🔴 Liverpool Are Stirring, and Anfield Is Beginning to Believe There was something deeply satisfying about Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Brighton. A fourth consecutive win, a first home #PremierLeague triumph under Andoni Iraola, and perhaps the clearest indication yet that this side is developing the character required to compete against the leagues’ best sides. Brighton deserve enormous credit. They arrived in magnificent form and played some excellent football, dominating possession and asking serious questions of Liverpool’s defensive organisation. Yet for all their territorial superiority, they managed a solitary shot on target. Much of that was down to Ronald Araújo, who was, by some distance, my Man of the Match. The Uruguayan was immense. Five duels contested, five won, three tackles and an authority that seemed to grow with every Brighton attack. Jeremy Jacquet was excellent alongside him. Further forward, there were encouraging signs of genuine understanding developing between Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak and Bradley Barcola. The movement and combinations during the first half were particularly impressive, with Barcola’s determination creating Isak’s goal. Wirtz continues to blossom, making his injury withdrawal especially frustrating. Cody Gakpo also contributed positively, although his decision-making on several promising counterattacks left me exasperated. There were opportunities to punish Brighton further, squandered through hesitation or a poorly timed release. Nevertheless, this was a mature, disciplined performance against strong opposition. #LFC have climbed to fourth, confidence is growing, and the players increasingly appear comfortable with Iraola’s demands. Arsenal visit next weekend, offering another considerable examination of progress. For now, Anfield can savour a victory of genuine significance. Something is beginning to take shape here, and I rather like what I’m seeing.

🟥 Emlyn Hughes: A Legacy Liverpool Must Bring Home James Pearce’s article in The Athletic this morning, revealing that Emlyn Hughes’ extraordinary collection of medals, shirts and memorabilia is going to auction, stirred something in me. Emlyn, affectionately nicknamed 'Crazy Horse' by The Kop, left Liverpool when I was three years old. I have no memories of watching him play. Yet he sits alongside Kevin Keegan as the only two players in my all-time Liverpool top ten whom I never saw live. My first introduction to Emlyn was as a captain on A Question of Sport* It was only later, watching the John Motson narrated History of Liverpool FC in the 1980s, that I began to appreciate the magnitude of the man. Watch the old footage. That boundless, box-to-box energy, the skill, the infectious enthusiasm, the sheer determination. There was something of the Steven Gerrard that a later generation would come to worship. Listen to Shankly and Paisley speak about him. Hear the admiration of his teammates. Watch his interviews, that wonderful humour, warmth and commanding presence. Here was a man you would willingly follow into battle and beyond. Four league titles, two European Cups, 665 appearances. Liverpool's first captain to lift European football's greatest prize. He was taken at just 57. Far, far too young. His family understandably want these treasures shared with the world. What better place than Anfield? With the collection expected to fetch over £500,000, I believe Liverpool FC should purchase it in its entirety and give it pride of place in the Anfield museum. Every generation of Liverpool players walk in the footsteps of giants like Emlyn Hughes. Our club should ensure those footsteps are never forgotten. Would you like to see #LFC buy the entire collection?