Middlesbrough

Talking Points | Liverpool FC 3 - 0 Middlesbrough

Slow Start but a Solid Finish |

While it wasn’t quite the same standard as the 6-1 over Watford, the 5-1 over Hull or the 4-1s over Stoke and Leicester, this was still one of our best home wins of the season. The Reds were poor from the start in truth with the midfield in particular sluggish in possession as the visitors sought to sit as deep as possible, playing as many as 6 at the back at times. However, it’s no surprise that when the Reds finally got it right, they got their goal. 

Classy Goals in a Classy Kit |

Wijnaldum’s goal was the result of some nice football to be honest. The Dutchman received from Clyne, spun, played a one-two with Firmino and then rifled home at Guzan’s near post. It only got better in the second half. Philippe Coutinho had wasted a few long range opportunities in the first 45 but you just knew as he lined up his free kick from 25 yards out that he was nailed on to make it 2-0. That he did. Lallana’s first goal of 2017 and Liverpool’s third of the day may not have had the class about the it in the build up but his finish was typical of a player who has oozed confidence this season. Played through one on one with Guzan, he made no mistake as he just passed the ball into the corner with his left foot, giving the American no chance. They were classy goals and they were only made better by the utter class of our new home kit. 

The Men for the Big Occasion |

Gini Wijnaldum has been so woefully underrated this season. The Dutch international has now been worth 11 points this season when scoring or assisting important goals and it was no different at Anfield. He’d dearly love to score that first elusive away goal in the Premier League I have no doubts but he’ll be greatly satisfied to have signed off his first season at Liverpool with the goal that essentially earned them fourth spot. 

Just as brilliant this season at stepping up when the chips were down was Philippe Coutinho. The Brazilian was superb at the start of the season and while a short spell out with injury crushed his momentum, he quickly hit top gear again after the last international break and never looked back. 7 goals and 2 assists in his final 9 appearances this season saw him end on a career best 13 goals and 7 assists in a single league campaign while his goal contributions across the final 8 weeks of the campaign were worth 16 points. What a player. 

Defensive Reinforcements Needed but Positives Aplenty |

While Jurgen Klopp will still need to realistically bring in at least a left back and a centre back in the Summer, there are reasons to be optimistic about Liverpool’s defence. The Reds kept 5 clean sheets in their final 6 games of the season having managed just 7 in 32 before that and the inspired form of Simon Mignolet in particular made them highly deserved. The attackers may have found their feet in the final two games - scoring 7 goals - but the newfound defensive resilience was just as important in the Reds picking up the required 16 points from their final run of 7 games. If this can be further improved on next season and Jurgen Klopp can make one or two solid signings, then the Reds could be a truly frightening side to play against. 

A Successful End to an Entertaining Campaign |