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The Reds Go EIGHT Points Clear! - Match Review Monday (Southampton 2-3 Liverpool) image

The Reds Go EIGHT Points Clear! - Match Review Monday (Southampton 2-3 Liverpool)

Daily Liverpool
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30 Plays1 month ago

Louie Easton, Adarsh Ramchurn, and Tom Barnes unpack a hard-fought win at St Mary's as the reds move eight clear of rivals Man City.

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Transcript

Introduction and Match Overview

00:00:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello and welcome to the Daily Liverpool Podcast, following a mixed bag performance against Southampton as we return to league football after the international break, going eight points clear at the top.

Liverpool's Mixed Performance: Points Over Performance?

00:00:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
Joining me today are fellow Liverpool fans, Tom Barnes and Adash Ramjern. Thank you very much for joining me today. You must be pleased with the outcome of that performance, Adash.
00:00:30
Adarsh
No, absolutely buzzing. I mean, not really pleased with the performance, but we got the three points in the end. That's all that matters ahead of a really, really tough week of games. So yeah, just buzzing that we're eight points clearly.
00:00:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
And Tom, same for you, how are you feeling after that?
00:00:44
Tom
Yeah, exactly the same. Like Adash said, it it wasn't a game about about the performance.

Mo Salah: The Best Player Right Now?

00:00:49
Tom
I mean, I think I said just off air then that if you asked me before the game, we weren't going to play well, but we were going to come out 3-2, winnings, have a snap your hand off. It was City dropping points. It was all about get it making that eight point gap, especially with City coming to Anfield next week. So no, couldn't be happier.
00:01:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, we'll unpack the entire match, the positives and the negatives as well. ah Firstly, the main takeaway from that game is Mo Salah once again. You know, and another unbelievable performance from him. 10 goals and 6 assists in 12 games in the Premier League now for Liverpool.
00:01:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
Adash, I'm just going to ask you this bluntly and I want you to give me your immediate answer. Is Mo Salah the best player in the world right now?
00:01:36
Adarsh
100%, he has to be. I mean, like you said, Louis, 10 goals, 6 assists. He's apparently aging, which he doesn't look like he's aging. he's's He's getting better and better, like fine wine ah with age. Absolutely fantastic. Even in the first half, I didn't think he had a great first half, but he's capable of that. Second half turns it on, gets that goal to get us back in the game, has a penalty, no problem, sticks in the back of the net. so Yeah, and that's what the best players in the world do. They're under pressure, they own they own the moment, and they take that chance. So yeah, I think at the moment, he's got to be front runner for the Ballon d'Or. He is the best player in the world, in the league, and yeah, we just need to give him that contract extension.

Salah's Form and Importance

00:02:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I was saying ah before we went live as well that there's no Euros, no World Cup this ah next summer. So, you know, the whole Egypt factor won't come into it, I think. um And it shouldn't either. I mean, we mentioned his age. What is he, 32? But when he took his shirt off after that penalty, we saw the physicality right there. That man is toned, that man is wam. Tom, what did you think of the the goals?
00:02:40
Tom
Just typical, typical seller really, isn't it? It's just, I mean the penalty I think just kind of epitomizes how he's been throughout his Liverpool career. You know, I mean, okay, people say it's just a penalty, but how many penalties has he had to take that have decided trophies in the past? I mean the Champions League final stands out like a sore thumb.
00:02:59
Tom
it's the It's the mentality to, you know, he missed a couple of chances in the first half, but like you said, and ah in a recent interview that he doesn't get mad if he misses a chance because he knows he's going to get another chance. I think that's down to, I mean, his awareness, his intelligence. I mean, okay, he's blessed a blistering pace, but I think if he didn't have that pace, he'd still find himself in the positions that he gets himself into because he's just that clever of a player. And I think the first goal sums up as well, you know,
00:03:27
Tom
Full back commits and boom he's he's off the other way and it just that one lapsing concentration from from an opponent and it and it'll kill you and So yeah, I think it's one of them and like you say he's 32 33 But there's no denying that in a few years time You can't not argue the fact that he could still be producing the same numbers, hopefully in a Liverpool shirt But yeah the way he keeps himself in that What's the what's the word that physique throughout his throughout his Liverpool time and he's He's blessed that he doesn't get many injuries, touch wood, I don't want to put jinx on it now. And we've just like you said, there's no international break. So if we can keep him fully fit for the rest of the season, then there's no reason why he can't go for a Ballon d'Or charge.
00:04:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, so he turns 33 in June on the 15th of June. I know that because I share a birthday with him. That's sort of personal note there. Anyway, Adash, what about that first goal? It was a weird one, but incredibly clever the way that he touched it down and scored on a first touch after a long lofted ball from Gravenberg.
00:04:29
Adarsh
Yeah, I mean, it was kind of both brilliant, obviously, from a Liverpool perspective, and Tyler just taking that in his stride. But I don't know what the goalkeeper was doing. It was one of those where we weren't really creating many chances. Southampton were kind of on top in that moment of the game. And he just, he took all of that away with one touch, which fit like trickled into the back of the net. um He's just got so many different ways of finishing. Like he can finish near posts outside the box, curl into the top corner, headers.
00:04:52
Adarsh
Finishes like that penalties. he's He's got the whole lot. He's a complete finisher. um But you just know whenever he's going to get a chance, even if he misses, he will go again. He will go again, like Tom said. um And that was one where like fortuitously fell in his path, but he had to take that chance. And yeah, it got us right back in the game. So yeah, brilliant finish.

Key Performances: Soboslai and Onuachu

00:05:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, was he's got an incredible catalogue of goals, even just in this season he's scored some absolute worldies. I want to talk about the rest of the match as well. um The Soboslai goal completely capitalising on a Southampton mistake and that kind of set the entire first half really. We got a bit lucky and a little bit unlucky at times.
00:05:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
um ah eventually the match decided with a bit of fortune in our favour. Tom, what did you think of ah that left-footed finish from Soboslai? And it's his first Premier League goal of the season, you might be surprised to hear.
00:05:48
Tom
Yeah, I think it's one of them. No one will be surprised that Sir Bozli's picking out the top corner from the edge of the box because we all know he's capable of doing that. I think it just adds to frustration that that's what we ought to see more. I think there's a few times today, especially I can remember where he's he had that much space in the middle of the park. Sometimes I just want him to just hit it rather than looking for the pass because I mean, last year, especially ah the start of his Liverpool career career, he was in some absolute rockets and all of a sudden we haven't seen that for nine months or whatnot. So it's, it's one of them, we know he's got it and we just want him to show it more. He's one of them that if he has a shot, I'm not too fussed about it because, you know, plenty of times it's going to hit the back of the net, but no, I'm not surprised about it. anything yeah And we kind of sell well, we knew South Phantom try for whatever reason to continue to play out from the back and we were going to catch him at some point. I mean, if you're going to play out from the back in against everything, once you don't want to do against his Liverpool, because I mean, our press is just second to none is probably one of the best out there. and
00:06:45
Tom
Yeah, I think a bit of a misjudged by the keeper. It was one of them where he has to i to just send it along, get it out of get out of danger. But no, we we ah we we earned it with the press. And yeah, no surprise. It's supposed to last finish.
00:06:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I want to talk a little bit about the Southampton side of things, because I do think they did cause us some serious problems, ah not just in the first half, but in the second half as well. ah Someone who had a proper impact in the first half of them is Mr Onuachi. Six foot seven, but he is incredibly good with his feet. Tom, how do you think ah he posed a threat to Liverpool's defence and midfield as well, in these tight areas and everything?
00:07:26
Tom
Yeah well when when I saw that he was starting I thought okay he could be a good outball, hold it up strong, bring others into play, get get his team up the pitch but it was actually the dirty work that kind of impressed me the most you know most of the time he found himself 10-15 yards and he had his own box but I mean we' we've seen it for many years with for me you know that we can appreciate his track and doing the dirty work and I think we see glimpses of what Nunez at the moment and you know, willing to to track back, help his team, ah not only focused on when we've got it in their final third. And, yeah, it impressed me, obviously, I think the thing that's danced out for us all was that little dribble he did on the edge of his own box, took out about four or five of us. But yeah, I know he caused a threat, won a few fouls, and I think it was a shame for Southampton that he went off injured at the time he did because
00:08:10
Tom
He started to get a bit of a foothold in the game, and most of it was around him, bringing others into play. Tyler Dibbling, Ryan Fraser, I thought of it. I was surprised to see how well he did in spells of the game as well. So now I think, yeah, his performance made others play better as well. So it was, a yeah, impressive, impressive.
00:08:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
Darsh, I'd like to come to you on Tyler Dibbling. You mentioned him briefly. um Why do you think Liverpool struggled to deal with him?
00:08:38
Adarsh
I think I think he's got I mean obviously for young players he's got that attitude like he's not scared of anyone he can just sort of take the ball he doesn't have that pressure on him as well he can just go and express himself but I think the thing that really threatened Liverpool and maybe we'll cover it on sort of tactics Tuesday but he was just picking up the the ball in whatever space he could find he kind of had a free license to get the ball wherever he wanted And the one thing that he did when he got the ball was drive at players, take people on. And I feel like in a game where, in in a day and age where everything's pass, pass, pass, he was the one, he's a player that, you know, just give me the ball and I'll take on whoever I want. And it was kind of that sort of caused a lot of problems, obviously.
00:09:14
Adarsh
was involved in the first goal in terms of, you know, driving out Robertson and obviously contentious decision, but given getting the penalty. And then obviously, in the second goal, bringing out subs lie on on that so far far right side and switching it in order to get their second goal. So he's involved in both of Southampton's goals, he was he was a constant threat. And I think as a young player, he's definitely got huge potential.

Liverpool's Resilience and Impact Substitutes

00:09:33
Adarsh
So Yeah, it was a massive threat throughout the whole game. And um yeah, I'm sure, I know lots of Southampton listeners or smaller club listeners will probably feel like, oh, we're just picking on their players. But I'm sure a bigger club is looking at that player because I think he's quality.
00:09:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, 18 years old as well. And he's been one of their best players this season. of The Southampton boys that we had on crossover Thursday ah last week did really mention how pivotal he's been in their little success this season. I will say I don't think they'll be offended if I do use that word.
00:10:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
um And the second half, it was just a complete and utter switch. We've seen it at home on an Anfield night, but today we managed it away ah in a difficult match against Southampton, that sort of second half energy where we just started pressing them way more towards the end. And to be honest, I didn't feel that uncomfortable towards the end despite being um only one go up. Tom, did you feel the same way? Do you think that once Liverpool started pressing and started really trying to clear out the game, did you feel a little bit of reassurance there?
00:10:35
Tom
Yeah and I think that's down to previous years that I mean we've seen how many times we've seen ourselves come from behind in games especially games where we're not playing too well so I think it's one of them I mean as annoying as it was and probably as deserving as it was it did go too on behind I was never really concerned that to the point where it's one of them where Until we've lost, and until the ref's blown that final whistle, you can never count the level out of a game of football. And I think today was a perfect perfect example of that. I think yeah we went 2-1 down and it you could argue it looked like Southampton were more likely to get that next goal.
00:11:09
Tom
and get a third. We just we just weren't at the races, you whether you can put that down to the international break, not just getting back up to speed with things. and But now, like I said, when you've got the lights of Salah on the pitch, Van Dyke, even Robertson, okay, we'll probably touch on how he's probably not firing on all cylinders at the moment. But these are players that have been there. They've got that know-how. And until the ref blows his final or whistle, then Liverpool are well and truly in the game. And yeah, like I said, Salah comes up, trumps again, two goals, 100 away, ah away goals for him in a Liverpool shirt now. So yeah.
00:11:38
Tom
and until Until the ref blows that whistle, Liverpool are always in with a chance of winning a football game today, prove that way.
00:11:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, and of course, once we brought on Endile, I was already looking at the next fixture. That man just knows how to clear out a game, doesn't he? I'll talk about one more positive from that second half as well. Mr. Luis Diaz. Once he came on, he really made a difference, didn't he, Adash?
00:12:02
Adarsh
Yeah, I think he's, um and know and I guess Slott kind of learned his lesson from the first international break against Forrest where he started Diaz and McAllister and obviously going to South America on international breaks a long journey. um It definitely helps in games like this where he can come off the bench and sort of make that impact. He looked fresh, he looked sharp. I'm sure he'll, I'm pretty sure he'll start a again City um next week. Cause I think against Kyle Walker, he looks a bit leggy. I think you gotta put the best, most tricky player that we've got in the squad.
00:12:28
Adarsh
um Yeah, he was bright. He he drove at the Southampton players, caused lots of problems, linked up really well with Nunez up for that point as well. so And he had that chance where he should have really scored.
00:12:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, unlucky not to score, I was going to say.
00:12:38
Adarsh
It was just in front of him. Yeah, very unlucky in that moment. But um yeah, another positive from the game. It's good to see him coming off the bench as well because we know what what impact he can of have he can have starting.
00:12:49
Adarsh
But to know that he can come off the bench and make an impact is also a positive that we can take away.

Controversial Moments: Lallana's Challenge and Penalty Decision

00:12:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
And we'll ah look more into the less positive points from the match after you find out what we do here at the Global Sports Podcast Network.
00:13:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
So we'll ah come back on to the Southampton players just quickly. I do want to mention Adam Lallana. A very unfortunate end to his match when he came off with what looked like a hamstring injury. Absolutely wishing the best. Completely not a underrated player when he was with us. But, Tom, you picked up on something that happened in the first half. A little incident that he had with a collision with Ryan Gravenberg. What did you see?
00:13:52
Tom
Yeah, I mean, oh it was it was a challenge that where he was late to the ball. It's one of them where the ball's got away from him and he's he's running at full force to try and just try and win the ball. I mean, he is going for the ball, can't deny that, but he in the end he does studs all up, catches Graven Birch on the ankle and he's probably fortunate that Graven Birch is leg isn't fully planted on the floor because that could have been very ugly for Liverpool. But i wish I wish it was 10 of the other Southampton players that I'm a asking to be sent off because I mean, his time at Liverpool, I absolutely loved him. And yeah, I never wanted to claim that an excellent player should be sent off. But yeah, no, I think the ref missed the trick there. I know a hard time as well. Roy Keane was adamant that he he should have gone as well. And he reckons him back in his day, he would have seen red and he he wouldn't have had any complaints about it. So yeah, it was one of them frustrating as well, especially after the penalty decision. I think it was. and But listen, yeah, as poor as the challenge was, it's never nice seeing Lelana go off injured. we know
00:14:48
Tom
the injury problems he's had in the past as well so no I wish him well but I think ah yeah he was looking to stay on the pitch after that.
00:14:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
I don't think it was a red. um that's That's how I see it, because I think that he showed a little bit of restraint ah as he went in. He did go in with his studs out and he did catch him higher than the foot, but it was quite a... yeah it It was it was it didn't have any malice is what I'm trying to get out here um It was a slippery pitch as well could have just easily slid further than he intended on it as well I mean that that has nothing to do with the actual contact that he has if he does make um Dangerous contact the dash. Did you see it? who who Do you agree with me or do you agree with Tom?
00:15:34
Adarsh
I don't know. It's kind of one of those where it's like an orange. It's like in between a yellow and a red from my, in my opinion. Um, I, at first I thought it was a yellow. And then when I saw it a half time and then sort of breaking it down, cause I think I only saw it once during, during the first half as well.
00:15:48
Adarsh
I think it could have been a red. So I'm quite 50 50. I can't really go, but I mean, cause it's Lilana, I'll give it a yellow just cause I agree with Tom. If it was another Southampton play, I'm calling for a red all day long. Um, so yeah, that's, that's, that's where I found them.
00:16:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
is is not He's not the sort of person that you would ah think would try and break anyone's leg, is he?
00:16:07
Tom
No, not a chance.
00:16:07
Adarsh
No, no, no chance.
00:16:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, absolutely not. ah Someone who was um but who'd made a very bad tackle on our team, though, is Mr Andy Robertson. ah Edge of the box, people were debating whether it was a free kick or a penalty. I do think it was a penalty. It was on the line, and if it is on the line in the rules of the game, that is a penalty. Adarsh, I'll come to you. What what did you think?
00:16:32
Adarsh
and I know Robertson gets a lot of stick for that, and I know he he can be a bit clumsy, but I think that situation could have been avoided in the in the first place because of Van Dijk sort of driving out from the back. And um I think Carragher mentioned it on commentary. If he's if you're playing so City or another team, Van Dijk won't do that. And i was kind of like that was kind of the theme of the first half. We were just making some silly mistakes in silly areas, kind of playing Southampton at their own game. Who could make the bigger mistake? um And I just felt like that situation could have been avoided. But ultimately, Robertson has to kind of do a bit better in that situation.
00:17:02
Adarsh
um Having said that, I mentioned dibbling in part one before he was outstanding and kind of prompted that tackle, sort of drew him in and then pushed it to the side. um But I think after that incident, Robertson did get better throughout the game, but it's just he has those moments in the games where he just lacks a bit of concentration.
00:17:17
Adarsh
He has those moments where he switches off or just doesn't make the right decision. And that's kind of a worry for Liverpool. But hopefully he can pick himself up from

Defensive Concerns and Selection Dilemmas

00:17:25
Adarsh
now. And obviously with the win, it's not too much of a problem right now.
00:17:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
with With the Real Madrid and Man City matches coming up, would you rather it was him playing or Timacast playing at this point?
00:17:28
Adarsh
so
00:17:35
Adarsh
o um
00:17:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's a tough one.
00:17:38
Adarsh
It's a tough one, yeah.
00:17:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
um what You can chip in as well if you want.
00:17:42
Adarsh
I'll let Tom go for it.
00:17:42
Tom
i'd I'd go Robertson. I'd go Robertson.
00:17:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
So would I.
00:17:46
Tom
Yeah, I mentioned before about the the the know-how in them big games, them big moments. I mean, this is two games. Obviously, it's too too early to say that if we were to beat Real Madrid, we're going to go on win the Champions League.
00:17:57
Tom
But I think if we can beat Real Madrid, that's going to be absolutely massive in terms of a psychological boost for Liverpool. but I mean, psychologically, we're already in a brilliant place. But if we can go and beat the reigning European champions with the with the players they have, that'd be huge for us.
00:18:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:18:11
Tom
And then follow that up with a win against City. Little seals go 11 points clear. I think, yeah, it's it's going to be massive. And I think the these are the type of games.
00:18:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think in that position as well, that position in the pitch, you're choosing between class and form, aren't you?
00:18:24
Tom
Yeah, exactly.
00:18:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
That's how it is.
00:18:27
Tom
Yeah.
00:18:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
And also, if you remember the first time, ah the last time we played against Real Madrid at Anfield, we played Stefan Bychetic in midfield.
00:18:28
Tom
and
00:18:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
He was incredibly ah good that season in form. But as soon as he played against Real Madrid, he kind of got a bit exposed in the midfield and wasn't really ready for the big occasion.
00:18:38
Tom
yeah
00:18:44
Tom
Yep.
00:18:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
um Not to say Simakas is incapable of a big match. You know, he took the winning penalty for us in the FA Cup final against Chelsea. um And he does relish, um he does you can tell he just absolutely loves playing football as well.
00:18:59
Tom
Yeah.
00:19:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
And he's got one hell of a cross on him and that is a position I think we were struggling to make any chances from.
00:19:00
Tom
And I think that she...
00:19:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
But I do i do still think Robertson is probably the sensible choice, Adash.
00:19:11
Adarsh
Yeah, I'll just add on to that.
00:19:12
Tom
yeah Yeah.
00:19:13
Adarsh
I think given, I'm not sure if Trent will be fit for Real Madrid, so I think it makes sense to play Robertson. You have to have some experience on the windbacks. I wouldn't go, sim I wouldn't go Bradley and Simicas.
00:19:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
nice
00:19:23
Adarsh
That's probably what I think. So i'll from that point of view, I'd agree. Go for Robertson.
00:19:27
Tom
I think if you go back to the art school game as well.
00:19:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
but we did have other issues go
00:19:30
Tom
Sorry, if you if if you go back to the Arsenal game as well, we started with Robertson and see, OK, he struggled up against Saka.
00:19:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
like go
00:19:37
Tom
But then we brought Simakas on for the for the last 25 minutes, half an hour. And that left side caused Arsenal problems then. And that was purely down to him coming on and Gap, obviously. So it's nice to have that option there.
00:19:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
No.
00:19:49
Tom
But yeah, from the start, of ah I would go Robertson.
00:19:49
Adarsh
Mm.
00:19:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
But we No, so did have other issues. would I. We did have other issues in our defense today with Ibrahima Kanate as well. You know, he, I do think he struggled as well. Darsh, I'll come to you.
00:20:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
What happened?
00:20:03
Adarsh
Yeah, I don't, I don't know. It's so confusing because obviously I'll say a lot of people have been saying, can I just been the best center back in the league this season? Obviously alongside van Dyck, but I think it was one of those, you're you're back from international break Southampton away. It's one of those fixtures you're expected to win. Is that some of the psychological things that's going in the head of the Canato players like Canata and van Dyck? Maybe I think it was just a bit slack on the ball, making poor decisions. His passing wasn't as crisp as before.
00:20:28
Adarsh
Um, and yeah, there's, there's a couple of times and I don't know what you two think, right? But when he, when he's in the box and he makes a challenge, there are moments where I'm like, okay, this could be a penalty, but obviously he is like most most of the time, nine out nine times out of 10 composed.
00:20:43
Adarsh
It's just that odd chance. He does give you a chance. And I think, I mean, he's still been outstanding this season.
00:20:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
and He's just awkward the way he tackles.
00:20:49
Adarsh
Yeah, it's a bit awkward.
00:20:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah he he looks He always looks really clumsy even when he's making a good tackle and it's in the box. He always sort of goes in and makes it look really messy.
00:21:01
Adarsh
Yeah, I think it's a strange one. I'm, I'm sure like he probably, he doesn't have many off days to be fair to Kanate. And I think to be fair, like you mentioned, Louis, the whole defense in that first half wasn't at it in terms of the intensity and beginning of the second half when we conceded the second goal as well. But yeah, I just thought he, he, he wasn't at the races, uh, like a lot of local players in that first half and the beginning of second half, but ultimately we turned it around. So hopefully he steps up for obviously the bigger games coming up in the next week.
00:21:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
And they did have their own problems as well in defence. You know, um their penalty I think was quite stupid, but you do have to feel a bit bad for Sugawara. He just came on and ah they were looking to sort of close the game out and it kind of hits his body, but then the handball did look intentional, Tom.
00:21:49
Tom
Yeah, like you say, it's unfortunate. he's He probably knows nothing about it. I think yeah you look if you go if you to look at your back, you probably say he's got his positioning spot on. Diaz just behind him. If he's not there, he's nine times out of 10 going in the back of the net anyway. So he'd say initially his positioning spot on, but yeah, like you say, so he's bounced up off his body and hit his arm. And I mean, if he doesn't do that, then Diaz has a tap in. So it's unfortunate, but yeah, it was definitely a penalty. and I don't think Southampton can have any complaints.
00:22:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I do think just coming back onto our defence as well, we I think everyone was at fault for the counter attack that they scored from. i No one was tracking the players, they were making runs and you know Van Dyke wasn't back there, Bradley was out of position. It was just a mess. ah dashsh what What did you think? Do you think that was a preventable goal?
00:22:42
Adarsh
I definitely think so. I think there's quite a couple of moments. I think we shouldn't have overcommitted plays in the box. There's so boss lie on the wing with dibbling should have sorted that out the switch. You had three players all attracted to Armstrong and then he plays it to Fernandez. Um, so yeah, definitely avoidable. But from a, from a Southampton point of view, if if that's another team in the Premier League,
00:23:01
Adarsh
doing that counter-attack. We're like, wow, what counter-attack? And it's against Liverpool. So I do want to sort of give credit to Southampton now. I thought it was a brilliant counter-attack.
00:23:08
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Credit does go to Southampton, definitely.
00:23:10
Adarsh
And they finished it brilliantly as well.

Liverpool's Attack: Effectiveness and Criticisms

00:23:13
Adarsh
So yeah, it was definitely avoidable from a little point of view, but you have to give credit to Southampton in that and ein instance.
00:23:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
And just one more point I want to make ah on the second half. We did mention Lewis Diaz when he came on. What a difference he made. But I did think Cody Gackpo did struggle a bit today, ah especially with his crossing. I did think that his crossing was a massive weak point in our attack. You know, there are a couple of crosses that he did that were really high and just loomed straight into McCarthy's hands. Tom, you're nodding your head. You saw it that way as well, I'm assuming?
00:23:48
Tom
Yeah it was frustrating because I thought the first 10 minutes or so I thought you look good and I thought some of the balls you've put in was really dangerous and it was because they weren't lofted crosses, they were quite low and it was in the in the danger zone between the goalkeeper and the centre half, it's one of them where the keeper can't come out but the defenders too shy to go back at risk of conceding an own goal but yeah after that it was just yeah lofted and okay he wasn't he didn't have the greatest game of Karthi but he's ah he's a big guy and he's going to command his box especially when it's lofted in there because it's too high for noon as the challenge so it's easy for him to come and collect every time and yeah I thought the first 10 minutes I thought okay this and I remember Carriga saying on ah um commentary as well it's the
00:24:32
Tom
one area where Liverpool have looked good so far. and But yeah, no, like you say, lofty crosses, it wasn't his best game, but it's, I think that's been the beauty of this season so far when one of the left-wingers isn't firing, the other's there to come in come on and and make a difference. And Diaz did. And the amount of times we've seen Diaz get replaced for Gatpo and Gatpo has come on and and done the business, it's nice to have. So it's just not too much for concern when one of them isn't performing whilst they both fit. So yeah, not a bad problem to have.
00:25:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
And finally, I'll just come to both of you now individually. Adarsh, I'll come to you first. In 20 seconds, were we lucky to win?
00:25:11
Adarsh
No, i think yeah think I think it's those games you got Earl. Those games in the Premier League season, when you look back at it, they're tough games, but you have to win it. And I think Liverpool have earned that win through their determinations. are I think we earned that.
00:25:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
Tom, your turn. 20 seconds, were we lucky to win?
00:25:27
Tom
a Yes, probably. I think you you look at the the the way we scored. Obviously, at the end of the day, we got all three points because the defender handballed it in his own box. We didn't look too much like scoring from then. and But at the same time, like you say, the determination, you deserve to win, so spot on.
00:25:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
And that's why football is opinionated, eh? The beauty of it. ah We're

Upcoming Challenges: Real Madrid and Manchester City

00:25:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
going to take another short break now as you find out what software we use to make our podcasts here at GSPM.
00:26:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
Well, we, ah according to Tom, got lucky against Southampton yesterday as this podcast comes out. And after a hard fought win against bottom of the league Southampton, we move on Wednesday to European champions Real Madrid for a night at Anfield. And then on ah the weekend we've got the English champions, like Manchester City. ah Two very different games to Southampton. I'm sure the players will have a lot more determination and a lot more of a chip on their shoulders as we play those two games in the space of a few days of each other.
00:27:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's a scary ah week for us, isn't it, Adash? Do you think this Southampton win, as strange as it sounds, is the motivation we need to go into these fixtures?
00:27:25
Adarsh
I think so. um You say it's a scary week. It's kind of like a blockbuster week, isn't it? It's like two heavyweight clashes. you know it's It's a feast for all of us Liverpool fans. like Obviously last season we didn't have Champions League football, but this season we've got we've got it back. and yeah i'm just I'm mainly looking forward to these two games. It's a real test for us to see, you know can we... We mentioned it potential favourites for the title. Can we really establish ou ourselves both in Europe and in the Premier League title race? so Yeah, I do think it's it's good motivation. It's kind of a wake-up call as well. Like, okay, Southampton gave us a game we can't play like that against Real Madrid. We can't play like that against City. So um I think that's kind of a good way. Like, if we had a ah comfortable 3-4-0 win, we might have taken our foot off the gas against those two teams. So in a way, it's kind of good motivation, I agree.
00:28:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah Do you think that this match against Manchester City determines our season?
00:28:18
Adarsh
Oh.
00:28:21
Adarsh
I don't think so because with there like ah it would be amazing to win against City, right but there is also no pressure on us. Obviously, not I don't want a defeat, but if we if we get a draw, it's also not the worst result. I know City aren't in great form, but City can turn it on like that. so ah that the it's It's a tough one. I do i don't think there's there's ah there's much pressure on us. I think we've earned sort of that right for City to come at us, and the pressure's on them, really, if they don't win.
00:28:46
Adarsh
their title races. I don't want to say it's done because it's City, but it's on the ropes. So I think we've with Real Madrid, go for it. For City, we have to go for it as well. But um i wouldn to be I wouldn't be too disappointed with the draw any for those games. But at this moment in time, we're in great form. So let's go for the win.
00:29:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I do agree. And if we do beat Man City, that's 11 points that we have ah on them. And I think the way that Liverpool are playing at the moment, even though it is early, I think that is a very, very strong lead. And that could be everything that we need to get us over the line because, you know, we're playing City and we've beaten them. You look for these matches as a fan that's in second place, chasing the league as well ah to see if when when it's coming up.
00:29:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think if we win it, then we, the only team we really have to worry about is Arsenal, because I think they're in a lot better form. City are still without De Bruyne, are still without Rodri, and we've seen how weak they look. You know, 4-0 at home against Tottenham Hotspur. I know it's the first match back after an international break, so anything can happen. but I think that's one that they really needed to win. Tom, I'll go to come to you. Do you think the same as um Adash? Do you think that if we do win this, we have to be favourites to win the Premier League? Or do you still think, um even if we don't get a win today, we still could be favourites? Or do you think Man City are still favourites?
00:30:13
Tom
and Yeah, I think it's one of them as Liverpool fans now, we've learned to be very cautious, especially so early in the season, but I think you've got to agree from an outside perspective, you're probably looking at if we can beat City next week, go 11 points clear, you can't not put as favourous, I mean 11 points is massive is a massive gap at any point of the season, so Yeah, nove I've put those favourites now as much as I don't want to say it because I don't i don't want to jinx anything, I don't want to put pressure on it. I think yeah look City remind me of how we were a couple of years ago, a team that had been there and done it but they're coming out of the peak now that they they look tired and I think Arsenal for me, ah I've said it from the start,
00:30:54
Tom
can't see them winning a Premier League title just yet with the squad they've got okay they've got individuals but we've seen a couple of injuries and they're relying on well they've got a bench full of teenagers i i just don't think their squad in terms of the depth's got it and then again i keep coming back to the the know how the up will have got it and i i do think if you take everything into consideration at the moment we are the favorites to go and do it. and And I can't see why not as much. Like we say, we want to be cautious because we we've been there down to the wire and missed out on the last games of the season and whatnot. And we've we've been ahead in them seasons with leads as well, points wise. So it's one of them. Yeah,

Season Priorities: Champions League or Premier League?

00:31:31
Tom
we want to take it game by game. Don't think too far ahead. But when you're eight points, potentially going to be 11 points clear next week, if we get a win, then you can't help but think, yeah, we are. We are favorites.
00:31:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I'm going to ask a question which might unlock a new perspective on the Real Madrid match as well. um Although the fixture is absolutely amazing, you know, you see Liverpool versus Real Madrid, you think of 1981 when we won in Paris, you think of 2018 when we lost in Kiev.
00:32:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
But, although this is a huge fixture, do you think this is actually a match that we need to worry about? You know, we're already we've already won all of our Champions League matches. I think this is a bigger match for Real Madrid than it is for ourselves. Zadash, do you agree? ah Do you think that this is a match where we don't need to push as hard?
00:32:20
Adarsh
Um, I don't, it's real Madrid. I don't think you can say that. I think it's, I agree with where you're sort of the sentiments coming from, but when real Madrid come to town, you can't, everyone's going to be up for that game.
00:32:32
Adarsh
Everyone's going to want to win that game. I think even the fans, like it's going to be an incredible match, like the atmosphere. And, and also I think we'll add to that game is kind of our recent history against Real Madrid hasn't been the greatest. We need to get
00:32:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:32:43
Adarsh
after what's happening multiple Champions League finals even recently when they came to Anfield as well. I feel like a bit of revenge is needed. So um ah ah for ah feel like I feel like it it's going to be a feisty affair.
00:32:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hate that word so much.
00:32:56
Adarsh
I feel like the important thing is Liverpool come away with that game with some momentum to take into city. I think that's the the key thing, whether it's We get a draw, a great result.
00:33:07
Adarsh
We play well, whatever it is. I think there has to be some, something that we can take forward. So I'll be, I'll be pushing for the boys to go, go out there and, you know, shut it. If you beat Real Madrid, it's a statement to the whole of Europe, to the to rest of the to league as well.
00:33:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:33:18
Adarsh
So I think that that's the attitude that we've got to kind of go with.
00:33:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
And final question for both of you. And I know this is probably a stupid question to be asking, but I'm still dreaming about all of the trophies we can win this season. And we do have a very good chance because we are the best team in Europe and England at the moment. Would you rather win the Champions League or the Premier League? Adarsh, I'll come to you first.
00:33:43
Adarsh
Uh, given, yeah, I say given the circumstances, if I had to pick one up at the Premier League, given, given the lead that we've got given city or how often will, yeah, I think I'll, if I had to pick one, I'll take the the league, but that's just me.
00:33:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
This season, not in general, just this season.
00:33:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
And it would tie us with Man United as well.
00:34:02
Tom
Thank you one of them.
00:34:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
um Tom, you're stressing.
00:34:08
Tom
you

Conclusion: Liverpool Leading the League

00:34:09
Tom
asked me If you were to ask me in the summer, I'd always say the Champions League. I know we've only won the league well the Premier League once. But there's something about the Champions League that I love winning.
00:34:19
Tom
But if if I wasn't to pick that now, ah we'd have had to have blown an eight-point lead, potentially an 11-point lead. So I can't face that.
00:34:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
However, I will say this though, we won the Premier League in front of no one. It would be amazing if we could win the Premier League and lift it at Anfield in front of the fans for the first time ever.
00:34:33
Tom
Yeah, you are right.
00:34:34
Adarsh
Yeah.
00:34:39
Tom
Yeah, which is which is
00:34:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
So there's that factor that you have to consider.
00:34:41
Tom
yeah it is making me sway towards the Premier League. And I will say the Premier League because I couldn't face you know blowing a lead like this now. and I couldn't imagine what life we'd get.
00:34:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, that is true.
00:34:53
Tom
But yeah, I'd say the Premier League, yeah. But like you say, i' I'm dreaming of them all.
00:34:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
I'd still say the Champions League, personally. I think Champions League, being champions of Europe, is much bigger than being champions of England, and it's something that Arsenal, those cocky people in North London, have never done. So, yes, i've still got ah I've still got a love for European football.
00:35:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
Listen, boys, it's been amazing. Another three points today. Very healthy lead on Man City now. Eight points clear at the top of the table. Thank you very much for joining me. You've been listening to the Daily Liverpool Podcast on the Global Sports Podcast Network.