Manager had to go on a long business trip and will be away for 2 weeks. This resulted in Jansen having to step up and take over the reins. In a bold move, he decided on a 4-3-3 formation just like his favourite team Liverpool. Pretty aggressive plan.
New formation. New way of playing and we struggled to get things going. Making plenty of mistakes as we failed to pass properly and also stepping on the ball just like what SK Lovren did to much amusement. We were duly punished when a free kick floated over Jenny Klopp and SK Lovren. Jenny Klopp could only headed the ball with the top of his head and it landed nicely to 2 attackers behind him. They took the opportunity well and gave Octlisson no chance. Other than that, we were well on top. Harold Salah tried his best and was all over the pitch trying to dictate play. His numerous through balls to Bobby Loy failed the offside trap and we were very unlucky to not score. The closest was when Bobby Loy surprised everyone with a sublime piece of skill to place the ball only into the post. Jenny Klopp felt enough was enough and made many changes. We got a free kick near the halfway line. Patrick Henderson was there. Opponent asked Pikachu Mane whether he can shoot. He told them cannot. Sure blast over. Instead, Patrick Henderson curled a fantastic ball over the wall and straight through the goalkeeper’s hands into goal. A fantastic goal. Half time came and it was 1-1.
No half time talk as Jenny Klopp was busy trying to find cigarettes. But he did some changes and place Harold Salah on the left and Pikachu Mane on the right. In midfield, he played himself together with Max Keita and Faz Wiljnaldum. At the back, we had Kenny Gomez, Clarence Van Djik, Ben Alexander-Arnold and Bee Robertson.
In the 1st 15 minutes of the 2nd half, the high intensity pressure from us created a lot of chances. Bobby Loy found himself in some space and shot from distance. The ball was obviously well struck as the keeper couldn’t handle it and allowed it to slip over the line. Shortly later, Harold Salah also tried his luck from distance and again the ball was spilled. This time, Bobby Loy sprinted in and tuck it in. We got a corner kick when Pikachu Mane failed to connect with a great pass from Harold Salah. From the resultant clearance, Bee Robertson found himself at the edge of the box. Using his intelligence and great technical ability, he swung his left leg on it and hit a brilliant volley. The ball traveled like a bullet and nestled into the top right corner. It was an amazing goal. Having not scored for 8 years, Bee Robertson was jubilant and claimed that it was better than striking TOTO. We were mesmerised by that beautiful goal. And only 15 minutes had done. We continued to press and had several more chances. Harold Salah was fed by Max Keita. He took the ball into the box and tried to lay it to Pikachu Mane but he failed to connect. We conceded a corner and Bobby Loy was standing at the halfway line. Max Keita got the clearance and lobbed it through. Bobby Loy beat 2 defenders with his skill, pace and strength to face the keeper 1 on 1. Faced with that situation, he somehow failed to connect and hit it straight at the keeper. Colin, you better come back. The midfield trio was having a great game and the entire defence was coping well, giving Octlisson nothing much to do. As we closed the game down, it was left to Henry Sturridge to finish off the game as he latched onto another spill from the keeper to put it in.
5-1. What a result! Wasn’t the quality that we expect but it was a cruise for us. This game will be remembered for Bee Robertson goal. It was truly a great goal. Well done to everyone who played. The 2nd half showed our quality as we destroyed them although we did have a few scares. The Jenny Klopp effect. See you guys next week.
