Jurgen Klopp’s men had been desperately searching for a spark that would finally help their league campaign catch alight and then hopefully stay lit. Up until Manchester City arrived in town, however, it had been a disastrous start to the season that seemed to get progressively worse every week. In fact, it ended up being such a calamitous beginning to the 2022/2023 campaign that the Reds were ruled out of the title race before the clocks even went back. Yes, it was unprecedented, unexpected, and underwhelming, but the Reds finally found that elusive spark on match day nine when they sensationally beat City at Anfield.
It was one of those afternoons at Liverpool’s famous home ground that was, to put it plainly; utterly, utterly bonkers. You could even go as far as to say this fixture was so pulsating and riveting that the football purists would have happily watched another five hours of it without a break but alas, it could only last for ninety-odd minutes but when referee Anthony Taylor did eventually blow his whistle at the end, Liverpool had recorded a famous win.
Ain’t nobody… like Joe Gomez
In addition to claiming a priceless three points, the Reds were also able to stop Erling Haaland from scoring which is an accomplishment that only one other team has managed to do this season. Chiefly, this was down to the unshakable display from defender Joe Gomez who kept the eerily prolific Norweigan unusually quiet. In many respects, it was a performance that served as redemption for Gomez who has, for a while, endured a tough time in the Premier League.
However, this man of the match showing against City could now propel him into Gareth Southgate’s starting XI for the World Cup in Qatar. Encouragingly for Gomez and England, the latest World Cup betting on Betway, as of the 25th of October, does make the Three Lions one of the favourites at 8/1. In short, Gomez’s timing couldn’t have been better as far as his international prospects go after producing his best performance in over two years. Of course, it’s worth saying that against City, all of Klopp’s men were, to one degree or another, able to find that level of form that made 2020 such a historic year for the club.
As initially alluded to though and despite the swashbuckling nature of this victory, it still comes at a time when the Reds have very little chance of winning the Premier League. It goes without saying but catching up with the leaders after such a poor start will require a near-faultless run from Klopp’s charges who you imagine will realistically still lose a few games between now and late May 2023. The evidence suggests that Liverpool won’t be crowned kings of the Premier League next spring.
The Reds now have a foundation to push on
Still, what this win has done is give Liverpool their identity back and that is something that should reinvigorate their passionate fanbase given that ordinarily, watching the Reds live is one of the best things to do in the City.
Indeed, now that this promising form has seemingly returned, there should be genuine cause for optimism on the streets of Liverpool. There are, after all, two domestic cups left to play for alongside the Champions League; a tournament that the Reds often perform well in even if proceedings closer to home are a struggle. Indeed, Klopp’s men have all but secured their position in the round of 16, which will begin in February 2023.
So, whilst the Premier League trophy remains out of reach, the Reds still have a significant amount to play for during the remainder of the 2022/2023 season, and thanks to a stirring 1-0 win over City, the silverware charge could be back on. It’s worth saying in conclusion that this is a narrative that many felt wouldn’t apply to the Reds this season but the game of football and the status quo can change quickly. As things now stand, Klopp’s men have a foot in the door and their job going forward is to kick it down.
Admittedly, it has been a slow burn for Liverpool so far this campaign but the spark has eventually been found and going forward, the club will hope that this newfound momentum spreads like wildfire.
