Liverpool ran out comfortable victors against Brighton on a glorious day at Anfield. They went into the match knowing that a draw would be enough to confirm a spot in the Champions League for next season, but from the outset it was apparent that they were not inclined to sit back and play for the point. The players knew that they had the quality to blow Brighton away, and duly did so – Salah, Lovren, Solanke and Robertson all got on the scoresheet in a 4-0 victory, which in truth was somewhat flattering to the visitors. The strike for Salah means that he is now the outright record-holder for the most goals in a 38-game Premier League season, overtaking the likes of Ronaldo and Suarez; his sensational performances have played a big part in firing Klopp’s team to fourth, and fans will be desperate for one more stellar showing two weeks from now in Kyiv.
Source: liverpoolfc.com
It was the kind of performance that has become synonymous with Liverpool this season. The attack had a slightly different look to normal, with Mane, Firmino and Salah all operating behind Dominic Solanke, but it posed as much of a threat as ever – even in quiet spells, there was a feeling that the forwards could be unleashed at any moment. The attacks, when they did come, came in devastating waves: a period of calm would be shattered by a barrage of forays forward. Spartak, Watford, Maribor, Arsenal, Porto, even Manchester City: these are just some of the teams that have succumbed to the blitz tactics of Klopp’s side this campaign, and it was fitting that this approach was employed to full effect once more in this last game of the domestic season. A less satisfying recurring theme was the denial of stonewall penalties, two of which were waved away in the opening exchanges. Fortunately, this did nothing to halt the momentum. Inside half an hour, Liverpool had the opener courtesy of Mohamed Salah. Who else? This was the goal that took his tally to a record-breaking thirty-two in the league, and it was finished with typical composure. The final chance to praise his frankly unbelievable performances in the league cannot be missed: thirty-five million pounds simply isn’t supposed to get you somebody this good. It may well go down as one of the greatest transfers ever. Salah has brought goals to Anfield, but more than that he has brought joy – all of his individual accolades from this extraordinary season are richly deserved.
Liverpool had a second before half-time. Again, it was from a pleasing source: Dejan Lovren, much-maligned for long periods of his time with the club, fully deserved his goal. He has looked significantly better since Virgil van Dijk’s arrival, and has made some important defensive contributions – it is still the case that there is room to upgrade, but all too often people are quick to criticise and slow to praise. Some credit is due, and the Croatian got to drink in the plaudits after rising high to fire a header beyond Matt Ryan. Andy Robertson must also be mentioned; it was he who put in the cross after receiving the ball from Salah, and the delivery was inch-perfect.
While all this was going on, Chelsea were collapsing against Rafa Benitez’ Newcastle side. Nothing but a win would have kept their Champions League hopes alive, but at half-time they found themselves 1-0 down and yet to have a shot at goal. Things only got worse for them after the break, as an Ayoze Perez brace made it 3-0 and condemned the London side to the Europa League. Meanwhile, just to make the claiming of fourth place all the more emphatic, former Chelsea man Dominic Solanke made it 3-0 to Liverpool. The young striker has missed his fair share of chances in his debut campaign under Klopp, but he tucked this one away emphatically: he positively rifled the ball beyond Ryan and into the top corner after being put through by Salah. As with Lovren, there are significant question marks as to whether Solanke is really of the calibre required to cut it with Liverpool in the long term; he has youth on his side, however, and reminded everyone of his credentials with this goal. The rout was rounded off by another man scoring his first league goal for the club: Andy Robertson, whose performances since joining have been a revelation, signed off a wonderful personal campaign with a tidy finish into the bottom corner.
The win was comfortable enough to allow Klopp to withdraw Mane, Firmino and Salah from the action before the ninety minutes were up. This was a sensible move in terms of avoiding potential injuries before Kyiv, but one suspects sentimentality had a larger part to play in the manager’s thinking. Each of the trio were treated to richly-deserved standing ovations from the Anfield faithful: simply put, it has been a pleasure to watch the three of them play over the course of this campaign. Of course, Salah has been the main man in terms of goals, but all three of them have combined excellently to create one of the most dynamic attacks this league has ever seen. Firmino in particular is a uniquely wonderful player – he, more than anyone, is the embodiment of Klopp’s team. Rumours have already begun to swirl about improvements in other areas over the summer window; a few additions behind the ‘fab three’, and the team will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with. However, for now, unwavering faith must be placed in the existing squad for one last time. It has been a Herculean effort to secure fourth place while also progressing to the final of The Champions League despite a relative lack of depth: each and every player can immortalise themselves on the 26th May with a win.
In a sense, however, the result against Real Madrid will change very little. Certainly the big picture remains the same – Liverpool have reinstated themselves as a regular presence in Europe, and have demonstrated that they can more than hold their own against the elite. They have a clear identity, more so than at any point in the last decade: it is an exciting, daring philosophy, one that not only delights fans but attracts even more talent to the club. All of this has been engineered by Jurgen Klopp, who has a knack for bringing the best out of his players and who is a major pull factor for potential signings. In short, the rejuvenation of a giant of the game is well underway. This cannot be changed by the result in Kyiv, but a win would be a glorious way to announce to the world that Liverpool Football Club is back.
James Martin
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