Liverpool

In the hours leading up to the 3 o’clock kick-off at The Stadium of Light, Liverpool fans everywhere were readying their excuses for the potential banana skin. They were protesting the ridiculousness of playing two games in 48 hours, when Sunderland hadn’t stepped on the pitch since Boxing Day. These complaints were meaningless since Man City were able to pass Burnley without much trouble, despite Fernandinho being sent off for a third time in less than two months. At least he’s consistent. Klopp’s side would be nursing sore legs, after their clash with City, however The Black Cats would be nursing sore heads after being allowed to enjoy the New Year festivities, so both sides would be going into the clash on a fairly level playing field.  Star man Jermaine Defoe would also be waking up praying that he hadn’t drunk-dialled Gareth Southgate, yet again. Since Lee Mason hadn’t got the memo that referees weren’t allowed to award penalties against the Reds this season, Liverpool fans were right to be concerned about the fixture. Despite having most of the game, the away side couldn’t muster a third goal to allow them to take home the three points. Although Klopp isn’t explicitly saying it, he must yearn for the winter breaks he enjoyed as a Bundesliga manager. Two years ago he could be wherever in the world he wanted, instead of having to pick up a point on a January afternoon in the north-east of England. Being the most inconsistent of sides is something the fans should be used to by now. During this campaign they’ve beaten Arsenal, Chelsea and Man City, but have dropped points to Burnley, Bournemouth and now Sunderland, to name but a few. It looks like Chelsea are going to run away with it all this season, and the Merseyside team will be left wondering what might’ve been. Oh well, next year’s their year.