Liverpool Barely Muster Whimper in Finale

Liverpool FC came into the final day of the 2014-15 Premier League season with little to play for outside of pride.  Only a relatively unwanted spot in the Europa League was on the line.  However, Liverpool could not even muster the pride to send their captain out with style and barely registered a game played when the full 90 was finished.  Only the club's leader, who will travel across the pond to play in MLS after a month off, managed to send himself off with a bit of flare.  Steven Gerrard gave his fans one last memory to close out his European career, but the rest of the team let the supporters down.

Liverpool came out with a bit of attack and looked the more likely to score through the first 10 or 15 minutes.  Instead, Stoke got a counter attack and struck against a porous Liverpool back line.  In truth, Liverpool had their chances.  Adam Lallana had at least two that he could have put away and was not awarded a penalty that could have changed the complexion of the game when it was 3-0.  Other chances were missed or saved as well.  In the end, it did not matter as Liverpool had perhaps the worst first half performance as a team in many a memory.

Supporters can and will heap on Brendan Rodgers.  He picked this team, was part of the selection committee that made the transfers and chose the formations.  However, over the course of the season, it has become apparent that neither Jose Mourinho, Jurgen Klopp or anyone really was going to make a difference from the sidelines with this club.  The loss of both Luis Suarez, to transfer, and Daniel Sturridge, to injury, was more than anyone in the club was going to be able to make up for.  Really, Liverpool performed up to the standard they had last season.  The results were just different.

People will say that statement is nonsense, but the club scored 99 goals last season and 52 this season.  If you remove all of Suarez and Sturridge's goals from last years totals, then the goal totals almost even out over the two years.  Unfortunately, that just further proves the club's inability to find goal scoring talent.  There is attacking talent in this team, but it woefully underperformed all season and was nowhere close to the teamwide performance needed to replace those lofty numbers put up last season.

Supporters must now look to the future.  Sadly for them, the future is very cloudy at the moment.  Unless you can bring in a Jurgen Klopp, I think Rodgers will be on the sidelines next season.  The problem with that is Rodgers has been an enigma in his time at Anfield.  Throw away the first year as that is often a feeling out period.  His second year, he almost wins the league and figures out a way to build his squad around its strengths even if it doesn't use his most preferred formation.  Third season opens poorly, has a great run of form in the winter months and then hits a brick wall at the end.

Rodgers is a good tactician and knows how to place a squad when it has definitive strengths.  For two straight seasons he has gotten his club to perform to top capabilities from Christmas through March.  Alas, he has failed to inspire his team to perform in the spring and early fall.  He has yet to show that either he or this unnamed transfer committee can choose players capable of actually performing in a Liverpool shirt.

Going forward, whether Rodgers is the manager or not, Liverpool have to settle on a formation.  Yes, it is good to be fluid and capable of changing depending on personnel or injuries or an opponent.  However, the Reds have used at least three formations, if not more, over the last two seasons alone.  Beyond just having versatility, the players have not been allowed to settle into a steady position.  Raheem Sterling has played a wingback, an attacking wing and a striker.  Emre Can has played a centerback in a back three, a winger on occasion and even less at his natural position in the midfield.  Adam Lallana was jockeyed back and forth between winger and wing back.  Steven Gerrard ping ponged back and forth between attack and holding roles.

The list goes on and on of players put in several different spots.  We were all sold on the depth of this squad prior and during the season.  Now at its end, all are left to wonder who, if anyone really deserves to come back.  We all know that there isn't enough money available or enough suitors for the current crop of players to make literal wholesale changes.  Simon Mingolet will almost surely be the starting keeper going into next year and deservedly so given his form second half of the season.  Martin Skrtel, for good or bad will most likely be back next season.  Jordan Ibe just signed a new contract and will feature more prominently and Coutinho will have even more responsibility come the new season.

Outside of that, there are nothing but question marks.  Rodgers claims that Liverpool will not sell and Sterling will see out his contract.  A fine sentiment, but do you really want to receive no fee when the player leaves?  Rumors persist on social media that Joe Allen will stay and Lucas will go.  While that sentence should be reversed, I do not understand this groundswell of support for Lucas.  He cannot stay healthy and provides absolutely nothing in attack.  He is a solid defender, but if this club is depending on Lucas and/or Allen, then they will remain in dire straights.

Emre Can was brought in to be a midfielder and should be placed back in that role.  He did a serviceable job, but is not and may never be a back line defender.  He lacks the speed to play on the wing, lacks the knowledge to play well in the center and lacks the physicality, despite his size, to make the clearances he needs to.  Rickie Lambert is all but gone.  Mario Balotelli has loads of potential, but even as a personal fan, I understand that business comes first and this club may not be a fit and if someone is willing to spend on the Italian enigma, it would be wise to cash in.  Sakho can be a good defender, but looks less comfortable on the ball than a goalkeeper.

Jordan Henderson is relatively young and capable, but isn't that top talent needed to put up performances week in and week out.  Adam Lallana may stay or go and sadly, despite his effort and talents shown at Southampton, it may not actually affect the team much in either instance.  Sadly, that is the case for much of this squad.  Whether they stay or go, may not make much of a difference.  It all depends on who the manager brings in.

I am no football genius.  I do not know all the inner workings of who is available and who would be the best fit for the Reds.  Danny Ings has been mentioned, but could be just another Rickie Lambert.  Christian Benteke would be a nice add, but may be a pipe dream.  The discouraging thing going into this summer is that Liverpool need the exact same things they needed last offseason, plus more.  It will be a long offseason for this club.  But, for right or wrong, those that follow the club with their hearts will drink the kool-aid come next season and will always believe.  Liverpool have too much history, too much pride and too much support to become one of the also-rans.  We've seen teams make turnarounds following one decent to good transfer window.  All the fans can do now is hope that Brendan Rodgers, or whoever is in charge, will make good this time and restore Liverpool to some form of glory.

Random thoughts:
- For all their talents and media hype, Coutinho and Raheem Sterling did not do nearly enough this year.  Both had single digit goal scoring totals, when the team needed so much more.  Both will be good footballers going forward, but either lack the talent to carry a team alone or as a duo or simply need more supporting cast.

- On principle, I applaud BR for sitting Sterling.  Some will say it cost Liverpool the game, but given how bad that first half went, I doubt Sterling would've made a dent.  Regardless of what his future holds, Sterling should take a long look in the mirror and decide what he wants, not what his agent tells him he wants.  Even taking my supporter's hat off, Sterling would be better suited continuing to grow at Liverpool and then even bigger money will be available in a few years time.  If he wants less playing time and increased scrutiny that will come by playing at some other clubs, that is his prerogative.  However, with the way things have played out over the last few weeks, the player and his agent have done nothing but paint the youngster in a poor light, which will not be viewed well by potential suitors.

- It was not a good year to be a manager on Merseyside.  After looking like great tacticians last year, both Rodgers and Roberto Martinez had less than stellar campaigns.  While both are still viewed as good coaches, their performances this year may put both in the unemployment line.

- As I mentioned in the blog, I am one of, if not the only Mario Balotelli supporters left.  He presents an interesting problem for the club.  If you can recoup some of your money, then selling may be a good option.  However, there is talent in the man if it can be harnessed.  Unfortunately, nobody has managed to do that yet.  Also, to get the best out of him, you really need to form the squad around his talents, which would be a double edged sword.  If he produces it works out.  If he doesn't, then  you may have several players in wrong positions again.  This season showed that, whether it is Balotelli or even Sturridge, that playing with only one true striker (sometimes none at all) does not befit this club at the moment.

- Thank the maker that Steven Gerrard at least scored a memorable goal in his final Premier League match.  It was bad enough to see his team go out with an embarrassing performance, but if he would have been subbed off at the half or done nothing of note, it would not have been fitting.

- The hole that Gerrard will leave will be bigger than just the space he took on the field.  In the post match show on NBC, they spoke about the respect Gerrard gave to everyone around the stadium and training ground.  From the lunch lady to the parking attendants, Gerrard was held in high regard by everyone at the club.  It will be nearly impossible to replace the leadership he brought and the gravitas he carried.  Sadly, we may have witnessed the last of a dying breed.  In today's age, we may never again see a player spend his entire career, from youth to pro, at one club.  Those with the talent are drawn away by more money.  Those who stay are often replaced by someone younger.  While not on the level of Messi or Ronaldo, Gerrard was a once in a generation player in his own way.

Best wishes to all you Reds supporters during this long offseason.  Let us all hope for a much better end to next season.  This space will not be completely void during the summer.  I may transition to writing about Saint Louis FC or just sports in general.  If you wish to keep up with my musings, you may follow me on facebook or twitter:  https://twitter.com/TPanula.  I post my blogs and YouTube shows on there.

Walk On.

Gerrard Farewell Spoiled by Liverpool Defense

It was supposed to be the perfect send off for a club legend.  It was supposed to be a tearful, heartfealt goodbye to the man who had stuck by the club through thick and thin when greener pastures were readily available.  Instead, the same old problems reared their ugly head and spoiled the occasion.  Steven Gerrard was even pushed forward, trying to come up with that magic moment he has become synonymous with.  It was not meant to be.

Liverpool looked great out of the gate.  The team was fresh, cohesive and on point.  The passing was good and the team was dominant.  Liverpool looked like they would rule the day.   Midway through the first half, the Reds were controlling 80% of the possession.  By the end of the match, Liverpool still held the edge in possession 66% to 34%.  Unfortunately, it led to nothing.

Adam Lallana gave the Reds hope that the sunny day would end with a glowing finish.  Lallana knicked away a poor pass from former Liverpool defender, Martin Kelly, raced past Scott Dann and then flipped one just over goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey.  Lallana went straight for the team captain to celebrate and embraced his leader tightly.  Alas, it was to be the last true bright spot for Liverpool for the rest of the match.

Despite chances and possession, Liverpool failed to create and capitalize.  Crystal Palace poached the equalizer just before the half.  The Reds gave up an ill advised foul close to the penalty area just two minutes before the break.  Jason Puncheon went over the wall and far post, putting it in the back of the net.  Simon Mingolet, perhaps having scouted Puncheon's last free kick attempt took a step to the near post right off the kick, leaving him no chance to recover once the ball went the other way.

Wilfried Zaha, the former Manchester United foe, turned out to be a thorn in the side of his rival again.  Only 22 seconds after coming onto the pitch, Zaha struck and Liverpool conceded.  Down 2-1 for most of the second half, Liverpool tried to push forward.  They moved Gerrard into an attacking position and put on Rickie Lambert in an attempt to spur the offense.  Emre Can was given more leway to venture upfield as well.  It was for naught though as the club either fumbled away decent chances or passed the ball too many times instead of looking for a shot.

Palace put the nail in the coffin in extra time.  The spoilers were wrongly awarded a penalty kick when Lucas fouled Zaha just outside the box.  Glenn Murray's spot kick was neatly saved by Simon Mingolet, but the Belgian was given no help on the rebound attempt and Murray slotted it just past Mingolet's outstretched left foot.

Liverpool, for a second season, failed to fully show up against Crystal Palace in a late season match.  Excluding a cup match, Liverpool are now 0-1-2 in their last few league games against Palace.  The Eagles have looked most comfortable in spoiling Liverpool's party the last few seasons.  Again, the lack of a true scorer cost the Reds.  Though it was almost impossible, the loss also officially eliminates Liverpool from Champions League football next season.  Just another grain of salt in the wound.

Ultimately this game is just another example of the changes that need to be made to this club.  There was really little to play for, outside of pride and to send Gerrard off the Anfield pitch with a fond memory.  Liverpool failed to do that and just about everyone on the pitch failed to prove that they are assured of a place in the team next season.  Big changes are in store for the club in red next year.  Unfortunately, regardless of the talent they may bring in, there will still be a huge hole.  That hole will be in the shape of a number 8.  Leadership is a value that is hard to recruit and hopefully someone can at least partially fill those large shoes.

Walk On.

Good Result Not Enough

Hopefully all the mothers out there are having or have had a great Mother's Day.  The mothers of the Liverpool players will be proud of their sons.  They gave a good effort, for the most part, in an always difficult road match against Chelsea.  There were lots of storylines heading into this one.  Steven Gerrard's last trip to Stamford Bridge, the master manager against his former pupil, Chelsea closing out the championship the week prior and Liverpool essentially needing a win to keep their Champions League hopes alive.

The match opened up inauspiciously for Liverpool, as the bane of the club reared its head.  Set pieces have long been a point of contention for this team and again it led to a goal.  This time off a corner kick.  John Terry, the old adversary, peeled his way back from the crowd and jumped over Rickie Lambert and nodded it past Simon Mingolet and Steven Gerrard, who was on the near post.  Though no one could really blame Gerrard for not getting a foot on it, it was just another pinch of salt in the wounds that Chelsea love to rub so vigorously.  

Despite the poor start, Liverpool actually enjoyed a good deal of possession and attack.  Unfortunately for them, the Blues' defense was too well organized for much of the half and really the game overall.  Liverpool poked and prodded, seeked and searched to no avail for much of the opening 45.  It was not until late in the half that the skies would brighten for the Reds fortunes.

As if to say he was not about to let his legacy end at Stamford Bridge with the slip that played a part in Liverpool's downfall last season, Steven Gerrard rose up.  The captain, admittedly with the aide of a slight push, found himself wide open on the back post of Liverpool's own corner kick.  The equalizer came in the 44th minute after Gerrard neatly headed the ball down into the pitch and it bounded just past Tibault Courtois and into the net.  For a player that has had his struggles with fitness, fan appreciation and on-field play this season, it was a far better memory to leave Chelsea with than last season's end.  Gerrard even received a rare standing ovation from the road fans when he was subbed out.

Sadly, his heroics were ultimately for naught.  Liverpool and Chelsea turned into Mayweather and Paquiao for the second half, mainly content to lunge forward on occasion but mainly coming to nothing.  Liverpool only put four shots on target all game and their opponents, only three.  Hardly the stuff of attacking legends.  It was a bittersweet result due to the fact that if you asked anyone mid-season, if they would take a 1-1 draw in Chelsea's home stadium, only a food would not.

Alas, for Liverpool, while the result was good for form, it was not good enough to save their last remaining goal for the season.  While the Reds have had glimpses and flashes of the team of last season, ultimately they are left wondering how it all went so poorly.  A fifth place finish, in one of the most competitive leagues in the world would be nothing to scoff at, but is a bitter pill to swallow.  The pill is extra bitter when you come to the realization that nothing was accomplished.  Champions League, although mathematically still alive, is gone.  Another season will pass without silverware, even though the club got to the semi-finals in two competitions.  Also, another season goes by without a league title.  All were goals set at the beginning of the year, all seemed plausible and now all are simply dust in the wind.

The club must now look to the future, while honoring the past.  Gerrard will most likely get a grand send off in his final game at Anfield in a week's time.  Liverpool's last two games are certainly winnable and, at this stage, you may as well look to finish with as many points as possible.  The dreams of the year may be gone, but fans still have two more weeks to enjoy and that's better than nothing at all.

Walk On.