Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold will forever be connected, not just because they play as full-backs but for the fierce competition they have in trying to beat each other’s numbers each season.

Speaking on The Overlap, the vice captain was asked about the friendly rivalry the pair share: “There was [a competition], we haven’t done it in years now but there was for about two or three years – I’m still unbeaten in it!

“But I always say it’s about the quality of the assist as well, he can pass to someone here, you turn and whip one top bin or take on four players and score – and he’ll claim the assist.

READ MORE: (Video) Alexander-Arnold names ‘worst nightmare’ former teammate; thankful he never played against

“I’ll play a 60-yard pass, get the assist and it’ll be like, ‘yeah, that’s a proper assist!'” 

It was all very tongue-in-cheek from the Scouser and shows the playful yet competitive spirit that’s present between two good friends.

It seems that the assist competitions are behind the wing men but we’re sure there’s still enough reason for the pair to think they’re better than the other!

You can watch Alexander-Arnold’s comments on Robertson (from 12:36) via The Overlap on YouTube:

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The 2-2 draw at Old Trafford was beyond frustrating. The 3-0 loss to Atalanta was numbing. The 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace felt final.

Thankfully, Arsenal went and lost to Aston Villa, which is good news, even though it almost adds to the exasperation of our missed opportunity.

Liverpool are still in the title race, although Manchester City are heavy, heavy favourites. They’ll probably win their remaining six, the bastards.

But what’s happened to Liverpool?

Against United and Palace, the Reds racked up over 6xG, but only scored two goals, both of which were from set-pieces last weekend. They haven’t scored a single goal from open play despite a plethora of chances and a handful of sitters.

Liverpool’s 2.87xG was the most xG without scoring by any side in the competition since Brighton v Norwich in April 2022. 

Obviously, the finishing recently has been a massive issue. We’ve lacked a little luck, but a lot of composure. There has been no clinical element to it. Nobody has stepped up when it really mattered in front of goal.

Dom Szoboszlai missed two at Old Trafford. Darwin Nunez, Mo Salah and Luis Diaz were also guilty of missing the target when they should have at the very least tested Andre Onana.

Against Palace though, it was farcical. Luis Diaz, Wataru Endo, Nunez, Diogo Jota and Salah all missed from inside eight yards. Curtis Jones also missed a sitter of a one-on-one when the keeper had already sat down and simply presented him a free net.

If we’d have taken our chances, or even half of them, in both matches, we’d be top of the Premier League by three points with six to play. That hurts.

But it’s not just the finishing that’s been off.

It’s the intensity, especially at Anfield against Atalanta in the midweek horror-show and Palace on Sunday.  Why do we let our opponents take the lead so easily? We do it again and again and again.

The best iteration of Klopp’s Liverpool teams used to make the first 20 minutes for opponents complete hell. They outfought them everywhere – to a man. Now, the lackadaisical start to matches allows our opponents chances, often goals and leaves Liverpool chasing the game. You can’t get away with that for an entire season. The most insane stat that proves as much is that Liverpool have conceded the first goal in 21 of our 32 Premier League matches so far. Yes, we’ve done well to win most of these, but it’s not sustainable. And the past week has proven as much.

Alexis Mac Allister was absolutely flying, but has had two poor games. Wataru Endo looks like he did away to Newcastle United earlier in the season. Darwin Nunez has been atrocious since his goals dried up. He hasn’t scored in three games and has just one in our past six. Jota, who to be fair hasn’t found the net since his return either, should probably come in for the Uruguayan based on recent form.

Salah is another player who has not been very good. He’s played nine matches since his return from injury. You’d have hoped he back up and running. But he looks tired, slow and like he’s out of ideas. The Egyptian finishes seasons worse than he starts them, usually. But we need our world-class players to step up in big moments. And he couldn’t have complained if he was subbed yesterday.

It’s funny. We’ve finally got an almost full squad with an elite bench, but the players look more tired than ever. Perhaps the effort of carrying on and winning throughout January and February with a threadbare squad is now taking its toll.

Liverpool are giving up way too many big chances to opponents. You can’t expect the attack to bail out the rest of the side in every match when even very average sides get lots of good sights of our goal.

It feels like it’s done, but football changes quickly. Maybe we’ll pull off a miracle in Bergamo on Thursday and the vibes around the run-in will change.

Let’s hope so. We’re the underdogs now in both competitions. Maybe that’ll help. But quite a lot needs to change, now.

The post Editor’s Column: It’s not just the bad finishing, you know… appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Andy Robertson has admitted he could feel the Liverpool home crowd’s anxiety during the 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace.

Can you blame them? The Merseysiders were second-best for the first half of action at Anfield, with a second-half improvement not enough to save any points.

“I’m not sure. The crowd were anxious today, and rightly so the way we were passing the ball, giving it away and giving chances. Maybe we reacted to that. Maybe players who aren’t as experienced at being in a title race,” the Scotland international’s quotes were shared on BBC Sport.

“But we’re all quality players and that’s why you are at Liverpool and you have to deal with that pressure.

“Second half we were better but we didn’t take them. All the strikers had a chance and if you don’t take them you get punished.”

Jurgen Klopp pointed to a potential hangover from a damaging 3-0 home defeat to Atalanta mid-week.

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READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp has a theory why Liverpool lost again at home in title blow

READ MORE: Oh no: ‘Magnificent’ Liverpool player carried off pitch as fresh injury rocks Reds

Liverpool crowd not to blame for latest disappointment

Some were quick to lay the blame at the feet of the home support and, in particular, fan groups like Spirit of Shankly for a lacklustre atmosphere in the Europa League.

We’ve made our thoughts very clear on this matter: Fan groups have EVERY right to protest the rise in ticket prices in a cost of living crisis and in general!

Whilst we can more than understand this overwhelming sense of anxiety in the stands may have negatively impacted the players there can be little in the way of excuses left for such an appalling performance.

Where was the reaction promised? Where’s the sense of fight in a season run-in that could yield a Premier League medal?

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Andy Robertson seems to be the only Liverpool player on the pitch who’s fully switched on and willing to compete against Crystal Palace.

Perhaps a slightly harsh assessment from the first-half of action, given the chances the hosts have already had against Oliver Glasner’s men.

Yet, we’ve yet to see anyone in the famous red shirt mirror the level of effort and dedication on show from our left-back to deny Jean-Philippe Mateta a lead-doubling goal.

You can catch the images below, courtesy of @FootballJOE:

The finest of margins pic.twitter.com/WDiijHevqI

— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) April 14, 2024

The post (Images) Robertson heroics: How close Liverpool came to Crystal Palace nightmare appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Liverpool, it seems, are yet to learn the harsh lessons of their last two competitive fixtures.

Virgil van Dijk’s slip inside our final third left invited Jean-Philippe Mateta to have a go on goal, with the 26-year-old managing to dink an effort past the advancing Alisson Becker.

Step forward, Andy Robertson.

The Scotland international was fortunately around to scoop the ball off the line with a stunning clearance to prevent the visitors from doubling their lead at Anfield.

You can catch the clip below, courtesy of Sky Sports:

"What a chance for Palace"

Brilliant defending from Robertson pic.twitter.com/UbNgOjn7sZ

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 14, 2024

The post (Video) Andy Robertson bails LFC out with incredible off-the-line clearance after Van Dijk slip appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Andy Robertson is probably one of the least likely players within the dressing room to be fluent in another language and this was very much on show in a recent clip.

Thanks to the club’s social media accounts, we can hear the efforts of our left-back to inform Alexis Mac Allister of how many passes were completed in a rondo.

READ MORE: (Video) Diogo’s back; Liverpool fans will love what Jota did in training

After shouting “twenty-five!” , the captain of Scotland then added: “twenty-cinco, Macca!”

It’s a small insight to how the 30-year-old has such an important role on and off the pitch for the Reds.

You can watch the clip of Robertson via @LFC on X:

How many, Robbo? pic.twitter.com/MAVt8RSitG

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 9, 2024

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The post (Video) Classic Robbo; Liverpool fans will crease at Mac Allister and Robertson training interaction appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Watch out Trent Alexander-Arnold! Andy Robertson is on the prowl and hungry for assists.

The Scotland international delivered a sumptuous cross into the Sheffield United box, which Cody Gakpo duly dispatched with a deft header to kill the tie.

Three points on the board and the Reds find a way to top the leaderboard once more in the Premier League.

What a race this is proving to be!

You can catch the clip below, courtesy of beINSports:

| GOAL: Cody Gakpo adds a THIRD!!!

Liverpool 3-1 Sheffield United

pic.twitter.com/gPP6rU6qEv

— Transfer Sector (@TransferSector) April 4, 2024

The post (Video) Robertson’s world-class assist for Gakpo goal so good rivals will be clapping appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Jurgen Klopp has been doing it all season and the first injury update after an international break is always a big one and the manager had plenty of players to address.

Firstly, on Andy Robertson: “Robbo, we take it a little bit day by day so we will see. He will not train today but it’s not as bad. So that’s fine.”

On the rest of the squad: “Curtis, I am not sure if he is available [for Sunday], but in training.

READ MORE: (Video) Liverpool fans will love Van Dijk’s heartfelt message to teammate in gym

“Ibou was an extra rest day [on Thursday], nothing else. [Nunez] is fine. He did his rehab during the week, trained the first day partially since we are back partially and since then he is in full training.”

On Alisson Becker, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Diogo Jota, the German added: “And the other boys, from next week on step by step I think they will join parts of team training and then team training, so we will see what we do with that.

“They are not too far away but not in yet, none of them was yet even close to team training. But they all make their steps and so it’s positive.”

READ MORE: (Video) Deadeye: Liverpool fans will love remarkable training performance from 24-year-old

It’s a shame that we’re so close to the end of the season and have so many concerns but it does seem rather positive for most of the players involved.

Let’s hope that as the days and weeks pass, our squad size grows and the attendance in the treatment room continues to diminish.

You can watch Klopp’s update (from 1:35) via Liverpool FC on YouTube:

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The post (Video) Jurgen Klopp delivers seven-man injury update ahead of Brighton appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

James Pearce has provided Liverpool fans with a hugely encouraging update on Andy Robertson’s injury this Thursday lunchtime.

The journalist shared the latest on the 30-year-old for The Athletic this afternoon, reporting that a scan on the ankle knock which forced him out of Scotland’s defeat to Northern Ireland on Tuesday night ‘showed no bone or ligament damage’.

As a result, the left-back could return within ‘days rather than weeks’; and while he remains doubtful to face Brighton a Sunday, he ‘should be back in contention’ for the Sheffield United clash next Thursday.

READ MORE: ‘Of course’ – Premier League midfielder says his former boss would be ‘capable’ of succeeding at Liverpool

READ MORE: (Video) Jamie Carragher predicts how many more points Liverpool will need to win the Premier League

Liverpool fans everywhere will be breathing a massive sigh of relief that Robertson’s body blow seems to be only a short-term one.

Considering that the Scotland captain was sidelined for three months with a shoulder injury – which also occurred on international duty – Reds supporters may well have been fearing the worst when he hobbled off at Hampden Park a couple of nights ago.

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Thankfully, it seems that he’ll only miss one match for his club with the ankle problem, and Kostas Tsimikas is more than capable of filling the void for the viist of Brighton this coming weekend.

With a hectic month ahead between the Premier League title race and the Europa League charge, Liverpool will need Robertson – and indeed as many players as possible – fit and firing for the relentless run-in to the season.

Now let’s just cross our fingers that we’re not hit by any more major injury blows – goodness knows we’ve had more than our fair share of those over the past few months!

Back with a bang: All to play for in April as Liverpool hope to line up glorious Klopp send-off

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Andy Robertson was the unfortunate man who picked up the inevitable international break injury and now we’re all sweating on when he’ll be back fit enough to play for the Reds.

Writing for The Times, Paul Joyce reported: ‘The ankle injury Andrew Robertson sustained in the first half of Scotland’s loss to Northern Ireland on Tuesday has caused Jürgen Klopp immediate concern.

‘The left back was due to undergo a scan on Wednesday that will determine whether he is a doubt beyond Sunday’s league game against Brighton & Hove Albion. Robertson has already missed three months of the season after dislocating his shoulder playing for Scotland last October.’

READ MORE: (Video) “Not that long” – Klopp provides injury update to fans in training session

It’s really unfortunate for the Scotland captain that both of his fitness concerns this season have occurred whilst away with the national team and must act as a cause for huge frustration for Jurgen Klopp.

Not only has our first choice left-back been twice ruled out whilst playing for another team but we’d only just nursed him back from one injury, to then get another.

Our No.26 was one of the many who played a friendly fixture, meaning we may well have lost a key option for part of a title run-in – in a pointless game.

READ MORE: Liverpool fans respect for Steven Reid will be sky high after Tierney’s x-rated report

We do have Kostas Tsimikas and Joe Gomez who can fill the void on the left side, whilst Conor Bradley can hold down the right-back role until Trent Alexander-Arnold returns to full fitness, meaning cover is available.

It’s not a travesty yet but as we enter the final weeks of the season, we need to have as close to a full squad as possible to have the best chance of winning two more trophies.

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The post Paul Joyce offers Andy Robertson insight after Scotland injury put title run-in in doubt appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Liverpool have sadly been handed a fresh injury blow towards the tail end of the March international break, with Andy Robertson limping out of Scotland’s defeat to Northern Ireland last night.

While fellow Reds full-back Conor Bradley had the honour of scoring the winning goal (his first for his country), the 30-year-old endured misery on a personal and collective level following his nation’s second loss in five days.

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Our number 26 hobbled off during the first half with ankle damage resulting from a robust challenge from Trai Hume, and his international boss Steve Clarke shared an update on what’ll happen next for the left-back.

The 60-year-old said (via The Athletic): “We’ll assess him. He’ll go back to his club and they’ll assess him. Hopefully, he’s back soon.”

READ MORE: (Video) Liverpool attacker’s Dad touts son’s future move to Real Madrid

READ MORE: Premier League manager discusses what transfer business Liverpool could complete after Richard Hughes appointment

Robertson’s injury was the last thing that Liverpool needed going into a hectic seven-week period during which their fate in the Premier League and Europa League will be determined.

We’ll likely have to wait at least another couple of days before we get an informed hint of a timeline as to how long he may be sidelined, with Jurgen Klopp bound to be asked for an update later this week when he holds his pre-match press conference before the Brighton game on Sunday.

It isn’t just the Reds who suffered in that regard over the international break, either, as Manchester City are left sweating on Kyle Walker and John Stones after they limped out of England’s friendlies against Brazil and Belgium respectively.

If Robertson is to face a few weeks out injured, at least Liverpool have the capable Kostas Tsimikas to come straight in. Unlike his fellow left-back, the 27-year-old won’t be going to Euro 2024 after Greece lost on penalties to Georgia in their play-off yesterday.

Fingers crossed that the upcoming scan on the Scot’s ankle problem shows no major damage, and that he’ll be back playing for LFC sooner rather than later.

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The post Scotland manager outlines Andy Robertson plan after Liverpool defender’s untimely injury blow appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Liverpool fans were dreading the international break ahead of the inevitable injury that would come our way and there’s no surprise to see it’s happened again.

Footage of Andy Robertson limping off the pitch for Scotland will be worrying Jurgen Klopp as much as any supporters at this point.

READ MORE: Ex-Red touts Gareth Southgate to replace Klopp at Liverpool

BBC Sport Scotland reported: ‘Andy Robertson exited the pitch with what appeared to be an ankle injury’, which will be of great concern.

Let’s hope it’s nothing too serious and that we can rely on Joe Gomez and Kostas Tsimikas to fill any possible void left at left-back.

You can watch footage of Robertson courtesy of Viaplay (via @girlfden on X):

pic.twitter.com/O8AKvWZjGf

— Chris DeBrabander (@Chris_DeBrab) March 26, 2024

pic.twitter.com/WRHtGMKD8f

— el media (@girlfden) March 26, 2024

EOTK Close-up with Gregory Vignal: LFC Legends with Eriksson, Klopp’s successor & more

The post (Video) Worst nightmare: Liverpool stalwart limps off with international injury; could derail title charge appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

There might be another five days to go before Liverpool resume their Premier League campaign, but Reds fans could be kept busy tonight with a host of Reds players set to represent their countries.

No fewer than 13 members of Jurgen Klopp’s squad could be in action over the next 12 hours or so, with most partaking in friendlies but one hoping to punch a ticket to a major tournament this summer.

We’ve looked at the baker’s dozen of LFC players who’ll be on international duty this evening and tonight, picking out a series of compelling narratives involving a few of those set to take to the pitch for their country.

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Could Kostas be off to Germany?

At 5pm UK time, Georgia and Greece face off in Tbilisi, with both hoping to become the 22nd team to secure a place at Euro 2024.

Kostas Tsimikas will be in action for the visitors as he seeks a first major tournament appearance for his country, who last played on the big stage in the World Cup in Brazil a decade ago.

Should the Greeks qualify this evening, the Liverpool left-back could find himself up against clubmate Diogo Jota in the summer, as the winners of this match join Portugal, Turkey and Czechia in Group F at the finals in June.

READ MORE: Liverpool eyeing move for German prodigy; has one thing in common with 3 Reds youngsters

Another chance for Elliott to fill his boots…and finally get the nod from Southgate?

Harvey Elliott quite enjoyed his most recent outing with England’s under-21s, scoring twice in their 5-1 win away to Azerbaijan last Friday, which took them a step closer to qualification for the European finals in 2025 as they seek to retain the trophy.

The Liverpool gem will fancy his chances of adding to his international tally tonight as Lee Carsley’s side host Luxembourg, which could present an opportunity for another convincing victory.

If the 20-year-old nets another brace and continues his fine form at club level, he’ll surely become impossible for Gareth Southgate to ignore when selecting the Three Lions squad for Euro 2024 – or so you’d like to think.

Friendship set aside for a couple of hours

Conor Bradley spoke glowingly about the helpful advice he’s been receiving from fellow Liverpool full-back Andy Robertson, although their friendship and camaraderie will be put to one side for a couple of hours tonight.

The elder of the two will be on the home side as Scotland continue their preparations for Euro 2024 against Northern Ireland, with the young right-back set to win his 15th senior cap – nearly as many games as he’s played for the Reds’ first team.

We know that both men will be fully committed once they cross the white line – just go easy on each other if you find yourself duelling, lads!

READ MORE: Liverpool fans may be despairing over news that’s been confirmed today for Brighton clash

Could Liverpool duo be facing their next club boss?

We still don’t know who’ll be in charge of Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo at Liverpool next season, although one man who’s been touted as a possible successor to Klopp will be hoping to get one over on the Reds duo tonight.

Netherlands are in Frankfurt to take on Germany, who of course are under the stewardship of Julian Nagelsmann.

The ex-Bayern Munich manager has been touted among the contenders to potentially replace his fellow countryman in the Anfield dugout – will LFC’s Dutchmen be about to come up against their future boss?

A nervous night awaits by the Mediterranean

From a potential future Liverpool manager to the current one…Klopp will be crossing his fingers that all of his players come through the night unscathed, and he may be keeping an especially nervous eye on one man in particular.

Ibrahima Konate missed the Reds’ last three matches with a hamstring injury, although it’s been reported that he’s set to feature for France in their game against Chile in Marseille (Daily Mail).

His club boss won’t be overly keen on seeing the 24-year-old lining out in an international friendly so soon after being sidelined, and with a hectic and pivotal run-in to the season just around the corner.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Michael Edwards and a multi-club model, Alonso’s Liverpool-esque moment and much more!

The post Captain v future boss? – 5 things to look out for among Liverpool players on international duty tonight appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson (the Scot in particular) have both come a long way since their meetings in the Scottish Premiership.

Nothing evidences this more, perhaps, than the Dutchman’s Instagram story post following the pair’s involvement in the Netherlands’ 4-0 thrashing of Scotland on Friday.

Our No.4’s post depicts the pair during their days playing for Celtic and Dundee United respectively.

Who would have thought they’d both be playing for Liverpool Football Club and have won it all?

You can catch the image below, courtesy of Virgil van Dijk’s Instagram account:

The post (Photo) What Virgil van Dijk posted on Instagram shows how far two Liverpool players have come appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Cody Gakpo proved instrumental in the Netherlands’ friendly meeting with Scotland in the international break.

The Dutchman registered two assists (including one for former Liverpool midfielder Gini Wijnaldum) as the hosts thrashed Andy Robertson and Co. 4-0.

All was more than amicable after the 90 minutes between the pair, of course, with the two Reds spotted swapping shirts inside the stadium.

You can catch the clip below, courtesy of the KNVB’s official channel (via @404NUNEZ):

cody and robbo swapped shirts after the game 🥹🥹 pic.twitter.com/r8X9ajvPrx

— el (@404NUNEZ) March 23, 2024

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