The frustration around Anfield was palpable. The clash with old rivals Manchester United descended into a classically ‘Mourinho affair’, as we suspected it might in this column, and while we had the bonus of banking a 21/20 winner on Under 2.5 Goals that was scant consolation after watching the Reds struggle to break down a rigid Manchester United rearguard – or ‘bus’, as it is sometimes known.
Other than the Luis Suarez years, this could be the best opportunity that Liverpool have had to finish above Manchester United in the Premier League reckoning. Under Jurgen Klopp they have really come fo age so far this term, and some of their performances have been nothing short of sublime.
It didn’t a genius to work out that Liverpool would give Hull City a good seeing to at Anfield last week, and while we certainly don’t claim to be Dr Hawkings-esque in our predictions we were right to back a comfortable Reds victory.
If we treat the Burnley debacle as a one-off freak occurrence, Liverpool’s form this season has been outstanding. Victories over Arsenal, Chelsea and Leicester – three sides who you would imagine will occupy the top half of the table at least – is very encouraging.