Liverpool wrapped up their 2022/23 season with a wild and ultimately irrelevant 4-4 draw at Southampton. On a day of farewells for some, Roberto Firmino and James Milner were handed a final Liverpool start before leaving on frees this summer. A banner in the away end paid tribute to Milner, while Caoimhin Kelleher started in goal just days after rumours suggested at least three clubs are keen on him. Kostas Tsimikas was another starter and after his tears at Anfield last week many suggested he might be off, but his presence in the lineup was more likely due to Andy Robertson carrying a minor knock.
The match summed up the season as a whole: good in bits, irresistible in moments, but mostly stupid, irritating and forgettable. Liverpool were cruising at 2-0, but their lack of concentration and consistency saw them concede four goals. Jordan Henderson’s giving up the ball in easy fashion for the fourth Saints goal was far from a one-off occasion this season, while Milner and Fabinho provided a pretty clear underlining of how badly things have gone wrong in midfield this season.
In attack, there remains reason to be hopeful. Diogo Jota was gifted one and buried another, Cody Gakpo scored and almost bent in a brace, while Luis Diaz is still getting back to full fitness. With some new faces joining in and a full pre-season in this shape, there’s scope to think next term could be far smoother, far more effective, and far more consistent in the final third.
Now that the season has ended, the planning starts quickly even as the players begin to go on their summer breaks. Hopefully the limited international action means a long and much-required rest for some who have looked well off the pace for too long. Enjoy the summer off, Reds, and let’s hope we don’t see another 10 months like these any time soon.