Liverpool analysis – The duo respond bluntly to criticism as Jurgen Klopp paves the way for surprise transfers

Liverpool analysis – The duo respond bluntly to criticism as Jurgen Klopp paves the way for surprise transfers

Analysis by Ian Doyle after Liverpool v Fulham clash at Anfield

Van Dijk and Fabinho issue warnings

It hardly seems like a week goes by without someone attacking Virgil van Dijk.

The high standards set by Liverpool’s talismanic centre-back were such that any failure would always be noticed.

Still, the Dutch international’s consistent sniping felt needlessly unfair at times, especially as the player was the first to admit his own struggles this season. However, Van Dijk has been impressive in helping Liverpool retain just their second clean sheet in ten games since beating Manchester United 7-0 two months ago.

Although not without problems, the centre-back was undeterred, netting a fine free-kick past his own goal to deflect a dangerous cross from Harry Wilson, while his driving skills and interpretation of the game showed at first plan as Fulham insisted. Second half compensation.

Ahead of him was another much-criticized player, Fabinho, backing up his performance against Tottenham Hotspur with another quiet and effective performance, showing smart positioning and quick thinking when often under pressure from multiple opponents.

However, the duo’s efforts wouldn’t have meant much if Alisson Becker had made two good saves against Carlos Vinicius, the second a brave save from close range. It’s not for nothing that the goalkeeper is Liverpool’s player of the season.

Salah on the spot as Trent’s decision justified
So continue the files of Mohamed Salah. By scoring from the penalty spot – as Sunday’s goalkeeper ricocheted down the left and struck straight down the middle – the Egyptian became the first Liverpool player in history to score in eight consecutive home games.

Certainly Salah loves Anfield, now just one of a century behind for the club at home after taking fifth place in the Reds’ all-time league goalscorers list with 136.

Salah, whose late-season form was impressive, now has four games to score again to secure a 30-goal fourth season for Liverpool, which would also put him level with Steven Gerrard in the top scorers list.

Although by no means a classic, the Reds’ fifth successive Premier League victory – their first such streak in over a year – has cemented their grip on a Europa League place, with realistically seven points required of the 12 available to seal their place.

And the evening was another showcase for Trent Alexander-Arnold’s new role, with the 24-year-old dictating play from both the right wing and central areas and close to scoring a goal to go along with his myriad of recent assists.
He had more touches than any other player by far.

And that the England international has won the ball twice as often as the next Liverpool player underlines that his appetite for pressing and defending has been renewed.
Powered Transfer Change

The identities of those who don’t make the matchday squad may have offered more clues than those who have been cut for Liverpool in recent weeks.

Once again there was no Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain or Adrian, all three having possibly played their last games for the club. Roberto Firmino, also out of contract this summer, should be available for an emotional farewell in the final games, while James Milner – heavily linked with Brighton – enjoyed a late appearance.

Thiago Alcantara, stricken with a long-standing hip problem, will not be seen again until next season, and while there is no suggestion of an imminent exit, the absence is a reminder of just how much the Spaniard has spent far too much of his Anfield career on the sidelines.

However, there will be question marks over some players. Kostas Tsimikas made just his fourth Premier League start since the World Cup here before making way for Andy Robertson, while Joel Matip was on the bench for the tenth time in 13 Premier League games.

You can’t all go there. But it is clear that the summer will bring a much bigger upheaval than expected. Times are changing at Anfield Road.

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Liverpool news: Jurgen Klopp faces stadium ban demands as Mo Salah secures Fulham win

Liverpool have taken control of the race for the Premier League’s sole Europa League qualification spot, but boss Jurgen Klopp is facing fresh calls for punishment for his treatment of referees

Mohamed Salah scored his second penalty in two games to hand Liverpool a win over Fulham on Wednesday night.

The win takes the Reds five points clear of Tottenham in the race to secure fifth place in the Premier League. Ahead of the game, boss Jurgen Klopp faced renewed calls to be handed a stadium ban for his clash with Paul Tierney after Sunday’s win over Tottenham.

Those calls came as footage emerged of Richarlison’s reaction to that incident and former Liverpool star Xabi Alonso was named the frontrunner to take over as Spurs manager. Here, Mirror Football rounds up the latest Liverpool news.

Klopp faces stadium ban calls

Former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan believes Jurgen Klopp should receive a stadium ban for his actions towards the match officials during Liverpool’s win over Tottenham. Klopp has been charged by the FA and Jordan believes a heavy punishment is necessary.

“If a player is suspended for a game, he can’t go to his place of work, which is ostensibly a Saturday afternoon, affecting the outcome. Jurgen Klopp, or any manager that’s banned from a game, should be not allowed in the stadium,” he told talkSPORT.

“There’s also a case – difficult to enforce, but policeable if you want to – that they shouldn’t be allowed to go to the training ground for a week. I think if you’re going to ban a manager for a game then you should ban them from being able to affect the outcome of the team for a period of time.”

Click here to read the full story.

HAVE YOUR SAY! Who was man of the match as Liverpool beat Fulham? Comment below.

Alonso becomes frontrunner for Spurs job

Liverpool icon Xabi Alonso has become a frontrunner for the Tottenham manager’s job

Liverpool icon Xabi Alonso has emerged as the frontrunner for the vacant manager’s job at Tottenham. Alonso is currently in charge of Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen, impressive to many having guided them to the semi-finals of the Europa League.

Now he could be set to return to the Premier League for the first time since leaving Liverpool in 2009. He enjoyed a five-year spell at Anfield, winning the FA Cup and Champions League.

His impressive work with Leverkusen has attracted the interest of Spurs, who are seeking a permanent replacement for Antonio Conte. Alonso’s Liverpool news: Jurgen Klopp faces stadium ban demands as Mo Salah secures Fulham win from his playing days has put him in pole position to take over.

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Footage emerges of Richarlison incident

Footage has emerged of Richarlison smirking at Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp after the German was booked during Sunday’s win over Tottenham. Diogo Jota scored a last-minute winner to spark wild celebrations at Anfield.

Klopp opted to take aim at the match officials with his celebrations, racing over to fourth official John Brooks and screaming in his face. The German was then booked by referee Paul Tierney for his actions.

A clip from Match of the Day 2 has now emerged, showing Spurs attacker Richarlison smirking over at Klopp as he received his yellow card. The Brazilian then turned away as he lamented his side’s last-minute defeat.