The table down the bottom end gets more hectic by the week. Todays results have dropped us a couple places as it is, with the drop zone lurking for us over Christmas given the quality of our opposition tomorrow and next week.
Still we've been known to cause Liverpool some headaches in the not distant past, and their form seems quite unpredictable. One week they absolutely batter someone with that attack, and the next they look not infallible.
We gave United a good go on Wednesday at Old Trafford but ultimately lost because we didn't take chances when they came. And made an error at the back, naturally. If we can keep that level of general performance up we'd look vaguely competitive at least, but we'd need to be more clinical to stand a chance of getting anything.
Francis trying to defend Salah is a.. concerning thought.
This was one of those games that we tend to have, last season, where the wheels came off. I expect Bournemouth to come at us as its Howe's style, and to cause us one or two issues. Hopefully we can deal with that however, and the quality upfront has their shooting boots on once more, something that was lacking against WBA.
Liverpool even better coming forward than last year. Still flaky at the back, maybe doesn't matter when the attack can take advantage like that.
Have to be taking one of those chances for us, inside of the bloody post and another off the line. At least one keeps it vaguely competitive, this is going to be the pasting jimjams mentioned currently.
First goal was what happens when an international class forward runs at Simon Francis. Predictable.
Second goal everyone assumed the ball had gone out!
Third, everyone stood back and admired Salah.
A much needed win after the last two games missed opportunities, and heading into the Arsenal game. Good runouts as well for Lallana, Solanke and Ings. Perfect day.
Second half was basically a training ground exercise. Thats the difference between 2-0 and 3. Us making early changes through injuries not ideal, can be doing without King or Daniels getting knocks
Liverpool obviously well worth their win. Have to think 4-4-2 is too light to match Liverpool flooding midfield with 5 or 6 players at every opportunity. Strangled any life out of us from the off. Stanislas helped a bit but it's already 2-0 by that point.
Our first large defeat of the season. Chelsea and Man City next within 6 days!