Battle of the Philosophers

Just in case you hadn't heard, Liverpool hired Jurgen Klopp last week. I know, since the media were yet to really pick up on it I thought I'd remind the reader that we were up against the enigmatic German in his first game in charge. That's right, we were actually a part of today's game too! Not that you'd know it from the incredibly one-sided previews. It was Jurgen this, Klopp that. No one had a word to say about Tottenham. You'd have been forgiven for thinking that he'd actually won the quintuple before Liverpool snatched him up from Dortmund. But today was also an important game for the quieter technician in the home dugout. Asides from the odd Gary Neville compliment, our Argentinian gaffer has not been discussed too much. Klopp, meanwhile, appears to be Jesus in a tracksuit. 

There he is! Oh my God, look at him! And Klopp is on the left.

It was a thinking man's game today. Brendan Rodgers, everyone's favourite faux genius was no more, giving way to a genuine tactical battle between two pressing teams. Admittedly, Liverpool started the brighter of the two sides. We were sluggish at best and their high pressure meant we barely made it out of our half. In fact, had it not been for a combination of crossbar, Lloris and Kane we might've gone behind early on. You could tell that despite only being in the job a few days Klopp meant business and his side played with more purpose than I'd seen from them in ages. However, we eventually got a grip on proceedings and put together some chances of our own.

It's far too early to critise N'Jie or praise him too much but he certainly has potential. Despite misplacing his first half a dozen passes he began to settle into the game after coming on as an early substitute for the injured Chadli. He had a decent, outside of the foot effort well saved by Mignolet and hit another just over the bar from distance. What I like about the boy is that he'll try something off the cuff and bit different. He's definitely going to be useful as the season progresses.

There's certainly a bit of dynamism about the lad.

I felt a bit sorry for HK again today. After running himself into the ground again the goal would just not come and in all truth he should've done more with his one-on-one in the first half. He still holds the ball up well and while he may not always be a twenty goal a season striker you cannot deny his footballing ability and what he brings to our side. After Berahino scored again today I sit and wonder why Daniel Levy couldn't have shelled out another two million so we'd at least have another option and someone to help Kane.

Those who know football will understand Kane is still performing.

I think we missed Son's link up play today because for all Liverpool's early pressure they were still tentative at the back. We just needed a bit of composure and someone to offer something a bit different. Surprisingly we didn't miss Dier too much defensively on this occasion because Dembele put in a stellar performance in the holding role. However, perhaps ironically considering he's a defender by trade, I thought we missed Eric's range of passing which is often undervalued and overlooked. That's a testament to how well-rounded a footballer he is.

So in the end, neither of the philosophers could outwit the other on the day. This was no doubt hindered by both sides missing key personnel but I don't think we can be too disheartened with a point. We had the joint best defensive record in the league going into game and another clean sheet serves testament to Jan's revival alongside Alderweireld. The signs are still positive going up against against Bournemouth and then Dim's Villa side next home game (who will probably a have the performance of their lives against us!) Until next time, COYS!

Vertonghen does well to defend against 9ft striker.

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