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
Sunday, May 15, 2016
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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