It was not pretty. It was not nice. It was not what many fans expected or maybe even wanted, but it's what they got and what they have to digest. In a game that Liverpool desperately needed a win, that's exactly what they got even if it wasn't particularly pleasing to the pallet. The contest again provided the faithful plenty of reasons to wonder what the heck is going on.
Ever the villain, Glen Johnson still continues to figure into the starting 11 and, although I have nothing against him overall, it was exceedingly puzzling to see Jose Enrique on the team sheet. It was not surprising to see Steven Gerrard absent, due to the mid-week start, but Joe Allen's inclusion was a bit of a surprise due to his lack of inspiring play - often being little more than a body on the field. The injuries and lack of options made the attacking players pretty well a known quantity.
Given all this, the Reds still had what looked like a team that should handily take care of Stoke even despite the fact the Potters have taken results and victories against teams like Manchester City. When the week began, most supporters thought it could be a three win week. A crushing defeat to Crystal Palace and a disheartening late equalizer by Ludogorets all but threw the water on what some hoped would spark a fire that could lead to a long run. Instead they were left with the small hope of at least one positive result.
Really there is little to discuss with the game. Even the announcers during the first half commented on how little happened. If anything, it was a disappointing fixture because Stoke had as many chances as Liverpool. Both sides were denied. Stoke hit the post and Mignolet made some decent saves in a game where he may have thought he would see little action. On the flip side, despite an almost non-existent midfield, Liverpool should have put home at least two chances before they actually did score. Lucas' and Allen's attempts on goal come straight to mind.
Yet, before we delve too deep into the pit of despair, let us not forget that three points were gained. We can challenge the manager on his team selection all we want. We can wonder at the ineptitude of the Reds' play at times and their lack of any will other than the will to be disappointing. We can wonder why two players, no matter how talented, can have such an affect on the scoring - or lack thereof - of a team that seemed very talented a season ago.
Ultimately, no matter how it looked, the result the team wanted; the result the team needed was gained. The seemingly universally unpopular Johson was the hero of the hour with a superb effort goal. In the end, it may be what the doctor ordered. Perhaps, instead of a game where all ills were cured and all the players just lept off the page with glorious performances, maybe this was the sort of ugly victory that will actually turn the page on what has been a less than inspiring season. Maybe a victory when so many players were still less than their best will actually boost some confidence. Only time will tell.
Liverpool still have a string of winnable games to come, so perhaps this will be the spark. Even the smallest spark can ignite things if properly stoked. The supporters will be watching and continue to do all they can to help their club. Maybe at season's end, all will look back on an ugly win in the dying days of November as the point when things turned for the better. Walk on.
Saturday, November 29, 2014
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Champions League Disappointment
Greetings Kopites and Liverpool supporters. Apologies for not getting my usual blog done the day of the match, but with everything going on in the St. Louis area combined with Thanksgiving etc, it was a bit overwhelming. That said, let's focus on the team. Questions abound. Poor performances still plague a team that was only two results away from winning a league title just a season ago. And if not for a silly penalty given to the Reds months ago, the team could already be eliminated from the Champions League.
This team becomes ever more maddening the more we seem to watch it, if for no other reason than players we try to defend and managers we want to speak up for are beginning to give us little reason to do so. Outside of Rickie Lambert, who seems to have established himself as one of the few players deserving of a long stretch in the starting 11, nobody can put together a long run of form let alone a solid 90 minutes. Being a former goalkeeper, I have stood up for Simon Mingolet many times because few realize the difficulties of the position if you have not been the man between the sticks. Yet, even I could not see much reason for such a long rebound on Ludogorets initial goal. And while some can say the ball should never have reached that area, everyone's favorite punching bag, Glen Johnson, whiffed on a header that lead to an equalizer.
Problems persist and new ones pop up left and right. There is almost always someone who is completely within their rights to complain about some portion of the starting squad. Players who have shown talent, disappear at the most shocking of times and those that have played poorly still manage spots in the team. Let us not dwell on the failures of the past and now look forward to potential solutions. The first thing that must be decided, on a somewhat regular basis, is some form of a solid formation.
I have always favored a two striker system and still believe that when Mario Balotelli is healthy, coupled with the sudden emergence of Rickie Lambert's form, that is the system to use up top. But that does leave concerns in the back. People will say I am mad, but if the manager continues to play only one striker, then perhaps the team should employ what would amount to a 3-5-1-1. In that sort of formation, I would put all the defensive chips on the table. Play all three center backs as the 3 with Skrtel, Toure and Lovren; have Manquillo and Moreno as part of the 5 as wingers but with more of a defensive role; have Henderson, Gerrard and Coutinho as the central portion of the midfield and then Sterling as the point of the midfield and Lambert as a striker. Personally, I don't feel that leads to much attack but perhaps it would shore up the defense. Another option would be a 4-2-3-1 with whatever defensive four you chose; Gerrard and Can/Lucas as the 2; Henderson, Sterling and Coutinho as the attacking midfield and then a striker. Again, perhaps not the most attacking minded or talented but it seems apparent that with the current talent and inconsistencies being shown that the diamond 4 does not seem to be working.
Another solution for this club would be to add some talent in January. Yes, it would seem that the Reds have become this year's Tottenham, spending their millions on depth only to have it gel together as well as water and oil. Thus some may argue that spending more might be unwise. However, the lack of striking options and the porous defense have to have stop gaps put in place at the very least. Top level players are unlikely to be offered in the mid-season transfer window, but Liverpool just needs talent. At this point, I believe many supporters would welcome about anyone if they did not have to see certain players regularly in the team sheet again. The biggest question for the transfer window is whether Brendan Rodgers is pulling a Balotelli again or is being truthful that he has no plans to bring in anyone.
Though many are against the head man and are seeming to be proven correct in their reasons, it still seems too early to sack someone who was on the verge of leading Liverpool back to the promised land such a short time ago. However, this team can ill afford to drop back to obscurity in the European ranks. Money does not have to be thrown at the problem, but it looks each progressing week that training ground tactics are not going to solve the problems either. To go into January so blatantly stating that the club will not add a single soul would be foolhardy at best and a poor judgement of one's managerial skills as well. With the exception of the few, chesty people sitting behind a keyboard, nobody wants this club to fail simply to gain a new bench boss. But the proof is in the pudding as they say. This club has to look in the mirror from the owner down to the man who washes the kits. Everyone needs to be doing a better job.
No matter what the pundits say or we believe in our own minds, there is simply too much talent there. Sure, there are better players and players we all would have rather signed at certain periods than the ones on the team. But these are Liverpool players and all are professional footballers for a reason. Each man needs to look within themselves and ask if they are doing enough to deserve not just a paycheck, but the honor of pulling on that shirt week in and week out. Right now, not everyone if they are honest should be able to tell themselves yes. But all is not lost. Champions League is still in Liverpool's own hands. There is enough season left to still make a run at the top 4 domestically. The challenge is for every single person to do what they must and maybe even a little more to obtain those objectives. To my fellow Americans, Happy Thanksgiving. Cheers to all the rest. Walk on. YNWA.
This team becomes ever more maddening the more we seem to watch it, if for no other reason than players we try to defend and managers we want to speak up for are beginning to give us little reason to do so. Outside of Rickie Lambert, who seems to have established himself as one of the few players deserving of a long stretch in the starting 11, nobody can put together a long run of form let alone a solid 90 minutes. Being a former goalkeeper, I have stood up for Simon Mingolet many times because few realize the difficulties of the position if you have not been the man between the sticks. Yet, even I could not see much reason for such a long rebound on Ludogorets initial goal. And while some can say the ball should never have reached that area, everyone's favorite punching bag, Glen Johnson, whiffed on a header that lead to an equalizer.
Problems persist and new ones pop up left and right. There is almost always someone who is completely within their rights to complain about some portion of the starting squad. Players who have shown talent, disappear at the most shocking of times and those that have played poorly still manage spots in the team. Let us not dwell on the failures of the past and now look forward to potential solutions. The first thing that must be decided, on a somewhat regular basis, is some form of a solid formation.
I have always favored a two striker system and still believe that when Mario Balotelli is healthy, coupled with the sudden emergence of Rickie Lambert's form, that is the system to use up top. But that does leave concerns in the back. People will say I am mad, but if the manager continues to play only one striker, then perhaps the team should employ what would amount to a 3-5-1-1. In that sort of formation, I would put all the defensive chips on the table. Play all three center backs as the 3 with Skrtel, Toure and Lovren; have Manquillo and Moreno as part of the 5 as wingers but with more of a defensive role; have Henderson, Gerrard and Coutinho as the central portion of the midfield and then Sterling as the point of the midfield and Lambert as a striker. Personally, I don't feel that leads to much attack but perhaps it would shore up the defense. Another option would be a 4-2-3-1 with whatever defensive four you chose; Gerrard and Can/Lucas as the 2; Henderson, Sterling and Coutinho as the attacking midfield and then a striker. Again, perhaps not the most attacking minded or talented but it seems apparent that with the current talent and inconsistencies being shown that the diamond 4 does not seem to be working.
Another solution for this club would be to add some talent in January. Yes, it would seem that the Reds have become this year's Tottenham, spending their millions on depth only to have it gel together as well as water and oil. Thus some may argue that spending more might be unwise. However, the lack of striking options and the porous defense have to have stop gaps put in place at the very least. Top level players are unlikely to be offered in the mid-season transfer window, but Liverpool just needs talent. At this point, I believe many supporters would welcome about anyone if they did not have to see certain players regularly in the team sheet again. The biggest question for the transfer window is whether Brendan Rodgers is pulling a Balotelli again or is being truthful that he has no plans to bring in anyone.
Though many are against the head man and are seeming to be proven correct in their reasons, it still seems too early to sack someone who was on the verge of leading Liverpool back to the promised land such a short time ago. However, this team can ill afford to drop back to obscurity in the European ranks. Money does not have to be thrown at the problem, but it looks each progressing week that training ground tactics are not going to solve the problems either. To go into January so blatantly stating that the club will not add a single soul would be foolhardy at best and a poor judgement of one's managerial skills as well. With the exception of the few, chesty people sitting behind a keyboard, nobody wants this club to fail simply to gain a new bench boss. But the proof is in the pudding as they say. This club has to look in the mirror from the owner down to the man who washes the kits. Everyone needs to be doing a better job.
No matter what the pundits say or we believe in our own minds, there is simply too much talent there. Sure, there are better players and players we all would have rather signed at certain periods than the ones on the team. But these are Liverpool players and all are professional footballers for a reason. Each man needs to look within themselves and ask if they are doing enough to deserve not just a paycheck, but the honor of pulling on that shirt week in and week out. Right now, not everyone if they are honest should be able to tell themselves yes. But all is not lost. Champions League is still in Liverpool's own hands. There is enough season left to still make a run at the top 4 domestically. The challenge is for every single person to do what they must and maybe even a little more to obtain those objectives. To my fellow Americans, Happy Thanksgiving. Cheers to all the rest. Walk on. YNWA.
Sunday, November 23, 2014
Kick to the gut
We were all ready to get back to league action following the long international break. So it seemed anyway. Reality set in quickly following a rousing start to what had to be three points for Liverpool. Rickie Lambert finally got off the goose egg, scoring his first goal of the season and the first in the kit of his boyhood team. It seemed like a storybook start to what could have spurred the Reds on to a great week and perhaps turn the season around. Instead, the fairy tale turned to the stuff of nightmares coupled with the same mistakes that keep burying this storied club further away from their goal.
It seemed like Liverpool had solved their issues. Scoring a goal only 90 seconds into the match on a great lofted ball and nicely finished off by Lambert. It seemed like a perfect start that would erase all the scoring woes of the Reds. Lambert getting the goal, Liverpool getting a league score by a striker not named Sturridge, solid midfield hookup with the forward lines: it all seemed like the day could end with nothing but a positive result and a good start to a week that, on paper, featured three winnable games. Then it all went to pot.
Dwight Gale, the thorn in the side of Liverpool the last two matches against Crystal Palace, evened up the scoring and despite a few good chances and a bit of attacking play, Liverpool never really threatened again. As a fan, hope was given as the halftime analysts still thought Liverpool's talent would overcome and their skill would provide a game winning goal. Instead, the second half provided little attack and more defensive mistakes. The same defensive mistakes, one might add.
It has been a frustrating time to be a supporter of Liverpool. What makes it most frustrating is the confusion of how one or two players can alter a team to this extent. The defense was mediocre last season, so the addition of a few players, given their form at the moment, could not be expected to cure all ills. The enigma that is the Liverpool offense is what is so puzzling. Before the team dealt him to Spanish giant, Barcelona, it was already well known that Luis Suarez was a world class player. It was always going to be difficult to replace him, if for no other reason than the fact that nobody plays like Suarez. Alexis Sanchez, now of Arsenal, is the closest in terms of work-rate, however nobody (even the players who are better than Suarez) really matches the man in ever category. Even so, the drop off in goal scoring has been astounding.
Scoring goals is by no means an easy task. Yet, no matter how talented the duo is or was, it is mind boggling to see a team so eager to attack and break apart a defense become so listless and toothless up front. The problem, right now, is team wide and seems to be affecting every single player's performance. It is a problem of confidence. Any problem in the team has spread to the other parts. Poor defensive play or tactics forces the midfield to worry too much about helping out at the back. Poor midfield play, in terms of poor passing or badly timed giveaways, forces more pressure on an already shaky back line. The problems with the strikers are well documented and that forces both the midfield and defense to worry too much about trying to score when it may not even be their job.
The Crystal Palace match was a prime example of that last point. Outside of the Lambert goal, the best chances close to goal actually came from Martin Skrtel and Javier Manquillo. Those that watched the match saw how those chances were butchered, but what else can be expected from defenders who are not used to the pressure of hitting a target? One can say you should expect more from everyone and while correct, should we really think we will get it when it hasn't happened all year? Of course following a result such as this, the calls for Brendan Rodgers' job have ramped up, perhaps rightly so.
Those need to be tempered slightly though. Yes, given this poor run of form from his team and a seeming lack of desire, there is plenty of blame to be put on the manager. But there have been some, even in the media, who think Rodgers may not make it past the new year. Really? That is such utter nonsense that it is laughable. Far be it from me to say that won't happen, because the reality of European football is that is could. What benefit would that serve though? Even if you fire or sack him right after Christmas, the new man would have approximately two weeks to bring in someone new to fit his style after observing the club for a respectable amount of time. That is not enough to fix this club's issues. As an American, I can give a unique perspective. We have so many sports that the idea of lower teams defeating you is more common place. It doesn't affect a coach's job as much as in Europe. Also, more often than not, a midseason change does nothing for the team other than simply change for change's sake.
Rodgers should be evaluated at the end of the season and given a proper January window to attempt plugging up some holes. Rodgers has to figure out what players play to his style the best or fit a style to the players. Soccer or football managers really have little to affect a match outside of instilling a belief in their men and putting out the best starting 11. The back four have given Rodgers little options, since everyone has played poorly at different times. Alberto Moreno bombs forward, leaving holes behind at times, though it is still curious why he was left off the team sheet. Dejan Lovren simply looks lost if the ball is not in the air. Martin Skrtel, though he has his backers, is incredibly inconsistent and seems like he cannot defend without pulling or tugging. Manquillo, though young and making a few youthful mistakes, seems like the best of the options and he has been left off the team more often than not due to him being a loanee apparently. There are options on the bench. However, those who really believe Kolo Toure, regardless of his good performance against Madrid, won't make the same mistakes Skrtel and Loven make are delusional.
The biggest issue Rodgers has in front of him, is the apparent lack of desire in this club. Perhaps Suarez brought so much energy to the team last year that so many issues were covered up. Now, whether the absence of said player or the manager's sudden lack of ability to inspire his troops, this team is stuck in the lake with no rudder and no wind in the sails. My one major fault with Rodgers, outside of picking a starting 11, has been his unwillingness to accept blame following matches. Now he has done so. Perhaps there was no other option, but Rodgers can see the writing on the wall and knows it really is up to him to figure it out. Everyone needs to do their part. Players have to perform. Do your own job to the best of your ability and there is enough talent on this squad to get results. Players have to perform, the manager has to make good choices and the Reds need a bit of luck.
Couple all of that with a good signing or two in January and this team can still make top four. That is what has to be focused on. The league, unfortunately, has been gone for some time. Fourth place and maintaining a spot in Champions League is still alive because of all the teams in front of them. Thin hopes, perhaps, due to the number of teams above Livepool but many are still clubs that could fall off in the second half. It's all up to the men in the kits and on the sideline. Will this team pull triumph from the jaws of defeat or will they be known as the team that went from the brink of winning a title to the mediocrity of the lower portion of the table? It is all up to them. All the supporters can do is pour their hearts out, as they do week in and week out and hope. Walk on my friends.
It seemed like Liverpool had solved their issues. Scoring a goal only 90 seconds into the match on a great lofted ball and nicely finished off by Lambert. It seemed like a perfect start that would erase all the scoring woes of the Reds. Lambert getting the goal, Liverpool getting a league score by a striker not named Sturridge, solid midfield hookup with the forward lines: it all seemed like the day could end with nothing but a positive result and a good start to a week that, on paper, featured three winnable games. Then it all went to pot.
Dwight Gale, the thorn in the side of Liverpool the last two matches against Crystal Palace, evened up the scoring and despite a few good chances and a bit of attacking play, Liverpool never really threatened again. As a fan, hope was given as the halftime analysts still thought Liverpool's talent would overcome and their skill would provide a game winning goal. Instead, the second half provided little attack and more defensive mistakes. The same defensive mistakes, one might add.
It has been a frustrating time to be a supporter of Liverpool. What makes it most frustrating is the confusion of how one or two players can alter a team to this extent. The defense was mediocre last season, so the addition of a few players, given their form at the moment, could not be expected to cure all ills. The enigma that is the Liverpool offense is what is so puzzling. Before the team dealt him to Spanish giant, Barcelona, it was already well known that Luis Suarez was a world class player. It was always going to be difficult to replace him, if for no other reason than the fact that nobody plays like Suarez. Alexis Sanchez, now of Arsenal, is the closest in terms of work-rate, however nobody (even the players who are better than Suarez) really matches the man in ever category. Even so, the drop off in goal scoring has been astounding.
Scoring goals is by no means an easy task. Yet, no matter how talented the duo is or was, it is mind boggling to see a team so eager to attack and break apart a defense become so listless and toothless up front. The problem, right now, is team wide and seems to be affecting every single player's performance. It is a problem of confidence. Any problem in the team has spread to the other parts. Poor defensive play or tactics forces the midfield to worry too much about helping out at the back. Poor midfield play, in terms of poor passing or badly timed giveaways, forces more pressure on an already shaky back line. The problems with the strikers are well documented and that forces both the midfield and defense to worry too much about trying to score when it may not even be their job.
The Crystal Palace match was a prime example of that last point. Outside of the Lambert goal, the best chances close to goal actually came from Martin Skrtel and Javier Manquillo. Those that watched the match saw how those chances were butchered, but what else can be expected from defenders who are not used to the pressure of hitting a target? One can say you should expect more from everyone and while correct, should we really think we will get it when it hasn't happened all year? Of course following a result such as this, the calls for Brendan Rodgers' job have ramped up, perhaps rightly so.
Those need to be tempered slightly though. Yes, given this poor run of form from his team and a seeming lack of desire, there is plenty of blame to be put on the manager. But there have been some, even in the media, who think Rodgers may not make it past the new year. Really? That is such utter nonsense that it is laughable. Far be it from me to say that won't happen, because the reality of European football is that is could. What benefit would that serve though? Even if you fire or sack him right after Christmas, the new man would have approximately two weeks to bring in someone new to fit his style after observing the club for a respectable amount of time. That is not enough to fix this club's issues. As an American, I can give a unique perspective. We have so many sports that the idea of lower teams defeating you is more common place. It doesn't affect a coach's job as much as in Europe. Also, more often than not, a midseason change does nothing for the team other than simply change for change's sake.
Rodgers should be evaluated at the end of the season and given a proper January window to attempt plugging up some holes. Rodgers has to figure out what players play to his style the best or fit a style to the players. Soccer or football managers really have little to affect a match outside of instilling a belief in their men and putting out the best starting 11. The back four have given Rodgers little options, since everyone has played poorly at different times. Alberto Moreno bombs forward, leaving holes behind at times, though it is still curious why he was left off the team sheet. Dejan Lovren simply looks lost if the ball is not in the air. Martin Skrtel, though he has his backers, is incredibly inconsistent and seems like he cannot defend without pulling or tugging. Manquillo, though young and making a few youthful mistakes, seems like the best of the options and he has been left off the team more often than not due to him being a loanee apparently. There are options on the bench. However, those who really believe Kolo Toure, regardless of his good performance against Madrid, won't make the same mistakes Skrtel and Loven make are delusional.
The biggest issue Rodgers has in front of him, is the apparent lack of desire in this club. Perhaps Suarez brought so much energy to the team last year that so many issues were covered up. Now, whether the absence of said player or the manager's sudden lack of ability to inspire his troops, this team is stuck in the lake with no rudder and no wind in the sails. My one major fault with Rodgers, outside of picking a starting 11, has been his unwillingness to accept blame following matches. Now he has done so. Perhaps there was no other option, but Rodgers can see the writing on the wall and knows it really is up to him to figure it out. Everyone needs to do their part. Players have to perform. Do your own job to the best of your ability and there is enough talent on this squad to get results. Players have to perform, the manager has to make good choices and the Reds need a bit of luck.
Couple all of that with a good signing or two in January and this team can still make top four. That is what has to be focused on. The league, unfortunately, has been gone for some time. Fourth place and maintaining a spot in Champions League is still alive because of all the teams in front of them. Thin hopes, perhaps, due to the number of teams above Livepool but many are still clubs that could fall off in the second half. It's all up to the men in the kits and on the sideline. Will this team pull triumph from the jaws of defeat or will they be known as the team that went from the brink of winning a title to the mediocrity of the lower portion of the table? It is all up to them. All the supporters can do is pour their hearts out, as they do week in and week out and hope. Walk on my friends.
Saturday, November 8, 2014
Another match, another hair puller
Well, as they have tended to do this season, the Liverpool Football Club provided flashes to give the supporters hope only to have it dashed by the same mistakes. As will ever be the case with professional sports, the vocal minority will seek to put the blame all on one person. Several will seek the head of the manager, Brendan Rodgers. Many will heap blame on the lightning rod, Mario Balotelli. Some may even look to place fault on recalls such as Glen Johnson or Dejan Lovren. None are right and none are completely wrong.
Some readers will accuse me of sitting on the fence, but the truth is seeing with a clear head is the only way to look at these situations. It is a main reason that my blogs are not usually finished for several hours after a match. You have to let the blood cool and think clearly, without the passion of a supporter, which is very difficult at the time. The truth is, this is a team-wide problem. Blame lays from the owners down to the players. Some may stick out more than others, but all deserve credit for the failings of this team.
As much as I love Brendan Rodgers and his overall philosophies regarding the importance of supporters, he has to shoulder the blame along with his squad. Many of his signings are either just not good enough or not coming along at the pace needed for Liverpool to contend for top four and silverware consistently. His strange reliance on a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, when it has produced next to no goals has proven another undoing. Unless he plans to play Balotelli as a winder with a top three of Balotelli, Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge, then it becomes more and more unclear why he would not want the team to be more accustomed to two strikers. Many are also upset with his choice of words during pre and post-match press conferences, but I could write an entirely different blog about the silliness in worrying about that.
The entire team of players needs to shoulder the blame as well. While several players had decent to good matches, the bottom line is the entire team is just not getting it done. This team is such a conundrum, that even supporters have no clear clue about who should be in the starting 11. While talent wise, Balotelli is still the best scoring option for a striker, some want him out of the team even though Rickie Lambert and Fabrio Borini have given little actual evidence they will produce anything more than Mario other than work rate. Though Sterling and Coutinho had good matches, causing several problems with their pace and attacking style, they too did not produce anything substantial. Sterling seems to lack that final touch this season, almost always dribbling too close to an opponent or putting too much touch on a ball thus allowing a defender the opportunity to claim it.
The same can be said of Coutinho, though he has more claim to reigning in his mistakes in recent matches. You can go player to player, man to man and pick faults with every single one that have either not benefited the club or hindered it. Kolo Toure had a good performance against Real Madrid, midweek, but if you look within yourself does he really instill more confidence or any less cringe-worthy moments than Lovren or Martin Skrtel? Skrtel did an excellent job containing Diego Costa on this day, but there were many articles calling for his head to be the one Toure replaced instead of Lovren for the Chelsea match. Glen Johnson had a very good match against the Blues as well, but still made his usual Glen Johnson mistakes. They were simply not as damaging as they have been in matches past.
The clear question moving forward is what can each man do to improve the team and how can Brendan Rodgers make improvements either by squad changes, changes in the transfer window or simply by trying a new formation. Fans and supporters and pundits can cry for change in the squad, but until a player gives BR absolutely no possible opportunity for them to not play, then the starting 11 will always be a contentious spot. Toure and Borini had good matches in Champions League, but other than personal bias' against their potential replacements, would they really instill that much more confidence in a supporter for a different result?
There is no clear reason, especially with the money spent, why Glen Johnson continues to gain a starting spot. However, can we really say that Javier Manquillo has performed so well that he should be given the nod ever single time? The answer to all of these is no. Say what you will about Rodgers, but I still believe he knows talent on his own pitch very well. His ability to judge what talent to bring in remains to be seen. But if that is true, then he sees who is training well and who gives his squad the best opportunity on each day. So yes it is Rodgers' fault for picking the squads who are not performing up to snuff, but it is also each players fault for not performing up to the quality that put them in the squad or for not performing well enough in training to replace the players that so many question.
The supporters dissatisfaction is palpable and understandably so. There is simply no consistency for this club, even in the way they lose matches. While I was one who argued that a 1-0 loss to Madrid was a decent result and the team should be proud of the way they played, I feel the complete opposite for the result against Chelsea. Let no man say I am taking credit away from the Blues. They played an excellent match. They minimized mistakes and were only made to pay for one cruel deflection early in the game. Liverpool, on the other hand, had several decent performances individually but were just so inept at times that I'm sure several people lost beverages and gained gray hairs. The stretch from the 30th minute to the 35th had so many mistakes it looked like a youth squad taking on Chelsea.
Liverpool must play better, plain and simple. They have to return to basics. It does not matter they were taking on the team at the top of the table. It does not matter if they were playing the team at the bottom. Their own form is lacking right now and has to be changed. There are too many cute passes or cheeky plays and when you are not in good form those plays do not come off. Liverpool needs to be more direct and forceful. You cannot have passes that barely hit their target or do not hit the target at all. It is not even a problem with through balls, it is passes to players feet that do not have the pace on them to not be intercepted. The Reds need to be sure of every ball and every clearance for a time. If they do that then the skill plays will come. There is so much skill in this team, but at the moment it is not upstairs and that is a huge issue.
As a personal opinion, other than the attacking players, there are few Chelsea players that are just far and away better skill-wise than what Liverpool has right now. The difference is in the brain. Chelsea is so sure of what they are doing that their skill is allowed to shine. Liverpool doubts so much of what they do, at the moment, that their skill makes them look like bumblers due to indecision. Luckily for Liverpool, it is a league-wide problem at the moment. With all the blunders and poor matches Liverpool have had, they are currently only 8th with several squads above them that most would doubt can hold their position an entire season. Manchester City's results, given all their money spent, put them in the same boat of having lots of skill or potential talent but just not having the mental stability to keep it all in step. The Reds just have to play smarter. You can have all the skill in the world, but if you don't have the mental capacity to clear balls at the right time or be aware of your defensive markings then you're not helping the club. You can have all the skill and pace in the world, but if you cannot link up with your fellow midfielders or attackers and constantly put balls into the opposition then you're doing no good. You can have all the technical ability and strike wonder goals all day in training, but if you do not have the mental ability to play with your team and see the runs they make or work hard in the box, then it is all for naught.
As the supporters do, I still have faith in this squad to finish in the top four. I still believe the inclusion of Daniel Sturridge up top will open up a lot of space. The thing that worries most is, even if Sturridge is a missing link, is this team really set up for long term success if their success is based on one man. No matter how good he is or can be, Liverpool have to find ways to be successful even if Sturridge is not playing or not playing at his best. That was shown in today's match when no matter how much skill anyone showed in flashes, it just wasn't there the entire time and mental mistakes were the huge gap between the Reds and Blues. Liverpool has many questions still and have to find the answers now before the gap between 8th and 4th is too much to climb. The international break may be a good thing for the club this time. The player's poor form may mean more club practice time than international action. Perhaps it will reset focus as well. Three matches remain in November and Liverpool needs three points in each. Crystal Palace, Ludogorets and Stoke won't be easy, but if Liverpool is to be Liverpool once more then it has to be three points from each. It seems tough my friends, but we and the club must Walk On.
Some readers will accuse me of sitting on the fence, but the truth is seeing with a clear head is the only way to look at these situations. It is a main reason that my blogs are not usually finished for several hours after a match. You have to let the blood cool and think clearly, without the passion of a supporter, which is very difficult at the time. The truth is, this is a team-wide problem. Blame lays from the owners down to the players. Some may stick out more than others, but all deserve credit for the failings of this team.
As much as I love Brendan Rodgers and his overall philosophies regarding the importance of supporters, he has to shoulder the blame along with his squad. Many of his signings are either just not good enough or not coming along at the pace needed for Liverpool to contend for top four and silverware consistently. His strange reliance on a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, when it has produced next to no goals has proven another undoing. Unless he plans to play Balotelli as a winder with a top three of Balotelli, Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge, then it becomes more and more unclear why he would not want the team to be more accustomed to two strikers. Many are also upset with his choice of words during pre and post-match press conferences, but I could write an entirely different blog about the silliness in worrying about that.
The entire team of players needs to shoulder the blame as well. While several players had decent to good matches, the bottom line is the entire team is just not getting it done. This team is such a conundrum, that even supporters have no clear clue about who should be in the starting 11. While talent wise, Balotelli is still the best scoring option for a striker, some want him out of the team even though Rickie Lambert and Fabrio Borini have given little actual evidence they will produce anything more than Mario other than work rate. Though Sterling and Coutinho had good matches, causing several problems with their pace and attacking style, they too did not produce anything substantial. Sterling seems to lack that final touch this season, almost always dribbling too close to an opponent or putting too much touch on a ball thus allowing a defender the opportunity to claim it.
The same can be said of Coutinho, though he has more claim to reigning in his mistakes in recent matches. You can go player to player, man to man and pick faults with every single one that have either not benefited the club or hindered it. Kolo Toure had a good performance against Real Madrid, midweek, but if you look within yourself does he really instill more confidence or any less cringe-worthy moments than Lovren or Martin Skrtel? Skrtel did an excellent job containing Diego Costa on this day, but there were many articles calling for his head to be the one Toure replaced instead of Lovren for the Chelsea match. Glen Johnson had a very good match against the Blues as well, but still made his usual Glen Johnson mistakes. They were simply not as damaging as they have been in matches past.
The clear question moving forward is what can each man do to improve the team and how can Brendan Rodgers make improvements either by squad changes, changes in the transfer window or simply by trying a new formation. Fans and supporters and pundits can cry for change in the squad, but until a player gives BR absolutely no possible opportunity for them to not play, then the starting 11 will always be a contentious spot. Toure and Borini had good matches in Champions League, but other than personal bias' against their potential replacements, would they really instill that much more confidence in a supporter for a different result?
There is no clear reason, especially with the money spent, why Glen Johnson continues to gain a starting spot. However, can we really say that Javier Manquillo has performed so well that he should be given the nod ever single time? The answer to all of these is no. Say what you will about Rodgers, but I still believe he knows talent on his own pitch very well. His ability to judge what talent to bring in remains to be seen. But if that is true, then he sees who is training well and who gives his squad the best opportunity on each day. So yes it is Rodgers' fault for picking the squads who are not performing up to snuff, but it is also each players fault for not performing up to the quality that put them in the squad or for not performing well enough in training to replace the players that so many question.
The supporters dissatisfaction is palpable and understandably so. There is simply no consistency for this club, even in the way they lose matches. While I was one who argued that a 1-0 loss to Madrid was a decent result and the team should be proud of the way they played, I feel the complete opposite for the result against Chelsea. Let no man say I am taking credit away from the Blues. They played an excellent match. They minimized mistakes and were only made to pay for one cruel deflection early in the game. Liverpool, on the other hand, had several decent performances individually but were just so inept at times that I'm sure several people lost beverages and gained gray hairs. The stretch from the 30th minute to the 35th had so many mistakes it looked like a youth squad taking on Chelsea.
Liverpool must play better, plain and simple. They have to return to basics. It does not matter they were taking on the team at the top of the table. It does not matter if they were playing the team at the bottom. Their own form is lacking right now and has to be changed. There are too many cute passes or cheeky plays and when you are not in good form those plays do not come off. Liverpool needs to be more direct and forceful. You cannot have passes that barely hit their target or do not hit the target at all. It is not even a problem with through balls, it is passes to players feet that do not have the pace on them to not be intercepted. The Reds need to be sure of every ball and every clearance for a time. If they do that then the skill plays will come. There is so much skill in this team, but at the moment it is not upstairs and that is a huge issue.
As a personal opinion, other than the attacking players, there are few Chelsea players that are just far and away better skill-wise than what Liverpool has right now. The difference is in the brain. Chelsea is so sure of what they are doing that their skill is allowed to shine. Liverpool doubts so much of what they do, at the moment, that their skill makes them look like bumblers due to indecision. Luckily for Liverpool, it is a league-wide problem at the moment. With all the blunders and poor matches Liverpool have had, they are currently only 8th with several squads above them that most would doubt can hold their position an entire season. Manchester City's results, given all their money spent, put them in the same boat of having lots of skill or potential talent but just not having the mental stability to keep it all in step. The Reds just have to play smarter. You can have all the skill in the world, but if you don't have the mental capacity to clear balls at the right time or be aware of your defensive markings then you're not helping the club. You can have all the skill and pace in the world, but if you cannot link up with your fellow midfielders or attackers and constantly put balls into the opposition then you're doing no good. You can have all the technical ability and strike wonder goals all day in training, but if you do not have the mental ability to play with your team and see the runs they make or work hard in the box, then it is all for naught.
As the supporters do, I still have faith in this squad to finish in the top four. I still believe the inclusion of Daniel Sturridge up top will open up a lot of space. The thing that worries most is, even if Sturridge is a missing link, is this team really set up for long term success if their success is based on one man. No matter how good he is or can be, Liverpool have to find ways to be successful even if Sturridge is not playing or not playing at his best. That was shown in today's match when no matter how much skill anyone showed in flashes, it just wasn't there the entire time and mental mistakes were the huge gap between the Reds and Blues. Liverpool has many questions still and have to find the answers now before the gap between 8th and 4th is too much to climb. The international break may be a good thing for the club this time. The player's poor form may mean more club practice time than international action. Perhaps it will reset focus as well. Three matches remain in November and Liverpool needs three points in each. Crystal Palace, Ludogorets and Stoke won't be easy, but if Liverpool is to be Liverpool once more then it has to be three points from each. It seems tough my friends, but we and the club must Walk On.
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
In the eye of the beholder
Rarely can a match be seen so differently by so many people. This, though, is the case following Tuesday's 1-0 defeat at Real Madrid. Reactions varied between utter disgust at the lack of fortitude from manager Brendan Rodgers, by sitting his top name players, to borderline joy almost to the extent you might think the team had won. Everything in between was fair game as well. Truly, this match saw the beauty, or lack their of, in the eye of the beholder.
Before I give my own thoughts on the match, let me air my grievances with the uber-detractors. Those in the states who watch ESPN FC know that Liverpool FC's own Steve Nicol is on the show and sometimes leaves his unbiased reporter hat at the door. Nicol, as well as former Chelsea man, Craig Burley raked Liverpool, their supporters and their manager over the coals for suggesting that this result was anything but the end of the world. They went on and on, Nicol even becoming somewhat red-faced, about how this was Liverpool FC and nobody associated with the club should ever feel good about a 1-0 defeat. Come back to reality my Scottish friends. Come back to the present day.
By no means should anyone strive to lose a game. Players, no matter whether a world superstar or a weekend warrior, should strive to put their best out there and try to win a match. But to sit there and base what other people feel about a result solely on the historic nature of a club is just silly. Yes, the history of Liverpool is vast and should be respected. Yes, the fans and supporters should want their club to return to such lofty heights. But to think that this squad, as presently constituted, should be able to just impose their will on a team that is has more talent and more finances behind them at this point is a backwards view. The Reds were severely hampered by the ownership of George Gillett and Tom Hicks.
Despite last year's success and several up and coming talents, this is a club that is still composed of man players that finished 7th, 6th, 8th and 7th the last few years. This is not the Liverpool of old and to automatically expect the same kind of finishes just isn't realistic. Sitting on a couch in front of a camera saying Liverpool have won this and that and are champions has no bearing on this year's club or this result. Yankee fans had no right thinking their team could win a World Series this year despite how many championships they have won. Apples and oranges perhaps, but the past does not always apply today. Coming into this season many thought results would be different than they have turned out, but if you look at the team today and the way they have played in past games, then this is not a terrible result. Outside of those facts, each issue comes down to the eye of the beholder.
My own thoughts are, I was disappointed with the loss but encouraged by the unity of the team. Anyone who read my blog after the Newcastle match, saw that a big takeaway from that was the Reds played as 10 individuals and had no cohesion. There was a gulf in the skill level between the two squads, no doubt. Liverpool could not match Real for touch, power or speed. Tenacity and will were the only traits the Reds could match or surpass the Galacticos in on this night. And the takeaway, perhaps, is that's enough.
Is it disappointing that our club has fallen from the ranks of the world powers? Is it disheartening that a Liverpool reserve squad got a better finish than the starters? Should we expect more from the manager and the players themselves? Yes on all accounts has to be the answer. But this result can at least give some hope for matches going forward. The big thing that popped out to me was, despite Kolo Toure losing his mark on the Madrid goal, the Liverpool defense played well overall. If they pull out that sort of performance against Chelsea on the weekend, then supporters would be right to expect points from that match.
Was Brendan Rodgers right to sit certain players? That is the question only you can answer. I was disappointed for Steven Gerrard, simply because he has had to endure so much for this club and to not be rewarded with a Champions League start had to be a blow. However, many in the media and in the supporters have said that Gerrard is getting up in age and can't play three games in a week. If this is true, why is it so terrible for him to be saved for a pivotal weekend game? The starters and big name players had not produced a really positive result all season, despite eeking out wins. So why is it not ok to play some of the younger players and get them much needed experience in such a grand stage in a world renowned tournament?
Now, before we think things are all too rosy, there are still large questions looming over the club. BR's reluctance to shift to any formation that doesn't resemble a 4-3-3 has produced nothing. It hasn't mattered who the lone striker is. Balotelli, Borini and Lambert have all failed to score in a lone striker role outside of cup matches. The defense, while solid, still looks slow and allowed several dangerous crosses. The midfield still lacks that needed passing touch to link up with the attack. The only problem that, for the moment, seems solved is Simon Mingolet's lack of form.
So what is the takeaway? Again, it is in the eye of the beholder. As is usual, I am somewhere in the middle. I was hoping for result as were many. Like many, I was not expecting a result given the team's recent form and the form of Madrid. Yet there was enough shown in the Champions League match at the Bernabeu to give people a bit of hope for the coming weeks. Only time will tell. And as is true with the league, this team can still accomplish the goals they set at the start of the year. All it takes is a good run of form. Walk on.
Before I give my own thoughts on the match, let me air my grievances with the uber-detractors. Those in the states who watch ESPN FC know that Liverpool FC's own Steve Nicol is on the show and sometimes leaves his unbiased reporter hat at the door. Nicol, as well as former Chelsea man, Craig Burley raked Liverpool, their supporters and their manager over the coals for suggesting that this result was anything but the end of the world. They went on and on, Nicol even becoming somewhat red-faced, about how this was Liverpool FC and nobody associated with the club should ever feel good about a 1-0 defeat. Come back to reality my Scottish friends. Come back to the present day.
By no means should anyone strive to lose a game. Players, no matter whether a world superstar or a weekend warrior, should strive to put their best out there and try to win a match. But to sit there and base what other people feel about a result solely on the historic nature of a club is just silly. Yes, the history of Liverpool is vast and should be respected. Yes, the fans and supporters should want their club to return to such lofty heights. But to think that this squad, as presently constituted, should be able to just impose their will on a team that is has more talent and more finances behind them at this point is a backwards view. The Reds were severely hampered by the ownership of George Gillett and Tom Hicks.
Despite last year's success and several up and coming talents, this is a club that is still composed of man players that finished 7th, 6th, 8th and 7th the last few years. This is not the Liverpool of old and to automatically expect the same kind of finishes just isn't realistic. Sitting on a couch in front of a camera saying Liverpool have won this and that and are champions has no bearing on this year's club or this result. Yankee fans had no right thinking their team could win a World Series this year despite how many championships they have won. Apples and oranges perhaps, but the past does not always apply today. Coming into this season many thought results would be different than they have turned out, but if you look at the team today and the way they have played in past games, then this is not a terrible result. Outside of those facts, each issue comes down to the eye of the beholder.
My own thoughts are, I was disappointed with the loss but encouraged by the unity of the team. Anyone who read my blog after the Newcastle match, saw that a big takeaway from that was the Reds played as 10 individuals and had no cohesion. There was a gulf in the skill level between the two squads, no doubt. Liverpool could not match Real for touch, power or speed. Tenacity and will were the only traits the Reds could match or surpass the Galacticos in on this night. And the takeaway, perhaps, is that's enough.
Is it disappointing that our club has fallen from the ranks of the world powers? Is it disheartening that a Liverpool reserve squad got a better finish than the starters? Should we expect more from the manager and the players themselves? Yes on all accounts has to be the answer. But this result can at least give some hope for matches going forward. The big thing that popped out to me was, despite Kolo Toure losing his mark on the Madrid goal, the Liverpool defense played well overall. If they pull out that sort of performance against Chelsea on the weekend, then supporters would be right to expect points from that match.
Was Brendan Rodgers right to sit certain players? That is the question only you can answer. I was disappointed for Steven Gerrard, simply because he has had to endure so much for this club and to not be rewarded with a Champions League start had to be a blow. However, many in the media and in the supporters have said that Gerrard is getting up in age and can't play three games in a week. If this is true, why is it so terrible for him to be saved for a pivotal weekend game? The starters and big name players had not produced a really positive result all season, despite eeking out wins. So why is it not ok to play some of the younger players and get them much needed experience in such a grand stage in a world renowned tournament?
Now, before we think things are all too rosy, there are still large questions looming over the club. BR's reluctance to shift to any formation that doesn't resemble a 4-3-3 has produced nothing. It hasn't mattered who the lone striker is. Balotelli, Borini and Lambert have all failed to score in a lone striker role outside of cup matches. The defense, while solid, still looks slow and allowed several dangerous crosses. The midfield still lacks that needed passing touch to link up with the attack. The only problem that, for the moment, seems solved is Simon Mingolet's lack of form.
So what is the takeaway? Again, it is in the eye of the beholder. As is usual, I am somewhere in the middle. I was hoping for result as were many. Like many, I was not expecting a result given the team's recent form and the form of Madrid. Yet there was enough shown in the Champions League match at the Bernabeu to give people a bit of hope for the coming weeks. Only time will tell. And as is true with the league, this team can still accomplish the goals they set at the start of the year. All it takes is a good run of form. Walk on.
Saturday, November 1, 2014
What to do? What to do...?
Well, another weekend performance leaves many supporters of the Kop scratching their heads and asking what to do. A very underwhelming 1-0 loss to Newcastle, on the road, brings up all the old questions and maybe even a few new ones. What are Liverpool to do? What formation should they be playing? Who should be playing in that formation? Is it the manager, the players or a combination?
Without even going on social media, I already know Mario Balotelli's detractors are having a field day with this game. Another match without a goal. Several moments of lackadaisical play. Etc. and so on and so forth. The man is not Luis Suarez. Never was. Never will be. The sooner people fully grasp that, the sooner they can accept the fact that Balotelli is going to be a part of this team for the full season and Liverpool can win games and score goals with him in the side. He is not going to go full boar for every single ball. He is not going to track down every lost pass. He is going to look a bit silly on occasion, trying to draw fouls where there are none (Suarez did this as well by the way). Regardless of your or my own opinion on the level of effort, those items in and of themselves, do not make the man a poor player. Nor do they mean that he lost the game himself.
Today's loss to Newcastle was another prime example of a bad effort by the entire team, as a team. Right now, Liverpool look like 10 individuals out there on the pitch. There seems to be little cohesion with anyone. Right now, everyone needs to take blame for the losses because there seems to be nobody to not blame. The only person you might exclude today would be Steven Gerrard and maybe Simon Mingolet. Everyone else played a hand, or did not play a hand as the case actually seems to be, in not getting any result against Newcastle.
Nothing against Newcastle, they came out with a game plan and executed it very well and were able to poach a goal late in the contest. On the other hand, Liverpool not only look disinterested at times, they look confused. There is still strong support for Brendan Rodgers, as there should be in the grand scheme of things. Yet, under the microcosm of this game and the last few weeks, the manager must share the blame. Rodgers has been too stubborn in his relentless pursuit of keeping all his midfield signings happy, to the detriment of the team. The 4-3-3 and/or the 4-2-3-1 simply has not worked. While I am a strong supporter of Mario Balotelli, if Rodgers was dead set on playing one up top so all the talent could be employed through the midfield, then certainly the Italian enigma was the wrong choice.
Despite the lack of speed and perhaps even creativity it provides, the Reds looked their best in attack when Balotelli had a partner up top in Rickie Lambert during the Capital One Cup match. Most would say that warranted a longer look, but BR must disagree. Even on the American broadcast of the match, they pointed out when Lambert came on, Balotelli then was told to come to more of a wing position. Down the road, when Daniel Sturridge is healthy, perhaps that would be an option. Sturridge up front, Balotelli and Sterling on the wings and midfield and defense set up behind that. But this hard-nosed approach to not even attempt a top two seems wrong headed at this juncture.
Liverpool need something different in the attack. Rodgers must either find a system that suits Balotelli or figure out what roster to use without him, because jamming square pegs into round holes isn't working. Also, the rest of the team needs to take a long look in the mirror. The defense is just abysmal at the moment. Mignolet, while not at fault in much today, looks lost at times especially when called to charge after lobbed balls. The back four is also just a shamble right now. Lovren seems to be trying to live up to his contract too much instead of just playing football. Skrtel plays his guts out most games, but is almost always good for one critical mistake or silly foul. Moreno looked lost against Newcastle, mostly because of the position he was put in.
The scouting might have shown that using Moreno in a more attacking role was a good plan, but the employment of the plan was non-existent. Moreno looked so uncomfortable, he often refused to take anyone on and would simply pass back to where ever the ball had come from. Again, Rodgers seemed too stubborn and even when Newcastle were pressing the attack, a back three seemed to be the system employed. And then there's everyone's favorite, Glen Johnson. For awhile it seemed it might have been just fans being too harsh on him, but now it is more evident why there is an overall disdain for the left back.
Johnson, no doubt, tries his best but he just isn't deserving of a starting spot right now. The only logical answer to the question of why he's in there could be that Liverpool want to showcase him to get a higher bid in January. It seems to be backfiring. While Johnson was not directly at fault for the goal scored, as a former goalkeeper, nothing is more infuriating to see than the defense continually backing away from the attack as Johnson and his mates did on the scoring play. There were several opportunities for a tackle further up field, but so much room was given that when the gap was closed a tackle was out of question since they were in the area. Nothing seems to change though.
Rodgers sees this team every day in training. He knows their strengths and weaknesses. He sees who is providing the effort and improving. That is what makes it so infuriating as a fan to see the same issues pop up almost every game. What is Manquillo not doing during the week to not see more minutes come the weekend? What are Lambert and Borini doing or not doing to not be given a chance up top alongside Balotelli? Why is Rodgers so keen on sticking with a system that doesn't even seem to produce chances, regardless of the talent of Sterling and Coutinho?
This team has to start finding answers. While they remain in the top 10, despite a rather uninspiring start, there are just too many questions. It's too early for fatigue to be a real issue. There is too much skill and potential for there not to be, at least, more scoring chances. I don't base success and problems on the money spent. Yet, there just has to be something more given by all who wear the crest right now. The questions have to be answered, because status quo is not working and this team, as Brendan Rodgers has even pointed out, cannot pin their hopes on Daniel Sturridge returning alone.
Without even going on social media, I already know Mario Balotelli's detractors are having a field day with this game. Another match without a goal. Several moments of lackadaisical play. Etc. and so on and so forth. The man is not Luis Suarez. Never was. Never will be. The sooner people fully grasp that, the sooner they can accept the fact that Balotelli is going to be a part of this team for the full season and Liverpool can win games and score goals with him in the side. He is not going to go full boar for every single ball. He is not going to track down every lost pass. He is going to look a bit silly on occasion, trying to draw fouls where there are none (Suarez did this as well by the way). Regardless of your or my own opinion on the level of effort, those items in and of themselves, do not make the man a poor player. Nor do they mean that he lost the game himself.
Today's loss to Newcastle was another prime example of a bad effort by the entire team, as a team. Right now, Liverpool look like 10 individuals out there on the pitch. There seems to be little cohesion with anyone. Right now, everyone needs to take blame for the losses because there seems to be nobody to not blame. The only person you might exclude today would be Steven Gerrard and maybe Simon Mingolet. Everyone else played a hand, or did not play a hand as the case actually seems to be, in not getting any result against Newcastle.
Nothing against Newcastle, they came out with a game plan and executed it very well and were able to poach a goal late in the contest. On the other hand, Liverpool not only look disinterested at times, they look confused. There is still strong support for Brendan Rodgers, as there should be in the grand scheme of things. Yet, under the microcosm of this game and the last few weeks, the manager must share the blame. Rodgers has been too stubborn in his relentless pursuit of keeping all his midfield signings happy, to the detriment of the team. The 4-3-3 and/or the 4-2-3-1 simply has not worked. While I am a strong supporter of Mario Balotelli, if Rodgers was dead set on playing one up top so all the talent could be employed through the midfield, then certainly the Italian enigma was the wrong choice.
Despite the lack of speed and perhaps even creativity it provides, the Reds looked their best in attack when Balotelli had a partner up top in Rickie Lambert during the Capital One Cup match. Most would say that warranted a longer look, but BR must disagree. Even on the American broadcast of the match, they pointed out when Lambert came on, Balotelli then was told to come to more of a wing position. Down the road, when Daniel Sturridge is healthy, perhaps that would be an option. Sturridge up front, Balotelli and Sterling on the wings and midfield and defense set up behind that. But this hard-nosed approach to not even attempt a top two seems wrong headed at this juncture.
Liverpool need something different in the attack. Rodgers must either find a system that suits Balotelli or figure out what roster to use without him, because jamming square pegs into round holes isn't working. Also, the rest of the team needs to take a long look in the mirror. The defense is just abysmal at the moment. Mignolet, while not at fault in much today, looks lost at times especially when called to charge after lobbed balls. The back four is also just a shamble right now. Lovren seems to be trying to live up to his contract too much instead of just playing football. Skrtel plays his guts out most games, but is almost always good for one critical mistake or silly foul. Moreno looked lost against Newcastle, mostly because of the position he was put in.
The scouting might have shown that using Moreno in a more attacking role was a good plan, but the employment of the plan was non-existent. Moreno looked so uncomfortable, he often refused to take anyone on and would simply pass back to where ever the ball had come from. Again, Rodgers seemed too stubborn and even when Newcastle were pressing the attack, a back three seemed to be the system employed. And then there's everyone's favorite, Glen Johnson. For awhile it seemed it might have been just fans being too harsh on him, but now it is more evident why there is an overall disdain for the left back.
Johnson, no doubt, tries his best but he just isn't deserving of a starting spot right now. The only logical answer to the question of why he's in there could be that Liverpool want to showcase him to get a higher bid in January. It seems to be backfiring. While Johnson was not directly at fault for the goal scored, as a former goalkeeper, nothing is more infuriating to see than the defense continually backing away from the attack as Johnson and his mates did on the scoring play. There were several opportunities for a tackle further up field, but so much room was given that when the gap was closed a tackle was out of question since they were in the area. Nothing seems to change though.
Rodgers sees this team every day in training. He knows their strengths and weaknesses. He sees who is providing the effort and improving. That is what makes it so infuriating as a fan to see the same issues pop up almost every game. What is Manquillo not doing during the week to not see more minutes come the weekend? What are Lambert and Borini doing or not doing to not be given a chance up top alongside Balotelli? Why is Rodgers so keen on sticking with a system that doesn't even seem to produce chances, regardless of the talent of Sterling and Coutinho?
This team has to start finding answers. While they remain in the top 10, despite a rather uninspiring start, there are just too many questions. It's too early for fatigue to be a real issue. There is too much skill and potential for there not to be, at least, more scoring chances. I don't base success and problems on the money spent. Yet, there just has to be something more given by all who wear the crest right now. The questions have to be answered, because status quo is not working and this team, as Brendan Rodgers has even pointed out, cannot pin their hopes on Daniel Sturridge returning alone.
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