Five Talking Points from Huddersfield 0-3 Liverpool
The Reds got back to winning ways at the John Smith stadium, seeing off a resolute Huddersfield Town defence and cementing their place in the top four.
After two back-to-back defeats against Swansea City in the Premier League and West Bromwich Albion in the FA Cup, there was pressure on Klopp and co. to react, bounce back and deliver.
They did just that, and in a matter-of-fact fashion.
Robertson 7⃣
Milner 7⃣
FirminoPlayer Ratings from the Reds' 3-0 win over Huddersfield, by @Aidan_Semplehttps://t.co/N22BbK2TEi
— Anfield HQ (@AnfieldHQ) January 30, 2018
A deflected goal courtesy of Emre Can broke the deadlock minutes before the half-hour mark and Roberto Firmino consolidated the lead with a clever goal on the cusp of half-time.
Mo Salah took over penalty duties from James Milner, and more importantly, converted it to wrap up all 3 points for the Reds on the night.
Rotation yields results for Klopp, again
Jürgen Klopp made six changes to the side that started the cup defeat at Anfield to West Brom at the weekend.
Andrew Robertson and Joe Gomez were restored at fullback with Alberto Moreno and Trent Alexander-Arnold making way while Dejan Lovren was brought on in place of Virgil van Dijk.
The Dutchman was afforded some rest, dropping to the bench, to recover from his injury as a preventive measure.
HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND – Tuesday, January 30, 2018: Liverpool’s goalkeeper Loris Karius during the FA Premier League match between Huddersfield Town FC and Liverpool FC at the John Smith’s Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
While Loris Karius took his place as expected, the midfield choices raised a few eyebrows as Jordan Henderson and James Milner replaced Gini Wijnaldum and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Along with Can, the central area looked somewhat bereft of creativity and spark; it is credit to Klopp and the players that their plan worked to the T.
Henderson and Milner – who had looked effective and energetic than the rest when they came on against West Brom – had a good outing alongside Can, who was sharp on the uptake himself.
The German scored the opener, worked his socks off and also won the penalty in the second half which Salah converted, thereby earning the official Man of the match award.
HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND – Tuesday, January 30, 2018: Liverpool’s Emre Can celebrates scoring the first goal during the FA Premier League match between Huddersfield Town FC and Liverpool FC at the John Smith’s Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Not a thrilling fixture but a welcome and comfortable win
This was no heavy metal spectacle or a thriller, but a good game nevertheless wherein the visitors struggled initially against the Terriers’ organized defence.
Liverpool tried to create space and break down Huddersfield but faced similar struggles of having to build up from the back again or go wide.
The difference was in the attitude and approach though, as the visitors relentlessly probed the home backline for a breakthrough.
It finally arrived in the 26th minute off a half-volley from Can, with a slight deflection providing the perfect placement in the bottom corner.
Thereafter, the Reds retained possession comfortably and Firmino’s goal was the result of deeper build-up play starting with Karius, and the assist coming from Sadio Mané’s glancing back-heel.
HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND – Tuesday, January 30, 2018: Liverpool’s manager Jürgen Klopp embraces captain Jordan Henderson as he is substituted during the FA Premier League match between Huddersfield Town FC and Liverpool FC at the John Smith’s Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Precious energy preserved for the visit of Spurs
The hosts showed zero ambition, despite a vociferous home support that backed the slightest intent of playing forward.
Despite the height of their players – four of them over 6’ tall – they failed to capitalize on set pieces and take advantage of a susceptible and still-suspect Reds backline.
Liverpool did not have to exert themselves much or run ragged to prevent incessant threats on their goal as the Terriers barely had a couple of touches in the Reds’ box.
It also helps Klopp keep his – now arguably thinner – squad fresh enough for the crucial fixture when Spurs visit Anfield on Sunday evening, in a clash that could have an impact on the top four standings come May.
Liverpool are now five points clear of Mauricio Pochettino’s side who take on Manchester United on Wednesday. With Arsenal capitulating to a 3-1 loss against Swansea, a positive result against the Lilywhites will put further distance between the Reds and the chasing pack.
HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND – Tuesday, January 30, 2018: Liverpool’s Sadio Mane looks dejected after missing a chance during the FA Premier League match between Huddersfield Town FC and Liverpool FC at the John Smith’s Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Good outing for Firmino; Salah and Mané slightly off-colour
Roberto Firmino scored the Reds second of the night and his 19th goal across all competitions for Liverpool. He also has a further 10 assists to boot, bringing his contribution for the season to 29 goals/assists for the club.
The Brazilian was his usual self – dropping down and winning the ball back if possession was lost and leading the line from the front when the Reds had the ball.
The goal was the perfect reward for his cheek and audacity; another almost no-look finish at the near post, having given the eye to the Terriers keeper, putting him on the wrong foot.
It seems a bit harsh to critique Mo Salah, especially given his goal tally and performances so far. However, he and teammate Mané, both looked a bit jaded in terms of effectiveness up top.
They tried to link up and helped the defence, but the effervescence and pace that the two have come to be known for, was missing.
Salah did take the penalty to add to his goal tally but his performance was far from exceptional. Similarly, Man̩ came close to scoring with a couple of headers Рone was straight at the keeper and another shot wide.
Liverpool will need these two players to get back to their best to retain their place in the top four as also to progress as much as possible in the Champions League.
READ MORE: Huddersfield 0-3 Liverpool: The best photos
HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND – Tuesday, January 30, 2018: Liverpool’s manager Jürgen Klopp before the FA Premier League match between Huddersfield Town FC and Liverpool FC at the John Smith’s Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Thinness of squad a worry, need more ambition to stay relevant
All eyes were on Liverpool tonight and the slightest of slip-ups could have proved costly in the run-in to the end of the season.
Thankfully, a potential banana skin was avoided and three points wrapped up as the Reds completed the double over the Terriers this season, by identical scorelines (3-0) home and away.
However, with 13 more games in the Premier League left to play and the Champions League knockout stage looming on the horizon, the lightness of the squad is a bit of a worry.
The departures of Daniel Sturridge (on loan) and Philippe Coutinho mean the onus of scoring goals Рand staying fit Рis on Firmino, Salah and Man̩.
Having been knocked out of both domestic cup competitions and not in the race for the league title, the only trophy that Liverpool are in contention for – at least theoretically – is the UCL.
They need to put their best foot forward in the competition, but might not have sufficient firepower to do so. A top four finish – and continued CL participation – is also a must, if Klopp is to continue his work of strengthening the team in the summer and fight for trophies next season.
It is up to the German and the club hierarchy to ensure that they do what it takes to keep Liverpool on the right path to progress. The tiniest of mistakes in the short-term could prove catastrophic for the long-term future of the club, which is what most fans are concerned about.
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