Liverpool fans went into the Lincoln City game expecting a comfortable win, and that’s what they got. The 7-2 score line showed the quality in depth of Jurgen Klopp’s side, even with the game being against League One opposition.
In midweek Liverpool’s assistant manager Pep Lijnders took over duties for the press conference. He said they would field a strong team and some people might be surprised. The biggest surprise in my opinion was probably Virgil Van Dijk starting at center back. However, with Fabinho coming on in the second half for him, the decision made more sense. It looks like they’ll be the pair to start against Arsenal on the weekend, and Klopp was giving them minutes to stay fresh. I said in the preview that I thought whoever didn’t make the team would be sold. On that front I was a little surprised. As expected, Rhian Brewster was left out of the squad as a move away is looking more and more likely for the young Englishman. However, a couple players that have been linked to moves away were in the 18. With the likes of Divock Origi, Xherdan Shaqiri, and Marko Grujic all starting, while Harry Wilson made the bench. One reason that would make sense is to try and counter the difficulties they’ve had selling those players. Most of those players have reportedly been up for sale for most of the season now. By giving them full or close to full games, they may be able to impress potential buyers.
Either way, Liverpool came out firing. A brilliant free kick in the 9th minute by Xherdan Shaaqiri got things off and running. Liverpool dominated the first half and the second goal came 9 minutes later in the 18th minute. A poor pass from Lincoln on an attempted short goal-kick ended up at Takumi Minamino’s feet. He didn’t think twice and exceptionally curled it top bins to make it 2-0. After a few chances for Lincoln City and a ton more from Liverpool, in the 32nd minute Curtis Jones joined the party. A pinpoint Rhys Williams pass found Origi who headed it down to Jones, and Jones found the top corner with confidence. With his confidence high, he went on to score his second just 4 minutes later. After a corner kick, Harvey Elliot passed him the ball and with some intricate footwork and the help of a deflection, he found the top right-hand corner for a second time on the night. Up to this point, every single Liverpool goal was scored in the top right corner or the goal. The half ended with Liverpool in front 4-0.
The second half was a different performance, but it didn’t start off any different. Less than one minute in a shot by Elliot was saved and Minamino was there to tap in the rebound. Lincoln City seemed to know at that point that the game was all but over, so they came out a little more aggressive for the rest of the game. They got their reward in the 60th minute with a nice goal from Tayo Edun after a good set up by Conor McGrandles. Only 5 minutes later Liverpool answered. Marko Grujic was able to pick up the clearance of a cross from Diogo Jota (subbed on in the 57th minute making his debut) and his shot was low and hard into the bottom left-hand corner. Then only one minute later Lewis Montsma scored for Lincoln from a towering header off a corner kick.
After Lincoln’s second, the game died down as the teams seemed to be in cruise control waiting for the final whistle. However, in the 89th minute Origi got on the score sheet. A quick counterattack ended with a well weighted through ball from Minamino, that Origi finished to the goalie’s right. This made it 7-2 to Liverpool which would be the final score on the night.
This went as expected for Liverpool with a rather comfortable win. It was a good performance all around, but in particular Curtis Jones and Takumi Minamino both stood out. I also think it was a very positive debut from Rhys Williams, who showed why he’s highly rated, but it did seem to be clear he needs some time before playing in the first team. It was good for Diogo Jota to get his debut as well.
Liverpool are now set to play Arsenal two times in a row. They will first take them on at Anfield on Monday in the Premier League. Before facing them again in the fourth round of the EFL Cup at some point next week. The date of that game is still yet to be confirmed. Liverpool will hope to take the positives of this performance into their upcoming games against Mikel Arteta’s side. A team that have looked strong this season and look to have turned a corner under their new manager.