Apart from the ongoing Mohamed Salah speculation, there was another concern for Liverpool fans as the transfer window closed on Friday.
The failure to bolster Jurgen Klopp’s centre-back options came into sharp focus when the team sheet against Aston Villa confirmed that the injured Ibrahima Konate had been sidelined along with the suspended Virgil van Dijk.
But while Liverpool scored 10 goals in four games last season with Joe Gomez and Joel Matip partnering in the heart of defence, here they helped the Reds keep just their fourth clean sheet in 14 games and their first of the campaign.
Gomez, making his 200th senior appearance, was particularly impressive in defence, resolute and calm, unfazed by Ollie Watkins, against whom he had a personal nightmare in the 7-2 defeat at Villa almost three years ago. And Matip was far more convincing in the demanding right-back role than he was in pre-season. However, Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to be sidelined with a hamstring problem, so the long-term absence of youngster Conor Bradley means Gomez may now be needed on the right, further limiting what Klopp can do in defence. Puckered brows remain.
Szoboszlai recites
Dominik Szoboszlai was under no pressure to prove himself at Anfield. But that didn’t stop the summer signing from making another statement.
“I think anyone can complain if Dominik shoots with his right or left foot,” Hungary boss Marco Rossi said when asked to consider the midfielder’s strongest attributes last month.
There must have been grumbling among the Liverpool fans when, less than three minutes later, Szoboszlai scored the first goal for the memorable club here.
After the right-footer proved too hot for Neto on his home debut against Bournemouth,
allowing Diogo Jota to make it 3-1, another nail-biter, this time from Trent Alexander-Arnold’s thunderous strike into the bottom corner. the corner fell invitingly into his path on the edge of the area. Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez didn’t even move.
It’s easy to see why Szoboszlai proved an instant success with the Kop, with his strong work ethic, constant pressure and ability to bring the ball back to lively screens.
And it was a happier second place for Alexis MacAllister, who worked in the sixth role before signing Wataru Endo in the third summer.
Mac Allister dismissed Villa threat Moussa Diaby early on to huge cheers and was as clutch as he was prolific. This excursion should remove any lingering nerves.
Gravenberch gets an idea
Ryan Gravenberch’s whirlwind day continued as he sat in the home dugout for his first taste of English football.
While the Dutchman soon realized that the competition for Liverpool’s midfield positions is not as fierce as it was at his former club, Bayern Munich.
In-form Curtis Jones got his first start of the season and quietly showed why he went ahead during a 15-match unbeaten run. Then came another energetic shot from the bench by Harvey Elliott, who could no longer strike the starting role after the national team break.
So congratulations on the 300th to Jurgen Klopp who reached the milestone of a Premier League game by winning his 188th game.
The Reds took seven games to reach 10 points last season but have done so almost half the time this campaign. Liverpool FC Reloaded continues
