Digging Deeper Into Liverpool’s Victory Over Aston Villa

Liverpool have put themselves in the conversation. After months of uncertainty and pain Liverpool have blown the doors open and are in the conversation for finishing among the Champions League qualification spots after defeating Aston Villa 2-1.

There was a microcosm of a season within one match. The uncertainty and pain at hand thanks to referees with CAD software. It was there in the fact that Liverpool spent most of the first half on top, but went into the half time break down by a goal despite actually scoring an equalizer that everyone saw happen. And it was certainly there as the Reds toiled during the second half. Then, in the 91st minute, the uncertainty and pain vanished when Trent Alexander-Arnold smashed the ball into the net. No way an algorithm or lines on a screen can count that one out. Certainty and joy as the Scouser peels away to the corner flag while kissing the badge.

All Liverpool can do is put themselves in the conversation. Things aren’t in control this season, not one bit, but that chaos can be advantageous for Jurgen Klopp’s tricky Reds. Six massive points from Arsenal and Villa. That’s all we could ask for and they delivered. Now join us as we examine some of the narratives, tactics, reactions, and questions Liverpool will be dealing with and the fans will be talking about in the aftermath.

Dissecting the Narrative

Trent shuts up the haters

So much of the narrative the last few weeks has been about Trent Alexander-Arnold’s form, his place in the England National Team squad, and just other nonsense. If you’ve watched Liverpool this season you already know that Trent’s form is the least of Liverpool’s worries. Mostly because he’s actually been playing just fine, but for some reason Gareth Southgate (henceforth referred to as Mr. Waistcoat) felt the need to make a statement and leave Trent out of the most recent call ups. That led to three weeks of pundits pontificating about Trent.

So, how did Trent respond? Well, like this.

VAR again

I hate talking about referees. I think it’s the most boring thing in the world to complain about referee decisions. However, with the way that the Premier League uses Video Assisted Referees, we’re having this conversation every single week about 3 or 4 incidents. It’s exhausting. No one thinks this is offside.

The thing about this is we are now meant to go on with our lives without remembering the goal Roberto Firmino scored right on the stroke of halftime. There’s 3 minutes my life that did not happen according to the Premier League’s referees. This isn’t so much about a game of football anymore, but about some guy in some booth somewhere having the authority of a god. Some balding dude with a whistle now has the power to change my lived experience. I’m being gaslight from halfway across the world. Is this any way to live life? I don’t think it is. I’m going insane.

What Happens Next

Liverpool have shaken off their bad Anfield juju just in time to welcome Real Madrid to town for the second left of a Champions League quarter-final. They currently are down 3-1 but they have an away goal. Besides, when has Liverpool ever overcome the odds in the Champions League? Wink wink, nudge nudge.

There’s also a league position to be concerned with. Liverpool take on Leeds and then Newcastle. All they have to do is keep themselves in the conversation. It’s mid-April and Liverpool are there. Let’s see what happens.