SOC: Shaqiri shines in Liverpool debut
Liverpool had a solid year in the Premier League last season, finishing in fourth place with a 21-12-5 record and will look to build on that. Mo Salah, who led the league in goals scored with 32, will clearly be a big part of that. It's going to be a challenge for him to play at the same level, but according to SB Nation, Salah believes he and his team need to improve. “I am very happy to be back. I feel good and my shoulder is much better," he said. "I had a great season (last year) - everyone, not just me. We also have to improve in the Champions League and finish in a better position in the Premier League." Although the regular season is still a couple of weeks away, Liverpool looks ready to go after their 4-1 victory over Manchester United.
Man United finished in second place in the Premier League last year, only behind rival Manchester City. The year prior, Manchester United was very disappointing and ended the campaign in sixth place. They've climbed back into contention lately, but the match against Liverpool obviously didn't show their best. I expect them to have a successful season as guys like Marouane Fellaini, Romelu Lukaku, Paul Pogba, and Marcus Rashford return after they participated in the 2018 FIFA World Cup. In fact, all four of those players reached the semifinals as Pogba won the title with France. In their July 28th match against Liverpool in Ann Arbor, Manchester United's Andreas Pereira tied the game 1-1 with a beautiful free kick in the 31st minute.
Unfortunately, from that point on, it was all Liverpool. Daniel Sturridge scored on his first touch of the match after coming on as a substitute. Xherdan Shaqiri was very patient in the box and found Sturridge coming in from behind him. Just moments later, in the 74th minute, Sheyi Ojo connected on a penalty kick to put the game out of reach. In the 82nd minute, we got to witness an incredible bicycle kick from Shaqiri. The Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp, could only describe the play as "not normal" according to Sky Sports. Shaqiri's debut with his new team was outstanding. He just joined the club four days prior to the match! In the end, it was a great day for Liverpool and they might have many more on the horizon as the Premier League approaches.
Photo Credit: Sporting Life.
