One Mane Show at Villa Park

Smash ‘n’ Grab

Liverpool smashed and grabbed all 3 points away to Aston Villa at Villa Park. Villa had led the match after going ahead through a Hassan effort in the 21st minute. The Villains were very well organised and looked set for all 3 points. They’d defended well and put out a very convincing display.

However, as we’ve seen time and time again, a team that can win games whilst not performing to it’s optimum will always have every chance of winning the championship. Liverpool have epitomised this already this season. So is it any surprise that Klopp’s boys did it again? I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, they are showing the winning formula and mark my words they will be crowned champions in May (United displayed this throughout the 90s and 00s…..Fergie time, anyone!!).

Mane may have been criticised for his theatrics in the penalty box (to be fair that did look like a bit of a dive) but you cannot take anything away from this footballing genius. Genius? Yes genius (I said it). Mane is often viewed as the labourer who does most of the running for the Red’s forward line (not say the other two are lazy bums…..ok maybe a tad) but against Villa we got an opportunity to witness his creativity and leadership qualities.

The Senegalese international would not give up as he carried his side across the line. He engineered Liverpool’s equaliser when he picked out a superb cross for Robertson to finish in the back post on the 87th minute. I am sure when the goal went in the travelling Liverpool supporters would have settled for a draw. There was more drama to follow as Mane wasn’t finished and deep in injury time, he headed in the winner (lovely near post flick on too!!) to send the away supporters into a frenzy (I can only imagine what the journey back home must have been like).

He demonstrated a never say die attitude that could very well aid Liverpool in winning their first Premier League title. An attitude that can rob off on other players in the team and transcend a positive mentally throughout this campaign. Whether or not they can go an entire season without defeat remains to be seen but with Mane in this kind of form and Van Dyke taking care of business at the rear, anything is possible.

Whilst Liverpool were robbing Villa for 3 points (no offence intended!!), Manchester City left it late also to claim all 3 points at home to Southampton. Ward-Prowse had put the visitors ahead in the 13th minute and the Saints tried to hold on for dear life but unfortunately caved in. Aguero pulled one back for City in the 70th minute before Kyle Walker grabbed the winner.

Everyone (and I mean everyone) in the Country were hoping to see the two top teams in the division drop valid points. However, it wasn’t meant to be.City are still 6 points behind Liverpool after 11 games and will hope desperately for Liverpool to stutter. Leicester are their nearest rivals as they try to keep pace with the leading two and added to their momentum by defeating Crystal Palace 2-0 away.

Soyuncu and Vardy got the goals for an impressive Leicester side who could secure a top four finish by Christmas if results keep going their way. Everton and Tottenham drew 1-1 at Goodison park but the match itself will be remembered for the injury caused to Gomes who suffered a really bad injury (wishing you a speedy recovery). He has since had a successful operation and also thanked fans for their support.

Another team that’s going well is Chelsea who registered their 7th win of the season in their victory against Watford. Abraham opened the scoring for Chelsea in the 5th minute before Pulisic added a second in the 55th minute. Deulofeu pulled one back through a penalty in the 80th but the afternoon belonged to Chelsea. Arsenal drew 1-1 with Wolves adding more pressure to the Arsenal boss (many Arsenal fans are unsatisfied with Emery and are calling for his resignation).

Ole is still at the wheel at Manchester United as they suffered yet another defeat at the hands of Bournemouth. King got the only goal of the game in the 45th minute. Brighton defeated Norwich 2-0 whilst Newcastle beat West Ham 3-2.

gomess