We always knew this match was going to be a bit of an odd one. On a normal night, Stoke City would have no business on the field with Liverpool. That is not meant as a knock to Stoke, but the talent level is just different. As a fixture coming between the Merseyside Derby and a match against Manchester City, there was always the potential for disaster.
It seemed headed in that direction after some early chances for the Reds. In the 12th minute, Stoke City scored the opening goal of the contest. It was another example of poor defending that is invading all sports, but football particularly.
Too many people just scrambling around. After a poor clearance, Sadio Mane clumsily fumbled the ball off his chest. Stoke sent a cross in and Jonathan Walters header beat Simon Mignolet at the near post.
Mignolet rectified the situation in the 18th minute. Former Red, Joe Allen, sent a low shot from the right toward the far post. The Liverpool goalkeeper made a kick save that would make any NHL tender proud.
Despite the fact that Liverpool had the better of the pressure and the chances, it seemed as though Liverpool would not find an equalizer. When they did though, they grabbed the game by the scruff.
Adam Lallana got a fortunate one in the 35th minute. The goal itself was anything but lucky as Lallana showed great awareness pouncing on a loose ball and tucking it in from a tight angle. The bounce that led to the goal was a bit fortunate as it caught all the defenders unaware. That's how the ball bounces though. Literally.
Liverpool was not happy to go into the break tied up. They would claim the lead for themselves in the 44th minute. Roberto Firmino put one in that seemed destined to stay out.
His goal gave me three reactions in a matter of seconds. The shot looked guaranteed to score, so the fist went in the air. When it hit the post, there was a feeling of exasperation. The second post was almost funny and then relief when the ball actually went in.
Some more relief came in the second half. It took about 15 minutes, but the Reds got that insurance goal to give their back line a bit more breathing space.
Divock Origi drove past the defender on the left side and sent a beautiful ball in. Sadio Mane would have put it in, but Imbula was forced to at least attempt a block and ended up scoring an own goal. Regardless of who put it in, you'll take the 3-1 lead all day long, especially how the team has defended.
The Reds kept their foot on the gas thankfully. Taking advantage of a truly awful back pass, Daniel Sturridge scored 54 seconds into his shift. It was a tidy finish in the 70th minute after a nifty move to get around the goalkeeper. Even as a fan of Liverpool you wonder what the Stoke defender was even looking at.
The final 20 minutes were fairly pedestrian. Not a clear cut chance for either team, though Liverpool came closest with a Dejan Lovren cross smashing off Firmino and over the bar almost immediately after Sturridge's goal.
In the end, it was mostly a feel good day. Though the team lost, several former Reds (Crouch, Johnson, Allen) got nice ovations. The Reds had a good enough performance, put four goals in and only allowed one. More importantly, they got the win.
There were still issues at the back, but these are the teams you absolutely must beat and they did. Liverpool are back up to second in the table with a chance to cement that spot against Manchester City on the weekend.
Random Thoughts:
- Personally, it was a pick me up to get the win today. Normally celebrity deaths don't bother me, but as a Star Wars fan, I was hit by Carrie Fisher's death. It was nice to have some positivity to cushion that.
- I'm quickly running out of any reasons to dislike Adam Lallana. I've never hated him, but always felt there were better options. I still like certain players more, but in terms of performance, there isn't a better choice at the moment.
- The announcer mentioned it and I agree. With Coutinho coming back and Sturridge getting healthy, the loss of Mane won't be felt I don't think.
Walk On
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
Monday, December 19, 2016
A Late Bit Of Magic And Luck Turn Merseyside Red
Liverpool and Everton on a Monday night. As fans of either side would say, there could be nothing better than to have the spotlight to themselves for the 227th Merseyside Derby.
It would be a contentious game, but a fun one. Neutrals might not have gotten much enjoyment out of it, but it was a solid rivalry game as opposed to some of the ones we have seen in recent memory.
It was a very slow build for either team, despite the energy pouring forth from each player. In the 37th minute, the first real chance came for Liverpool. After a great passing buildup, including a dummy run by Mane, the pass was too far behind Origi. He lifted it high and wide even from in close to goal, but there was little opportunity for him to do much else with it.
Conversely, Liverpool were fortunate not to concede in the 44th minute. Funes Mori was not defended during a corner kick and the Reds got lucky he did not put a powerful header on target.
Liverpool came alive, a bit, in the 50th minute. A miscue at the back could not be capitalized as Maarten Steklenburg made a save and then the Reds kept scrambling but could not get that final ball toward net.
It is unfortunate that Liverpool don't have more of an aerial presence. When Everton's goalkeeper got hurt, it would have been the perfect time to just flight balls into the box. Instead, the Reds gained no advantage from him staying on for a minute or two and gave Everton a chance to make the change and get Joel Robles warmed up.
Midway through the second half, Ross Barkley should have been red carded for his challenge on Jordan Henderson. Hendo was lucky not to be more injured. As an official, I understand the yellow, but on replay (if officials had the luxury) it would have been a sending off.
The chances began to come a bit more often for the Reds later on. Roberto Firmino failed to convert a bicycle kick in the 77th minute.
It would have been almost impossible to get his foot on as the cross didn't have enough air under it by the time it got to the Brazilian. Then he almost broke the deadlock in the 80th minute with a fantastic volley from the penalty spot. Unfortunately, Robles was up to the task, diving to his left and getting palms to it.
Just when it seemed all was gone and the Reds would have to settle for a point against another inferior opponent, they found that bit of magic. Second half substitute Daniel Sturridge found his way past a couple defenders and sent a slow roller toward net.
It beat Robles but clanged off the post. Sadio Mane managed to get to it before the lunging goalkeeper and pop it in in the fourth minute of added time. The Reds almost had another when Firmino went five hole on Robles, but Ronald Coleman spoiled it with a fantastic sliding block on the line.
In the end, it was a fantastic win even if the team did not dominate the way they could have. As far as rivalry games go, it was a solid match for both sides. Those are the ones you love to win. When your opponent did enough to deserve a point and you crush their spirits, it's very satisfying.
Liverpool didn't play their best by any stretch. When you get three points though, it all gets cleaned in the wash.
This is the game that the Reds have not been winning in recent weeks. They dropped a terrible result to Bournemouth and then managed a disappointing draw with West Ham. To finally win a match they have struggled to finish off in recent form is quite the relief.
Now Liverpool must keep that form going against teams they have to beat. You're going to have big wins or tough losses against the top of the table, but it's those middle and lower teams where you must get the three points.
Random Thoughts:
- I am not one of those that has continually bashed Dejan Lovren. Given his skill set, I think he has performed as well as can be expected most days with the obvious exception here and there. That said, I have been rather impressed with Ragnar Klavan. I'm not sure an injury should keep Joel Matip out of the lineup once healthy, so maybe a combo of Klavan and Matip would work nicely in the center.
- Given their form, when healthy, it is almost impossible not to have a front three of Firmino, Coutinho and Mane. That said, the bit of magic Sturridge can muster when he is on his game is hard to keep on the bench. It's a pity that he has been so injury prone. Someone with his skill should never have been taken out of the lineup, though we all know why it happened and nobody can complain that it did happen.
- In your too much information of the day, I managed to miss the blasted goal. Just when I decided nobody was going to score, I went to use the bathroom. Of course, moments later I can hear Arlo White screaming about Mane's winner. What can you do?
- Given Liverpool's defensive woes, it seems unlikely they can truly mount a challenge for the league. The win at least gives them a chance since they will be second in the table during Christmas. That means they don't have to worry about vaulting over teams, but can rather worry about their own results and hope Chelsea falter in the second half.
Walk On
It would be a contentious game, but a fun one. Neutrals might not have gotten much enjoyment out of it, but it was a solid rivalry game as opposed to some of the ones we have seen in recent memory.
It was a very slow build for either team, despite the energy pouring forth from each player. In the 37th minute, the first real chance came for Liverpool. After a great passing buildup, including a dummy run by Mane, the pass was too far behind Origi. He lifted it high and wide even from in close to goal, but there was little opportunity for him to do much else with it.
Conversely, Liverpool were fortunate not to concede in the 44th minute. Funes Mori was not defended during a corner kick and the Reds got lucky he did not put a powerful header on target.
Liverpool came alive, a bit, in the 50th minute. A miscue at the back could not be capitalized as Maarten Steklenburg made a save and then the Reds kept scrambling but could not get that final ball toward net.
It is unfortunate that Liverpool don't have more of an aerial presence. When Everton's goalkeeper got hurt, it would have been the perfect time to just flight balls into the box. Instead, the Reds gained no advantage from him staying on for a minute or two and gave Everton a chance to make the change and get Joel Robles warmed up.
Midway through the second half, Ross Barkley should have been red carded for his challenge on Jordan Henderson. Hendo was lucky not to be more injured. As an official, I understand the yellow, but on replay (if officials had the luxury) it would have been a sending off.
The chances began to come a bit more often for the Reds later on. Roberto Firmino failed to convert a bicycle kick in the 77th minute.
It would have been almost impossible to get his foot on as the cross didn't have enough air under it by the time it got to the Brazilian. Then he almost broke the deadlock in the 80th minute with a fantastic volley from the penalty spot. Unfortunately, Robles was up to the task, diving to his left and getting palms to it.
Just when it seemed all was gone and the Reds would have to settle for a point against another inferior opponent, they found that bit of magic. Second half substitute Daniel Sturridge found his way past a couple defenders and sent a slow roller toward net.
It beat Robles but clanged off the post. Sadio Mane managed to get to it before the lunging goalkeeper and pop it in in the fourth minute of added time. The Reds almost had another when Firmino went five hole on Robles, but Ronald Coleman spoiled it with a fantastic sliding block on the line.
In the end, it was a fantastic win even if the team did not dominate the way they could have. As far as rivalry games go, it was a solid match for both sides. Those are the ones you love to win. When your opponent did enough to deserve a point and you crush their spirits, it's very satisfying.
Liverpool didn't play their best by any stretch. When you get three points though, it all gets cleaned in the wash.
This is the game that the Reds have not been winning in recent weeks. They dropped a terrible result to Bournemouth and then managed a disappointing draw with West Ham. To finally win a match they have struggled to finish off in recent form is quite the relief.
Now Liverpool must keep that form going against teams they have to beat. You're going to have big wins or tough losses against the top of the table, but it's those middle and lower teams where you must get the three points.
Random Thoughts:
- I am not one of those that has continually bashed Dejan Lovren. Given his skill set, I think he has performed as well as can be expected most days with the obvious exception here and there. That said, I have been rather impressed with Ragnar Klavan. I'm not sure an injury should keep Joel Matip out of the lineup once healthy, so maybe a combo of Klavan and Matip would work nicely in the center.
- Given their form, when healthy, it is almost impossible not to have a front three of Firmino, Coutinho and Mane. That said, the bit of magic Sturridge can muster when he is on his game is hard to keep on the bench. It's a pity that he has been so injury prone. Someone with his skill should never have been taken out of the lineup, though we all know why it happened and nobody can complain that it did happen.
- In your too much information of the day, I managed to miss the blasted goal. Just when I decided nobody was going to score, I went to use the bathroom. Of course, moments later I can hear Arlo White screaming about Mane's winner. What can you do?
- Given Liverpool's defensive woes, it seems unlikely they can truly mount a challenge for the league. The win at least gives them a chance since they will be second in the table during Christmas. That means they don't have to worry about vaulting over teams, but can rather worry about their own results and hope Chelsea falter in the second half.
Walk On
Sunday, December 4, 2016
Liverpool Stunned, Defense Proving To Be Achilles Heel
Welcome back. It's been a few games between articles due to my yearly trek down south to cover the NAIA National Championship. In that time Liverpool pulled off a couple simple wins.
They defeated Sunderland over the weekend 2-0. Then, it was a cool finish by the same scoreline over Leeds in the league cup. In that last one featured a fine score by 17 year old Ben Woodburn, who many are claiming could be the next big thing.
Probably best to pump the brakes on that one since it was just one goal against a team that has floundered near the bottom of the Championship in recent times. Still, always good to see new talent.
Speaking of new talent, the Reds were forced to put some new faces in the starting XI due to some injury woes. Lucas was playing at center back for the until Joel Matip. Lucas generally does a fine job, but is always worrying since he's truly a midfielder.
Also getting a start was Divock Origi. Coutinho was unable to make the start, but with Daniel Sturridge also being less than 100%, the Belgian got the nod.
Initially, the Cherries looked quite good. They didn't have a ton of possession, but they were defending well and the press was throwing the Reds - clad in greenish, yellow highlighter kits - off kilter.
It seemed like the day would not go well based on Liverpool's first chance. Origi was served a cross from the near side and was wide open on the back post. Somehow, he managed to miss it with a slight slip in the 11th minute and it stayed level. That wouldn't be the case for too much longer though.
In the 20th minute Sadio Mane took a beautifully flighted ball, from the left touchline, in the box. The goalkeeper, Artur Boruc, left himself in no man's land and Mane just tucked it past and Bournemouth could just watch it roll in.
If Bournemouth were disappointed by the first, they were exasperated by the second. Boruc had just made the mistake by not coming out far enough and then made an even bigger one. In the 23rd minute, the ball was popped over the top, to the right, for Divok Origi.
The goalkeeper came out of the penalty area for some inexplicable reason. Origi just touched it past him and then finished it off with a bad angle goal that just tucked inside the far post.
In typical Liverpool fashion, they couldn't make it easy on themselves. After holding the lead through the halftime break, the Reds gave up an early penalty to the Cherries in the 56th minute.
They converted and then it appeared to be game on. Fortunately for Liverpool fans, it also woke up their team.
In the 64th minute, Mane cut through defenders on the right side of the box. He served up Emre Can at the top of the 18 and he ripped a right footed curler past the keeper to restore the two goal lead.
Flipping back to the negative side, Mane appeared to pick up an injury. Fortunately, Adam Lallana was fit enough to be a sub, otherwise the Reds may have had to turn to one of the kids they had on the bench.
Liverpool were denied a goal to increase their lead with around 18 minutes left. Goal line technology said it missed scoring by a whisker. That decision became crucial since Ryan Fraser tucked one in in the 75th minute.
The Reds gave it away at the top of the attacking 18 and that set the wheels in motion. The train came off the track right after. A cheap free kick was given away, Fraser crossed it from the right and Lewis Cook smashed it home to even up the game at three apiece.
Lorus Karius looked shaky throughout the game, but came up big. In the 82nd minute he made a game saving stop as Benik Afobe was in alone near the spot.
Despite the face Bournemouth looked the better side for the last ten minutes, Liverpool still almost took it. Origi had a wonderful spin volley in added time, but got just too far underneath it.
In the end, it was a deserved defeat. A whistler of a shot could not be caught cleanly by Karius. Though he blocked the second chance, Ake cleaned up the mess and put Bournemouth up 4-3 with only a minute or so left in stoppage time.
It was a rather sickening result. To find yourself up 2-0 and then 3-1 and not only not win, but lose is ridiculous. Jurgen Klopp is a fantastic manager, but as much as he gets his team to believe and push forward, he has not found a way to fix their defensive woes.
So many have said the back line is why Liverpool will not win the league. With results like this one, those doubts are well founded.
Full credit goes to Bournemouth as they never gave up. Down two goals twice to one of the giants, they kept at it. Nevertheless, Liverpool have to find a way to see this one out no matter the circumstance and they did not get the job done.
Random Thoughts:
- Karius proved me right in this game. I don't know that Simon Mignolet would have fared any better, but Karius is not an improvement in the slightest in my eyes.
Walk On
They defeated Sunderland over the weekend 2-0. Then, it was a cool finish by the same scoreline over Leeds in the league cup. In that last one featured a fine score by 17 year old Ben Woodburn, who many are claiming could be the next big thing.
Probably best to pump the brakes on that one since it was just one goal against a team that has floundered near the bottom of the Championship in recent times. Still, always good to see new talent.
Speaking of new talent, the Reds were forced to put some new faces in the starting XI due to some injury woes. Lucas was playing at center back for the until Joel Matip. Lucas generally does a fine job, but is always worrying since he's truly a midfielder.
Also getting a start was Divock Origi. Coutinho was unable to make the start, but with Daniel Sturridge also being less than 100%, the Belgian got the nod.
Initially, the Cherries looked quite good. They didn't have a ton of possession, but they were defending well and the press was throwing the Reds - clad in greenish, yellow highlighter kits - off kilter.
It seemed like the day would not go well based on Liverpool's first chance. Origi was served a cross from the near side and was wide open on the back post. Somehow, he managed to miss it with a slight slip in the 11th minute and it stayed level. That wouldn't be the case for too much longer though.
In the 20th minute Sadio Mane took a beautifully flighted ball, from the left touchline, in the box. The goalkeeper, Artur Boruc, left himself in no man's land and Mane just tucked it past and Bournemouth could just watch it roll in.
If Bournemouth were disappointed by the first, they were exasperated by the second. Boruc had just made the mistake by not coming out far enough and then made an even bigger one. In the 23rd minute, the ball was popped over the top, to the right, for Divok Origi.
The goalkeeper came out of the penalty area for some inexplicable reason. Origi just touched it past him and then finished it off with a bad angle goal that just tucked inside the far post.
In typical Liverpool fashion, they couldn't make it easy on themselves. After holding the lead through the halftime break, the Reds gave up an early penalty to the Cherries in the 56th minute.
They converted and then it appeared to be game on. Fortunately for Liverpool fans, it also woke up their team.
In the 64th minute, Mane cut through defenders on the right side of the box. He served up Emre Can at the top of the 18 and he ripped a right footed curler past the keeper to restore the two goal lead.
Flipping back to the negative side, Mane appeared to pick up an injury. Fortunately, Adam Lallana was fit enough to be a sub, otherwise the Reds may have had to turn to one of the kids they had on the bench.
Liverpool were denied a goal to increase their lead with around 18 minutes left. Goal line technology said it missed scoring by a whisker. That decision became crucial since Ryan Fraser tucked one in in the 75th minute.
The Reds gave it away at the top of the attacking 18 and that set the wheels in motion. The train came off the track right after. A cheap free kick was given away, Fraser crossed it from the right and Lewis Cook smashed it home to even up the game at three apiece.
Lorus Karius looked shaky throughout the game, but came up big. In the 82nd minute he made a game saving stop as Benik Afobe was in alone near the spot.
Despite the face Bournemouth looked the better side for the last ten minutes, Liverpool still almost took it. Origi had a wonderful spin volley in added time, but got just too far underneath it.
In the end, it was a deserved defeat. A whistler of a shot could not be caught cleanly by Karius. Though he blocked the second chance, Ake cleaned up the mess and put Bournemouth up 4-3 with only a minute or so left in stoppage time.
It was a rather sickening result. To find yourself up 2-0 and then 3-1 and not only not win, but lose is ridiculous. Jurgen Klopp is a fantastic manager, but as much as he gets his team to believe and push forward, he has not found a way to fix their defensive woes.
So many have said the back line is why Liverpool will not win the league. With results like this one, those doubts are well founded.
Full credit goes to Bournemouth as they never gave up. Down two goals twice to one of the giants, they kept at it. Nevertheless, Liverpool have to find a way to see this one out no matter the circumstance and they did not get the job done.
Random Thoughts:
- Karius proved me right in this game. I don't know that Simon Mignolet would have fared any better, but Karius is not an improvement in the slightest in my eyes.
Walk On
Saturday, November 19, 2016
Liverpool Create But Can't Finish Against Southampton
Liverpool came into today's match riding high. They've been scoring goals, racking up points and looking like a real title contender.
Liverpool had not lost since their disappointing 2-0 loss to Burnley, of all teams. The Reds had been flying high and there were all sorts of mentions by the broadcast team about how the team was performing better than they had since 1987 or more goals at this point since the 1800's, etc.
Southampton did not care much about all that. They wanted a point from this match, come hell or high water. For the first 45 minutes it looked like they would get at least that.
They parked the bus and put all ten men behind the ball, giving Liverpool absolutely no space in which to work. Liverpool had a chance or two off Southampton mistakes, but there really wasn't anything from the Reds that would trouble the goalkeeper by being on frame.
The second half would be more of the same, but the spaces were more readily available. The Old Boys were trying to probe a little further forward in an attempt to take all three points.
While they came close to poaching a goal in the 59th minute when Charlie Austin overpowered the defender for a header that skimmed wide, the Reds were the one afforded more chances. Unfortunately, their top guys were not on top form.
Coutinho flubbed one off his left foot about 10 minutes into the second half. He could have been given a penalty since the defender made a lot of contact with him and none on the ball (to the naked eye, there appeared to be a block but was none), but you expect better from the Brazilian.
Speaking of Brazilians, Firmino was played into space on the right in the 69th minute and came close to scoring. He probably should have, but ended up flashing it just wide as he tried to cut it back across goal.
Liverpool had some opportunities off set pieces or corner kicks, but just could not find that bit of magic to break the deadlock. With each second ticking off the clock, the match looked like it was going to end in a slightly less boring result than the Manchester United fixture.
The Reds kept their foot on the gas trying to get the three points. Daniel Sturridge finally got some game time late on.
His inclusion almost immediately paid dividends. He lofted a cross into a dangerous area and Nathaniel Clyne almost finished it off in the 79th minute. Sadly, it just shaved the goal again and did not hit the net.
In the end, there was nothing in it for the Liverpool offense. They created a handful of chances throughout, but could not finish.
The only sad thing was the lack of possession they had when it mattered most, in stoppage time. The Reds looked a bit out of sorts during all of that.
Nevertheless, it was a decent performance in the grand scheme. Liverpool remain top of the table on the number of goals they have scored.
A point on the road is always important. It was not nearly the result we all wanted, but nothing to be too disappointed with either.
Random Thoughts:
- Very random, but the Paul Pogba commercial bothers me. The insinuation seems to be the woman at the start would be his mother. Yet she calls him Pogba. My friends have called me by my last name, but nobody in your family would call you by your last name.
- Though I've made my feelings fairly apparent regarding Adam Lallana, he's had a fantastic year this season. You wonder if his creativity and work rate might have been a deciding factor in being able to break down Southampton if he was not injured.
- I feel bad for Dejan Lovren. Clearly I have not kept myself in the loop because I can't remember what he did that makes him the only player the fans booed. Liverpool had at least two ex-Southampton players on the field and at least three on the team and Lovren gets all the ill will.
Walk On
Liverpool had not lost since their disappointing 2-0 loss to Burnley, of all teams. The Reds had been flying high and there were all sorts of mentions by the broadcast team about how the team was performing better than they had since 1987 or more goals at this point since the 1800's, etc.
Southampton did not care much about all that. They wanted a point from this match, come hell or high water. For the first 45 minutes it looked like they would get at least that.
They parked the bus and put all ten men behind the ball, giving Liverpool absolutely no space in which to work. Liverpool had a chance or two off Southampton mistakes, but there really wasn't anything from the Reds that would trouble the goalkeeper by being on frame.
The second half would be more of the same, but the spaces were more readily available. The Old Boys were trying to probe a little further forward in an attempt to take all three points.
While they came close to poaching a goal in the 59th minute when Charlie Austin overpowered the defender for a header that skimmed wide, the Reds were the one afforded more chances. Unfortunately, their top guys were not on top form.
Coutinho flubbed one off his left foot about 10 minutes into the second half. He could have been given a penalty since the defender made a lot of contact with him and none on the ball (to the naked eye, there appeared to be a block but was none), but you expect better from the Brazilian.
Speaking of Brazilians, Firmino was played into space on the right in the 69th minute and came close to scoring. He probably should have, but ended up flashing it just wide as he tried to cut it back across goal.
Liverpool had some opportunities off set pieces or corner kicks, but just could not find that bit of magic to break the deadlock. With each second ticking off the clock, the match looked like it was going to end in a slightly less boring result than the Manchester United fixture.
The Reds kept their foot on the gas trying to get the three points. Daniel Sturridge finally got some game time late on.
His inclusion almost immediately paid dividends. He lofted a cross into a dangerous area and Nathaniel Clyne almost finished it off in the 79th minute. Sadly, it just shaved the goal again and did not hit the net.
In the end, there was nothing in it for the Liverpool offense. They created a handful of chances throughout, but could not finish.
The only sad thing was the lack of possession they had when it mattered most, in stoppage time. The Reds looked a bit out of sorts during all of that.
Nevertheless, it was a decent performance in the grand scheme. Liverpool remain top of the table on the number of goals they have scored.
A point on the road is always important. It was not nearly the result we all wanted, but nothing to be too disappointed with either.
Random Thoughts:
- Very random, but the Paul Pogba commercial bothers me. The insinuation seems to be the woman at the start would be his mother. Yet she calls him Pogba. My friends have called me by my last name, but nobody in your family would call you by your last name.
- Though I've made my feelings fairly apparent regarding Adam Lallana, he's had a fantastic year this season. You wonder if his creativity and work rate might have been a deciding factor in being able to break down Southampton if he was not injured.
- I feel bad for Dejan Lovren. Clearly I have not kept myself in the loop because I can't remember what he did that makes him the only player the fans booed. Liverpool had at least two ex-Southampton players on the field and at least three on the team and Lovren gets all the ill will.
Walk On
Sunday, November 6, 2016
Liverpool Crush Watford But Still Concede A Goal
Liverpool came into their match with Watford expecting three points. The last time that was the case, the Reds got blanked in a rather depressing match against Burnley early in the year.
Though the match opened up closely, you didn't get the feeling that this would end the same way. Watford was focusing on defending, but there just seemed to be too much space for the Reds to not get goals.
The chances came, but from odd spots. The visitors almost got the first score of the game when a challenge in the midfield blasted a ball toward the Liverpool goal. It wasn't overly close in the end, but it was enough to put a small lump in Loris Karius' throat.
For Liverpool, it was central defender Lucas with two chances. He has not scored in six goals, but was unlucky to not find one early in the first half. Still, the team would not be held off the sheet for long.
Sadio Mane scored in the 27th minute with a fantastic flick from the corner. Coutinho made the wise choice to go short on the corner to Milner. The Brazilian got it back at a better angle and flung it into the box where Mane lunged toward it and just let it glance off his forehead.
Not even a full three minutes later, in the 30th minute, Coutinho finally got his own goal. Slicing through two defenders, he tucked it into the lower right side with power. It was a fitting finish to make up for the one he had just flashed wide minutes earlier.
It had seemed like Liverpool took their foot off the gas, but this offense can strike like lightning. In the 43rd minute, they got the ball up field with only a few touches. Adam Lallana served the ball in and Emre Can headed it back to where it came from, leaving the new goalkeeper absolutely nothing to do but stand there.
Liverpool were capable of being up by five or so. Nevertheless, being up by three and keeping Watford off the board for 45 minutes was a very good start.
LFC came out with the same kind of energy in the second half, but it looked a bit too easy. They looked like a team that was more interested in setting up something fancy or getting goals for those that didn't have them yet instead of taking the game by the throat.
That didn't keep them from scoring though. Some lax defending from Watford in the 57th minute allowed a cross to find a wide open Firmino. His goal made it 4-0. That wouldn't hold for long.
The Reds pushed numbers forward after a giveaway in midfield, fresh off a poor clearance by Watford. Firmino bullied his way onto the ball into the box on the right. He then slipped a deft pass to Mane, who put it to sleep with all the care of a new parent. That made it 5-0 just before stroke of the 61st minute.
Unfortunately, despite all the goal scoring, the Reds could not keep the defense compact. Liverpool got loose at the back following a couple subs, though the subs had nothing to do with it as players. Karius made some great saves to keep the clean sheet until the 75th minute.
Then, the defending became too poor and Janmat was all alone in the area. He bent it around the keeper and gave Watford its first goal of the game, keeping Liverpool's streak of not having clean sheets alive and well.
We have long known that Liverpool does not have the best defending in the league. It is a very makeshift unit, trying to do its best on most nights. Still, it is disappointing for the team to have played so well and then lose that extra little cherry of the clean sheet when Watford had not pressured until those late moments.
Liverpool were very unlucky to not return the margin of victory back to five earlier than they did. The team kept trying to set up Daniel Sturridge, but the home ground woodwoork was not kind. He did pick up an assist on Georginio Wijnaldum's score in the 91st minute, which at least got him off the goose egg in a red shirt.
In the end, it was a fantastic win, but the clean sheet gone spoiled it just a little. You can't be too disappointed with that fact though because Liverpool took advantage of other team's slipups. The Reds are atop the table for the first time in what feels like forever.
It is only by a point, but to see Liverpool on top alone feels pretty good.
Random Thoughts:
- I like Ian Darke as a broadcaster very much. He might have been a little too colorful with his description of Joel Matip though. As a broadcaster myself, I'm not sure I'd describe the lanky defender as slim and elegant.
- Say what you want about his demeanor or ability to stay healthy, but you have to feel for Sturridge. He should have had two goals and maybe more, but was denied by the posts twice and the goalkeeper just as many times.
- The shutout aspect probably isn't as important to some. As a goalkeeper, these were the games that were frustrating because there was no reason the chances should have even come.
- Nothing to do with the game, but how in the world did Danny Ings get hurt? He hasn't played in forever and then suffers a knee injury that will knock him out? Injuries happen, but to lose almost all or all of a season due to a training injury seems excessive.
Walk On
Though the match opened up closely, you didn't get the feeling that this would end the same way. Watford was focusing on defending, but there just seemed to be too much space for the Reds to not get goals.
The chances came, but from odd spots. The visitors almost got the first score of the game when a challenge in the midfield blasted a ball toward the Liverpool goal. It wasn't overly close in the end, but it was enough to put a small lump in Loris Karius' throat.
For Liverpool, it was central defender Lucas with two chances. He has not scored in six goals, but was unlucky to not find one early in the first half. Still, the team would not be held off the sheet for long.
Sadio Mane scored in the 27th minute with a fantastic flick from the corner. Coutinho made the wise choice to go short on the corner to Milner. The Brazilian got it back at a better angle and flung it into the box where Mane lunged toward it and just let it glance off his forehead.
Not even a full three minutes later, in the 30th minute, Coutinho finally got his own goal. Slicing through two defenders, he tucked it into the lower right side with power. It was a fitting finish to make up for the one he had just flashed wide minutes earlier.
It had seemed like Liverpool took their foot off the gas, but this offense can strike like lightning. In the 43rd minute, they got the ball up field with only a few touches. Adam Lallana served the ball in and Emre Can headed it back to where it came from, leaving the new goalkeeper absolutely nothing to do but stand there.
Liverpool were capable of being up by five or so. Nevertheless, being up by three and keeping Watford off the board for 45 minutes was a very good start.
LFC came out with the same kind of energy in the second half, but it looked a bit too easy. They looked like a team that was more interested in setting up something fancy or getting goals for those that didn't have them yet instead of taking the game by the throat.
That didn't keep them from scoring though. Some lax defending from Watford in the 57th minute allowed a cross to find a wide open Firmino. His goal made it 4-0. That wouldn't hold for long.
The Reds pushed numbers forward after a giveaway in midfield, fresh off a poor clearance by Watford. Firmino bullied his way onto the ball into the box on the right. He then slipped a deft pass to Mane, who put it to sleep with all the care of a new parent. That made it 5-0 just before stroke of the 61st minute.
Unfortunately, despite all the goal scoring, the Reds could not keep the defense compact. Liverpool got loose at the back following a couple subs, though the subs had nothing to do with it as players. Karius made some great saves to keep the clean sheet until the 75th minute.
Then, the defending became too poor and Janmat was all alone in the area. He bent it around the keeper and gave Watford its first goal of the game, keeping Liverpool's streak of not having clean sheets alive and well.
We have long known that Liverpool does not have the best defending in the league. It is a very makeshift unit, trying to do its best on most nights. Still, it is disappointing for the team to have played so well and then lose that extra little cherry of the clean sheet when Watford had not pressured until those late moments.
Liverpool were very unlucky to not return the margin of victory back to five earlier than they did. The team kept trying to set up Daniel Sturridge, but the home ground woodwoork was not kind. He did pick up an assist on Georginio Wijnaldum's score in the 91st minute, which at least got him off the goose egg in a red shirt.
In the end, it was a fantastic win, but the clean sheet gone spoiled it just a little. You can't be too disappointed with that fact though because Liverpool took advantage of other team's slipups. The Reds are atop the table for the first time in what feels like forever.
It is only by a point, but to see Liverpool on top alone feels pretty good.
Random Thoughts:
- I like Ian Darke as a broadcaster very much. He might have been a little too colorful with his description of Joel Matip though. As a broadcaster myself, I'm not sure I'd describe the lanky defender as slim and elegant.
- Say what you want about his demeanor or ability to stay healthy, but you have to feel for Sturridge. He should have had two goals and maybe more, but was denied by the posts twice and the goalkeeper just as many times.
- The shutout aspect probably isn't as important to some. As a goalkeeper, these were the games that were frustrating because there was no reason the chances should have even come.
- Nothing to do with the game, but how in the world did Danny Ings get hurt? He hasn't played in forever and then suffers a knee injury that will knock him out? Injuries happen, but to lose almost all or all of a season due to a training injury seems excessive.
Walk On
Saturday, October 29, 2016
Liverpool Open The Floodgates In Wild One Against Palace
Liverpool got things off to a good start. Despite his defensive deficiencies, Alberto Moreno put a great move on the defender from the left of the box. He then sent it to the middle where Emre Can put the finish on it. Can was a bit fortunate to get a deflection off the defender, but that's why you put it on net sometimes.
The Liverpool goal came in the 15th minute. They were not in charge for very long. A little over two minutes later Crystal Palace took advantage of a dreadful mistake by the Liverpool back line.
Joel Matip oddly decided to nod the ball down to Dejan Lovren instead of clearing it away. Lovren then puzzlingly tried to kick it back to Loris Karius. None of the touches were good and Lovren's popped up in the air to be finished off with a header over Karius by McArthur.
Jurgen Klopp could do nothing but give a wry smile, though you can bet he was not smiling inside. These things happen in the game, but they seem to happen to Liverpool far too often.
Lovren did not stay in the doghouse for long. Corner kicks are usually the downfall for Liverpool, but this time they paid dividends. Coutinho served it up and Loven bullied his way past the defender and powered the header into the back of the net.
All of this happend and the game was barely 20 minutes old. Fantastic to watch for neturals and fans of offense, but not so much for managers. Klopp was happy with the goal, but you could tell by his body language that he still was not completely pleased with the way the game was flowing.
Sadly, his feelings would prove to be true. Despite creating plenty of pressure and a few chances (that didn't end up on goal mind you), Liverpool could not hold onto the lead for a second time.
Liverpool's main problem when in possession after their second goal was trying to be too cute. They passed up several opportunities to shoot, trying to set up the pretty pass. As a hockey fan, it was too reminiscent of watching the St. Louis Blues. Still the lead remained, or so we thought.
In the 33rd minute, it disappeared. Liverpool had a poor clearance that only got to midfield. It was blasted back up toward the area. Although he had been brilliant offensively, Moreno failed to get a block on the cross and McArthur gained his second goal of the game to knot it up.
The offense kept flowing even after that. Coutinho thought he had broken the deadlock in the 37th minute with a header. It went off the goalkeeper and off the post. 30 seconds later, Mane should have scored but leaned back and ripped it over the goal.
The Reds would retake the lead though in the 44th minute. Again, off a corner kick, if you can believe it. This time, the kick came from the right corner and it was another central defender on the end of it. Matip skied over the defenders and banged it in. The goalkeeper got a touch and it went off the crossbar, but there was enough power to still go in.
The second half began no less adventurously. It was the Eagles pressuring early however. Benteke, the former Liverpool man, almost blasted home the equalizer in the 48th minute. A quick turn and volley forced a reaction save from Karius.
Liverpool finally got back onto the offensive side of things in the 54th minute. A nicely weighted pass from Coutinho found Mane. Mane took the shot just inside of the area, but a right foot from the keeper thwarted the attempt.
As the game went on, the Reds became a little bit fortunate defensively. The official was right not to give a penalty on a string of bodies falling down and then minutes later, Can was likely fortunate not to concede a penalty. Whatever side you fall on those decisions, Liverpool were fortunate simply because they were in situations that the official had a decision to make and often they reward the offense.
Almost immediately after the Can no-call, Liverpool took advantage and went up by two goals. Firmino finished off the goal lifting it over the sliding keeper and giving his team a commanding 4-2 lead.
The game settled in after that tally. Liverpool wasted a bit of an opportunity with too many passes again and then Coutinho shot right at the keeper, but for the most part the teams knew their fate and just saw the contest out.
The scoreline did not do Liverpool's goal difference any favors as they continue to bleed a little at the back. Still, the win kept them tied atop the table on points and the longer you can stay in or near that position, the better shape you will be in at the end of the season.
It was a bit sloppy from a defensive standpoint and the offense could have been a little bit less cheeky, but it's a victory and that is what matters.
Random Thoughts:
- Crystal Palace seems to pick up former Liverpool players the way the Reds take former Southampton guys. They may not have had storied careers in red, but it was good to see Benteke and Martin Kelly play relatively well.
- I hate to keep harping on this, because I have nothing against the player. According to the television commentators, the reason Karius is favored is because he is better with the ball at his feet. I have not noticed that myself, but at least it is a reason.
- Speaking of Karius, it was good to see him make some saves. It seemed as though every goal he had been giving up prior to this contest was on the only shots he would face. Keepers need to make saves to keep their confidence up and feel like contributors.
- I know it's simply because we can see highlights of every game so we see all the mistakes. Still, it seems like the mistakes that led to Palace's first goal happen way too often in professional football these days.
- I'm curious where Georginio Wijnaldum will fit back into the lineup. It does not seem as though he would have been removed if he did not pick up a knock, but with the team playing well without him starting, there doesn't seem to be a glaring hole for him to fill.
Walk On
The Liverpool goal came in the 15th minute. They were not in charge for very long. A little over two minutes later Crystal Palace took advantage of a dreadful mistake by the Liverpool back line.
Joel Matip oddly decided to nod the ball down to Dejan Lovren instead of clearing it away. Lovren then puzzlingly tried to kick it back to Loris Karius. None of the touches were good and Lovren's popped up in the air to be finished off with a header over Karius by McArthur.
Jurgen Klopp could do nothing but give a wry smile, though you can bet he was not smiling inside. These things happen in the game, but they seem to happen to Liverpool far too often.
Lovren did not stay in the doghouse for long. Corner kicks are usually the downfall for Liverpool, but this time they paid dividends. Coutinho served it up and Loven bullied his way past the defender and powered the header into the back of the net.
All of this happend and the game was barely 20 minutes old. Fantastic to watch for neturals and fans of offense, but not so much for managers. Klopp was happy with the goal, but you could tell by his body language that he still was not completely pleased with the way the game was flowing.
Sadly, his feelings would prove to be true. Despite creating plenty of pressure and a few chances (that didn't end up on goal mind you), Liverpool could not hold onto the lead for a second time.
Liverpool's main problem when in possession after their second goal was trying to be too cute. They passed up several opportunities to shoot, trying to set up the pretty pass. As a hockey fan, it was too reminiscent of watching the St. Louis Blues. Still the lead remained, or so we thought.
In the 33rd minute, it disappeared. Liverpool had a poor clearance that only got to midfield. It was blasted back up toward the area. Although he had been brilliant offensively, Moreno failed to get a block on the cross and McArthur gained his second goal of the game to knot it up.
The offense kept flowing even after that. Coutinho thought he had broken the deadlock in the 37th minute with a header. It went off the goalkeeper and off the post. 30 seconds later, Mane should have scored but leaned back and ripped it over the goal.
The Reds would retake the lead though in the 44th minute. Again, off a corner kick, if you can believe it. This time, the kick came from the right corner and it was another central defender on the end of it. Matip skied over the defenders and banged it in. The goalkeeper got a touch and it went off the crossbar, but there was enough power to still go in.
The second half began no less adventurously. It was the Eagles pressuring early however. Benteke, the former Liverpool man, almost blasted home the equalizer in the 48th minute. A quick turn and volley forced a reaction save from Karius.
Liverpool finally got back onto the offensive side of things in the 54th minute. A nicely weighted pass from Coutinho found Mane. Mane took the shot just inside of the area, but a right foot from the keeper thwarted the attempt.
As the game went on, the Reds became a little bit fortunate defensively. The official was right not to give a penalty on a string of bodies falling down and then minutes later, Can was likely fortunate not to concede a penalty. Whatever side you fall on those decisions, Liverpool were fortunate simply because they were in situations that the official had a decision to make and often they reward the offense.
Almost immediately after the Can no-call, Liverpool took advantage and went up by two goals. Firmino finished off the goal lifting it over the sliding keeper and giving his team a commanding 4-2 lead.
The game settled in after that tally. Liverpool wasted a bit of an opportunity with too many passes again and then Coutinho shot right at the keeper, but for the most part the teams knew their fate and just saw the contest out.
The scoreline did not do Liverpool's goal difference any favors as they continue to bleed a little at the back. Still, the win kept them tied atop the table on points and the longer you can stay in or near that position, the better shape you will be in at the end of the season.
It was a bit sloppy from a defensive standpoint and the offense could have been a little bit less cheeky, but it's a victory and that is what matters.
Random Thoughts:
- Crystal Palace seems to pick up former Liverpool players the way the Reds take former Southampton guys. They may not have had storied careers in red, but it was good to see Benteke and Martin Kelly play relatively well.
- I hate to keep harping on this, because I have nothing against the player. According to the television commentators, the reason Karius is favored is because he is better with the ball at his feet. I have not noticed that myself, but at least it is a reason.
- Speaking of Karius, it was good to see him make some saves. It seemed as though every goal he had been giving up prior to this contest was on the only shots he would face. Keepers need to make saves to keep their confidence up and feel like contributors.
- I know it's simply because we can see highlights of every game so we see all the mistakes. Still, it seems like the mistakes that led to Palace's first goal happen way too often in professional football these days.
- I'm curious where Georginio Wijnaldum will fit back into the lineup. It does not seem as though he would have been removed if he did not pick up a knock, but with the team playing well without him starting, there doesn't seem to be a glaring hole for him to fill.
Walk On
Saturday, October 22, 2016
Liverpool Jump On West Brom And Then Hang On
After the very bland prime time game against Manchester United, there was some fear seeing the way West Bromwich Albion set up. They started putting numbers behind the ball after the opening minutes of the match and nightmares of the previous 0-0 draw began surfacing.
Fortunately, West Brom aren't United. Tony Pulis is not Jose Mourinho. So, the Reds were able to take advantage reasonably early.
Liverpool had been building up the attack with little success, looking for crosses into the overcrowded middle. Then they struck in the 20th minute. Emre Can drove up the middle on the dribble before laying it off to Coutinho. The talented Brazilian then lofted a fantastic cross to the back post.
Sadio Mane was right there. All he had to do was finish it off, which was no small task. Mane waited for the ball to float over the defender, kept an eye on it as it did and then struck it cleanly into the back of the net.
It wouldn't be long before the Reds were rewarded again. This time it would come off a West Brom miscue.
A bad backpass to the goalkeeper was not cleanly handled. The ball was bouncing and Ben Foster just popped it up into the air only about 35 yards downfield.
Liverpool barely took any touches. Mane took a few dribbles and handed it over to Coutinho. He then charged into the box and handed two defenders their jock straps after blasting the ball just past the near post in the 35th minute.
The second half was fairly bland for a good 15 minutes. It almost seemed as though both sides were fine with the scoreline as it was.
Then, Liverpool got a free kick in a dangerous area in the 58th minute. Lovren got a great flick onto the ball off the cross and thought he was assured of a goal. Unfortunately, Foster came out of nowhere to swat the ball away from the upper 90 and deny the Reds their third goal of the game.
West Brom's best chance came in the 70th minute. After a scuffle in front of goal before a corner kick, the Baggies finally got their first shot. Nacer Chadli had a little space in the area and tried a scoop shot that ultimately went over the target.
Then the Baggies actually struck out of nowhere. Again off a corner kick, the Reds surrendered a goal off a set piece. Loris Karius stayed on his line and the ball bounced around in front of him. Just as he lunged toward it, it was toe poked past him by Gareth McAuley, making the score 2-1.
In the end, Liverpool would hang on by that score. The Reds looked a little lost after that goal conceded, but a win is a win at this point. The victory puts Liverpool top of the table with Arsenal tied on points, but down by goal difference.
It's a short turnaround now as the Reds face the Spurs in the league Cup on Tuesday. If we see the first half Liverpool show up in that game, they should be fine.
Random Thoughts:
- Clearly the team is better without Daniel Sturridge right now. It's kind of a sad fact since he used to be the first name written in pen, but now the style seems to fit better with Adam Lallana in midfield behind a top three of Coutinho, Firmino and Mane.
- I'd still like to know what Karius is chosen over Mignolet. Personally, I don't prefer one or the other but I have yet to see the new keeper do anything that justifies the switch.
- It's to the point now where you can almost sense goals coming off set pieces. Liverpool got the win, which is great, but to think they could be alone at the top of the table had they not conceded is a bit disappointing.
- Liverpool will have to be without their captain in the midweek game. Jordan Henderson's yellow card will see him banned for a game. It will be interesting to see who gets placed in his spot. We can at least hope that Georginio Wijnaldum is healthy since he came in the second half.
Walk On
Fortunately, West Brom aren't United. Tony Pulis is not Jose Mourinho. So, the Reds were able to take advantage reasonably early.
Liverpool had been building up the attack with little success, looking for crosses into the overcrowded middle. Then they struck in the 20th minute. Emre Can drove up the middle on the dribble before laying it off to Coutinho. The talented Brazilian then lofted a fantastic cross to the back post.
Sadio Mane was right there. All he had to do was finish it off, which was no small task. Mane waited for the ball to float over the defender, kept an eye on it as it did and then struck it cleanly into the back of the net.
It wouldn't be long before the Reds were rewarded again. This time it would come off a West Brom miscue.
A bad backpass to the goalkeeper was not cleanly handled. The ball was bouncing and Ben Foster just popped it up into the air only about 35 yards downfield.
Liverpool barely took any touches. Mane took a few dribbles and handed it over to Coutinho. He then charged into the box and handed two defenders their jock straps after blasting the ball just past the near post in the 35th minute.
The second half was fairly bland for a good 15 minutes. It almost seemed as though both sides were fine with the scoreline as it was.
Then, Liverpool got a free kick in a dangerous area in the 58th minute. Lovren got a great flick onto the ball off the cross and thought he was assured of a goal. Unfortunately, Foster came out of nowhere to swat the ball away from the upper 90 and deny the Reds their third goal of the game.
West Brom's best chance came in the 70th minute. After a scuffle in front of goal before a corner kick, the Baggies finally got their first shot. Nacer Chadli had a little space in the area and tried a scoop shot that ultimately went over the target.
Then the Baggies actually struck out of nowhere. Again off a corner kick, the Reds surrendered a goal off a set piece. Loris Karius stayed on his line and the ball bounced around in front of him. Just as he lunged toward it, it was toe poked past him by Gareth McAuley, making the score 2-1.
In the end, Liverpool would hang on by that score. The Reds looked a little lost after that goal conceded, but a win is a win at this point. The victory puts Liverpool top of the table with Arsenal tied on points, but down by goal difference.
It's a short turnaround now as the Reds face the Spurs in the league Cup on Tuesday. If we see the first half Liverpool show up in that game, they should be fine.
Random Thoughts:
- Clearly the team is better without Daniel Sturridge right now. It's kind of a sad fact since he used to be the first name written in pen, but now the style seems to fit better with Adam Lallana in midfield behind a top three of Coutinho, Firmino and Mane.
- I'd still like to know what Karius is chosen over Mignolet. Personally, I don't prefer one or the other but I have yet to see the new keeper do anything that justifies the switch.
- It's to the point now where you can almost sense goals coming off set pieces. Liverpool got the win, which is great, but to think they could be alone at the top of the table had they not conceded is a bit disappointing.
- Liverpool will have to be without their captain in the midweek game. Jordan Henderson's yellow card will see him banned for a game. It will be interesting to see who gets placed in his spot. We can at least hope that Georginio Wijnaldum is healthy since he came in the second half.
Walk On
Monday, October 17, 2016
Liverpool's Showcase Monday Match Fizzles
Liverpool and Manchester United had the lights all to themselves. A rare, though becoming more commonplace, Monday night game provided a good look for the Premier League's premier rivalry. Fans expecting fireworks went away disappointed though.
Liverpool opened the game a bit slow, despite the rousing YNWA chant by the expanded Anfield. It seemed as though the Reds would settle into the game and get things going. However, they seemed to only allow Manchester United to gain more momentum.
The Red Devils kept building up their own attack with little in the way of countering. Liverpool managed to get up field here and there in the first 30 minutes, but not with much belief.
Much of Liverpool's possession in that first half hour was spent trying to get the ball under control. It seemed to always be in the air when Liverpool were in attack.
Liverpool's best chance was hardly that. After the Reds finally had some build up play, the strike came from a Firmino header from a tough angle. Ultimately, it went right at the keeper.
After the 30 minute mark, Liverpool did seem to settle into the match a little better. They calmed down much more on the ball, settled down defensively and closed the gaps and managed to start finding holes in Jose Mourinho's defensive plan.
There was not much to witness in terms of highlights from the opening 45 minutes. Neither side truly tested either goalkeeper. It was more a battle of wills.
United had the better of the attack in the first 15 minutes. Liverpool dominated possession of the ball, but created very little in the opening frame.
As much as the Reds took the halftime advice to heart and came out with authority against Swansea, they did the opposite in this Monday night match. Their passing was fairly bad, including a dreadful mistake by Loris Karius that almost led to a chance for Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
The attack came out even more disjointed than they were in the first half. Even when there was good buildup, the Reds would always find a way to botch it toward the area.
Ten minutes into the second half, it almost seemed as though things were not going to turn for the better. Manchester United began building an attack and almost had it pay off with a nice cross from right to left from Pogba to Ibrahimovic. Only a stray header did not end that attack with a goal.
Can in the 59th minute almost made something of nothing. A fabulous through ball from Joel Matip bound the German, who was surrounded in the area. Still, he flicked a left footer through all the traffic and De Gea was forced to make a sparkling reaction save to keep the game level.
Liverpool kept the pressure on in spurts. In the 71st minute, Coutinho whipped one that looked earmarked for the upper 90. Unfortunately, De Gea came from nowhere to get a piece of it and keep the goose eggs on the board again.
The Reds put their foot on the gas as United began to run out of their own. Liverpool put tons of pressure on the defense, but just didn't look like they would be able to find that final bit of magic.
In the end, that statement proved to be true. The Reds just could not find that last bit of play to create a goal. They won't be overly disappointed with a point against their rivals, but they won't be happy either.
As the game plodded on, you could tell United were playing for the point. They had almost no attack after the opening five or ten minutes in the second half.
Like him or not (most of us do not), you have to give Mourinho credit. Het set up a team that was going to be difficult to break down and they implemented the game plan almost to perfection.
It wasn't what was advertised. We were promised a fantastic, showcase game and were rewarded with a mediocre performance overall. Still, it was a point and kept Liverpool in the top four going into the weekend.
Random Thoughts:
- I am curious as to what Loris Karius provides that Simon Mignolet does not. At this stage, we all just want to win. However, Karius seems to be just as poor on crosses and set pieces as Mignolet, so what does he bring to the table?
- The way the team changed, I completely understand the sub. When it was made, I thought for sure Lallana was coming on for Mane. Mane had done absolutely nothing positive to that point, so it made more sense in the moment to leave Sturridge on. Strange how managers know more than we do.
- It is disappointing to see the team look so poor with Sturridge in. That must change. Using Lallana is fine, but in terms of pure skill, the Reds need a front three of Coutinho, Sturridge and Firmino in form and clicking.
- Maybe it's because I'm biased, but I don't see United being anywhere close to title contenders right now. The NBCSN crew were kissing their feet, but I just didn't see it. Credit where credit is due, they defended well and kept their shape. However, with Liverpool's defense being questionable, they created almost nothing. You do have to score to win a league title.
Walk On
Liverpool opened the game a bit slow, despite the rousing YNWA chant by the expanded Anfield. It seemed as though the Reds would settle into the game and get things going. However, they seemed to only allow Manchester United to gain more momentum.
The Red Devils kept building up their own attack with little in the way of countering. Liverpool managed to get up field here and there in the first 30 minutes, but not with much belief.
Much of Liverpool's possession in that first half hour was spent trying to get the ball under control. It seemed to always be in the air when Liverpool were in attack.
Liverpool's best chance was hardly that. After the Reds finally had some build up play, the strike came from a Firmino header from a tough angle. Ultimately, it went right at the keeper.
After the 30 minute mark, Liverpool did seem to settle into the match a little better. They calmed down much more on the ball, settled down defensively and closed the gaps and managed to start finding holes in Jose Mourinho's defensive plan.
There was not much to witness in terms of highlights from the opening 45 minutes. Neither side truly tested either goalkeeper. It was more a battle of wills.
United had the better of the attack in the first 15 minutes. Liverpool dominated possession of the ball, but created very little in the opening frame.
As much as the Reds took the halftime advice to heart and came out with authority against Swansea, they did the opposite in this Monday night match. Their passing was fairly bad, including a dreadful mistake by Loris Karius that almost led to a chance for Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
The attack came out even more disjointed than they were in the first half. Even when there was good buildup, the Reds would always find a way to botch it toward the area.
Ten minutes into the second half, it almost seemed as though things were not going to turn for the better. Manchester United began building an attack and almost had it pay off with a nice cross from right to left from Pogba to Ibrahimovic. Only a stray header did not end that attack with a goal.
Can in the 59th minute almost made something of nothing. A fabulous through ball from Joel Matip bound the German, who was surrounded in the area. Still, he flicked a left footer through all the traffic and De Gea was forced to make a sparkling reaction save to keep the game level.
Liverpool kept the pressure on in spurts. In the 71st minute, Coutinho whipped one that looked earmarked for the upper 90. Unfortunately, De Gea came from nowhere to get a piece of it and keep the goose eggs on the board again.
The Reds put their foot on the gas as United began to run out of their own. Liverpool put tons of pressure on the defense, but just didn't look like they would be able to find that final bit of magic.
In the end, that statement proved to be true. The Reds just could not find that last bit of play to create a goal. They won't be overly disappointed with a point against their rivals, but they won't be happy either.
As the game plodded on, you could tell United were playing for the point. They had almost no attack after the opening five or ten minutes in the second half.
Like him or not (most of us do not), you have to give Mourinho credit. Het set up a team that was going to be difficult to break down and they implemented the game plan almost to perfection.
It wasn't what was advertised. We were promised a fantastic, showcase game and were rewarded with a mediocre performance overall. Still, it was a point and kept Liverpool in the top four going into the weekend.
Random Thoughts:
- I am curious as to what Loris Karius provides that Simon Mignolet does not. At this stage, we all just want to win. However, Karius seems to be just as poor on crosses and set pieces as Mignolet, so what does he bring to the table?
- The way the team changed, I completely understand the sub. When it was made, I thought for sure Lallana was coming on for Mane. Mane had done absolutely nothing positive to that point, so it made more sense in the moment to leave Sturridge on. Strange how managers know more than we do.
- It is disappointing to see the team look so poor with Sturridge in. That must change. Using Lallana is fine, but in terms of pure skill, the Reds need a front three of Coutinho, Sturridge and Firmino in form and clicking.
- Maybe it's because I'm biased, but I don't see United being anywhere close to title contenders right now. The NBCSN crew were kissing their feet, but I just didn't see it. Credit where credit is due, they defended well and kept their shape. However, with Liverpool's defense being questionable, they created almost nothing. You do have to score to win a league title.
Walk On
Saturday, October 1, 2016
Liverpool Take Down The Swans With Second Half Comeback
When you don't have the top players in the world, and even when you do sometimes, you worry about the occasional off game. That's what Liverpool had at the start of their match against Swansea.
Liverpool came out well enough, but credit to the Swans, they came out with a bit more energy. Liverpool dealt with it initially, but things just seemed off. The Reds had speed, but no control. They had positioning, but no exit avenues when in trouble.
Then their off start, combined with Swansea's good one, caught up to them. For whatever reason, whether under Brendan Rodgers or Jurgen Klopp, this Liverpool side just can't defend set pieces. It was just such a play that doomed them.
Swansea earned a corner kick in the seventh minute and that was all they'd need to break the deadlock. The ball was swung into the back post. Nathaniel Clyne was flat footed and made no challenge for the ball, allowing it to be sent back across goal.
Dejan Lovren was tied up with his man, so he whiffed as he stuck a leg out for it. Nobody was guarding the man who eventually scored right in front of net, as the rest of the defenders stood and watched the initial cross as though it was the coming of an angel.
After that goal, Liverpool just looked out of sorts. They weren't playing badly, but they weren't doing much to put their own stamp on the game. Things went from bad to worse as Adam Lallana went out with an injury. Fortunately, the Reds had Daniel Sturridge to bring on.
The offense still did not look on the same page. Liverpool had a dream chance in the 27th minute with Coutinho and Sturridge charging in, but the Brazilian played it through the defenders, right to the keeper instead of on an angle for his teammates. Even worse, this came moments after almost conceding a second off another cross right in front of goal.
As the first half progressed, things looked a little brighter. Still, when your best chance was Sadio Mane's blocked shot late in the half, things did not occur how you would expect.
The second half opened much brighter. The Reds were much more on the front foot, even though it opened up a hole or two at the back. Eventually, it paid off.
In the 54th minute, Liverpool earned a dangerous free kick. Coutinho slammed it into the wall, but Jordan Henderson lofted it back across. Swansea's defenders pulled a Liverpool and watched it sail over their heads right onto the forehead of Firmino, who barely touched it, but just enough to sneak it in and make it 1-1.
The Reds really came to life following that. Minutes later, Coutinho almost bent one in, just curling about a foot wide of the post.
The game seemed destined to end in a draw and perhaps that would have been fair to both clubs. Liverpool had won the second half, but could not create that magic chance to put a goal in through the run of play. Swansea had pressed and won the first half.
Liverpool took advantage of a mistake in the 83rd minute. A failure to properly clear the ball led to Firmino getting position in the box. Swansea's defender somewhat fell on him and the Reds were given a penalty.
James Milner finished off the kick and the game. It wasn't a comfortable end though. Swansea should have equalized as Van der Hoorn was right on the doorstep and failed to get a solid touch.
In the end, the final whistle went with Liverpool up by the score of 2-1. It might not have been fair to Swansea, but fair is not how these games always turn out.
For the time being, Liverpool moved up to second in the table. That may change over the course of other results, but it feels pretty good to be in that spot, even if only briefly.
Random Thoughts:
- What is it about Liverpool keepers and crosses? Karius looked as clueless as Mignolet when he came out and swing a mighty fist at a ball only to come up with nothing.
- Though I'm not the biggest Adam Lallana fan, it was disappointing to see him leave with an injury. He has been playing well and creating danger with his pace on the wings.
- Also disappointing to hear the Swansea manager, Francesco Guidolin is likely going to be fired. It does not affect us as Liverpool fans, but he seemed to have the players charging around with purpose and belief and they were a bit hard done by the result.
- Lots of credit to Klopp for this result. So many managers, good and bad, can't get their teams to turn thing around during the break. Klopp managed to make adjustments and say the right things because Liverpool were a totally different team in the second half.
Walk On
Liverpool came out well enough, but credit to the Swans, they came out with a bit more energy. Liverpool dealt with it initially, but things just seemed off. The Reds had speed, but no control. They had positioning, but no exit avenues when in trouble.
Then their off start, combined with Swansea's good one, caught up to them. For whatever reason, whether under Brendan Rodgers or Jurgen Klopp, this Liverpool side just can't defend set pieces. It was just such a play that doomed them.
Swansea earned a corner kick in the seventh minute and that was all they'd need to break the deadlock. The ball was swung into the back post. Nathaniel Clyne was flat footed and made no challenge for the ball, allowing it to be sent back across goal.
Dejan Lovren was tied up with his man, so he whiffed as he stuck a leg out for it. Nobody was guarding the man who eventually scored right in front of net, as the rest of the defenders stood and watched the initial cross as though it was the coming of an angel.
After that goal, Liverpool just looked out of sorts. They weren't playing badly, but they weren't doing much to put their own stamp on the game. Things went from bad to worse as Adam Lallana went out with an injury. Fortunately, the Reds had Daniel Sturridge to bring on.
The offense still did not look on the same page. Liverpool had a dream chance in the 27th minute with Coutinho and Sturridge charging in, but the Brazilian played it through the defenders, right to the keeper instead of on an angle for his teammates. Even worse, this came moments after almost conceding a second off another cross right in front of goal.
As the first half progressed, things looked a little brighter. Still, when your best chance was Sadio Mane's blocked shot late in the half, things did not occur how you would expect.
The second half opened much brighter. The Reds were much more on the front foot, even though it opened up a hole or two at the back. Eventually, it paid off.
In the 54th minute, Liverpool earned a dangerous free kick. Coutinho slammed it into the wall, but Jordan Henderson lofted it back across. Swansea's defenders pulled a Liverpool and watched it sail over their heads right onto the forehead of Firmino, who barely touched it, but just enough to sneak it in and make it 1-1.
The Reds really came to life following that. Minutes later, Coutinho almost bent one in, just curling about a foot wide of the post.
The game seemed destined to end in a draw and perhaps that would have been fair to both clubs. Liverpool had won the second half, but could not create that magic chance to put a goal in through the run of play. Swansea had pressed and won the first half.
Liverpool took advantage of a mistake in the 83rd minute. A failure to properly clear the ball led to Firmino getting position in the box. Swansea's defender somewhat fell on him and the Reds were given a penalty.
James Milner finished off the kick and the game. It wasn't a comfortable end though. Swansea should have equalized as Van der Hoorn was right on the doorstep and failed to get a solid touch.
In the end, the final whistle went with Liverpool up by the score of 2-1. It might not have been fair to Swansea, but fair is not how these games always turn out.
For the time being, Liverpool moved up to second in the table. That may change over the course of other results, but it feels pretty good to be in that spot, even if only briefly.
Random Thoughts:
- What is it about Liverpool keepers and crosses? Karius looked as clueless as Mignolet when he came out and swing a mighty fist at a ball only to come up with nothing.
- Though I'm not the biggest Adam Lallana fan, it was disappointing to see him leave with an injury. He has been playing well and creating danger with his pace on the wings.
- Also disappointing to hear the Swansea manager, Francesco Guidolin is likely going to be fired. It does not affect us as Liverpool fans, but he seemed to have the players charging around with purpose and belief and they were a bit hard done by the result.
- Lots of credit to Klopp for this result. So many managers, good and bad, can't get their teams to turn thing around during the break. Klopp managed to make adjustments and say the right things because Liverpool were a totally different team in the second half.
Walk On
Saturday, September 24, 2016
Liverpool Thrash Hull City In Impressive Fashion
Liverpool should have been up 1-0 in the ninth minute. Sadio Mane got in a decent cross from the right. Coutinho was all alone in front of the keeper and either tried to toe poke it or scuffed it, but neither put it in the net.
The Reds kept on the pressure though and their patience paid off. In the 17th minute, Coutinho drove his way into the area and dished it off to Adam Lallana. The Englishman got a weak left foot through it, cutting it across his body and into the side netting.
It wasn't a pretty goal, but it broke down the defending and gave the keeper no chance. There is not much more you can ask for than that.
The patience was the key for the entire half. They just took what was available to them and built upon it each time. It paid off in the 29th minute.
Again, good build up from the right hand side after a giveaway and Mane pushed down the right. His strong cross found Coutinho at the penalty spot. He blasted one and the defender got caught with his hands out and was awarded a red card.
Liverpool went up 2-0 on a James Milner penalty kick. He tucked it in nicely in the bottom right corner, just slipping it under the goalkeeper. That opened the flood gates from there.
Liverpool kept up the pressure, putting the squeeze on the depleted Hull City defense. Mane, who was begging for a goal after all his set up play, was rewarded in the 35th minute. Lallana cut toward the box from the left and put it right to Mane at the penalty spot. The Liverpool newcomer was surrounded by defenders, but calmly spun around and slotted it past the despairing keeper.
The Reds came within a whisker of making it 4-0 before half. Milner, playing as a left back, got all the way to the attacking endline. He flashed a great pass across the face of goal, but nobody was on the doorstep to tap it in.
It would not be all sunshine and rainbows in the second half though. Hull City earned a corner kick in the 50th minute. Unfortunately, Liverpool's habit of making a hash of set pieces continued. They failed to clear the ball and it was smashed past Karius to cut the lead to two.
Coutinho was having none of that though. The Brazilian absolutely ripped home a goal not even a minute later.
Liverpool took the ball right after the kick and Lallana found some space. When closed down, he crossed to Coutinho in the middle. His shot came from about 22 yards away and there was no shot for any keeper to get a hand on it.
The Reds kept on it from there. Daniel Sturridge earned a penalty in the 70th minute, which Milner finished off for a second time, again sticking it just under the keeper.
Liverpool mainly toyed with the Tigers after that. The Reds pressed up the field a few times, but never really sought out their sixth goal with any great urgency.
In the end, it was a fine performance against a team Liverpool should beat. These are the games that have tripped them up in the past, so it was good to come away with three points.
The win, whether temporarily or not, puts them in third place in the table. It vaulted them past Everton and keeps them above Manchester United. Liverpool seem to have really settled into some good form and it will be interesting to see how long it lasts.
Random Thoughts:
- It was a shame that Sturridge couldn't get a goal after earning the penalty. After the Balotelli incidents where everyone was whining about taking the penalties, I understand having to use one kicker but it still seems as though you should be allowed to take it if you earned it.
- I'm curious as to the switch in goalkeepers. I know many fans are against Simon Mignolet, but Karius didn't do much in the midweek game and didn't do much against Hull. So, what did he do to earn the start? If Liverpool wins, it's fine. Just curious as to the reasoning.
Walk On
The Reds kept on the pressure though and their patience paid off. In the 17th minute, Coutinho drove his way into the area and dished it off to Adam Lallana. The Englishman got a weak left foot through it, cutting it across his body and into the side netting.
It wasn't a pretty goal, but it broke down the defending and gave the keeper no chance. There is not much more you can ask for than that.
The patience was the key for the entire half. They just took what was available to them and built upon it each time. It paid off in the 29th minute.
Again, good build up from the right hand side after a giveaway and Mane pushed down the right. His strong cross found Coutinho at the penalty spot. He blasted one and the defender got caught with his hands out and was awarded a red card.
Liverpool went up 2-0 on a James Milner penalty kick. He tucked it in nicely in the bottom right corner, just slipping it under the goalkeeper. That opened the flood gates from there.
Liverpool kept up the pressure, putting the squeeze on the depleted Hull City defense. Mane, who was begging for a goal after all his set up play, was rewarded in the 35th minute. Lallana cut toward the box from the left and put it right to Mane at the penalty spot. The Liverpool newcomer was surrounded by defenders, but calmly spun around and slotted it past the despairing keeper.
The Reds came within a whisker of making it 4-0 before half. Milner, playing as a left back, got all the way to the attacking endline. He flashed a great pass across the face of goal, but nobody was on the doorstep to tap it in.
It would not be all sunshine and rainbows in the second half though. Hull City earned a corner kick in the 50th minute. Unfortunately, Liverpool's habit of making a hash of set pieces continued. They failed to clear the ball and it was smashed past Karius to cut the lead to two.
Coutinho was having none of that though. The Brazilian absolutely ripped home a goal not even a minute later.
Liverpool took the ball right after the kick and Lallana found some space. When closed down, he crossed to Coutinho in the middle. His shot came from about 22 yards away and there was no shot for any keeper to get a hand on it.
The Reds kept on it from there. Daniel Sturridge earned a penalty in the 70th minute, which Milner finished off for a second time, again sticking it just under the keeper.
Liverpool mainly toyed with the Tigers after that. The Reds pressed up the field a few times, but never really sought out their sixth goal with any great urgency.
In the end, it was a fine performance against a team Liverpool should beat. These are the games that have tripped them up in the past, so it was good to come away with three points.
The win, whether temporarily or not, puts them in third place in the table. It vaulted them past Everton and keeps them above Manchester United. Liverpool seem to have really settled into some good form and it will be interesting to see how long it lasts.
Random Thoughts:
- It was a shame that Sturridge couldn't get a goal after earning the penalty. After the Balotelli incidents where everyone was whining about taking the penalties, I understand having to use one kicker but it still seems as though you should be allowed to take it if you earned it.
- I'm curious as to the switch in goalkeepers. I know many fans are against Simon Mignolet, but Karius didn't do much in the midweek game and didn't do much against Hull. So, what did he do to earn the start? If Liverpool wins, it's fine. Just curious as to the reasoning.
Walk On
Friday, September 16, 2016
Liverpool Stun The Blues At Stamford Bridge Again
First thing's first. Apparently, I'm a terrible Liverpool fan. I swore this game was going to be on Saturday, so I missed much of the first half. Shame on me.
Anyway, what a performance in the end. Liverpool came out and took advantage of a Chelsea squad that seemed to be put on their heels right away.
The Reds got things off to a cracking start with an early goal. Liverpool managed to keep the Chelsea attack quiet in the first ten minutes or so and then set off to find their own tally. It was not long after they found it.
In the 17th minute, the Liverpool attack began on the left hand side, something that would become almost a theme. Peeling back from the corner, Coutinho received the ball and sent a pinpoint cross to the back side.
Astoundingly, the Chelsea defense had left at least three red kits alone on the back step and Liverpool took advantage. Dejan Lovren had taken a step back onside just before the kick and then neatly tucked away the chance. All he had to do was take the beautiful cross and then slip it just to the right of Thibaut Courtois for the lead.
The interesting thing was the lack of push back from the Blues. They trodded up field now and then, forcing the odd corner kick or set piece. However, they had almost no real threat on goal in the first half, let alone after the initial Liverpool goal was taken.
The Reds took full advantage of the lackluster play by their rivals and put another one in. Again building up from the left hand side, the Reds pushed down toward the corner. This time Chelsea captured control but failed to make a good clearance.
Jordan Henderson picked up the errant ball and scored one of the best goals you'll see all year. Taking it from about 25 yards out, the captain put a right foot through the ball and could not have placed it any better if he threw it.
The shot hurled up into the air and bent back down with the perfect amount of curl. Courtois made a valiant effort to stop it, but no goalkeeper was going to get it as it went into the upper 90 to make it 2-0 to Liverpool.
The Reds finished out the first half and took the lead into the break. They had played about as well as anyone could hope and it was all about seeing it out from then on.
Chelsea did eventually mount a comeback. However, the lone goal did not come until the 61st minute. They had a bit more possession, but still managed little in the attack for the first five minutes or so. That wasn't to last forever though.
Who else but Diego Costa ended up putting one in for Chelsea. In the end, the defending by Liverpool wasn't the best but there wasn't too much they could do about the finish.
Matic got on the end of a ball in the box and took it endline. Joel Matip pulled up from his slide, worrying he was going to create a penalty. Other players blindly slid around attempting to thwart the cross, but Matic got it to Costa who just bumped it in.
It was game on from there. Costa almost had the equalizer in the 65th minute. The Chelsea striker spun and fired one on goal. It forced a good save from Simon Mignolet to keep it out.
The goal put the nerves into the Reds, and definitely their fans, for the final half hour. Fortunately, the team did not let on. They went back to work.
Although they would not find paydirt the rest of the match, they still created. Case in point was Divock Origi. The Belgian, who came on for Daniel Sturridge, lept up and thought he had the head ball goal for sure in the 81st. Courtois showed why he is still considered one of the best keepers in the world by turning it away.
Antonio Conte, the first year Chelsea manager, waited until the 84th minute to make massive changes. It was too little, too late. The Reds saw out the finish and earned a hard won three points.
The win puts Liverpool, at least temporarily, tied for second spot on points and in fourth place on goal differential. It's far too early to put the Reds in the discussion for top four spots right now, but Jurgen Klopp has them playing like a team that will be there at the end.
The win provides Klopp his second win in a row at Stamford Bridge. Arsene Wenger is the only other manager to do that in his first two matches at Chelsea.
What benefits Liverpool right now, is what benefited Brendan Rodgers' squad that finished in second place. Liverpool have no European matches to take their focus away from the league. We've seen it help the Reds and it helped Leicester win the league last season.
The likelihood of Liverpool taking the league is slim. They are just too vulnerable defensively. However, if they keep up their current form and clean up their bad results against lower level teams, we could be seeing more European nights come next season.
Random Thoughts:
- For the love of all that is holy, can we please avoid another Sturridge injury? I know I can't be alone in worrying that it is more than just a precautionary move to take him out so early. Not even an hour in and he has to come off. He did not have his customary disgruntled look either, which means he knew he needed off. Only bad can come of that.
- A win against Chelsea should and is reward enough. It is made all the sweeter by the fact that the ESPN FC crew were so certain that Chelsea would take the game handily. I know they are paid to give opinions and I have been in that spot before too. When they go against your team so easily though, it's nice to have that little extra satisfaction of the broadcasters eating their words.
- LFC will have a good opportunity to rid themselves of this bad habit of allowing minnows to take down the big fish. They face Derby County midweek in the League Cup and then Hull at the weekend. Two wins should be expected as these men need to start playing like they're at the top of the league when they play those further down.
Walk On
Anyway, what a performance in the end. Liverpool came out and took advantage of a Chelsea squad that seemed to be put on their heels right away.
The Reds got things off to a cracking start with an early goal. Liverpool managed to keep the Chelsea attack quiet in the first ten minutes or so and then set off to find their own tally. It was not long after they found it.
In the 17th minute, the Liverpool attack began on the left hand side, something that would become almost a theme. Peeling back from the corner, Coutinho received the ball and sent a pinpoint cross to the back side.
Astoundingly, the Chelsea defense had left at least three red kits alone on the back step and Liverpool took advantage. Dejan Lovren had taken a step back onside just before the kick and then neatly tucked away the chance. All he had to do was take the beautiful cross and then slip it just to the right of Thibaut Courtois for the lead.
The interesting thing was the lack of push back from the Blues. They trodded up field now and then, forcing the odd corner kick or set piece. However, they had almost no real threat on goal in the first half, let alone after the initial Liverpool goal was taken.
The Reds took full advantage of the lackluster play by their rivals and put another one in. Again building up from the left hand side, the Reds pushed down toward the corner. This time Chelsea captured control but failed to make a good clearance.
Jordan Henderson picked up the errant ball and scored one of the best goals you'll see all year. Taking it from about 25 yards out, the captain put a right foot through the ball and could not have placed it any better if he threw it.
The shot hurled up into the air and bent back down with the perfect amount of curl. Courtois made a valiant effort to stop it, but no goalkeeper was going to get it as it went into the upper 90 to make it 2-0 to Liverpool.
The Reds finished out the first half and took the lead into the break. They had played about as well as anyone could hope and it was all about seeing it out from then on.
Chelsea did eventually mount a comeback. However, the lone goal did not come until the 61st minute. They had a bit more possession, but still managed little in the attack for the first five minutes or so. That wasn't to last forever though.
Who else but Diego Costa ended up putting one in for Chelsea. In the end, the defending by Liverpool wasn't the best but there wasn't too much they could do about the finish.
Matic got on the end of a ball in the box and took it endline. Joel Matip pulled up from his slide, worrying he was going to create a penalty. Other players blindly slid around attempting to thwart the cross, but Matic got it to Costa who just bumped it in.
It was game on from there. Costa almost had the equalizer in the 65th minute. The Chelsea striker spun and fired one on goal. It forced a good save from Simon Mignolet to keep it out.
The goal put the nerves into the Reds, and definitely their fans, for the final half hour. Fortunately, the team did not let on. They went back to work.
Although they would not find paydirt the rest of the match, they still created. Case in point was Divock Origi. The Belgian, who came on for Daniel Sturridge, lept up and thought he had the head ball goal for sure in the 81st. Courtois showed why he is still considered one of the best keepers in the world by turning it away.
Antonio Conte, the first year Chelsea manager, waited until the 84th minute to make massive changes. It was too little, too late. The Reds saw out the finish and earned a hard won three points.
The win puts Liverpool, at least temporarily, tied for second spot on points and in fourth place on goal differential. It's far too early to put the Reds in the discussion for top four spots right now, but Jurgen Klopp has them playing like a team that will be there at the end.
The win provides Klopp his second win in a row at Stamford Bridge. Arsene Wenger is the only other manager to do that in his first two matches at Chelsea.
What benefits Liverpool right now, is what benefited Brendan Rodgers' squad that finished in second place. Liverpool have no European matches to take their focus away from the league. We've seen it help the Reds and it helped Leicester win the league last season.
The likelihood of Liverpool taking the league is slim. They are just too vulnerable defensively. However, if they keep up their current form and clean up their bad results against lower level teams, we could be seeing more European nights come next season.
Random Thoughts:
- For the love of all that is holy, can we please avoid another Sturridge injury? I know I can't be alone in worrying that it is more than just a precautionary move to take him out so early. Not even an hour in and he has to come off. He did not have his customary disgruntled look either, which means he knew he needed off. Only bad can come of that.
- A win against Chelsea should and is reward enough. It is made all the sweeter by the fact that the ESPN FC crew were so certain that Chelsea would take the game handily. I know they are paid to give opinions and I have been in that spot before too. When they go against your team so easily though, it's nice to have that little extra satisfaction of the broadcasters eating their words.
- LFC will have a good opportunity to rid themselves of this bad habit of allowing minnows to take down the big fish. They face Derby County midweek in the League Cup and then Hull at the weekend. Two wins should be expected as these men need to start playing like they're at the top of the league when they play those further down.
Walk On
Saturday, September 10, 2016
Despite Shaky Moments, Liverpool Dominate the Defending Champs
Thank goodness the international break is over. The United States played quite well during their qualifiers and Christian Pulisic looks like the genuine article. Still, without the club games to watch, it gets rather boring.
There was not much boring about Liverpool's start against the Foxes of Leicester. Leicester opened up quite positively, but Liverpool managed to weather it. Then, they built up their own attack. The first goal came in the 13th minute.
James Milner brought it up the left wing. Daniel Sturridge made a good run toward the flag, dragging opposition defenders with him. This left Firmino relatively open toward the middle. He took a great first touch that put the ball around the defender and at the top of the area, where he slipped it just under Casper Schmeichel.
Liverpool began flirting with a bit of danger afterward. You expect a pushback following any goal, but Leicester began to string things together. They just missed scoring an equalizer in the 20th minute when they flashed one just wide of the left post right in front of Simon Mignolet.
26th minute, it was almost 2-0. Liverpool got a clever cross into the front of goal from the endline. Sturridge got a solid right foot on it, but knocked it right into the sprawled out hands of Schmeichel. It was a fantastic save, but Sturridge will, no doubt, feel he should have done better in the end.
The Reds were playing some great football, but couldn't seem to get the finisher. They had wave after wave of attack for about five minutes. Then the score came. Another push up the field found Sturridge in the box. He had a cheeky backheel back toward the spot. Sadio Mane manged to just flick it over the keeper and into the net in the 31st minute. In the end, it may have gone over the goal if it had not hit Schmeichel's hand, but it scored nevertheless.
Just when it seemed like Liverpool were putting a stranglehold on the game, their makeshift backline came back to bite them. Lucas, playing centerback for some head scratching reason, was trying to roll a pass back to Mignolet. He misshit the ball and then, due to pressure, toe poked it well past the keeper and right to Jamie Vardy, who smashed it into the back of the net.
The Reds were still up by a goal after that, but the game had switched. Mignolet almost allowed the equalizer when he flailed at a cross and missed and the header just bounced off the crossbar and over. Fortunately, Lucas made amends right before half. Leicester got away with some fouls and sprung a break. Lucas' sliding challenge avoided what would have been a three or four on two attack.
The first 45 was almost flawless in attack for Liverpool. Sadly, the defending was hit or miss and the turnover was just unthinkable. It would be up to the Reds to seal things up defensively in the second half and hopefully keep the attacking prowess going and reward the Kop. The Foxes would clearly want their say in the match before its end too.
The second 45 began with a bit of a lull, but not for too long. The first ten minutes or so went by with only a hitch or two. Nothing major on either side. Then, the Reds came back to life.
Sturridge was again denied by a strong save in close. However, Liverpool kept on the front foot and would not let the ball out. Just as it seemed the attack would peter out, the ball was laid off to the right for Adam Lallana. The winger unleashed the fury on the ball and as the announcer said, if not for the net, the ball would still be sailing. 3-1 to the good guys in the 56th minute.
In the 61st, it seemed as though the opposition would bring it within one goal again. Vardy was put in possession of the ball in a very dangerous area. Just to the left, near the spot, the striker took a strong swing through the ball. Mignolet had come out confidently, slid right into the shot and the save almost turned into a counter attack.
Honestly, Liverpool should have been up 4-1 in the 79th minute. They had a good deal of buildup play from the wings. The ball finally got popped into the area for Firmino. It bobbled around a few times and then fell back to Jordan Henderson. Normally a calm player, the captain just ripped it dozens of rows up into the Kop instead of into the upper netting.
It almost looked like the Reds would butcher another chance to go up by 4-1. Schmeichel had come almost to the half line to make a challenge he was never going to win against Mane. Mane then took a few dribbles and instead of going for a looping shot himself, he centered it to Firmino.
The pass was rather weak, but Firmino took a touch to get around the defender. He still managed to push it into an empty net and take the three goal lead into stoppage time. It would end up being a nice finish, but a bit scary in terms of doing too much with it.
Ultimately, Liverpool won quite comfortably. There were a few nervy moments here and there, but if Lucas had not made that mind bogglingly strange error, then Liverpool would have had a clean sheet. When it's all taken into consideration, three points and a dominant performance against the defending champions is a good result.
Nobody knows how Leicester will finish this season. They are still defending champions and Liverpool took them to task. Now, the Reds must just find ways to finish off the minnows since they seem to play so well against the sharks and the whales.
Random Thoughts:
- I do not like the round patches for the league on the sleeve. The logo, when not up close, looks too much like the WWF Panda. For some reason, round patches just look odd too.
- My, oh my. What is going on with the back four? We know Clyne will be good and Matip seems to have settled in quite well. Lovren has his issues, but he is replaced by Lucas? I know you want Lucas to get some games, but no. Just no. Milner seems to be adapting to his wingback role, but this just seems like a mess in the making that might cost the team points later in the year.
- There's no way of knowing how good other teams will be. That said, this squad is shaping up a lot like the one that finished second in the league a few seasons ago. I'm not saying they'll finish that high, but they have tons of scoring prowess and are shaky at the back. If they can keep the offense rolling, then the wins could pile up. If the defending becomes too much of a hinderance, it could be another up and down year, which we have already seen signs of.
Walk On
There was not much boring about Liverpool's start against the Foxes of Leicester. Leicester opened up quite positively, but Liverpool managed to weather it. Then, they built up their own attack. The first goal came in the 13th minute.
James Milner brought it up the left wing. Daniel Sturridge made a good run toward the flag, dragging opposition defenders with him. This left Firmino relatively open toward the middle. He took a great first touch that put the ball around the defender and at the top of the area, where he slipped it just under Casper Schmeichel.
Liverpool began flirting with a bit of danger afterward. You expect a pushback following any goal, but Leicester began to string things together. They just missed scoring an equalizer in the 20th minute when they flashed one just wide of the left post right in front of Simon Mignolet.
26th minute, it was almost 2-0. Liverpool got a clever cross into the front of goal from the endline. Sturridge got a solid right foot on it, but knocked it right into the sprawled out hands of Schmeichel. It was a fantastic save, but Sturridge will, no doubt, feel he should have done better in the end.
The Reds were playing some great football, but couldn't seem to get the finisher. They had wave after wave of attack for about five minutes. Then the score came. Another push up the field found Sturridge in the box. He had a cheeky backheel back toward the spot. Sadio Mane manged to just flick it over the keeper and into the net in the 31st minute. In the end, it may have gone over the goal if it had not hit Schmeichel's hand, but it scored nevertheless.
Just when it seemed like Liverpool were putting a stranglehold on the game, their makeshift backline came back to bite them. Lucas, playing centerback for some head scratching reason, was trying to roll a pass back to Mignolet. He misshit the ball and then, due to pressure, toe poked it well past the keeper and right to Jamie Vardy, who smashed it into the back of the net.
The Reds were still up by a goal after that, but the game had switched. Mignolet almost allowed the equalizer when he flailed at a cross and missed and the header just bounced off the crossbar and over. Fortunately, Lucas made amends right before half. Leicester got away with some fouls and sprung a break. Lucas' sliding challenge avoided what would have been a three or four on two attack.
The first 45 was almost flawless in attack for Liverpool. Sadly, the defending was hit or miss and the turnover was just unthinkable. It would be up to the Reds to seal things up defensively in the second half and hopefully keep the attacking prowess going and reward the Kop. The Foxes would clearly want their say in the match before its end too.
The second 45 began with a bit of a lull, but not for too long. The first ten minutes or so went by with only a hitch or two. Nothing major on either side. Then, the Reds came back to life.
Sturridge was again denied by a strong save in close. However, Liverpool kept on the front foot and would not let the ball out. Just as it seemed the attack would peter out, the ball was laid off to the right for Adam Lallana. The winger unleashed the fury on the ball and as the announcer said, if not for the net, the ball would still be sailing. 3-1 to the good guys in the 56th minute.
In the 61st, it seemed as though the opposition would bring it within one goal again. Vardy was put in possession of the ball in a very dangerous area. Just to the left, near the spot, the striker took a strong swing through the ball. Mignolet had come out confidently, slid right into the shot and the save almost turned into a counter attack.
Honestly, Liverpool should have been up 4-1 in the 79th minute. They had a good deal of buildup play from the wings. The ball finally got popped into the area for Firmino. It bobbled around a few times and then fell back to Jordan Henderson. Normally a calm player, the captain just ripped it dozens of rows up into the Kop instead of into the upper netting.
It almost looked like the Reds would butcher another chance to go up by 4-1. Schmeichel had come almost to the half line to make a challenge he was never going to win against Mane. Mane then took a few dribbles and instead of going for a looping shot himself, he centered it to Firmino.
The pass was rather weak, but Firmino took a touch to get around the defender. He still managed to push it into an empty net and take the three goal lead into stoppage time. It would end up being a nice finish, but a bit scary in terms of doing too much with it.
Ultimately, Liverpool won quite comfortably. There were a few nervy moments here and there, but if Lucas had not made that mind bogglingly strange error, then Liverpool would have had a clean sheet. When it's all taken into consideration, three points and a dominant performance against the defending champions is a good result.
Nobody knows how Leicester will finish this season. They are still defending champions and Liverpool took them to task. Now, the Reds must just find ways to finish off the minnows since they seem to play so well against the sharks and the whales.
Random Thoughts:
- I do not like the round patches for the league on the sleeve. The logo, when not up close, looks too much like the WWF Panda. For some reason, round patches just look odd too.
- My, oh my. What is going on with the back four? We know Clyne will be good and Matip seems to have settled in quite well. Lovren has his issues, but he is replaced by Lucas? I know you want Lucas to get some games, but no. Just no. Milner seems to be adapting to his wingback role, but this just seems like a mess in the making that might cost the team points later in the year.
- There's no way of knowing how good other teams will be. That said, this squad is shaping up a lot like the one that finished second in the league a few seasons ago. I'm not saying they'll finish that high, but they have tons of scoring prowess and are shaky at the back. If they can keep the offense rolling, then the wins could pile up. If the defending becomes too much of a hinderance, it could be another up and down year, which we have already seen signs of.
Walk On
Saturday, August 27, 2016
Liverpool Show Flashes Against Spurs, But Settle For A Point
Liverpool came into the weekend with a lot to prove. It's early in the season, but their inconsistency over two league games has already worried the fans. A team like Tottenham was just the kind of test Liverpool needed to pass.
The day didn't start well at all. Although Liverpool never came close to conceding, they played about as poorly as you could without allowing a goal. The first quarter hour was absolutely dreadful.
The Reds were allowing too many holes for Spurs to strike through. Their touch was terrible. It seemed as though every touch off the foot or judged bounce went completely awry.
Fortunately, Liverpool did not let in the goal early as they did against Burnley and that was the difference early on. It allowed the team to calm down, get their feet under them and make their own impact on the game.
As the first half progressed, it became more of Liverpool's game. They would take the lead from a James Milner penalty kick that came after Firmino got by Erik Lamela and forced him to clip the heel. While Milner's choice to take the kick was surprising, he made no doubt with the strike.
Liverpool were a bit hard done by the half by the end of it. They could easily have had between two and four goals. Michel Vorm was the only reason the Reds didn't have a crooked number on the scoreboard. Vorm made a kick save that would have made any hockey goaltender proud on Coutinho and also several sliding tackles on Mane`.
The second half began with much of the same. Spurs would have the occasional romp forward, but it was much more of Liverpool in possession. However, Burnley showed that possession means little for the end result, so the Reds needed an insurance goal.
A new defender almost came up with just that. Joel Matip barely missed a header from a corner in the 53rd minute. The flick just went over the bar. Liverpool should have had a goal awarded just minutes after that as well.
The Reds had some fantastic build up play. The ball was played through to Adam Lallana, who proceeded to send it across the six yard area where it was smashed in by Mane`. The flag was up and fans were left to wonder how Mane` could have been offside since he was behind the ball. As it turned out, the assistant had labeled Lallana off, but even that was questionable as it was his boot at most.
The problem after those lost chances was Spurs began to build up their own attack. They nearly scored twice on successive corner kicks. Only top reaction saves by Simon Mignolet kept the ball out of the net on those instances, but Tottenham had begun to plant their flag.
Spurs were eventually rewarded for their efforts too. In the 72nd minute, Milner quizzically took a step forward as the ball went over his head. His man managed to get a cross off that was flicked over to the left side. Danny Rose was all alone on the back side and found enough space to hit it between Mignolet and the converging Mane` to level up the game.
Liverpool recovered a bit toward the end of the game. In fact, they should have done much more with an opportunity in stoppage time. Unfortunately an extremely slow pass to Firmino thwarted what should have been a clear break and Lallana could only force a corner once in the box.
In the end, a draw was probably a fair result given the back and forth nature of the contest as a whole. Liverpool needed a win to really boost themselves, but a point is a point. Liverpool still have some defensive deficiencies and that's unlikely to change. They looked solid going forward and just need a bit more gelling with the new faces.
Now it's a week off to prepare for the defending champions and to open up their refurbished home stand. Liverpool had better use that time to get a few things in order. Leicester has not looked great to start the year, but the Reds don't want to be the team they find form against.
Random Thoughts:
- I like Alberto Moreno and I like James Milner. Neither are the answer at left back right now though so Jurgen Klopp had better be strongly considering pursuing a left back. The window is closed now, but given what we've seen from those two players, signing DeAndre Yedlin would have been a step up. You can't keep having that position cost you as the season progresses.
- I think Christian Pulisic has the chance to be a good player. However, despite that assertion, I don't think Liverpool is the spot for him right now. If he's not going to play regularly, then he may as well stay at Dortmund. If he can show his quality right away at Liverpool (assuming he even comes, since it's all rumor), then alright. Yet, it just seems there are too many players ahead of him in the pecking order for him to find a regular spot and he's at the age where he needs to be playing all the time.
- What is it with Liverpool having to have a hot tempered center back? Lovren has always been a bit frustrating, but he has definitely taken up Skrtel's role of yelling about every call and looking like anything that doesn't go his way will blow his top off.
Walk On
The day didn't start well at all. Although Liverpool never came close to conceding, they played about as poorly as you could without allowing a goal. The first quarter hour was absolutely dreadful.
The Reds were allowing too many holes for Spurs to strike through. Their touch was terrible. It seemed as though every touch off the foot or judged bounce went completely awry.
Fortunately, Liverpool did not let in the goal early as they did against Burnley and that was the difference early on. It allowed the team to calm down, get their feet under them and make their own impact on the game.
As the first half progressed, it became more of Liverpool's game. They would take the lead from a James Milner penalty kick that came after Firmino got by Erik Lamela and forced him to clip the heel. While Milner's choice to take the kick was surprising, he made no doubt with the strike.
Liverpool were a bit hard done by the half by the end of it. They could easily have had between two and four goals. Michel Vorm was the only reason the Reds didn't have a crooked number on the scoreboard. Vorm made a kick save that would have made any hockey goaltender proud on Coutinho and also several sliding tackles on Mane`.
The second half began with much of the same. Spurs would have the occasional romp forward, but it was much more of Liverpool in possession. However, Burnley showed that possession means little for the end result, so the Reds needed an insurance goal.
A new defender almost came up with just that. Joel Matip barely missed a header from a corner in the 53rd minute. The flick just went over the bar. Liverpool should have had a goal awarded just minutes after that as well.
The Reds had some fantastic build up play. The ball was played through to Adam Lallana, who proceeded to send it across the six yard area where it was smashed in by Mane`. The flag was up and fans were left to wonder how Mane` could have been offside since he was behind the ball. As it turned out, the assistant had labeled Lallana off, but even that was questionable as it was his boot at most.
The problem after those lost chances was Spurs began to build up their own attack. They nearly scored twice on successive corner kicks. Only top reaction saves by Simon Mignolet kept the ball out of the net on those instances, but Tottenham had begun to plant their flag.
Spurs were eventually rewarded for their efforts too. In the 72nd minute, Milner quizzically took a step forward as the ball went over his head. His man managed to get a cross off that was flicked over to the left side. Danny Rose was all alone on the back side and found enough space to hit it between Mignolet and the converging Mane` to level up the game.
Liverpool recovered a bit toward the end of the game. In fact, they should have done much more with an opportunity in stoppage time. Unfortunately an extremely slow pass to Firmino thwarted what should have been a clear break and Lallana could only force a corner once in the box.
In the end, a draw was probably a fair result given the back and forth nature of the contest as a whole. Liverpool needed a win to really boost themselves, but a point is a point. Liverpool still have some defensive deficiencies and that's unlikely to change. They looked solid going forward and just need a bit more gelling with the new faces.
Now it's a week off to prepare for the defending champions and to open up their refurbished home stand. Liverpool had better use that time to get a few things in order. Leicester has not looked great to start the year, but the Reds don't want to be the team they find form against.
Random Thoughts:
- I like Alberto Moreno and I like James Milner. Neither are the answer at left back right now though so Jurgen Klopp had better be strongly considering pursuing a left back. The window is closed now, but given what we've seen from those two players, signing DeAndre Yedlin would have been a step up. You can't keep having that position cost you as the season progresses.
- I think Christian Pulisic has the chance to be a good player. However, despite that assertion, I don't think Liverpool is the spot for him right now. If he's not going to play regularly, then he may as well stay at Dortmund. If he can show his quality right away at Liverpool (assuming he even comes, since it's all rumor), then alright. Yet, it just seems there are too many players ahead of him in the pecking order for him to find a regular spot and he's at the age where he needs to be playing all the time.
- What is it with Liverpool having to have a hot tempered center back? Lovren has always been a bit frustrating, but he has definitely taken up Skrtel's role of yelling about every call and looking like anything that doesn't go his way will blow his top off.
Walk On
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
Liverpool Return To Winning Ways Knocking Off Burton Albion
Welcome back Liverpool fans. I've been away for the beginning of the season. I was out of the country for a wedding in Canada.
In the meantime, the team managed to come up with a huge 4-3 win over Arsenal. They then dropped a terrible 2-0 decision to Burnley after that. While these games were on the road, making them more difficult, it has been an incredibly up and down start to the new season.
Combine that with the rather dull showing while the Reds were in St. Louis and it has become a bit of a worry. While the game in my hometown could be easily chalked up to a combination of being a preseason affair and a terribly humid day, it doesn't explain why the team continues to be so inconsistent.
That said, they did what they needed to do to advance in the EFL Cup. On a side note, why in blue blazes did they change the name? Has the competition fallen so low on the totem pole that they could not find a replacement sponsor when Capital One dropped off?
It's a minor thing, but even though the name Capital One Cup was less than palatable, EFL Cup just seems so plain. I digress.
The game itself against Burton Albion was exactly what you would want from such a fixture. The Reds got things off to a great start. Sadio Mane did a little foot dangle before the cross that saw Divock Origi tap it in.
Firmino scored off a header in the 22nd minute, Liverpool got an own goal in the 61st and then Daniel Sturridge scored a brace at the end of the match. It was a fine performance by just about everyone involved and a good jumping off point to prepare for Tottenham on the weekend.
Everything must be kept in perspective as Burton is a Championship side. Barring another monumental failure by Liverpool, this was always going to be the result. So, a 5-0 win in this kind of match is not going to mean that the Reds are off and running when it comes to the league.
Nevertheless, it was a good showing. The players you want to step up and lead did and it was the kind of performance you want to see from Liverpool in these sorts of games where they outmatch their opponent as opposed to what happened last weekend.
Also on the positive side was Mane. When he was signed, it was mainly a shoulder shrug for most people. There were not any problems with the addition, but it wasn't someone people generally pointed to as being the missing piece.
So far, he's been the man the team can ill afford to lose the most. He played against Arsenal and Burton and the Reds won and played with flare and style. He was missing against Burnley and the team lacked that attacking spark.
He was man of the match in this EFL fixture and deservedly so. Though he did not get on the score sheet for all of them, he had a hand in almost every goal. He was still sprinting after challenges at the very end of the game.
Mane isn't one of those guys that's going to command tens of millions or hundreds of millions in the transfer market, but he fits in with this squad perfectly. He's exactly the type of player that Jurgen Klopp wants to mold his entire team after. Getting the current crop to play that way may still take some time.
Again, it was a good win but nothing to jump for joy about in the grand scheme. Just entertaining football to view and take it for what it was.
The weekend will be a better barometer of what kind of season we may be in for. For now, let's be happy with a win and be happy for a few days until the Reds invade London.
Random Thoughts:
- Much of this article was random thoughts, but let's get into a few more. Apparently there is talk of loaning out Sakho. I am not in favor of this at all. He's not a great defender, but still has a leg up on the current group of central defenders. He just needs to get his off field issues in order.
- Springboarding off that, there were fans who were honestly questioning whether Klopp belongs at Anfield because of the Sakho loan talk. Question his tactics or his transfer policies, but to say he doesn't belong is just ridiculous. He's shown quite well in his brief time. Also, this insane idea that every decision or loss means the manager is terrible and must be fired is just sickening. I understand that the game is extremely short lived in terms of who is in charge or playing on the field and change occurs all the time, but there is still something to be said for consistency.
- Nothing major happened in this game, but what happened to Moreno? He was never going to win defender of the year, but he's been just north of dreadful in his league games so far. He's got speed and skill. However, maybe it just isn't there upstairs.
- While I'm very impressed with Mane, it also scares me. Anytime a team is so reliant on one or two players to produce, it is worrying. Sturridge is a ticking time bomb when it comes to injury and if Mane is that important to the squad, they can't afford to lose him either. It would just be nice to feel like we could consistently rely on some of the other guys instead of just the odd performance here or there.
Walk On
In the meantime, the team managed to come up with a huge 4-3 win over Arsenal. They then dropped a terrible 2-0 decision to Burnley after that. While these games were on the road, making them more difficult, it has been an incredibly up and down start to the new season.
Combine that with the rather dull showing while the Reds were in St. Louis and it has become a bit of a worry. While the game in my hometown could be easily chalked up to a combination of being a preseason affair and a terribly humid day, it doesn't explain why the team continues to be so inconsistent.
That said, they did what they needed to do to advance in the EFL Cup. On a side note, why in blue blazes did they change the name? Has the competition fallen so low on the totem pole that they could not find a replacement sponsor when Capital One dropped off?
It's a minor thing, but even though the name Capital One Cup was less than palatable, EFL Cup just seems so plain. I digress.
The game itself against Burton Albion was exactly what you would want from such a fixture. The Reds got things off to a great start. Sadio Mane did a little foot dangle before the cross that saw Divock Origi tap it in.
Firmino scored off a header in the 22nd minute, Liverpool got an own goal in the 61st and then Daniel Sturridge scored a brace at the end of the match. It was a fine performance by just about everyone involved and a good jumping off point to prepare for Tottenham on the weekend.
Everything must be kept in perspective as Burton is a Championship side. Barring another monumental failure by Liverpool, this was always going to be the result. So, a 5-0 win in this kind of match is not going to mean that the Reds are off and running when it comes to the league.
Nevertheless, it was a good showing. The players you want to step up and lead did and it was the kind of performance you want to see from Liverpool in these sorts of games where they outmatch their opponent as opposed to what happened last weekend.
Also on the positive side was Mane. When he was signed, it was mainly a shoulder shrug for most people. There were not any problems with the addition, but it wasn't someone people generally pointed to as being the missing piece.
So far, he's been the man the team can ill afford to lose the most. He played against Arsenal and Burton and the Reds won and played with flare and style. He was missing against Burnley and the team lacked that attacking spark.
He was man of the match in this EFL fixture and deservedly so. Though he did not get on the score sheet for all of them, he had a hand in almost every goal. He was still sprinting after challenges at the very end of the game.
Mane isn't one of those guys that's going to command tens of millions or hundreds of millions in the transfer market, but he fits in with this squad perfectly. He's exactly the type of player that Jurgen Klopp wants to mold his entire team after. Getting the current crop to play that way may still take some time.
Again, it was a good win but nothing to jump for joy about in the grand scheme. Just entertaining football to view and take it for what it was.
The weekend will be a better barometer of what kind of season we may be in for. For now, let's be happy with a win and be happy for a few days until the Reds invade London.
Random Thoughts:
- Much of this article was random thoughts, but let's get into a few more. Apparently there is talk of loaning out Sakho. I am not in favor of this at all. He's not a great defender, but still has a leg up on the current group of central defenders. He just needs to get his off field issues in order.
- Springboarding off that, there were fans who were honestly questioning whether Klopp belongs at Anfield because of the Sakho loan talk. Question his tactics or his transfer policies, but to say he doesn't belong is just ridiculous. He's shown quite well in his brief time. Also, this insane idea that every decision or loss means the manager is terrible and must be fired is just sickening. I understand that the game is extremely short lived in terms of who is in charge or playing on the field and change occurs all the time, but there is still something to be said for consistency.
- Nothing major happened in this game, but what happened to Moreno? He was never going to win defender of the year, but he's been just north of dreadful in his league games so far. He's got speed and skill. However, maybe it just isn't there upstairs.
- While I'm very impressed with Mane, it also scares me. Anytime a team is so reliant on one or two players to produce, it is worrying. Sturridge is a ticking time bomb when it comes to injury and if Mane is that important to the squad, they can't afford to lose him either. It would just be nice to feel like we could consistently rely on some of the other guys instead of just the odd performance here or there.
Walk On
Sunday, May 15, 2016
Ings And Henderson Return, but Liverpool Settle For Draw
Liverpool came into the day with plenty left to play for. They were still fighting for a European spot, just as a back up in case they fail to win the Europa League. They were also fighting for money.
According to the broadcasters, each spot up the table earns about an extra million in your pocket. Unfortunately, the day did not get off to a rousing start.
In the 13th minute, West Brom break through the Liverpool defense to take a 1-0 lead. The Reds defense was caught flat footed as Leko sliced through them and then Rondon finished it off. Rondon took it on the right side of the box, took a quick touch around the defender and slotted it just under Adam Bogdan.
In typical Jurgen Klopp fashion though, the Reds didn't give up. It wasn't really a team effort that equalized the game. Jordan Ibe took the game on his shoulders. Ibe, who has all but disappeared in recent weeks to months, came out like a man in form. He cut through the West Brom back line from the center line, into the box and as Benteke led some opposition away, Ibe finished it off from the center of the box in the 23rd minute.
After those goals, it somewhat settled into a typical end of season affair. Liverpool had a chance or two into the attacking third, but nothing that created much danger. The most interesting thing was actually the yellow cards. Brad Smith got one for simulation and then James McClean was awarded one for a rather foolish challenge on Jon Flanagan, well in the Liverpool area.
The first half was about what one would expect, outside of conceding the goal. Liverpool dominated the possession by almost 50% in the difference. However, given the mixture of regulars who were either returning from injury or had fallen out of the starting XI and the younger players, there wasn't enough cohesion to really get things rolling.
Liverpool just escaped the hangman's noose right away in the second half. After giving away a free kick, Rondon got a flick off the head that beat Bogdan but rang off the nearside post. The defenders were composed enough to make the clearance and the Reds survived the exchange.
The second half was much the same as the first, minus the possession. West Brom actually had the better of the chances as they threatened the target quite a few times.
Most of them never truly made it on target with any danger, but it still was a bit too uncomfortable for supporters of the Reds. Rondon will also feel unlucky not to have scored. After missing several in the first half and the flick earlier in the second, in the 66th minute he bobbled an initial chance, but still got a shot on goal that was barely deflected wide.
In a bit of good news for the team, both Danny Ings and Jordan Henderson entered the game in the 64th minute. Neither of them did anything spectacular, but just being on the pitch was enough for them given their injuries.
In the end, the game would finish 1-1. It was a fair result given the overall nature of the game, but again a bit disappointing for fans simply because West Brom were one of the lowest scoring teams in the league and their club conceded.
The focus now shifts to Basel, Switzerland and the matchup with Sevilla. Liverpool will have it all to do. The Spaniards are two time champions in this competition and Liverpool have gotten by more on guile and will than actual skill in many fixtures. They'll need it all to come up with a win on Wednesday, but there's no reason they cannot summon it.
Random Thoughts:
- It was good to see Hendo and Ings back. It's unlikely Ings will have shown enough to get into the Europa Final squad, but I loved his energy earlier in the season. You can never tell who will stay or go under a new manager, but I'd like to see Ings get a good run under Klopp.
- Lucas is a fine player and I respect his talents. However, the combination of him playing as a central defender by itself and then pairing him with Martin Skrtel is a nightmare.
- Springboarding off that idea, what ever happened to Steven Caulker? I understand you can get both Lucas and Allen on with this formation, but Lucas is a midfielder. Defensive as he might be, he just shouldn't be a central defender in my opinion.
- Liverpool spent way too much time defending in the second half. I understand this is a makeshift squad, but they did fine in the first half and looked like a recreation league side at times in the second.
- I still think he has a good future, but Ibe is too much like Raheem Sterling at times. Incredible skill, but a penchant for taking on too many defenders when better options are available.
- Even as a fan of Brendan Rodgers, there is no doubt this club is better under Klopp. That said, it's all the more disappointing that their inconsistencies had them finish in eighth, which is lower than any finish under Rodgers.
- Nothing to do with the West Brom game, but I'm not liking what I'm hearing about the Europa Final. Telling people without tickets to stay away, rumors of Liverpool supporters being kept out or not able to buy extra tickets. It just doesn't have a good smell.
Walk On
According to the broadcasters, each spot up the table earns about an extra million in your pocket. Unfortunately, the day did not get off to a rousing start.
In the 13th minute, West Brom break through the Liverpool defense to take a 1-0 lead. The Reds defense was caught flat footed as Leko sliced through them and then Rondon finished it off. Rondon took it on the right side of the box, took a quick touch around the defender and slotted it just under Adam Bogdan.
In typical Jurgen Klopp fashion though, the Reds didn't give up. It wasn't really a team effort that equalized the game. Jordan Ibe took the game on his shoulders. Ibe, who has all but disappeared in recent weeks to months, came out like a man in form. He cut through the West Brom back line from the center line, into the box and as Benteke led some opposition away, Ibe finished it off from the center of the box in the 23rd minute.
After those goals, it somewhat settled into a typical end of season affair. Liverpool had a chance or two into the attacking third, but nothing that created much danger. The most interesting thing was actually the yellow cards. Brad Smith got one for simulation and then James McClean was awarded one for a rather foolish challenge on Jon Flanagan, well in the Liverpool area.
The first half was about what one would expect, outside of conceding the goal. Liverpool dominated the possession by almost 50% in the difference. However, given the mixture of regulars who were either returning from injury or had fallen out of the starting XI and the younger players, there wasn't enough cohesion to really get things rolling.
Liverpool just escaped the hangman's noose right away in the second half. After giving away a free kick, Rondon got a flick off the head that beat Bogdan but rang off the nearside post. The defenders were composed enough to make the clearance and the Reds survived the exchange.
The second half was much the same as the first, minus the possession. West Brom actually had the better of the chances as they threatened the target quite a few times.
Most of them never truly made it on target with any danger, but it still was a bit too uncomfortable for supporters of the Reds. Rondon will also feel unlucky not to have scored. After missing several in the first half and the flick earlier in the second, in the 66th minute he bobbled an initial chance, but still got a shot on goal that was barely deflected wide.
In a bit of good news for the team, both Danny Ings and Jordan Henderson entered the game in the 64th minute. Neither of them did anything spectacular, but just being on the pitch was enough for them given their injuries.
In the end, the game would finish 1-1. It was a fair result given the overall nature of the game, but again a bit disappointing for fans simply because West Brom were one of the lowest scoring teams in the league and their club conceded.
The focus now shifts to Basel, Switzerland and the matchup with Sevilla. Liverpool will have it all to do. The Spaniards are two time champions in this competition and Liverpool have gotten by more on guile and will than actual skill in many fixtures. They'll need it all to come up with a win on Wednesday, but there's no reason they cannot summon it.
Random Thoughts:
- It was good to see Hendo and Ings back. It's unlikely Ings will have shown enough to get into the Europa Final squad, but I loved his energy earlier in the season. You can never tell who will stay or go under a new manager, but I'd like to see Ings get a good run under Klopp.
- Lucas is a fine player and I respect his talents. However, the combination of him playing as a central defender by itself and then pairing him with Martin Skrtel is a nightmare.
- Springboarding off that idea, what ever happened to Steven Caulker? I understand you can get both Lucas and Allen on with this formation, but Lucas is a midfielder. Defensive as he might be, he just shouldn't be a central defender in my opinion.
- Liverpool spent way too much time defending in the second half. I understand this is a makeshift squad, but they did fine in the first half and looked like a recreation league side at times in the second.
- I still think he has a good future, but Ibe is too much like Raheem Sterling at times. Incredible skill, but a penchant for taking on too many defenders when better options are available.
- Even as a fan of Brendan Rodgers, there is no doubt this club is better under Klopp. That said, it's all the more disappointing that their inconsistencies had them finish in eighth, which is lower than any finish under Rodgers.
- Nothing to do with the West Brom game, but I'm not liking what I'm hearing about the Europa Final. Telling people without tickets to stay away, rumors of Liverpool supporters being kept out or not able to buy extra tickets. It just doesn't have a good smell.
Walk On
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
Liverpool Get Just Rewards At The Death Of Chelsea Clash
There may have been nothing on the line but pride, but any match with Liverpool and Chelsea is always enough to stir emotions by the supporters at the very least. The game opened up well. There was great offensive play in the box for Liverpool in the 5th minute, but it ended with a Coutinho shot blocked from about nine yards out. Liverpool came up with many opportunities going forward, but couldn't get much in the way of actual chances on net out of their possession in the first 20 minutes.
Chelsea had it's moments as well. Simon Mignolet was forced into a good save to his left in the 22nd minute, proving that even a wounded animal can still be dangerous. They seemed more than willing to absorb Liverpool's pressure and counter when given the chance.
Conversely, Liverpool's offense seemed poised to strike, but would flounder at the strangest of times. Adam Lallana flubbed a breakaway chance off his heel and instead of going wide to Sturridge, took a wasteful shot right into the defender about half an hour in.
It would prove to be rueful misses since Chelsea would be the first to score. Suddenly in form, Eden Hazard took on almost the entirety of the Liverpool defense and somehow won. He cut through about three or four defenders, slotted a shot to the right that pierced the defense and got past a diving Mignolet. 1-0 to the visitors, whose fans failed to live up to their claims of walking out in the 26th minute to honor John Terry.
The goal seemed to fluster the Reds. Both the fans and the players on the team seemed to grow anxious and unsure. That was exemplified in the 39th minute when Traore almost scored. Mignolet came out to claim a loose ball in the box and probably could have reached it if he kept going. Unsure of it though, he retreated and ended up in no-man's land and was fortunately not made to pay for it.
Frustrations seemed to linger and grow as the first half went on. Coutinho was upset when a foul was called on him against Hazard. The same could be said of Emre Can, who picked up a yellow card for a swipe at best and a trip at worst on the same player in the 44th minute. It seemed as though Liverpool needed the halftime whistle to go, hoping to only concede the one goal.
The Reds got a good chance right before the half from a free kick. James Milner put it toward the back post and while Begovic cleared it, Can took a drive that was blocked. It was much ado about nothing for Liverpool. In somewhat typical league fashion, they dominated possession (though stats said it was 52/48), pinged passes around as though they were playing against a Championship side and then got scored on.
Ten minutes in, Chelsea had another good shot that force Mignolet to ground. He spilled a rebound from the Hazard shot, but was quick to pounce on it.
Liverpool finally got on the front foot about 15 minutes into the half. Sturridge got a good right foot into a shot from close range, but put it right into Begovic. Moments later, Kolo Toure got a lame head onto a cross that was easily grabbed by the keeper.
The Reds seemed to need about 10 minutes for every flurry to come. They had another one in the 71st minute. This time Lallana stretched to get a foot on a Moreno cross, but Begovic was right there again. Nathaniel Clyne poked one back into the box, but too far for Sturridge to deflect.
Traore almost scored himself on Chelsea's counter. Mignolet came up strong down low for the third or fourth time in the game. It seemed as though the entire game would flow Liverpool's way with no success only to see Chelsea go the other way and create.
That almost came true in the 89th minute. Liverpool were again putting pressure on. Having just checked in, Sheyi Ojo almost scored immediately. Instead the ball would end up going the other way after a bit more Liverpool possession and another breakaway shot from Pedro stopped by Mignolet.
Nearly at the death, Liverpool finally got their just rewards. Ojo sent in a dangerous ball, that could have been a shot or cross. Regardless, Begovic was tested by it. He got a palm to it, but deflected it right to Benteke who just chested it into the net.
That goal would be the final score of the game. It was a proper end really since Liverpool had done the most throughout the game. Clearly fans of Chelsea won't see it that way as they wasted a few chances and were stopped by Mignolet each time. Given the flow of the game though, Liverpool deserved some sort of point and were lucky to get it.
Random Thoughts:
- Liverpool extended their 12 match unbeaten streak at home to 13. Perhaps deserve was too strong of a word, but Liverpool got the point which is good.
- It was just one of those contests that was a perfect example of Liverpool's league season. They have played well and not gotten rewarded at times and have gotten rewarded when it seemed they should not have.
- It was nice to see Benteke score the goal. He has been unfairly lumped in with Mario Balotelli in terms of being a failure at Anfield. While the results in terms of goals have been a bit similar, Benteke has had a much better attitude and if he can keep fit could still flourish under Jurgen Klopp.
- It would have been quite disappointing to drop a game to Chelsea even though the season is basically lost for both sides. Liverpool are trying to keep European hopes alive just in case they fail to win in Basel, but should have had a stronger performance in terms of finishing regardless.
- The announcers kept saying this game and the final one on Sunday mean very little in terms of Liverpool's hopes of winning the Europa title. I think that is true, but it still makes little sense for us supporters as to why the team can play so well and fight so hard in the tournament and come out a bit flat overall in the league.
Walk On
Chelsea had it's moments as well. Simon Mignolet was forced into a good save to his left in the 22nd minute, proving that even a wounded animal can still be dangerous. They seemed more than willing to absorb Liverpool's pressure and counter when given the chance.
Conversely, Liverpool's offense seemed poised to strike, but would flounder at the strangest of times. Adam Lallana flubbed a breakaway chance off his heel and instead of going wide to Sturridge, took a wasteful shot right into the defender about half an hour in.
It would prove to be rueful misses since Chelsea would be the first to score. Suddenly in form, Eden Hazard took on almost the entirety of the Liverpool defense and somehow won. He cut through about three or four defenders, slotted a shot to the right that pierced the defense and got past a diving Mignolet. 1-0 to the visitors, whose fans failed to live up to their claims of walking out in the 26th minute to honor John Terry.
The goal seemed to fluster the Reds. Both the fans and the players on the team seemed to grow anxious and unsure. That was exemplified in the 39th minute when Traore almost scored. Mignolet came out to claim a loose ball in the box and probably could have reached it if he kept going. Unsure of it though, he retreated and ended up in no-man's land and was fortunately not made to pay for it.
Frustrations seemed to linger and grow as the first half went on. Coutinho was upset when a foul was called on him against Hazard. The same could be said of Emre Can, who picked up a yellow card for a swipe at best and a trip at worst on the same player in the 44th minute. It seemed as though Liverpool needed the halftime whistle to go, hoping to only concede the one goal.
The Reds got a good chance right before the half from a free kick. James Milner put it toward the back post and while Begovic cleared it, Can took a drive that was blocked. It was much ado about nothing for Liverpool. In somewhat typical league fashion, they dominated possession (though stats said it was 52/48), pinged passes around as though they were playing against a Championship side and then got scored on.
Ten minutes in, Chelsea had another good shot that force Mignolet to ground. He spilled a rebound from the Hazard shot, but was quick to pounce on it.
Liverpool finally got on the front foot about 15 minutes into the half. Sturridge got a good right foot into a shot from close range, but put it right into Begovic. Moments later, Kolo Toure got a lame head onto a cross that was easily grabbed by the keeper.
The Reds seemed to need about 10 minutes for every flurry to come. They had another one in the 71st minute. This time Lallana stretched to get a foot on a Moreno cross, but Begovic was right there again. Nathaniel Clyne poked one back into the box, but too far for Sturridge to deflect.
Traore almost scored himself on Chelsea's counter. Mignolet came up strong down low for the third or fourth time in the game. It seemed as though the entire game would flow Liverpool's way with no success only to see Chelsea go the other way and create.
That almost came true in the 89th minute. Liverpool were again putting pressure on. Having just checked in, Sheyi Ojo almost scored immediately. Instead the ball would end up going the other way after a bit more Liverpool possession and another breakaway shot from Pedro stopped by Mignolet.
Nearly at the death, Liverpool finally got their just rewards. Ojo sent in a dangerous ball, that could have been a shot or cross. Regardless, Begovic was tested by it. He got a palm to it, but deflected it right to Benteke who just chested it into the net.
That goal would be the final score of the game. It was a proper end really since Liverpool had done the most throughout the game. Clearly fans of Chelsea won't see it that way as they wasted a few chances and were stopped by Mignolet each time. Given the flow of the game though, Liverpool deserved some sort of point and were lucky to get it.
Random Thoughts:
- Liverpool extended their 12 match unbeaten streak at home to 13. Perhaps deserve was too strong of a word, but Liverpool got the point which is good.
- It was just one of those contests that was a perfect example of Liverpool's league season. They have played well and not gotten rewarded at times and have gotten rewarded when it seemed they should not have.
- It was nice to see Benteke score the goal. He has been unfairly lumped in with Mario Balotelli in terms of being a failure at Anfield. While the results in terms of goals have been a bit similar, Benteke has had a much better attitude and if he can keep fit could still flourish under Jurgen Klopp.
- It would have been quite disappointing to drop a game to Chelsea even though the season is basically lost for both sides. Liverpool are trying to keep European hopes alive just in case they fail to win in Basel, but should have had a stronger performance in terms of finishing regardless.
- The announcers kept saying this game and the final one on Sunday mean very little in terms of Liverpool's hopes of winning the Europa title. I think that is true, but it still makes little sense for us supporters as to why the team can play so well and fight so hard in the tournament and come out a bit flat overall in the league.
Walk On
Sunday, May 8, 2016
Liverpool Cruise Against Watford; Gain More Experience For Youth
Coming off their thrilling win in the Europa League on Thursday, you couldn't have been shocked to see a completely different Liverpool squad. Somewhat surprisingly, there were more players still in the lineup than anticipated.
There were still a lot of changed. Simon Mignolet, Alberto Moreno and Coutinho were the only holdovers from the Villareal game. Lucas and Allen were also the regulars playing again, though they didn't start the previous fixture. The changes, as they have in several games in the past, seemed to put Liverpool in a position of having to feel out their own game instead of just attacking Watford.
Initially it almost cost them. A careless backpass was almost intercepted, Moreno had to make a tackle to save a breakaway and a failed clearance from a cross led to a chance wasted by Almen Abdi as he flubbed it off his shin.
Liverpool on the otherhand were a bit like the ocean. Calm most of the time, but attacking in waves. They would probe forward and spend a moment or two in the attacking third before their infamiliarity with eachother would cause an errant pass. Benteke's inclusion also changed the offensive objectives.
The big Belgian is a fine player, but often gets glued to one spot. Instead of cutting in and out of the channels, he almost exclusively wants the ball served to him in the center and in the air. It isn't a bad thing, but it certainly creates a different dynamic. Daniel Sturridge may not run 100mph for every single ball, but he comes out wide and goes wing to wing and tries to find the open spaces. Benteke seems to be more willing to hope he can make spaces after getting the ball.
Much the way the entire first half had gone, the first goal of the game was a little underwhelming visually. Nevertheless it was a strong finish by Joe Allen to give Liverpool the 1-0 lead with about 10 minutes remaining in the half. The long ball into the box following a free kick was neatly nodded down by Benteke into the pathh of Allen who slid to knock it just under the diving goalkeeper.
The second half opened with much of the same from Liverpool, pushing numbers forward. However, it was a lapse at the back that almost and probably should have ended in a Watford equalizer. The defenders got caught flat footed and Odion Ighalo was left alone at the top of the box. He went for precision instead of power and that allowed Mignolet to get a fingertip to it, just enough to parry it wide about 10 minutes into the half.
The way much of the second half went, it seemed as though the game would either end 1-0 or Watford might find an equalizer. Then second half substitute, Roberto Firmino took it upon himself to change that. Receiving a pass from Benteke, the Brazilian took the ball about 20 yards, pulled it back from a defender and cut a shot into the side netting in the 76th minute.
Once on top by two, the Reds seemed to find a bit more comfort. They made several quality attacks, mostly through Benteke and were unfortunate to not add another goal. Fans always want to see as many balls hit the back of the net as possible, but this was a decent game that offered quality time to up and coming players.
Sheyi Ojo and Kevin Stewart got good experience, Jon Flanagan got a start and never seemed to wear down, Connor Randall and Cameron Brannagan got a few minutes of time and for all his faults, Bentke seemed to gain a bit of confidence and better effort.
Beating Watford isn't going to set the world on fire, but you can only defeat the team that is on the pitch. Liverpool did that and it's a positive given some of their poor performances following European games as well. It also kept the main roster rested so they'll be available for selection against Chelsea coming up.
Random Thoughts
- As a goalkeeper, I'm not quite sure why they would have needed to rest Mignolet if Danny Ward had been healthy. Granted, I'm not in the shape that pros are, but I can't imagine not being able to play two or three games in a week. It's not like us keepers are sprinting for 90 minutes.
- As crazy as fans and players can get in the top leagues like the EPL, I'm glad the worst you usually see is a stamp. A player for Pittsburgh in the USL straight up kicked a player from Red Bulls 2 with his spikes in the spine on May 7. There is video of it online if you want to see it. Quite the disgusting display.
- Defenders, or good defenders I should say, don't grow on trees but it will be nice to get some fresh blood in next season. I like Lucas, but playing him as a center back gives me fits. Sadly though, he's been more consistent than Skrtel who may be gone in the transfer window.
Walk On
There were still a lot of changed. Simon Mignolet, Alberto Moreno and Coutinho were the only holdovers from the Villareal game. Lucas and Allen were also the regulars playing again, though they didn't start the previous fixture. The changes, as they have in several games in the past, seemed to put Liverpool in a position of having to feel out their own game instead of just attacking Watford.
Initially it almost cost them. A careless backpass was almost intercepted, Moreno had to make a tackle to save a breakaway and a failed clearance from a cross led to a chance wasted by Almen Abdi as he flubbed it off his shin.
Liverpool on the otherhand were a bit like the ocean. Calm most of the time, but attacking in waves. They would probe forward and spend a moment or two in the attacking third before their infamiliarity with eachother would cause an errant pass. Benteke's inclusion also changed the offensive objectives.
The big Belgian is a fine player, but often gets glued to one spot. Instead of cutting in and out of the channels, he almost exclusively wants the ball served to him in the center and in the air. It isn't a bad thing, but it certainly creates a different dynamic. Daniel Sturridge may not run 100mph for every single ball, but he comes out wide and goes wing to wing and tries to find the open spaces. Benteke seems to be more willing to hope he can make spaces after getting the ball.
Much the way the entire first half had gone, the first goal of the game was a little underwhelming visually. Nevertheless it was a strong finish by Joe Allen to give Liverpool the 1-0 lead with about 10 minutes remaining in the half. The long ball into the box following a free kick was neatly nodded down by Benteke into the pathh of Allen who slid to knock it just under the diving goalkeeper.
The second half opened with much of the same from Liverpool, pushing numbers forward. However, it was a lapse at the back that almost and probably should have ended in a Watford equalizer. The defenders got caught flat footed and Odion Ighalo was left alone at the top of the box. He went for precision instead of power and that allowed Mignolet to get a fingertip to it, just enough to parry it wide about 10 minutes into the half.
The way much of the second half went, it seemed as though the game would either end 1-0 or Watford might find an equalizer. Then second half substitute, Roberto Firmino took it upon himself to change that. Receiving a pass from Benteke, the Brazilian took the ball about 20 yards, pulled it back from a defender and cut a shot into the side netting in the 76th minute.
Once on top by two, the Reds seemed to find a bit more comfort. They made several quality attacks, mostly through Benteke and were unfortunate to not add another goal. Fans always want to see as many balls hit the back of the net as possible, but this was a decent game that offered quality time to up and coming players.
Sheyi Ojo and Kevin Stewart got good experience, Jon Flanagan got a start and never seemed to wear down, Connor Randall and Cameron Brannagan got a few minutes of time and for all his faults, Bentke seemed to gain a bit of confidence and better effort.
Beating Watford isn't going to set the world on fire, but you can only defeat the team that is on the pitch. Liverpool did that and it's a positive given some of their poor performances following European games as well. It also kept the main roster rested so they'll be available for selection against Chelsea coming up.
Random Thoughts
- As a goalkeeper, I'm not quite sure why they would have needed to rest Mignolet if Danny Ward had been healthy. Granted, I'm not in the shape that pros are, but I can't imagine not being able to play two or three games in a week. It's not like us keepers are sprinting for 90 minutes.
- As crazy as fans and players can get in the top leagues like the EPL, I'm glad the worst you usually see is a stamp. A player for Pittsburgh in the USL straight up kicked a player from Red Bulls 2 with his spikes in the spine on May 7. There is video of it online if you want to see it. Quite the disgusting display.
- Defenders, or good defenders I should say, don't grow on trees but it will be nice to get some fresh blood in next season. I like Lucas, but playing him as a center back gives me fits. Sadly though, he's been more consistent than Skrtel who may be gone in the transfer window.
Walk On
Thursday, May 5, 2016
European Night's Magic Returns as Liverpool Down Villareal and Take Their Place in the Final
Liverpool had a decent first match in Spain against Villareal, however the end result didn't reflect that. A few lapse moments was all the game required for the home team in the first leg to take advantage. Villareal scored a late goal and celebrated like they had just won the Champions League. While the team and manager said it would not affect their play, it certainly rubbed fans the wrong way a bit.
Liverpool were forced to score at least one without conceding to get things back into their own hands. Playing in front of their home crowd, they did not disappoint and they did not sit back and let the game play out.
The Reds came storming out of the dressing room and looked poised to dominate right away. The opening five minutes went scoreless, but Liverpool looked more like the team wanting to win as opposed to Villareal appearing to want to defend and attempt to see things out. Despite an early chance, that was neatly parried away by Simon Mignolet, It did not play well for them.
Liverpool got the goal they wanted and needed in the seventh minute of play. Emre Can, thought to be lost for the season, slotted a ball to the right, which was crossed far side to the left by Nathaniel Clyne.
Firmino received the ball after a quick parry by the goalkeeper and tried to return the favor but it got deflected again in front. Daniel Sturridge got a tip to it, it went off the defender and in and the two legs were all square with tons of time remaining. It wasn't how you draw it up on the training ground, but it didn't matter.
The Reds didn't just settle for that goal either. Instead of swiping their hands together and saying "Job done boys, let's play for penalties," they kept at it. Adam Lallana nearly flicked a pass from James Milner into the goal in the 14th minute, just slicing wide of the far side post.
Liverpool actually looked good attacking corner kicks offensively as well. Fans could only hope that these positives were going to pay off eventually and not have to see any extra time.
The Spaniards wouldn't go away quietly though. Despite the Reds having most of the first half possession, Villareal counterpunched now and then. Again a little bit of sleepiness on the backend gave Bakambu a chance at goal right before the halftime whistle, but Mignolet was not overly troubled and kept the goose egg on the board through 45 minutes.
Things didn't open up quite as nicely in the second half. Liverpool still enjoyed much of the ball, but Villareal defended much more cohesively and compactly. They also countered better as well, throwing some fear into Reds fans every now and then for the opening 15 minutes or so.
Questions were beginning to build whether Benteke might come on and if so if it would be for Sturridge. Thankfully the trigger was not pulled too early. In the 63rd minute Sturridge put Liverpool up 2-0 in the game. Again, the ball took a few fortunate bounces, but the Reds never gave up on it and it eventually came to their striker who was just onside. He knocked it in off the goalkeeper's hand, both posts and eventually in, but they all count once they cross that line.
Villareal came off the tracks a little after that as well. Victor Ruiz picked up his second yellow card in the 72nd minute, giving Liverpool a dangerous free kick from about 20 yards out. It wouldn't amount to much, but the man advantage would pay off a little later for the Reds.
Pushing for that insurance goal, Liverpool kept trying to find the space to no avail. Then a bit of brilliance. Firmino took the defender all the way to the end line and then chipped a little ball back into the area. Sturridge got a touch on it, but it was mostly a mishit. Nevertheless, Lallana got the final flick past the goalkeeper from a seemingly offside position.
The goal counted however, giving Liverpool a 3-0 lead on the night and a 3-1 lead overall. In addition to Firmino's skill on the ball, his movements ultimately led to the goal. Causing the defender to slide on the end line kept everyone else in an onside position because you cannot create offside positions by leaving the pitch.
Whether he intended it or not, it worked out just the same and Liverpool seemed destined for a Europa League Final against Sevilla. Sturridge almost got a second but shot too close to the goalkeeper and Joe Allen couldn't quite get to the rebound cleanly.
In the end, when the final whistle went, Liverpool were victorious. Regardless of how you felt they played on the road, good or bad, unlucky or sloppy at the end, it paid off in the second leg. Jurgen Klopp rallied his troops and the Anfield faithful as he has time and time again despite their overall faults.
Now, Liverpool have it all to play for. A finals matchup with reigning champion Sevilla in Basel, Switzerland. Europa League is a competition that everyone shrugs off for the majority of the year, but now it means everything. The league position is untennable and Champions League can only be attained through this one game. As poorly as things have gone from the overall sense for this team, they could still have built a winning spirit and have that carrot to dangle in the summer window to prospective players.
Random Thoughts:
- Much is made of Sturridge's comments about not staying at Anfield the rest of his career. As a fan, this disappoints me, but it's the way sports are today. Anyone who takes the grand scope into picture knows this and while it's a bit of a punch to the gut to think your club isn't regarded as the highest level by someone, it just is the way athletes think.
- On the same token, Liverpool may still be Sturridge's best option. He's not often healthy and is very streaky even for a goal scorer. He might drive the price up with a furious finish to the season and in the Europa Final, but there may not be as many suitors as he believes.
- This team continues to be an enigma. If they win the final, you could almost make a case that massive changes are not needed since Klopp got the current group to play so well. In the larger picture though, he's squeezing every drop from the peel. Changes are still needed, but imagine the possibilities if you can actually promise Champions League football to prospective players instead of just the opportunity to come to England and play for an historic club.
Walk On
Liverpool were forced to score at least one without conceding to get things back into their own hands. Playing in front of their home crowd, they did not disappoint and they did not sit back and let the game play out.
The Reds came storming out of the dressing room and looked poised to dominate right away. The opening five minutes went scoreless, but Liverpool looked more like the team wanting to win as opposed to Villareal appearing to want to defend and attempt to see things out. Despite an early chance, that was neatly parried away by Simon Mignolet, It did not play well for them.
Liverpool got the goal they wanted and needed in the seventh minute of play. Emre Can, thought to be lost for the season, slotted a ball to the right, which was crossed far side to the left by Nathaniel Clyne.
Firmino received the ball after a quick parry by the goalkeeper and tried to return the favor but it got deflected again in front. Daniel Sturridge got a tip to it, it went off the defender and in and the two legs were all square with tons of time remaining. It wasn't how you draw it up on the training ground, but it didn't matter.
The Reds didn't just settle for that goal either. Instead of swiping their hands together and saying "Job done boys, let's play for penalties," they kept at it. Adam Lallana nearly flicked a pass from James Milner into the goal in the 14th minute, just slicing wide of the far side post.
Liverpool actually looked good attacking corner kicks offensively as well. Fans could only hope that these positives were going to pay off eventually and not have to see any extra time.
The Spaniards wouldn't go away quietly though. Despite the Reds having most of the first half possession, Villareal counterpunched now and then. Again a little bit of sleepiness on the backend gave Bakambu a chance at goal right before the halftime whistle, but Mignolet was not overly troubled and kept the goose egg on the board through 45 minutes.
Things didn't open up quite as nicely in the second half. Liverpool still enjoyed much of the ball, but Villareal defended much more cohesively and compactly. They also countered better as well, throwing some fear into Reds fans every now and then for the opening 15 minutes or so.
Questions were beginning to build whether Benteke might come on and if so if it would be for Sturridge. Thankfully the trigger was not pulled too early. In the 63rd minute Sturridge put Liverpool up 2-0 in the game. Again, the ball took a few fortunate bounces, but the Reds never gave up on it and it eventually came to their striker who was just onside. He knocked it in off the goalkeeper's hand, both posts and eventually in, but they all count once they cross that line.
Villareal came off the tracks a little after that as well. Victor Ruiz picked up his second yellow card in the 72nd minute, giving Liverpool a dangerous free kick from about 20 yards out. It wouldn't amount to much, but the man advantage would pay off a little later for the Reds.
Pushing for that insurance goal, Liverpool kept trying to find the space to no avail. Then a bit of brilliance. Firmino took the defender all the way to the end line and then chipped a little ball back into the area. Sturridge got a touch on it, but it was mostly a mishit. Nevertheless, Lallana got the final flick past the goalkeeper from a seemingly offside position.
The goal counted however, giving Liverpool a 3-0 lead on the night and a 3-1 lead overall. In addition to Firmino's skill on the ball, his movements ultimately led to the goal. Causing the defender to slide on the end line kept everyone else in an onside position because you cannot create offside positions by leaving the pitch.
Whether he intended it or not, it worked out just the same and Liverpool seemed destined for a Europa League Final against Sevilla. Sturridge almost got a second but shot too close to the goalkeeper and Joe Allen couldn't quite get to the rebound cleanly.
In the end, when the final whistle went, Liverpool were victorious. Regardless of how you felt they played on the road, good or bad, unlucky or sloppy at the end, it paid off in the second leg. Jurgen Klopp rallied his troops and the Anfield faithful as he has time and time again despite their overall faults.
Now, Liverpool have it all to play for. A finals matchup with reigning champion Sevilla in Basel, Switzerland. Europa League is a competition that everyone shrugs off for the majority of the year, but now it means everything. The league position is untennable and Champions League can only be attained through this one game. As poorly as things have gone from the overall sense for this team, they could still have built a winning spirit and have that carrot to dangle in the summer window to prospective players.
Random Thoughts:
- Much is made of Sturridge's comments about not staying at Anfield the rest of his career. As a fan, this disappoints me, but it's the way sports are today. Anyone who takes the grand scope into picture knows this and while it's a bit of a punch to the gut to think your club isn't regarded as the highest level by someone, it just is the way athletes think.
- On the same token, Liverpool may still be Sturridge's best option. He's not often healthy and is very streaky even for a goal scorer. He might drive the price up with a furious finish to the season and in the Europa Final, but there may not be as many suitors as he believes.
- This team continues to be an enigma. If they win the final, you could almost make a case that massive changes are not needed since Klopp got the current group to play so well. In the larger picture though, he's squeezing every drop from the peel. Changes are still needed, but imagine the possibilities if you can actually promise Champions League football to prospective players instead of just the opportunity to come to England and play for an historic club.
Walk On
Sunday, May 1, 2016
Liverpool Youth Follow Poor Europa Performance With One Of Their Own
The week didn't begin very well for LIverpool. A lackluster performance in Spain ended in a late defeat at Villareal in the Europa League. Fans were thus quite eager to get to the weekend and hopefully remove the sour taste in their mouths with a fixture against Swansea.
It would not be that simple. For all the talk of respecting the league, Jurgen Klopp played a very young squad with only four regulars in the starting XI. It was an understandable change, but the reasoning given was a bit flimsy.
Regardless of all that, the game opened up a bit tight, but opened up quickly. Sigurdsson had the first strike for Swansea in the 12th minute that was right at Danny Ward. The reserve goalkeeper did have to get low and smother the ball, but was not tested in terms of range on that chance.
It wasn't too much longer before the chances ended up as a result. Andre Ayew had been creating several opportunities and was rewarded in the 21st minute. Liverpool failed to defend a corner kick very well and Ayew flew into the six yard area to hammer home the goal with his head. 1-0 to Swansea with Liverpool barely registering a blip on the game.
26th minute brought more of the same. Ward came up with a fantastic kick save on the initial shot then showed good reflexes to stand up and punch away the rebound chance. Swansea were rewarded with a free kick just outside the right of the box moments later and the kick was again almost scored on because of poor marking on set pieces.
Normally Liverpool find that moment to turn things around following a poor spell, but things went from bad to worse really. Jack Cork took the ball in the middle of the pitch and with almost the entirety of the Liverpool defense backing well into the penalty box, he curled one into the side netting on the right. Ward had no chance and Liverpool's backline were looking at each other quizzicly for the umpteenth time in the game and it was only the 33rd minute.
Sturridge came close to chipping the goalkeeper in the 35th minute, but it went wide. The Reds would not really create much after that, seemingly trying to see the game into the half with only a two goal deficit.
Plenty of change made prior to the half. Benteke came on for Coutinho, pushing the formation to a 4-4-2 and Lucas came in for Chirivella. After the changes, Liverpool seemed a bit more cohesive in terms of knocking the ball around, but the first five minutes still saw nothing toward goal.
Liverpool's attack began to build a little more each time, but once they passed the 60th minute there didn't seem to be the urgency needed to overcome a two goal deficit. The effort would have been fine for only needing one goal to equalize, but when there is only 30 minutes remaining and you're down two, there should be a massive push.
The push did finally come just past that 60th minute. In the 65th, on a corner kick, Benteke slipped away from his mark who was grasping the jersey and got the head onto it to put it into the goal.
The one goal deficit would not last long. Liverpool's defending was more than suspect again. They failed to defend a cross from the left of the box, Sheyi Ojo could not manage a clearance once it bumped into him and then three defenders could not converge quickly enough on Ayew before he slipped his second into the net.
Brad Smith picked up a second yellow, making Liverpool play with 10 men for the last 15 minutes. However, 3-1 would end up being the final, capping off an incredibly disappointing week that had so much promise at the start. Liverpool concede a late goal in Spain in the Europa League to fall late in the midweek game and allow too many early on the weekend to a team that was still part of the relegation conversation just weeks ago.
The Reds had better rebound quickly. A loss this Thursday (or even a draw) will mean 2015-16 was a lost season in every aspect. As good as Jurgen Klopp has proven to be for this team, it is possible they finish lower in the table than they ever did under Brendan Rodgers. Finishing well in the Europa League is all that seems to be left outside of individual game performances. Thursday becomes all the more important now.
Random Thoughts
- I like Klopp and I don't think he lies to the media. However, it does seem a bit against belief to say you aren't saving players for Europe when you play four regulars (3 if you don't count Sturridge who hadn't started in almost a month) and have seven players 23 or younger.
- It's a shame we couldn't see more from a 4-4-2 formation. It doesn't fit much of today's game, but I still like having two strikers. Unfortunately, Benteke hadn't played in weeks and Sturridge was in a bit of a pouty mood and they never really meshed. Add to that the midfield didn't give them much service and there wasn't much there to be seen.
- The crowd at Anfield is always great, but they'll need to be on top of their own game come Thursday. Regardless of who is on the field, Liverpool have entered one of those periods where their performances are just lacking all around. A top notch atmosphere against Villareal might boost their play.
Walk On
It would not be that simple. For all the talk of respecting the league, Jurgen Klopp played a very young squad with only four regulars in the starting XI. It was an understandable change, but the reasoning given was a bit flimsy.
Regardless of all that, the game opened up a bit tight, but opened up quickly. Sigurdsson had the first strike for Swansea in the 12th minute that was right at Danny Ward. The reserve goalkeeper did have to get low and smother the ball, but was not tested in terms of range on that chance.
It wasn't too much longer before the chances ended up as a result. Andre Ayew had been creating several opportunities and was rewarded in the 21st minute. Liverpool failed to defend a corner kick very well and Ayew flew into the six yard area to hammer home the goal with his head. 1-0 to Swansea with Liverpool barely registering a blip on the game.
26th minute brought more of the same. Ward came up with a fantastic kick save on the initial shot then showed good reflexes to stand up and punch away the rebound chance. Swansea were rewarded with a free kick just outside the right of the box moments later and the kick was again almost scored on because of poor marking on set pieces.
Normally Liverpool find that moment to turn things around following a poor spell, but things went from bad to worse really. Jack Cork took the ball in the middle of the pitch and with almost the entirety of the Liverpool defense backing well into the penalty box, he curled one into the side netting on the right. Ward had no chance and Liverpool's backline were looking at each other quizzicly for the umpteenth time in the game and it was only the 33rd minute.
Sturridge came close to chipping the goalkeeper in the 35th minute, but it went wide. The Reds would not really create much after that, seemingly trying to see the game into the half with only a two goal deficit.
Plenty of change made prior to the half. Benteke came on for Coutinho, pushing the formation to a 4-4-2 and Lucas came in for Chirivella. After the changes, Liverpool seemed a bit more cohesive in terms of knocking the ball around, but the first five minutes still saw nothing toward goal.
Liverpool's attack began to build a little more each time, but once they passed the 60th minute there didn't seem to be the urgency needed to overcome a two goal deficit. The effort would have been fine for only needing one goal to equalize, but when there is only 30 minutes remaining and you're down two, there should be a massive push.
The push did finally come just past that 60th minute. In the 65th, on a corner kick, Benteke slipped away from his mark who was grasping the jersey and got the head onto it to put it into the goal.
The one goal deficit would not last long. Liverpool's defending was more than suspect again. They failed to defend a cross from the left of the box, Sheyi Ojo could not manage a clearance once it bumped into him and then three defenders could not converge quickly enough on Ayew before he slipped his second into the net.
Brad Smith picked up a second yellow, making Liverpool play with 10 men for the last 15 minutes. However, 3-1 would end up being the final, capping off an incredibly disappointing week that had so much promise at the start. Liverpool concede a late goal in Spain in the Europa League to fall late in the midweek game and allow too many early on the weekend to a team that was still part of the relegation conversation just weeks ago.
The Reds had better rebound quickly. A loss this Thursday (or even a draw) will mean 2015-16 was a lost season in every aspect. As good as Jurgen Klopp has proven to be for this team, it is possible they finish lower in the table than they ever did under Brendan Rodgers. Finishing well in the Europa League is all that seems to be left outside of individual game performances. Thursday becomes all the more important now.
Random Thoughts
- I like Klopp and I don't think he lies to the media. However, it does seem a bit against belief to say you aren't saving players for Europe when you play four regulars (3 if you don't count Sturridge who hadn't started in almost a month) and have seven players 23 or younger.
- It's a shame we couldn't see more from a 4-4-2 formation. It doesn't fit much of today's game, but I still like having two strikers. Unfortunately, Benteke hadn't played in weeks and Sturridge was in a bit of a pouty mood and they never really meshed. Add to that the midfield didn't give them much service and there wasn't much there to be seen.
- The crowd at Anfield is always great, but they'll need to be on top of their own game come Thursday. Regardless of who is on the field, Liverpool have entered one of those periods where their performances are just lacking all around. A top notch atmosphere against Villareal might boost their play.
Walk On
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