It was an improbable result to imagine a few months ago. Chelsea were flying high as champions of the Premier League and Liverpool were still struggling to deal with injuries and get new signings to gel within the squad. My, how things have changed. Liverpool have struggled to find the results but they still looked like a team with plenty in front of them. Chelsea on the other hand have appeared to be a shell of a team despite the majority of last year's championship squad still being in place.
The match got off to a rough start for the Reds and a dream start for Chelsea. Ramires was fed a line drive cross from the right in the fourth minute and he smartly finished it off with the head. Simon Mingolet had no chance and the defenders, though ball watching yet again, were left relatively powerless even if they were in perfect position. As mentioned, it was a dream start for Ramires, who had just signed a new contract, a dream start for the Blues and a perfect start for Jose Mourinho.
Chelsea almost doubled their advantage two minutes later after a free kick led to a header on the near side that sliced across the face of goal. Martin Skrtel was tightly marking John Terry and almost surely prevented a goal. Then Mourinho became Mourinho. Despite all his talents as a manager and skills for providing wins for whichever club he is managing, Mourinho can't help but slide into defensive shells when he thinks it is beneficial. You can't argue completely with his tactics as he has won so much, but it does not provide beautiful football when his teams often have so much skill.
Although Liverpool never looked disinterested, they just seemed to lack that spark, as we have seen so many times, unfortunately, regardless of who the manager is. But, seemingly from nowhere, the Reds would get that spark. Coutinho, known mainly for his right foot, created a large area of space just outside the box as he cut the ball back to his left as the halftime break was approaching. Whether it was intentional or not, there was not a ton of power on the shot but it was placed to perfection. Asmir Begovic, the Blues' goalkeeper was left with no chance at all as the shot came from near the center of the pitch and was slotted neatly into the left hand side of the net.
Immediately after the goal was scored, the camera cut to Mourinho, who was headed down the walkway to the dressing room. Whether he was already down there and came back to see the goal or the goal forced his departure is unknown, but a sweet sight for the Liverpool supporters. It almost seemed a bit of foreshadowing, for the result of the contest and for the possible future of the Chelsea manager.
Nothing would be for sure for most of the second half. The game went almost 30 minutes with little from either side to make one believe this would not be another game where Liverpool would fail to score more than a goal and another contest where Chelsea would not take full points. That all changed in the 74th minute. Fulfilling a Liverpool penchant for scoring goals in bunches after a long dry spell, Coutinho knocked home his second of the contest. Starting from a nothing play, a long ball from midfield, Christian Benteke nodded it down. The ball went just by a teammate, but came right to the Brazilian and he made sure to put it to bed. Getting a deflection off the defender helped the ball in, but the right footer may have been destined for a goal no matter what.
The icing on the cake came nine minutes later. The Chelsea defense went to sleep and Benteke made them pay. The summer signing, despite injuries, still proving he is a capable scorer took the ball after an Adam Lallana stepover. The big striker took a couple dribbles at the reeling defenders, tucked the ball away and that was all she wrote. Chelsea had chances before and after that, including a little chip attempt that Mingolet scrambled back to parry away, but there was always a hint this would be the result from that reaction at the half.
These are teams that are not headed in polar opposite directions, being as neither is where they want to be. However, Liverpool are on the edge, peeking in at the top four now. Chelsea, on the other hand, are dangling over that relegation zone. Few gave Liverpool much of a chance, given their lack of scoring and playing at Stamford Bridge, but those are the games that show why you go out and play and not let the pundits decide. There are still a myriad of things to alter and get better with for the Reds, but few victories taste as sweet as one over Chelsea and the players and their manager earned it.
Random Thoughts:
- Being a fan of a team that sings "Manchester is full of s***" leaves little room to take a moral stand. However, it seemed like all of Chelsea's songs had to do with spiteful things, like Steven Gerrard and never winning again etc. Made the final result a little bit sweeter with their silence.
- Oh how I look forward to a day when Liverpool has two healthy strikers. I'm no tactical genius and will never claim to be a coach. That said, this team just seems set up to play with two strikers and Coutinho tucked in behind. You have to have everyone healthy, which seems impossible of late, and it creates problems with who to play in midfield but if it is beneficial to the team then that's all anyone can ask for.
- Mourinho proved how much of a clown he can be as he refused to say anything to the postmatch reporter. He kept saying he had nothing to say and looking at the man like he was an idiot for doing his job. The egotist may feel better for not speaking, but he has done himself no favors.
- I never root for anyone to lose their job, no matter how much I dislike them. Even so, to paraphrase a certain dark lord of the Sith - This will be a day long remembered. Liverpool may have seen to the end of Mourinho and perhaps caused the relegation of Chelsea.
- That last one was a bit harsh, but when you have family members who root for Chelsea, it's ok to have a little dig ;)
Walk On
Saturday, October 31, 2015
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Liverpool Only Manage One Goal Again In Cup Win
Ah the Capital One Cup - you provide such divisiveness. Purists, like the current Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, still see the benefit of trying to put everything you can (within reason) into cup competitions. Others say they aren't worth it and it would actually be better for a team to be eliminated so they can concentrate on the league. None are fully right or wrong. Both have valid arguments.
What is interesting is despite his claims of still being acclimated to English culture and not valuing this competition, Klopp actually fielded the first "Cup squad" Liverpool have probably put forth this season. Despite the lack of experience, Liverpool had that youthful exhuberance and created some decent chances. Roberto Firmino began to show flashes of what has been expected of him by the Kop and featured heavily in the opening goal of the match, which was smartly finished off by Nathaniel Clyne.
What made the goal even better - besides the obvious fact that it put the team ahead - was it was the kind of goal Liverpool have conceded so often. It was on a run of play, Clyne snuck in behind the defender who was appealing for offside and all he had to do was tuck it in. No easy task, but supporters have had to see that same goal so many times but against them, it was nice to see the Reds take advantage.
As is their way, Bournemouth put a lot into attack and were no slouch. Adam Bogdan had to deny three chances from Junior Stanislas alone. Nevertheless, the Reds held a slim possession advantage as the first 45 came to a close. Things never quite end up easy for Liverpool though.
Right out of the gate, Bournemouth created a chance that was narrowly missed. Shaun MacDonald won a header and the defense was caught ball watching. The ball barely slid wide of the post and MacDonald probably should've been awarded a penalty kick for his shirt almost being removed by the Liverpool defender.
On the flip side, Liverpool should have been up by two in the 58th minute. Good pressure from the midfield led to a turnover and Firmino raced into the box. Under light pressure, he fired a shot that beat the keeper but was always curling away from the left post as the shot came from the right. Firmino really should have done better and it was one of those chances that the club could've rued at the end of the contest.
The possession continued to favor the Reds as the gas slowly went out of Bournemouth. Liverpool didn't create a ton of chances but they were still relatively lively on the ball. Joao Teixeira almost scored after Joe Allen earned a free kick in the 80th minute, however it was neatly saved.
Bogdan was almost lulled to sleep for the second half only to see a toe ball from Matt Ritchie almost sneak in the near post. The secondary keeper was wise to it though and quickly got down to save it. In the end that was enough to hold on for a night of firsts. It was Bogdan's first win in regulation time. It was Klopp's first win with the club. Clyne's first goal with the team ended up being the game winner.
Much like the tournament itself, there were good aspects and bad. Getting the bad over with first, Liverpool again failed to score more than one goal. Liverpool have only scored more than once in one game all season, a 3-2 win over Aston Villa. Despite the good play from Firmino, Teixeira, Jordan Ibe and several others, they aren't getting statistical production from their scorers. Eventually the players you expect to produce need to start producing.
On the good side, fans got to see a lot of the young talent they had been clamoring for. Teixeira looked very comfortable on the ball and like Ibe and Raheem Sterling before him, has a chance to be a special player if brought up correctly. As mentioned, the goal Liverpool scored was from the run of play instead of a set piece. And what is more, the club won. Not convincingly or spectacularly, but at least the cloud of Klopp's first win has evaporated.
Going forward, it falls on each person to decide what matters to them. Are Liverpool still in that phase where a win is a win, no matter how or who they come against? Or is showing glimpses and flashes of good play with little to show for it not quite enough. Despite what most pundits will tell you, there is no real answer. Each person has their own view of it.
The bottom line is Liverpool are still alive. Think what you will of the Capital One Cup, but LFC have made the quarterfinals for the fifth time in the last decade. They're still alive after spectacular crashes from the competition by Chelsea and Arsenal the day before. They're still alive in a competition that can provide great experience for the squad players. They still have a chance for silverware, regardless of the prestige.
Random Thoughts:
- It would be nice not to have to watch these matches on virus laden streams in the US. Even if I had BeInSports, which I don't, the match wasn't shown live.
- Though most vocal fans hate him, I thought Dejan Lovren had a good game. He was solid in the back and only made one clear mistake in the second half that was quickly cleaned up by Clyne.
- Divock Origi was more lively on the ball but clearly has more developing to do. The sad thing is he may not be what was advertised, but he is still young enough to change any negative perception he has earned of late.
- Brendan Rodgers was more animated than many Premier League managers when his team scored, but Klopp takes it to another level. He really is a football man and turns into a fan when the ball hits the net, despite his position. It's refreshing to see.
Walk On
What is interesting is despite his claims of still being acclimated to English culture and not valuing this competition, Klopp actually fielded the first "Cup squad" Liverpool have probably put forth this season. Despite the lack of experience, Liverpool had that youthful exhuberance and created some decent chances. Roberto Firmino began to show flashes of what has been expected of him by the Kop and featured heavily in the opening goal of the match, which was smartly finished off by Nathaniel Clyne.
What made the goal even better - besides the obvious fact that it put the team ahead - was it was the kind of goal Liverpool have conceded so often. It was on a run of play, Clyne snuck in behind the defender who was appealing for offside and all he had to do was tuck it in. No easy task, but supporters have had to see that same goal so many times but against them, it was nice to see the Reds take advantage.
As is their way, Bournemouth put a lot into attack and were no slouch. Adam Bogdan had to deny three chances from Junior Stanislas alone. Nevertheless, the Reds held a slim possession advantage as the first 45 came to a close. Things never quite end up easy for Liverpool though.
Right out of the gate, Bournemouth created a chance that was narrowly missed. Shaun MacDonald won a header and the defense was caught ball watching. The ball barely slid wide of the post and MacDonald probably should've been awarded a penalty kick for his shirt almost being removed by the Liverpool defender.
On the flip side, Liverpool should have been up by two in the 58th minute. Good pressure from the midfield led to a turnover and Firmino raced into the box. Under light pressure, he fired a shot that beat the keeper but was always curling away from the left post as the shot came from the right. Firmino really should have done better and it was one of those chances that the club could've rued at the end of the contest.
The possession continued to favor the Reds as the gas slowly went out of Bournemouth. Liverpool didn't create a ton of chances but they were still relatively lively on the ball. Joao Teixeira almost scored after Joe Allen earned a free kick in the 80th minute, however it was neatly saved.
Bogdan was almost lulled to sleep for the second half only to see a toe ball from Matt Ritchie almost sneak in the near post. The secondary keeper was wise to it though and quickly got down to save it. In the end that was enough to hold on for a night of firsts. It was Bogdan's first win in regulation time. It was Klopp's first win with the club. Clyne's first goal with the team ended up being the game winner.
Much like the tournament itself, there were good aspects and bad. Getting the bad over with first, Liverpool again failed to score more than one goal. Liverpool have only scored more than once in one game all season, a 3-2 win over Aston Villa. Despite the good play from Firmino, Teixeira, Jordan Ibe and several others, they aren't getting statistical production from their scorers. Eventually the players you expect to produce need to start producing.
On the good side, fans got to see a lot of the young talent they had been clamoring for. Teixeira looked very comfortable on the ball and like Ibe and Raheem Sterling before him, has a chance to be a special player if brought up correctly. As mentioned, the goal Liverpool scored was from the run of play instead of a set piece. And what is more, the club won. Not convincingly or spectacularly, but at least the cloud of Klopp's first win has evaporated.
Going forward, it falls on each person to decide what matters to them. Are Liverpool still in that phase where a win is a win, no matter how or who they come against? Or is showing glimpses and flashes of good play with little to show for it not quite enough. Despite what most pundits will tell you, there is no real answer. Each person has their own view of it.
The bottom line is Liverpool are still alive. Think what you will of the Capital One Cup, but LFC have made the quarterfinals for the fifth time in the last decade. They're still alive after spectacular crashes from the competition by Chelsea and Arsenal the day before. They're still alive in a competition that can provide great experience for the squad players. They still have a chance for silverware, regardless of the prestige.
Random Thoughts:
- It would be nice not to have to watch these matches on virus laden streams in the US. Even if I had BeInSports, which I don't, the match wasn't shown live.
- Though most vocal fans hate him, I thought Dejan Lovren had a good game. He was solid in the back and only made one clear mistake in the second half that was quickly cleaned up by Clyne.
- Divock Origi was more lively on the ball but clearly has more developing to do. The sad thing is he may not be what was advertised, but he is still young enough to change any negative perception he has earned of late.
- Brendan Rodgers was more animated than many Premier League managers when his team scored, but Klopp takes it to another level. He really is a football man and turns into a fan when the ball hits the net, despite his position. It's refreshing to see.
Walk On
Sunday, October 25, 2015
Liverpool Snatches a Draw From the Jaws of Victory
It was always going to be a tough task - turning around Liverpool FC. There were those, like myself, that had consumed the kool-aid and believed the signings were good and the team just wasn't playing up to snuff. Then there were those, that while overly negative at times, probably had a better grasp on what the truth of this team really was. Liverpool, for all their successes in years past, for all the money they've spent and for as close to a title they came just a few seasons ago, really aren't one of the big boys at the moment.
As has been the case the last few weeks, regardless of who was the manager, Liverpool managed to create a few chances but they simply don't have the ability to finish right now. In his midweek meetings with the press, Jurgen Klopp even acknowledged his players seem to be experiencing a bit of anxiety in the attacking end. The team has a lot of skill on the ball, but there just isn't that true threat on goal. Granted, much of that, at the moment, is due to injuries. Christian Benteke did not start the match against Southampton even though he was fit enough to be in the squad and Daniel Sturridge continues to prove that he may be the Derrick Rose of the Premier League - boatloads of talent that is rarely on the field.
Divock Origi has the ability to develop into a top class player, but he is far from the finished product right now. He has done his best in the last couple matches featured in a starting role, but just appears more suited to the role being asked of Adam Lallana than the main striker. Whether from a forced perspective or simply wanting a change of pace, Klopp wisely put on the big Belgian after the half.
Almost immediately, Benteke had an impact. Only two minutes into the second 45, Lallana played a ball through to the left. Benteke ran onto it and almost slid it back across to the Englishman, with Coutinho waiting even further along if it slipped through. Alas, it only went for a corner, but Liverpool used that energy to keep up the pressure and earn two more corners immediately after. The second half also served as a wake-up call for the Anfield faithful.
The glow of Klopp's arrival perhaps wearing off just a bit, the first half saw the Red's supporters a bit quiet and apprehensive like they were in the final few weeks of Brendan Rodgers' reign. In the second frame, they were more lively even breaking out a brief rendition of some songs during the 52nd minute. Despite the good vibes, the apprehension remained on the field.
Liverpool still looked decent when in attack mode, but like a baseball hitter gripping the bat too tightly, they were just pressing too much. Alberto Moreno blasted one across the face of goal with too much pace in the 56th minute and then ripped one 20 feet over the bar a minute later. Moreno did make up for those miscues with an absolutely perfectly timed tackle in the box when Southampton seemed to have a breakaway in the 60th minute.
Firmino came on for Lallana in the 67th minute and then the game entered a rather dull period. The squads traded trips up the field and then back with little to show. As things seemed determined to settle into another goalless draw, James Milner took the ball up the right side in the 78th minute and lofted one into the box. It seemed too far out for much to come of it, but Benteke got full power behind the header and placed it right into the upper 90 for Liverpool's first goal. It was a top notch goal and one that fans will hope gives Benteke the lift to further goals coming.
Unfortunately, the good feelings were short lived. The bane of Liverpool, no matter who they have in the back four, has been set pieces and a long free kick was their undoing in this match. Unable to clear the initial attempt, Gaston Ramirez headed it back across the goal for Mane to finish off past a lunging Milner and Simon Mingolet. While there was little blame for any one player, it just had that stomach turning feel of Liverpool snatching a draw from the jaws of victory.
The bottom line is that this team remains disappointing. Southampton is a good side, but Liverpool needed to find a way to win. Other than a bit more optimism in the stands and a bit more effort shown on the field, there has been no difference in the results of Rodgers and Klopp. That's no knock against the new manager, just the truth. It's a bit of a harsher reality for those of us that drank the aforementioned kool-aid, because we're coming to the realization that the players simply aren't good enough.
Injuries have played a huge role in results but nobody has outperformed themselves simply because they have a new manager. Coutinho seems to have actually regressed a step since the change. There is definitely a more positive vibe with Klopp in charge, but it just hasn't translated onto the field and into goals. Klopp seems to have shored up the defense overall, but they've also conceded a goal in two of the three games the German has been in charge. In the end it's just more proof that the turnaround may be farther away than any of us envisioned and definitely farther away than we had hoped.
Random Thoughts:
- I was glad to see Liverpool legend, Stevie Nicol actually agreed with me about Adam Lallana, since it had seemed I was alone in the thoughts that he's just not that great. He has technical ability unmatched by many in the game. However, he cannot score and doesn't seem to do a great job of setting anyone else up to score either. He would be a nice change of pace player off the bench, but as a starter he just isn't getting it done.
- I'm eager to see what new and creative ways people come up with to put this result on Simon Mingolet. I understand it's the trait of typical lazy fans who have no concept of how to play the position, but I always get a tickle out of their insane need to blame goalkeepers for any goal.
- I keep hoping for the day when Liverpool will have two healthy strikers. Perhaps I'm old fashioned or perhaps I'm too stuck in the old American style but I just think you need two true strikers. Benteke is a strong man, but especially in the Premier League, if you don't have the second layer of attackers capable of providing quick support, then a holding striker just isn't going to create enough offense.
Walk On
As has been the case the last few weeks, regardless of who was the manager, Liverpool managed to create a few chances but they simply don't have the ability to finish right now. In his midweek meetings with the press, Jurgen Klopp even acknowledged his players seem to be experiencing a bit of anxiety in the attacking end. The team has a lot of skill on the ball, but there just isn't that true threat on goal. Granted, much of that, at the moment, is due to injuries. Christian Benteke did not start the match against Southampton even though he was fit enough to be in the squad and Daniel Sturridge continues to prove that he may be the Derrick Rose of the Premier League - boatloads of talent that is rarely on the field.
Divock Origi has the ability to develop into a top class player, but he is far from the finished product right now. He has done his best in the last couple matches featured in a starting role, but just appears more suited to the role being asked of Adam Lallana than the main striker. Whether from a forced perspective or simply wanting a change of pace, Klopp wisely put on the big Belgian after the half.
Almost immediately, Benteke had an impact. Only two minutes into the second 45, Lallana played a ball through to the left. Benteke ran onto it and almost slid it back across to the Englishman, with Coutinho waiting even further along if it slipped through. Alas, it only went for a corner, but Liverpool used that energy to keep up the pressure and earn two more corners immediately after. The second half also served as a wake-up call for the Anfield faithful.
The glow of Klopp's arrival perhaps wearing off just a bit, the first half saw the Red's supporters a bit quiet and apprehensive like they were in the final few weeks of Brendan Rodgers' reign. In the second frame, they were more lively even breaking out a brief rendition of some songs during the 52nd minute. Despite the good vibes, the apprehension remained on the field.
Liverpool still looked decent when in attack mode, but like a baseball hitter gripping the bat too tightly, they were just pressing too much. Alberto Moreno blasted one across the face of goal with too much pace in the 56th minute and then ripped one 20 feet over the bar a minute later. Moreno did make up for those miscues with an absolutely perfectly timed tackle in the box when Southampton seemed to have a breakaway in the 60th minute.
Firmino came on for Lallana in the 67th minute and then the game entered a rather dull period. The squads traded trips up the field and then back with little to show. As things seemed determined to settle into another goalless draw, James Milner took the ball up the right side in the 78th minute and lofted one into the box. It seemed too far out for much to come of it, but Benteke got full power behind the header and placed it right into the upper 90 for Liverpool's first goal. It was a top notch goal and one that fans will hope gives Benteke the lift to further goals coming.
Unfortunately, the good feelings were short lived. The bane of Liverpool, no matter who they have in the back four, has been set pieces and a long free kick was their undoing in this match. Unable to clear the initial attempt, Gaston Ramirez headed it back across the goal for Mane to finish off past a lunging Milner and Simon Mingolet. While there was little blame for any one player, it just had that stomach turning feel of Liverpool snatching a draw from the jaws of victory.
The bottom line is that this team remains disappointing. Southampton is a good side, but Liverpool needed to find a way to win. Other than a bit more optimism in the stands and a bit more effort shown on the field, there has been no difference in the results of Rodgers and Klopp. That's no knock against the new manager, just the truth. It's a bit of a harsher reality for those of us that drank the aforementioned kool-aid, because we're coming to the realization that the players simply aren't good enough.
Injuries have played a huge role in results but nobody has outperformed themselves simply because they have a new manager. Coutinho seems to have actually regressed a step since the change. There is definitely a more positive vibe with Klopp in charge, but it just hasn't translated onto the field and into goals. Klopp seems to have shored up the defense overall, but they've also conceded a goal in two of the three games the German has been in charge. In the end it's just more proof that the turnaround may be farther away than any of us envisioned and definitely farther away than we had hoped.
Random Thoughts:
- I was glad to see Liverpool legend, Stevie Nicol actually agreed with me about Adam Lallana, since it had seemed I was alone in the thoughts that he's just not that great. He has technical ability unmatched by many in the game. However, he cannot score and doesn't seem to do a great job of setting anyone else up to score either. He would be a nice change of pace player off the bench, but as a starter he just isn't getting it done.
- I'm eager to see what new and creative ways people come up with to put this result on Simon Mingolet. I understand it's the trait of typical lazy fans who have no concept of how to play the position, but I always get a tickle out of their insane need to blame goalkeepers for any goal.
- I keep hoping for the day when Liverpool will have two healthy strikers. Perhaps I'm old fashioned or perhaps I'm too stuck in the old American style but I just think you need two true strikers. Benteke is a strong man, but especially in the Premier League, if you don't have the second layer of attackers capable of providing quick support, then a holding striker just isn't going to create enough offense.
Walk On
Saturday, October 17, 2015
Klopp's Crew Keep Clean Sheet in Debut
It was the opening game of a new era. It was the first game of the Jurgen Klopp era. People wanted a quick turnaround, but none was to be had and it was unrealistic to hope for. Managerial changes can spur (no pun intended) change, but players are players. They can't be changed overnight. Nevertheless, Liverpool could have and should have scored in the 10th minute as Divock Origi's flick went off the crossbar and the rebound bounced too many ways for a clean rebound to be had.
Liverpool had their chances after that, and looked a bit more positive than in the last few weeks, but it was mostly Tottenham after the first 15 minutes. Simon Mingolet was forced to make a huge save in the 28th minute as Adam Lallana and Emre Can failed to fully get back, leaving the left wing open. Tottenham continued to build pressure, but the Reds managed to defend fairly well, constantly talking which, admittedly, was something a bit lacking under Brendan Rodgers. Liverpool managed to counter with a chance of their own in the 33rd minute, but still could not quite conjure enough to truly trouble the Spurs. Spurs then rebounded with more chances of their own. Harry Kane failed to put one in, hitting it off Mingolet's left leg and then Sakho with a block on the rebound opportunity.
The first 45 minutes of the Klopp era weren't really all that different, but really about what should have been expected. Liverpool came out with a lot of energy, but it wasn't really concentrated in one area. The players could clearly be seen wanting to perform well for their new manager, but not knowing exactly how other than to run. There was no momentous occasion to celebrate the change, but given the starting lineup Liverpool had to go with, it was no more than should've been expected. Still, you can't say that a scoreless draw at the half was not progress given the chances afforded to the opposition.
For the first 15 minutes of the second half, both teams seemed content to allow their opponent into the penalty area and then attempt to defend. Sure, you can claim it worked since it was still scoreless heading into the last half hour, but it's a dangerous way to play. The game calmed into somewhat of a lull during the 60th minutes. Both sides had an opportunity toward the box, or two, but nothing overtly dangerous. Liverpool's best chance was an appeal for penalty by Lallana in the 67th minute that went unheeded by the official.
Liverpool built up some very good pressure in the 70th minute, but could find no shots. Unfortunately for them, all their pressure only led to a counter attack for Harry Kane that was fortunately blocked before fully going toward goal. Joe Allen came on in the 81st minute, which was a bit confusing since Allen does not strike anyone as an attacking player, but came on in an attacking position. Jordan Ibe would have seemed a better fit, but perhaps Klopp wanted more possession or more defending up-field.
The substitution didn't seem to spark much either. Nothing to do with Allen really, but almost immediately after the switch, Spurs had another strong attack from Kane that was neatly parried away by Mingolet. Ibe did come onto the field moments later for Coutinho, who seemed to be laboring. That would be the last thing the Reds need at this point, considering that their entire lineup of forwards to be counted on was on the injury list for this weekend.
Most of the second half, as mentioned was relatively dull, but that made any chance for either side that much more intense. Can had a rip toward goal in the 90th minute that just skimmed a foot or so wide and that put the hearts of Liverpool fans in their throats as they were hoping for something miraculous. LFC supporters also had their hopes raised as Milner was awarded a free kick just outside the box with only minutes to go. Alas, the kick was wasted by Moreno and that would be all she wrote.
It was a rather uninspiring game, if you take all the pageantry and hype surrounding Klopp out of the occasion. It was much the same as we have seen all season, but it did have just a twinge of a better feel to it. Liverpool managed a bit more energy than some of the lethargic performances of late weeks. They had some good offensive chances, which is important given all the injuries the team had. A squad missing Daniel Sturridge, Christian Benteke and Danny Ings was always going to struggle to score (they've struggled even with those players). However, creating some chances knowing those players weren't even available as subs was a positive. A draw is much better than a loss, but this game proved what Klopp had already said in his press conference. He is not a miracle worker and it will be a process.
Random Thoughts:
- What kind of luck do Liverpool have if not bad luck? We all knew Benteke was unlikely and Ings is finished for the year, but to wake up and find Sturridge out with a swollen knee is extremely disheartening.
- People want to lump this all on Rodgers, but let us not forget that so many people were ready to give up on loan-outs like Lazar Markovic and more than willing to rid themselves of Ricki Lambert and Mario Balotelli. Now, given injuries, the Liverpool squad are very thin at positions they seemed deep in at the year's start. It's just the way things happen. To blame Rodgers is just piling on the hate.
- Mingolet continues to irritate people who want him out. He's not quite decisive enough on set pieces, but I still contend he's one of the league's best shot stoppers and am not sure exactly who his detractors want to bring in that will clearly be better.
Walk On
Liverpool had their chances after that, and looked a bit more positive than in the last few weeks, but it was mostly Tottenham after the first 15 minutes. Simon Mingolet was forced to make a huge save in the 28th minute as Adam Lallana and Emre Can failed to fully get back, leaving the left wing open. Tottenham continued to build pressure, but the Reds managed to defend fairly well, constantly talking which, admittedly, was something a bit lacking under Brendan Rodgers. Liverpool managed to counter with a chance of their own in the 33rd minute, but still could not quite conjure enough to truly trouble the Spurs. Spurs then rebounded with more chances of their own. Harry Kane failed to put one in, hitting it off Mingolet's left leg and then Sakho with a block on the rebound opportunity.
The first 45 minutes of the Klopp era weren't really all that different, but really about what should have been expected. Liverpool came out with a lot of energy, but it wasn't really concentrated in one area. The players could clearly be seen wanting to perform well for their new manager, but not knowing exactly how other than to run. There was no momentous occasion to celebrate the change, but given the starting lineup Liverpool had to go with, it was no more than should've been expected. Still, you can't say that a scoreless draw at the half was not progress given the chances afforded to the opposition.
For the first 15 minutes of the second half, both teams seemed content to allow their opponent into the penalty area and then attempt to defend. Sure, you can claim it worked since it was still scoreless heading into the last half hour, but it's a dangerous way to play. The game calmed into somewhat of a lull during the 60th minutes. Both sides had an opportunity toward the box, or two, but nothing overtly dangerous. Liverpool's best chance was an appeal for penalty by Lallana in the 67th minute that went unheeded by the official.
Liverpool built up some very good pressure in the 70th minute, but could find no shots. Unfortunately for them, all their pressure only led to a counter attack for Harry Kane that was fortunately blocked before fully going toward goal. Joe Allen came on in the 81st minute, which was a bit confusing since Allen does not strike anyone as an attacking player, but came on in an attacking position. Jordan Ibe would have seemed a better fit, but perhaps Klopp wanted more possession or more defending up-field.
The substitution didn't seem to spark much either. Nothing to do with Allen really, but almost immediately after the switch, Spurs had another strong attack from Kane that was neatly parried away by Mingolet. Ibe did come onto the field moments later for Coutinho, who seemed to be laboring. That would be the last thing the Reds need at this point, considering that their entire lineup of forwards to be counted on was on the injury list for this weekend.
Most of the second half, as mentioned was relatively dull, but that made any chance for either side that much more intense. Can had a rip toward goal in the 90th minute that just skimmed a foot or so wide and that put the hearts of Liverpool fans in their throats as they were hoping for something miraculous. LFC supporters also had their hopes raised as Milner was awarded a free kick just outside the box with only minutes to go. Alas, the kick was wasted by Moreno and that would be all she wrote.
It was a rather uninspiring game, if you take all the pageantry and hype surrounding Klopp out of the occasion. It was much the same as we have seen all season, but it did have just a twinge of a better feel to it. Liverpool managed a bit more energy than some of the lethargic performances of late weeks. They had some good offensive chances, which is important given all the injuries the team had. A squad missing Daniel Sturridge, Christian Benteke and Danny Ings was always going to struggle to score (they've struggled even with those players). However, creating some chances knowing those players weren't even available as subs was a positive. A draw is much better than a loss, but this game proved what Klopp had already said in his press conference. He is not a miracle worker and it will be a process.
Random Thoughts:
- What kind of luck do Liverpool have if not bad luck? We all knew Benteke was unlikely and Ings is finished for the year, but to wake up and find Sturridge out with a swollen knee is extremely disheartening.
- People want to lump this all on Rodgers, but let us not forget that so many people were ready to give up on loan-outs like Lazar Markovic and more than willing to rid themselves of Ricki Lambert and Mario Balotelli. Now, given injuries, the Liverpool squad are very thin at positions they seemed deep in at the year's start. It's just the way things happen. To blame Rodgers is just piling on the hate.
- Mingolet continues to irritate people who want him out. He's not quite decisive enough on set pieces, but I still contend he's one of the league's best shot stoppers and am not sure exactly who his detractors want to bring in that will clearly be better.
Walk On
Sunday, October 4, 2015
Bland Derby Draw Dooms Rodgers
Rivalry matchups usually need little build up. There is enough history between Liverpool and Everton to just discuss the match itself. Afterall, this match was the 193rd league derby. However, there was a lot of build up. Everton were higher in the league table than their rivals going into a derby for the first time in years. Liverpool and their manager Brendan Rodgers were under fire again following another lackluster midweek draw in the Europa League. Little outside the three points would quench Liverpool fans thirst for blood and even that might not be enough for long.
Liverpool looked good on the ball in the early going. Danny Ings had a blast just over the bar in the 14th minute. Great passing as LFC worked the give and go to almost finished off a chance by James Milner in the 26 min. Then against the flow of momentum Naismith looked to have a sure goal off the header in the 28 min, but Simon Mingolet flicked out his left hand and made a top notch save. The Belgian forced to make another save two minutes later from James McCarthy, this time stretching to his right. Just when it seemed this match was destined to go goalless into half, if not the entire game, Ings came up with a smart header that Tim Howard had no chance to stop.
The goal came on Liverpool's 7th corner kick of the half. The Reds were, somewhat surprisingly, dominant on set pieces and finally made Everton pay for it. The good feelings would not last long for the men in red, however. Instead of going into the dressing room up a goal and feeling good about their performance, it was all dashed in a flash. A poor clearance by Emre Can fell right to Romalu Lukaku and the Everton striker, who had not scored at Goodison Park since March, buried it in the back of the net.
In a game that Liverpool really needed to win, they would not get started off on the right foot after the break. Mingolet was called into action early in the second half, diving to his left to stop a pinged cross that would've connected with Gerard Deulofeu on the top of the six yard area. After the early chances for Everton, the game became mostly a lull with Everton still gaining the better chances. In the 66th min, Ross Barkley had a crack at goal that just sliced wide. Liverpool was fortunate in the 70th min as Lukaku blasted a right footer right at the Reds' keeper.
The first chance for Liverpool didn't come until the 72nd minute from a quick shot by Coutinho that was punched away by Howard. Then in the 89th min Can may have saved the game as Liverpool couldn't clear and the German stepped in front of Lukaku's blast. Liverpool pressed forward a few times, but never really threatened at the end of the game. Another in a long line of contests where the club started reasonably well, scored first and then could not see the result out. Liverpool again failed to score more than one goal, something they've done in all but one match this year. They looked like a team that was fearful their performances would cost their manager their job.
Unfortunately for them and for Brendan Rodgers, that sentence would prove to be too true. Hours after the match, the owners involved in the Fenway Sports Group decided to remove the Irishman from his post and move forward with a new man for the rest of the season. Rodgers time at Anfield was a huge roller coaster ride. He quickly built a side capable of performing with the big boys of the Premier League and should have won the league in his second season if not for a few bad plays and mishaps.
Sadly for the manager and fans, nothing seemed to go right after that year. The international break will give the club extra time to fill the position. Fans will no doubt be looking toward high profile names such as Jurgen Klopp or Carlo Ancelotti, but the next signing to be the boss will send a clear message from the men in ownership. There have been rumblings that the top men want someone who won't be too forceful or demanding and willing to bring up youth instead of demanding the top players in the world. Another up and coming coach behind the bench at Anfield will signal that this ownership group is more interested in being in control than winning. At this point, given the apparent mentality of the team on the field, a change had to be made. As fans, the people can now only hope that the next decision moves this historic club forward.
Random Thoughts:
- If I have time, I will write a full blog giving thoughts on the removal of Brendan Rodgers.
- Now that a new manager will be coming in, this point may be mute. Nevertheless, the experiment of Emre Can at centerback needs to end. The player is extremely talented, but has to be in the midfield or on the bench. Two high profile mistakes have ended up in the back of the net and he just looks a shambles in defense at times.
- Simon Mingolet continued to prove detractors wrong. I love reading how Liverpool need a different goalkeeper when the idea is fairly ridiculous. For whatever reason, people who haven't played the position, more so than any other position in any other sport, blame the position when they don't have any clue the decision making, positioning and split second reactions that go into it. Mingolet's decision making can be faulted on set pieces and incoming balls, but he's one of the better pure shot stoppers in the league. As with any position, if you can secure an upgrade then fine but there aren't as many out there as people wish to believe.
Walk On
Liverpool looked good on the ball in the early going. Danny Ings had a blast just over the bar in the 14th minute. Great passing as LFC worked the give and go to almost finished off a chance by James Milner in the 26 min. Then against the flow of momentum Naismith looked to have a sure goal off the header in the 28 min, but Simon Mingolet flicked out his left hand and made a top notch save. The Belgian forced to make another save two minutes later from James McCarthy, this time stretching to his right. Just when it seemed this match was destined to go goalless into half, if not the entire game, Ings came up with a smart header that Tim Howard had no chance to stop.
The goal came on Liverpool's 7th corner kick of the half. The Reds were, somewhat surprisingly, dominant on set pieces and finally made Everton pay for it. The good feelings would not last long for the men in red, however. Instead of going into the dressing room up a goal and feeling good about their performance, it was all dashed in a flash. A poor clearance by Emre Can fell right to Romalu Lukaku and the Everton striker, who had not scored at Goodison Park since March, buried it in the back of the net.
In a game that Liverpool really needed to win, they would not get started off on the right foot after the break. Mingolet was called into action early in the second half, diving to his left to stop a pinged cross that would've connected with Gerard Deulofeu on the top of the six yard area. After the early chances for Everton, the game became mostly a lull with Everton still gaining the better chances. In the 66th min, Ross Barkley had a crack at goal that just sliced wide. Liverpool was fortunate in the 70th min as Lukaku blasted a right footer right at the Reds' keeper.
The first chance for Liverpool didn't come until the 72nd minute from a quick shot by Coutinho that was punched away by Howard. Then in the 89th min Can may have saved the game as Liverpool couldn't clear and the German stepped in front of Lukaku's blast. Liverpool pressed forward a few times, but never really threatened at the end of the game. Another in a long line of contests where the club started reasonably well, scored first and then could not see the result out. Liverpool again failed to score more than one goal, something they've done in all but one match this year. They looked like a team that was fearful their performances would cost their manager their job.
Unfortunately for them and for Brendan Rodgers, that sentence would prove to be too true. Hours after the match, the owners involved in the Fenway Sports Group decided to remove the Irishman from his post and move forward with a new man for the rest of the season. Rodgers time at Anfield was a huge roller coaster ride. He quickly built a side capable of performing with the big boys of the Premier League and should have won the league in his second season if not for a few bad plays and mishaps.
Sadly for the manager and fans, nothing seemed to go right after that year. The international break will give the club extra time to fill the position. Fans will no doubt be looking toward high profile names such as Jurgen Klopp or Carlo Ancelotti, but the next signing to be the boss will send a clear message from the men in ownership. There have been rumblings that the top men want someone who won't be too forceful or demanding and willing to bring up youth instead of demanding the top players in the world. Another up and coming coach behind the bench at Anfield will signal that this ownership group is more interested in being in control than winning. At this point, given the apparent mentality of the team on the field, a change had to be made. As fans, the people can now only hope that the next decision moves this historic club forward.
Random Thoughts:
- If I have time, I will write a full blog giving thoughts on the removal of Brendan Rodgers.
- Now that a new manager will be coming in, this point may be mute. Nevertheless, the experiment of Emre Can at centerback needs to end. The player is extremely talented, but has to be in the midfield or on the bench. Two high profile mistakes have ended up in the back of the net and he just looks a shambles in defense at times.
- Simon Mingolet continued to prove detractors wrong. I love reading how Liverpool need a different goalkeeper when the idea is fairly ridiculous. For whatever reason, people who haven't played the position, more so than any other position in any other sport, blame the position when they don't have any clue the decision making, positioning and split second reactions that go into it. Mingolet's decision making can be faulted on set pieces and incoming balls, but he's one of the better pure shot stoppers in the league. As with any position, if you can secure an upgrade then fine but there aren't as many out there as people wish to believe.
Walk On
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