Let me say it straight out – I was proud of the Irons at Anfield!
No Declan might have been expected to leave an almighty hole. That it didn’t and we went down to a goal which was as close to offside as it gets was reassuring in the extreme.
More clinical finishing – notably from Manu – and an unfortunately under hit chip from Pablo – would have made the difference and although we were second best for the first 20 mins we battled like real warriors.
One extraordinary Cresswell clearance off the line showed the guy still has everything it takes and Dawson with Zouma is a formidable pairing
Liverpool’s passing, movement general control and touch was much better than ours but that we created several very decent opportunities showed we are still a team on an upward spiral even without Dec, even with Coufal and even without Oggy.
The big worry now is that Jarrod is going to be out for Thursday and maybe beyond, hobbling off with a nasty looking injury.
There are big hopes that Declan will be back and you wonder how things might have gone this afternoon had be be available.
But given all the circumstances this was a performance of which to be proud. Well done you Irons!