Shaqiri double sees off Man United

There was nothing lucky about this win for Liverpool. Jose Mourinho had made his jibe; Jurgen Klopp took the points with Liverpool returning to the top of the Premier League table through two second-half goals from Anfield’s new super-sub: Xherdan Shaqiri.

It also means United are 19 points – that is NINETEEN – ahead of sixth place United who, surely, have little hope now of even finishing in the top four. It is that much of an embarrassing shambles for them.

Is Mourinho also finished? His team worked but this felt like damage-limitation, about holding on in there and trying to claim a draw rather than even attempting to go toe-for-toe in a game they surely could not afford to lose. In the end they were simply overwhelmed by far, far superior opposition.

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Shaqiri stars in demolition of Red Star

Liverpool have transitioned from being an irresistible attacking force that everyone thinks they have nevertheless figured out to an indefinable team that wins but does not dazzle and instead is beginning to be appreciated for its defensive fortitude.

This, then, contrasted with any of their victories since the opening day of the season when West Ham were confidently dispatched by the same scoreline and with the sort of swagger and conviction that saw other opponents go exactly the same way last season.

The difference for Liverpool here was Xherdan Shaqiri, a cunning presence in their forward line, a winger whose movement from a right-sided position as well as his ability to weight passes perfectly made it easier for his teammates to deliver what was necessary when it mattered.

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Shaqiri gears up for Napoli

Although Xherdan Shaqiri’s ill-fated spell with Inter Milan lasted just six months, the now-Liverpool forward did take away at least one useful experience.

The Swiss played 90 minutes of a thrilling 2-2 draw with Wednesday evening’s opponents Napoli towards the end of his brief stay in Italy, getting a feel for the famous atmosphere generated by the Stadio San Paolo in the process.

And so, as members of Jurgen Klopp’s squad prepare to play their second Champions League group game at the same venue, they will be able to turn to their new teammate to get a feel for what lies in store.

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