Rewind only a few months ago to the 1st May. In one of our most depressing performances of last season, a second-string Liverpool side slumped to a 3-1 defeat to Swansea City.
It was a day that decided which players wouldn’t be good enough in the long term for the club, rather than one that took many positives away. Fast forward to the 1st October and the picture looks very different, however.
On that dismal day in May, it was clear that many players had turned their attention towards a Europa League final, whilst the lines of Benteke and Skrtel probably realised they were finished – if they hadn’t already. Swansea’s Andre Ayew tore us apart without having to really move into top gear and the match was summed up by a red card for Brad Smith.
This weekend, we return to the scene of the crime. Ayew has left the Liberty Stadium, along with The Swans main player Ashley Williams.
Swansea is struggling somewhat and there is rampant speculation that, with new American investors in attendance, it could even be Francesco Guidolin’s last game in charge. Ryan Giggs, Steve Bruce and numerous others are being linked with the South Wales club.
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For Liverpool, this is a chance for the players and manager to lay to rest a ghost of last season, go into the international break in a strong position and put pressure on the other Champions League chasers.
We’ve had numerous players amongst the goals already (Coutinho 3, Lallana 3, Firmino 2, Mane 3) and the likes of Sturridge and Can are having to wait for their chance. Everything appears to be going well for us at the moment.
Win tomorrow and that would be four on the bounce and everyone cursing the international break whilst wishing we could bring on United immediately. For Jurgen Klopp, it would be a chance to erase bad memories and continue the positive feelings flowing through the club. It’s not a must-win, but it will affect how we feel for the next few weeks.