Liverpool Continue to March Up the Table

Liverpool managed a fantastic game against Manchester City, just days after a disastrous exit to Besiktas in the Europa League.  While it certainly helped to get the huge boost that the Anfield faithful always provide, Liverpool came out with a zest for the game and with energy many feared would be lacking after expending 120 minutes of strength in Istanbul.  Liverpool opened the game very positively, almost creating a chance mere minutes into the game.

Then the floodgates opened.  Both teams bombed back and forth.  Manchester City, title dreams slowly vanishing like that last sweet dream that fades into the morning, put forth a solid attack.  Absorbing the first two or three minutes, they lashed out toward the Kop with reckless abandon.  Their attacks often left holes in the back, which Liverpool were able to take advantage of in turn.

Despite his failings in Europe, Brendan Rodgers' decisions continue to bear fruit domestically.  While the boss has labeled it as an injury, the consensus is that Coutinho was held out of the road game at Istanbul merely to give him a rest.  Regardless of what the truth is, the decision turned out to be a genius one as Coutinho dominated the game from the Reds' point of view.  The Brazilian talent was solid on the ball, made great decisions and slotted deft passes into places only his teammates could get the ball.  Coutinho may not have scored the opening goal, but he formulated Liverpool's attack for most of the first half.  He presented Manchester City with problems as he was too fast in some instances and too skilled to be marked in others.

Jordan Henderson, who despite recent games of solid play is not known for his clinical finishing, smashed what Arlo White described as one of the potential goals of the year.  Little did White know what was to come later.  Henderson, for his part, took the pass on the left side of the box. pushed it past the lunging defender and though it seemed as though he may have pushed it too far away, Vincent Kompany did not close the distance.  Henderson then smashed a brilliant right footed curler into the upper 90 and Joe Hart stood no chance.

Liverpool's lead would not last forever, unfortunately for their fans.  Though the Reds were able to withstand the onslaught in the opening foray of the match, their defensive lapses could not hold back the wave forever.  Sergio Aguero managed to avoid several tackles as he slid along the top of the box.  The City striker's skill managed to draw enough attention that Edin Dzeko slipped into the space between center backs.  Dzeko took the pass neatly from Aguero, spotted it past the sliding Simon Mingolet and knotted up the game.

Both teams continued to take their chances and heading into the half, it appeared as though momentum may be sliding toward City.  However, Liverpool took control of the game in the second half.  Defying conventional wisdom which said City would have more energy having played on Tuesday and Liverpool on Thursday, the Reds took the game to their opponents.  Coutinho took the game into his hands as well.

In the 75th minute, Coutinho scored a brilliant goal that was very similar to Henderson's but from an even tighter angle.  Liverpool's manager had nothing but praise for his young player.  "He is a joy to work with and a joy to watch," said Rodgers.  "He is a kid who has so much ahead of him in the game.  He is 22 years of age.  People forget that he came to us at 19.  He is a sensational footballer.  To beat Joe Hart at that angle and power was a phenomenal shot."

Not only was it important to get the victory over City for the simple morale booster, of beating a team that is above you in the table and defeated you soundly earlier in the season, but to keep moving up the table yourself.  Liverpool came into the match one point behind Southampton, who sat in sixth.  The Saints lost on Saturday, which allowed Liverpool a chance to even tie for fourth spot.  The win vaulted them two points over the Saints and into a tie with Arsenal.  The tie did not last long as Liverpool's Merseyside companion, Everton, could not take down the Gunners but at least the Reds have a Champions League spot within an extremely realistic grasp.

Liverpool are the only Premier League team yet to lose a league match in the calander year of 2015.  Rodgers believes working into a Champions League spot may be an even bigger accomplishment than hoped for.  "If we can get into the top four, it is an even bigger accomplishment than last season because of our starting position."

Liverpool continue to take their Kopites on a rollercoaster of a season.  Their lack of success in Europe and the ups and downs of cup competitions have kept fans guessing and wondering.  In the league, they have yet to let people down.  A loss is bound to come at some time and Liverpool still have Arsenal and Manchester United above, but they have placed themselves in a position where things are in their hands.  The Reds have winnable matches the next two league games and then face all-important fixtures against the Red Devils at home and the Gunners on the road.  Points are at a premium.  As long as Liverpool continue to pick them up in each game, then there may be more European nights at Anfield next season.

Random Thoughts:

- I cannot imagine not starting Daniel Sturridge if he is fit, but he seems to be proving himself more of an asset at this stage coming off the bench.  He failed to put the nail in the coffin on a couple chances, but still threatened the goal and one has to figure if he was in full form he would've slotted the goals in.

- Liverpool deserved to win.  Bottom line.  That said, Manchester City failed to connect on several chances that, given their skill, you would normally expect them to finish off.  The formation still suits the Reds, but I just worry about their defensive skill if faced with a team that is flying.

- Adam Lallana continues to be a bit of a mystery.  Some games he looks fantastic, like this one against City.  Others, he completely disappears like against Southampton.  Perhaps the occasion of facing his former team was too much for him on that night.

Walk On