The year 2023 was surely eventful for Liverpool, but there are a few things you may have forgotten, either by choice or as a result of the year’s turmoil – so let’s travel back in time!
Another year has passed; what happened to time?
Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool have battled highs and lows, sad farewells, referee spats, and unlikely ailments throughout 2023.
While some memories may be fresh, others may have become dusty, so here are some things you may have forgotten.
Klopp’s hamstring has ruptured
Some may have described the manager’s celebrations as “instant karma” after he walked straight to the fourth official following Diogo Jota’s stunning late winner over Tottenham.
The injury highlighted how he lives and breathes every kick and decision for his team while they are playing, so much so that he was added to the growing injured list at the time!
Even with the hamstring injury, he went all in on the touchline run.
Until February 18th, there will be no away league triumph!
After a disastrous start to the season, Liverpool had to wait until February 18 to win their first Premier League away match in 2023, a 2-1 victory against Newcastle.
It was also only the third away win of the 2022/23 season at the time! The Reds have played ten games on the road before to their visit to St James’ Park.
It’s hardly surprising that we overlooked it.
For 20 minutes, Firmino is serenaded by Leicester fans!
Roberto Firmino’s farewell tour was a representation of everything he meant to the club, and a long and moving serenade resonated around Leicester’s stadium for about 20 minutes.
The Brazilian had no part in proceedings, but that didn’t stop the travelling Kop from showing their appreciation with a terrific performance of ‘Si Senor’.
The camera panned to a grateful Firmino throughout the 3-0 triumph, and his teammates pulled him forward after the final whistle to partake in the show of thanks.
To say the least, emotional.
The lowest points under Klopp
We can now look forward to it because of the turnaround, but Liverpool concluded last season with the fewest points in a single season under Klopp.
The Reds finished the season with 67 points, good for fifth place.
After only 19 games this season, Liverpool has already amassed 62% of those points!
Jota put an end to a 372 day goal drought
Diogo Jota’s ability to score even when he’s on the outside looking in comes to mind when we think of him.
But, in case you missed it, Jota scored his first goals of the 2022/23 season against Leeds on April 17, breaking a 372-day goal drought.
Jota’s previous goal before his brace against Leeds occurred on April 10, 2022, due to a mix of injury and form.
We were 2-0 ahead on Real Madrid in 14 minutes!
We wouldn’t blame you if you purposefully shut this one out of your mind!
After 14 minutes, Liverpool lead Real Madrid 2-0 at Anfield, the atmosphere was electric, and everyone was in awe. But we were quickly dragged back to earth.
Darwin Nunez’s strike was added to a long list of forgotten goals, which is a crime in and of itself, and we were defeated 5-2, our heaviest-ever home defeat in Europe. What might have been.
I went 483 minutes without scoring in games versus Chelsea!
Liverpool and Chelsea have played each other multiple times in recent years, but it wasn’t until August that a goal was scored.
This season, Luis Diaz’s goal at Stamford Bridge ended a 483-minute wait for a goal for either side, following two 120-minute finals, two league matches, and an additional 63 minutes of playing time.
I don’t know about hundreds of minutes; it felt like thousands!
Robertson was elbowed by a lineman
While you may not have forgotten that linesman Constantine Hatzidakis elbowed Andy Robertson in the chin this year, it is easy to forget.
It happened in April during a 2-2 draw with Arsenal, and it seemed unbelievable that it happened at all, let alone that Robertson was given a yellow card right after.
Hatzidakis was placed on leave throughout the investigation; he apologized, and no further action was taken. A peculiar confluence of circumstances.
In the Premier League, Liverpool went 346 minutes without scoring!
Remember how we said it was a rough start to the year? It’s easy to forget that Liverpool lasted 346 minutes in the league without scoring.
Following Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s goal against Brentford on January 2, the Reds scored 37 minutes later against Everton – there were three games between the derby and the trip to Brentford.
Liverpool lost 3-0 at Brighton, then drew 0-0 with Chelsea before falling 3-0 to Wolves. In all honesty, it was a run we’d rather forget!
The team went to Barcelona
Not a bad way to remember the anniversary of that meeting with the Catalan giants!
In May, the Liverpool players jetted abroad together for a fitting farewell to Firmino and James Milner, where they dined, swam, and biked.
So good for you.