A couple of great posts Austinn! I think the World Cup took it’s toll but you could argue that for City as well. I’d like to see us bring in another forward that we can rotate through the front three consistently, not just as back up. The front three work really hard and there were occasions that you could see Firmino and Salah had lost their edge.Counterpoint:
Last season, the Reds finished 25 points off top spot and played in the Champions League final.
This season, they finished 1 point off top spot and will play in the Champions League final, perhaps even win it this time.
That's an acceptable upward trajectory,
It's hard to believe, but this was Naby Keita's, Allison Becker's and Fabinho's first year at Liverpool. Yep! It was VVD's first 18 months too, and look at the improvement in Joe Gomez and Joel Matip since his arrival. Trent AA is 20. No one bar Milner is nearing retirement and if he doesn't go home, he looks like he will play with us forever, tough sonovabitch that he is.
There's not one area that you could perceive as a weakness, how long have Reds fans waited to say that? No longer vulnerable at set plays or weak with corners, not one player in the first 11 we'd like to replace. Whenever I hear of players we're reportedly bringing in, no matter their pedigree, I'm always asking myself "Yeah but when/where would he play?" - that's a good sign. No one looks likely to defect to a "bigger" club. The manager doesn't look like he wants to leave, he's just signed a contract extension.
Off field the club is in the best health maybe it's ever been in, and we've been able to splash real cash for whomever we like for the last 2 years.
Robbo says "Man City know we are here to stay", Dejen says "We're coming!"
So finishing the 18-19 Premier League in 2nd place - 25 points higher than Chelsea in 3rd - is disappointing as a result, as part of the journey it's pretty cool. Now for that all important final 5% extra improvement.
That flat spot around January was disappointing. That’s when City dropped points as well. It’s something Klopp will no doubt prepare for.
I’m really looking forward to next season. There’s still some upside in that team. Ox back. Trent, Robbo, Gomez, Keita and Fabinho can all improve/grow. Maybe Origi.
It’s possible City have peaked, at least I’m hoping so!