By Aiden Gharibian

The game ends 2–1 in favour of Liverpool in a nerve-wracking ending for the Reds. Liverpool just about got over the line thanks to a solid first half showing. Goals from Luis Díaz and Mohamed Salah proved to be the difference, as Wolves kept it close with a beautifully taken consolation goal from Matheus Cunha in the second half. There are valid arguments about Liverpool’s poor performance, but an equally strong case can be made that they did exactly what was needed to secure three points — an essential trait of title-winning teams. Liverpool were second best in the second half, and this can be proven with some shocking statistics.

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For the first time since the 2003–2004 season, Liverpool failed to register a single shot on target in the second half at Anfield — an astonishing and concerning statistic for a side like Liverpool. However, there were some bright sparks in the second half. Ibrahima Konaté received a yellow card in the 31st minute and later conceded a free kick before halftime. This forced Arne Slot to substitute him, as he was walking a tightrope. Young Jarell Quansah was introduced in the second half as his replacement, and he saved the game with a last-ditch tackle in the 86th minute. Arne Slot praised Quansah after the match, stating that he is ‘back to his old level’ — a sentiment some fans are beginning to share after his performance. Wataru Endo also made an impact when brought on, winning tackles and earning free kicks. However, he was not the only one.

Is Alexander Isak the answer to Liverpool’s No.9 problem?

Despite the presence of other key figures in today’s match, it’s worth mentioning a player who has had a mixed few months. Luis Díaz has played through the middle recently to accommodate for Cody Gakpo on the left, but most fans would agree this did not work well for Díaz. Today’s performance from Díaz proved the fans right, as he played the match on the left wing due to Gakpo being out with a knock. Díaz was arguably more threatening on the left in today’s match than he has ever been through the centre. He played a part in both goals, scoring the first and winning the penalty, which Salah netted. This raises a difficult question for the boss: Should Díaz and Gakpo be rotating on the left again?

By James Cranford

There was late heartbreak for Liverpool in the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park earlier this week, as James Tarkowski’s stoppage-time stunner rescued a point for Everton.

The Reds are still very much in control of their own destiny, but face a tricky spell of fixtures which culminates in a visit from in-form Newcastle United on February 26th.

The Magpies boast one of Europe’s hottest properties in Alexander Isak, whose fantastic goal opened the scoring in the reverse fixture. The 25-year-old is believed to have a price tag of well over £100 million, but could the Swedish international be in for a taste of his new home when he steps onto the Anfield turf?

LFC legend Jamie Carragher suggested as much in this week’s edition of The Overlap. He believes Isak would prefer to join Arne Slot’s side over Arsenal, should they land the biggest prize in domestic football. He said:

“If they win the league and Isak is going to leave, surely you pick the team who wins the league?”

TEAMtalk added further fuel to the fire earlier this week, suggesting Liverpool’s Champions League status and potential to win trophies could be the key to sealing a deal.

On the latest episode of our Journo Insight show, we asked Liverpool Echo’s LFC correspondent Paul Gorst for his thoughts on the Isak links.

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Paul said: “In terms of bringing players to the club this summer, the number nine is the one that I feel is going to need the most work, the most attention.

“Diogo Jota – fitness has been a major issue across his entire – as of now – nearly five years at Liverpool.

“Darwin Núñez – very hit and miss. The end of the season will be three years into his Liverpool career and I think we know what we’re getting from Darwin Núñez week to week.

“Does Isak come into that category, that conversation of game-changing player, who we’re going to go and break the bank for? I think he’s a fantastic player. I’d love to see him leading the line for Liverpool next season.

“Arsenal are in a similar boat to Liverpool, in more of a desperate boat really – they absolutely do need a number nine, so there will be interest in Alexander Isak, I suspect. I’d love Liverpool to be part of the conversation.

“There’s been talk of Darwin Núñez interest from Saudi Arabian clubs, hasn’t there? AC Milan certainly keeping tabs on the situation, and I think if Liverpool are open to offers this summer, he could bring in a decent amount of money that could go towards a direct replacement.”

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Redmen Reacts

Now well into his third season with Newcastle United, Alexander Isak looks to be the ‘next cab off the rank’ in terms of Europe’s top-level strikers. He is on track to surpass the impressive 21 Premier League goals he nabbed last year, and seems to have put the worst of his injury issues behind him. With respect to a historic and well-supported club such as Newcastle, Isak is now ready to test himself at a club that can challenge for the Champions League, and where better than the club that came top in this season’s UCL league stage?!

As with most Liverpool transfer links, cost would likely be the biggest barrier. Under FSG, Michael Edwards has shown he was prepared to break the bank in the past with the successful signings of Virgil van Dijk and Alisson. Two years ago, the club were turned down by Moisés Caicedo after having a nine-figure bid accepted by Brighton. Would they be prepared to outlay an even higher sum for Isak? Much depends on the outcome of the contract negotiations of the ‘big three’ at Liverpool. If one or more are left – especially if one of those players is Mo Salah – then perhaps the potentially transformational signing of Isak would be considered.

By Dan Clubbe

There was once a time when Liverpool were reliant on a 19 year old former Kidderminster Harriers centre-back in order to guide The Reds to a top four Premier League finish and in turn secure Champions League qualification. 

Fast forward five years and whilst Arne Slot’s side sits top of the Premier League having already secured passage through to the elite European competition knockout rounds, Rhys Williams is currently looking to rebuild his career at League Two outfit Morecambe. 

Injuries, illness and difficult loan spells in the last few seasons have curtailed the development of one of the heroes of 2020/21 alongside Nat Phillips, however, with 29 appearances under his belt so far this campaign, the 24-year-old central defender once hailed as ‘incredible’ by Jurgen Klopp has certainly shown an ability to fight for his career. 

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To check on the progress of the Liverpool loanee I headed to the Mazuma Mobile Stadium to watch the massive clash at the foot of League Two as Morecambe welcomed local Lancashire rivals, fellow strugglers and recent Liverpool FA Cup opponents Accrington Stanley to their sandy home. 

Ahead of the match it quickly became apparent just how highly regarded Williams was by the locals as fans, staff and even the local chaplain spoke to me in glowing terms of just how the youngster had acquitted himself. 

Named in the starting XI alongside fellow former Reds’ academy ace Adam Lewis who himself spent 19 years with Liverpool, Williams was tasked with keeping Morecambe’s survival hopes alive against the likes of Liam Coyle, Connor Woods and Shaun Whalley, all of whom would’ve cheered him on previously. 

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With 19 first-team outings under his belt for Liverpool, you’d have been forgiven for thinking the hostility of this local derby would be a mere formality for Williams, however, even Atalanta, Manchester United and Aston Villa away felt somewhat removed from the importance of this and the responsibility that was seemingly on the defender’s shoulders. 

After a frantic start, the first big chance came for Accrington and it took an excellent one-on-one save from Ryan Scofield to keep the score nil-nil in the opening five minutes. 

Just after the 20 minute mark it was Tyler Walton who went close for the visitors with a chest and looped volley that just clipped the top of the crossbar before going behind. 

Morecambe ended the half much the stronger side with centre-forward Lee Angol giving them an outlet as a number of shots, free-kicks and dangerous situations were created as the fiery atmosphere spilled over onto the pitch before the break with the score still goalless. 

Is Alexander Isak the answer to Liverpool’s No.9 problem?

The second half began in much the same way the first ended with the hosts on the front foot and it was rewarded when a sustained spell of pressure saw a delivery into the box left by everybody aside from Lee Angol who nodded beyond the Stanley goalkeeper. 

Accrington responded well and Williams was required to show his defensive nous on numerous occasions in the immediate aftermath of the goal including one block on a goalbound effort inside the penalty area. 

Academy starlet of 19 years at Liverpool, Lewis was in the thick of the action throughout the closing stages and was eventually forced off with cramp following a monumental shift up and down the left wing.

Williams was called into action defensively once again late on and procured another big block to deflect an effort behind for a corner. Marshalling those around him, the on-loan Red was instrumental as Morecambe clung on. 

But, it wasn’t just clinging on for the hosts as with Accrington pushing hard the home side countered, keeping the ball alive to find substitute Ged Garner who turned to volley home and sent the crowd wild. 

A massive win and what could prove to be a hugely significant three points with Williams at the heart of the performance and the clean sheet. 

Redmen Reacts

Ultimately regardless of what happens next for Williams, it’s just a major positive to see a young footballer back enjoying playing and contributing after a wretched time through injuries, illness and disappointing loan moves. 

With a huge end of the season to come, the Liverpool man will certainly need to bring all his experience and quality in order to help Morecambe survive, qualities evidenced in this display. 

A Quick Chat With…Rhys Williams will be out this week on Redmen Plus

Liverpool were going for a historic quadruple before being knocked-out of the FA Cup by Championship side Plymouth, but there are still three major pieces of silverware up for grabs for Arne Slot’s side.

The quadruple is not to be, but all is not lost for Liverpool, who hold a commanding lead at the top of the Premier League table, won the Champions League group and are already booked in for a meeting with Newcastle United at Wembley in next month’s Carabao Cup final. 

Despite the dramatic 2-2 draw against Everton in the last ever Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park, Liverpool are still seven points clear at the top of the table and with a big few weeks of fixtures still to come, Slot will know if his side can negotiate matches against Aston Villa, Manchester City and Newcastle without any heavy points loss, the title will be within their grasp. 

Liverpool’s Trophy Betting Odds

In the latest bookies odds, Liverpool are 4/7 to win both the Premier League and the League Cup. They’re 5/1 to win the League Cup and Champions League, 5/1 to win the Premier League and Champions League and 6/1 to win all three trophies. It’s 12/1 that Liverpool finish the season without a trophy. 

It is hard to see how Liverpool don’t add at least one trophy to their cabinet by the end of this season, but a final against in-form Newcastle will not be one to take for granted, especially if Aleksander Isak continues his form into that match. 

The Champions League is never an easy competition to win but Liverpool have given themselves the best possible chance after topping the group table and securing their place in the last 16. However, the draw might not be as favourable as they would have hoped with a clash against PSG a potential last 16 match-up.

The bookies make Liverpool the 9/2 favourites to win the tournament and with one of Manchester City and Real Madrid certain not to make the knock-out rounds, things are looking good for Slot’s side to go deep into the tournament once again.

Undoubtedly though, the Premier League is the title that most Liverpool fans are craving and with the news that Kai Havertz has suffered a season-ending injury for Arsenal, the odds for Liverpool to win the Premier League title shortened into 2/7. Their failure to open up the gap to nine points at Goodison Park is a small blot on the copybook but the Reds are still in complete control of their destiny, with Arsenal’s visit to Anfield on the 10th of May likely to be pivotal in the title race. 

Nobody is going to want to bet on Liverpool to win the Premier League title at odds of 2/7 but one way you could increase the odds is by combining this with some horses to win at the Cheltenham Festival in March. For example, Kopek Des Bordes and Jonbon are a lot of people’s idea of the bankers so adding these to make it a treble could be a good way to play. You can also use one or more of the free bets for Cheltenham that the bookies will be offering up to new customers. It’s a well-known secret that most of these bookies offers can be used for football so if the 6/1 for Liverpool to win three trophies is taking your fancy, a £10 bet returns £70.

How Many Trophies Will Liverpool Win?

It is a massive ask for this squad to go all the way in three competitions this season and they might fall just short in the Champions League, but they’d expect to beat Newcastle in the League Cup final and it is hard to see Arsenal making up the seven point gap in the Premier League. The Gunners have had far too many slip-ups this season and cannot afford to drop any more points between now and the end of the campaign if they are to catch the Reds. Ending the season with the Premier League and League Cup would undoubtedly be a success in Arne Slot’s first season – but some fans might also be thinking what could have been!