By: Tom Cunningham & Dan Clubbe
Liverpool 7-0 Manchester United: A preview into the new era that Jurgen Klopp has envisioned?
Not one, not two, not three. Hell, not even four, five or six. Liverpool 7-0 Manchester United. SEVEN. Manchester United were different this time around, they said. This was a new era, whilst others come to an end, Erik ten Hag stated. They had spent big once more, but this time so much wiser. They even lifted their first major trophy in five and a half years nine days ago. Yet, here we are. Liverpool 7-0 Manchester United. The Red Devils, perhaps falsely advertised as phenomenal once more, have never looked less demonic.
Instead, what we saw was a preview. A look into what this Liverpool may become. A look through the lenses of Jurgen Klopp; of what he has envisioned, of what the plan really is here. As Roberto Firmino brings to an end the first box office hit of Klopp’s ferocious Reds, the writing of the sequel has been taking place behind the scenes. And whilst some have questioned those sitting in the writers’ room – arguably rightly so at times – those typing may have been drawing up plans for a sequel likely to get the same reception as The Dark Knight rather than that of RoboCop 2.
For the first time, all of the main characters involved in this forthcoming sequel were involved and firing at Anfield, too. Cody Gakpo cut inside and fired home the first with the added touch of irony being the fact that it’s a style of strike outrageously similar to one we’ve seen Marcus Rashford score one too many times. Then, it was the turn of Nunez. Slated, belittled, and laughed at this season, the Uruguayan has now been involved in 18 goals in 31 appearances this season. Not bad, right?
Oh, and Salah was always going to have his say, wasn’t he? Lisandro Martinez was the poster boy of this United renaissance alongside Rashford in the build-up. One twist and turn later, however, and the Argentine was brought back down to size, as were the rest of his teammates before Gakpo found his second.
If Salah’s assist wasn’t enough, his brace, which included a weak-footed, thunderbolt of a volley into both the back of the net and whatever was left of Manchester United’s beating heart like one final dagger certainly was as he added another jewel, another record, to his glistening crown. But we had to wait for the true moment of the day until the 88th minute when the ball fell the way of a certain Si Senor.
It’s been a week full of tearful goodbyes to Firmino – a unique legend of Anfield. So, with that, the farewell tour began as a supposed new dawn came to visit. Bobby didn’t just simply start with his waves, though. No, simple isn’t his thing; the normal isn’t what he does. Firmino slotted home instead to make it seven in front of the Kop, almost sending reminders that whilst his time at Anfield is coming to a close, this era, despite what Ten Hag said last summer, is yet to reach its true end.
Alisson Becker 8 – Another clean sheet on what was a welcome quiet evening for the Brazilian. Distribution was top quality as ever and his handling was superb when called upon.
Trent Alexander-Arnold 9 – Boss. Simply boss. Defending and attacking, with question marks hanging over both this was a display to prove every single doubter wrong!
Ibrahima Konate 8 – Commanding from the outset and bossed Marcus Rashford into the hoardings early doors.
Andy Robertson 9 – World-class display from Robbo. Full of energy, and drive and provided the assist to break the deadlock. Unfortunate not to score at least once himself.
Virgil van Dijk 9 – Class. In every sense of the word.
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Jordan Henderson 8 – A real captain’s performance which was full of endeavour, passion and above all else, quality!
Fabinho 9 – Yet another step in the right direction from our lighthouse. So pivotal to Liverpool’s top-four hunt that he continues on this path.
Harvey Elliott 8 – Silenced the critics on his selection and then some. Busy all day and produced brilliant moments with the ball at his feet.
Cody Gakpo 9 – Simply oozed class throughout and deserved his goals. After an impressive start to his Anfield career, he is showing signs of being the player we bought plus much more. His first goal was a real masterpiece.
Darwin Nunez 9 – Struggled to get into the match in the first 45 minutes but kicked into gear just as the Reds started to run riot and was at the forefront of everything!
Mohamed Salah 10 (MOTM) – Stunning. Exquisite. Perfect. Became Liverpool’s leading Premier League goalscorer in a display for the ages. United couldn’t get anywhere near him and he sent Lisandro Martinez for a jog to assist Gakpo for his second.
Subs:
Stefan Bajcetic 8 – Amazing moment when he sent a miserable Bruno Fernandes for a copy of O Jogo.
Roberto Firmino 9 – The only story in town regarding the Liverpool subs really. Emotional moment when he got his goal in front of the Kop. Going to miss this genius aren’t we…
Diogo Jota/Curtis Jones/James Milner – NA – More minutes for some Reds and in particular Jota
Conclusion:
Just an amazing day that will go down in the history books as one of the greatest days for Liverpool Football Club.
Klopp’s side were rampant whilst United capitulated – don’t you just love it!
Onto Bournemouth and it simply cannot be a case of after The Lord Mayor’s Show…
