Upon first thought, I used to be pissed off after the 2-2 draw with Fulham, particularly with the late stress being utilized by Arne Slot’s facet. Nonetheless, following Arsenal’s draw in opposition to Everton and Manchester Metropolis’s collapse in opposition to Manchester United – it’s a stable level.
Getting back from behind twice, while taking part in 73 minutes with ten males, is completely nothing to be ashamed of. Enormous credit score should go to Diogo Jota, who after two months out injured, returned to rescue a useful level for the Reds.
Jota the Slotter Returns
Slotter by title, slotter by nature. The quantity 20’s cool end within the 86th minute was not solely a point-saving objective, but additionally one which despatched a robust reminder to these questioning his significance. Over latest weeks, there have been large questions over Liverpool’s lack of a goalscoring quantity 9, largely right down to Darwin Nunez’s struggles.
It wasn’t simply the equaliser that spoke volumes on Jota’s impression both. Wanting on the deeper numbers from his efficiency, they’re actually spectacular contemplating he was solely on the pitch for 20 minutes in whole.
Jota has 22 touches, finishing 3/3 dribbles, making two key passes, gained 4 floor duels and one aerial duel. For perspective, that’s extra profitable dribbles, key passes and duels gained that Luis Diaz managed in his 99 minutes on the pitch.
He ‘Should Begin’
With the returns of each Jota and Federico Chiesa, Slot now has all six of his attacking choices obtainable once more. With the Carabao Cup Quarter-Remaining in opposition to Southampton looming, it’ll be fascinating to see how he manages their minutes.
Nonetheless, one factor I do know for positive, is that I’d be eyeing a beginning spot for Jota in that vast conflict in opposition to Tottenham Hotspur subsequent Sunday. The Portuguese ahead has scored three targets in three begins in opposition to the North London outfit and may very well be large in exploiting the area in opposition to a makeshift defence that has concerned the likes of Archie Grey, Radu Dragusin and Djed Spence lately.
By way of health, hopefully that rib damage is behind him now and to be honest, he regarded pretty sturdy in his challenges on the weekend. His return goes to be an enormous increase, particularly over the busy festive interval that sees Liverpool play Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, Leicester Metropolis and West Ham United all within the area of 11 days.
It’s going to additionally hopefully relieve among the immense stress and scrutiny on Nunez, as he continues his struggles to discover a constant run of type.
