Liverpool put a bit of a scare into supporters when they announced their lineup for an important match up against Southampton. The Reds were coming off a tough late week Europa League match where they put out a strong lineup, so changes were understandable. However the changes still seemed a bit odd. It had been rumored that Dejan Lovren would return to the lineup the last few games, but many had assumed he would take Emre Can's place, thus pushing Can to the midfield, not join him in the back three.
Once again, however, manager Brendan Rodgers' decisions all paid off. Daniel Sturridge was not forced to start on two days rest, Raheem Sterling was placed back into the striking role that sparked the team to its resurgence having rested most of the Besiktas match, Lovren and Lazar Markovic were given significant playing time which will be important the longer Liverpool stay alive in three separate competitions and Jordan Ibe continues his growth as a potential first team player.
The match got off to a rousing start for both Southampton and Liverpool and the Reds managed to bulge the net before some of us had even sat down for breakfast. Liverpool took a 1-0 lead in the third minute on an absolute cracker from Coutinho. The Brazilian speedster managed to rip an unstoppable shot from about 30 yards away from goal and just bank it in off the crossbar and across the goal line.
Not only did Liverpool score their game winning goal within the first five minutes, but the referee had a terrible day within that time span as well. Two potential penalties, one that was not and one that probably was, were not whistled in favor of Southampton. Truth be told, it was a pretty interesting day for the officials in this match. After two no calls early in the match, it became clear that the officials were going to do their best not to interject themselves. Joe Allen escaped a pretty clear penalty and then Raheem Sterling was not awarded a penalty after being chopped down with a trailing leg by the Saints sliding defender in the box only minutes later.
Even as a former keeper, it seemed as though Simon Mingolet was guilty of a handball outside of the penalty area that would have seen the Belgian netminder sent off. None of these were called and, more often than not, the yellow cards that were handed out were softer than some of the no calls. In the end though, both sides had things called in their favor and not called in their favor and it really evened out. The match official had a bad day, but fans are often more accepting of this when the calls and no calls are equal on both sides. Of course, it is easier to say when you are on the winning side of that coin.
Regardless of the referee and his decisions, Liverpool and Southampton played a strong attacking style deserving of such importance in the table. Both teams were brave in all aspects despite tremendously bad conditions with rain coming down in buckets at times, a swirling wind and the usual cold of a winter's night in England. Both squads fought through this adversity valiantly and fortunately for fans of the Reds, Liverpool managed to have a bit more skill, a bit more guile and managed to put more goals in the net.
It seemed for the longest time that the game would either end in a 1-1 draw, with Southampton gaining a few chances late in the match or a 1-0 win for Liverpool. Then in the 73rd minute, Raheem Sterling made the Saints pay for a slip in the box. The youngster, Matt Targett, who had done a decent job defending Jordan Ibe all afternoon, slipped on his clearance attempt and the ball fell right to Sterling. Sterling did not get full force behind the ball, but it was enough off the right foot to get past the defender and slip through the diving goalkeepers hands into the back of the goal. 2-0 for Liverpool and two points away from the top four.
The Saints managed a few more chances in the dying moments of the contest, but it was all for naught as Liverpool held on. Mingolet managed his sixth clean sheet in 2015 and continues to look confident in his position even if some supporters still worry about him at times. Southampton had a few injuries, so some might say they were not able to put out their strongest lineup, however neither did Liverpool and ultimately regardless of who was on the pitch, Liverpool made the plays and got the win.
The Mario Balotelli controversy was given a rest due to him not being needed, which was another positive for the team. In terms of the player, it may have been good to see if he could continue his form. Yet, Liverpool looked dangerous enough in attack without him and once the second goal was scored, a more defensive substitution made sense (even if it was Glen Johnson). As long as none of the sensationalist media out there try to make more of it than there is by saying Balotelli was left off as punishment, then the whole situation can pass quietly into the night and Liverpool can concentrate on winning matches.
No answers have been given as to the big question that ended the last blog, but that's a great thing for Liverpool. While it would be easier to say this competition represents the team's best chance at this goal or that goal, Liverpool continue to win and that is a better "problem" to have than wondering which games have more significance and when to rest players. If the bench keeps stepping up and giving performances like they did on this day against the Saints, then Liverpool may be able to put all energies into all competitions and still have a realistic chance of attaining their goals in each.
Random Thoughts:
- Being a former referee, I often see things through their eyes and give them the benefit of the doubt. However, I'm a bit tired of officiating crews being too afraid to make big calls. Whether you're neutral, a Reds fan or Saints fan it is very hard to argue that there should not have been at least two penalties given in that match and at least one red card if not two. Very poor showing, but as I stated in the blog at least it was even for both sides.
- Daniel Sturridge is a great player and he continues to spark the rest of the team. Yet, I can't help but feeling he's holding back just a little bit due to his penchant for reinjuring himself. It was not quite as evident in this match, but I continue to see signs that he is reluctant to be kicked or tackled and will avoid those situations even if it costs him the ball. All part of returning from injury I suppose, but you just hope it does not present a problem in an important match down the line.
- I will give the devil his due, so to speak, in regards to Joe Allen. This space has been no friend to Mr. Allen in recent weeks and often for good reason. He played a solid game against Southampton, however and was an important cog in the Liverpool machine. He was positioned well defensively throughout the game and made several good passes and clearances. Hopefully he can continue that form since a return for Gerrard and Lucas seems unlikely for another few weeks.
- While Arsenal and Manchester United are still above the Reds, some small part of me takes even more satisfaction - other than just being a fan - each time Liverpool move up the table, because of ESPN FC. Nobody, outside of Stevie Nicol think they can or will finish top four. This would be fine if they would not fall back on the idea that "it is not mathematically likely." There are still 12 matches in the Premier League left, including big matches against Arsenal and Manchester United. Don't tell me it's not mathematically possible when there are six points to be had from those matches alone and Liverpool sit two points out of the top four as we speak.
Walk On
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