The Reds returned to league action after what seemed like an eternity of cup matches in recent memory. They did so in fine fashion as well taking down West Ham United by a final of 2-0. Liverpool could, and perhaps should, have had more goals as well. In typical Liverpool fashion for this year, there were mistakes made along the way that keep their performances from being very good or great. However, there cannot be too many complaints following a victory against a side that was a point up in the table before the match began.
Since columns are usually written by whiney, frustrated people I may as well join their ranks for a few paragraphs and begin with the things I saw wrong with this match. Firstly, though a very talented player, Lazar Markovic returned to his shaky form from earlier this season. Markovic has speed up and down the field and hustles non-stop. It is his touch that falters him in important moments though.
In the seventh minute, Markovic failed to convert what should have been an early goal. It was not a gimme shot, but still for one as talented as he and one with the aspirations of being an Anfield legend, you have to put those away. Markovic also blasted one wide of the post just before the halftime break, which would have also put his team up by a goal again. He was clearly disappointed in himself, but the shot was not overly rushed and though there were some players in front it has to be put in the net.
Markovic was by no means the only player to falter in their attacking. Alberto Moreno was set up with a very nice cross by Raheem Sterling in the 47th minute. Moreno was unmarked and managed only to flail his left leg at the ball and connect just enough to at least keep the ball in play. Moreno is more of an attacking defender, in the mold of Roberto Carlos, but it was still a golden opportunity that needs to be better handled. Jordan Henderson also continued to prove that there is a pretty big drop off from Steven Gerrard to himself.
Henderson should not aspire to be Stevie G. It is an effort in futility. Henderson just isn't the quality of Gerrard and probably never will be. That does not mean that he is not or cannot be a top player at the club. Henderson gives his best on the pitch almost every game. He just lacks that final ball or touch that Gerrard brings to the captaincy. There were two free kicks that pop to mind, including the 70th minute, where Hendo blasted it right into the wall. He is not beyond learning to get better touch on those, but for right now Liverpool will have to find someone with better quality to replace Gerrard on free kicks come next season.
Before you begin to wonder where all this negativity comes from and think perhaps you were dreaming and the scoreline was reversed, fear not. Liverpool was indeed victorious and there were many good things to come from the match. Liverpool kept a clean sheet for the fourth match in a row. The defense, while still questionable and still giving fans that queezy feeling, played a very solid match. West Ham did not have a shot on target until the 32nd minute. With the exception of set pieces, the Hammers really created nothing from the flow of play. The one nit-picky item of mention regarding the back three was their inability to make quick passes out. Too often in the first half, they were forced to retreat in possession. This may well be due to a lack of off the ball movement, but the bottom line was West Ham continually pressured the ball and Liverpool were forced backward more than one would like.
The offense was very good. As previously mentioned, they did not finish as many chances as they should have. In addition to the misses by Henderson and Markovic, Jordan Ibe and Daniel Sturridge did not capitalize on chances in the 78th and 83rd minutes. Overall, however, they were good on the passes. Most balls were within a range that, even if they failed to do so, they had an opportunity to obtain and push into space. Sterling continued to show his growth as a star and his connection with Coutinho as they connected on Liverpool's first goal.
Liverpool were a bit fortunate with the deflection, but the chip pass from Coutinho to Sterling was cheekily created and deftly handled. Sterling then showed good composure - something that has at times lacked in his game this season - and slotted it past the goalkeeper. While he still occasionally tries to over-perform, Sterling continues to show that when he is within himself and composed that he could be an all-world caliber player. It may still be a likelihood to happen, Liverpool need to get pen to paper on a new deal for young Raheem.
One would be remiss to not mention the return of Daniel Sturridge as one of the biggest positives. Sturridge lacked his usual first touch, no doubt caused by not playing a game since August. He looked clearly rusty and a bit over-eager to run around. However, both he and the team looked very good when together on the pitch for the first time in almost five months. Liverpool looked very similar to their attack of last season with a formation of Sturridge, Sterling and Coutinho all rotating around. If Sturrige had not scored, his return would still have been a good omen of things to come with the ease the attacking line slipped into with his inclusion.
Sturridge was not about to let a chance to put his own little chapter in the Anfield annals though. 15 had a couple of good chances, as mentioned, in the 78th minute. Then, only two minutes later, Sturridge would bury one in the 80th minute to put his team up by two. Not only was the shot powerful and accurate, but with his weak foot. That is definitely an encouraging sign due to the fact that even when the SAS connection was flying last season, Sturridge's weak foot was often a weakness that he was uncomfortable using. On this evening, Sturridge struck the ball with supreme confidence and coupled with the sharp angle, made the goal all the more impressive.
Liverpool may still have questions within the squad. They may still not have quite enough to regularly challenge the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City, but they continue to move in positive ways. The moves made in the lineup are beneficial more than hindrances, as they were earlier. Lallana fit in well in his more central role and despite his falterings on this night, Markovic has proven that he is more than capable of playing a wing attacker or a more defensive winger position as well. That does nothing but help the depth of this club as they continue forward with Europa competitions and the FA Cup. Mistakes are made by just about any club. The important thing, for now, is the belief has returned. Walk on.
Random Thoughs:
- Liverpool need to take advantage of their fixture list in the league coming up. With the exception of the City match on March 1, all of February and March feature winnable games. If Liverpool can continue their current form, they could easily find themselves contending for a top four spot in April and May.
- Being a keeper, it pains me a bit to mention, but the manner in which keepers get so butt-hurt with the smallest of touches is aggravating. Adrian, West Ham's goalkeeper, was brushed along the ribs by Coutinho - who was trying to avoid contact. By his reaction, you would think Adrian had been shanked in the lunch line at the state penitentiary. Really? Goalkeepers are not accustomed to being hit, but these sorts of overreactions are not beneficial to the game.
- Speaking of overacting, I'm tired of players putting their teammates in peril because they want to lay on the deck in hopes of earning their opponent a yellow card. Markovic went down in the box after being grazed along the face and stayed down for a good 30 seconds. He is by no means the only player to do such things, but sooner or later those sorts of actions will be punished by an attack taking advantage of one fewer player involving themselves in the play.
Saturday, January 31, 2015
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Liverpool Lack the Quality to Defeat Chelsea
Before we get into the bulk of this, let me preface this blog by saying that I missed much of the match. Sometimes life takes precedence. Having said that, on to the game. Liverpool did what they needed to do for a decent portion of this game with one of their rivals, Chelsea. The Blues are one of the best teams in the world and showed it at the end of the extra time.
It can be hard for Liverpool supporters to stomach, especially those that have friends who support the Blues, but this season they have shown themselves to be one of the best in the world. It is a good showing for the Reds in that they have put themselves in a position to challenge Chelsea. The Liverpool from the beginning of the season would not have even reached extra time in this sort of matchup. In fact, the contest may have been decided long before had the Reds played the way they were at the start of the season. However, there really is no silver lining. Regardless of any positivity in terms of progress, the simple fact is that at the end of extra time, Liverpool were dreadful.
Liverpool had their chances during the game. They put 15 balls toward the goal and 4 on target. Thibault Courtois made a few really good saves, but Liverpool just lack that critical finisher, regardless of the amount of potential talent they have on the field. The second half of extra time was a prime example of this. As mentioned, Chelsea is one of the top 5 clubs in the world right now, but Liverpool just don't have the ability to break down a defense at the moment. Even with great talents like Raheem Sterling and Phillipe Coutinho, world class players like Gerrard, or decent players like Jordan Henderson they simply cannot consistently slice through a defense the way they did last season.
They have moments of brilliance. The passing to set up Coutinho's chance that was kicked away by Coutinho was clinical. We've seen glimpses of that throughout the year. Simply not enough though. The imminent return of Daniel Sturridge will improve things. If he returns to even part of the form he had last season, he immediately improves the club's ability to score. It is just frustrating that even though we see glimpses, there is still a huge disparity from what the club performed like last season and the big difference has basically been two players missing.
The extra time was extremely disappointing from a tactical standpoint. The Reds looked decent enough until the goal. After that, they really fell apart. They had a few opportunities, but really nothing that troubled the Chelsea goalkeeper. Again, all credit to the Blues. They won the game. However, the disparity in positive possession was quite astounding in the last 15 minutes. Liverpool looked lost. They blindly booted the ball around the pitch or headed the ball aimlessly up field with not inclination of where it might go. The Blues, on the other side, were cool and calm and knocked the ball around with ease. The Reds looked clueless when presented with opportunities on goal. They sailed several balls well over the goal, not even troubling the defense or goalkeeper.
From a Liverpool perspective, it was simply not good enough. Liverpool scored a quality goal at Anfield and had small windows of quality play. But in the grand scheme, over two full matches and two full periods of extra time, they just simply did not do enough to earn the wins. That is something that has to be rectified if Liverpool hope to return to the true upper echelon.
Despite the huge disappointment of not gaining a finals appearance in the league cup, Liverpool can still accomplish good things this season. They have fixed enough of their problems to make a good run at a top four spot. They still have an opportunity to reach Wembly with a good performance against Bolton and a reasonably favorable draw against Crystal Palace. Good things can still come from the rest of this season, but for one match they simply were not good enough. Walk on.
Personal thoughts:
- Blogs are, by nature, somewhat personal. I usually try to separate my deeper feelings from the blog, but I'm going to let a few out here.
- I am a big Brendan Rodgers fan. Most people, from what I've read, hated the reality series Being Liverpool. I loved it. I was really drawn to Rodgers' philosophy and feelings regarding the importance of the supporters and work ethic. However, sometimes he is clearly off his rocker. In the post match interview, he said Liverpool were the better side over the two days and were denied by Courtois. Courtois was the reason Chelsea drew in the first game, but to say you were the better team for two contests when you really weren't isn't reality. I understand trying to set a positive notion in the mind of the team, but some of his attempts to do so are completely from left field.
- Mario Balotelli is lost. I am one of the few, if only, supporters of Super Mario. Having part of my family be Italian makes me bias in that instance and I've seen the man's talent. But right now, even I have to admit he is terrible and just appears lost. I feel bad for him because I do think he wants to perform at Liverpool and wants to play well. However, you can see in his performance that he shoots when he should pass and passes when he should shoot and seems incapable of making the right decision. I hope he turns it around, if for no other reason than I own a Balotelli jersey, but the experiment may be a failure even for this dedicated supporter.
- Sterling and Coutinho have oodles of talent, but they are maddening. Similarly to Balotelli, but on a much smaller scale they like to shoot when they should pass and pass when they should shoot. When challenged by defenders that are actually world class, they seem to shrink. They still attempt to challenge them, but they get way too close to the defenders and often give it away. This is fine for early in matches because you want to test your opposition. When you are in extra time, with a finals appearance on the line, you simply must retain the ball. Too much carelessness. They are young though, so plenty of time to still learn it. Just frustrating for the moment.
- Jose Mourinho is one of the best managers in the world of club football, but he makes statements that make Rodgers look like a lyrical genius. I completely understand sticking up for your team, but to simply ignore anything negative any of his players ever does, from diving to stomping, and yet whine about every single thing that does not go your way is aggravating at best.
- Whether it's FIFA or the FA, if they want to retain credibility they must suspend Diego Costa. Taking all bias out of it, he may have gotten away with the stomps during the match but you cannot allow a player to deliberately stomp on an opponent and not be punished. It would not matter to me if it was a Liverpool player that was the offender in such an instance. Those things cannot be allowed in the game and regardless of who does it, they should be suspended.
15 chances, 4 on target.
BR says they were better side?
It can be hard for Liverpool supporters to stomach, especially those that have friends who support the Blues, but this season they have shown themselves to be one of the best in the world. It is a good showing for the Reds in that they have put themselves in a position to challenge Chelsea. The Liverpool from the beginning of the season would not have even reached extra time in this sort of matchup. In fact, the contest may have been decided long before had the Reds played the way they were at the start of the season. However, there really is no silver lining. Regardless of any positivity in terms of progress, the simple fact is that at the end of extra time, Liverpool were dreadful.
Liverpool had their chances during the game. They put 15 balls toward the goal and 4 on target. Thibault Courtois made a few really good saves, but Liverpool just lack that critical finisher, regardless of the amount of potential talent they have on the field. The second half of extra time was a prime example of this. As mentioned, Chelsea is one of the top 5 clubs in the world right now, but Liverpool just don't have the ability to break down a defense at the moment. Even with great talents like Raheem Sterling and Phillipe Coutinho, world class players like Gerrard, or decent players like Jordan Henderson they simply cannot consistently slice through a defense the way they did last season.
They have moments of brilliance. The passing to set up Coutinho's chance that was kicked away by Coutinho was clinical. We've seen glimpses of that throughout the year. Simply not enough though. The imminent return of Daniel Sturridge will improve things. If he returns to even part of the form he had last season, he immediately improves the club's ability to score. It is just frustrating that even though we see glimpses, there is still a huge disparity from what the club performed like last season and the big difference has basically been two players missing.
The extra time was extremely disappointing from a tactical standpoint. The Reds looked decent enough until the goal. After that, they really fell apart. They had a few opportunities, but really nothing that troubled the Chelsea goalkeeper. Again, all credit to the Blues. They won the game. However, the disparity in positive possession was quite astounding in the last 15 minutes. Liverpool looked lost. They blindly booted the ball around the pitch or headed the ball aimlessly up field with not inclination of where it might go. The Blues, on the other side, were cool and calm and knocked the ball around with ease. The Reds looked clueless when presented with opportunities on goal. They sailed several balls well over the goal, not even troubling the defense or goalkeeper.
From a Liverpool perspective, it was simply not good enough. Liverpool scored a quality goal at Anfield and had small windows of quality play. But in the grand scheme, over two full matches and two full periods of extra time, they just simply did not do enough to earn the wins. That is something that has to be rectified if Liverpool hope to return to the true upper echelon.
Despite the huge disappointment of not gaining a finals appearance in the league cup, Liverpool can still accomplish good things this season. They have fixed enough of their problems to make a good run at a top four spot. They still have an opportunity to reach Wembly with a good performance against Bolton and a reasonably favorable draw against Crystal Palace. Good things can still come from the rest of this season, but for one match they simply were not good enough. Walk on.
Personal thoughts:
- Blogs are, by nature, somewhat personal. I usually try to separate my deeper feelings from the blog, but I'm going to let a few out here.
- I am a big Brendan Rodgers fan. Most people, from what I've read, hated the reality series Being Liverpool. I loved it. I was really drawn to Rodgers' philosophy and feelings regarding the importance of the supporters and work ethic. However, sometimes he is clearly off his rocker. In the post match interview, he said Liverpool were the better side over the two days and were denied by Courtois. Courtois was the reason Chelsea drew in the first game, but to say you were the better team for two contests when you really weren't isn't reality. I understand trying to set a positive notion in the mind of the team, but some of his attempts to do so are completely from left field.
- Mario Balotelli is lost. I am one of the few, if only, supporters of Super Mario. Having part of my family be Italian makes me bias in that instance and I've seen the man's talent. But right now, even I have to admit he is terrible and just appears lost. I feel bad for him because I do think he wants to perform at Liverpool and wants to play well. However, you can see in his performance that he shoots when he should pass and passes when he should shoot and seems incapable of making the right decision. I hope he turns it around, if for no other reason than I own a Balotelli jersey, but the experiment may be a failure even for this dedicated supporter.
- Sterling and Coutinho have oodles of talent, but they are maddening. Similarly to Balotelli, but on a much smaller scale they like to shoot when they should pass and pass when they should shoot. When challenged by defenders that are actually world class, they seem to shrink. They still attempt to challenge them, but they get way too close to the defenders and often give it away. This is fine for early in matches because you want to test your opposition. When you are in extra time, with a finals appearance on the line, you simply must retain the ball. Too much carelessness. They are young though, so plenty of time to still learn it. Just frustrating for the moment.
- Jose Mourinho is one of the best managers in the world of club football, but he makes statements that make Rodgers look like a lyrical genius. I completely understand sticking up for your team, but to simply ignore anything negative any of his players ever does, from diving to stomping, and yet whine about every single thing that does not go your way is aggravating at best.
- Whether it's FIFA or the FA, if they want to retain credibility they must suspend Diego Costa. Taking all bias out of it, he may have gotten away with the stomps during the match but you cannot allow a player to deliberately stomp on an opponent and not be punished. It would not matter to me if it was a Liverpool player that was the offender in such an instance. Those things cannot be allowed in the game and regardless of who does it, they should be suspended.
15 chances, 4 on target.
BR says they were better side?
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Liverpool Face Replay After Drawing With The Wanderers
Before we get into the meat of this, I would like to say I appreciate Fox Sports broadcast of this FA Cup match. Most matches, you don't get to hear the crowd at Anfield sing You'll Never Walk Alone in full voice beforehand, but Fox allows the time before to hear the pageantry. Unless you're just a die hard rival of Liverpool, you have to get taken in by the entire stadium singing. Now then, on to the match.
Brendan Rodgers, again, proved that he's the manager and he'll make the decisions without the question of what others may think. While some may have advocated the inclusion of an actual striker or perhaps even a true center back, Rodgers went his own way. Even if you still want Sterling in the starting XI, you could argue that he should have played back in Coutinho or Lallana's spot. A spot Sterling will likely have to get used to once Daniel Sturridge finally returns. However, Rodgers' maligned favorites returned.
Glen Johnson, who has little if any fans left, got the start at right back. Emre Can moved to center, Sakho stayed on the left. Jose Enrique played at the wing along with Javier Manquillo. Not exactly the stuff of defensive legends and they looked equally shaky to begin the match. Liverpool would eventually take control about ten minutes in and keep control for much of the first half, but it was a first half performance that further proved this is a club that must look for more/better depth for future seasons. Joe Allen does what Allen does, which is disappear. The defensive three plus the wingbacks were decent enough for a match against Bolton, but if/when the competitions take on more meaning in the future years those pairings may not work.
Despite a very talented attacking three of Sterling, Lallana and Coutinho, the team lacked that decisive pass from the midfield or shot from the attackers. Lots of balls thrown forward with possession, but nothing from it once they were 18 yards from goal in the first half. Though they were clearly the more skilled side, Liverpool were actually lucky to be even at the half. Bolton, quite frankly, should have made the Reds pay about 13 minutes before the half. And absolute strike from Dean Moxey just outside the box skimmed barely wide. Mingolet was fortunate not to give the ball away right before halftime as well since he was a bit too adventurous out of his area.
Lazar Markovic checked in right at the beginning of the half, looking to spark the team. He almost did, but the Wanderers got away with a trip at the back on Markovic which would have allowed him a clear chance at goal. The foul was not given, but Liverpool had a small bit of justice done in return when Bolton air mailed their own free kick just moments after. The match went back and forth for the center portions of the second half. Liverpool forced a fine save only to see Bolton smash a chance wide that should have been put on target, just into the 60th minute and again by Gudjohnson in the 65th, this time whacked over.
The Reds just couldn't find that final ball from either a shot or pass to really put the match away. In the 66th minute, Sterling passed to Lallana instead of shooting. Slightly odd subs came on with the offensively challenged Lucas entering and Fabio Borini for Manquillo. But who moved to wing back? Sterling? It looked like it for a time. The Reds still managed to create good chances, but it really was a disjointed effort with the players on the pitch in odd positions. Borini was stopped by another great save in 70th minute and then Lucas actually got one on target in the dying moments, only to be parried away by the keeper.
Liverpool maintained a decent amount of possession. They kept their cool in a match where their EPL counterparts were falling by the wayside. They did have opportunities to score and they did what they needed to do defensively. By no means though, did they play a good game. Even the broadcasters said this squad reminded them more of the disjointed play of the Liverpool side seen back in November and prior. The back three as well as the wing backs did their job, but they looked shaky all game in doing so.
Can is a fine player, one who many hope will stay in a Liverpool shirt for years to come. However, he is not a center back. He can be utilized on the side of a back three, but having a player with huge defensive vulnerabilities and little, if any, aerial prowess in the middle of your defense is quite frightening. Allen is...well Allen. Jose Enrique is a decent player and qualified to start for lower level clubs but though he gives his best, it just isn't good enough on a regular basis. Jordan Henderson is another fine player, but he is quite inconsistent on the ball.
This was another match that makes you scratch your head. Liverpool can earn, and I do mean earn, a draw with Chelsea and then draw against Bolton and make it feel like a poor result. Given the context of many big clubs falling in the 4th round of the FA Cup, one can hang their hat on the idea that Liverpool is at least still alive. But you can also ask yourself if you would rather have lost. It goes against the very fiber of most fans, including myself. However, if you look at the cold hard facts does another match really benefit Liverpool at all even if they win?
The Reds have a difficult match with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge three days after this match. They have winnable, but important league matches to start off February and then begin their trek in the Europa League as well in February. Another 90 minutes of football on the legs isn't exactly beneficial to Liverpool's aims for the rest of the year. It is what it is though and the Reds have to find a way to deal with it. It is not something they anticipated, but with Chelsea and Manchester City out of the competition, perhaps the FA Cup can now join the Capital One Cup as a competition Liverpool can realistically set their sights on this season.
As previously mentioned, this match further proved just how much Liverpool needs to invest in more depth. I've gone on and on about the talent and potential within this team, but they just don't have enough talent to dominate teams the way a club of their stature should in these sorts of games. Yes, money has been spent but now the difficult decisions need to be made. Players need to be sold and replaced and solid, proven talent needs to be brought in to plug some of the gaps. This will surely not happen in January, but BR and the back room staff had better have a solid plan heading into the summer transfer window to keep this team on the uptick. Plenty of season left and silverware still on the table, but this was a relatively disappointing performance even if it did not eliminate the club. Walk on.
Random thoughts:
- I know I am in the minority, but I sincerely hope that Mario Balotelli does have a reported infection. Yes, they play a completely different position but the idea of Glen Johnson in the lineup and Balotelli not even a reserve puts quite a pit in my stomach.
- Eric Wynalda went down a few pegs in my book. After the match he said he watched the last 20 minutes without his glasses because Liverpool were so boring. The man is entitled to his opinion - and I did bag on the team in this blog - however boring seems a bit excessive. They had chances. Just don't have the offensive power to put them home.
- Funny how the entire ESPN FC staff was ripping on the FA Cup matchups being so bland and predictable. How'd that workout? Liverpool and Manchester United have replays and Chelsea and Man City are out. FA Cup might not be quite what it was, but the little teams still give their all.
- I'm pretty sure the broadcasters kept inquiring as to why Rickie Lambert wasn't coming in the match. The answer: Liverpool had already made all their subs. Being a broadcaster, it is easy to forget things but for both of them to forget and nobody in the stadium to tell them is slightly comical.
Brendan Rodgers, again, proved that he's the manager and he'll make the decisions without the question of what others may think. While some may have advocated the inclusion of an actual striker or perhaps even a true center back, Rodgers went his own way. Even if you still want Sterling in the starting XI, you could argue that he should have played back in Coutinho or Lallana's spot. A spot Sterling will likely have to get used to once Daniel Sturridge finally returns. However, Rodgers' maligned favorites returned.
Glen Johnson, who has little if any fans left, got the start at right back. Emre Can moved to center, Sakho stayed on the left. Jose Enrique played at the wing along with Javier Manquillo. Not exactly the stuff of defensive legends and they looked equally shaky to begin the match. Liverpool would eventually take control about ten minutes in and keep control for much of the first half, but it was a first half performance that further proved this is a club that must look for more/better depth for future seasons. Joe Allen does what Allen does, which is disappear. The defensive three plus the wingbacks were decent enough for a match against Bolton, but if/when the competitions take on more meaning in the future years those pairings may not work.
Despite a very talented attacking three of Sterling, Lallana and Coutinho, the team lacked that decisive pass from the midfield or shot from the attackers. Lots of balls thrown forward with possession, but nothing from it once they were 18 yards from goal in the first half. Though they were clearly the more skilled side, Liverpool were actually lucky to be even at the half. Bolton, quite frankly, should have made the Reds pay about 13 minutes before the half. And absolute strike from Dean Moxey just outside the box skimmed barely wide. Mingolet was fortunate not to give the ball away right before halftime as well since he was a bit too adventurous out of his area.
Lazar Markovic checked in right at the beginning of the half, looking to spark the team. He almost did, but the Wanderers got away with a trip at the back on Markovic which would have allowed him a clear chance at goal. The foul was not given, but Liverpool had a small bit of justice done in return when Bolton air mailed their own free kick just moments after. The match went back and forth for the center portions of the second half. Liverpool forced a fine save only to see Bolton smash a chance wide that should have been put on target, just into the 60th minute and again by Gudjohnson in the 65th, this time whacked over.
The Reds just couldn't find that final ball from either a shot or pass to really put the match away. In the 66th minute, Sterling passed to Lallana instead of shooting. Slightly odd subs came on with the offensively challenged Lucas entering and Fabio Borini for Manquillo. But who moved to wing back? Sterling? It looked like it for a time. The Reds still managed to create good chances, but it really was a disjointed effort with the players on the pitch in odd positions. Borini was stopped by another great save in 70th minute and then Lucas actually got one on target in the dying moments, only to be parried away by the keeper.
Liverpool maintained a decent amount of possession. They kept their cool in a match where their EPL counterparts were falling by the wayside. They did have opportunities to score and they did what they needed to do defensively. By no means though, did they play a good game. Even the broadcasters said this squad reminded them more of the disjointed play of the Liverpool side seen back in November and prior. The back three as well as the wing backs did their job, but they looked shaky all game in doing so.
Can is a fine player, one who many hope will stay in a Liverpool shirt for years to come. However, he is not a center back. He can be utilized on the side of a back three, but having a player with huge defensive vulnerabilities and little, if any, aerial prowess in the middle of your defense is quite frightening. Allen is...well Allen. Jose Enrique is a decent player and qualified to start for lower level clubs but though he gives his best, it just isn't good enough on a regular basis. Jordan Henderson is another fine player, but he is quite inconsistent on the ball.
This was another match that makes you scratch your head. Liverpool can earn, and I do mean earn, a draw with Chelsea and then draw against Bolton and make it feel like a poor result. Given the context of many big clubs falling in the 4th round of the FA Cup, one can hang their hat on the idea that Liverpool is at least still alive. But you can also ask yourself if you would rather have lost. It goes against the very fiber of most fans, including myself. However, if you look at the cold hard facts does another match really benefit Liverpool at all even if they win?
The Reds have a difficult match with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge three days after this match. They have winnable, but important league matches to start off February and then begin their trek in the Europa League as well in February. Another 90 minutes of football on the legs isn't exactly beneficial to Liverpool's aims for the rest of the year. It is what it is though and the Reds have to find a way to deal with it. It is not something they anticipated, but with Chelsea and Manchester City out of the competition, perhaps the FA Cup can now join the Capital One Cup as a competition Liverpool can realistically set their sights on this season.
As previously mentioned, this match further proved just how much Liverpool needs to invest in more depth. I've gone on and on about the talent and potential within this team, but they just don't have enough talent to dominate teams the way a club of their stature should in these sorts of games. Yes, money has been spent but now the difficult decisions need to be made. Players need to be sold and replaced and solid, proven talent needs to be brought in to plug some of the gaps. This will surely not happen in January, but BR and the back room staff had better have a solid plan heading into the summer transfer window to keep this team on the uptick. Plenty of season left and silverware still on the table, but this was a relatively disappointing performance even if it did not eliminate the club. Walk on.
Random thoughts:
- I know I am in the minority, but I sincerely hope that Mario Balotelli does have a reported infection. Yes, they play a completely different position but the idea of Glen Johnson in the lineup and Balotelli not even a reserve puts quite a pit in my stomach.
- Eric Wynalda went down a few pegs in my book. After the match he said he watched the last 20 minutes without his glasses because Liverpool were so boring. The man is entitled to his opinion - and I did bag on the team in this blog - however boring seems a bit excessive. They had chances. Just don't have the offensive power to put them home.
- Funny how the entire ESPN FC staff was ripping on the FA Cup matchups being so bland and predictable. How'd that workout? Liverpool and Manchester United have replays and Chelsea and Man City are out. FA Cup might not be quite what it was, but the little teams still give their all.
- I'm pretty sure the broadcasters kept inquiring as to why Rickie Lambert wasn't coming in the match. The answer: Liverpool had already made all their subs. Being a broadcaster, it is easy to forget things but for both of them to forget and nobody in the stadium to tell them is slightly comical.
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Liverpool take it to the Blues
The Capital One Cup is down a few rungs in terms of importance to most football/soccer fans, but when rivalry match ups take place, it raises the stakes a little bit. Such was the case in the first leg of the semifinal between Liverpool and Chelsea. Most teams, especially ones that lead the table, would put out a team of reserves or at least a mixture of reserves and starters. The Special One, Jose Mourinho, put out an especially strong squad given the situation his club is in. It was also especially strong given the fact that only a day prior to the match, Mourinho said it was not possible for his club to win the English treble.
It was a match that had plenty to argue about, if you like criticizing the minute details that a referee must react on in mere seconds. There were missed calls, including a handball by Thibaut Courtois that went uncalled - one that as a former goalkeeper, I could not be too mad at. Both sides did their fair share of yelling and arguing at the officials. However really, though you or I may not completely agree with the penalty given for Chelsea's only goal, the official really had a pretty good match.
Both teams had an overall good match and it was an entertaining game of football. Chelsea showed glimpses of why they are one of the best teams in the world. Even as a supporter of one of their chief rivals, I had to marvel at some of their work. There was one play specifically in the second half where the one touch passing to get out of their own end was a marvel to see. But equally pleasing to the eye was the way that Liverpool played.
The Reds attacked with no fear and defended well enough to win the game. Unfortunately for them, they did not. If the penalty had not been called, there may well have been a win in the fortunes of the Reds and the Kopites. If they were not up against Courtois as well, there may have been a win instead of a draw as well. Liverpool banged away at the frame, including in the literal sense when Steven Gerrard hit the post. They out-shot the Blues 20-7 and out-chanced them 7-0. Coutois had to prove how good he is to keep Liverpool out.
As mentioned, it was a rousing game that, if not for the the rivalry aspect, would be seen in almost totally positive light. From a Liverpool perspective, they dominated possession for a good chunk of the game, they created several quality chances, they linked well, they defended well for the most part and took the game to Chelsea. It was another good motivational game for Liverpool, if for no other reason than it gives them the belief they can still compete with the best teams in England.
By no means am I suggesting Liverpool are back. As I have said in this space before and as many out there already know, this is a team that still has specific needs. Regardless of whether the team sticks with a back three or goes with a back four, they have to at least find more reserves capable of stepping in and not having any drop off. They have to settle the goalkeeper situation, whether it is to keep confidence in Simon Mingolet or bring in someone else. They have to find a way to get goals from the strikers they have brought in or will bring in on a regular basis. But those issues do not mean that this club has not made progress.
If you had asked even the most positive Liverpool fan a month or two ago if they could even pull out a draw with Chelsea, the poll would not favor the Reds by any stretch. The calls for Brendan Rodgers' head..er I mean job have quieted, his choices are working and the team has found a cohesion and a realization that if you are going to play you had better play in the spot you are assigned, not the one you feel you are better suited.
Chelsea may yet win this semifinal. They have the talent and they have the crowd. Liverpool's inability to score that all-important go ahead goal may cost them a chance at the league cup. Yet the idea that they outplayed Chelsea in any facet is uplifting. Now their fate is truly in their hands. Was this a great result? No. Only a win could be that. Enough was measured and put forth, however, to show that this team is now truly worthy of wearing the Liverpool crest. Walk on.
Random thoughts:
- I hate the way Chelsea packs it in. It is just against my nature in what attracts me to sports in general, not just soccer. I take nothing away from the team or the manager - though I strongly dislike the Special One. It is smart strategy. Get the lead and hold it. It is just incredibly frustrating to watch a team charge and charge again but constantly have two or three defenders always around the ball. Kudos to the Blues for having the talent to pull it off most of the time, but makes me ill in the stomach.
- The big question for the Reds is can they perform away from Anfield. Though I have not had the pleasure of being there in person - yet - you can just tell that the place has a magic. The crowd, the atmosphere, the ghosts of teams past have an affect on both the home squad and the visitors. Even when the Blues were packing it in, the surge of the crowd could be felt, even through a computer. When that crowd is not there, will Liverpool still have the courage and fortitude to attack? Time will tell.
- An absolute gem of a goal from Raheem Sterling. He is proving himself to be a good striker, but I think I'd still like to see him in a role a bit further back. Great talent though. Still has a bit to learn, but hopefully he'll be wearing Liverpool red for years to come.
- I did not know Mitre still made soccer products until I saw the ball for the match.
- You know you're a goalkeeper when your reaction to one of your rivals' keeper making a great save includes both high praise followed by a few expletive adjectives.
- As a former official, it really irritates me how every player on the field with the slightest gripe charges up and gets in the referee's face. There was an excellent article on ESPN FC's website, which I can no longer find the link to, that spoke to this very thing. While I did not agree with all the points, I do believe there needs to be less demonstrative behavior towards the ref. Fans can do as they please, within reason. Players need to get back to a point where they voiced their displeasure but went about their business instead of spraying the referee with drool from a few inches away for every call or non-call.
It was a match that had plenty to argue about, if you like criticizing the minute details that a referee must react on in mere seconds. There were missed calls, including a handball by Thibaut Courtois that went uncalled - one that as a former goalkeeper, I could not be too mad at. Both sides did their fair share of yelling and arguing at the officials. However really, though you or I may not completely agree with the penalty given for Chelsea's only goal, the official really had a pretty good match.
Both teams had an overall good match and it was an entertaining game of football. Chelsea showed glimpses of why they are one of the best teams in the world. Even as a supporter of one of their chief rivals, I had to marvel at some of their work. There was one play specifically in the second half where the one touch passing to get out of their own end was a marvel to see. But equally pleasing to the eye was the way that Liverpool played.
The Reds attacked with no fear and defended well enough to win the game. Unfortunately for them, they did not. If the penalty had not been called, there may well have been a win in the fortunes of the Reds and the Kopites. If they were not up against Courtois as well, there may have been a win instead of a draw as well. Liverpool banged away at the frame, including in the literal sense when Steven Gerrard hit the post. They out-shot the Blues 20-7 and out-chanced them 7-0. Coutois had to prove how good he is to keep Liverpool out.
As mentioned, it was a rousing game that, if not for the the rivalry aspect, would be seen in almost totally positive light. From a Liverpool perspective, they dominated possession for a good chunk of the game, they created several quality chances, they linked well, they defended well for the most part and took the game to Chelsea. It was another good motivational game for Liverpool, if for no other reason than it gives them the belief they can still compete with the best teams in England.
By no means am I suggesting Liverpool are back. As I have said in this space before and as many out there already know, this is a team that still has specific needs. Regardless of whether the team sticks with a back three or goes with a back four, they have to at least find more reserves capable of stepping in and not having any drop off. They have to settle the goalkeeper situation, whether it is to keep confidence in Simon Mingolet or bring in someone else. They have to find a way to get goals from the strikers they have brought in or will bring in on a regular basis. But those issues do not mean that this club has not made progress.
If you had asked even the most positive Liverpool fan a month or two ago if they could even pull out a draw with Chelsea, the poll would not favor the Reds by any stretch. The calls for Brendan Rodgers' head..er I mean job have quieted, his choices are working and the team has found a cohesion and a realization that if you are going to play you had better play in the spot you are assigned, not the one you feel you are better suited.
Chelsea may yet win this semifinal. They have the talent and they have the crowd. Liverpool's inability to score that all-important go ahead goal may cost them a chance at the league cup. Yet the idea that they outplayed Chelsea in any facet is uplifting. Now their fate is truly in their hands. Was this a great result? No. Only a win could be that. Enough was measured and put forth, however, to show that this team is now truly worthy of wearing the Liverpool crest. Walk on.
Random thoughts:
- I hate the way Chelsea packs it in. It is just against my nature in what attracts me to sports in general, not just soccer. I take nothing away from the team or the manager - though I strongly dislike the Special One. It is smart strategy. Get the lead and hold it. It is just incredibly frustrating to watch a team charge and charge again but constantly have two or three defenders always around the ball. Kudos to the Blues for having the talent to pull it off most of the time, but makes me ill in the stomach.
- The big question for the Reds is can they perform away from Anfield. Though I have not had the pleasure of being there in person - yet - you can just tell that the place has a magic. The crowd, the atmosphere, the ghosts of teams past have an affect on both the home squad and the visitors. Even when the Blues were packing it in, the surge of the crowd could be felt, even through a computer. When that crowd is not there, will Liverpool still have the courage and fortitude to attack? Time will tell.
- An absolute gem of a goal from Raheem Sterling. He is proving himself to be a good striker, but I think I'd still like to see him in a role a bit further back. Great talent though. Still has a bit to learn, but hopefully he'll be wearing Liverpool red for years to come.
- I did not know Mitre still made soccer products until I saw the ball for the match.
- You know you're a goalkeeper when your reaction to one of your rivals' keeper making a great save includes both high praise followed by a few expletive adjectives.
- As a former official, it really irritates me how every player on the field with the slightest gripe charges up and gets in the referee's face. There was an excellent article on ESPN FC's website, which I can no longer find the link to, that spoke to this very thing. While I did not agree with all the points, I do believe there needs to be less demonstrative behavior towards the ref. Fans can do as they please, within reason. Players need to get back to a point where they voiced their displeasure but went about their business instead of spraying the referee with drool from a few inches away for every call or non-call.
Saturday, January 17, 2015
I return and so does Liverpool
Welcome back to this space, filled with delightful insightful nuggets of joy. In seriousness, the only reason I didn't write following the match against Sunderland was my wonderful DVR decided to stop recording the match at halftime. Even though the scoreline remained the same, I didn't feel it appropriate to do a writeup when I had only seen half the game. Anyway, on with the festivities.
Liverpool came into the match against Aston Villa in a decent spot in the table, but still needing wins. This match and this win was a decent measuring stick of where the squad is at the moment. Yes, Villa have been struggling of late, but they have talent at the right positions to be able to challenge at times and give enough of a game to let the Reds see what they measure up to right now. Liverpool's offense has sprung back to life.
Perhaps it was only one match, but it was good to see the bonafide strikers score for this team. Liverpool came out and dominated the game the way they used to last season. They looked cool on the ball and were making cheeky passes that were still smart and not putting the defenders in a spot if the pass did not come off. Even the broadcasters on the match kept saying it was only a matter of time before Liverpool would find a way through. They would in the 24th minute.
Jordan Henderson, who had a fine game in one of his first attempts to really fill the captaincy role, knocked a great ball across the area. Fabio Borini, who had not scored a league goal for the club since the spring of 2013, made a good backside run off the defender, stuck out his boot and knocked it just past the diving Brad Guzan. The Reds would add their final goal in the 79th minute.
Rickie Lambert, who had checked in for Borini minutes earlier, received a pass from Raheem Sterling just inside the box on the right. Instead of making the pass to a trailing, but open, Henderson, Lambert took it on himself and put a decent right foot through it. The shot slid on the ground to the far side post and a partially screened Guzan stood little chance of getting to it. It was a banner day for the strikers, perhaps only enhanced had the Italian enigma, Mario Balotelli, been included and score.
One of the few drawbacks of the match, was the lack of intensity defending the ball after the first goal. Despite having the better of possession for most of the match, Aston Villa came out in the second half and took it too the Reds. Liverpool defended well in terms of the back three but gave up several quality chances. As usual, they looked their most vulnerable on corner kicks. If not for some very good goalkeeping by Simon Mingolet the match may have gone the other way. The danger of that is a team with higher quality finishers would have, most likely, put those chances away.
Yet, overall, even the detractions from this game are fairly nit-picky. Yes, the team gave up several quality chances during a period when they should have had their foot on the Villans throats but they did enough to not concede. Liverpool should have been up 2-0 before the opening half even ended as Sterling was given a great open chance in the box. Sterling, believing that Guzan was on the hard charge, tried to chip the goalkeeper instead of slotting one low.
Brad Guzan also saved several chances as well, which could have put Liverpool up by three or four by the end. It was also good to see the team play a solid 90 without Steven Gerrard in the lineup. Liverpool will have to get used to doing just that with the departure of their long serving captain only months away. While Henderson is not ant may never be close to Gerrard, he did a good job at regrouping the team and keeping their composure when the Villans were on the attack. Another bright spot gleaned from this match and some of the past few is that the team is playing for Brendan Rodgers again.
I do not believe the team had ever lost confidence in Rodgers, but you could see that the managers choices were not always successful and perhaps that thought was even creeping into the squad. One can easily still challenge the manager on some of his team selections - the inclusion of Jordan Williams for some reason or the inclusion of at least three attacking options on the bench just weeks after having none. But, for now, as they were last season, Rodgers' decisions are working out. That is the bottom line really.
As fans, we can argue and pout and say this or that and love the manager or hate him. If his decisions prove fruitful and successful for the team, however, it is all just fan conjecture. Liverpool are winning. Unbeaten in their last six league matches and winners of four in that span, the Reds are on the march. Will it lead to another Champions League spot? Hard to say. Many matches remain and though Liverpool have reached the seventh spot in the table, it is still a long road to hoe. Southampton seem determined to not falter as some have claimed they will. Manchester United, though shaky and embroiled in turmoil, are still in a favorable position. Tottenham is up and down, but still above the Reds at the moment and no matter how good or bad they look, Arsenal seems to always find a way to sneak into the top four.
Liverpool's bad days are not far behind in the mirror. Their own manager admits as much. But he, as well as we, can and should see how far they have come. "There's a lot of improvement left in this team and group. But we're building towards the future here at the club. We have been progressing very well," said Rodgers after the Villa match. "We obviously had a bump in the road in the early part of the season. But in this period, the team is performing at a good level - defensively strong and playing some wonderful football. It's pleasing, but we have to keep improving."
The calls for firings and sackings have died down and the club is turning it around. Rodgers' words again have meaning instead of useless fluff. The dark days are not altogether gone, but there is light. The team, the club and all its supporters can feel it and though nothing is guaranteed, at least we have tangible positives to see. When we all see it, we never walk alone.
* quotes courtesy of LiverpoolFC.com and Chris Shaw/James Carroll.
Liverpool came into the match against Aston Villa in a decent spot in the table, but still needing wins. This match and this win was a decent measuring stick of where the squad is at the moment. Yes, Villa have been struggling of late, but they have talent at the right positions to be able to challenge at times and give enough of a game to let the Reds see what they measure up to right now. Liverpool's offense has sprung back to life.
Perhaps it was only one match, but it was good to see the bonafide strikers score for this team. Liverpool came out and dominated the game the way they used to last season. They looked cool on the ball and were making cheeky passes that were still smart and not putting the defenders in a spot if the pass did not come off. Even the broadcasters on the match kept saying it was only a matter of time before Liverpool would find a way through. They would in the 24th minute.
Jordan Henderson, who had a fine game in one of his first attempts to really fill the captaincy role, knocked a great ball across the area. Fabio Borini, who had not scored a league goal for the club since the spring of 2013, made a good backside run off the defender, stuck out his boot and knocked it just past the diving Brad Guzan. The Reds would add their final goal in the 79th minute.
Rickie Lambert, who had checked in for Borini minutes earlier, received a pass from Raheem Sterling just inside the box on the right. Instead of making the pass to a trailing, but open, Henderson, Lambert took it on himself and put a decent right foot through it. The shot slid on the ground to the far side post and a partially screened Guzan stood little chance of getting to it. It was a banner day for the strikers, perhaps only enhanced had the Italian enigma, Mario Balotelli, been included and score.
One of the few drawbacks of the match, was the lack of intensity defending the ball after the first goal. Despite having the better of possession for most of the match, Aston Villa came out in the second half and took it too the Reds. Liverpool defended well in terms of the back three but gave up several quality chances. As usual, they looked their most vulnerable on corner kicks. If not for some very good goalkeeping by Simon Mingolet the match may have gone the other way. The danger of that is a team with higher quality finishers would have, most likely, put those chances away.
Yet, overall, even the detractions from this game are fairly nit-picky. Yes, the team gave up several quality chances during a period when they should have had their foot on the Villans throats but they did enough to not concede. Liverpool should have been up 2-0 before the opening half even ended as Sterling was given a great open chance in the box. Sterling, believing that Guzan was on the hard charge, tried to chip the goalkeeper instead of slotting one low.
Brad Guzan also saved several chances as well, which could have put Liverpool up by three or four by the end. It was also good to see the team play a solid 90 without Steven Gerrard in the lineup. Liverpool will have to get used to doing just that with the departure of their long serving captain only months away. While Henderson is not ant may never be close to Gerrard, he did a good job at regrouping the team and keeping their composure when the Villans were on the attack. Another bright spot gleaned from this match and some of the past few is that the team is playing for Brendan Rodgers again.
I do not believe the team had ever lost confidence in Rodgers, but you could see that the managers choices were not always successful and perhaps that thought was even creeping into the squad. One can easily still challenge the manager on some of his team selections - the inclusion of Jordan Williams for some reason or the inclusion of at least three attacking options on the bench just weeks after having none. But, for now, as they were last season, Rodgers' decisions are working out. That is the bottom line really.
As fans, we can argue and pout and say this or that and love the manager or hate him. If his decisions prove fruitful and successful for the team, however, it is all just fan conjecture. Liverpool are winning. Unbeaten in their last six league matches and winners of four in that span, the Reds are on the march. Will it lead to another Champions League spot? Hard to say. Many matches remain and though Liverpool have reached the seventh spot in the table, it is still a long road to hoe. Southampton seem determined to not falter as some have claimed they will. Manchester United, though shaky and embroiled in turmoil, are still in a favorable position. Tottenham is up and down, but still above the Reds at the moment and no matter how good or bad they look, Arsenal seems to always find a way to sneak into the top four.
Liverpool's bad days are not far behind in the mirror. Their own manager admits as much. But he, as well as we, can and should see how far they have come. "There's a lot of improvement left in this team and group. But we're building towards the future here at the club. We have been progressing very well," said Rodgers after the Villa match. "We obviously had a bump in the road in the early part of the season. But in this period, the team is performing at a good level - defensively strong and playing some wonderful football. It's pleasing, but we have to keep improving."
The calls for firings and sackings have died down and the club is turning it around. Rodgers' words again have meaning instead of useless fluff. The dark days are not altogether gone, but there is light. The team, the club and all its supporters can feel it and though nothing is guaranteed, at least we have tangible positives to see. When we all see it, we never walk alone.
* quotes courtesy of LiverpoolFC.com and Chris Shaw/James Carroll.
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
Gerrard Shines after Announcement of Departure
Liverpool's quest for silverware was kept alive with a solid, though not utterly convincing win over AFC Wimbledon. Steven Gerrard, as ever, was the inspirational leader of the Reds and backed up that inspiration with on field performance. Goals, to be specific. Only days after announcing that one of the all-time greats would be leaving Anfield for America, Gerrard scored both of Liverpool's goals, proving that though he may have lost a step in pace, he still has the will and the skill.
Focusing first on the match, Liverpool came out with good energy and form and dominated the first 20-30 minutes. However, for reasons that are explainable only by those wearing the kits, the Reds failed to keep hold of the match after their captain put them up by a goal. Following Gerrard's 12th minute goal, Liverpool seemed to ease the foot off the gas perhaps thinking that a club several divisions away was going to just roll over. Wimbledon did nothing of the sort and scored an equalizer on Liverpool's bane, the set piece.
After getting away with a foul against goalkeeper Simon Mingolet, the monster known as Abedayo Akinfenwa managed to pounce on the rebound and knock it in to set the crowd at Kingsmeadow into a frenzy in the 36th minute. For the rest of the half and briefly at the start of the second half, it looked as though Wimbledon may actually poach another goal and if not get the W, at least put the fear of God into the Reds and their faithful.
However, Steven Gerrard was not going to let his FA Cup career end at Kingsmeadow. Liverpool took the lead from their leader and started to string things together. They drew an important foul in a dangerous area with less than 30 minutes left in the half and the captain stepped to the plate as he always does. Gerrard pulled out some of that old magic and placed the free kick right over the wall and past the outstretched fingers of goalkeeper James Shea.
After that, Liverpool took control of the match and though the odd chance came on corner kicks or long shots, the Reds were not seriously threatened again. Liverpool managed a few chances of their own, including a few for the divisive Mario Balotelli. To be frank, Jordan Henderson should have made it 3-1 as well but opted a chip cross instead of a shot on frame. Now the Reds must prepare for a home match against Bolton at the end of the month to keep their dreams of an FA Cup title alive.
Taking a broader approach than just the match, after learning that Steven Gerrard would be coming to this side of the pond raised many mixed emotions from the fans. While those of us here in America may be excited at the prospect of actually seeing Gerrard play in person in MLS, we are no doubt disappointed that Gerrard will not finish his career in Liverpool red. I could join the ranks of those who are looking back on the storied career of Gerrard or those who debate whether he should have left long ago for better chances at winning titles. I chose to focus on the future though, specifically that of the Liverpool Football Club.
While supporters will never agree on who is good and who is mediocre or bad, most all of them can agree that there is talent on this team. Raheem Sterling, though frustrating at times, has so much pace and ability that he is very deserving of the praise heaped on him. Emre Can is proving himself to be a valuable asset, even playing somewhat out of position. Though still raw, Lazar Markovic is gaining confidence each match started. After a slow start, Adam Lallana is proving himself to be a true Liverpool player. Though none of them will ever be confused with the world class types, the back line has improved it's run of play defending also.
Liverpool has worked their model of signing up and comers to perfection in terms of stocking up potential. The downside of that is potential does not always transform into performance. Once Steven Gerrard is gone, Liverpool's ownership group and managing office will have to decide how they are going to proceed in the years to come. As stated, the philosophy has worked to rebuild the club to a point, but championships are not won by youth. As much as Brendan Rodgers has steadfastly adhered to the signing philosophy, even he has come out in recent weeks saying that Liverpool FC will have to start signing proven players.
The Reds will have to add experienced players to this squad in the future and not distant future. Jordan Henderson is a fine player, but he is not Gerrard. Without Gerrard's leadership and guidance, will Sterling continue to flourish or will he become a prima donna as many young players with so much upside have in the past? Who will step up for this club in those important moments the way that captain Liverpool has?
Steven Gerrard can be replaced in terms of on field performance. Yes, he is leading the club in goals this season, but that is as much a damnation of the performance of the actual goals scorers as it is a representation of how much Gerrard has to offer. With the exception of his pinpoint passes, Gerrard's performance on the field can be replaced. It may not be quite to his level game in and game out, but the team has players good enough to step into those roles. The big question for this club is how to replace his leadership. Another question going forward, as mentioned, is whether the club will bring in proven players.
While the talent is there from young signing and players brought up through the academies, losing talents like Luis Suarez and Steven Gerrard in two straight summers is hard - if not impossible- to replace from within. There are a lot of goals and gutsy performances to try and fill right there. When Gerrard leaves, we may have seen the last of a dying breed in terms of a player not only willing but honored to be a part of a club for almost their entire career. However that does not have to mean the end of the Liverpool player. Liverpool and their football club have their own way about them. It is the reason many of us were drawn to the club in the first place. Liverpool FC do not need to throw exorbitant amounts of cash at huge names for the sake of it. But the Reds do need to bring in proven players who are willing to be a part of the Liverpool family and work to bring this storied club back to glory.
Liverpool does not need to become Chelsea or Manchester City or Manchester United to win. But the loss of the club's two best players in successive summers will put a large spotlight on the higher ups as to their plans for this club. Steven Gerrard, like all the greats to wear Liverpool red, is not entirely irreplaceable, but he does leave large shoes to fill.
: A couple random notes :
- They have a passionate fan base, and I understand the financial constraints of low level clubs, but Kingsmeadow's field is awful. There are high school fields here in America that have more grass and better quality.
- Akinfenwa gives hope to all of us larger people. While he has obviously put in the work to be in shape, he is without a doubt the largest (in shape) professional soccer/football player. He could easily be a linebacker in the NFL.
- Most, if not all, may disagree but I really don't see why Rickie Lambert gets any start over Mario Balotelli. People can claim the ridiculous idea that Balo brings down team morale, but in terms of pace and foot skills there is no comparison. I have all the respect in the world for Lambert and like the fact that he is a lifelong Reds fan, but he has done little on the field to prove he deserves playing time any more than Balotelli has. Yes, Sterling needed rest but with the return of Sturridge imminent and Divok Origi being brought off loan, decisions will have to be made about the number of true forwards on the field at once. Neither Lambert or Balotelli have flourished as a lone striker, but I have doubts Sturridge or Origi will do well on their own either.
Walk on my friends. Here's hoping for three more points against Sunderland.
Focusing first on the match, Liverpool came out with good energy and form and dominated the first 20-30 minutes. However, for reasons that are explainable only by those wearing the kits, the Reds failed to keep hold of the match after their captain put them up by a goal. Following Gerrard's 12th minute goal, Liverpool seemed to ease the foot off the gas perhaps thinking that a club several divisions away was going to just roll over. Wimbledon did nothing of the sort and scored an equalizer on Liverpool's bane, the set piece.
After getting away with a foul against goalkeeper Simon Mingolet, the monster known as Abedayo Akinfenwa managed to pounce on the rebound and knock it in to set the crowd at Kingsmeadow into a frenzy in the 36th minute. For the rest of the half and briefly at the start of the second half, it looked as though Wimbledon may actually poach another goal and if not get the W, at least put the fear of God into the Reds and their faithful.
However, Steven Gerrard was not going to let his FA Cup career end at Kingsmeadow. Liverpool took the lead from their leader and started to string things together. They drew an important foul in a dangerous area with less than 30 minutes left in the half and the captain stepped to the plate as he always does. Gerrard pulled out some of that old magic and placed the free kick right over the wall and past the outstretched fingers of goalkeeper James Shea.
After that, Liverpool took control of the match and though the odd chance came on corner kicks or long shots, the Reds were not seriously threatened again. Liverpool managed a few chances of their own, including a few for the divisive Mario Balotelli. To be frank, Jordan Henderson should have made it 3-1 as well but opted a chip cross instead of a shot on frame. Now the Reds must prepare for a home match against Bolton at the end of the month to keep their dreams of an FA Cup title alive.
Taking a broader approach than just the match, after learning that Steven Gerrard would be coming to this side of the pond raised many mixed emotions from the fans. While those of us here in America may be excited at the prospect of actually seeing Gerrard play in person in MLS, we are no doubt disappointed that Gerrard will not finish his career in Liverpool red. I could join the ranks of those who are looking back on the storied career of Gerrard or those who debate whether he should have left long ago for better chances at winning titles. I chose to focus on the future though, specifically that of the Liverpool Football Club.
While supporters will never agree on who is good and who is mediocre or bad, most all of them can agree that there is talent on this team. Raheem Sterling, though frustrating at times, has so much pace and ability that he is very deserving of the praise heaped on him. Emre Can is proving himself to be a valuable asset, even playing somewhat out of position. Though still raw, Lazar Markovic is gaining confidence each match started. After a slow start, Adam Lallana is proving himself to be a true Liverpool player. Though none of them will ever be confused with the world class types, the back line has improved it's run of play defending also.
Liverpool has worked their model of signing up and comers to perfection in terms of stocking up potential. The downside of that is potential does not always transform into performance. Once Steven Gerrard is gone, Liverpool's ownership group and managing office will have to decide how they are going to proceed in the years to come. As stated, the philosophy has worked to rebuild the club to a point, but championships are not won by youth. As much as Brendan Rodgers has steadfastly adhered to the signing philosophy, even he has come out in recent weeks saying that Liverpool FC will have to start signing proven players.
The Reds will have to add experienced players to this squad in the future and not distant future. Jordan Henderson is a fine player, but he is not Gerrard. Without Gerrard's leadership and guidance, will Sterling continue to flourish or will he become a prima donna as many young players with so much upside have in the past? Who will step up for this club in those important moments the way that captain Liverpool has?
Steven Gerrard can be replaced in terms of on field performance. Yes, he is leading the club in goals this season, but that is as much a damnation of the performance of the actual goals scorers as it is a representation of how much Gerrard has to offer. With the exception of his pinpoint passes, Gerrard's performance on the field can be replaced. It may not be quite to his level game in and game out, but the team has players good enough to step into those roles. The big question for this club is how to replace his leadership. Another question going forward, as mentioned, is whether the club will bring in proven players.
While the talent is there from young signing and players brought up through the academies, losing talents like Luis Suarez and Steven Gerrard in two straight summers is hard - if not impossible- to replace from within. There are a lot of goals and gutsy performances to try and fill right there. When Gerrard leaves, we may have seen the last of a dying breed in terms of a player not only willing but honored to be a part of a club for almost their entire career. However that does not have to mean the end of the Liverpool player. Liverpool and their football club have their own way about them. It is the reason many of us were drawn to the club in the first place. Liverpool FC do not need to throw exorbitant amounts of cash at huge names for the sake of it. But the Reds do need to bring in proven players who are willing to be a part of the Liverpool family and work to bring this storied club back to glory.
Liverpool does not need to become Chelsea or Manchester City or Manchester United to win. But the loss of the club's two best players in successive summers will put a large spotlight on the higher ups as to their plans for this club. Steven Gerrard, like all the greats to wear Liverpool red, is not entirely irreplaceable, but he does leave large shoes to fill.
: A couple random notes :
- They have a passionate fan base, and I understand the financial constraints of low level clubs, but Kingsmeadow's field is awful. There are high school fields here in America that have more grass and better quality.
- Akinfenwa gives hope to all of us larger people. While he has obviously put in the work to be in shape, he is without a doubt the largest (in shape) professional soccer/football player. He could easily be a linebacker in the NFL.
- Most, if not all, may disagree but I really don't see why Rickie Lambert gets any start over Mario Balotelli. People can claim the ridiculous idea that Balo brings down team morale, but in terms of pace and foot skills there is no comparison. I have all the respect in the world for Lambert and like the fact that he is a lifelong Reds fan, but he has done little on the field to prove he deserves playing time any more than Balotelli has. Yes, Sterling needed rest but with the return of Sturridge imminent and Divok Origi being brought off loan, decisions will have to be made about the number of true forwards on the field at once. Neither Lambert or Balotelli have flourished as a lone striker, but I have doubts Sturridge or Origi will do well on their own either.
Walk on my friends. Here's hoping for three more points against Sunderland.
Thursday, January 1, 2015
Transition to 2015 a Bit Rough
Well if the note that Liverpool ended on was a high one, then 2015 was a bit sharp on the scale. It was just a bit off and a bit grating to the ear. Liverpool by no means played a bad game. There were glimpses and flashes of the team we saw against Swansea City. Yet, overall, it just wasn't the type of match the supporters would've expected after such a strong showing.
Leicester came out with the energy and passion you would've expected to see from the Reds. Liverpool was immediately thrown onto their heels and the Reds defended decently despite a sure goal being turned away by the Kop's woodwork on an early free kick by Riyad Mahrez. Once the game calmed down a bit, Liverpool took things into their hands. They pressed the attack and spread the field nicely with the speed and fluidity up front with the trio of Raheem Sterling, Adam Lallana and Coutinho.
Liverpool had their opportunities to score from the run of play, though rarely really tested backup keeper Ben Hamer. It was not until a more than fortunate penalty was given for a handball that actually hit the defender in the head that Liverpool was able to hit the net. More possession and attack yielded no result until another handball in the box gave Liverpool their second goal and Steven Gerrard his.
Normal fans would think the game was in hand and Liverpool seemed to be coasting to another victory. An early injury in the second half to Lallana may have actually cost Liverpool the game or at least raised questions about the lineup going forward. While Lallana would not have really figured into either goal actually scored by the Foxes, it was more what it did to Liverpool. Despite the uproar that a new goalkeeper is needed in the January window, Simon Mingolet played a solid match and nothing could be done about either goal.
The first goal for Leicester was an absolute sparkler from the top of the box. Nicely settled down and left for the Evertonian David Nugent to spank past the defender and past the outstretched hands of Mingolet. The Belgian keeper was screened but would not have had a chance even if he wasn't. With a score of 2-1, one could understand the Foxes being deserving of a tally given their hard work and unfortunate luck with the first penalty against them. However, they were not satisfied and Liverpool did not get their weight back on the toes. Less than two full minutes later, Leicester evened the game. Jefferey Schlupp took a good one time pass with a couple knocks and slotted it into the left netting with a solid left footed shot from the top of the arc.
While there were defensive lapses earlier in the play that led to the Foxes first goal, the second lay squarely on the backline and defending in general. A lackadaisical Raheem Sterling failed to account for Schlupp behind him, allowing the initial pass. Then Kolo Toure and Emre Can failed to close down on the shot before power could be put into it. The uninitiated will say Mingolet's attempt at the ball was poor and even the keeper himself may feel he could've put more power into the dive. However, any goalkeeper has no choice but to think Can is going to block that shot and then when it slides through the wickets, the goalkeeper has next to no time to react. Tie game. Done and dusted as they say.
Liverpool created more chances once they caught their breath. Two good chances came to the much debated Fabio Borini, one that seemed a tap in that the Italian striker managed to put a yard or two over the bar. Jordan Henderson whipped a strong shot toward goal as well, but ultimately well wide.
While my previous article focused on the positives to end 2014, this one will no doubt come off decidedly more negative. It is not for lack of effort. You can still see how the current formation benefits this team the most. However the questions raised in my previous blog and in this game will have great bearing on where this teams heads in 2015.
The defending is still awful. Brendan Rodgers is a proud man and a shrewd tactition, but his refusal to even entertain the idea of hiring a defensive coach may cost him his job. With no true goal scoring threat on this team, the constant glut of chances and goals given up along with the lack of clean sheets simply cannot be sustained by a winning club. Emre Can has done a fine job in a position that is not truly his own, however for the second straight contest he stumbled and looked foolish on a ball that drifted over his head. Mamadou Sakho has proven himself to be a very good positional defender, but looks like a recreational league player at times when the ball is at his feet. Kolo Toure and Martin Skrtel are essentially the same player. They are solid defenders when at their best, but often slip to ground or grab their opponents at inopportune times.
The offense is still stagnant. Despite the breath of fresh air that was the Swansea match, the offense still struggles to actually score from the run of play. One could argue that Liverpool was outscored 2-0 or 2-1 given that both goals coming off penalties that in other matches may not have been called. Yes, the Reds created offense and Sterling and Coutinho are deadly with the ball on their shoestrings at times. However when you see that Liverpool had 18 total attempts and 6 on target, one really struggles to remember a good save from Hamer. The attempts on target were not usually effective and the quality chances were mostly missed.
Rounding back to the thought that Lallana's injury costing Liverpool, you could just see the change in the team. Fabio Borini is a decent player and would probably start for several clubs across the world. However due to the reaction from Rodgers toward the player and Borini's need to prove he can play at Liverpool, #29 simply tries too hard. A calm, composed player with the backing of his manager would have been more likely to slot home the game winner. Instead Borini simply charged around to show his effort and then banged his goal over the bar. The injury placed in a player who is trying too hard and also changed the dynamic of the team.
While the attacking triangle of Sterling, Lallana and Coutinho is a bit fluid it is almost always Sterling at the top. Sterling was forced deeper due to Borini's inclusion and there was a sudden lack of creativity from the midfield. This cannot be blamed on Borini or Sterling's positions alone, but there was a decided drop off in the mental stability of this team when the team sheet changed. The same can be said of Rickie Lambert's inclusion for Alberto Moreno. The entire team shape was altered and though Lambert set up a potential chance for Borini, Liverpool just did not strike fear into the defense the way they had.
Taking a disappointing draw result away, these questions still have to be dealt with by the team because once Daniel Sturridge is healthy, there are going to be alterations to the squad. Whether by an addition in the January window or simply the return of Sturridge, by the end of January the starting XI is not going to be the same as it has been the last two or three games. Liverpool must accept this and find a way to threaten the goal no matter who is on the pitch. The positives, though few, that can be taken from the game are that Liverpool threaten anyone and everyone with the 3-4-2-1 and an attacking triangle of Sterling, Lallana and Coutinho. The team showed good spirit even after the equalizer, when earlier in the season we would've seen a go-ahead goal from the Foxes.
It comes as little consolation in the moment, but Liverpool at least gained points. Not only on the pitch, but with Arsenal getting blanked they gain ground on the Gunners and stay right behind West Ham, who also drew. Liverpool now has 9 days off from Premier League action and can rest a few legs. Whether Rodgers chooses to do so is another matter, after stating he is determined to bring silverware to Anfield. Ultimately, if the game is viewed in a microcosm, then it is simply a disappointing draw. When viewed on the larger scale it harkens back to past problems and raises new ones.
The Reds are fortunate in that their next two opponents aren't flying high at the moment and Liverpool has already handled lower level squads. Leicester wasn't flying high either and stole a point at Anfield though, so nothing can be taken for granted. Perhaps now that the busy holiday period is done the Reds can settle down, figure things out and play good football. Walk on.
Leicester came out with the energy and passion you would've expected to see from the Reds. Liverpool was immediately thrown onto their heels and the Reds defended decently despite a sure goal being turned away by the Kop's woodwork on an early free kick by Riyad Mahrez. Once the game calmed down a bit, Liverpool took things into their hands. They pressed the attack and spread the field nicely with the speed and fluidity up front with the trio of Raheem Sterling, Adam Lallana and Coutinho.
Liverpool had their opportunities to score from the run of play, though rarely really tested backup keeper Ben Hamer. It was not until a more than fortunate penalty was given for a handball that actually hit the defender in the head that Liverpool was able to hit the net. More possession and attack yielded no result until another handball in the box gave Liverpool their second goal and Steven Gerrard his.
Normal fans would think the game was in hand and Liverpool seemed to be coasting to another victory. An early injury in the second half to Lallana may have actually cost Liverpool the game or at least raised questions about the lineup going forward. While Lallana would not have really figured into either goal actually scored by the Foxes, it was more what it did to Liverpool. Despite the uproar that a new goalkeeper is needed in the January window, Simon Mingolet played a solid match and nothing could be done about either goal.
The first goal for Leicester was an absolute sparkler from the top of the box. Nicely settled down and left for the Evertonian David Nugent to spank past the defender and past the outstretched hands of Mingolet. The Belgian keeper was screened but would not have had a chance even if he wasn't. With a score of 2-1, one could understand the Foxes being deserving of a tally given their hard work and unfortunate luck with the first penalty against them. However, they were not satisfied and Liverpool did not get their weight back on the toes. Less than two full minutes later, Leicester evened the game. Jefferey Schlupp took a good one time pass with a couple knocks and slotted it into the left netting with a solid left footed shot from the top of the arc.
While there were defensive lapses earlier in the play that led to the Foxes first goal, the second lay squarely on the backline and defending in general. A lackadaisical Raheem Sterling failed to account for Schlupp behind him, allowing the initial pass. Then Kolo Toure and Emre Can failed to close down on the shot before power could be put into it. The uninitiated will say Mingolet's attempt at the ball was poor and even the keeper himself may feel he could've put more power into the dive. However, any goalkeeper has no choice but to think Can is going to block that shot and then when it slides through the wickets, the goalkeeper has next to no time to react. Tie game. Done and dusted as they say.
Liverpool created more chances once they caught their breath. Two good chances came to the much debated Fabio Borini, one that seemed a tap in that the Italian striker managed to put a yard or two over the bar. Jordan Henderson whipped a strong shot toward goal as well, but ultimately well wide.
While my previous article focused on the positives to end 2014, this one will no doubt come off decidedly more negative. It is not for lack of effort. You can still see how the current formation benefits this team the most. However the questions raised in my previous blog and in this game will have great bearing on where this teams heads in 2015.
The defending is still awful. Brendan Rodgers is a proud man and a shrewd tactition, but his refusal to even entertain the idea of hiring a defensive coach may cost him his job. With no true goal scoring threat on this team, the constant glut of chances and goals given up along with the lack of clean sheets simply cannot be sustained by a winning club. Emre Can has done a fine job in a position that is not truly his own, however for the second straight contest he stumbled and looked foolish on a ball that drifted over his head. Mamadou Sakho has proven himself to be a very good positional defender, but looks like a recreational league player at times when the ball is at his feet. Kolo Toure and Martin Skrtel are essentially the same player. They are solid defenders when at their best, but often slip to ground or grab their opponents at inopportune times.
The offense is still stagnant. Despite the breath of fresh air that was the Swansea match, the offense still struggles to actually score from the run of play. One could argue that Liverpool was outscored 2-0 or 2-1 given that both goals coming off penalties that in other matches may not have been called. Yes, the Reds created offense and Sterling and Coutinho are deadly with the ball on their shoestrings at times. However when you see that Liverpool had 18 total attempts and 6 on target, one really struggles to remember a good save from Hamer. The attempts on target were not usually effective and the quality chances were mostly missed.
Rounding back to the thought that Lallana's injury costing Liverpool, you could just see the change in the team. Fabio Borini is a decent player and would probably start for several clubs across the world. However due to the reaction from Rodgers toward the player and Borini's need to prove he can play at Liverpool, #29 simply tries too hard. A calm, composed player with the backing of his manager would have been more likely to slot home the game winner. Instead Borini simply charged around to show his effort and then banged his goal over the bar. The injury placed in a player who is trying too hard and also changed the dynamic of the team.
While the attacking triangle of Sterling, Lallana and Coutinho is a bit fluid it is almost always Sterling at the top. Sterling was forced deeper due to Borini's inclusion and there was a sudden lack of creativity from the midfield. This cannot be blamed on Borini or Sterling's positions alone, but there was a decided drop off in the mental stability of this team when the team sheet changed. The same can be said of Rickie Lambert's inclusion for Alberto Moreno. The entire team shape was altered and though Lambert set up a potential chance for Borini, Liverpool just did not strike fear into the defense the way they had.
Taking a disappointing draw result away, these questions still have to be dealt with by the team because once Daniel Sturridge is healthy, there are going to be alterations to the squad. Whether by an addition in the January window or simply the return of Sturridge, by the end of January the starting XI is not going to be the same as it has been the last two or three games. Liverpool must accept this and find a way to threaten the goal no matter who is on the pitch. The positives, though few, that can be taken from the game are that Liverpool threaten anyone and everyone with the 3-4-2-1 and an attacking triangle of Sterling, Lallana and Coutinho. The team showed good spirit even after the equalizer, when earlier in the season we would've seen a go-ahead goal from the Foxes.
It comes as little consolation in the moment, but Liverpool at least gained points. Not only on the pitch, but with Arsenal getting blanked they gain ground on the Gunners and stay right behind West Ham, who also drew. Liverpool now has 9 days off from Premier League action and can rest a few legs. Whether Rodgers chooses to do so is another matter, after stating he is determined to bring silverware to Anfield. Ultimately, if the game is viewed in a microcosm, then it is simply a disappointing draw. When viewed on the larger scale it harkens back to past problems and raises new ones.
The Reds are fortunate in that their next two opponents aren't flying high at the moment and Liverpool has already handled lower level squads. Leicester wasn't flying high either and stole a point at Anfield though, so nothing can be taken for granted. Perhaps now that the busy holiday period is done the Reds can settle down, figure things out and play good football. Walk on.
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