Anfield Globetrotters in 7th Heaven

Bobby’s bounce continues as Liverpool smash seven at the Palace.

Be honest, how many of you reading this expected three points when Liverpool faced an in-form Crystal Palace away from home, an away record yet to reach expected levels, a pre-match team selection which raised eyebrows and hardly any rest after a titanic tussle against Tottenham?

The ‘mentality monsters’ equipped with Naby Keita and Takumi Minamino helped the Kopites secure a record-breaking 0-7 victory which was the biggest away win in our top flight history.

What was remarkable about this success was that, despite walking into the dressing room with a 0-3 lead, Liverpool were not intent on applying the breaks and nullifying the opposition in the second half. They destroyed them all ends up with all seven goals of the highest quality including the build-up play with seven different assist makers – a Premier League record.

The first half was a tense affair with Roy Hodgson’s side finding many gaps as a result of simple long balls over the top which were met by his pacey attackers. The final ball was what let them down but Palace had enough of the ball and play to cause concern.

With hindsight, one of the key moments in the game was early on when the dangerous Wilfred Zaha – who Trent Alexander-Arnold once described as the toughest opponent he has faced, tried a 1-on-1 against Fabinho who marshalled him away – Franco Baresi-esque. The Reds were resilient and ruthless in equal measure.

Takumi Minamino’s neat shimmy started off the goal fest early in the 3rd minute. Sadio Mané broke his goal drought with an excellent turn and smash – continuing his superb record against the Eagles. Mane wanted to fill his boots and his reaction to his substitution is the hunger which Jurgen Klopp will bottle and unleash against West Bromwich Albion in our next contest.

Arguably the man of the match was Bobby Firmino whose two goals were sandwiched by a strike by captain Jordan Henderson – another contender for best player on the pitch with his outstanding work at both ends of the pitch.

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Hendo was the orchestrator on an afternoon when we were treated to two sublime goals by Bobby including a no-look sidefoot finale for his first which began with a move from one end of the pitch to another, right to left to centre at swift pace – the Anfield Globetrotters had arrived.

Bobby’s second goal led the Boss to utter the words, “Oh my God” to the waiting substitute Curtis Jones as he chipped the ball over Guaita after seemingly losing the run of the ball.

Not to be outdone, Mo Salah – a substitute, eased a header past Guaita and then released a left foot curler to complete the afternoon. Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson put in terrific performances at both ends with the much heralded clean sheet another high point of the day.

Bearing in mind the increased burdens in defence, Robbo has displayed exemplary leadership and effervescent energy throughout the season.

On Saturday, VAR was left on the bench for a change and despite the multiple injuries which have affected the Reds all season they found a way through yet again and as a result have hit the Christmas number 1 spot. Liverpool were dazzling, destructive and decisive. This team is made of strong stuff.

A few days of recovery will follow, hopefully allowing more sidelined stars to return. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain managed to secure an assist and much needed minutes against the Eagles.

The Champions left the Palace with full honours. Merry Christmas. YNWA.

Riaz Ravat is a member of Liverpool FC’s Equality & Diversity Fan Forum. He writes in a personal capacity.