Ken Early: Football’s new age neutralises philosophies of the past

Analysis based on yesteryear is pointless in game that has changed unrecognisably

Naby Keita of Liverpool scores his team’s first goal during the Premier League win over Huddersfield Town. Photo: Michael Regan/Getty Images

Naby Keita of Liverpool scores his team’s first goal during the Premier League win over Huddersfield Town. Photo: Michael Regan/Getty Images

When Liverpool scored after 15 seconds against Huddersfield Town on Friday night, one common reaction would have been to bemoan the lack of competitiveness in the Premier League, and wonder if there was anything else on television. But this was one of the most interesting goals you’ll see all season, and it’s worth analysing what happened in detail.

From the kick-off, Huddersfield go back to holding midfielder Jon Gorenc Stankovic, who plays it right to central defender Christopher Schindler. Daniel Sturridge closes Schindler down, and Sadio Mane is close to the right back Tommy Smith, so Schindler plays it back to goalkeeper Jonas Lössl and runs towards the right corner of the Huddersfield box to make himself available for a return pass.

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Insightful opinion is just a away.