Genk vs Liverpool; Champions of Europe shift their away day voodoo

This was a game that many expected Liverpool to roll over Genk and produce a thriller with plenty of goals and it didn't disappoint, the game ending in 4-1 which flattered Liverpool. After a great early goal from the impressive Ox, the reds seemed to take their foot of the gas as if the game was already over, there threat dwindled and looked to be without a great deal of purpose. They did manage to produce a few moments of magic in the first half, best of all coming from Firmino producing a fabulous bit of skill which would of been assist of the year if it wasn't for Mane scuffing his shot. This isn't to say that they weren't threaten by Genk, as the Belgian side got behind Liverpool's defence many times, with even having a goal disallowed for offiside which would of made the game 1-1 and changed it entirely. Liverpool looked vulnerable in the first half and going into the second half only 1-0 up, Kloop coudlnt of been too happy with how his side weren't further ahead with the amount of possession they had in the first half. In the second half the reds stepped it up a gear, they were more probing with their passes and another moment of magic saw Ox double his tally with another splendid shot from outside the box. With a new found flourish of confidnece the Reds soon killed off the game with superb goals from Mane & Salah who both assisted each others goals. Thus ending the story of their so called feud. However, in true Liverpool fashion they let the oppsition get a late goal when Lovern failed to clear the ball, which let Ndongala run at our defence, worming his way past Gomez and managed to cut it back to Odey, who span and finished it well. An exciting game in the end but not one that Klopp was too happy about, he wasn't over-pleased with how his side controlled the game or better yet their lack of control in certain aspects. A few comments from the German after the match;

“Like the team. The goals were great but like the rest, the performance could have been better,” & “There were good moments and not so good moments.”.

The German manager was happy with the result but he wasn't happy with certain aspects of how his team played, especially his midfield at times, suggesting that at times Fabinho was the only midfielder. Klopp decided to let loose his two most dynamic midfielders against Genk, much to the fans enthusiasm for this, they did at times leave the midfield very open and meant it was hard to stabilise for the Brazilian Fabinho. Although, it was a very impressive game for these two midfielders going forward, Ox providing the goals but Keita was the real star for me, always looking to get his side on the front foot, keeping hold of the ball and always looking to go forward and offer an option for his teammates, little Naby was everywhere, producing 110 successful passes for the night which showed how influential he was for the reds. For me he was man of the match and fully took his chance to shine as the dynamism of this midfield.

It was also a welcomed change for the German's side as they have only won 1 away game in their last ten under Klopp, a stat that I'm sure he will be very happy to see the back off. Overall a good result for Liverpool, placing them just one point off top spot in their Group with a welcomed home game against tonights opposition in a hope repeating tonights result a fortnight from now. Still much to be improved upon if Liverpool want to go far in this competition and keep up their unbeaten run in the Premier League. Tonight also brough a promising midfield conundrum for the weekend with Klopp having to decide if he will keep Keita & Ox in, or swap them out for the more practical and safe bet of Wjinaldum & Henderson with Fabinho being the anchor of the midfield.

Onto the weekend where they face Spurs at home in another crucial game in their title pursuit.