Another week. Another thrilling performance by the reds. The relentless reds. We hit Norwich for five yesterday to book a spot in the FA Cup 5th round, where we will host either Watford or Southampton at the end of February.
To be totally honest, the game was not at the forefront of my mind waking up yesterday. I was more thinking about Friday and the announcement that Jurgen Klopp is leaving at the end of the season. It almost felt that the fans were universally in a state of mourning yesterday. But then the reds give you a million reasons for optimism. I have to say that the reception Klopp received at the start and end of the game was boss. It was the least we could do. We owe him absolutely everything over the last 9 years.
I spoke about the adversity heading into this game, on the back of the announcement on Friday. But the players once again just got to work from minute one and got the job done in some style. Curtis Jones, Darwin Nunez, Virgil Van Dijk, Diogo Jota and Ryan Gravenberch were amongst the goals but there was a certain unsung hero who was fantastic yesterday afternoon.
Conor Bradley. Some talent. He notched up two assists yesterday but his overall performance was flawless. It is almost approaching the stage where you are suggesting him playing right-back every week and seeing Trent Alexander-Arnold seamlessly transitioning into our midfield. I have every confidence in Bradley’s abilities and it is scary to think he is this good as just 20 years old.
Another bonus that came from yesterday was some big returns from the sidelines. Andy Robertson, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dominik Szoboszlai were introduced from the bench. Really good to be having our squad bolstered at such a key time in the season, with two massive league games coming this week. We are going to need every single member of the squad available if we are to challenge on four fronts this season.
Maybe not necessary but I want to talk about it. A quick word on Darwin Nunez after yesterday. One, I have never seen a player as adored by the fans as him and two I have never loved a player as much as I love Darwin Nunez. Nunez Nunez. Nunez. No matter what he does, you bet I am chanting his name. He continued his fine form with another great finish yesterday. The thing I most love about him is the relationship he shares with the fans. Whilst the outside world seem to be constantly criticising him I feel this has formed a relationship with the fans whereby we are always going to be right behind him no matter what. No matter what the outside world has to say, he is our player and we are going to fight for him.
To finish, another top team performance yesterday. The quadruple prospects took another step but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. One game at a time, and next up is a big one. We host Chelsea in the Premier League on Wednesday. Thank you very much for reading the rationale. Have your opinion heard in the comments, it would be greatly appreciated. Up the Reds.