Liverpool have taken the next step towards Champions League glory, now through to the last 16 after a convincing 6-0 rout against Qarabag.
It was a much more familiar Anfield environment than we’ve experienced of late, and a performance worthy of praise.
Arne Slot responded to the boos of last week in the best possible way.
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So many good displays vs Qarabag
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Liverpool have finished third in the league phase with 18 points, and it has put a different complexion on the season ahead.
It wouldn’t be like a football fan to get carried away — well, that’s what we’re going to do, with the help of Liverpool agitator Anthony Gordon.
Anthony Gordon’s assessment of the Champions League bodes well for Liverpool
The Newcastle star has been on fire in Europe, but that hasn’t translated to the Premier League.
Ahead of Newcastle’s clash with PSG (which ended in a draw), Gordon was asked for an explanation of the strange disparity.
What he said is absolutely correct, and it explains Liverpool’s current, and hopefully, future success in the competition.
In his pre-match press conference, he said: “The Champions League is more football based. Teams try to play proper football. In the Premier League, you’ve seen a lot more long throw-ins, set pieces. It’s become a lot slower and a lot more set-piece based.”
Liverpool have struggled with this, too. Slot has beaten the low-block point to death, but it is the reason behind not being able to break down worse teams than you face in the Champions League.
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The open nature of play and the willingness of teams to take the game to us is why Liverpool have been one of the best teams in Europe.
It will only be more like this as only the best teams remain. It might sound deranged, but a Champions League final against a PSG or a Madrid doesn’t create the same dread in this fan as heading to Turf Moor or Craven Cottage.
Maybe that means Liverpool can win it all, maybe not.
Where’s the fun in not believing?
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Photo Credit: Getty Images/Ahmad Mora/Alex Bierens de Haan/UEFA/Robbie Jay Barratt/AMA/Stefano Guidi
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Crazy Liverpool vs Qarabag stat
In both halves of the game, Slot’s side were in control. Qarabag just couldn’t get into the game, while Liverpool kept coming at them.
But in the opening 45 minutes, it was the visitors who had more of the possession.
Fair play to the Azerbaijani side. They didn’t come into this game wanting to park the bus and pray for a miracle. They tried playing their way.
Liverpool were just too good for Qarabag. Onto the knockouts.
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