Liverpool this season have been very good at being good enough. There have been very few games in which they’ve dismantled the opposition. They have won fewer league games by more than three goals than Tottenham have, but ended the day nine points clear at the top with their closest rivals to play the defending champions on Sunday. If Liverpool do, as they surely will, go on to win the title, it will have been an old-fashioned sort of success, a league won not by the spectacular or the flamboyant but by consistency and calmness, by ruthless accumulation.
This was Liverpool’s sixth 2-0 win in the league; more than a quarter of their games so far. It’s a scoreline that speaks of control, of winning games with a little to spare, taking freakish equalisers, ill luck and odd refereeing decisions out of the equation, without being flashy and demanding overexertion: 2-0 is the scoreline of champions. Arsenal, like Liverpool, began the season with a pair of 2-0 wins but, since then, they have won 2-0 only once.
When optimistic Arsenal fans looked at the second half of the season and noted that Liverpool had some tricky away games to play, this was one of the fixtures they would have earmarked as having the potential to cost Arne Slot’s side points. Bournemouth had beaten not only Arsenal at home but also Manchester City and Nottingham Forest. And they could easily have taken a point off Liverpool, Antoine Semenyo and Marcus Tavernier clattering shots against the post.
There has been a sense with Liverpool that they have played teams at the right time, just at the point when they are out of sorts or have key players missing.
While there probably is some truth to that, it is also the case that Liverpool are very good at making opponents look as though they are in poor form. And nobody could have claimed that Bournemouth were not playing well before Saturday. If anything, their form was too good, having scored nine in their previous two games. Nobody can keep a shot conversion rate of 25% going for long. That Bournemouth got only three of 14 shots on target, two of those drawing excellent saves from Alisson, is perhaps a rare visible case of regression to the mean.
Lucky Liverpool? Possibly – as even Slot acknowledged. Certainly the penalty they were awarded in the first half will raise eyebrows. That Cody Gakpo kicked the back of his own heel was clear; the question was whether he was nudged into doing so by Lewis Cook. At the very least the decision was soft. The offside decision that saw the equaliser David Brooks seemed to have scored before half-time ruled out was correct, but it was a close-run thing.
Virgil van Dijk looked imperious at the back for Liverpool again. Photograph: Dylan Martinez/Reuters
But Liverpool’s second goal was one of rare quality, Curtis Jones beginning the break, catching up with it and feeding Mohamed Salah, who scored with the perfect finish, whipping the ball with very little backlift round Milos Kerkez and the stretching arm of Kepa Arrizabalaga and just inside the far post. It was a goal of efficiency and beauty, technically excellent and without the slightest needless embellishment and, as such, emblematic of Slot’s team as a whole.
It is true that they could easily have conceded, true that the shots that were flying in for Bournemouth over the past two weeks did not on Saturday – a process that culminated in the ferocious late drive from Tavernier that smashed into what might politely be termed the nether regions of Tyler Adams – but equally Liverpool defended with admirable composure.
Virgil van Dijk, as so often, was a colossal figure, not only winning his duels with Dango Ouattara but radiating calm, constantly organising and cajoling. He is not only a very fine defender, arguably back to being the best centre-back in the league, but also a great leader. There has been rather less focus on Van Dijk than on the other two players who are out of contract in June, perhaps because he is 33, and perhaps because the assumption is that he is more likely than either Trent Alexander-Arnold or Salah to sign a new deal, but if he does leave he would be sorely missed, not only for what he himself offers but because he makes players around him better.
Liverpool still have to go to Everton, Manchester City, Aston Villa and Chelsea. They still have to play Arsenal at home. There are hurdles to be negotiated. But given the sides Bournemouth have beaten at the Vitality this season, this was a big obstacle ticked off. There are 15 games left. The title race is not over yet. But Liverpool felt a lot closer to the tape at the final whistle than they had at kick-off.
Liverpool’s unbeaten run in the Premier League has left many wondering if luck has played a role in their success. With multiple late goals and close matches going their way, it’s easy to see why some might question whether the Reds are truly as dominant as their record suggests.
However, when you look closer at Liverpool’s performances this season, it’s hard to argue that luck has been the sole factor in their success. Their attacking prowess, solid defense, and ability to grind out results in tough matches all point to a team that is not just lucky, but also highly skilled and well-coached.
From their thrilling comeback against Aston Villa to their hard-fought victories over top teams like Manchester City and Chelsea, Liverpool have shown time and time again that they have what it takes to come out on top in any situation.
So while luck may have played a small role in Liverpool’s success this season, it’s clear that their spotless results are a result of their talent, determination, and ability to perform under pressure. As they continue their quest for the Premier League title, it’s safe to say that Liverpool’s success is more than just luck – it’s a testament to their skill and resilience as a team.
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Liverpool FC, Premier League, football, soccer, Champions League, sports, success, unbeaten, winning streak, top spot, dominance, luck, performance, analysis, opinion
HYATTSVILLE, MD — A Prince George’s County man claimed the first $100,000 top prize in the Maryland Lottery’s new MONOPOLY X50 scratch-off game after purchasing a ticket at a 7-Eleven in Mt. Rainier.
Roberto Fuentes Valdivia, a regular lottery player, bought five $10 MONOPOLY X50 tickets while stopping for coffee and won big on the final ticket he scratched. “Funny, it was the last ticket that was the winner,” he said.
Initially thinking he had won $100, Valdivia quickly realized his mistake when he saw the comma in the prize amount. He shared the news with family and celebrated by spending the day watching sports.
The 7-Eleven at 3310 Chillum Road, where he bought the ticket, will receive a $1,000 bonus from the Maryland Lottery. The MONOPOLY X50 game, launched on Jan. 13, still has eight remaining $100,000 top prizes and several lower-tier prizes available.
Hyattsville construction worker strikes it big with $100,000 scratch-off win from 7-Eleven!
In a stroke of luck, a construction worker from Hyattsville, Maryland has won a whopping $100,000 on a scratch-off ticket purchased at his local 7-Eleven. The lucky winner, who has chosen to remain anonymous, purchased the winning ticket on a whim during his lunch break.
“I never really play scratch-offs, but something told me to try my luck that day,” the winner said. “I couldn’t believe it when I saw that I had won $100,000!”
The construction worker plans to use his winnings to pay off some bills and treat himself to a well-deserved vacation. “This couldn’t have come at a better time,” he said. “I’m so grateful for this unexpected windfall.”
The 7-Eleven where the winning ticket was purchased will receive a $1,000 bonus for selling the lucky scratch-off. Customers at the store are already buzzing with excitement, hoping that the next big winner could be them.
Congratulations to the lucky construction worker on his incredible win! Who knows, the next big winner could be you – so don’t forget to pick up a scratch-off next time you’re at your local 7-Eleven.
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Hyattsville, construction worker, $100K, lucky scratch-off, 7-Eleven, Maryland, lottery winner, scratch-off ticket, news, local, lucky win, construction industry
PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. — Temperatures were plunging and the wind was whipping — not an ideal day for a walk on the beach. It turned out to be a par-saving moment for Scottie Scheffler on Friday in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
Scheffler pulled his tee shot on the par-5 18th hole at Pebble Beach toward the Pacific Ocean. He never saw it carom off the rocks or splash in golf’s biggest water hazard.
His only other option was to take a penalty drop some 40 yards forward at the end of the tee box. So he figured he might as well walk 300 yards and take a look. Good thing he did.
“Saw a ball on the beach, went down there, found my ball, moved some rocks, hit it out, hit it on the green, two-putted,” Scheffler said, making it sound all so routine.
It took some good fortune, starting with find his golf ball. He had to take a long route to the beach, down a 5-foot rock shelf, walking back some 40 yards to find a smaller ledge to sea level, careful not to slip along the way. He also was able to move small rocks and seaweed around his ball.
Then it was a matter of hitting it cleanly enough with a wedge to get it over the cliff and back toward the fairway. Once he managed that, it was a 6-iron from 179 yards that he got to the back right of the green, leaving him two putts from 40 feet for a par and a 2-under 70.
Scheffler was seven shots behind going into the weekend, still very much in the mix, and a little lucky to not be further back.
“I’ve made good pars,” he said. “That one was more lucky than anything.”
Scheffler is not the only player to experience where Pebble Beach gets its name. Brandt Snedeker once made birdie from the beach in 2019.
Scheffler certainly would have taken a 5 from where he hit his tee shot, and he had few other complaints about his game considering this is his first real competition in nearly two months.
Straka, who won a couple of weeks ago at The American Express, is back in front with two rounds to play at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
He had minor surgery on his right hand when glass punctured his upper palm while he was using a wine glass to cut homemade ravioli over Christmas. The swing looks good. He said his hand feels fine. But there is a small matter of rust he can detect.
One was obvious — a semi-shank on the 11th hole with a lob wedge from 82 yards away that led to his lone bogey on Friday.
There was also some brilliance, such as the 6-iron he hit across the ocean that settled about 2 feet away for birdie on No. 8, one of the toughest holes on the golf course.
“I think the last two days out here I haven’t felt at peak performance at all,” he said. “I think if you look at my strokes gained-ball striking numbers, they’re probably not near what they would normally be. And I think that’s just a little bit of competitive rust, kind of getting my feet back under me and playing tournament golf.
“To only have two bogeys, one of them being with a semi-shank, it’s pretty good.”
Scottie Scheffler’s beach adventure ends with a ‘lucky’ par at Pebble
Professional golfer Scottie Scheffler found himself in a precarious situation during the final round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, as his tee shot on the 18th hole landed in a sandy hazard on the iconic Pebble Beach Golf Links.
With the Pacific Ocean looming behind him, Scheffler faced a difficult decision on how to approach his next shot. After assessing his options, Scheffler decided to take a risk and attempt to play the ball out of the hazard, rather than taking a penalty drop.
As he lined up his shot, spectators held their breath, wondering if Scheffler’s bold move would pay off. With a perfect swing, Scheffler executed the shot flawlessly, sending the ball soaring out of the sand and onto the green just a few feet from the hole.
The crowd erupted in cheers as Scheffler walked up to the green and calmly sank a putt for par, saving himself from what could have been a disastrous end to his round. After his round, Scheffler admitted that his shot out of the hazard was a bit of a lucky break, but he was grateful for the outcome.
Despite the pressure of playing on one of the most famous golf courses in the world, Scheffler’s composure and skill shone through, proving once again why he is one of the rising stars on the PGA Tour. It was a thrilling end to an already exciting tournament, and one that will surely be remembered for years to come.
Price: $39.99 (as of Jan 31,2025 11:50:24 UTC – Details)
From the brand
Package Dimensions : 11.8 x 7.87 x 4.33 inches; 1.87 Pounds Item model number : LS-601BK Department : womens Date First Available : November 29, 2023 Manufacturer : LUCKY STEP ASIN : B0CP5VR6TF
Customers say
Customers find the shoes comfortable with good cushioning and a cute design. They appreciate the style, durability, and value for money. The color accuracy is good, as is the shoe quality and wearability. However, there are differing opinions on the sizing.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Introducing the LUCKY STEP Women’s Platform Fashion Sneakers – the perfect blend of retro style and modern comfort! These classic trainers are designed for women who want to make a statement with their footwear.
Crafted with a stylish platform sole, these sneakers are sure to elevate any outfit. The lace-up design provides a secure and custom fit, while the cushioned insole ensures all-day comfort. Whether you’re running errands or hitting the gym, these shoes will keep you looking and feeling great.
Made with high-quality materials, these sneakers are built to last. The durable construction and reliable traction make them perfect for everyday wear. Plus, the timeless design means you can rock them season after season.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to add these stylish and versatile sneakers to your wardrobe. Whether you’re a fashionista looking to make a statement or just want a comfortable and stylish shoe for your daily activities, the LUCKY STEP Women’s Platform Fashion Sneakers are the perfect choice. Get yours today and step out in style!
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Lot of 4 Live 4 Truth, Lucky Brand, Anne Klein & American Eagle Womens Tops Sz M
Price : 24.99 – 21.24
Ends on : N/A
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Are you looking to expand your wardrobe with some stylish and versatile tops? Look no further! I have a lot of 4 women’s tops in size M from Live 4 Truth, Lucky Brand, Anne Klein, and American Eagle up for grabs.
These tops are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re heading to work, running errands, or going out with friends. Each top offers a unique style and design, ensuring that you’ll always have something fashionable to wear.
Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to score four fabulous tops from top brands. Grab this lot before it’s gone!
#Lot #Live #Truth #Lucky #Brand #Anne #Klein #American #Eagle #Womens #Tops,ann
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Are you looking to add a pop of color and personality to your space? Look no further than neon signs! Our Lucky Waving Cat neon sign is the perfect choice for wall decor, desk decoration, cabinet accent, or office enhancement.
This adorable neon sign features a waving cat design in vibrant neon colors that will instantly brighten up any room. Whether you’re looking to bring good luck and fortune into your space or simply want to add a touch of fun and whimsy, this Lucky Waving Cat neon sign is sure to do the trick.
Made with high-quality materials, this neon sign is durable and long-lasting, making it a great investment for your home or office. It’s also easy to install and comes with a convenient power cord, so you can start enjoying its colorful glow right away.
So why wait? Add a Lucky Waving Cat neon sign to your space today and watch as it transforms your decor into a vibrant and exciting space that’s sure to impress.
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Price: $16.99 (as of Jan 28,2025 10:22:27 UTC – Details)
【All-Natural Crayons】 – Non-Toxic, Made with Beeswax and Food-Grade Pigments, No Paraffin or Fillers. 【All-Natural Crayons】 – Non-Toxic, Made with Beeswax and Food-Grade Pigments, No Paraffin or Fillers. 【Unique Half-Round Shape】Our crayons feature a unique half-round shape that is designed for easy grip and control. With dimensions of 1.9 inches in length and 0.63 inches in thickness, these crayons are perfect for little hands and Non-slip and anti-roll design. The special shape also aids in the development of fine motor skills for toddlers and preschoolers. 【12 Classic Colors to Ignite Creativity】With 12 vibrant and classic colors, our non-toxic crayons unleash creativity in young artists. These crayons provide excellent color payoff, easily combining with paper to create beautiful artwork. They are the perfect tool to help children develop good writing habits in a fun and engaging way! 【Safe for Children and the Planet】We care about the safety of your children and the environment. That’s why all our packaging is made from 100% recyclable materials, with no plastic involved. Rest assured that our crayons are not only safe for your little ones but also contribute to a healthier planet. Feeling the smoothness of residue-free crayons and enjoy the natural aroma of pure beeswax, without any chemical odors. Some of your Crayons may have a white coating on them when they arrive. This is called Blooming and is a sign of the Crayons purity and quality. Only pure beeswax ‘blooms’. To remove, simply wipe with a soft cloth.
Are you looking for a safe and non-toxic art supply for your little ones? Look no further than the Lucky Art Natural Beeswax Crayon 12 Colors! These crayons are made with natural beeswax, making them safe for toddlers, kids, and children of all ages.
Not only are these crayons safe, but they also come in a vibrant assortment of 12 colors to inspire creativity and imagination. Whether your child is drawing, coloring, or simply having fun, these crayons are sure to bring out their artistic side.
Say goodbye to worrying about harmful chemicals or toxins with the Lucky Art Natural Beeswax Crayon 12 Colors. Give your child the gift of safe and enjoyable art supplies today!
#Lucky #Art #Natural #Beeswax #Crayon #Colors #Toxic #Safe #Toddlers #Kids #Children,honeysticks 100% pure beeswax crayons (12 pack) natural
THE LUCKY DEVILS #1 TRISH FORSTNER SUPER MARIO 3 HOMAGE FOIL COVER – In hand!!!
Price : 40.00
Ends on : N/A
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Are you a fan of The Lucky Devils? Do you love collecting rare and unique comic book covers? Well, we’ve got a treat for you!
Introducing The Lucky Devils #1 Trish Forstner Super Mario 3 Homage Foil Cover – now in hand and ready for you to add to your collection! This limited edition cover pays tribute to the classic video game Super Mario 3, featuring our favorite devilish characters in a fun and nostalgic design.
Don’t miss your chance to own this exclusive foil cover, featuring stunning artwork by the talented Trish Forstner. Get your hands on this hot collectible now before it’s gone!
Stay tuned for more exciting releases from The Lucky Devils series, and happy collecting! #TheLuckyDevils #TrishForstner #SuperMario3 #FoilCover
#LUCKY #DEVILS #TRISH #FORSTNER #SUPER #MARIO #HOMAGE #FOIL #COVER #hand,ages 3+
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Introducing the Care Bears Lucky Funky Chunky Magnet!
Bring a little bit of magic and positivity into your home with this adorable Care Bears magnet. Featuring Lucky, one of the lovable Care Bears, in a funky and chunky design, this magnet is sure to brighten up any space.
Whether you stick it on your fridge, locker, or any other metal surface, this magnet is the perfect way to add a pop of color and fun to your surroundings. It also makes a great gift for any Care Bears fan or collector.
Spread some cheer and luck with the Care Bears Lucky Funky Chunky Magnet! Get yours today and let the magic begin. #CareBears #LuckyBear #FunkyChunkyMagnet
#Care #Bears #Lucky #Funky #Chunky #Magnet,ages 3+
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Kentucky Lottery Cash Ball, Lucky For Life winning numbers for Jan. 22, 2025
The Kentucky Lottery Cash Ball and Lucky For Life winning numbers for Jan. 22, 2025, have been drawn!
If you purchased a ticket for these games, be sure to check your numbers to see if you are a winner! Good luck to all players. Stay tuned for the next drawing results.
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Kentucky Lottery, Cash Ball, Lucky For Life, winning numbers, Jan. 22, 2025, Kentucky Lottery winning numbers, Cash Ball winning numbers, Lucky For Life winning numbers, Kentucky Lottery results, Cash Ball results, Lucky For Life results, Jan. 22, 2025 winning numbers, Kentucky Lottery Jan. 22, 2025, Cash Ball Jan. 22, 2025, Lucky For Life Jan. 22, 2025
