I thought Odegaard was really good today. In fact I think all our central players were varying degrees of good. Saliba, Gabriel and Rice are such a strong core, but Odegaard was super involved in building out. Although it wasn't his best game in terms of attacking actions, Havertz also contributed to our solidity and I appreciated his ability to win/receive balls high up the pitch and keep it composed and play simple, efficient football, particularly considering a couple of our players played like their hair was on fire.
I think a lot of the comments are harsh for sure; it wasn't a big statement or champions crowning performance but nonetheless it was impressive enough in a bunch of ways. Liverpool are far stronger than last year, one of the best teams in Europe in my view and their ground is a graveyard for us. I was happy enough with the performance and the result.
I think with Timber or Tomiyasu in that side we probably edge them and make a commanding win. We lack the x factor in attack that they have but our core is so strong now, and I think our team has an identity and organisation that is formidable. We need at least one new forward who is capable of pushing our first choice trio out of the side though. That's the main issue in the squad for me at the mo and unfortunately I don't think it'll be addressed until next summer
