StevieMax

Sterling stepped up to take it and was denied by the keeper. Then VAR intervened again to rule that Conor Coady had encroached and because he cleared the ball, the kick needed to be retaken. Coady wasn’t in the box but he was in the ‘D’ and that’s not allowed. Even as a schoolkid I knew that, but as we’ve discovered over the last couple of days poor Conor struggles a little bit when it comes to understanding the rules of the game. That's the only reason for the D - to make sure everyone (but the keeper, obviously) is at least 10 yards away from the ball when a penalty is taken.

Too right about the so-called "expert" pundits - all Robbie Savage did on 606 was try to goad every LFC caller into stating that the title race was over.

Rewind to Dec 29th 2010 - Liverpool 0 Wolves 1 on a very cold night at Anfield, probably the most miserable time I have ever spent at a football match (even if it was the final nail in Roy's coffin). Liverpool were woeful and clueless against a poor Wolves who got off the bottom of the league with that win. Rewind 24 hours and on a cold afternoon at Anfield we saw an assured Liverpool battle their way to a deserved win whilst not firing on all cylinders. Witness Lallana's tackle on Traore (mentioned in Dave's report) when already on a booking. Salah battling for every ball upfront despite having the towering Kilman hanging all over him (forget Taylor awarding a foul for that). Bobby chasing lost causes all over the field. Mane doing his bit for the team by doubling up on Traore for the last 20 minutes. Gini & Hendo battling for everything in midfield despite all the pushing and pulling going on. And the back four just doing their jobs - as usual. A team with the heart (and soul) of a champion.

We actually have an extra day leading up to Sheffield Utd than we had for Wolves - so picking the strongest side available is the correct option.

I thought it was the label for dodgy 4* Mexican Brandy

Doesn't read like a rush job. Fair report - I thought Keita was impressive going forward and Lallana worked hard. Shaq & Origi were a disappointment - even though Div did almost provide another assist with a "disguised pass" like he did against Watford. We bossed the game once Sadio & Trent came on - a few of their players were suffering with cramp before the end. Sublime pass from TAA to Bobby for the goal, which gets better every time I re-see it.

Great summation of both the game and the situation, Dave. The youngest ever LFC 1st team more than held their own and if it had ended 3-1 or 4-2 it would have been a fairer reflection of the game. As Dave says the Villa keeper was probably MOM.

The swirling wind was a factor. Neither side could compete with full confidence for any headers and most bouncing balls. Andre Marriner was another - allowed loads of time wasting by Foster and various throw-in takers.

Beat me to it!! Anyone want to bet against Suarez doing some larceny against Napoli?

Yeah - the BBC are on it................ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50755948

You're right, Dave, Everton just out-mithered Chelsea - and Chelsea had little answer to it. All 3 goals were like David Luiz hadn't left the club. And it was great to see the passion of Big Dunc - he'd have his heart on his sleeve if it weren't for the sweatbands. If he keeps the job for much longer, the Goodison Ball Boys will be wanting danger money as some of Dunc's hugs were rib crackers.

Good fair report, Dave - repped for "Liverpool tribute band"

Scholes & Ljungberg - soooo funny!! Not too surprised about the Barca dressing room, though. They don't seem to communicate much on the pitch. Near the end of the game at Anfield (when it was 4-0) Divock went down injured and eventually went off after treatment - but in all that time there was no one shouting the odds or geeing people up or even arm waving as one goal by Barca would still see them through. I think Messi went walkabout around halfway line.

Watching the Arse v B&HA tonight - Shearer is commentating - perhaps I was harsh on McMoist.

Watched the game via the new network provider in the presence of Ali McMoist (who was v poor btw). I thought that we looked great going forward but didn't close down/get to the ball enough when we were defending - very passive at times. TAA was especially poor after he got (rightly) booked. Both goals originated down his side even though Richarlison was never touched for the free kick he "earned" that led to the corner that led to the first goal. Not having someone (Fab or Hendo) snapping in to the tackle in front of the back four leaves them exposed at times. A better side would have caused more problems (and Everton caused too many in reality). Having said all that, if LFC has scored 7 it would not have been flattering. Shaq was especially sharp for someone who hadn't played for a while and Divock was a willing runner all night and Sadio was just magnificent. PS The referee expert on Prime (Dermot G) reckoned that VVD's challenge was not a penalty.