Liverpool’s Georginio Wijnaldum is talking respectfully about the consistency and mentality of unbeaten Premier League leaders Manchester City when he suddenly adds: ‘I also think they have had more luck than us this season.’
Winjaldum may be partially thinking about team-mate Sadio Mane receiving a red card at The Etihad but does he regard Philippe Coutinho’s departure before today’s return game at Anfield as more good fortune for Pep Guardiola?
‘Every top team is probably happy Phil has left for another team in another country. Yeah, I think that’s also luck,’ says the 27-year-old Dutch international emphatically.