Liverpool’s Return To Form Key To Trent Improvement

By Tom Cunningham @TomCunningham75After going five games without a win in the Premier League, during which they failed to score a single goal and lost their Anfield unbeaten record, Liverpool’s game against Tottenham Hotspur was a must-win. But, if any squad in world football has the mentality to bounce back in the most unlikely of circumstances, it’s Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side. The odds have been stacked against them before, but they have always bounced back.And, upon arrival at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, a statement of intent needed to be made; a statement that no matter the injuries; no matter the dip in form, they are still the Premier League champions and will bounce back.Now, 90 minutes later, that exact statement has been made in emphatic fashion. A return of goals was needed, as was a return to winning ways and strikes from Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Trent Alexander-Arnold ensured the return of three points. It is no coincidence that with Alexander-Arnold back to his best, the front three and the Liverpool side in their entirety flourished once again. The academy graduate has struggled to find his range in recent times- coinciding with the Reds’ lack of goals.Against Spurs, however, the passing range and performance was once again supreme when Liverpool needed him the most.If the eye test didn’t do his performance justice, either, the stats certainly back up his credentials. The fullback netted a goal, assisted another, had 87 touches, completed 53 of his 62 passes and created one chance. Offensively, he was back to his clinical best, but defensively, perhaps more crucially, Alexander-Arnold was much improved.Even in the absence of both Fabinho and Joel Matip in the second half, Alexander-Arnold remained composed and controlled at the back- a noticeable difference compared to recent performances.

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Anyone watching could notice and highlight his defensive improvement, but, once again, the stats just add further accreditation to his performance.In the full 90, Trent Alexander-Arnold made two clearances- the second most in the game and made two interceptions alongside failing to be dribbled past once. Gone was Liverpool’s recent greatest weakness; arrived was Liverpool’s most impactful creative outlet.It is perhaps a testament to just how good a player Trent Alexander-Arnold is when his form coincides with Liverpool’s greatest moments or most frustrating moment. The fact is, he holds the key to unlocking the so often so potent front three- as proven in the victory over Tottenham Hotspur.Liverpool’s over-reliance on the right-back to come up with a big performance has cost them so dearly this season when he has failed to show his best side. But, when on form, Alexander-Arnold is the difference-maker in this Liverpool side.In the biggest games, too, rest assured, like most Scouse legends to feature for Liverpool, he puts in the performance worthy of the ‘world class’ label often tagged to him.The Spurs game was no different. Like Liverpool have always done under Jurgen Klopp, they produced a statement-making performance when they needed to the most to silence the critics and potentially get their season back on track.By Tom Cunningham – @TomCunningham75