the two apart.

It was then Mo got two yellow card with one red card for starting a fight, you was shocked picking up Habiba out of instinct and ran inside the locker room where players assemble.

You immediately spotted your husband running towards his direction and gave him a tight reassuring hug. 'It's okay.'

'It's not okay, he was picking on you. Don't say that it was okay.' He admitted, hands running through your head with a heavy sigh 'You knew?' He hums hugging you even tighter 'But I'm not mad at you, he was wrong for what he did. I'm okay now, I put him in his place.'

'What place?' A small voice cooed, you both look down seeing Habiba looking up to both of you with big doe eyed, you share a look between Mo and her before you let a small laugh 'Nothing babe!'

Mo continued watching the game with you inside the locker room and left shortly after the game ended, all said was 'I'm already excited to leave and spend time with you and Biba.'

author's note II: icl, I'm not happy with the result, it was shitty, is all I can speak up but at least I get to update 💀💀 but I think I did my best tbh, hope you can feel the same anon and readers <3 xx

[immortaltale]

sorry to post reddit screencaps but what user sindher said is exactly it. there is genuinely NO good reason for joyce to mention antony and ONLY antony in his article. he obviously knows the narrative that comes with that name because journos aren't stupid. the most probable scenario was that antony was just one name on a shortlist for a salah replacement, but of course it's worded in such a way that makes it look like klopp personally wanted to sign antony. with the narrative around antony as a player i don't think i need to explain how this is designed to make klopp look bad.

and even if he did want antony, what the literal fuck is the point of reporting this two years later? the signing never happened and mo extended so there was no reason to bring this information out now. except, of course... is it a coincidence that the very first time this was ever mentioned is when edwards is back at the club? was it a coincidence back in may when two club journalists published hit pieces on klopp's biggest signing (even going so far as to state that he was darwin's "biggest ally") during a bad run of form? given the alleged history between klopp and edwards i don't think so.

if i wanted to be completely cynical i'd say the message they're pushing is "lol look at the fraud the old guy tried to sign. don't worry though that would never happen now that we're in charge" but i'm not that far gone so i won't say that. but i have always been suspicious of anything that seems like it could be a narrative pushed by edwards and this is certainly one of those things

[jxrdanhenderson]

i was tagged by @godsewis and @dybain!! thank you, girls <3

Rules: You can usually tell a lot about a person by the type of music they listen to! Put your favorite playlist on shuffle and list the first 10 songs, then tag 10 people. No skipping!

1. love scenario - ikon 2. bad boy - marwa loud 3. love will tear us apart - joy division 4. softly - clairo 5. 3. stock - annenmaykantereit 6. melodien - capital bra ft juju 7. five colours in her hair - mcfly 8. ich will nicht nach berlin - kraftklub 9. tootimetootimetootime - the 1975 10. don’t start now - dua lipa

now i tag @mirokloses @olivertorres @joshiikimmich @mo-salah @misskyoh @sebsluckycoin and idk whoever wants to do it 

[jokegomez]

So I got tagged by @doubleohbehave 💓 thanks!

RULES: bold what is true for you

APPEARANCE:

I’m over 5’5” // I wear glasses/contacts // I have blonde hair // I prefer loose clothing to tight clothing // I have one or more piercings // I have at least one tattoo //I have blue eyes // I have dyed or highlighted my hair // I have gotten plastic surgery // I have or had braces // I sunburn easily // I have freckles // I paint my nails // I typically wear makeup // I don’t often smile // I am pleased with how I look // I prefer Nike to Adidas // I wear baseball hats backwards.

HOBBIES AND TALENTS:

I play a sport // I can play an instrument // I am artistic // I know more than one language // I have won a trophy in some sort of competition // I can cook or bake without a recipe // I know how to swim // I enjoy writing // I can do origami // I prefer movies to tv shows // I can execute a perfect somersault // I enjoy singing // I could survive in the wild on my own // I have read a new book series this year // I enjoy spending time with friends // I travel during school or work breaks // I can do a handstand

RELATIONSHIP:

I am in a relationship // I have been single for over a year // I have a crush // I have a best friend I have known for ten years // my parents are together // I have dated my best friend // I am adopted // my crush has confessed to me // I have a long distance relationship // I am an only child // I give advice to my friends // I have made an online friend // I met up with someone I have met online

AESTHETICS:

I have heard the ocean in a conch shell // I have watched the sun rise // I enjoy rainy days // I have slept under the stars // I meditate outside // the sound of chirping calms me // I enjoy the smell of the beach // I know what snow tastes like // I listen to music to fall asleep // I enjoy thunderstorms // I enjoy cloud watching // I have attended a bonfire // I pay close attention to colours // I find mystery in the ocean // I enjoy hiking on nature paths // autumn is my favourite season

MISCELLANEOUS:

I can fall asleep in a moving vehicle // I am the mom friend // I live by a certain quote // I like the smell of sharpies // I am involved in extracurricular activities // I enjoy Mexican food // I can drive a stick-shift // I believe in true love // I make up scenarios to fall asleep // I sing in the shower // I wish I lived in a video game // I have a canopy above my bed // I am multiracial // I am a redhead // I own at least three dogs

Tagging: @hakimziyech22 @mo-salah @salahszn @mattiperin

[sacramentonewsjournal]

Liverpool Keita now will not entertain contract talks till January

Liverpool followers can have little doubt thought they’d escape a contract saga within the 2022/23 season after Mo Salah lastly agreed a contract extension. Actually it’s excellent news that may have left the Merseysiders’ advertising division with eyes greater than its stomach in the case of shirt gross sales. On the fanbase’s facet, it may be irritating not having the fitting assist for keeping track of the whereabouts of an merchandise – everybody desires to really feel reassured once they see the phrases ‘monitoring package deal‘. Although definitely not of an identical magnitude, they’ll have been let down in that division by ongoing hypothesis over Naby Keita’s future. Now, it appears Julian Ward and Co. can be made to attend till the winter window earlier than the No.8 will open talks over the potential of extending his keep at Anfield past 2023, based on a tweet from Christian Falk (as has additionally been relayed by the Echo). TRUE Naby Keita gained‘t Discuss with @liverpoolfc a couple of new contract earlier than january #EnglischeWoche @BILD_Sport pic.twitter.com/C8OzUGj24j — Christian Falk (@cfbayern) October 5, 2022 It’s a scenario that leaves the Reds in a considerably tough place provided that they face dropping as many as three midfielders within the subsequent summer time window with the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner additionally possessing expiring contracts. That’s with out getting on to the tough matter of ageing midfielders with each Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara of their 30s. VOTE for Empire of the Kop as Finest Membership Content material Creator (Premier League) right here: Soccer Content material Awards OR on Twitter with the FCA’s one-click Twitter hyperlink with: I’m voting for @Empireofthekop in @The_FCAs for #BestClubContentCreator (Premier League) One other midfield disaster subsequent season? Or all solved in the summertime window? We do know Liverpool are retaining an especially shut eye on Jude Bellingham forward of the tip of the season – as are most of Europe’s prime outfits. Ought to we show profitable in our pursuit of the England worldwide, nevertheless, it’s an addition that will massively bolster a division hardly bereft of world-class high quality as it’s. Even then, although, we really feel at the least one other midfield signing would really feel essential to each be certain that we’ve the numbers able to difficult on all fronts in 2023/24 and in addition that the way forward for the midfield is appropriately safeguarded. READ MORE: Berbatov says he was ‘smashing’ Liverpool star ‘with elbows and shoulders’ throughout coaching to get him PL-ready Naby Keita: Time to increase his contract? There was hypothesis over whether or not Liverpool may gain advantage from permitting an celebration to reap the benefits of the previous RB Leipzig star’s expiring contract with a purpose to snag one other key goal. With Borussia Dortmund allegedly within the 27-year-old, some have already counsel that we might prepare a pre-agreement that sees Bellingham’s potential exit from Germany coated by the inbound Reds star. It’s a fantasy, as issues at present stand, and we’d be arguably much better off pushing for a extra sensible intention, for instance, getting Keita to signal on the dotted line on a model new contract. If we will restrict our exits to 2 in the summertime, it arguably places us in a much better place once we’re then trying to strengthen. #Ep61 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: Keita in a makeweight deal for Bellingham? Manic October… and extra! Originally published at Sacramento News Journal

[newshubnaija]

Gary Neville snubs Liverpool world-beater Mo Salah when naming two players he’d prefer at Man Utd

Gary Neville snubs Liverpool world-beater Mo Salah when naming two players he’d prefer at Man Utd

Gary Neville named two current players he compared to Thierry Henry and Eric Cantona when revealing who he’d rather see Man Utd sign ahead of Mohamed Salah in a dream scenario. Liverpool’s Egyptian forward can stake a claim to being the world’s best player at present. Salah has notched 27 goals and 10 assists across all competitions this season. That output has gone a long way to ensuring…

[thewildcardfpl-blog]

FPL ‘Deep Dive’ Picks (Part 1)

Fantasy seasons are often won and lost on ones ability to identify and capitalise on value picks; we’re on the look out for cheap players who can free up cash to spend elsewhere (after all, if you’re going to pick Mo Salah at 13m you’re going to have economise on other parts of your team!)

We’ve selected one ‘Deep Dive’ pick for each team; this is a term commonly used in fantasy NFL circles to describe a player with a very low (perhaps non-existent) floor at the start of the season but with the potential to provide outstanding value if the chips fall the right way for them. I’m typically not suggesting that you start with these players from week one but if the right combination of injuries, managerial decisions and transfers occur these players could become cheap, effective difference makers by the end of the season; 

Arsenal – Danny Welbeck FWD 6.5m (currently selected by 0.8%)

Danny Welbeck has seen his progress at Arsenal stall due several seasons of injuries. Despite the fact it feels like he has been around forever he is only 27 and appears to be back to full strength and fitness. He has a great deal of competition now, but could prove a valuable asset particularly if injuries occur to key Arsenal starters. He has premiership pedigree although lacks consistency. If he transfers to another premiership team (and there have been rumours about a move to Everton), he could represent even greater value.

Bournemouth – Jordan Ibe MID 5.5m (0.7%) 

It’s fair to say that Jordon Ibe hasn’t set the Vitality Stadium on fire since his big money move two seasons ago. Still a young player, he flashed his talent on a more consistent basis towards the end of last season, finishing the year with two goals and six assists. The talent is there, and you feel this could be a make or break season for him. If he builds on that promise he will have a clear run at the starting eleven, which could make him an attractive value pick. 

Brighton – Jurgen Locadia 5.5m (0.3%)

Signed for 15m in January, Jurgen Locadia had a slow start to life on the south coast with just one Premiership goal and assist (he was also signed with an injury which hampered his start). Now with eight months to acclimatize and a full preseason under his belt he could be one to watch moving forward. The club’s investment in him means he is likely to be given every chance to shine and he doesn’t have a great deal of competition (aside from Glen Murray although new signing Florin Andone might eat into some of his opportunities). The ceiling; a double figure goal return for a very cheap player. The floor; another goal scorer from the Eredivisie who struggled to make an impact in the Premiership.

Burnley – Robbie Brady MID 5m (0.1%)

The Irish International made a strong start to his first full campaign at Turf Moor (one goal and four assists) before a nasty injury in December curtailed his season. Now almost back to full strength, he should be ready for the kick off and represents good value at 5m as a set piece specialist (also has a keen eye for direct free kick and demonstrated by his screamer against Chelsea shortly after joining the Clarets in 2017).

Cardiff – Lee Peltier DEF 4m (2.4%) 

As mentioned on episode one of the pod, defenders who start regularly and 4m often provide excellent value. Peltier has (as it stands) a clean run at the starting eleven. The caveat here is that Cardiff don’t look particularly good, but Peltier has a good chance to get a consistent, if not spectacular, points total.

Chelsea – Ross Barkley MID 6m (0.4%)

Two out of the three midfield positions in Chelsea’s starting line up appear to be set but one is very much up for grabs. At Napoli Sarri had Marik Hamsik in that position, driving forward with the ball and scoring/creating goals with late runs into the box. Of all the players in the squad currently, Ross Barkley would appear to have the tools to thrive in such a role. He started in that position during Chelsea’s opening friendly this week and looked both fit and sharp (two words that have not been used to describe him in recent years). He has a lot of competition here and the floor is VERY low, but it isn’t too difficult to imagine a scenario where he starts regularly and contributes goals and assists throughout the season

Crystal Palace – Aaron Wan Bissaka DEF 4m (3.6%)

All the signs are pointing towards Wan Bissaka starting the season as Palace’s first choice right back and, given both their decent opening fixtures and management stability, coupled with his excellent price point, this looks like a pick with a ton of value.

Fulham – Tom Cairney MID 5m (3.5%)

The man who scored the goal to secure Fulham’s return to the top flight, Tom Cairney has been tipped to have great future in the Premiership (and possibly for England as well). Cairney has scored 17 league goals over the past two seasons and was widely scouted by Premiership teams last season (West Ham had two bids rejected for him in January). He’ll get his first crack at the big league with Fulham this year and has a great opportunity to make a well valued impact at this level (possibly more so than the other English starlet in this team, Ryan Sessegnon)

Everton – Mason Holgate and Jonjoe Kenny DEF 4.5m (0.4% and 0.3%) 

A combination of injuries and poor defensive play from supposed first teamers (most notably big money signing Michael Keane) led to both Holgate (37 FPL points) and Kenny (50 points) getting a decent amount of game time for Everton last season. Fast forward one year and with Phil Jagielka and Ashley Williams looking increasingly leggy, one of these two players could break through and make that second centre back position their own. If that happens, you could have a starting centre back for a good top ten team for a bargain basement price (the caution here might be that Everton are rumoured to be bringing in another centre back)

Huddersfield – Ramadan Sobhi MID 5m (0.5%)

Signed from Stoke this summer, Sobhi has flashed potential during his time in the EPL. Still only 21 years old Sobhi, with two goals and one assist in a limited role for the relegated Potters last season, will be looking to kick on this season and Huddersfield could be a good home for him. What makes this more attractive is that Tom Ince has recently moved the other way giving Sobhi a free run at the starting eleven. A player with 41 Premier League games under his belt already could offer some interesting value here.

[theviewfromthebooth]

Unbearable

Hey everyone. I've not written anything in a while, or had much motivation to, but everything is all over the shop right now, and a couple of weeks ago, something just came out of me. Back in those quaint times when we all still hoped this wouldn't be as bad as it is now (roughly three weeks ago), I made a joke in The Anfield Wrap office about making a disaster movie involving the Coronavirus and Liverpool's title party - the two biggest things in all of our worlds at the time. 

Well, I did it. It's a short story, but I've dreamt it as a movie, and hopefully the words will turn into images for you too. It was meant to be funny, but halfway through I realised that it isn't. It's also a bit too niche for most football or literary fiction sites (apparently), so I'm putting it up here. In the absence of any kind of appetite for the usual April Fools shenanigans, this is a good time to drop it. 

 It became a way for my mind to deal with everything – by laying out the worst case scenario, our situation becomes more bearable by comparison. Also worth noting that this was written before the government backed away (publicly at least) from herd immunity.... 

 Dedicated to my two biggest creative inspirations – Matt Groening & John Gibbons. 

                                                           -x-

UNBEARABLE:

A short story from the brain of a trying-not-to-panic Liverpool fan "For years Evertonians have been saying that the world will end if Liverpool ever win the league again......what if they were right?”

Ronnie has been planning his title party for years.  In the pub, in bed, at work, on the toilet. While his beloved Liverpool drifted nearer, then further from their holy grail, he has never wavered from what he calls his life's work. Torture is what Jan calls it. He still doesn't know how close she came to leaving after the open top bus fiasco in 2014,  but he knows he never wants to see that look in her eyes again.  She'll come around once she sees it, and feels it.

That day in 1990, when he was the same age as little Dirk is now.....the street party. The last time he remembers his parents happy. All he wants is that same unlimited joy for Dirk... and to keep him in Red. Kev was  a stubborn little so-and-so, but that won't happen again.

Back then he only had Roy Evans and his sporadically brilliant Spice Boys as ammo – now he's got Jurgen Klopp and his mentality monsters. Even Jan is changing her tune.  Ronnie couldn't believe his luck when she agreed to let him dress Dirk up as the Premier League trophy, complete with silver paint & ribbons. They won't need a bus – Adam down the road will bring his flat-bed truck. What better memory for the lad than to be paraded through the streets of Anfield, held aloft by thousands of jubilant Kopites? Just 2 wins away. He can almost taste it. Nothing can stop them now....

“It has been confirmed....all football in Britain is suspended until at least April 30th, as a result of the coronavirus. BBC Sport understands FA chairman Greg Clarke expressed his fear at Friday's emergency meeting that the season may have to be abandoned....”

The blood drains from Ronnie's face as he stares through the TV screen. The phone buzzing in his pocket snaps him back to reality, as news reaches the Whatsapp group:

Within the  walls of Whitehall, Clarke almost slips as he gets up from his chair. His head is so scrambled he offers Hancock his sweaty hand, before quickly whipping it away much to the amusement of Hancock and Johnson, and eventually Scudamore. Their laughter sends a chill through his bones. They think they've cracked it, but he KNOWS football fans. Closed doors aren't enough to keep away fans who've been waiting 30 years. And Liverpool have a LOT of fans.

As the chauffeur moves away, he takes out his phone to Google 'Herd immunity'.........

Ronnie's phone is red hot. Plans are moving at pace. Everton have been squashed and Operation Palace is full steam ahead. Dirk is bouncing off the walls in excitement and it's not even 10 am. Luckily a cuddle from cousin Danny always calms him down. Danny's dad is no such help. Kev has always been the bitterest of Blues, but claiming Dirk's life is at risk feels pretty low, even for him.

Ronnie plants a kiss just above the paint line, before pulling the woolly crown tight over the boy's ears, and hoisting him onto his shoulders. Dirk's laughter vibrates through his back as he shouts “You better get in that bunker of yours if you're that worried”, turning his snarl to a smile.  Jan takes a picture of her glassy eyed husband with the Premier league trophy, which goes down a treat in the Whatsapp group, followed by the obligatory joke about 'going viral'.

Only this time it's no joke. By the time they get to Adam's garage the streets are packed. Half of Liverpool have descended onto the estate. And they've all come to lift the trophy.

Johnson's brow furrows ever deeper as his aide lays out the situation - hiding his eyes from the mess he's created. Liverpool Council can't control the crowds. Reports suggesting as many as 3 million people are on the streets. Budget cuts sanctioned by his hand have left emergency services at breaking point, even before the 600% increase in population. Suspending public transport has caused queues of 10 miles and counting in every direction. Vaccines are running out fast, with nowhere near enough immune patients to protect the vulnerable.

His hands tighten on each other, as if the answer can be wrung from them. With the pleading eyes of his aide boring through his thinning scalp, the spell is broken. A menacing silence hangs between them.  He knows the whole country hangs on what he says next.

He knows he needs a miracle.

As the clock hits 90 minutes, so do Crystal Palace. Liverpool have roared back from an early setback to lead by 4 goals to 1. From the swaying throng in the garden of  Hotel TIA, Ronnie can feel himself let go of 30 year's worth of tension. 30 years of balls hitting posts and staying out. 30 years of penalties not given. 30 years of “should've saved that”. 30 years of “should've been us”.  All gone.

The final whistle is met with a guttural roar.  A roar 3 million strong, a roar so full of electricity that it creates a mushroom cloud over Anfield skies. Dirk reaches for his father, who doesn't miss a beat with his mock trophy lift, complete with the Henderson stutter step. Silver tears stain his face as he watches his son surfing the sea of hands.

A moment like no other.

It's only the thought of sharing the moment with Jan that causes Ronnie to reach for his phone. 34 missed calls. 55 unread on Whatsapp. “The Reds are still massive!” he thinks to himself as he opens Jan's most recent message:

“It's too late. I'm sorry. Good luck. I love you both.”

“With their country now stabilised, this new Chinese study into the Coronavirus will become the template for the rest of the world to follow. There has been some surprise at the results.  It appears children under 8 are the biggest carriers, while the fatal age threshold is only 40 years old, and could be even lower for those with a higher than normal blood alcohol level. The bad news for us here in Britain is the government's controversial 'Herd Immunity' strategy has been completely discredited”.

“FOR GOD'S SAKE TURN IT OFF!”

Anxious limbs fumble at the remote for what feels like hours, before finally, silence. Three pairs of eyes dart from George Alagaih's worried face to that of the Prime Minister.  Hancock musters the courage to meet his glare.

“At the current rate of infection, Liverpool will be at 90% by 7pm this evening. Considering what we now know about their vaccine levels, and....alcohol consumption....”

“HOW ON EARTH HAVE YOU FUCKED THIS UP? YOU TOLD ME THE SCIENCE WAS WATERTIGHT!”

“It was as watertight as could be in such an unprecedented scenario. The goalposts kept moving...” “I DON'T CARE ABOUT YOUR FUCKING GOALPOSTS! ALL I NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU IS HOW WE STOP IT SPREADING!”

“W-we do have a plan”.

Hancock hands over the proposal, and takes three deliberate steps back. He allows himself to exhale once he sees Johnson's eyebrows rise, and then settle, from behind the folder.

“I've run the numbers, with Sunny & Wallace. It's tight, but we can afford it.”

The Chancellor  nods slowly as Johnson looks in his direction.  A nervous head appears through the crack in the door, like a tortoise unsure of Spring.

“We need a decision, sir.”

Ronnie pants hard, darting for space like Mo Salah in a forest of defenders. He can't bring himself to believe it. Not yet. Not like this. No time. Just keep running. Half a mile from home. She'll come around once she sees us.

Dirk lets out a yelp as they're brought to an abrupt halt by Breck road traffic. Ronnie looks deeper into the faces around him. What was once drunken ecstasy is now something very different. All he sees is agony, smudged with silver. Doors have been bolted, windows shut. Songs are now screams. Visible waves of panic ripple through the crowds, as infection and information sow their seeds in real time. It takes him a while to recognize the hard thudding against his spine isn't his own heartbeat – it's his son coughing. He whips Dirk off his back and holds him in front of his face.

“Don't cry mate, it's gonna be okay” he croaks, barely able to say it let alone believe it.  Suddenly a cheer rises up ahead.  Ronnie instinctively moves towards the sound. That sound he thought he would feast on forever. Before he can pinpoint it, a larger sound fills the space. Less a sound than a NOISE. A long, buzzing noise, that prickles the neck and causes everyone to look up.

Bright white foam boxes with big red crosses fall from the sky.  More and more. Hundreds. Thousands. Cheers break out all over as boxes are ripped open, and the hugging of strangers resumes.  Ronnie releases Dirk's hand as he catches the box thrown at him, and pulls off the top.  He takes out the tablets and the bottle of water, and rubs his boy's back as he swallows them down. Overcome with relief he takes the trophy for one last spin, before placing him back on his shoulders. Home time.

“We shall not, we shall not be moved! We shall not we shall not be moved! Just like the team, that won, the football league...”

“WE SHALL NOT BE MOVED!”

Dirk waves to the little planes in the sky that saved the day.  He continues waving at the much bigger planes looming, and the giant glass bowl they're carrying.

[kuysjude]

The Heartbreak, Gilas Pilipinas

Photos from news.abs-cbn.com

Unang-una sa lahat, Maraming Salamat Gilas Pilipinas, <3

 Coach Yeng, Coach Ford, Coach Caloy, Coach Ryan at pati na rin sa mga player na nakasama sa pool.

 at sa mga players na nagrepresenta para sa ating bansa;

Andray Blatche

Paul Lee

Kiefer Ravena

Gabe Norwood

Robert Bolick

Mark Barroca

June Mar Fajardo

Roger Pogoy

CJ Perez

Troy Rosario

Raymond Almazan

Japeth Aguilar

 Gilas Pilipinas , it is indeed a disappointing performance in the recent FIBA World Cup, with an average of 29.4 points nakalamangan ng kalaban. Hindi maganda pagmasdan, hindi masaya makamtan. Ibang-iba talaga ito sa performance natin last 2014 FIBA World Cup kung saan nagpakilala at sumabay tayo sa mga malalakas na bansa. Hindi tayo nag qualify for the 2nd round noon pero hindi naman tayo natambakan at kung tutuusin ay malaki pa nga ang tsansa na sana ay tayo pa ang nanalo. Ngayon, nagulat at nakita natin ang diperensiya ng lakas ng ibang bansa; mas naghanda sila para sa tournament at tumaas ang inaasahan natin na performance na katulad sana o mas higit pa sa nakaraang 2014 FIBA World Cup participation natin, pero sa hindi inaasahang pagkakataon, masakit na performance ang naipakita natin.

2019 FIBA World Cup Results

Gilas Pilipinas vs:

Group Stage

Italy 108-62       (-46)

Serbia 126-67    (-59)

Angola 84-81 OT (-3)

Second Round

Tunisia 86-67 (-19)

Iran 95-75 (-20)

 Sa una nating laro laban sa FIBA rank #13 Italy, dito tayo nagbabaka-sakali  na makasilat ng panalo upang magkaroon tayo ng malaking pag-asa na makakuha ng tiket para sa 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Kaso, 1st quarter pa lamang ay nag pakilala na kaagad ang Italy kung gaano sila kalakas; 37-8 kaagad ang score at hindi na nagpahabol pa. Para sa akin napakasakit panoorin ng larong ito nang Gilas, para silang hindi naghanda at hindi magkakakilala. Dito ko na agad nakita ang pag-laho ng ating tsansa na makapasok sa 2nd round ng tournament. Unti-unti tayong binaon ng Italy, at ipinakita sa atin kung gaano sila kalakas para sa atin, Italy 108 – Gilas 62.

Photos from teampilipinas.info

Pangalawa nating laro ay laban sa napakalakas at inaasahang makakakuha ng kampeonato, ang FIBA rank #4 at ang #1 rank sa FIBA World Cup Power Rankings na Serbia. Sa team na ito, hindi na tayo umaasa na manalo ngunit siyempre gusto pa rin natin na maipakita na atleast ay lalaban tayo.Lumaban tayo nang hanggang 1st quarter ngunit unti-unti na tayong natambakan at nakamit ang pinakamalaking deficit sa buong tournament 126-67 (-59 points difference). Dahil sa pagkatalo na ito, ay nawalan na rin  tayo ng  tiyansa na makapasok sa 2nd round ng tournament.

(Atleast, nakalaro ni Junemar Fajardo ang kanyang ka-look-a-like na si Boban Marjanovic at pagkatapos ng laro nag-attempt si JMF na magpa-sign ng autograph sa kanyang sapatos kay Nikola Jokic – sana ay nagawa niya ito ng matagumpay kahit papaano).

Photos from rappler.com

Huling laro naman para sa Group Stage ay ang Angola na inaasahan na malaki ang tsansa natin na makakuha nang panalo. Pero sa larong ito, umpisa pa lang ay nagpakita na nang tikas ang Angola. Halos buong laro tayo na naghahabol ngunit sa 4th quarter ay nakahabol at nagawa pa nating lumamang ng 4 na puntos ; 69-65. Ngunit hindi sumuko ang Angola at nagawa pang lumamang bandang huli, salamat na lamang sa three point shot ni CJ Perez at nagawa pa ng Gilas na dalhin sa Overtime ang laro. Meron pa sana tayong pagkakataon na maipanalo ang laro, may pagkakataon na medyo nainis si Kuya Andray kay Kiefer nang hindi ipasa sa kanya ang bola sa crucial possession ng laro hanggang sa ma-out of bounds ang bola at kung hindi lang nag – ala “JR Smith” si CJ Perez sa mga huling sandal baka nanalo na tayo , para sa akin dito lumabas ang inexperienced decision ni CJ Perez sa International level  - nawala sa focus at natulala, hinawakan lang ang bola at late na gumalaw - pagkakataon sana upang makalamang at maipanalo ang laban. Ngunit sa overtime ay kinapos tayo, sayang at tumira agad si Kiefer ng isang malayong tres kahit may higit sa apat na segundo pa ang meron sa oras, sumablay ito at tuluyan na tayong  natalo sa laro. Angola 84 – Gilas 81 OT.

Photos from philstar.com/fiba.com

Olympic Slot still Alive.

Ang Best Place Asian Team sa 2019 World Cup ay magkakaroon ng automatic slot for the Olympics, kahit wala tayong naipanalong laro sa group stage ay nagkaroon pa tayo nang pag-asa na makakuha ng slot para sa 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Lahat ng Asian Teams na kasali sa World Cup ay walang naipanalong laro maliban sa China, ngunit inaasahan na China ang may malaking posibilidad na makausad sa susunod ng round.

Sa unang laro ng Host China ay tinalo nila ang Ivory Coast 70-55. Ang sunod nilang nakalaban ay ang Poland, manalo sila dito ay automatic na silang makakapasok sa 2nd round at malaki ang tsansa na makuha ang slot para sa Olympics, lalo na’t lahat ng Asian teams ay nangungulelat sa kanya-kanyang group matches. Lamang na sa mga huling sandali ang China ngunit dahil sa inbound pass error ni Zhou Qi at isang 5 seconds violation, nagawa pa na madala ng Poland sa Overtime ang laro at doon ay tuluyan na nilang tinalo ang China 76-79 OT. Ngunit may pag-asa pa makapasok ang China ngunit tinalo naman sila ng Venezuela sa kanilang huling laro 72-59 at dahil dito katulad ng Gilas at ng buong Asian Teams, ay nahulog na rin ang China sa Classification Round ng tournament.

 Scenario for Gilas to Advance.

Mahirap na pagtatangka para sa Gilas ito dahil dinala rin nila ang kanilang point difference sa Group Stage (-108 pts). Sa Scenario na ito, China na lang ang gagamitin natin team to watch dahil sa lahat naman ng Asian Teams ay sila lang ang nakakuha ng panalo sa Group Stage.

 China must not win their last 2 Games against Korea and Nigeria.

Korea can only win against China and must lose to Nigeria.

Gilas must win their 2 remaining games against Tunisia and Iran.

 (The Scenario that did not happen)

China wins against Korea. Dito pa lang ay nawalan na tayo ng pag-asa sa Automatic Olympic slot dahil 2 wins na ang China, at kahit maipanalo pa natin ang dalawang laro natin at makatabla sa 2 wins with China ay imposible na rin na tayo ang makausad dahil sa laki ng point difference natin.

 Tunisia vs  Gilas

With the Olympic hopes are already gone, gusto na lang siguro natin makasilat ng panalo to uplift naman ang ating confidence. The battle with Tunisia wasn’t easy, hindi tayo nakalapit sa laro laban sa Tunisia na tinambakan din tayo sa laro sa pangunguna ni ex-NBA Player Salah Mejri. Patuloy pa rin ang alat ng laro ng ating Pambansang Koponan. Tunisia 86 – Gilas 67.

Photos from news.abs-cbn.com

Last Hope for a win.

A game with Iran, a familiar foe for Gilas. Sa huling laro ng Gilas, makakatapat nila ang Iran na matatandaan na tinalo na nila sa 2015 Fiba Asia Championship, 87-73 sa pangunguna ni Jayson Castro at Andray Blatche, ngunit sa pagkakataong ito ay wala si “The Blur” sa line up ng Gilas. Kumpiyansa ang lahat na malaki ang pag-asa natin na matalo ang Iran. Ngunit sa hindi inaasahang pagkakataon, nauwi ulit sa pagkatalo ang Gilas Pilipinas laban sa Iran. Nakakalungkot ngunit matatapos ang ating kampanya sa World Cup sa record na 0-5. Iran 95 – Gilas 75.

Photos from sports.abs-cbn.com

Bagama’t tapos na ang ating kampanya, meron pa tayong kakaibang inaasahan; ang maiwasan ang huling puwesto sa 32 team na kalahok sa World Cup. Umaasa tayo na matalo at matambakan ang Jordan o ang Japan sa kanilang huling laro upang maging mas mataas ang kanilang –point difference sa tournament.

Ngunit nanalo ang Jordan sa kanilang laro na nagdulot sa kanila na makaangat pa sa final standings, habang ang Japan, bagama’t natalo sa kanilang huling laro ay naiwasan pa rin ang maging last place dahil sa mas mababang point difference kumpara sa Gilas. Sa nakakalungkot na pagkakataon ay naging “dead last” (32nd Place) ang Gilas Pilipinas sa 2019 FIBA World Cup.

 Montenegro 90 – Japan 75

Jordan 79 – Senegal 77

Screenshot from Wikipedia.

“The Gilas Problem”

-          3 pts shot

Isa sa mga inaasahan ko na magiging bala natin para sa World Cup ay ang galing natin sa tres, with Pogoy, Rosario, Barroca, Lee, Ravena, Bolick, Perez at pati na rin si Andray Blatche, sadyang minalas talaga tayo sa buong kompetisyon. Sa limang laro ng Gilas sa 2019 FIBA World Cup;

36-143 or 25.2 % or an average of 7.2  3-points made in 28.6 attempts per game. Pagdating sa 3 points efficiency ay 31st place ang Gilas. Ito talaga ang isa sa mga kulang o nawala  sa Gilas dahil sa sobrang dami ng itinira ay kaunti lang ang kanilang naipasok. Masakit tignan ang stats na ito, kung naipasok lang natin ang karamihan sa mga ito ay malamang ay nakakuha tayo ng isa o dalawang panalo.

-          Preparation

 Lack of Preparation/Chemistry

Photos from news.abs-cbn.com

Isa ito sa nakakainis isipin na naging problema ng Gilas Pilipinas, hindi mo maintindihan kung anu ba talaga ang importante, ang humarap at lumaban gamit ang pangalan ng ating bansa o unahin muna ang kita ng pera.

Para sa akin, isa ito sa mga factor kung bakit wala tayong chemistry at nagkulang tayo sa pwersa  nang pumunta tayo sa China para lumaban:

·         Bagong  system mula kay Coach Yeng Guiao na pumalit lang kay Coach Chot Reyes bilang Head Coach ng Gilas simula noong Gilas-Australia brawl.

·         Bagong build na line-up .

·         Injuries (Matthew Wright, Marcio Lassiter, Poy Erram).

·         Back-out or unavailability of players (Ray Parks, Jayson Castro at naturalization issue of Jordan Clarkson).

·         PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals.

·         Kiefer Ravena late availability to play.

·         Warm-up games.

 Alam naman natin na nasa PBA talaga matatagpuan ang mga best players ng ating bansa, kaya para sa akin dapat ay nag adjust ng schedule ang PBA para dito katulad noong 2014 FIBA World Cup kung saan merong mas mahabang preparasyon ang Gilas na nagkaroon pa ng mga pocket tournaments upang lalong mahubog ang galling at ang chemistry ng team.

Isipin mo natapos ang PBA Commisioners Cup; Aug 16 with San Miguel winning against TNT in Game 6 of the Finals (14 days before the World Cup), dahil din dito ay hindi agad nakapag ensayo sina Junmar Fajardo at pati si Christian Standhardinger (SMB) at Troy Rosario at RR Pogoy (TNT) sa mga nalalabing araw ng Gilas sa kanilang preparasyon. Sa Commissioners Cup Finals din na injured si Marcio Lassiter kaya hindi na siya nakapaglaro – isa sa mga sharpshooter ng Gilas. Dapat ay nakapag-adjust na ang PBA sa kanilang schedule upang kahit papaano ay matulungan ang ating pambansang koponan na makapag-ensayo at magkaroon ng familiarity bilang isang team.

Nakumpleto lamang ang Gilas noong Aug 25, 2019 (6 days before the World Cup) dahil ito rin ang unang araw ng pagtanggal ng suspensiyon ni Kiefer Ravena mula sa kanyang 18th month suspension mula sa FIBA dahil sa paggamit ng isang drugs substance sa kanyang inumin. Umani ng kritisismo ang pagkasali ni Kiefer sa team dahil sa kanyang 18 months ban, marami ang nagsasabi na wala ito sa shape at condition sa paglalaro ng basketball at late na nga ang pagsali niya sa team. Mahusay talaga si Kiefer maglaro at bagay siya sa Gilas Pilipinas ngunit maaaring nakaapekto nga ang kanyang late arrival upang makapag build ng chemistry ang Gilas.

Isa rin sa nakakapanghinayang na nakadagdag sana sa lakas ng Gilas ay ang pag-atras ng mga players na sina Jayson Castro at Bobby Ray Parks Jr. , meron silang mga personal na dahilan kung bakit hindi na sila makakasali pa sa team ; Jayson Castro need a break at si Bobby Ray Parks Jr naman is para naman makapagbigay naman siya ng time sa PBA Mother club niya na Blackwater Elite, dahil matatandaan natin na sa All Filipino Cup ng PBA ay hindi agad siya nakapaglaro dahil sa commitment niya sa ASEAN Basketball League kung saan naglalaro siya sa San Mguel Alab Pilipinas. Kung anu man ang kanilang dahilan ay desisyon pa rin nila iyon, dagdag lakas sana ng pwersa ng ating pambansang koponan ngunit respetuhin na lang natin ang kanilang naging desisyon.

Hindi maganda ito sa isang team na nakapag – qualify sa isang World Tournament na mabuo sa maikling panahon kung saan makakaharap mo ang mga magagaling na manlalaro sa buong mundo. Alam naman natin na ang mga players ay may mga mother clubs na pinaglalaruan kaya iba pa rin ang need ng chemistry for the national team.

Napansin ko na halos  kaunti lamang ang mga warm up games na nailaro ng Gilas para sa kanilang preparasyon para sa World Cup. Halos mabibilang mo nga lang ang kanilang mga nakaharap at sa totoo lang, halos wala tayong mabigat o kalakasan na naka tune-up para sa World Cup. Nakalaban natin ang Jordan, Lebanon at pumunta ng Spain para makaharap ang Congo at Ivory Coast (sayang lang at hindi natin nakalaban ang Spain sa isang pocket tournament, dahil tinalo tayo ng Congo na hindi kasali sa World Cup). Nagkaroon din tayo ng tuneup games sa isang Australian Club Team Adelaide 36ers kung saan 1 win (92-83)-1 loss (85-75) ang naging resulta nito; tinalo tayo ng isang Club team at take note tinalo ito ng Ateneo 91-87 – grabe bilog ang bola o sadyang hindi lang talaga maganda ang resulta ng tune-up games na ito para sa Gilas. Ito rin ang pagbabalik ni Kiefer Ravena mula sa kanyang suspensiyon at ito ang kanyang kauna-unahan at nag-iisang tune-up game na kasama ang Gilas.

Kung mapapansin niyo, bukod sa Jordan na kapwa natin Asian Qualifier for the World Cup, tanging Ivory Coast lang ang naka tune-up games natin at kahit pa sabihin natin na tinalo natin sila ng dalawang beses para sa ating preparasyon, hindi ko pa rin masasabi na nakapag prepare talaga tayo ng isang matinding tune-up games para sa ating koponan unlike noong 2014 World Cup na kung saan mas malalakas ang ating naka ensayo at mas malawak ang ating naging preparasyon. Ngayon taon, ang mga ibang pambansang koponan na kasali sa World Cup ay nagkaroon ng mga matitinding  mga kalaban sa mga tournament na kanilang sinalihan, samantalang ang Gilas Pilipinas ay nalimitahan lamang ang mga nakaharap, hindi ko naman sinasabi na walang lakas ang mga nakalaban natin sa mga tune-up games ngunit para sa akin ay mas maganda siguro kung naghanap pa tayo ng mga tournament o mga teams na kasali sa World Cup upang mahubog tayo at mapaghandaan ng husto ang World Cup.

We are disappointed indeed. I think Gilas need to re-focus and make a proper time schedule for our national team. With Coach Yeng resigning as the Head Coach of Gilas, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) are eager to have a replacement for the Gilas Coaching Post.

Nakakalungkot pero kailangan natin na bumawi sa susunod lalo na at isa tayo sa magiging host sa darating na 2023 FIBA World Cup. Sa mga panahon na ito ay umaasa tayo na hubog na ang mga Gilas Prospect natin; ang 23 by 23 at iba pang mga players na pwedeng maging future ng Gilas Pilipinas upang irepresenta ang ating bansa.

 GILAS 23 for 23 prospects.

Guards

Robert Lee Bolick - San Beda / Northport Batang Pier

CJ Perez  - Lyceum of the Philippines / Columbian Dyip

Juan Gomez De Liaño - University of the Philippines

Paul Desiderio - University of the Philippines / Blackwater Elite

Remy Martin - Arizona State University

Joseph Matthew Nieto - Ateneo de Manila University

 Wings

Thirdy Ravena - Ateneo de Manila University

JJ Alejandro III - National University / Rain or Shine Elasto Painters

Joshua Sinclair - National University

Kenneth James Tuffin - Far Eastern University

Arvin Dave Tolentino - Far Eastern University / Nueva Ecija (MPBL)

Jeo Ambohot - Colegio de San Juan de Letran

Kobe Paras – University of the Philippines

Dwight Ramos - California State University

Javee Mocon – San Beda University / Rain or Shine Elasto Painters

  Bigs

Kai Sotto – Ateneo de Manila University

Isaac Go - Ateneo de Manila University

Abu Tratter – De La Salle University / Alaska Aces

Ariel John Edu -  Llandovery College of the United Kingdom

Carl Vincent Tamayo – Carl Vincent Tamayo

Kenmark Cariño – San Beda University

Will Gozum – University of the Philippines

Troy Rike - Wake Forest University / National University

 Sa mga prospect na nabanggit, nakaka-bilib isipin na sa 2019 World Cup ay nagamit na agad natin ang galing nina CJ Perez at Robert Bolick dahil na rin sa ipinapakita nilang laro sa PBA simula nang sila ay na – draft. Sana lahat ng nakasama sa 23 or 23 pool ay mag improve at maipakita ang galing ng Pilipinas sa basketball sa mga darating na panahon.

Para sa akin ang makarating sa World Cup ay isa na ring karangalan, masakit lang na hindi tayo nakakuha ng kahit isang panalo ay proud pa rin ako sa pinakita ng ating Gilas Pilipinas. Dahil sa bawat sakit na ating naramdaman mula sa pagkatalo, lalaban pa rin tayo ng buong #PUSO.

Gilas… Next?

Gilas may focus on the upcoming SEA Games muna kung saan tayo ang Host Country, meaning dito sa bansa natin gaganapin ang mga laro. Para sa Gilas Pilipinas, mataas ang chance natin na manalo dito ng Gintong Medalya dahil sa South East Asia tayo ang Power House – of the 19 Basketball Competitions na naganap sa SEA Games, 17 Gold Medals ang meron tayo at 2 Silver medals. Kapag sa SEA Games region ay dominante talaga natin ang Mens Basketball kaya sa darating na 2019 SEA Games ay malakas ang tsansa na sa atin ang Gintong Medalya.

Tim Cone for Gilas

Sa darating na SEA Games ay kinuha ng SBP ang serbisyo ni Coach Tim Cone ng Brgy Ginebra San Miguel upang pansamantalang maging Coach ng Gilas Pilipinas para sa SEA Games at dahil dito karamihan sa kinuha niya sa kanyang 15-man pool, 6 dito ay mga players niya mismo sa Ginebra upang hindi na siya mahirapan na ituro ang kanyang sistema at nagdagdag siya ng mga beterano na sa PBA.

Photos from news.abs-cbn.com

The Gilas player pool for the SEA Games:

LA Tenorio (Ginebra)

Scottie Thompson (Ginebra)

Stanley Pringle (Ginebra)

Japeth Aguilar (Ginebra)

Greg Slaughte (Ginebra)

Art dela Cruz (Ginebra)

Jayson Castro (Talk N Text)

RR Pogoy (Talk N Text)

Troy Rosario (Talk N Text)

Chris Ross (San Miguel Beermen)

Marcio Lassiter (San Miguel Beermen)

Christian Standhardinger (San Miguel Beermen)

June Mar Fajardo (San Miguel Beermen)

Vic Manuel (Alaska)

Matthew Wright (Phoenix)

 Sa experience ni Coach Tim Cone at sa tulong na rin ng kanyang mga piniling mga assistants na sina Joe Devance na kanyang player din sa Ginebra (familiarity of his system), Coach Jimmy Alapag (International experience) at Coach Jong Uichico (International experience coaching Gilas) ; masasabi mong napakalakas talaga ng Gilas Pilipinas kumpara sa kanilang mga South East Asian countries counterpart. Umaasa ako sa kanilang tagumpay at makakamit nila ang Gintong Medalya  para sa Pilipinas.

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Liverpool 3-1 Arsenal AS IT HAPPENED: Mohamed Salah brace maintains perfect record | Football | Sport

LIVERPOOL 3-1 ARSENAL | MATIP (41), SALAH (48, 58), TORREIRA (84)

Fabinho and Jordan Henderson come into the Liverpool midfield

James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on the bench

Summer signing Nicolas Pepe makes his first start for Arsenal

Alexandre Lacazette is a substitute along with Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Joel Matip heads home a Trent Alexander-Arnold corner

Luiz concedes penalty when tugging Salah’s shirt – Egyptian converts

Salah doubles his tally when leaving Luiz for dead and slotting home

Substitute Lucas Torreira scores a consolation goal for Arsenal

Liverpool XI: Adrian, Fabinho, Van Dijk, Wijnaldum, Firmino, Mane, Salah, Henderson, Robertson, Matip, Alexander-Arnold

Arsenal XI: Leno, Sokratis, Ceballos, Aubameyang, Maitland-Niles, Monreal, Pepe, Luiz, Willock, Guendouzi, Xhaka

Liverpool vs Arsenal LIVE: Premier League score, goals and updates (Image: GETTY)

LIVERPOOL 3-1 ARSENAL

FT: Liverpool the only remaining side with a perfect record in the Premier League. It’s actually a new record for the club, who have now won 12 consecutive games. Arsenal were better than the 3-1 scoreline suggests and will win plenty of away matches with those kinds of performances.

93: David Luiz, never short on confidence, decides he’s going to shoot from the free-kick. It’s about 30-yards from goal… miles over.

92: Booked! Virgil van Dijk is the second booking of the afternoon when handling the ball with Alexandre Lacazette backing into him.

90: Four minutes of added time.

89: Arsenal seeing all of the ball in these closing stages but Liverpool are defending well enough. Henrik Mkhitaryan on for Matteo Guendouzi. Adam Lallana on for Roberto Firmino.

87: Alexandre Lacazette drives into the penalty area before reaching the byline. He flicks it up and subsequently appeals for a penalty for handball. Nothing doing.

LIVERPOOL 3-1 ARSENAL | TORREIRA

84: GOAL! Arsenal pull one back through substitute Lucas Torreira. It won’t see them take home any points but it displays a real sign of character.

There’s a scramble inside the Liverpool penalty area and Torreira capitalises by firing low into the corner.

83: Looks like Unai Emery is experimenting a bit with Alexandre Lacazette, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Nicolas Pepe on the pitch. Tottenham up next for Arsenal – could we see all three start?

80: We’re pretty-much at a walking pace now as Liverpool look to protect their clean sheet. You suspect there are more goals in this if they pressed the accelerator.

Alexandre Lacazette on for Joe Willow who, once again, has done himself proud.

Liverpool vs Arsenal LIVE: Premier League score, goals and updates (Image: GETTY)

Liverpool vs Arsenal LIVE: Premier League score, goals and updates (Image: GETTY)

78: Standing-ovation Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who arrives for Sadio Mane.

75: Nice move from a tired Arsenal. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang finds Nicolas Pepe on the right, who tries to scoop the ball back over to the striker. James Milner spots the danger and glances it behind for a corner. Cleared.

72: Jordan Henderson spots Mohamed Salah steaming in at the far post but Bernd Leno reads it and races off his line to collect.

69: Wijnaldum off, Milner on. Jurgen Klopp sends in the veteran to make sure no silly business occurs.

66: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang looks like he’s through on goal after a lay-off from Nicolas Pepe but Virgil Van Dijk moves over to usher the ball back to Adrian.

Liverpool vs Arsenal LIVE: Premier League score, goals and updates (Image: GETTY)

63: “Mo Salah, Mo Salah, running down the wing” reverberates around Anfield. Home fans are loving this. Absolutely loving it.

Lucas Torreira replaces Dani Ceballos.

61: They are queuing up! Andrew Robertson and Sadio Mane nearly trip over each other as they look to nail a fourth. The Scotsman eventually wins out but blasts it straight at Bernd Leno.

LIVERPOOL 3-0 ARSENAL | SALAH

58: GOAL! Liverpool running riot. Mohamed Salah running riot. This could be a cricket score now as the Egyptian king does what he does best.

Fabinho sends it forward and Salah leaves David Luiz for dead with a clever spin. He bears down on goal and calmly slots it beyond the outstretched Bernd Leno.

Liverpool vs Arsenal LIVE: Premier League score, goals and updates (Image: GETTY)

57: Liverpool toying with Arsenal now. It’s played between Mane, Firmino and Robertson, who eventually crosses for Salah to head over the crossbar.

54: So wasteful from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. He breaks the offside trap and is through on goal but takes an eternity to shoot. Eventually Joel Matip gets back quickly to stab the ball from under the Arsenal striker’s feet.

52: Mohamed Salah has been directly involved in seven goals in his six Premier League appearances against Arsenal (five goals, two assists), scoring in all four of his home games against them.

51: Where do Arsenal go from here? That was literally the nightmare scenario for Unai Emery’s side at the start of this second half. Handbrake could be released now…

Liverpool vs Arsenal LIVE: Premier League score, goals and updates (Image: GETTY)

Liverpool vs Arsenal LIVE: Premier League score, goals and updates (Image: GETTY)

LIVERPOOL 2-0 ARSENAL | SALAH

49: GOAL! Mohamed Salah picks himself up and takes the penalty. He makes no mistake with a superb spot-kick right into the top left-hand corner.

50: Penalty to Liverpool! Luiz has a very Luiz moment when tugging on Salah’s shirt inside the penalty area. No real arguments from anyone.

48: Not since March 2018 has Virgil van Dijk been successfully dribbled past in the Premier League. 539 days and 50 matches later, Pepe delivers.

No messing around from the Reds, who instantly test Bernd Leno with a low cross that the goalkeeper clutches. Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino were ready and waiting to pounce.

Liverpool vs Arsenal LIVE: Premier League score, goals and updates (Image: GETTY)

LIVERPOOL 1-0 ARSENAL

45: And we’re back underway folks. No changes for either side.

“In Pepe, Arsenal have probably had the best player on the pitch. He is a special talent. I’ve been so impressed with him,” Jamie Redknapp said on Sky Sports. He’s certainly a fan of the £72m signing.

Liverpool vs Arsenal LIVE: Premier League score, goals and updates (Image: GETTY)

Twitter round-up

Joey: Virgil Van Dijk dragged Matteo Guendouzi halfway across the area before Joel Matip headed in. Why isn’t VAR looking at that?

Ryan: I’m loving football right now. The days of parking the bus are well and truly beyond us. Managers have pressed the ‘accelerate and shoot’ button on every players boots!

Sully: How did Pepe miss that chance? For a player who has had a very decent 12 months he should be scoring his first goal for Arsenal.

Liverpool vs Arsenal LIVE: Premier League score, goals and updates (Image: GETTY)

Liverpool vs Arsenal LIVE: Premier League score, goals and updates (Image: GETTY)

LIVERPOOL 1-0 ARSENAL

HT: And that’s the break. Arsenal certainly had their chances – Nicolas Pepe in particular – but Liverpool take a one-goal lead in with them at the break thanks to Joel Matip.

46: Good chance wasted by Sadio Mane, who shrugs off Ainsley Maitland-Niles before heading over the crossbar. Bullied the Arsenal defender there.

45: Incidentally, that was Joel Matip’s first Premier League goal since scoring against Southampton 11 months ago. two minutes of stoppage time.

43: Arsenal just switched off for a second and they were punished. A goalless draw at the break would have priceless for Unai Emery’s side. Liverpool tails up now.

LIVERPOOL 1-0 ARSENAL | MATIP

41: GOAL! Liverpool make the breakthrough thanks to a centre-back but it’s not the one you would have expected.

Trent Alexander-Arnold sends in a cracking set-piece and there’s Matip to rise highest and unleash a bullet header past Bernd Leno.

Liverpool vs Arsenal LIVE: Premier League score, goals and updates (Image: GETTY)

40: Mohamed Salah backs into Granit Xhaka inside the penalty area. The Egyptian spins and leathers a half-volley wide of the target. Roberto Firmino then fizzes one straight at Sokratis.

38: Jurgen Klopp will be quite disappointed with his full-backs today. You can’t fault Andrew Robertson or Trent Alexander-Arnold’s energy levels – it’s just that final ball hasn’t been good enough on several occasions.

35: There’s a VAR check for a potential red card at Anfield. They are checking to see whether David Luiz swung an elbow in the penalty area. We can’t actually see that – and nobody in the stadium knows what’s happening either.

A Liverpool corner is eventually swung in… and Arsenal break!

Nicolas Pepe runs the length of the field, beating Andrew Robertson with absolute ease. He’s done everything perfectly until the shot – which was poor to say the least. Very impressed with the Ivorian.

Liverpool vs Arsenal LIVE: Premier League score, goals and updates (Image: GETTY)

33: He likes a shot does Nicolas Pepe. The winger puts it on his left and is allowed to pick his spot with a beautiful curling drive. Just wide.

30: I can’t decide whether I’m absolutely loving the bravery on display from Arsenal here – or think it’s ridiculous.

The diamond is allowing Andrew Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold acres of space – but Unai Emery’s side have exposed Liverpool’s defence on more than one occassion having sucked the full-backs forward.

27: I suppose that’s a compliment to Arsenal. Sadio Mane looks frustrated when spanking a terrible effort high into the stands. Not his finest. But that makes sense having put him in my fantasy football team this week.

Liverpool vs Arsenal LIVE: Premier League score, goals and updates (Image: GETTY)

24: Suicidal stuff from Arsenal. Ceballos is pinned in next to his corner flag, so decides to spray it across the penalty area where Sadio Mane gratefully collects. He fires quickly but Bernd Leno sticks it.

Lovely interchange between Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino sees the Brazilian’s effort blocked.

21: Good break from the visitors as Joe Willock strides downfield. Roberto Firmino, ever-willing, chases him all the way back to the Liverpool penalty area. Nicolas Pepe has a crack from distance but it’s not enough to cause Adrian any problems.

19: Tell you what, It’s been all Arsenal in the last five minutes. The Gunners are always looking for the long, diagonal ball up to Nicolas Pepe. The summer signing’s got plenty of space when the Liverpool full-backs are bombing forward. First goal will be crucial today.

Liverpool vs Arsenal LIVE: Premier League score, goals and updates (Image: GETTY)

16: There’s some optimism for Arsenal here. Nicolas Pepe looks seriously dangerous when creeping in behind this Liverpool defence. He spins away from Andrew Robertson but the referee penalises him for handball.

13: “I’ve seen these mad types of goalkeepers over the years”, Gary Neville says as Adrian needlessly races off his line to clear a ball that Virgil Van Dijk was perfectly capable of dealing with. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang collects but his lob bounces inches wide.

10: Georginio Wijnaldum momentarily forgets he’s not Lionel Messi when attempting to flick Trent Alexander-Arnold’s corner in at the near post. The ball drops for a second bite, but he slices it off target.

Liverpool vs Arsenal LIVE: Premier League score, goals and updates (Image: GETTY)

8: Oh Arsenal… It’s brave. Not many sides would try to play out from the back against a pressing side like Liverpool – but the Gunners are going to try. It immediately fails with Sadio Mane stealing it off Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

5: Liverpool don’t often have a free week to prepare for these fixtures. Surely that can only be bad news for Arsenal.

Grant Xhaka gifts Liverpool a free-kick on the left flank. Arsenal organise themselves with a very high line. The ball is whipped behind the line but Roberto Firmino can’t connect.

3: Guess what? Liverpool are pressing Arsenal like their lives depend on it. Jurgen Klopp plans to heap pressure on Sokratis and Luiz from minute one.

Arsenal are in a diamond formation. And it’s that diamond formation that’s allowed Andrew Robertson to fly down the left and fire narrowly across goal.

Liverpool vs Arsenal LIVE: Premier League score, goals and updates (Image: GETTY)

LIVERPOOL 0-0 ARSENAL

1: Hello everyone, sorry for my incredibly late arrival. I’ve not given you the À la carte treatment because of Manchester United’s somewhat embarrassing defeat to Crystal Palace at Old Trafford today.

I should have gone À la carte, always go À la carte…

Anyway, I’m in position, you’re in position and YNWA has been belted out from all corners of Anfield. We’re underway in the clash of the two sides with perfect records.

Someone is going home without one.

Liverpool vs Arsenal LIVE: Premier League score, goals and updates (Image: GETTY)

Team line ups in:

16:45: The team line ups are in and Nicolas Pepe is handed his first start for Arsenal.

Pepe comes in with Alexandre Lacazette dropping to the bench.

For Liverpool, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah all start as Jurgen Klopp’s men look to maintain their 100 per cent record.

Afternoon…

16:20: Hello everyone and welcome to our LIVE coverage of Liverpool vs Arsenal from Anfield.

I’m busy covering Manchester United’s clash with Crystal Palace right now, but I’ll get things underway the second that has finished. I promise.

I will, however, provide you with the line-ups and team news the second they arrive. Standby for a possible full Nicolas Pepe debut…

Liverpool vs Arsenal LIVE: Premier League score, goals and updates (Image: GETTY)

LIVERPOOL vs ARSENAL – TEAM NEWS

Liverpool XI: Adrian, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson, Fabinho, Wijnaldum, Henderson, Mane, Salah, Firmino

Arsenal XI: Leno, Maitland-Niles, Sokratis, David Luiz, Monreal, Xhaka, Guendouzi, Willock, Ceballos, Pepe, Aubameyang

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[junker-town]

If you could reassign 1 player to a new World Cup team, who would you pick?

Lionel Messi’s team stinks, so let’s give him a new one. Plus a dozen other wonderful possibilities.

When a national team has a bad mix of players, it can’t just go out and sign a new one. To some, this is why international soccer is great, and it’s what makes the World Cup special. Other people, like me, are thoroughly annoyed by watching the best player in the world attempt to drag some absolute jokers to a title, then get yelled at by his fans for not pulling it off.

For that reason, we asked the fine people of Twitter which player they’d like to reassign to a new national team. I’ll go first, with one of many Lionel Messi responses.

Messi to Portugal https://t.co/o9RCfvaUIo

— Kimić (@lgbtqfc) June 20, 2018

The Messi vs. Cristiano Ronaldo debate would come to its logical conclusion: They win a World Cup on the same team, and therefore it can never be settled.

Here are the other Messi answers.

Messi to Spain

— ❄Niels Søgaard (@natty_ice49ers) June 20, 2018

The most obvious one, Messi’s spiritual footballing home. Spain runs away with the World Cup in this scenario.

Messi to England

— Fairly lazy (@j_mandres) June 20, 2018

I have NO IDEA what England would do with Messi. In their current system, they’d have to drop Raheem Sterling to make it work. If Gareth Southgate wants them both on the pitch, he’d probably have to completely re-work his system and go to a 4-2-3-1, which doesn’t fit his current personnel as well. I don’t doubt that Messi makes England better, but fitting him in is a puzzle. It might take years to get it right.

Messi to Senegal. https://t.co/iunto3Gq3P

— Shireen Footybedsheets Ahmed (@_shireenahmed_) June 20, 2018

Yeah, just drop one of the two strikers to the bench and give Messi a second striker/No. 10 free role. They dominate the group. Honestly, Senegal has a better squad than Argentina minus Messi.

Busquets to Argentina. #WorldCup https://t.co/4WFF6FV9Lk

— Muhammad Butt (@muhammadbutt) June 20, 2018

This is sort of an entry into the Messi answers, though it does not include Messi himself. I’m not actually sure this is the right choice to help Messi? Javier Mascherano is really good. I feel like a center back or all-around No. 8 helps this team more. What they really need is Paul Pogba, which no one suggested.

OK, let’s get into the Ronaldo section.

CR7 to Brazil https://t.co/a4KAVTG1PX

— - (@LM19Futbol) June 20, 2018

I actually don’t like this very much? I think Gabriel Jesus is a really good fit for Brazil. Having to re-work a team so that Neymar and Ronaldo both fit sounds like a nightmare that would take months of training and experimenting at club level. I don’t think a national team could pull it off in a couple weeks.

Ronaldo to Australia because I'm a shameless homer and this is on-brand for me.

— James Dator (@James_Dator) June 20, 2018

Striker is Australia’s weakest position and I think this would make the Socceroos good enough to get out of their group.

Ronaldo to france

— Taylor Tey (@TayTey24) June 20, 2018

...Hmm. HMMMMMM. Ronaldo up top, Griezmann out left? I think this can work.

OK, now to the other stuff.

Gary Cahill to Sweden

— Andrew Thomas (@andi_thomas) June 20, 2018

Revolting.

Sorry, here are some better answers.

Mo Salah to Senegal https://t.co/V6G3gVgcHr

— مصعب (@MosabDLo) June 20, 2018

Hell yeah. Salah and Mane back together at national team level on a super fun and fast team would be awesome. And Mo deserves so much better than Egypt.

Luiz Suarez to Germany. They need that guy, as Muller (and definitely Gomez) arent that guy anymore

— matthew (@bulldurham60) June 20, 2018

I had high hopes for Timo Werner but he looked way out of it against Mexico. I think this would improve them a lot, but there’s a better Germany answer...

Kante to Germany. Well, Kante to anyone. But if you put Kante on Germany, it solves all of their problems. You can play a 3-1-6 when the 1 is Kante. https://t.co/yza9tCfpNn

— Nate Scott (@aNateScott) June 20, 2018

Hell yeah. If this happens, Germany wins the tournament going away.

Ozil to Portugal would be fun. https://t.co/q2h01MBMLb

— Cameron Ellis (@cellis212) June 20, 2018

PLEASE REUNITE MESUT AND CRISTIANO THEY WERE SO HAPPY TOGETHER.

David Silva ➡ France https://t.co/1LGICJm0MX

— Volkan Yeğin (@VolkanYegin_) June 20, 2018

I love David Silva but this is a bad idea. France already refuses to play its actual wide players and just clogs the center.

Diego Costa to Switzerland. All they lack is a proper centre forward.

— Gergely Marosi (@emgergo) June 20, 2018

Yes. Switzerland has a bunch of foul machines and was somehow able to manipulate the ref in the Brazil game into under-carding them too, so Costa will fit right in.

Marcelo to Belgium

— Shadow Recruit (@verbal_kunt) June 20, 2018

Oh that’s delicious.

Give me and Colombia someone like Kroos, who can boss the midfield and take some of the creativity responsibilities away from James.

— Pablo Ruiz V. #COL (@PabloRV7) June 20, 2018

I had to look up who Colombia started next to Carlos Sanchez in midfield, which reflects poorly on both me and that person, Jefferson Lerna. Yes, I absolutely want to see Toni Kroos in the Colombia midfield.

Dybala to Morocco. https://t.co/uxACUBR5rJ

— Reggie Comma Mike Prada (@MikePradaSBN) June 20, 2018

Man, I really thought Ayoub El Kaabi was good. Morocco probably has four points with a creative false nine of Dybala’s quality, maybe even six. This would be really cool but I’m also now very sad thinking about Morocco being out of the tournament.

Isco to Iceland

— Carson Shanks (@CarsonShanks05) June 20, 2018

Why? Why would you take one of the most technically skilled players in the tournament and put him on a team that wants to have 30 percent possession and chase the ball? I’m disgusted.

Lewandowski to Germany.

— Vikash Patel (@VikashPatel94) June 20, 2018

An obvious answer culturally and tactically. I can’t decide if it’s better than the Suarez answer though. I feel like Germany could really benefit from Suarez’s mobility and general dickishness.

Modric to Portugal. https://t.co/YmpxSzYEpY

— Portugal fan account (@daraab99) June 20, 2018

Modrić is basically “what if Joao Moutinho was a little better at everything,” so this answer kicks ass.

And finally, my favorite answer.

Mo Salah to Brazil

— koro (@koroisthebest) June 20, 2018

IF YOU WANNA SEE MOHAMED SALAH ON BRAZIL GIMME A HELL YEAH.

If you have any more suggestions, leave ‘em in the comments.

[tipsoctopus]

"Win-win scenario", "Has to be a priority" - Liverpool target 19 y/o sensation - verdict

Jadon Sancho has lit up the Bundesliga since signing for Borussia Dortmund in 2017.

Last season, he was included in the German top flight’s Team of the Season but this season has not gone as swimmingly, that’s despite him leading the way from a creative point of view with six assists.

After the previous international break, he returned to his club late and was dropped for the next game, and he was then taken off after 36 minutes against Bayern Munich last Saturday.

As such, it is being reported that he wants to leave Die Schwarzgelben, and Liverpool are said to be interested. Valued at £90m by Transfermarkt, he would set the Reds back, but he is a promising talent. However, with Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino leading the line, there doesn’t seem to be much of a need for him.

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Should Liverpool sign the England international? We asked four Football FanCast writers for their verdicts.

Danny Lewis

“I’m not really sure this would be the greatest of deals, perhaps for Jadon Sancho more than anything. The teenager is clearly someone who is keen to get as much game time as possible, having taken the leap of faith to leave Manchester City. Therefore, it seems unlikely he would be willing to go somewhere he would be directly up against Sadio Mane and Mo Salah for minutes on the wings.

“From a Liverpool point of view, the fee of around £100m being cited would be a lot to pay for someone who would not be guaranteed to start every week. On paper this would be an exciting signing, but it is hard to see how it would work out.”

Domagoj Kostanjsak

“Jadon Sancho is definitely one of the most promising young talents in the world, being named on the Golden Boy shortlist for 2019. Seeing how he would most likely fit Jurgen Klopp’s heavy metal and all-out attack approach, I’d say he would be more than just a worthy scoop for the Reds.

“After all, if they don’t get him, someone else might do it instead. I can’t see him staying put for much longer and currently, there are hardly better places to be at than at Anfield. It’s a win-win scenario for both parties.”

Grant McQuillan

“I think Sancho is a beneficial addition to any squad. However, with his form, he’ll demand first-team action and I don’t think Liverpool can give him that. There is not a chance he gets in ahead of 2018/19’s Golden Boot winner Mo Salah, so the crazy money in which he would cost simply won’t be worth it.

“However, the winger is talented and would be a great signing for anyone. With four dribbles each Champions League game, you will not be able to get many better players at the age of just 19. At the end of the day, who wouldn’t want a man who has six assists and three goals in just nine league games already? A great signing for anyone, but he needs to be starting every game, no matter what.”

Harry Sherlock

“Sancho has to be a priority for Liverpool if he’s available. This is a player who has developed into a genuine star during his time at Borussia Dortmund, scoring 12 and assisting 14 in the Bundesliga last season. As a result, he’s now a regular fixture in the England squad.

“Not only is he homegrown, he’s just 19 and could become the star of the show under Jurgen Klopp. Yes, they already have Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah but depth is good, and competition is healthy. Liverpool should be pulling out all the stops to bring Sancho back to the Premier League.”

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[mancitynoise]

Imagine this Liverpool fans; a player who was flogged by The Reds for just £1 million returns to English football, replaces one of the finest playmakers of the Premier League era and inspires Manchester City to yet another top-flight crown.

That nightmare scenario might become reality.

The new David Silva?

A mere mention of the infamous ‘transfer committee’ in place during Brendan Rodgers’ Merseyside reign will send shivers down the spine of Liverpool fans.

Long before Jurgen Klopp led Mo Salah, Roberto Firmino and co to glory in the Champions League final, the likes of Mario Balotelli, Lazar Markovic and Joe Allen were arriving at Anfield and dragging down the reputation of one of Europe’s proud old clubs.

Few thought at the time, however, that the decision to sell Suso to AC Milan for just £1 million in January 2015 (The Mail) would prove to be one of the biggest regrets of the Rodgers era, not to mention a fine example of the baffling recruitment which characterised an exasperating era for Liverpool fans.

The Spanish playmaker showed glimpses of quality during his time in the North West, even starting a Premier League clash with Manchester United, but a lack of quality in the final third meant Liverpool jumped at the chance to swap him for a seven-figure transfer fee.

But while Suso stagnated at Liverpool, he has blossomed in Milan. And, according to El Desmarque, Pep Guardiola has now headhunted the 25-year-old as Manchester City prepare for life without club legend David Silva, who is set to bid an emotional farewell to the Etihad at the end of the season.

Suso is a right winger by trade but, with a wand of a left-foot and the ability to cut open defences with a splitting through ball, Guardiola obviously feels he can turn the 25-year-old into the heartbeat of his star-studded side.

Chelsea fans have been forced to watch on in anguish as Kevin De Bruyne goes from strength to strength in sky blue. And, if Suso returns to the North West, Liverpool supporters will know exactly how they feel over at Stamford Bridge.

[torentialtribute]

Liverpool news: This could be the season Robert Firmino steps out of Salah and Mane’s shadows 

They sang relentlessly after he had sealed this last, emphatic victory. De Chant continued as the teams left the field and continued to boom when fans were thrown out of the Cricket Field Stand and headed home.

& # 39; There is something that the Headline wants you to know, & # 39; it went. & # 39; The best in the world is Bobby Firmino! & # 39;

Not much outside Liverpool agrees with that statement. Firmino rarely comes into the spotlight, he does not start a productive score and when he comes to the award season, he is nowhere to be seen. Firmino is often overlooked for all the talk about Liverpool's front three.

Roberto Firmino rarely plays the attention but he is vital for this brilliant Liverpool team

Liverpool 's 3-0 win over Turf Moor with a nice finish, fine finish from 20 with er

This would be the season may be that Firmino steps out of the shadow of Mo Salah and Sadio Mane

This is not a chance of Mo … but target bonuses can breed greed

Looking Sadio Mane smelled of Mo Salah, who did not arrange the ball for him, made me think about selfishness in football in general.

This is a situation that we are seeing more and more. Often a player tries to score when a teammate is in a better position. I do not accuse Salah of this at all, but the reason that we see more of these scenarios in general may be due to the target bonuses that apply to strikers today. They have brought greed and selfishness into play and I don't like it.

Do you want a scorer to pay more than your basic salary to score goals? That is his job. It's in the name. He would like to do that, regardless of whether it adds extra to his salary package. Otherwise it risks creating an unhealthy environment. Bonuses for goals were a rarity in my age. Now most contracts are included.

Like I said, I don't know if Salah has a target bonus. If he knows that, I don't know how much he gets.

But I can guarantee that Jurgen Klopp spoke to his player after he had not passed Mane and also to Roberto Firmino against Burnley and this in the mouth broke the button. Football is a team game. All attackers must remember that.

By Sportsmail & JAMIE REDKNAPP

It was true to some extent on Turf Moor. Headlines were captured by Sadio Mane's volcanic reaction to his replacement, his anger fueled by Mohamed Salah's decision to do it alone and seek a goal, rather than making a selfless pass to his teammate.

The real showstopper in Liverpool & # 39; s fourth consecutive victory of the campaign, however, was the boy from Brazil: Firmino & # 39; s fingerprints, with a goal and an assist for Mane, were all about a 3- 0 triumph.

I don't think there is anyone like him in the world, said Andrew Robertson, the Scotland left back. "With his pace of work, his technique, his goals and his all-round game … People will say there are better strikers, but what he does is so important to our team.

" He does everything and that is the beauty of Bobby. He can do it all. He is our first line of defense and I have seen no one better at that. He presses on the defenders and does not give them a minute. He comes back and cuts the ball in midfield for us. Bobby is so important to us defensively.

& # 39; Then he enters the park and scores goals and makes assists. The work he does in games is probably more than any rush hour in the world. We would be lost without him. & # 39;

However, you cannot ask yourself whether the appreciation for him is felt universally within Anfield. When Mane and Salah go to Milan in three weeks for the FIFA Best Award, along with Virgil van Dijk, Firmino will be home, which is curious when he helped Liverpool win the Champions League and was central to the success of Brazil in Copa America . ]

Firmino seems to be in that strange situation that once hit Barcelona & Andres Iniesta, where everyone is looking at the talents of others, it took a while to register the influence he exerted. The cent eventually fell with Iniesta.

If he continued in this spirit, the same applies to Firmino, whose late strike made him the first Brazilian to reach 50 goals in the Premier League.

You had to be sympathetic to James Tarkowski, who had the hard task of keeping an eye on the current Liverpool man. & # 39; What a player! & # 39; Jurgen Klopp boomed when the Liverpool manager was asked for a synopsis of Firmino's efforts.

Jurgen Klopp praised praise for the & # 39; exceptional & # 39; Firmino's range of physical and technical talents

It's incredible how smart he is in decision-making, how good he is technically, how fit he is, how much he enjoys the really hard work. There is no doubt about how I respect and love this boy.

& # 39; But I don't like to talk about it. He has now been gone for 11 days, so hopefully he will return healthy. Being skilled as Bobby is one thing. Combine it with the attitude he takes, that's incredible. To combine those skills, always be there and things like that? Wow! it is exceptional. & # 39;

To give you an idea of ​​the standing Klopp Firmino holds, the Liverpool manager will stay up early in the morning to ensure that he is out of the friendly Brazilian against Colombia (in Miami) and Peru (in Los Angeles) without problems

& # 39; Brazilian players do not write immediately after the game, & # 39; Klopp said with a wry smile. & # 39; They text & # 39; and & # 39; not at night. Friendly contacts with Brazil are often not so easy to find. & # 39;

Players like Firmino are also unknown. Liverpool dug up a jewel when they signed it from Hoffenheim four years ago. This will be the campaign when it really sparkles.

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[freebetalerts-blog]

Brighton v Liverpool: Both teams to score the value play at the Amex

(New post on FreeBetAlerts.com) - https://freebetalerts.com/2019/01/11/brighton-v-liverpool-both-teams-to-score-the-value-play-at-the-amex/ #Football, #Freebets, #Tips

Brighton v Liverpool: Both teams to score the value play at the Amex Please share.

Undefeated in their last four, Brighton take on title favourites, Liverpool, who have lost two on the bounce. Can the Seagulls keep their run going or will the Reds get back on track? Steve Rawlings takes a look…

Brighton v Liverpool Saturday, 15:00Free hit for the Seagulls After three Premier League defeats in-a-row, Brighton have stopped the rot nicely with a draw and a win at home – 1-1 with Arsenal and 1-0 against Everton – a 2-2 draw away at West Ham and a comprehensive 3-1 win in the FA Cup away at Bournemouth. What’s particularly encouraging for Seagulls fans is that the goals have been shared around a bit lately and since their main talisman, Glenn Murray, opened the scoring from the penalty spot against Crystal Palace last month, eight different players have found the net.Unbeaten in four in all competitions is a decent run of form and Brighton boss, Chris Hughton, quite rightly, feels his side are taking on the Premier League leaders at a good time.”At the moment, playing at home to Man City or Liverpool are the toughest games you can play. Can we go into the game with some comfort? We can until kick-off time and then it’s about how you perform on the day,” he said this week.”They will be big favourites, as everybody would imagine, and it will be us doing as well as we can on the day. I’d certainly rather be going into the game in good form than in bad form. In this game, people won’t expect us to get anything and anything we do get will be a bonus.” Having climbed to 13th in the table, 10 points above the bottom three, Brighton are starting to look safe in just their second season in the Premier League and this game is something of a free hit. As Hughton alludes to, they can go out and play without pressure on Saturday and that might just make things tough for a Liverpool side desperate to get back on track. Can Klopp’s charges return to winning ways? Liverpool had been unbeaten in 21 Premier League games and they’d won nine in-a-row up until last week but after a 2-1 defeat to title rivals, Manchester City, and an early exit from the FA Cup after suffering the same scoreline against Wolves on Monday, Jurgen Klopp’s charges need to get back to winning ways fast.Victory at the Etihad last week would have seen the Reds go 10 points clear at the top of the Premier League but Leroy Sane’s second half strike saw the gap at the top closed to just four and it’s vital that Liverpool regain momentum.The Reds are still the favourites to win the Premier League but they won’t be if they fail to get back on track here.Although they’ve lost two in-a-row, it’s hard to imagine it’s the start of anything like a poor run. Liverpool and City were closely matched and although the home side deserved to shade it, with a little a slight change of fortune, the fixture could have easily gone the other way and given nine changes were made for the Cup tie at Molineux, defeat there wasn’t a massive shock.It’s a risky business putting all your eggs in one basket but having left out all of his star players for the tie at Wolves, Klopp has effectively done that domestically. In theory, not being involved in any more Cup games at home should be advantageous. They’ll be playing far fewer games than their closest rivals, Manchester City and Spurs, who are both still in the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup but it’s as broad as it’s long. Playing less games might be a plus but winning breeds winning and hanging your hat on securing the Premier League could intensify pressure as the end of the season approaches. Liverpool too short at long odds-on Liverpool have a strong recent record over Brighton, winning each of their last six encounters in all competitions but they only beat them 1-0 at Anfield back in August and they’re short enough at around the [1.3] mark given the lack of pressure on the home side, the importance of the fixture to the visitors, and the possibility of a few key absentees. The return of their sensational striking trio, Sadio Mané, Mo Salah and Roberto Firmino, will give the Reds a huge boost after all three were rested against Wolves and there’s even talk of Joe Gomez returning at the back but Jordan Henderson and Dejan Lovren could be missing on Saturday and a number of players have been said to be suffering from some sort of sore throat bug since they lost to City. Brighton’s record at the Amex is pretty impressive too and 18 of their 26 points this season have been gained at home. They’ve won five of the ten Premier League matches played at the Amex so far this term, beating the likes of Manchester United, Everton and Wolves and their only defeats have come at the hands of Chelsea and Spurs. They lost just four at home last season – against the champions, Manchester City, on the opening weekend, against Saturday’s opponents, in the last game of the season, and they also went down 4-0 to Chelsea and 2-0 to Leicester.Despite their solid recent form and their record at the Amex, it’s still hard to envisage Brighton beating Liverpool. An argument could be made that the draw is the value play at around the [6-0] mark in the outright market on the exchange but the safer play appears in the side markets… Both teams to Score value at odds against Over 2 ½ in the Over/Under 2 ½ Goals market is trading at odds-on and so it should be. Only 50% of Brighton games have seen three or more goals in the Premier League this season but matches involving Liverpool have produced three or more 57% of the time and looking at their respective records at home and away, I fancy there’ll be goals.Brighton have scored in all ten Premier League matches at home this season and Liverpool have scored in all of their 11 games on the road. In fact, the only time Liverpool have failed to score was at home to City back at the start of October. Both teams have scored in 70% of Brighton’s home games and in 55% of Liverpool’s away matches so odds against looks very fair in the Both Teams to Score market and that’s my only play. Same Game MultiIf you fancy combining two or more scenarios to build a bet that pays handsomely, click on the Same Game Multi tab at the top of the Sportsbook market and pick two or more selections to build a wager. For example, Both teams to Score, Liverpool to win and the prolific Mo Salah to find the net pays £4.16 for a £1 stake.

Steve’s Premier League P/L 2018/19 Staked: 60 ptsReturned: 44.53ptsP/L: -15.47 pts

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[freebestbettingtips]

GONE! Tactical Analysis of Liverpool win over Manchester United

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GONE! Tactical Analysis of Liverpool win over Manchester United

Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp continue to their sheer brilliance with a thrilling 3-1 derby win against Manchester United which was a job done in some style. Consequently, Jurgen Klopp’s side keeps the top spot of the Premier League table for themselves thanks to yet another impressive performance against Mourinho’s Manchester United, which caused the Portuguese manager to say goodbye to Manchester.

In this tactical analysis, I will provide you with a tactical analysis that is based on some stats and graphics from the game.

General Overview

Jurgen Klopp fielded a 4-2-3-1, which has become a kind of fashion recently, against Mourinho’s 3-5-2 as seen in the graphic above. However, it should be noted that considering Liverpool’s free-flowing football, their shape and formation may change constantly during the games.

In the United side, though, the only different action was that Rashford moved up front on a regular basis throughout the game against the Reds. The idea behind trying to create a solid block in the central positions of the defensive area was that Mourinho wanted to defend well and stop the electrifying Liverpool attacks and through balls from the central areas but they couldn’t quite manage to do that as Liverpool had 36 shots which was their second-best shot stat in a Premier League campaign.

As clearly seen in the graphic above, Manchester United were in an effort to defend a Liverpool attack that started in the centre of midfield with Mane who dribbled with the ball through the attacking third where he faced no Manchester United player to come up against him despite they were in defence with 5 players + 2. This “disorganized” Manchester United defensive line got them in trouble literally all game. They were a lot in numbers as they played with a back 5, in general, that was supported by Matic and Herrera, but their efficiency and productivity in defending were simply alarming.

Although the centre of defence was occupied mostly by the Manchester United players, Liverpool never seemed to stop trying to make something out of that area. They kept on trying to benefit from that area with some fast through balls and dribbles thanks to their pacey attackers.

Another important point is that as you see in the graphic, Keita played up front supporting the Liverpool attacks but his main duty was to come deep into the central areas to block the passing lines of Manchester United players and it’s possible to say that he put in a great effort to do his duties. He both supported Andrew Robertson on the left wing and also contributed to defending the central areas from where he initiated the transitions when he managed to tackle, intercept and win the ball. It’s very important for Jurgen Klopp’s team to have such players who are pacey, combative, and also quality on the ball in order to provide such services that turn into opportunities for his teammates.

As I mentioned earlier, Manchester United failed to defend the central areas where Liverpool were very effective from the very start of the game. Eventually, on the 24th minute, Liverpool found a way to open the scoring through Mane’s feet after a sensational long pass from Fabinho who just can’t help himself but gets better day by that at the Anfield. It was a perfect delivery, undoubtedly, but Mane’s run in down the right was even more satisfying as he drilled across the United defence that was congested with 5 players. As I mentioned, once more, they were high in numbers but not successful in most of their defensive efforts. Fabinho got the pass from the left and was in control of the ball in a quite comfortable way before providing Mane with a brilliant assist.

As I stated earlier, Liverpool’s shape changes a lot during the games. Here in the graphic above, for example, we see Roberto Firmino on the ball with Sane up front and Mo Salah on his regular place at the right-hand side. Firmino drags Matic with him and turns around successfully before playing some one-twos and create opportunities. He currently plays as a number ten but just as he was not your typical striker when he used to play up front, he is not your typical number ten when he plays right behind the striker. He not only contribute to defending as a team but also performs a lot of different actions in terms of attack which confuse the opposition. The fact that the Liverpool squad is full of combative, pacey and strong players helps Jurgen Klopp to get positive results in every scenario. He can use a player (like Mo Salah, Keita or Firmino), especially in the final third, in different shapes with different roles and he gets results thanks to their talents as well as their fighting spirit that keeps up the team defence and concentration.

Liverpool’s attacks were stopped by Lingard’s goal that came through an Alisson blunder. Manchester United, then, looked to find spaces behind the Liverpool fullbacks but it’s possible to comment that they failed at making something out of those insufficient attacks. None of those were productive because Virgil van Dijk’s composure and quality in the air caused troubles for the Manchester United striker who was to keep the ball to create chances. He couldn’t create any chance for his teammates and couldn’t score himself.

In the second half, there cometh the hero of the game. Xherdan Shaqiri. He positioned himself in the central area where he was covered by not any Manchester United player and he scored a beauty to make the Anfield go wild. Mane’s effort caught the eye in this position but Shaqiri’s positioning is very precious here, in my opinion. He realized the lack of concentration in the Manchester United defence and he benefitted quite impressively. It’s also possible to see here that there’s another massive gap in the defensive zone. The left-back of Manchester United, Ashley Young, moved in to help defend the six-yard box but there occurred a huge gap for the Liverpool right back to overlap. I mean, Clyne was there to get the loose ball even if it wasn’t for anyone else to do something. Shaqiri scored his second goal to make sure that Liverpool got all the three points with an eye-catching performance and he became the man of the match himself.

Conclusion

Liverpool’s ever-changing, free-flowing, impressive attacking football continue to cause troubles for the oppositions as they remain at the top of the Premier League with one of the greatest performances in their history. It will be very important to keep focused till the end of the season to bring in the first ever Premier League title to the Merseyside but there’s one thing for sure that this team will never stop showing some sort of exciting football.

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