Liverpool thumped Blackpool 7-2 in an entertaining pre-season friendly on Saturday afternoon, overturning a shock two-goal deficit before running riot.
Liverpool 7-2 Blackpool
Pre-Season Friendly (3), Anfield
September 5, 2020
Goals: Matip 43′, Mane 52′, Firmino 54′, Elliott 69′, Minamino 71′, Origi 85′, Van den Berg 88′; Hamilton 15, Yates 31
The Reds returned to Anfield to take on their lower-league opponents, in their first appearance at Anfield since lifting the Premier League trophy in July.
It was a lethargic start for Liverpool, however, who found themselves 2-0 down after goals from C.J. Hamilton and Jerry Yates (penalty).
Joel Matip powered home a header before half-time to reduce the arrears and the hosts pulled away from their opponents after the interval.
Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino both found the net to turn the game on its head, before goals from Harvey Elliott, Takumi Minamino, Divock Origi and Sepp van den Berg completed the annihilation.
Here’s how supporters reacted to the Reds’ victory on Twitter, Facebook and This Is Anfield’s forum.
The second half performance was widely praised…
FT: #LFC 7 Blackpool 2: The PL champions transformed in the second half after a pretty dour opening 45mins when they found themselves 2-0 down. Matip, Mane, Firmino, Elliott, Minamino, Origi and Van den Berg with the goals.
Keita, Minamino and Jones all excellent.— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) September 5, 2020
Excellent second-half. Saw some lovely interplay between the attacking players. Origi is still the odd on out in this side, lacking the dynamism and intelligence of the other players, but otherwise lots for Klopp to be happy about and to think over.
— And Could He Play (@andcouldheplay7) September 5, 2020
“They never give up amazing second half well done” – Clare Louise Withers on Facebook.
“Fortunately all games have 2 halves” – Alright Now on the forums.
https://twitter.com/stehoare/status/1302275510999842822?s=20
Really good second half performance from Liverpool. Some great goals. Jones class in a deeper midfield role than usual. Fabinho hooked at half-time after some strong words from Klopp midway through first half. First senior goal for Elliott.
— Jack Sear (@JackSear) September 5, 2020
Even had we lost, it's just a friendly. We were doing the exact same last year but as it turned out, our performance was great in the second half. Leeds aren't ready. #LFC
— Dahir (@dboetan7i) September 5, 2020
Minamino was lauded for his performance…
Minamino really looking the part here. Just a lovely footballer to watch and he's delivering end product now.
Expecting a big season from him.
— Henry Jackson (@HenryJackson87) September 5, 2020
Good workout for the reds that. Blackpool are a decent side and posed all kinds of problems first half. If pre-season has told us anything it’s that we need to start games faster. Minamino and Jones the standouts after the break.
— Aaron Cutler (@aaron_cutler) September 5, 2020
Having a pre-season alongside the training camp in Austria has done Minamino the world of good. Looks really settled in the squad, confident on the ball, and always looking to make things happen. Lovely goal and assist.
— Leanne Prescott (@_lfcleanne) September 5, 2020
“Thought Minamino was excellent” – Paul Heslop on Facebook.
“Great to see Keita, Minamino getting the full run out and having a good game” – gasband on the forums.
Minamino after learning English pic.twitter.com/EUjoQFjUkl
— ™?? (@tm17lfc) September 5, 2020
That Minamino lad is alright for £7.5m, isn’t he?
— Gareth Roberts (@robbohuyton) September 5, 2020
Minamino takes up some really nice positions. Looks increasingly sure of himself and in sync with his teammates.
— Joel Rabinowitz (@joel_archie) September 5, 2020
Other key men also received praise…
Comfortable in the end but well done Blackpool for that 1st half test. Curtis Jones excellent in 2nd half and always nice to see a bit of Bobby's swagger on show. Bring on Leeds. Up the Reds
— Jeff Goulding (@ShanklysBoys1) September 5, 2020
I think Naby has been our best player over the course of preseason, like he was our best player after the restart.
— Red (@TaintlessRed) September 5, 2020
“Please play more of Jones” – Smiso Trevor Trezil on Facebook.
“Jones has been superb since he came on. This could be his breakout season I reckon.” – T.C.B on the forums.
Excellent 2nd half performance and some really nice goals.
Some good individual performances:
-Taki
-Keita
-Hoever
-BobbyThe biggest standout was the 2nd half performance of Curtis Jones. Exceptional 45 mins.
On to Leeds at Anfield next weekend to defend our title.
?#LFC— Brian Murphy (@Brian88Murphy) September 5, 2020
https://twitter.com/Tate_Mugwez/status/1302272871423717376?s=20
Focus now turns to Leeds next weekend, including talk of playing a 4-2-3-1 formation…
See you soon Leeds ? pic.twitter.com/x4Dk0EVdqV
— supermane10 (@supermanelfc) September 5, 2020
4231 against Leeds please @LFC
— . (@DK01__) September 5, 2020
We need to play 4-2-3-1 vs Leeds with Minamino in the team
— ? (@TheImmortalKop) September 5, 2020
Bring on yer Leeds United!!! #LFC
— LFCZA ?? (@LFCZA) September 5, 2020
Taki as an attacking midfielder, on 4-2-3-1 vs Leeds please @LFC
— Dan ?? (@DenmarkTriads) September 5, 2020
Please klopp should start Minamino against Leeds ?
4-2-3-1 is the new deal
— Ayoola?? (@Feeeezy) September 5, 2020
Let us know your thoughts on the game in the comments section.
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