Middlesbrough 0 Liverpool 3 (Dec 14 2016)

[tlw content 16,783]

Our recent wobble, coupled with a woeful record at the Riverside made this look like a really tricky fixture beforehand. The absence of Joel Matip made it look even more of an uphill struggle, and just for good measure we had the whole goalkeeper situation to deal with too. So all in all, this went much better than expected. We needed this one badly, and we got it.
 
Klopp’s decision to recall Simon Mignolet was the right one but it was something of a surprise, to me anyway. I didn’t think he’d do it, especially after launching into the Chuckle Brothers for their criticism of Karius. A lot of managers would have felt that they had to stick with him to avoid losing face and proving the critics right, but it says a lot about Klopp that he didn’t allow that to influence him. 
 
Reading between the lines, Karius didn’t take the decision well (Klopp joked that “he didn’t want a hug at that moment”) but tough shit. He was sat on the bench giving Klopp the stink eye, but Mignolet was dropped earlier in the season for an awful lot less and he’s just got on with it, so that’s what Karius needs to do. I’ve criticised Karius more than most but I’m not writing him off. He might come good, and hopefully he will, but if he doesn’t it’s no big deal as he only cost £4m or something. 
 
Right now he doesn’t deserve to play as his performances were hurting the team. If we were just a mid table side with nothing to play for then we could afford to be patient, but that’s not the case. Chelsea are setting a pace that’s going to be difficult to keep up with, so we can’t have any passengers as every point could be vital come May. Like it or not, Mignolet gives us our best chance to win right now so it’s logical that he should play. 
 
He’s handled himself well since losing his place but there was a lot of pressure on him in this game. Granted, not as much pressure as there would have been on Karius, but he was still under a pretty bright spotlight. He handled it well. He looked good against Leeds recently too and you’ve got to credit him for his attitude. He’ll undoubtedly make a mistake sooner or later (hopefully later considering who we play next) and when he does it will be interesting to see what Klopp does. 
 

This is just a teaser, click here to view the full report

 

Please note that Match Reports are only available to website subscribers. Subscriptions cost just £2 a month (you need to register first) and can be purchased here. If you are not currently registered on the site, sign up for free and receive a one month FREE no obligation trial subscription, which gives you access to all the members only content for one month.

[Paul Wright 38]

Karanka said afterwards they have managed to compete in every game but not in this one.

Keep this going keep chasing the cockney blueshite

[alles ist gut 4,665]

A good read in full.

 

Hopefully Woodburn gets a run-out at Goodison in front of thousands of his fellow Welshmen.

[Lario 1,504]

"he only cost £4m or something".

 

Top research.

[dylstar 1,224]

"He might come good, and hopefully he will, but if he doesn’t it’s no big deal as he only cost £4m or something."

 

Think you haven't factored in his wages, contract, agent fee and his image rights their Dave unless he's playing for free of course.

[Pudns 14]

Great report as per usual Dave....roll in goodison

[Ipplfc 62]

Good report that,I hope your mum didn't see that picture of lallana with Jamie redknapp last week

[s(k)aturation 5,928]

A good read in full.

 

Hopefully Woodburn gets a run-out at Goodison in front of thousands of his fellow Welshmen.

 

Where is xerxes?

[Joey8FrogsLegs 1,043]

"He might come good, and hopefully he will, but if he doesn’t it’s no big deal as he only cost £4m or something."

 

Think you haven't factored in his wages, contract, agent fee and his image rights their Dave unless he's playing for free of course.

Also not factored in out goals against rate. Which is a pretty big deal if it doesn't stop very soon.

[Russ Atmosphere 6,344]

"He might come good, and hopefully he will, but if he doesn’t it’s no big deal as he only cost £4m or something."

 

Think you haven't factored in his wages, contract, agent fee and his image rights their Dave unless he's playing for free of course.

 

He's on £15k I think.

 

I'm not totally convinced we hired him because we thought he was one of the best goalkeepers on the market.

[alles ist gut 4,665]

Where is xerxes?

 

Gone on holiday with Sturridge

[VladimirIlyich 9,502]

Gone on holiday with Sturridge

Laurel and Hardly.