Liverpool could face another midfield revamp as Alexis Mac Allister recovers from nightmare
Mac Allister sets unexpected mark
If ever there was a fixture in which Alexis Mac Allister was surely determined to make his mark, it was this one.
Back in August, the midfielder’s Anfield debut against Bournemouth turned into a personal nightmare when ended prematurely shortly before the hour by a controversial red card later rescinded on appeal.
Mac Allister’s suitability as a number six subsequently became a talking point that intensified when, in his injury-enforced absence, Wataru Endo enjoyed an impressive run of form.
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But with Endo on Asia Cup duty with Japan, this Premier League reunion with Bournemouth was the perfect opportunity for Mac Allister to underline his growing influence on this Liverpool side.
He grasped it with both hands, particularly during a first half in which his distribution, tenacity and drive contrasted with too many timid visiting performances.
And where Mac Allister truly excelled was in the dirty work. He made the most recoveries of any Liverpool player in a single game this season, won the joint most duels and, remarkably, made more tackles – nine – in a Premier League match than any Reds player in the last eight years.
While fingers will be crossed the muscle problem that saw Curtis Jones limp off isn’t too serious, there was encouragement in the cameo of Ryan Gravenberch, whose decision-making was much better than of late. If Jones is sidelined, Liverpool are going to need the Dutchman.
Bradley makes history
This was an even greater landmark afternoon than Conor Bradley could have imagined.
By continuing to deputise for Trent
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