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.
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