A very positive day at Anfield. The approach was completely opposite to what we saw in Paris. Wirtz as a 10 with 3 forwards. Fullbacks getting forward and supporting the attack. Frimpong was excellent. It was the approach that we started the season with and abandoned a long time ago. Rio is special. Every time he takes to the pitch he is the star man. Usually just cameos from the bench, but today right from the start. It was a truly brilliant goal. Salah and Robertson both had great days in their farewell tour. Somehow we are 4 points ahead of Chelsea for 5th with them needing to face City tomorrow.
Great interview with Robertson and Rio. It’s no accident that when Rio has started games, Andy has started as well. Having Robbo talk him through the match must be so valuable.
Typical second half with a fairly shaky defense, but at least this time Fulham weren’t shooting well. It was nice to see more effective pressing than we normally do in the first half. I was happy to see Rio and Salah score. Let’s try to do that some more! Couple of efforts to get Isak involved in the attack. I can see him making those runs a bit more effectively once he’s worn off some of the rust.
Though that’s the problem isn’t it? Decent (not great) game, poor game, decent game, rinse and repeat. Doesn’t bode well for Tuesday.
Slot later addressed the injury with Sky Sports, saying: “He felt a little bit, I think it’s groin, you say over here. “It wasn’t [injured in] the moment, he felt it already for a few minutes. “So let’s hope for the best. But I would be surprised if a player comes off that he’s available for Tuesday."
Just came to say YES! We haven't had much luck with Fulham under Slot. Great goals by Rio and Mo! Let's hope City do us (well, really themselves) a favor.
Rio isn't at all hesitant to take defenders on which is great to see. He needs to sharpen his tactical awareness at times, but that should come with more experience. Great to see Mo score a vintage Mo goal. A third goal would have made it less nervy, but a "bend, don't break" kind of win is much better than we've seen of late.
The table certainly looks a lot better than 2 days ago. A 4 point cushion on Chelsea is huge right now. Chelsea's run is better than ours, but it isn't great: MU - h / Brighton - a / Leeds - h / Forest - h / Us - a / Spurs - h / Sunderland - a Playing them next month - massive. If we can match Villa's results then beat them on May 17th (not easy mind you) I think we have a good chance of top 5. But one game at a time of course. Need to get at least a point vs the Bitters or it'll immediately be bite-your-fingernails-off time again.