In my first attempt at writing the Man of the Match article, Liverpool Football Club produced arguably their worst performance (excluding the 5-0 loss at City, we forget about that) of the season.
Swansea seemed a certain three points for Jürgen Klopp’s men. Eight days after beating one of the best teams in Europe and league leaders Manchester City, Liverpool lose 1-0 to bottom of the league Swansea. Any red performer last week would have picked up this week’s Man of the Match award.
Wijnaldum went missing, Salah and Mane were struggling in the final third and Bobby Firmino should have levelled with the last chance of the game.
New man, Van Dijk, would have been a candidate. However, his headed clearance fell in a dangerous zone for Liverpool, and the man of the match, Alfie Mawson, slotted home to score the game’s only goal.
For Liverpool, arguably the best performer on the day was Andy Robertson. His energy on the left was on display once again, although not to the levels of the City game.
He was the main outlet for the majority of the match, always providing an option out wide on the left. Mane plays inside the opposition full back creating that space for the rampant Scotsman to exploit.
While his energy and ability to run for the whole game is arguably his main ability, Robertson is able to attack and defend, something Liverpool have lacked at the left back position for a considerable time.
Tonight, he proved his final ball could be a weapon to come in future weeks. Many times, the former Hull man whipped a low ball across the 6-yard box in front of the keeper. However, with the lack of attacking desire on display from the Liverpool team tonight, these chances went begging.
His increasing levels of performance are making him a fan favourite for Liverpool followers, along with his desire to win. Many times, when the ball went off on his side of the pitch and with Liverpool losing he would sprint after it, eager to get the game going again. This desire lacked in some of Liverpool’s more senior players in last night’s performance.
Karius could’ve been a contender for this week’s man of the match. he did nothing wrong as the goal was a very tidy finish from Mawson. While the new number 1 also asserted his authority early with a few decent punches away from goal, but had too little to do to be this week’s star performer.