There's really not much to say today because we lost a very important match. Actually it is a fixture that we've struggled with in the past 5 years, and once again, we came up second place against Klopp's Liverpool side.
Ever since the German tactician took over the Merseyside club, we have really struggled against them. I honestly can't even remember a game we ever won against Klopp's Army and that right there is frustrating.
Today, we lost a game that was decided by a small margin. However, no matter how small the margin was, is is also a fact that we're still no match for this Liverpool team.
Just as I predicted, it was a cagey and tactical affair, with both teams feeling each other out in the first half. The closest goal scoring opportunity in the first half came from a long-range VVD header that Ramsdale parried away.
The game really came to life in the second half. A missed place pass from Thiago almost gave us the lead ut Allison's outstretched gloves blocked Odegard's chance, in a game where we were stifled by the quality defence in the opposition's team.
A couple of minutes after making the error, Thiago assisted Jota with a sublime defence splitting pass that created the opening for the goal. However, Ramsdale has to be kicking himself right now because it was a near-post shot that he really should be saving.
After going one goal behind, the game went back to the balanced flow, until second half substitute, Firminho was on the end of a Robertson cross that crawllled into the net. It was a very painful sight for me.
We did our utmost to get back into the match but the opposition was just too solid for us. Honestly, we could have played against Liverpool for another 70 hours and we won't have gotten a goal because that is how resolute they were.
The only consolation is that, unlike previous encounters with Klopp's reds, the opposition didn't walk all over us. However, it was also a chastening reminder of our place in the pecking order.
After the loss, we still remained in 4th place, but just a single point ahead of Drawchester United. Having been kicked out of Europe yesterday, the red side of Manchester will now be 100% focused on the 4th spot as well.
There's no room for error, and we have to get it right as soon as possible. Our next match is against a formidable Aston Villa side that can do damage on their day.
Anyway, today, we lost against a superior opponent and there's no shame in that. We're a very young team with a very high ceiling and in a couple of seasons, we might be touching it.
We need to focus on our next match because the games are coming thick and fast. A quality performance from the boys and we'll get another three points, thereby extending our lead. This ought to put some pressure on the chasing pack, and hopefully work in our favour.
Until we meet again, up the Arsenal.
