On this Thanksgiving holiday in America, it is usual to pig out on food and watch football. It isn't as usual to watch the kind of football you actually use your feet. Such was the case on this day as the Europa League provided a rare occasion to look forward to. Liverpool were in action, at home, against Bordeaux. With plenty to be thankful for, given recent league results, Liverpool fans and players may have had a bit of a food coma. Ok, enough of the holiday puns.
To open up the game, the Reds looked solid going forward but just weren't on point in terms of placing the ball on target. Following the opening five minutes there were way too many Bordeaux chances. Bordeaux pushed forward and kept challenging the back line of Liverpool, despite not creating too much to trouble Simon Mignolet. Liverpool then countered a few times. Christian Benteke missed a good chance in 21st minute with a walloping volley.
Despite the miss, Liverpool seemed to rebound a bit after that. In the 29th minute, Benetke scored but was called offside. However, the crowd reaction was amazing. Perhaps the mics were just turned up, but it was an impressive explosion of sound from the faithful. Alas, for them, the elation would not last long. In addition to the offside call, the French side took a 1-0 lead only minutes later after a rare call for possessing the ball too long on Mignolet.
The Reds, in typical fashion from what they have shown under Jurgen Klopp, kept plugging away. They were rewarded when Liverpool were the beneficiary of a somewhat weak penalty call and James Milner smartly finished it off. Liverpool then finally got on the positive side of the ledger in the 45th minute with an absolute blast from Benteke. It was a fitting finish to the half for the striker and the team as he was rewarded for his hard work.
Liverpool came out with just as much energy in the second half. After a bit of an inauspicious start, with some fouls against, Liverpool found their footing and pushed forward. Another weak foul call, this time against the Reds(at least the official was consistent), denied Benteke his second goal and Liverpool's third. Following that converted but not counted chance, the Reds seemed to pour toward the goal at will.
Ultimately it came to nothing as neither team would score in the final 45 minutes. Liverpool looked capable but could not find that final ball. Bordeaux looked dangerous in the final moments, after Liverpool had made a few changes, but they could not convert. It was an interesting turn of events given the situation. Liverpool didn't really pack it in, despite having a spot in the knockout round wrapped up. Bordeaux didn't get caught on the counter despite needing to open up the game to keep any hope of advancing alive.
In the end, it was a nice win for Liverpool and a nice break in the norms of the day for their fans in America. It wasn't a spotless result. There were plenty of missed chances. The game could have easily seen two or more Reds' goals, but two sufficed. Liverpool allowed too many opportunities despite getting the win. That kind of performance may not result in something positive against higher quality teams. Nevertheless it was a victory. There were no injuries (in terms of the players who played on the field). Benteke continued to look like he may be well worth the price paid. Plenty to still improve on, but plenty to be thankful for.
Random Thoughts:
- Really? Another Daniel Sturridge injury? I feel for him as a person, but as a player he must be made of the thinnest possible glass you can find. Hopefully it is just something that needs a day or two rest, but just the idea is ridiculous at this stage.
- Fans will be fans. I live in a city where the running joke is everyone is trying to beat the traffic by leaving early even though they all leave at the same time so they get stuck anyway. That said, I do think the Klopp comments had something to do with the crowd reaction. As mentioned, rarely have I heard a reaction like that and the goal did not even stand. Could have been the audio, but the crowd at Anfield seemed to have extra juice.
Walk On
Thursday, November 26, 2015
Saturday, November 21, 2015
Liverpool Stun Manchester City and Their Own Supporters
Let's be honest here. Even the most ardent supporter of Liverpool FC had to be worried about facing Manchester City at the Etihad. People can be positive all they want, but in many heart of hearts people had to know defeat was immanent. People would have been right to believe that. Still no Christian Benteke or Daniel Sturridge to start. Dejan Lovren was in for the injured Sakho. Also, Liverpool had not won at City since 2008. A draw would be a spectacular result.
How little we know. Yes, there will be those that thump their chests and say they knew the result that happened was always what would come forth but few (if any) would have predicted what would transpire. Liverpool came out to a very aggressive start and took the game to their hosts. Apart from an early Sergio Aguero run into the box, City had little in the way of attack in the opening 10 minutes.
Despite their early pressure, Liverpool didn't trouble Joe Hart much but still came out of those same 10 minutes with the lead. Yes, it came off an own goal. Yes, Mangala probably should have sorted his feet out better. However, Liverpool created the goal with tenacious backtracking by Coutinho and then a good slotted ball for Firmino. Firmino's ball may not have been the greatest cross, but he put it into a dangerous area and was rewarded.
Those are the things that have to happen for a team such as the Reds. They don't have the best player in the league at every position. Some would say none of their starters are the best player in the league at that position. Regardless of all that conjecture, they came out as a team to start. They defended together, moved across field together and pushed forward together. It was something not seen in quite some time from this Reds' squad.
The second goal was definitely something to excite the fans. It was extremely reminiscent of the type of goals scored in Luis Suarez' final season with Liverpool. In the 23rd minute, the Brazilian connection that supporters have been hoping for since the summer finally came to fruition. Firmino took a bouncing ball over to the right, slotted it back across the box toward the penalty spot and it was neatly finished off by Coutinho as he went through the wickets of Hart.
The Reds just seemed to get better with each opportunity. The lead up to the third goal included at least five passes. Several of the passes came on the edge of the box, including a cheeky backheel by Emre Can that was fielded by Coutinho who then just tapped it to Firmino, who was standing in a more advantageous position. To top it all off, all of that happened in the first half hour and it could have been a fourth in the 35th minute when Firmino was robbed by a sprawling Hart and then shaved the post a minute later.
Unfortunately for the Reds, the first half couldn't be all roses and sunshine. Liverpool got a tiny bit careless with the ball in the 44th minute and the turnover led directly to an Aguero cracker of a goal. Simon Mingolet, who was rarely challenged had no shot to save the smash. City continued their turnaround in the opening minutes of the second half as well, pushing forward right out of the gate. It was not to be their night though.
City could have and should have brought the score to 3-2 in the 64th minute after James Milner's backpass was intercepted by Raheem Sterling who then played a ball for Aguero. The following shot was delayed just a moment which allowed Mingolet to scramble back and make a great save. Then Liverpool crushed all hope of the home fans when Martin Skrtel struck one sweetly off the shoelaces in the 81st minute.
Liverpool fans will soak up this victory and all the good feelings and bragging rights that come with it. Once that is done, the questions will now arise. Football is a fickle sport, but which Liverpool is the real one? Are we more likely to see the LFC seen in a defeat to Crystal Palace or the one on the field for the victory over Manchester City? Can Liverpool really contend for a top four spot or was this just one good performance a flash in the pan? Only the players and manager can tell the answers now. Clearly fans don't know, because so many did not expect this result in the first place.
Random Thoughts:
- You have to hope for the best but expect the worst in regards to Coutinho's potential injury. Liverpool just can't seem to keep anyone healthy the last few years. Just when the team seemed poised to have a solid scoring partnership, it seems the way things turn out for the Reds to have it dashed by another injury.
- It was surprising to see Firmino in the forward slot with no Benteke or Sturridge, given the focus on the latter two training prior to the match.
- Liverpool obviously had a few players out on international duty, but I think the extra week of nothing but training had to help. As mentioned at the end of the article, only the players know if this was a one-off or the start of the true Liverpool but they need to hold onto whatever mentality they used to win this contest. It will come in handy when the games start flying at you during the holidays.
- How sweet was it that Sterling was kept so quiet in this game? Yes, he has lived up to much of the potential seen in him. He is going to be a great player despite what any of us fans wished or thought. Nevertheless, for one night, it was the kind of performance or lack thereof that Liverpool fans take extra pleasure from. It was the cherry on top.
Walk On
How little we know. Yes, there will be those that thump their chests and say they knew the result that happened was always what would come forth but few (if any) would have predicted what would transpire. Liverpool came out to a very aggressive start and took the game to their hosts. Apart from an early Sergio Aguero run into the box, City had little in the way of attack in the opening 10 minutes.
Despite their early pressure, Liverpool didn't trouble Joe Hart much but still came out of those same 10 minutes with the lead. Yes, it came off an own goal. Yes, Mangala probably should have sorted his feet out better. However, Liverpool created the goal with tenacious backtracking by Coutinho and then a good slotted ball for Firmino. Firmino's ball may not have been the greatest cross, but he put it into a dangerous area and was rewarded.
Those are the things that have to happen for a team such as the Reds. They don't have the best player in the league at every position. Some would say none of their starters are the best player in the league at that position. Regardless of all that conjecture, they came out as a team to start. They defended together, moved across field together and pushed forward together. It was something not seen in quite some time from this Reds' squad.
The second goal was definitely something to excite the fans. It was extremely reminiscent of the type of goals scored in Luis Suarez' final season with Liverpool. In the 23rd minute, the Brazilian connection that supporters have been hoping for since the summer finally came to fruition. Firmino took a bouncing ball over to the right, slotted it back across the box toward the penalty spot and it was neatly finished off by Coutinho as he went through the wickets of Hart.
The Reds just seemed to get better with each opportunity. The lead up to the third goal included at least five passes. Several of the passes came on the edge of the box, including a cheeky backheel by Emre Can that was fielded by Coutinho who then just tapped it to Firmino, who was standing in a more advantageous position. To top it all off, all of that happened in the first half hour and it could have been a fourth in the 35th minute when Firmino was robbed by a sprawling Hart and then shaved the post a minute later.
Unfortunately for the Reds, the first half couldn't be all roses and sunshine. Liverpool got a tiny bit careless with the ball in the 44th minute and the turnover led directly to an Aguero cracker of a goal. Simon Mingolet, who was rarely challenged had no shot to save the smash. City continued their turnaround in the opening minutes of the second half as well, pushing forward right out of the gate. It was not to be their night though.
City could have and should have brought the score to 3-2 in the 64th minute after James Milner's backpass was intercepted by Raheem Sterling who then played a ball for Aguero. The following shot was delayed just a moment which allowed Mingolet to scramble back and make a great save. Then Liverpool crushed all hope of the home fans when Martin Skrtel struck one sweetly off the shoelaces in the 81st minute.
Liverpool fans will soak up this victory and all the good feelings and bragging rights that come with it. Once that is done, the questions will now arise. Football is a fickle sport, but which Liverpool is the real one? Are we more likely to see the LFC seen in a defeat to Crystal Palace or the one on the field for the victory over Manchester City? Can Liverpool really contend for a top four spot or was this just one good performance a flash in the pan? Only the players and manager can tell the answers now. Clearly fans don't know, because so many did not expect this result in the first place.
Random Thoughts:
- You have to hope for the best but expect the worst in regards to Coutinho's potential injury. Liverpool just can't seem to keep anyone healthy the last few years. Just when the team seemed poised to have a solid scoring partnership, it seems the way things turn out for the Reds to have it dashed by another injury.
- It was surprising to see Firmino in the forward slot with no Benteke or Sturridge, given the focus on the latter two training prior to the match.
- Liverpool obviously had a few players out on international duty, but I think the extra week of nothing but training had to help. As mentioned at the end of the article, only the players know if this was a one-off or the start of the true Liverpool but they need to hold onto whatever mentality they used to win this contest. It will come in handy when the games start flying at you during the holidays.
- How sweet was it that Sterling was kept so quiet in this game? Yes, he has lived up to much of the potential seen in him. He is going to be a great player despite what any of us fans wished or thought. Nevertheless, for one night, it was the kind of performance or lack thereof that Liverpool fans take extra pleasure from. It was the cherry on top.
Walk On
Sunday, November 8, 2015
Klopp Drops First Game
Don't let the headline fool you. There is little blame to be had by the Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp, here. If any blame would be on him, it would be the lack of team rotation after naming a strong squad for the midweek Europa contest against Rubin Kazan. However, it is understandable, despite the perception of that competition, at this point if Klopp believes they can get something out of that tournament then that's the decisions you have to make.
That said, supporters were right to expect better than they got on Sunday. Unfortunately they would not get it. Crystal Palace has been a large thorn in the side of the Reds recently, but they had only won twice previously at Anfield. You can make that three now. Palace came out flying right out of the gate. Alan Pardew's squad were listed as a 4-4-2, but played much closer to a 4-2-4 to start the game.
Throwing caution to the wind, they threw all their efforts into the attack and were rewarded for it. Yannick Bolasie put the Eagles up in the 21st minute after a poor clearance by Emre Can. For his part, there wasn't a ton different Can could have done differently, but it is still expected for a professional to be able to handle it better. Instead of booting it straight up the field, it sliced back across the box and then Bolasie made the Reds pay.
Following the goal, Liverpool seemed to wake up a bit. They had good possession, made decent passes and were sparked on by the Anfield crowd. All the work would pay off in the end, literally, when Coutinho put one in just before the half. In the 42nd minute, the Brazilian finished off what was a solid play begun by Jordan Ibe. Ibe took on his defender on the right wing, got the ball into the box and made a good cross. The ball was flicked by Adam Lallana, just taking it out of the path of Chrisitan Benteke but set up a strong finish for Coutinho.
The only disappointing thing about the goal, despite it being the only one of the contest, is it continually gives people hope about Coutinho. The man is immensely talented, but has not found that form and consistency that makes you really know he will be a constant performer and one to be feared by other squads. As things stand right now, he is incredibly dangerous in possession but only scores enough to give that glimmer of hope that each time might be the one to spring him into stardom.
The second half would prove to be one of frustration. Liverpool, by the end of the contest, had 2/3 of the possession but could make nothing of it. They had the ball in the box several times. They had several corner kick opportunities (14 in total). They should have been able to do something due to the fact that Palace didn't set up shop. Instead nothing came of it.
This has been a problem under Brendan Rodgers and continues under Klopp. Choose what players you like and which you don't. At the moment it doesn't matter because none perform with any consistency to really make you believe there will be any breakout this season. There are far too many passes in close quarters instead of taking a chance to get one in. Then, to counter that, players will try to shoot from 30 yards or more when the chances of scoring from that distance are minimal at best.
The strange thing about this game is that if it ended in a draw, there wasn't a ton to be negative about. Yes there was the large number of possession without enough true chances, but it was something you could live with if you get at least a point. When you don't get that point, everything becomes magnified and looks a lot worse. Such was the case against Crystal Palace when long-time Liverpool fan, Scott Dann finished off a goal off a corner kick.
Dann was afforded two opportunities, further proving Liverpool's lack of set piece marking and defensive deficiencies. That simply cannot happen. It's one thing for Dann to win the initial headball, but then to get another crack after Simon Mingolet's save is a combination of luck on Dann's part and lack of defensive closure on Liverpool's.
In the end, it's a blip on the screen for Liverpool. There was no way this team was going to go undefeated this season under Klopp. This result was going to happen eventually. What's disappointing is the performances of the individuals. The lack of that true finisher that you know will step up in those key moments is really starting to haunt this Liverpool squad. We keep saying maybe when this happens or if that happens. Right now it's looking like having a healthy Daniel Sturridge will never happen. Someone else has to step into that role and quickly.
Random Thoughts:
- I mentioned everyone has the players they like and some they don't. Adam Lallana is that player for me. I want to like him because you can tell there is skill in there, but he simply doesn't do ANYTHING. He has a few stepovers and some speed and then nothing. It's gotten to the point that I cringe everytime I see his name in the team sheet even though there isn't a clear replacement.
- I fully expect Klopp to recall as many loans as he can. Personally, I have no problem putting out strong teams for the Europa League, but eventually it will come back to haunt the team in the long run if they don't have enough players to make a decent rotation (especially with the busy Christmas schedule approaching).
That said, supporters were right to expect better than they got on Sunday. Unfortunately they would not get it. Crystal Palace has been a large thorn in the side of the Reds recently, but they had only won twice previously at Anfield. You can make that three now. Palace came out flying right out of the gate. Alan Pardew's squad were listed as a 4-4-2, but played much closer to a 4-2-4 to start the game.
Throwing caution to the wind, they threw all their efforts into the attack and were rewarded for it. Yannick Bolasie put the Eagles up in the 21st minute after a poor clearance by Emre Can. For his part, there wasn't a ton different Can could have done differently, but it is still expected for a professional to be able to handle it better. Instead of booting it straight up the field, it sliced back across the box and then Bolasie made the Reds pay.
Following the goal, Liverpool seemed to wake up a bit. They had good possession, made decent passes and were sparked on by the Anfield crowd. All the work would pay off in the end, literally, when Coutinho put one in just before the half. In the 42nd minute, the Brazilian finished off what was a solid play begun by Jordan Ibe. Ibe took on his defender on the right wing, got the ball into the box and made a good cross. The ball was flicked by Adam Lallana, just taking it out of the path of Chrisitan Benteke but set up a strong finish for Coutinho.
The only disappointing thing about the goal, despite it being the only one of the contest, is it continually gives people hope about Coutinho. The man is immensely talented, but has not found that form and consistency that makes you really know he will be a constant performer and one to be feared by other squads. As things stand right now, he is incredibly dangerous in possession but only scores enough to give that glimmer of hope that each time might be the one to spring him into stardom.
The second half would prove to be one of frustration. Liverpool, by the end of the contest, had 2/3 of the possession but could make nothing of it. They had the ball in the box several times. They had several corner kick opportunities (14 in total). They should have been able to do something due to the fact that Palace didn't set up shop. Instead nothing came of it.
This has been a problem under Brendan Rodgers and continues under Klopp. Choose what players you like and which you don't. At the moment it doesn't matter because none perform with any consistency to really make you believe there will be any breakout this season. There are far too many passes in close quarters instead of taking a chance to get one in. Then, to counter that, players will try to shoot from 30 yards or more when the chances of scoring from that distance are minimal at best.
The strange thing about this game is that if it ended in a draw, there wasn't a ton to be negative about. Yes there was the large number of possession without enough true chances, but it was something you could live with if you get at least a point. When you don't get that point, everything becomes magnified and looks a lot worse. Such was the case against Crystal Palace when long-time Liverpool fan, Scott Dann finished off a goal off a corner kick.
Dann was afforded two opportunities, further proving Liverpool's lack of set piece marking and defensive deficiencies. That simply cannot happen. It's one thing for Dann to win the initial headball, but then to get another crack after Simon Mingolet's save is a combination of luck on Dann's part and lack of defensive closure on Liverpool's.
In the end, it's a blip on the screen for Liverpool. There was no way this team was going to go undefeated this season under Klopp. This result was going to happen eventually. What's disappointing is the performances of the individuals. The lack of that true finisher that you know will step up in those key moments is really starting to haunt this Liverpool squad. We keep saying maybe when this happens or if that happens. Right now it's looking like having a healthy Daniel Sturridge will never happen. Someone else has to step into that role and quickly.
Random Thoughts:
- I mentioned everyone has the players they like and some they don't. Adam Lallana is that player for me. I want to like him because you can tell there is skill in there, but he simply doesn't do ANYTHING. He has a few stepovers and some speed and then nothing. It's gotten to the point that I cringe everytime I see his name in the team sheet even though there isn't a clear replacement.
- I fully expect Klopp to recall as many loans as he can. Personally, I have no problem putting out strong teams for the Europa League, but eventually it will come back to haunt the team in the long run if they don't have enough players to make a decent rotation (especially with the busy Christmas schedule approaching).
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