Much has improved since the football outbreak at the COVID-19 ground reached a halt in March. One thing seems to have stayed just the same though-Liverpool on football is devastatingly fine.
As Jurgen Klopp ‘s side stepped up their preparations for the Premier League restart next week, Liverpool cruised to a 6-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers in a friendly behind closed doors at Anfield Thursday.
In a convincing win over the Championship side, first-team regulars Sadio Mane, Naby Keita, and Joel Matip got their names on the scoresheet along with Takumi Minamino and youngsters Ki-Jana However and Leighton Clarkson.
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah and left Andy Robertson as a precaution were left out of the squad but Klopp was pleased with how his players reacted.
Sadio Mané netted the game’s first goal inside 10 minutes, slotting the rebound home after Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain ‘s shot was saved. Then, Naby Keita doubled the home side advantage, latching onto Takumi Minamino ‘s clever pass and converting from close range. Minamino soon after got himself on the scoresheet with Mané helping to ensure Klopp ‘s side enjoyed a 3-0 lead heading into the break.
Liverpool made seven changes for the second half — with academy stars Neco Williams, Jake Cain, and Caoimhin Kelleher all pulling out-but it didn’t have any impact on their supremacy.
Another starlet, Leighton Clarkson, completed the 6-0 thrashing, which put the cherry on top of clinical performance in the closing stages with an excellent finish. It may have been just a friendly back-closed-door but Liverpool’s relentless showing suggests fans won’t have to wait long to celebrate the club’s maiden Premier League title.
To become crowned champions, the Reds need only two more wins, but if Manchester City loses to Arsenal next week, the victory party could start sooner. In this case, Liverpool would only have to beat Merseyside rivals Everton on June 21 to secure top spot.
If second-placed Manchester City loses to Arsenal on Wednesday, Klopp ‘s side will get a shot at winning the title by beating Everton.
