This year the UEFA Champion League draw brings an interesting group of teams to the round of 16. This is the first time in the Champions League era where the round only consists of teams from the five major leagues. The teams who have qualified all come from either England, Spain, France, Italy or Germany. Usually you’ll have a team from Portugal or even the Netherlands, but not this year. This year the matchups are huge forcing some big teams to be knocked out early on. 

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Real Madrid were not able to top off their group so as a gift, now they have to play Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. Barcelona will face Napoli, a team who many no longer underestimate. Bayern Munich will get a rematch of the 2012 final that saw Chelsea winning in penalties at Bayern’s Allianz stadium. 

Winning their 6th Champions League last year, Liverpool now have to show Europe what they are capable of under the lights against a very tough squad, Atletico Madrid. Liverpool can be expected to win this round but not by a landslide, Athletico are a team who have been lacking but who have the heart to fight through hard times. Atletico will not be afraid to play at Anfield unlike some other teams and they have a young Joao Felix who is yet to make his mark on the big stage. Everyone is betting on Liverpool, but Atletico cannot be easily overlooked.

IN MEMORIAM: SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2019

Thomas Tuchel will guide Paris Saint Germain into dangerous territory against his former club Dortmund where the home fans are as massive as the club itself. Last season PSG took a loss to Manchester United that shocked everyone even Manchester themselves. This year Thomas Tuchel cannot afford to lose at this stage. The round of 16 is not where a team of PSG’s caliber should be settling. This club has invested roughly one billion dollars on Kylian Mbappe and Neymar alone, most clubs don’t even spend that much on their full squad. For this reason, PSG has to pass to the quarterfinals, or else Tuchel can say goodbye to his job in Paris. With the team they have it is unwise to think Dortmund can upset them, especially knowing how young of a team the German club is. 

Jose Mourinho is getting his redemption as manager of the Tottenham Hotspurs who seek to challenge RB Leipzig. The German club have been having a magical year as leaders in the Bundesliga. Everyone seems to have their minds set on Hotspurs beating RB Leipzig however, it is not that simple. The Spurs have been very poor in the league and now they are in transition to a new manager. RB Leipzig are in first place of the Bundesliga with Timo Werner leading the pack. It is going to take Mourinho’s Champions League experience to crack the code for beating a soaring Leipzig.

With so many heavyweight clashes it is almost impossible not to be excited. The one downside to these games is that they start in February. Enjoy your domestic leagues in the meantime because sooner than you think European Champions league action is back. 

Liverpool has never won a Club World Cup and this year they are facing a team that stole the trophy from them 38 years ago. Liverpool has won the Champions League this past year and now they are on track to winning their beloved Premier League. It is common knowledge that Liverpool fans are obsessed with winning the Premier League but can you blame them? They have won the Champions League twice since their last Premier League win. This year they can finally win the Premier League but before that they must play in the Club World Cup.

It is no question that Liverpool is less worried about the Club World Cup than Flamengo, who are dreaming of being World Champions. The dynamics of club football is simple. Of course Liverpool want to win the Club World Cup however, it’s in the middle of their European and domestic campaigns. For Flamengo, their season is over and this tournament is the cherry on top of a massive year.  

After a phenomenal comeback win in the final of the Libertadores against reigning champions River Plate, Flamengo went on to win the domestic league in the same weekend. The only team to ever win both tournaments in Brazil is Santos twice. This when arguably the best player of all time played in their squad, Pele. That is one indication of how well Flamengo are playing this year. Brazilian Clubs have sacked five managers this season after losing to Flamengo, in Europe that would be unheard of. 

IN MEMORIAM: SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2019

First both teams are due to play in a semi-final, nevertheless fans of both sides are expecting the winners from each continent to go through. Flamengo’s Manager Jorge “Mister” Jesus said in an interview, “We will be in Qatar to play against Liverpool if they are a finalist, and we still have to play two games. We have a team to win this trophy.” 

Flamengo wasn’t the only Brazilian club to crush Liverpool’s dreams of a World Cup Glory. In 2005, Sao Paulo defeated club legend Gerrard’s Liverpool 1-0 in an exhilarating match. If Flamengo wins this World Cup, people might start talking about a Liverpool-Brazilian curse. With a week of rest, Liverpool distracted and busy. Who knows maybe history will repeat itself. 

Antonio Brown has apologized to Robert Kraft for causing trouble at the New England Patriots in an Instagram post where Brown is pictured hugging Tom Brady. Brown also thanked Kraft for the good times he experienced at the Patriots. 

Brown captioned his Instagram picture, saying, “Mr.Kraft I apologize sincerely to you and your organization! All I wanted to be was an asset to the organization; sorry for the bad media and the drama! Thank you sincerely AB.”

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Brown is involved in sexual-misconduct allegations right now, which is one big reason why teams don’t want to sign him. Bill Belichick has dismissed the idea of Brown playing for his team. Many fans want Brown back on the Patriots and are asking Brady to facilitate that move. 

30 SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2018 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW 

Belichick at his press conference said, “You’d have to ask Robert about that. I mean, every week you guys ask me about players not on our team and so every week it’s going to be the same answer.” Belichick seems unamused at the idea of having Brown on the Patriots again but can you blame him? Brown has added unneeded controversy and for a coach that’s the last thing you want in your locker room. The Patriots now are 9-1, clearly the best team in the NFL and anything that might distract them is a potential nightmare for Belichick. 

On the other hand, the Patriots’ offense has been lackluster. Against the Philadelphia Eagles the only difference-maker was Julian Edelman’s trick play, which caught the Eagles off-guard. If the Patriots want to be a Super Bowl winning team, they need all the help they can get. If they can get Brown’s attitude in check, they might just start solving their offensive problem in time right before the playoffs.

LeBron James has broken records left and right in his illustrious career, and on Tuesday, he has made history once again. With another amazing game, James scored 25 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists leading the Los Angeles Lakers to another important win against the Oklahoma City Thunder with a final score of 112-107. 

Believe it or not, this is his fifth triple-double this season. The Thunder were the last team on his list before he could set the record. Now, James is the first player in the history of the NBA to score a triple-double against every single team in the league. Further proving the theory that James is the most complete player to have ever played the game. It’s hard for him to be considered the best of all time when Michael Jordan has six NBA titles won, and James has three. Nevertheless, James is breaking records that Jordan never broke. 

30 SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2018 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW 

The lack of activity that James had last season due to his injury is showing that he is refreshed this season. James is playing as if he is rejuvenated and ready to have another go at the title. James will always be compared to Jordan and most people will argue that James is inferior, but you cannot argue that everywhere he has played he has won. The truth is they are different players. This triple-double record is an achievement Jordan could have never grasped, he simply never had that defensive ability to grab rebounds like James has.

Flamengo plays defending champions River Plate this Saturday in the Libertadores final after destroying Gremio 5-0. Don’t be fooled by the score, Gremio is a great squad which reached the semi-finals last year and the year before. 

The last time Flamengo won the Libertadores was in 1981 against River Plate and this year they play them again. Last time they won the tournament they played the Champions League winners Liverpool in the Intercontinental Cup, and Flamengo won. With legend Zico in their lineup, the Rio De Janeiro club outplayed Kenny Daglish’s Liverpool side 3-0. This year if Flamengo beats River plate they come up against, you guessed it, Liverpool again. The Champions League winners are considered best line-up in Liverpool history. However, to play against Liverpool Flamengo must first beat River Plate securing the title of best team in South America. 

30 SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2018 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW 

Flamengo have what it takes if you’ve seen their form in the domestic league. Sitting in first place, Flamengo are 13 points ahead of Palmeiras and could secure the domestic trophy this Sunday if Palmeirs loses their match against against Gremio. Flamengo is praised for having the most fans in the world with 32.6 million fans worldwide. This is the biggest weekend of the year for Flamengo where they can see themselves winning their two biggest competitions in one weekend, giving their fans an early Christmas present. 

The Portuguese Manager Jorge “Mister” Jesus has gotten criticism from the Brazilian press for being a foreigner, taking the job of potential Brazilian managers but the Flamengo fans are unimpressed with those comments. Jesus is a fan favorite and after joining Flamengo in June, Jesus has led the team to 23 wins with 8 draws and only 2 losses. 

The players who have received the most attention so far are Gabriel Barbosa and Bruno Henrique due to their speed and merciless finishing, however, it is Gerson who has been running the show. Gerson Has had 92.2% pass accuracy in the Brazilian league adding to the team’s fluid playing style. Flamengo have a very tough task coming up against defending champions River Plate but their success so far is hinting of a possible repeat of that magical 1981 triumph. 

Tua Tagovailoa will be undergoing surgery on his right hip after having a dislocated hip. Team Surgeon Dr. Lyle Cain said Tagovailoa will have surgery Monday. An Alabama representative refused to reveal where the surgery would take place for safety reasons. Cain assured fans that the medical team consulted with doctors from around the country to make sure that Tagovailoa will have a full recovery. 

“For the past 24 hours our medical team has consulted with multiple orthopedic experts across the country, who specialize in hip injuries and surgeries. Based on that research, Tua is being flown to Houston tonight to be evaluated and is scheduled to have hip surgery Monday. As previously stated, we anticipate a full recovery. The main focus has been, and will remain, on Tua, his family, and making sure we are providing them the best medical care possible,” said Cain. 

Tagovailoa received his injury during his win 38-7 over Mississippi State this past Saturday. The Alabama quarterback is ranked fifth on the team and is expected to be a top pick in April’s NFL draft. 

30 SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2018 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW 

Tagovailoa had already picked up an injury before the game and was expected to be held out. Unfortunately, Tagovailoa now suffers from a far more serious injury.  The ankle Injury could have slowed down his movement away from the two defenders who brought him down and subsequently injured his hip. Now, the Crimson Tide’s chances of making the playoffs are uncharacteristically lower.

Ryan Costello, Minnesota Twins prospect was found dead, at age 23, in New Zealand only days after joining the Australian Baseball League. Questions were being asked when Costello didn’t attend practice on Monday just days before the Auckland Tautura’s season opener. Costello was traded to the Twins last year in a deal that sent Zach Duke to the Seattle Mariners. Tautura claims that initial investigations suggest that Costello died of natural causes. 

“The Tuatara would like to express their deepest condolences to Ryan’s family back home in the United States and to the whole Minnesota Twins organisation,” said the release. “Support is being offered to the Tuatara players, who are naturally devastated at the moment.”

Costello was born in Hartford, Connecticut, and played minor league baseball for Clinton Lumberjacks and Fort Myers Miracle who made it to the championship game in 2018. Costello hit a critical home run leading up to the championship game. 

30 SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2018 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW 

In an interview with Twins Daily, Costello said his greatest strength was “my ability to stay positive in tough times. He talked about his wish to spend time with his family after the conclusion of his first professional season in 2019.

“My dad has a bass boat and has had it since I was a kid,” Said Costello. “The first thing we do when I go home is go fishing. I’ve been home for seven days, I’ve been out fishing about four of those days. I live about five minutes from a river, the Connecticut River, so we go fishing on the river a lot.”

Costello hit 15 home runs in 2019 leading to the Tuataras interest and eventual signing. The MLB third baseman’s death is an absolute shock to everyone. He will be missed on and off the field.

On Sunday, an exhilarating game was played by the New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles decided by another last minute trick play but this time the Patriots were the ones who benefitted. This game was a defensive masterclass including some of the league’s best players. This game was a rematch of Super Bowl LII however, the Eagles could not repeat the success they had from that 2017 season. 

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With 10:55 left in the third quarter at the Eagle’s 15-yard line, Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman threw a touchdown pass to Phillip Dorsett that shocked many fans. Edelman played as a quarterback for Kent State, so this wasn’t his first time at the rodeo. Following the touchdown the Patriots capitalized on a successful two-point attempt that thrusted the Patriots ahead of the Eagles 17-10.

Ashlon Jeffery and Jordan Howard were out of this game, and it really showed on the Eagles offense who seemed a bit apprehensive. To make matters worse, the Eagles lost Pro Bowl right Tackle Lane Johnson, who left the field with a concussion. Johnson’s absence showed as quarterback Carson Wentz was tackled a total of five times. 

Tom Brady wasn’t playing as well as expected, nevertheless, the Patriots managed to improvise. With both teams playing great defense, a trick play was essential and Edelman pulled it off.  

Losing Johnson was pivotal for the Eagles as Wentz didn’t have enough time on the ball to deliver. The Eagles offensive right side was being bombarded with intense pressure, and this cut Wentz creative potential. 

“Yeah, he was crying. He did that on film a lot. If you get into him, he don’t get the ball, or if he don’t get a call, he’ll cry. But, he’s a good receiver. He’s a good tight end,”  Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore commenting on Eagles tight end Zach Ertz. 

Ertz was the wide receiver who go the most attention by Wentz. This gave Gilmore more action but Gilmore is more than happy to cover the Eagles wide receiver. It was a tough battle between the two players, but Gilmore came out as the winner as Ertz caught nine catches for 94 yards. 

The Patriots will return home and play the Dallas Cowboys in New England, another a tough opponent. The Eagles play their third straight home game against the Seattle Seahawks, who are 8-2. There are no breaks for the Patriots or the Eagles as the week 12 approaches in the NFL.

LeBron James shared his spotlight with Lakers‘ legend Kobe Bryant yesterday as Lakers beat the Hawks 122-101 at the Staples Center Arena. The action has been on the court this season but, when the Lakers’ all-time leading is sitting court-side every fan’s attention is divided. Bryant who has scored a staggering 33,643 points in his career is considered the best Lakers’ player of all time and to some fans he is the best player to have ever played the game. This time as a fan he was merely catching up on the Lakers’ season which has been successful so far.

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“That’s one of the greatest players to ever play this game, taking time out of his day on a Sunday,” admitted James “So I’m just trying to put on a show for him and give him a reason, like, ‘Ok, we might come to another game.” James, who scored 33 points and had 12 assists sure did put on a show.

Bryant made an appearance at the game with his 13-year old daughter, Giana Maria “Gigi” Bryant to endorse his new novel Epoca: The Tree of Ecrof which is a fiction novel created by Ivy Claire and Bryant himself. This novel is another book being published by Granity Studios, Bryant’s new publishing company. This book is doing something unusual and refreshing by blending sports and fantasy together.

Dwight Howard was one of the first players to greet Bryant admitting that there was no bad blood between the both of them. Howard has even been wearing the Kobe Bryant sneakers this season saying he likes how they feel.

“I didn’t even know who he was. Slapped me on the back of the neck. I was about to elbow him. But then he said, ‘Hey, what’s up? You’re playing good,” said Howard, “But it was cool. I was glad he came to the game. It was a lot of fun having him in the building.”

Kobe left the Staples Center with a standing ovation and chants by the Lakers fans who were pleasantly surprised to see the future Hall of Fame at the game last night.

Mason Rudolph has decided not to press charges against Myles Garrett after Garrett viciously attacked Rudolph. Rudolph, the steelers QB was hit by Garrett using the QB’s helmet. The NFL has decided to suspend Garrett indefinitely and fine both the Steelers and the Browns $250,000. Some fans believe the punishment does not go far enough and that legal action should be taken. 

As for Rudolph, he believes the punishment should be in the NFL’s jurisdiction. The Steelers quarterback had been back from a concussion. Many who have commented on this situation have said that Garrett could have killed Rudolph if the helmet was swung harder. 

Rudolph himself played a role in the chaos by starting the conflict. The Steelers quarterback attempted to remove Garrett’s helmet first. Some people think that Rudolph should receive some sort of punishment, however, the NFL has decided to not punish the quarterback.

Rudolph charged Garrett and that was when the Browns player decided to swing the helmet. It is fair to say that the punishment was just. Rudolph is lucky to not receive any punishment. Maybe that plays into the reason why he decided not to press charges. 

Bernardo Silva, a player for Manchester City and the Portugal national team, received this week a fine of 50,000 euros, a one-game suspension and a mandatory educational class because of a racially insensitive tweet he sent to his teammate Benjamin Mendy on Sept. 22.

Silva deleted the tweet and apologized, although that wasn’t enough. Manchester City will not appeal the decision with the Independent Football Association Commission because of the possibility that Silva’s punishment could escalate. Silva was lucky not to receive maximum punishment, which would be a six-match ban. The Portuguese star will miss the match against Chelsea on Nov. 23. This match against Chelsea is crucial because the Blues are third in the Premier League, while Manchester City are fourth. The reigning champions need all the help they can get, as injuries have plagued Manchester City this season.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola commented on the situation involving Mendy and Silva by praising the latter player for his kindness and intelligence.

“Bernardo is one of the most lovely people I have ever met in my life,” said Guardiola of Silva. “He speaks four or five languages — that is the best way to understand how open-minded he is — and one of his best friends is Mendy. He is like a brother for him. The image for the two is not about the color of the skin.”

SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2019 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW 

The FA backed up Silva’s claims that the intent of the tweet was not racist or insulting. However, this was not a private conversation between friends. This was on a social media website where the public is open to commentary and discussion. For the FA, this is most likely an example for other players and coaches that social media is no joke.

Bernardo was voted Player of the Year for the 2017-18 season and had a prominent role in Portugal winning the UEFA Nations League. Riyad Mahrez is the likely substitute for Silva against Chelsea. Riyad and Silva both play on the right-wing and are left-footed players. After the loss to Liverpool on Sunday, Manchester City takes another loss but this time at the hands of the FA commission.

Colin Kaepernick, arguably the most controversial football player in recent years only comparable to Antonio Brown, will be given the chance to show NFL teams this Saturday that he is ready to play for the league once again. The NFL will hold a private workout session that will provide Kaepernick with somewhat of a try-out for all 32 NFL teams who wish to attend. This workout will include field action, video recordings, and interviews all of which will be accessible to all teams. 

30 SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2018 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW 

This workout session is coming after many questions have been asked by NFL teams wondering whether the former player is available. Kaepernick and his representatives have not been apprehensive stating publicly that he is ready to play immediately. The NFL released a memo to all teams that stated:

“Earlier this year, we discussed some possible steps with his representatives and they recently emphasized his level of preparation and that he is ready to work out for clubs and be interviewed by them. We have therefore arranged this opportunity for him to work out, and for all clubs to have the opportunity to evaluate his current readiness and level of interest in resuming his NFL career.”

Kaepernick replied in a tweet saying:

“I’m just getting word from my representatives that the NFL league office reached out to them about a workout in Atlanta on Saturday. I’ve been in shape and ready for this for 3 years, can’t wait to see the head coaches and GMs on Saturday.”

The ideal day for Kaepernick to have his workout would be on Tuesday when coaches in the league have more free time. Instead the NFL insisted that the workout would be Saturday, end of discussion. On Saturdays, many teams have games to attend so it makes the process of recruiting Kaepernick even more challenging. 

Kaepernick played his last NFL game on January 1, 2017, for the San Francisco 49ers, which was the same year he started protesting during the national anthem by kneeling in efforts to raise acknowledgment of police brutality and racial injustice. 

The Lakers finally have what they were missing this season, Kyle Kuzma after having a wonderful year last season landing a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team. Anyone who watched the Lakers last year knows the quality that Kuzma brings to the court. With the addition of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the discussion that evolved was whether the three big players could come together and produce magic. After last night’s performance, the Lakers are now leading the pack with the best record in the West and the second-best in the league behind the Celtics. With an 8-2 record, the Lakers are looking like a championship-caliber team. Kuzma in his first game back from injury had 22 points only one point behind Davis who had 23 points. LeBron who now is considered one of the best players of all time only had 19 points but also had 11 assists which seems to be his new role. A leader who not only scores but also passes and creates chances for his younger teammates. 

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Against the Suns, Los Angeles shot 53.7% and had 39 assists their best in an away game since 1988. These first 10 games are the Lakers’ best start since 10/11 season making some fans believe that the old Lakers dominance might be back. It wasn’t their best defensive performance however, letting the Suns score greater than 50% and allowing Aron Baynes, Devin Booker and Ricky Rubio putting up a minimum of 20 points each. The Lakers who scored and assisted with firepower seemed to struggle stopping the 3-pointers coming from the Suns. 

It wasn’t just Kuzma who came back from injury against the Suns, Rajon Rondo also returned to action and participated in the team effort. Rondo said that coach preached for the players to move the ball around and that’s what the lakers did racking up those 39 assists. 

After recovering from a stress reaction in his left ankle, the Lakers now have Kuzma at their disposal who by many is considered the third-best player on the team behind Davis and LeBron. The Lakers are a team of stars and always have been. Now it’s time to see if those stars can shine together and produce that magic that the Lakers have always been associated with.

Nothing was more surprising than the Falcons victory over the Saints this week. A Super Bowl team just three seasons ago, the Falcons have been on a downhill spiral ever since. With records opposing each others the Falcons at 1-7 and the Saints at 7-1, it seemed like the game was decided before the whistle. Yet at everyone’s shock, the Falcons crushed the Saints. 

One would assume that because the Saints were coming off a bye week, they would be rested and ready to keep marching, but no. The Saints looked like a team who was confused and gone from action. Drew Brees was sacked six times which is ridiculous considering they had seven sacks their whole season. The Falcons looked like a new team. New Orleans committed 12 penalties, which is completely out of character. The Saints along with fans were surprised, but they aren’t giving up just yet. With many people still considering the Saints a Super Bowl-caliber team, there is enough confidence in the locker room to inspire more victories. 

30 SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2018 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW 

Next round, the New Orleans plays Tampa Bay, their Gulf coast neighbors and then Carolina. If the Saints want to be in that Super Bowl conversation, they have to go back to the drawing board and come back ready for Tampa Bay.

The cat that ran onto the field at Metlife Stadium in last week’s Monday Night Football game was bad luck for the Giants but might have been good luck for the Cowboys. This week the Cowboys wanted to bring that luck back against the Vikings – but that’s not how luck works. 

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It all started when the Cowboys introduced a black cat as their starting player named MVP Rally Cat. The cat was given No. 9, probably due to its number of lives. Jaylon Smith, the linebacker for the Cowboys, even wore a t-shirt with the cat pictured on it. With the Cowboys pushing for that much luck, it was bound to backfire. The Vikings beat the Cowboy 28-24 with a controversial fair catch call with 30 seconds left. Dalvin Cook fried the Cowboys with 97 yards on the ground and one touchdown, Dallas could not stop him. Cook could care less about cats, dogs, turtles… he just played football. 

30 SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2018 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW 

Maybe what the Cowboys really need to put more effort into their game and worry less about the pre-game banter. With a tough schedule ahead the games won’t get any easier. 

Manchester City played against Liverpool on Sunday and the back-to-back Premier League reigning champions simply could not stop Liverpool who now sit at the top of the table with 34 points. Aguero missed at least two clear chances as Manchester City lost their most important game this season 3-1 with goals from Fabinho, Mohammad Salah and Sadio Mane. Bernardo Silva scored one goal for City late on as they attempted to comeback from a three goal deficit. Anfield, the stadium teams across Europe fear the most including Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero.  

30 SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2018 – TRIBUTE SLIDESHOW 

The atmosphere was electric, you could hear the crowd’s passion in every chant and every shout and ever since the signing of manager Jurgen Klopp, Anfield is the most feared stadium while having the loudest home crowd. Aguero, Manchester City’s top goalscorer has never scored at Anfield and was needed the most on Sunday, but he could not finalize. Liverpool on the other hand had three players who played in harmony. Mane, Salah and Roberto Firmino showed to any unbeliever why the Premier League is theirs to take. With rapid counter attacks and clinical finishing by Salah and Mane topped off with controlled hold-up play by Firmino. It isn’t difficult to see how Liverpool managed to win the game. Virgil Van Dyke arguably the best defender in the world who makes any center back that is placed next to him better, had an amazing game. Just for that reason alone you would hesitate to bet on Manchester City, but they weren’t beaten like a drum as the scoreline might suggest. 

Manchester City’s Manager Pep Guardiola insisted after the game that his side put out a proper performance against an extremely tough opponent. However, during the match his pain and anger was visible. After the second handball in the penalty box Guardiola was caught by the cameraman waiving his fingers in the fourth officials face indicating that he believed this was the second time a penalty should have been called and it wasn’t. Two years ago, you could argue that the referee who you disagreed with or was blocked by a player from seeing the play, but not anymore. Now almost every major league in Europe has video assistance and major decisions like penalties are reviewable. The inconsistency of video assistance review can be argued but Manchester City’s performance cannot. At a time when injuries are plaguing their season dropping them from second to fourth place in the league, they need all the help they can get.