Review Of The Previous Game-
It was dazzling at Anfield as Liverpool sent their fans into ecstasy after thumping German side Hoffenheim 4-2 in the second leg of the Champions League play-Offs. The Reds won the tie 6-3 on aggregate and confirmed their place in the group stages of the Champions League.
The tie was seemingly over just 21 minutes into the game as the hosts raced to a three goal lead with a brace from German midfielder Emre Can and a close range finish from new arrival Mohamed Salah. A spirited Hoffenheim then scored in the first half but the deal was sealed when Firmino added a fourth and put the game and tie beyond doubt even though Hoffenheim continued to press.
Liverpool carried a 2-1 advantage into the second leg after winning against Hoffenheim in Germany. But with just 11 minutes Sadio Mane played a lovely back-hell pass for Emre Can on the left whose shot was deflected and Liverpool looked comfortable in the driving seat.
Roberto Firmino then cut back a pass for Wijnaldum three minutes later, but the Dutchman’s shot came off the post only for Salah to tap in from close range for his first goal at Anfield. Liverpool’s third goal was as slick as they come with Hoffenheim playing high up the pitch Mane again had space on the left as he again back-flicked a pass to Firmino who chipped in a lovely cross for Can to finish into a virtually empty net.
After a tactical substitution, the visitors had pulled one back through substitute Mark Uth, who also scored the German clubs goal at the Rhein-Neckar Arena. The Reds however were just too good for their opponents who seemed to lack cutting edge in the final third.
And the pressure forced them into another mistake when Jordan Henderson dispossessed opposing captain Kevin Vogt in the second half before feeding a pass to Firmino who wrapped up the tie with a neat finish into the bottom right corner.
However, the Germans did not lose hope and still managed to get another goal before full-time as Sandro Wagner headed past Simon Mignolet.
It was a little too late as Liverpool booked their spot into the Champions’ League group stages to cap off a wonderful night at Anfield.
The Anfield Pressure-
The Reds have been winning games at home and will be expected to once again put in a solid performance at Anfield on Sunday. However, it can always be a double edged sword, as on one side there will the support of the club’s fans behind the players and on the other, a lot of pressure to win at home.
It will be interesting to see which gains more weight and how this tie swings, as it will be key for Jurgen Klopp’s side to secure all three points on the night, at the Merseyside and keep the chase to catch Manchester United alive.
Also, if Alexis Sanchez does make the return to the first team for the Gunners, he could be a major threat for the opposition.
Winning is the best thing for a team’s momentum and whatever be the result, Beyond The Posts will report it.
Match Prediction-
Liverpool 3-1 Arsenal
