A win is a win

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.