Instant Analysis - United's Worst Loss in PL Era 7-0

Following Bryan & Tyler's not-so-subtle kick, Jeff (@jeff_hallett) brings the lads back, both Nick (@See_Tyler) and Jimmy (@jtorrejonr) to digest this record setting performance, Liverpool's total destruction of United 7-0 at Anfield. What a day to complete our return to podcasting.  

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Weekly news and analysis focused on Liverpool FC. Shows: Instant Analysis, Match Review, Transfer / Preview / Specials with noted journalists, authors and former players.

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Talk On Podcast - Instant Analysis - United’s Worst Loss in PL Era 7-0!!
Hosts
Jeff Hallett, Nick Stellings, Jimmy Torrejon

Transcript
Jeff Hallett: The Reds write another chapter of this high wire second half push for top four against their most bitter rival, of course. I'm talking about Manchester United,…
Jeff Hallett: I think Peter Drury said it best, “Who saw it coming? Who could’ve dreamed it? United in shreds”
Jeff Hallett: So much to love just in that singular, quote, and then only a few minutes later, “Half a dozen reasons to believe Liverpool are back!” Words from heaven literally, let's only hope. Welcome back to the talk on podcast, which is welcomed after three and a half bloody years, interrupted by life, covid, Delaware. That's right. Talk to you. Brad Painter. A lot of it's gotten in the way of us recording first stretch, but we're so delighted to be back. We probably missed you. More than you missed us. And, of course, I'm your host, Jeff Hallett. And I'm joined by some old favorites. Beginning with Nick Stellings, How You Doing Crispy?
Nick: What's up Crispy? Thank you. Thank you so much for having me on I mean this is a great time to bring back the podcast. I think some fake fans will probably say we're fair weather podcasters. I like to think that talk on kind of created this part that ignited the fire today. What a glorious.
00:05:00
Jeff Hallett: There you go. Officially it was Tyler and painter at a pub with more than a few pops in them that officially kicked us in the butt, but I'll go with that, that works. Um, and then the real star of the show from Cafe football to that last episode that I never posted. Which I know it. I'm sorry. Jimmy Tori own.
Jim: It. I I do forgive you…
Jeff Hallett: Do you the only question is, do you forgive me?
Jim: because I had wonderful time not recording as Liverpool went on the best stretch and then, you know, then you decide to record when we're doing the worst stretch again. So I don't know. Jeff your timing is impeccable.
Jeff Hallett: Thank you. I usually hear that in just, but I'm today after a result like this. I'm just gonna go with it.
Jim: Good. That's great.
Jeff Hallett: And then, of course, FSG didn't invest in the team with that could get lost forever on that point.
Jim: They're not going to they're not going to after this.
Jeff Hallett: But anyway,
Jim: They're gonna say it's not necessary again and we're fine and collapse. Going to say we have enough midfielders. So Let's just enjoy today.
Jeff Hallett: Well. that gives us to I mean we're already there but your hot takes from today, and it could be literally anything, you know, so much to choose from from our defending to the press and counter press our distribution across the pitch to our finishing, nick, when we start with you,
Nick: Oh my God. Where to start. I mean the one of the first takeaways was energy and passion. I mean, we've we've been watching this, Liverpool side all season and they seem to come out flat a lot and The first half was, you know, kind of back and forth pretty even. But man that second half they came out flying and goals from all the attackers, two goals for our three starters and then Bobby coming off. You know, it's always great to see those guys clicking like that. You know, I was an attacker. So I love seeing all those attacker scoring goals, the lineup, you know, the lineup was pretty solid. I know, we'll probably get into that in a little bit but we didn't have to really rely on, you know, our defensive guys getting burned.
Nick: But yeah, I mean there's so much again. I'm as you can see, I'm kind of rambling, but the energy and passion was was number one for me and it was something that you love to see after after coming out so flat for many games.
Jeff Hallett: no question and I infamously, Groaned about Robertson and the lineup over Simekaris. Jimmy, how silly that I look at the end.
Jim: I don't think he was that silly or pre-matched thoughts to think of having Costas in the lineup, over Robbo. I think all of us have seen throughout the season that Rob was kind of been slowing down a bit and being in the club system. I think that's not unexpected, unfortunately, but big game player came up big for this one. Hot takes for me, were, I was initially not happy or confident in that midfield. I think most of us weren't I don't think that any of us thought that a Henderson and Harvey Elliott made field, would support the vigno at all. And That was my heart, take to, to begin the game, and with the front, I think right before Cody started to score, I said He was not impressing me and I'm gonna stand by that, and I'm gonna die on that hill later. I give full credit for the goals that he scored,…
Jeff Hallett: It.
Jim: but I will give my reasoning as we go through.
Jeff Hallett: Yeah I did see him press and counter press like a fiend on dehea you know everything the opposing half like I was I was proven. Pleasantly surprised, I think but we'll get into that more as we kind of roll through the first half. We're already there, Jimmy one, we just like keep it with you. I mean we started with energy. I we've rarely seen from this team from Harvey winning balls back and getting it up. The field to mow pressing to hay. As I just mentioned with with Gecko, which You know, you might be there here, there on that kind of a point. It was a pretty perfect start. Wasn't it? How we got after them and the energy that we showed?
Jim: Want to come off as negative. Like I think we should be really excited about the fact that we saw seven goals go in into the back of the net at Anfield. Again and this time, instead of it being two to five, it was seven zero. So like I think we should revel in that be super happy. But the, we've seen the first 20 minutes against the big teams at Anfield this season, and two that I can, well, actually Manchester City, beat them. And then at the same time, we've seen around Madrid, which turned out to be a big loss. We've seen them come out for the first 20 minutes of the the Big games and
00:10:00
Jim: I was skeptical, I was like, Okay, let's see the first 20 minutes. Let's see if they can continue to do this type of pressure, after the first 20 minutes. So I sat on my hands for the first time and I was pleasantly surprised that they kept it going that they were able to keep up the energy and it resulted in goals and the first time and I know Nick was saying that second half liberal came out and they came out obviously scored a couple handful of more goals and I didn't know what to expect. I wouldn't have been surprised. Had we seen? then sit back in Man, United kind of take over and start to pressure because two Zero with Liverpool right now is not a sure thing before it was
Jim: You could say during Vintage clock which was only like a season or two ago. You would feel pretty confident with Liverpool being up to zero that they would continue it in for the rest of the match,…
Jeff Hallett: If?
Jim: but this season, it's just been heartbreak after heartbreak. When they take a lead during the times that they do because obviously we've seen them as Nick already mentioned and come out flat in the first half. Go down, one or two goals before they begin to play. And at that point, they almost just don't have enough. Gas in the tank to actually come back and get a result or if they do it's just for one point.
Jeff Hallett: Very true and thinking about the first half and how united started, I mean, obviously we brought the energy and that's great and, you know, good question, whether we can sustain it for a full 90 minutes like we did today, but united didn't start terrible. I mean, Fernandez probably had their best first chance early in the first half. That just the header that went just wider. The goal force. Allison into a full stretch save. Nick, where we a little perplexed at that point.
Nick: yeah, I'd say you know the beginning was like a heavyweight title match, it was like kind of going back and forth, heavy shots, I had there was three cases where I saw off sides where
Nick: Barely offsides like Anthony after like Elliot gave the ball up, missed it casimiro with like the free kick. I mean he was pretty outside and then Fernandez was barely outside but Alison kind of say composed and forced him to the side. But I mean, a couple of those, if they're just another foot on sides changes, the whole direction of the game, Shaw had like a cross to Rashford and he had a heavy touch where you're, not sure if he should have one time that or he was trying to go around Allison, but they had a ton of chances in the first half, they just didn't take them. But, you know, we scored that late. One in the first half, gave us momentum. The one thing that everyone kept saying was like 10 hag and his halftime adjustments, and they're gonna come out and make adjustments, but really, you didn't see too much and they came out and Liverpool hit him in the mouth, right? First, two minutes of that newness goal. You know, Rashford, not starting up top and
Nick: Seeing forcing Allison and Konate to do better. You know, Waggers. He was like, I didn't know he was playing out there, it was crazy. So I think that they're tactical Awareness and situations that Tim Hogg has been praised for, you know, just didn't really show up today.
Jeff Hallett: yeah, speaking of 10 hard, he talked about with great confidence that He knows what he's walking into, he knows the environment that is Anfield. If it gets really pumped and intense that he knows just to leverage that for the betterment of his team. There were great words. But you know certainly seem like at a certain point they got rattled and I Pretty sure that began with getting Bruno, like taking his head out of the game. That that happened early, didn't it Jimmy?
Jim: What? I don't know. The frustration for United, I've obviously came through for all the talk that Liverpool were dominating that they were pressuring that they had possession of the ball and this is something that we talked about in the group chat, Jeff. United. I think had three shots on goal while Liverpool had zero. This was right up to leading up to the point that Liverpool went when I had through Gapco. So, I can see the frustration, but I think. That.
Jim: Again, for all the possession, what they still seem shaky at the back. So if any of those balls had gone in for United, they're three chances they had in the first half right before Liverpool scored. It could have gone a different way. Now, we might have seen Liverpool get back up and and fight on or…
Jeff Hallett: If?
Jim: we might have seen them just completely collapse, which is what they did against Madrid. So that's why I'm saying, even after that first goal to end to have, I was I was very, very of being too excited. I I actually didn't celebrate too many of the first couple of goals. It turned into joy towards the end, of course, but it for me, it could have gone either way.
00:15:00
Jeff Hallett: So certainly sounds like you. I mean, you're very cynical. You know, you try to stay stoic through these big moments first. Yeah, Nick and I I don't know, we're jumping out of our chair. Remember the seat index? I think we were well outside of our seat jumping out the window.
Jim: Yes. Yeah.
Jeff Hallett: In fact, you mentioned the so there was the Fernandez chants gone wide and then come in later, it was there was the newness chance which was It was brilliant, but he scuffed it and he was offside. Anyway, I think that was like the 19th minute. But this is where Robertson really showed what he was there for today. He was stealing the ball back, instantly triggers a set piece and…
Jim: and,
Jeff Hallett: I think it was that kind of energy that really. You know, pushed us through the rest of the match when you agree, Nick.
Nick: Yeah. I mean as far as the non attackers the Robertson was the man of the match. He was everywhere. He was always up top that there was one point in the first half where him and Trent were linking up like strikers. So that was that was great to see if he would have just put that on on target. That would have been great to have Trent with an assistant Robertson with the goal, but it's just seemed like he was involved in every play tracking, back the ball that he played the gacco was just stellar, you know, he waited for a second to push the defender out wide and then gacco made that inside Run and Robertson with the perfect through ball. So yeah, I mean he played stellar all match was great.
Jeff Hallett: Yeah, Robertson's intensity and is consistent play throughout the match is brought to you by cocaine Bear the movie. Now playing in select theaters, please check your local listings. Sorry, just couldn't help it.
Nick: Is that our new sponsor?
Jeff Hallett: Of course, right? It is because I said it is. Just kidding. Just put a warning label on the pod. Now, let's get past that Jimmy talk about, maybe like, as gagpo puts tackles on Anthony like, There is some mouse in that kid, right? You may not be the perfect winger, especially out wide, probably with this finishing skills more suited to, you know, the center forward roll. But I…
Jim: Yeah. Yeah.
Jeff Hallett: there's some mouse in the kittens.
Jim: I in I appreciate everything that he's done and I've actually felt pretty bad for Cody for the majority of this early stint here at Liverpool because I feel as though and I think all of us do that, he's not surrounded by the talent that was expected or is on paper just everyone's injured or coming back from an injury and so At times, he's he's attempted to do things by himself.
Jim: In the attack. And he's had some bright spots but you can't do it alone. So when I was saying earlier at the beginning of the podcast that I was saying up to his goal that I wasn't impressed with Cody, it wasn't about his energy, it was in about driving forward, it wasn't about the effort, it was more along the lines that I just felt that he couldn't do much of anything for creation. I, You know, I think I've heard a couple of people saying this might be the replacement for Bobby and some people also said the same thing about Job, right? So we can talk about that later, but Cody, As the energy has the effort to push forward does do what you were saying, Jeff. But I just felt like he wasn't doing enough to link up with those with the front three with the two opposite of side of him. So when you start to score his goals, what I thought was
Jim: You know, is there a way to make sure that he to ensure that he kind of just stays in that final third, rather than trying to do all the other extra stuff and allow Darwin unions, allow Salah allow Diaz winning it. If he comes back to do that work for him and he's just got wonderful. Creativity is finishing is outstanding as we saw and I was really rooting for him to get that hat trick. Unfortunately, he wasn't given the time to do that, but, you know, he took a couple of hard tackles throughout the match as well. So good on club to take him off. He got to stand, your innovation saved his legs. They're gonna need it for the for the run. It
Jeff Hallett: Well, deserved in all respect. And for all three of the attackers will get into this as we dive deeper into player performances. But for all three to come out with Brace in a tie like this, that is usually been fraught with bad luck and weird occurrences. I don't know the Jared stamp where he was often 90 seconds like Just doesn't seem to match both teams form coming in when we link up with, with United. But in recent years, it's really been lopsided apart from how we open the air.
00:20:00
Jeff Hallett: So as we kind of finish off the first half, I think there's one sweet moment that I noted where the cop early was singing Bobby Song Bob who wasn't anywhere in lineup but obviously with his announcement that he's moving away from the club. That was a an enduring moment and we'll talk about in the second half, how it really became a wonderful curtain call, but Just too much. Love Nick for Bobby Firmino in every part of Anfield today.
Nick: Yeah, I mean, he's so charming. His charisma is infectious. He, I mean, he's one of my favorite players ever at Liverpool, and he's got one of the best songs ever. So whenever they have a chance to sing it, they're gonna sing it. I'm so glad that he came on late in the game and scored as well, but he just provides so much to this team and he has throughout the years. Whether he's pulling defenders away, creating space, it's a little flicks. His quick finishing his headers. He's super heter, actually. Yeah, we don't have to, to drool all over Bobby right now, but it was, it was great. It was great to see him get in there at the end and get a goal.
Jeff Hallett: And it can be a long. Through the second half long rule on Bobby. It's just a legend in every way I for all the players that have left, He would have to be my emotional, like biggest letdown that he's leaving. Uh, second only, you know, it would be Genie, would be like my second, but I think Bobby the first just the way he's going out. What? He's meant to the club, the prototypical clock player, he became especially, you know, in those big ears, like 16 17, 18, So yeah, so much to say about Bobby, not enough time. Why don't we flip over to the second half? So Jimmy something that doesn't happen often for Liverpool, especially in, you know, latter part last season to this season. Are finishing.
Jeff Hallett: Starting off. Well, in the consistency through 90 minutes, it hasn't always been there and certainly clap hasn't always gotten subs perfectly right? Which can be a function of just the health up and down the roster. I think today was a little bit different, right? Like we came up entered with pretty much the same energy that we left with. When you said,
Jim: Yeah, that's what surprised me. It was a sucker punch. I loved seeing it. The the goal that that unions got to get in just within the first five minutes of the second half. Whatever 10-hour attempted to do in the locker room, it all fell apart with that goal because after that, they just lost their heads. And again I wasn't happy to see Harvey Elliott in the midfield. I don't think that he does well in the midfield. I'm pretty sure there's a lot of us that would agree with that. I'm not saying he's about player, not saying I don't want to see him play for Liverpool. I'm saying, I don't want to see him in the midfield and we actually saw a couple of mistakes, He gave the ball away a couple of times in the first half that led to dangerous united breaks. Some of those chances that they had that they couldn't put away.
Jim: Well, what is he doing for the second goal? He's inside the box, puts in the great cross and…
Jeff Hallett: It.
Jim: unions uses. This big head to put it in the back of the net Great. Let's keep Harvey. Elliott upfronting club, Why don't we do that? It worked out for this match it. I'm we're all ecstatic that it happened that it worked out this for this medicine, that it didn't come back to bite us in the ass but Easily one of the one of the couple of times that he gave the ball away in the midfield in the first half could have gone the other way.
Jeff Hallett: It.
Jim: So like again, if we can keep him up in in the final third, if we can keep Cody inside of the box, I would love that a little bit more and then Look, I understand catered and play, well.
Jim: Or hasn't been playing well. The past couple of matches he was teasing on getting that second book in in the most recent match that he played but clock obviously has no issues playing underperforming midfielders in the midfield over and over again. And you know, below Henderson, I love Henderson. I've always defended him the podcast that you didn't publish Jeff was actually me gushing over Henderson. So and I stand by that because in those times a couple of scenes ago, I think he was stellar but clocks been playing Henderson also sing I don't think so,…
Jeff Hallett: Sure. He's got the trophies to prove it, you can't disrespect them.
Jim: right? So,
Nick: Jim. What do…
Jim: Yes.
Nick: why do you think that they cause Stefan's been on a tear as well? And he's been amazing in the midfield. Why do you think they went with Elliot over that youngster?
Jim: Maybe, I don't know. I really like the only thing I can think of is they're trying to protect them, which I think is smart. We saw what happened at Harvey, unfortunately, when he was starting to get a few games in and then he had his devastating injury, likely, he was able to come for it in the same season that young blood that 18 year old blood at that time, right? Just healed. But I think that's what it is. Like they they're protecting him, they're ensuring that he doesn't play too many games because he's very, very promising. It I think we could all agree that three of us would agree here at that when you have him in the midfield alongside for being you know and then whoever else even if it's Henderson, they look much much better and for being yield looks much much better having that support. So but again I mean. sacrifice to start that second half got that second goal in I feel that whatever United was going to attempt to do because again
00:25:00
Jim: They were down one there, one zero. But you could argue that they had played better or…
Jeff Hallett: If?
Jim: they at least had them. They did have the most chances in the first time, statistically. So Ted had probably just told him, You know, like they got, we got sucker punch. Let's just keep doing what we're doing, and it's gonna come through. And I mean, Ali also looking a bit shaky a couple of times in this match did Present the opportunity for United to have the opportunity to score a goals.
Jeff Hallett: she's,
Jim: it wasn't all loss for them so that second that second goal coming in so quickly. obviously helped Liverpool quite a bit and it just If there was any chance that Anfield, the supporters were going to come back a little f*** themselves. We've seen that happen, you don't expect it against United, but if there was a chance after that second goal, there was no more chance that everything was gonna stay quiet. It was gonna be roaring towards the end of the, for the rest of
Nick: That Alice sorry.
Jeff Hallett: Yeah, it. Go ahead now, please.
Nick: Jeff, go ahead. I was good. I was just gonna say that that Allison slip and almost blunder. It was like, it was like a the announcer jinx. Like when someone's at the free throw and they're like, Oh they got the best, free throw shooter here at 97% and then breaks it it was so bizarre like right when they were saying just as long as Liverpool doesn't make any mistakes and then he slips and Fernandez and
Jeff Hallett: and of course, Fernandez coming unglued. I mean, it was just so clear. I think after Gosh, the second goal of the second half when we went up three now. I mean, it seemed like United was already giving it up like just Too much. Sorry we're our heads are out of the game and No one was it more clear with than Bruno? Thank you. You know get caught diving and you know losing his head and attacks and you know the whole like was kind of day with the hand that barely grazed his face and you know, made it look like you've been shot.
Nick: Portuguese are in a Portuguese though.
Jeff Hallett: I love it. You love him as a player but man, it is his, South American dive notice from Portugal is truly exceptional.
Jim: Yeah. How dare you? Not South American drive? That's European dive? Okay. Jeff let's let's lay off the South Americans.
Jeff Hallett: Is it such a is there such a thing as portrait?
Jeff Hallett: Portuguese dive.
Jim: it's, you know what,…
Jim: a lot of Portuguese are doing it, so But the diving didn't come from South America that's BS. I'm not gonna stand for it ever. All right, it's happening in Europe, it's always having in Europe. It's just they they like to point it out when a South American player does it I'm not standing
Jeff Hallett: The while you're sitting technically…
Nick: Neymar. It Neymar didn't didn't help the case for the South Americans.
Jeff Hallett: but sure.
Jim: I think there's good to be,…
Jeff Hallett: All right.
Jim: there's gonna be divers. There's gonna be Floppers all over the world. He's high profiled, but he doesn't represent South America. South America also has some of the most violent games if you watch their domestic leaks. And I'm, I know a lot of us have seen highlights from rivalries in Argentina games in Mexico, which is North America. So I'll take that back, That's not South America, the Latin countries because when they, when they say foreigners come in ruin the game, you know, they're not talking about, you know, they're not talking about other foreigners more more than Latin American countries. So I'm not gonna stand for that. But yeah, Neymar definitely not helping the case, I'll give you
Jeff Hallett: As we digress.
Nick: If?
Jeff Hallett: A this is a good time to get back to these lovely balls that went into the back of that. I mean, just talk about Net Nunez header, like I believe he had the ball off his man button. Like, am I mistaken? I mean it's just a quintessential indication that the day was going great for Liverpool when it's freaking man Bun. Yields a perfect header into the corner of the the cage. It was incredible.
Nick: I mean with that five head and the man Bun you know he's got a lot of surface area to hit so when Harvey Elliott bings it in there I it's gonna go to his head somehow Yeah.
Jeff Hallett: Hey.
Nick: That was glorious. Now. It was like, no. I think it was connote tried to hit it with his man bun on that one where he turned around midair and hit it with the back of his head. Probably why he plays defense usually. But now Nunez was incredible today, I was so, so glad to see his energy pay off. You know, he's been, he's been one of the bright spots I thought in the past few weeks on our resurgence. So just working hard and and really pressing and and going about it the Liverpool way and to see him get get two goals today was was great for for him, his energy and confidence moving forward.
00:30:00
Jeff Hallett: Yeah. I mean he put in the fifth goal, I think it was pretty clear but somewhere between the fifth and the sixth that United had completely given up like there was just no fight left in that team. And it was just so obvious, like they couldn't get the ball out of their own half and Jimmy like, was there any hope for united at that point? Or did you see the same thing?
Jim: No, I saw the same thing and just to go back to what we were saying, right? After Liverpool's second goal right after this right at the start of the second half. The stats showing the man United had three shots on gold to Liverpool Zero. Liverpool start to score, Man united end up with four shots on gold. So they had one more time goal. I don't know when it happened. Honestly in between the six goals that Liverpool scored in the second half, but that just goes to show you that whatever, whatever energy, whatever opportunities they had it all went away. They started to give the ball away in this was not something I was expecting. I did not expect united to crumble the way that they did,
Jim: I mean, the the talk was that United maybe had an outside chance of a title push. I didn't believe it,…
Jeff Hallett: oh,
Jim: but they certainly did. They're coming off. Winning some silverware. I'm not gonna laugh at the League Cup. I wanted the League Cup when Liverpool was not winning in when they won it last season. I was extremely excited for it, so, I think that they came in with a lot of confidence. They just beat Barcelona to advance out of the round of 32 in the Europa League as well. So, lots of confidence coming in possible title, push The way that they crumbled was very unexpected, and it just makes it that much sweeter.
Jeff Hallett: Yeah. That was in fact I mean pretty sure they said it the worst loss in the Premier League era for United Shipping. Seven goals is unheard of that was a president today.
Nick: Going back to the.
Jim: I mean I love it, I love it. Go show the seven fingers every time you see every time you see a united supporter, Nick you and your friends just go ahead and take a picture of seven fingers and send it that way. We'll be able to have that for
Jeff Hallett: It.
Nick: Yeah, they were my United fans. We were texting back and forth and they were being good sports about it, but yeah, this is one to rub in for a while. I mean, Jeff, we were at the, the fanfare Was that last fan Fest?
Jeff Hallett: Fantastic. Oh yeah. And in LA at the Coliseum,…
Jeff Hallett: that was beautiful.
Nick: And that was glorious.
Nick: That was what foro or was that the five, oh match. I can't remember.
Jeff Hallett: I think it was, I think it was for now, but it was that Old Trafford so it's essentially five meal six. Now at home,
Nick: I mean, we could just for oh five. Oh seven. I mean more more like the gift more, just give it more. It's great.
Jeff Hallett: All of which leads to, I mean, we finished seven nil and we finished seven nil because again, Bobby Firmino. There's like Anfield turned into a cathedral with his seventh. I mean he assisted Moe for the sixth and then He brings one home himself in the ultimate. I mean, How the club received him? Like the energy of field. And then there was the United Supporter that I guess. Clipped Robertson. I didn't see what happened because again recording immediately after the match. But that was concerning for a half minute. Everything. Okay, just ask that question. Is Robertson. All right.
Jim: Do we know that it was a united supporter? I still don't know.
Jeff Hallett: That's what they're speculating about.
Nick: I thought. I thought it was a Liverpool fan,…
Jeff Hallett: That was my best guess.
Nick: trying to come in there and celebrate and was just being a buffoon. Klopp was not having it. I thought he was about to go over there. Take him out.
Jeff Hallett: And I think he was so animated. They were saying because it was a united sport, who knows but
Jim: Get the cameras at least in the in the broadcast here in the States. The they didn't show what happened because they were focusing on Clop celebrating and then all of a sudden they turned back and Curtis was also kind of hopping around. So it almost made me think this pure speculation. Obviously, that maybe the huddle was celebrating, the goal, the Liverpool players. And then this person tried to jump on top. That's my speculation. This person tried to jump on top and then you weren't expecting anyone else, because team essentially was huddled around for me know, so but we don't know, Robertson kept on running for the rest of the match, but once that game, he wears off once he once he's in recovery, hopefully he still gonna be all right. And Curtis Jones. Hopefully he's not out for the next six months. Again, just because of some random little injury. The man has had such bad luck this season. I feel bad. I get frustrated, but I feel extremely bad. That every time he goes out there he comes back.
00:35:00
Jeff Hallett: Well, let's
Nick: I was happy to just see him on the on the bench. He's I feel like he hasn't even been in any of our lineup at all for quite a while.
Jeff Hallett: Yeah, not consistently for sure. It's been the same unfortunately losing midfield for a while and that's a whole FSG conversation. We can save for a future pod. When we spend a second just looking at the player performances and we've been kind of sprinkling it throughout coverage of the first half in the second half. Nick going to you like Give me your highlights of keeper plus our backline what you think.
Nick: Well, like Jim hid it on a little bit earlier, Allison. He was a little shaky a couple times he slipped, but they weren't able to capitalize on it. He didn't have to make any tremendous saves. He made one early on against
Nick: I think it was Anthony had a shot from the y that was curling in far post. He made a he made a good save for a couple of those offsides that I talked about earlier. He was in good, positioning the force, the player wide to either you know, kick it out of bounds or hit the post so he did well there,…
Jeff Hallett: It.
Nick: you know I mean to have four what was it for? Is this our fifth clean sheet in a row in the Premier League, you know, Allison's playing fantastic, I think. And then for the defense,…
Jeff Hallett: The question.
Nick: you know, we've got that that rotating alongside Van Dyke of Matip or Gomez or Kona today and we didn't really have to rely on them that much. You know, just not having to hear from them was great or them having to make a crucial tackle. So, you know, Kona today was just kind of there doing this thing. He could have had a goal, Robertson, and Trent were incredible. I mean, they're their work was astonishing. They were all over the pitch, Trent had a couple really good
Nick: Balls, that weren't finished but Robertson, you know we talked about his pasta gacco earlier. He played incredible and I think you know, Simokas maybe put a little pressure on them for how well he's been playing so I don't you know, that's that's probably a good little competition in-house you know, Robertson wants to keep his spot and he came out there and showed why he was starting and why they made a decision to put him in there for this match. So, you know,
Jeff Hallett: Pretty sure, he leads the team and assists at this point. He was leading the team of five to trends to kind of shocking. Through this this match week…
Nick: But yet.
Jeff Hallett: but you know, added what to today.
Nick: Did he? Yeah I mean he could have even had more. He was he was incredible. I know he had the gecko one but yeah I'm not sure about the others. But yeah, I mean, all in all a great effort, no goals to one of the top teams. So pre-satisfied with the back,
Jeff Hallett: And and for all the shaky defensive poor performance, as we've seen from Trent, I mean, he was clearly switched on so that that energy from him, all the way to the front. It made all the difference today, Jimmy are much maligned midfield. Why don't we transition back to you? I was. I had plenty of anxiety coming into this seeing Henderson in any starting lineup in any important game for Liverpool. He was there next to Fabino, who has been running to the ground by Klop just like every other player. Nick Klops. Ever had, What was your assessment by the end? I mean they did start shaky but They finished, okay.
Jim: Yeah. Yeah, you could say they finished, Okay, don't want to be a wet rag here, but how much,…
Jeff Hallett: Please.
Jim: how much can can we put into stock of a united that we can? All agree just gave up after maybe the third let's give them credit maybe the fourth goal against, right? So how much Had this stayed a close match with this habitat going. The the fact that they looked so solid, towards the end, I mean, for the, for the entirety of the second half. I'm not exactly sure I've already mentioned and I know that we all saw Harvey, Elliott, not being solid in that midfield, giving up the ball a couple of times in the first time when it was still a close match Henderson. Just like you very nervous when I saw him on the starting lineup.
Jim: You just don't know what you're going to get with Henderson. Even if he brings quote, unquote, energy and intensity. And he presses sometimes is pressing Or, unfortunately, now you can say that most of the time, piss pressing is not effective. Just running around. Chasing the ball. Like a dog. Chasing car. Right? You did they just passed?
Jeff Hallett: Hundred percent flapping about. Yep.
Jim: they just passed through him, so, he actually a couple of of the goals he started the brakes which was great to see because The Henderson that was effective, every once in a while even though he's been hoofing the ball way, way too much this season to the point that we can start calling him. Jordan hooverson.
00:40:00
Jeff Hallett: Hey.
Jim: I think that there was a time where he was in a good ball whether he would start the break as he did a couple of times in this match. He was the one who started the The third goal, right Gap goes, second goal, the third, third goal and I think he started another break.
Jim: He's been hoping the ball way too much this season and so, it's good to see him. Go back to that effectiveness, but again, I'm sorry, I don't think that midfield would work in a close match against United, and we saw that Hasn't worked all season in these type matches, so I'd rather not see him starting.
Jeff Hallett: It.
Jim: I think he should transition to the Milner role already. Probably this season if maybe towards in the last season, definitely this season, but he can't transition to a role that's still being filled by Millie. So unfortunately, we're gonna see him starting these matches.
Jim: If he can provide more performances like this then you can live with it but it's definitely not ideal Infamino. I think he looked better. I think he looked better. There was actually one time where he ran down was an Anthony down the left hand side. He actually ran down with him. So don't tell me for being you can't run. I just think he's been exhausted. As you mentioned Jeff because he's been left isolated and if you're the low and midfielder who has to do everything help out the defense, help out with linking the attack. But you don't have support. You don't have people doing the running for you because Henderson can't run anymore and Harvey likes to run all over the place. When he's in the midfield then eventually like you said Jeff he's gonna break down, he's gonna be run down, he's gonna be burnt out. I think that's what we've seen. But when he has a support When he's well rested, I think he's still very effective. He still has the football IQ, It's just Kent his body keep
Jeff Hallett: Yeah. Why not put the kid next to him? You know, and kids been back back at this. How you pronounced the lesson like he's Our best midfielder has been at this point of the season. Why not him next to him? It obviously we debated that earlier but it's such an obvious point. Like if he has capable defending next to him, people that can cover their space are good positionally and know how to distribute the ball. Like Yeah, to your point about protecting the kid. That's that's important but he needs capable partners to left in the right. I mean, that's how, you know, functions best
Nick: I'll just happy to not see Milner and the starting lineup with Henderson of Abena. Good God.
Jeff Hallett: It's a guaranteed loss. Yep. Jimmy,…
Nick: and I prefer,
Jeff Hallett: why don't you go ahead, Nick?
Jeff Hallett: Um, Jimmy, why don't you complete the victory lap on our attack? Like somebody, great things to say.
Jim: But I don't know if I have a favorite. There's it was all wonderful and glorious when it comes to the goal scoring in the celebrations. But somehow putting Martinez on his ass as he provided the assist to Cody's clinical finish. When he just Loops it over to Heya. I love that. That's that's when I think for me, that's probably when it broke them because Martinez was all. So doing the, the Bruno Fernandez thing with they're both like hot head in. They try to get in people's faces Martinez was was John back and forth with Salah. I think at some point during the match and he did it with unions too, I think right? It might have been Martinez that also was trying to get into the News's head, but as soon as a lot, put him on his ass and then provided the assist after that the floodgates.
Jim: Brightly opened at that point. So, but like you said, so I looked amazing. You looked back to his best, he loves playing against Master United. He's I think the statistics on NBC here or that he has scored like the most goals in the Premier League has been against United, which is a wild stat if you really think about it and considering that we had to watch Jeff Nick.
Jeff Hallett: So much futility.
Jim: We obviously historically we exactly in Against Man, United before Salah came to Liverpool. We had to just watch Everyone score against Liverpool with no one for Liverpool. Score a guy. Remember the first United Derby that I got to see was burbotoff, I think scoring a hat trick would they beat Liverpool like five, five, one, five Zero at United. So, it's just great to see a player.
Jim: Just eats when he plays against United, like no other and he just loves it throwing off his shirt at the end after his, his second goal was Just incredible. There's no reason to do it. And I was glad that they didn't actually take that offer for side via bar like that would,…
Jeff Hallett: Right.
Jim: if they would have taken that goal of, then he shouldn't have gotten to yellow is my Illogical understanding of the situation because there would be no go over him to take off his shirt for, so I was glad he was able to do it. And again,…
Nick: If I,
Jim: I'll just I'll just stick with what I said, Sorry Nick I just I'll stick with what I said, Keep Cody up front. Maybe it's time to think that Cody is blown pinpoint and then you have three behind him. Who can offer that sort of support? Because that's where he does his best work in union is just all over, you can put them anywhere in the attack and I think he'll provide For whoever's there, including themselves. So, They did really really well and hopefully this is just the confidence boost that they need to.
00:45:00
Nick: I was just going to jump in there and say if I had a 12-pack, I'd take my shirt off at any moment as well.
Jim: I mean, I think all of them could do that, right? Darwin can do that,…
Nick: I,
Jim: I can do that. I don't think we've seen Cody do it yet, but it's all of them are just ripped. They look like, Statues, it's incredible.
Nick: Insane. We need to go back to that Salah just cooking Martinez use.
Jeff Hallett: Little something to keep the ladies interested in the game, right?
Nick: Absolutely on skates. It looked like an Iverson crossover from back in the day, it was hilarious. He went back for more and double double cross them and then jackpot with a little eat. My chip to finish was just That was such a good goal but the just to expand on the goals in the second half moment. That's the law half volley bar down was just a thing of beauty and what a way to tie a fowler. So that strike was, I mean, he, he just looked surprised to have that ball sitting there. Dropping on the half, Bali turn around and just Just nail the bar. So so awesome.
Jeff Hallett: yeah, my note was, we were watching vintage slot like That's first match that we went all the way over there to see Nick where he dribbled through like four or five different players. To ultimately find the net. I mean nobody can take the ball off, which is not always been this. Love to see.
Nick: Yeah I mean he was vintage tonight just like that match that that we did go to. Yes I I remember that a little bit. A little blurry from that night Super Bowl as well but yeah I mean when he's got the ball and his feet like that and he's got you backing up there's nothing you can do. I mean he's so quick almost messy like when Messi's gotten on his left foot, coming at you just a thing of beauty.
Jeff Hallett: Long mads continue. So getting into the next Fixtures on the schedule. We've got Bournemouth coming up next Saturday which should give everybody some time to rest. We don't have any Champions League midweek. Thank God. So lots of time to rest for Bournemouth who, you know, couldn't complete the job. At the weekend. So I think they're right for the taking. and, Then it comes Madrid. Next Wednesday, that's obviously the picture everybody circled, Jimmy, do you give us any chance in hell? once it comes time to head to the part about
Jim: Oh, I don't know. I I think they should do what they did against Barcelona way back when and go out first 45 and If they get a couple of goals, if they get one goal, then you go for it. But if they get scored on once twice, if there if Madrid's, you're not it Madrids. I'm sorry. If Madrid's Lead. Expands in the in the In the first half I don't know. Like, Do you We've seen Liverpool players drop like flies this season to entry? Do we really want to see them? Get injured in what might be a fruitless attempt to come back.
Jim: And then be injured for the rest of the season or for a majority of the end of the run for the season to make that topic. Because right now, it looks so possible. Right, one game in hand, three points behind spurs. Because of this match, I think, if not prior, but they definitely solidified their goal difference. Advantage over Spurs. So, if there's a chance,…
Jeff Hallett: For sure.
Jim: if you get a couple of goals in the first half, Yeah, okay. But For me it's I don't know, I'm more pragmatic that way. Like I understand I'm not as emotional. It could be that they catch a wave and they can write it all the way to the end, but my fear would be Getting injuries and then being short-handed for what looks like a real feasible option. Now in getting into the top four in the Premier League,
Jeff Hallett: Yeah.
Nick: I agree. And Madrid is our kryptonite so I'd be happy. Never seeing them ever again. But I mean to Jim's point,…
Jim: Yeah.
Nick: you know, when we come back from that, we've got another. It looks like two week break but then we go city, Chelsea, arsenal, all three in a row. So we we do want to be healthy for that. So I agree with Jim, you know, see how the first half goes and then make subs accordingly.
00:50:00
Jeff Hallett: I mean they just need three, right? So where do things?
Nick: Just three.
Jim: Yeah, just three.
Jeff Hallett: All right. I think that takes care of it for this first Talk on podcast in three, half years. I mean, felt good to me Jimmy. Like maybe we should do this again. What do ya say?
Jim: Sure, let's do it again. Yeah.
Jeff Hallett: Thanks so much for joining listeners. Thanks so much for your patience with us with life and everything else that's happened, wars, and pandemics and all kinds of things the last three and a half years. Liverpool are flying high into the top four, which is exactly how we wanted to end today. Thank you all for listening and until next time. Talk on fellas.
Nick: Talk on.
Jim: Talk ON..