Liverpool came into their fixture against Southampton with quite a bit on the line. While a draw would suffice if that was the final after 90, it would not have benefited the Reds very much.
A draw would have only put them up by four points over Manchester United with the Red Devils having two games in hand. Not exactly the spot you want to be in with your destiny not in your hands
As has become typical in recent games, things got off to a slow start against a team lower in the table than Liverpool. The Reds struggled to piece together a solid attack and were thwarted any time something began to build.
The one bright spot in the opening half was Roberto Firmino. He never came tantalizingly close to putting one in the twine, but his performance was very good.
In the 15th minute, Firmino had a nice steal inside the area. Unfortunately, his subsequent hot was blocked as he went far post and the defender was right there.
Firmino kept up his solid performance by out-muscling his opponent in the midfield in the 34th minute. Again, the attack could not be formed though, as he could only muster a long, rolling shot that was easily saved.
Halftime came and no score for either team. The scoreless draw after 45 was frustrating because the Saints literally conjured no attack at all. Liverpool just had no way of breaking things down.
There was a lot of early movement by the attacking players for Liverpool. It went in vain and you could tell there was frustration. They became static as the half wore on and the Reds were trying to lob balls across the packed defense after that.
There was not much the Liverpool manager could do either. Jurgen Klopp did a lot of jawing with the officials, but in terms of changing his attack there was only so much he could do short of putting new players in.
The second half did not yield much better in terms of final results. Liverpool had more energy, but were not able to really create.
It seemed like Liverpool would get nothing out of the match as it went a full hour without anything happening. Then the Reds were given the lifeline of a questionable penalty.
Even as a fan of Liverpool, I did not see the handball that was given for the Reds to have a penalty. Perhaps it was justice that James Milner failed to convert. Fraser Forester came up with a big save, but Milner should have gone for a higher shot.
Things finally opened up a bit around the 70th minute. The back and forth nature even brought about the comment from Jon Champion that we might even see a proper game of football.
Coutinho's day was a little disappointing. He was putting in the effort to get into good spots and even sent a few hard shots on target. Unfortunately, his trademark whipping curler ended up at the goalkeeper each time.
In the 78th minute, it seemed like Daniel Sturridge might strike. However, the ball released just enough near the spot that all he could do was toe-poke it toward the keeper.
By the final whistle, nobody had managed to bulge the old onion bag. Perhaps we should have seen it coming since Liverpool failed to score against the Saints in four matches this season.
Now, Liverpool must hope for results elsewhere to fall their way. They are only four points up on the fifth place team and can no longer fully control their own destiny.
They must focus on their final two matches and let everything else fall as it may.
Random Thoughts:
- Are soccer fans too used to not being able to use their hands? It seems when a ball is blasted into the crowd, nobody wants to attempt to catch it. They are content to take it off the midsection or even the head.
- I love Sadio Mane, but even as fast and creative as he is, it boggles the mind that he has made that big a difference. There still should be enough quality in the attack for them to score goals, but goals have been harder to come by without him.
- It stinks to have to complain about a clean sheet. The Reds played well enough defensively, though Southampton did little to actually attack. Still, this game feels like points lost.
Walk On
Sunday, May 7, 2017
Monday, May 1, 2017
Liverpool Survive Watford In Ugly Contest
Liverpool faced off against Watford looking to wash away the bad taste in their mouth from their previous game. As has become somewhat the norm, Liverpool failed to do anything against a lower level team and fell to Crystal Palace.
Unfortunately for the Reds and their fans, they were playing against another mid-to-lower level team in Watford. Watford came into the early May fixture set in 13th place (out of 20) and 26 points behind Liverpool.
Nevertheless, things started out as almost all matches against these smaller clubs have. Liverpool had most of the possession but could not do anything with it.
To top off the lack of attack, the Reds were faced with an early injury. Coutinho, one of the few people on the Reds capable of attacking one-on-one, injured his right leg. Though he tried to hobble on for a few minutes, it was all for naught. Jurgen Klopp and the staff were forced to take him out in the 13th minute and put in Adam Lallana.
People who have read this blog long enough know I am not the president of Lallana's fan club. He is a decent player with some good skill, but he is not Coutinho. The one thing both have in common is an ability to disappear for long stretches.
Fortunately, Lallana is a quality enough player to at least fill the void. He might not have as much creativity and skill in tight quarters, but he can finish when given the opportunity and a bit of space.
Alas, for Liverpool that space was hard to come by in the opening 45. The Reds threaded passes through the defenders, but there always seemed to be a double team awaiting the recipient of the pass.
A few long balls here or there got the Reds as far forward as the penalty area and a cross or two even got inside. There just was not much room to do anything.
While it does not make for an exciting game to watch, you have to marvel at the ability to keep shape for so long and not get drawn out. On the flip side, Liverpool wants to be considered a top-tier team and top-tier teams find ways to break down those kinds of defenses.
Lallana almost created a bit of magic in the 41st minute. With a long strike off a goalkeeper's punch from a corner, Lallana smashed a volley that rang off the crossbar. Unfortunately, it would not cross the goal line and goose eggs remained on the scoreboard.
Just when it seemed like things would go into the break even, there was a bit of brilliance out of nowhere. With a little chip cross into the box from the right hand side, Emre Can was waiting.
Unbelievably, he went for the bicycle kick and connected. Whether intentionally or not, he got a bit of loft on the shot instead of power. That was enough to lob it over the goalkeeper and give the Reds a spectacular goal for their 1-0 lead.
The second half was a little different, but not much. Liverpool still had most of the ball, but they were not afforded much more space.
Watford did venture forward more in an attempt to equalize, but the Reds could not spring counters too much. Capoue almost found the tying shot, but was rewarded with a yellow card when he protested too loudly after not being given a corner when Simon Mignolet tipped it over the bar.
Liverpool should have doubled the lead in the 76th minute. Lallana was fed into the box alone, but the ball took a bobble and fell behind him. The defender was able to clear and the Reds did nothing with the ensuing corner.
The end of the contest was not exactly the stuff of legend. Too many balls aimlessly up in the air by both squads.
Daniel Sturridge came achingly close to scoring in added time. If not for a huge save from Gomes, it would have been 2-0.
In the end, Liverpool gained the 3 points. It was not a pretty but they won.
Watford almost tied it at the death, but we're denied by the bar. Liverpool failed to capitalize on the break. Those final moments crystalized the game.
The Reds can't find ways to break down packed defenses. Still, they found that one moment and finally made the most of it.
Random Thoughts:
- can Liverpool get some luck with injury? For the last few years their stars keep going down. Danny Ings has been gine, Sturridge can't stay in, Mane is out and now Coutinho. Those are just the big names. All teams have injury, but it seems the Reds get them even worse.
- it's hard to pinpoint who needs to go or stay. As individuals, Liverpool have good players. If you can't comfortably beat the minnows though, you can't keep pinning title hope on other teams losing.
- you win how you win. However the Reds need to know they cannot rely on their back four to see these games out. Too many chances against. Liverpool must keep pressing to relieve pressure.
Walk On
Unfortunately for the Reds and their fans, they were playing against another mid-to-lower level team in Watford. Watford came into the early May fixture set in 13th place (out of 20) and 26 points behind Liverpool.
Nevertheless, things started out as almost all matches against these smaller clubs have. Liverpool had most of the possession but could not do anything with it.
To top off the lack of attack, the Reds were faced with an early injury. Coutinho, one of the few people on the Reds capable of attacking one-on-one, injured his right leg. Though he tried to hobble on for a few minutes, it was all for naught. Jurgen Klopp and the staff were forced to take him out in the 13th minute and put in Adam Lallana.
People who have read this blog long enough know I am not the president of Lallana's fan club. He is a decent player with some good skill, but he is not Coutinho. The one thing both have in common is an ability to disappear for long stretches.
Fortunately, Lallana is a quality enough player to at least fill the void. He might not have as much creativity and skill in tight quarters, but he can finish when given the opportunity and a bit of space.
Alas, for Liverpool that space was hard to come by in the opening 45. The Reds threaded passes through the defenders, but there always seemed to be a double team awaiting the recipient of the pass.
A few long balls here or there got the Reds as far forward as the penalty area and a cross or two even got inside. There just was not much room to do anything.
While it does not make for an exciting game to watch, you have to marvel at the ability to keep shape for so long and not get drawn out. On the flip side, Liverpool wants to be considered a top-tier team and top-tier teams find ways to break down those kinds of defenses.
Lallana almost created a bit of magic in the 41st minute. With a long strike off a goalkeeper's punch from a corner, Lallana smashed a volley that rang off the crossbar. Unfortunately, it would not cross the goal line and goose eggs remained on the scoreboard.
Just when it seemed like things would go into the break even, there was a bit of brilliance out of nowhere. With a little chip cross into the box from the right hand side, Emre Can was waiting.
Unbelievably, he went for the bicycle kick and connected. Whether intentionally or not, he got a bit of loft on the shot instead of power. That was enough to lob it over the goalkeeper and give the Reds a spectacular goal for their 1-0 lead.
The second half was a little different, but not much. Liverpool still had most of the ball, but they were not afforded much more space.
Watford did venture forward more in an attempt to equalize, but the Reds could not spring counters too much. Capoue almost found the tying shot, but was rewarded with a yellow card when he protested too loudly after not being given a corner when Simon Mignolet tipped it over the bar.
Liverpool should have doubled the lead in the 76th minute. Lallana was fed into the box alone, but the ball took a bobble and fell behind him. The defender was able to clear and the Reds did nothing with the ensuing corner.
The end of the contest was not exactly the stuff of legend. Too many balls aimlessly up in the air by both squads.
Daniel Sturridge came achingly close to scoring in added time. If not for a huge save from Gomes, it would have been 2-0.
In the end, Liverpool gained the 3 points. It was not a pretty but they won.
Watford almost tied it at the death, but we're denied by the bar. Liverpool failed to capitalize on the break. Those final moments crystalized the game.
The Reds can't find ways to break down packed defenses. Still, they found that one moment and finally made the most of it.
Random Thoughts:
- can Liverpool get some luck with injury? For the last few years their stars keep going down. Danny Ings has been gine, Sturridge can't stay in, Mane is out and now Coutinho. Those are just the big names. All teams have injury, but it seems the Reds get them even worse.
- it's hard to pinpoint who needs to go or stay. As individuals, Liverpool have good players. If you can't comfortably beat the minnows though, you can't keep pinning title hope on other teams losing.
- you win how you win. However the Reds need to know they cannot rely on their back four to see these games out. Too many chances against. Liverpool must keep pressing to relieve pressure.
Walk On
Sunday, April 23, 2017
Liverpool Continue To Bow To The Minnows With Loss To Palace
Liverpool came into their game against Crystal Palace in a good place, but not a great one. The Reds were set in the top four, but not separating themselves from the pack and not in fantastic form.
The Reds gained points in their last three games, but it was only a draw and two close wins. Considering the results came against Bournemouth, Stoke and West Brom, it was not an encouraging sign to be playing against another team in the bottom half.
Liverpool struggled to create against Palace early. In the 16th minute, there was way too much passing when the Reds had a break. You'd like to see Coutinho or Milner strike it first time, but instead they looked elsewhere for finishers and no shot ever came.
Former Liverpool man Christian Benteke narrowly missed to the right in the 22nd minute. Unfortunately, you could somewhat tell he was not likely to be held off the board the entire time.
Fortunately for Liverpool, they struck first. Coutinho returned to form on a beautiful free kick goal in the 24th minute. He placed it absolutely perfectly, up and over the wall and just inside the post, giving the goalkeeper no chance. It was important not only for the game, but for the Brazilian who has been a bit of a ghost of late.
Liverpool continued their attempts to be too cute after that though. In the 31st minute, Firmino had a good chance to set something up but he wasted it by just playing it into the crowd.
Those missed chances would be rued later. A sleeping defense allowed a ball over the top in the 42nd minute. You could see the goal coming a mile away as the cross went to the back post and Benteke finished it off with class. It was a fine play all around, but it could have been avoided much earlier and the Reds just seem to find ways to give up goals to teams that have no business scoring them.
Liverpool still had everything to play for in the second half, but you felt it was a missed opportunity. The equalizing goal was going to allow Palace to sit back and play for a point instead of having to open up to get a second half goal.
Surprisingly, the Eagles opened up on the front foot pushing toward goal in the early moments of the second 45. Fortunately, nothing came of it outside of a corner kick that was easily cleared.
Those early moments seemed to wake Liverpool a bit. They pushed forward into the sea of yellow and began to find space. The magical feet of Coutinho almost created something special in the 50th minute, but his left footed shot was shoveled over the bar. The main man took on what seemed like the whole of Palace just moments later inside the 18, but there were just too many bodies to lead the block.
The subsequent play seemed like it would fall Liverpool's way too. However, Lucas was the man on the strike from the corner. He is a fine defender and passer, but it seems like too many important moments fall to his feet. There is a reason he has not scored in the Premier League in eight seasons and he continued to show why.
Again, the missed chances came back to haunt the Reds. Palace kept building up their own attack and you could sense something was coming again.
Then, they finally struck in the 75th minute. Of course, it would be Benteke a second time. Liverpool's defending of the corner was woeful, missing a clearing attempt and the Belgian headed it home with power.
Coutinho had a decent chance late that went well over the bar, but it just was not going to be Liverpool's day. As a fan, it was very disappointing to see.
Unfortunately, it begs whether the problem might actually be Jurgen Klopp. Never one to blame managers for everything, but this is becoming too much of an issue that the team cannot crush lower opposition.
Nobody should be calling for the German's job. He is still the best choice for the spot, but he has to figure this out because it is unbecoming of a team with Champions League aspirations.
Random Thoughts:
- Thank goodness for the St. Louis Blues. It was a bad soccer weekend. Saint Louis FC lost to a lower team 2-1 as well and it was the same story. Score an early goal and then have some defensive miscues cost you all the points. Perhaps it is me? Nah...
- I love Sadio Mane for his energy and tenacity. He just does not seem to be the kind of player that makes that big a difference. This team does not seem to be set up to be a one man show, but the Reds don't seem to be able to do anything when he is gone.
- It's still too early to think about the summer, but can we ever have a year where we aren't demanding more impact players be brought in? When will Liverpool reach a point where you bring in supplemental players or that's all you need anyway? Seems like either injury or underperformance always make us want a big name and then they never sign one.
Walk On
The Reds gained points in their last three games, but it was only a draw and two close wins. Considering the results came against Bournemouth, Stoke and West Brom, it was not an encouraging sign to be playing against another team in the bottom half.
Liverpool struggled to create against Palace early. In the 16th minute, there was way too much passing when the Reds had a break. You'd like to see Coutinho or Milner strike it first time, but instead they looked elsewhere for finishers and no shot ever came.
Former Liverpool man Christian Benteke narrowly missed to the right in the 22nd minute. Unfortunately, you could somewhat tell he was not likely to be held off the board the entire time.
Fortunately for Liverpool, they struck first. Coutinho returned to form on a beautiful free kick goal in the 24th minute. He placed it absolutely perfectly, up and over the wall and just inside the post, giving the goalkeeper no chance. It was important not only for the game, but for the Brazilian who has been a bit of a ghost of late.
Liverpool continued their attempts to be too cute after that though. In the 31st minute, Firmino had a good chance to set something up but he wasted it by just playing it into the crowd.
Those missed chances would be rued later. A sleeping defense allowed a ball over the top in the 42nd minute. You could see the goal coming a mile away as the cross went to the back post and Benteke finished it off with class. It was a fine play all around, but it could have been avoided much earlier and the Reds just seem to find ways to give up goals to teams that have no business scoring them.
Liverpool still had everything to play for in the second half, but you felt it was a missed opportunity. The equalizing goal was going to allow Palace to sit back and play for a point instead of having to open up to get a second half goal.
Surprisingly, the Eagles opened up on the front foot pushing toward goal in the early moments of the second 45. Fortunately, nothing came of it outside of a corner kick that was easily cleared.
Those early moments seemed to wake Liverpool a bit. They pushed forward into the sea of yellow and began to find space. The magical feet of Coutinho almost created something special in the 50th minute, but his left footed shot was shoveled over the bar. The main man took on what seemed like the whole of Palace just moments later inside the 18, but there were just too many bodies to lead the block.
The subsequent play seemed like it would fall Liverpool's way too. However, Lucas was the man on the strike from the corner. He is a fine defender and passer, but it seems like too many important moments fall to his feet. There is a reason he has not scored in the Premier League in eight seasons and he continued to show why.
Again, the missed chances came back to haunt the Reds. Palace kept building up their own attack and you could sense something was coming again.
Then, they finally struck in the 75th minute. Of course, it would be Benteke a second time. Liverpool's defending of the corner was woeful, missing a clearing attempt and the Belgian headed it home with power.
Coutinho had a decent chance late that went well over the bar, but it just was not going to be Liverpool's day. As a fan, it was very disappointing to see.
Unfortunately, it begs whether the problem might actually be Jurgen Klopp. Never one to blame managers for everything, but this is becoming too much of an issue that the team cannot crush lower opposition.
Nobody should be calling for the German's job. He is still the best choice for the spot, but he has to figure this out because it is unbecoming of a team with Champions League aspirations.
Random Thoughts:
- Thank goodness for the St. Louis Blues. It was a bad soccer weekend. Saint Louis FC lost to a lower team 2-1 as well and it was the same story. Score an early goal and then have some defensive miscues cost you all the points. Perhaps it is me? Nah...
- I love Sadio Mane for his energy and tenacity. He just does not seem to be the kind of player that makes that big a difference. This team does not seem to be set up to be a one man show, but the Reds don't seem to be able to do anything when he is gone.
- It's still too early to think about the summer, but can we ever have a year where we aren't demanding more impact players be brought in? When will Liverpool reach a point where you bring in supplemental players or that's all you need anyway? Seems like either injury or underperformance always make us want a big name and then they never sign one.
Walk On
Sunday, March 19, 2017
Lackluster Result For Liverpool Despite Wild Game Against Man City
Liverpool came into their final match of the season against Manchester City knowing it was one of the more important games of the year. It was featured on national television in the United States and had large implications on the potential final finish in the table.
The game opened up with a rather furious pace and never really calmed down. Liverpool got into the book first, but not the one they wanted. Roberto Firmino got a yellow card in the first quarter hour, that put him behind the eight ball. Fortunately he never found himself in a spot to get another decision against him.
Both teams went up and down the pitch in the early going, but chances were a bit fewer and farther between. Manchester City got the first true test of the game. Simon Mignolet came up with a good kick save in the 20th minute. The Reds were lucky that David Silva smashed one over the bar on the rebound, otherwise they would have conceded the first of the game. That would become a theme.
Liverpool got the short end of the stick in the 18 yard box. They were denied on consecutive penalty decisions. The first one where Sadio Mane was taken down was probably not a penalty, but the second where Gregorio Wijnaldum probably was.
The Reds began to finally string some things together as the game continued on. Coutinho flashed one high and wide in the 35th minute. You knew he wanted it on his preferred right foot, but the defenders still fell for it anyway. Unfortunately, the finishing product was not there.
Then in the 40th minute the entire world thought it would surely end in a City goal. They got the ball down the left wing and sent in a fizzing low cross. Liverpool came up with the initial block and then a miss on the near side averted the danger.
Liverpool were awarded for their own efforts in the 50th minute. Firmino was in the box and the defender put his foot up under his armpit. The announcers said it was no penalty since they got the ball, but it ended in a penalty goal for James Milner.
The Reds had opportunities to put the game to bed, but failed to do so and that cost them in the end. Roberto Firmino was denied on the break in the 61st minute.
Sergio Aguero made the Reds pay for their lack of finishing and tied it up in the 69th minute. City had been flashing crosses across the face of goal all game long and finally hit pay dirt.
Liverpool wasted another opportunity in the 72nd minute. Adam Lallana had it just outside the box and laid it off to the side instead of taking a shooting chance. Then Firmino shot it off the side netting instead of sliding one back across.
The misses kept on coming and got even worse in the way they happened. Lallana absolutely butchered the game winning chance and just caught it with his studs. It was a beautifully weighted ball by Emre Can over the top and then laid back to a waiting Lallana. Instead of just tucking it in, he managed to almost completely whiff on it, sending fans into a frenzy but not the good kind.
Aguero sent a volley over the bar in stoppage time, further sending Liverpool hearts into their throats. Fortunately, when the final whistle came it finished a draw.
The game was disappointing in the fact that that both teams missed so many opportunities to take the winner. However, a draw was probably a fair result given that both teams benefited from calls or non-calls from the ref and missed chances.
Liverpool missed out on a chance to leapfrog City in the table. Still, the point gives them a four point cushion over Manchester United, so it was not a failed chance in the grand scheme of things.
Random Thoughts:
- Going back to the penalty call, I found it hard to believe all the NBC broadcasters felt it was not a penalty. I understand both are former defenders, but you cannot throw your foot up at face level of an attacking player and think you won't get something called on you. There was contact, it was from behind and it was reckless. Touching the ball first has nothing to do with it.
- As an official myself, another phrase I'm tired of is having to get control of the game. No official has ever thought to themselves they needed to let a game get out of hand. You take each situation as it comes and try to call it as best you can. It's a no win scenario as fans don't like it when you call a ticky-tac foul just to "get the game back under control" and yellow cards don't have the effect everyone thinks they do. So, the official can only try to take each foul situation as it comes.
- Where on Earth is Daniel Sturridge? I understand he's injured, but how can the guy continuously pick up injury in practice? Why does he seem to have fallen so far out of favor as well? It's kind of a sad end to what could have been a great career since you can't see him lasting much longer in a red shirt.
- I try to be a live and let live type person. However, it is satisfying seeing Raheem Sterling continue to falter against his old team. I still believe he would have been better off staying in Liverpool for his game, but his pocketbook says otherwise so you can't fault him too much.
Walk On
The game opened up with a rather furious pace and never really calmed down. Liverpool got into the book first, but not the one they wanted. Roberto Firmino got a yellow card in the first quarter hour, that put him behind the eight ball. Fortunately he never found himself in a spot to get another decision against him.
Both teams went up and down the pitch in the early going, but chances were a bit fewer and farther between. Manchester City got the first true test of the game. Simon Mignolet came up with a good kick save in the 20th minute. The Reds were lucky that David Silva smashed one over the bar on the rebound, otherwise they would have conceded the first of the game. That would become a theme.
Liverpool got the short end of the stick in the 18 yard box. They were denied on consecutive penalty decisions. The first one where Sadio Mane was taken down was probably not a penalty, but the second where Gregorio Wijnaldum probably was.
The Reds began to finally string some things together as the game continued on. Coutinho flashed one high and wide in the 35th minute. You knew he wanted it on his preferred right foot, but the defenders still fell for it anyway. Unfortunately, the finishing product was not there.
Then in the 40th minute the entire world thought it would surely end in a City goal. They got the ball down the left wing and sent in a fizzing low cross. Liverpool came up with the initial block and then a miss on the near side averted the danger.
Liverpool were awarded for their own efforts in the 50th minute. Firmino was in the box and the defender put his foot up under his armpit. The announcers said it was no penalty since they got the ball, but it ended in a penalty goal for James Milner.
The Reds had opportunities to put the game to bed, but failed to do so and that cost them in the end. Roberto Firmino was denied on the break in the 61st minute.
Sergio Aguero made the Reds pay for their lack of finishing and tied it up in the 69th minute. City had been flashing crosses across the face of goal all game long and finally hit pay dirt.
Liverpool wasted another opportunity in the 72nd minute. Adam Lallana had it just outside the box and laid it off to the side instead of taking a shooting chance. Then Firmino shot it off the side netting instead of sliding one back across.
The misses kept on coming and got even worse in the way they happened. Lallana absolutely butchered the game winning chance and just caught it with his studs. It was a beautifully weighted ball by Emre Can over the top and then laid back to a waiting Lallana. Instead of just tucking it in, he managed to almost completely whiff on it, sending fans into a frenzy but not the good kind.
Aguero sent a volley over the bar in stoppage time, further sending Liverpool hearts into their throats. Fortunately, when the final whistle came it finished a draw.
The game was disappointing in the fact that that both teams missed so many opportunities to take the winner. However, a draw was probably a fair result given that both teams benefited from calls or non-calls from the ref and missed chances.
Liverpool missed out on a chance to leapfrog City in the table. Still, the point gives them a four point cushion over Manchester United, so it was not a failed chance in the grand scheme of things.
Random Thoughts:
- Going back to the penalty call, I found it hard to believe all the NBC broadcasters felt it was not a penalty. I understand both are former defenders, but you cannot throw your foot up at face level of an attacking player and think you won't get something called on you. There was contact, it was from behind and it was reckless. Touching the ball first has nothing to do with it.
- As an official myself, another phrase I'm tired of is having to get control of the game. No official has ever thought to themselves they needed to let a game get out of hand. You take each situation as it comes and try to call it as best you can. It's a no win scenario as fans don't like it when you call a ticky-tac foul just to "get the game back under control" and yellow cards don't have the effect everyone thinks they do. So, the official can only try to take each foul situation as it comes.
- Where on Earth is Daniel Sturridge? I understand he's injured, but how can the guy continuously pick up injury in practice? Why does he seem to have fallen so far out of favor as well? It's kind of a sad end to what could have been a great career since you can't see him lasting much longer in a red shirt.
- I try to be a live and let live type person. However, it is satisfying seeing Raheem Sterling continue to falter against his old team. I still believe he would have been better off staying in Liverpool for his game, but his pocketbook says otherwise so you can't fault him too much.
Walk On
Saturday, March 4, 2017
Liverpool Should Play Arsenal Every Day
Liverpool came into their match against perennial top-four candidate Arsenal needing a result, particularly a win. While there was plenty of reason to think they would be able to get it, there were reasons to doubt whether it would happen too.
Fortunately, the Reds came to play and the Gunners stayed away. Liverpool put out a much more balanced side, with no less focus on attack.
After my own claims about the intelligence behind starting Lucas at center back (yes, I'm taking credit), the Reds put in Ragnar Klavan. It may not have had an immediate impact as Liverpool still look shaky on the counter, but it did have a calming effect on the team.
Liverpool looked much more focused and streamlined on their attacks, right from the get go. They came out and took the game to Arsenal and were rewarded for their efforts.
Even more impressive than Liverpool's intensity was the crispness of their attack. Not only did they score nice goals, but the plays that led up to each goal were discussion worthy as well.
Roberto Firmino put Liverpool ahead just nine minutes into the game. The buildup was just as satisfying as the finish.
Coming off a Simon Mignolet kick, the ball took a bounce through the midfield. Coutinho just flicked it to the right for Sadio Mane. Mane's speed allowed him to gain enough space for, admittedly, an awkward cross. However it found it's way to Firmino, who kept his composure and allowed the goalkeeper and defenders to fall like bowling pins in front of him.
The game stayed close until the 40th minute when Mane would get his just-desserts.
The Reds had an even better team performance in getting the season sweep over Arsenal. The offense was not as strong, but it did not need to be.
With the exception of Arsenal's initial boost from the substitute of Alexis Sanchez, Liverpool dominated the midfield. Liverpool did not have to do a ton of defending, but they looked pretty comfortable in most situations where they did. Mignolet was not called on to save the team's butts like in previous games.
It was a fun game to watch and, win or lose, that has not always been the case in recent times. Now, if the team could just bottle up these efforts and apply it to the teams mid-table and below.
Random Thoughts:
- It's fun to consider ourselves the third place team in the league, but it is hard to do so. We are currently even on points with Manchester City and they have two games in hand. More importantly, it gets the team into the top four though, where they are now two points up on Arsenal.
- Any suggestions on other suggestions I should make for the team? Clearly they listened and put Klavan in and that seemed to help, so I have all the power now.
- This is generally a Liverpool blog, but what is up with Arsenal sitting Sanchez? The guy is leading the league in goals. We will take it, but it was definitely a head scratcher.
- On a side note, nobody reading this will get it likely, but my wife apparently thinks Jurgen Klopp looks like Principal Brown from The Amazing World of Gumball. I don't know about her sometimes.
Fortunately, the Reds came to play and the Gunners stayed away. Liverpool put out a much more balanced side, with no less focus on attack.
After my own claims about the intelligence behind starting Lucas at center back (yes, I'm taking credit), the Reds put in Ragnar Klavan. It may not have had an immediate impact as Liverpool still look shaky on the counter, but it did have a calming effect on the team.
Liverpool looked much more focused and streamlined on their attacks, right from the get go. They came out and took the game to Arsenal and were rewarded for their efforts.
Even more impressive than Liverpool's intensity was the crispness of their attack. Not only did they score nice goals, but the plays that led up to each goal were discussion worthy as well.
Roberto Firmino put Liverpool ahead just nine minutes into the game. The buildup was just as satisfying as the finish.
Coming off a Simon Mignolet kick, the ball took a bounce through the midfield. Coutinho just flicked it to the right for Sadio Mane. Mane's speed allowed him to gain enough space for, admittedly, an awkward cross. However it found it's way to Firmino, who kept his composure and allowed the goalkeeper and defenders to fall like bowling pins in front of him.
The game stayed close until the 40th minute when Mane would get his just-desserts.
Mane's finish was fine, but again the buildup was just as good. Liverpool worked it up the left this time, pinged some passes around the box and then found a wide-open Mane on the back door. It was a sight. Also, it was not the first time the prolific winger stung the Gunners.2-0 MANE!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/LvnefERe9b— Liverpool Gifs (@LiverpoolGifs) March 4, 2017
The way the game played out, you honestly wish this year's Liverpool could play Arsenal every game. Granted, the first game was too close at 4-3 but Liverpool came out and played masterfully offensively (if not defensively).Sadio Mané goal vs Arsenal at the start of the season 🔥👊 #LFC pic.twitter.com/0iG26LrdJm— Anything Liverpool (@Anything_LFC) March 4, 2017
The Reds had an even better team performance in getting the season sweep over Arsenal. The offense was not as strong, but it did not need to be.
With the exception of Arsenal's initial boost from the substitute of Alexis Sanchez, Liverpool dominated the midfield. Liverpool did not have to do a ton of defending, but they looked pretty comfortable in most situations where they did. Mignolet was not called on to save the team's butts like in previous games.
It was a fun game to watch and, win or lose, that has not always been the case in recent times. Now, if the team could just bottle up these efforts and apply it to the teams mid-table and below.
Random Thoughts:
- It's fun to consider ourselves the third place team in the league, but it is hard to do so. We are currently even on points with Manchester City and they have two games in hand. More importantly, it gets the team into the top four though, where they are now two points up on Arsenal.
- Any suggestions on other suggestions I should make for the team? Clearly they listened and put Klavan in and that seemed to help, so I have all the power now.
- This is generally a Liverpool blog, but what is up with Arsenal sitting Sanchez? The guy is leading the league in goals. We will take it, but it was definitely a head scratcher.
- On a side note, nobody reading this will get it likely, but my wife apparently thinks Jurgen Klopp looks like Principal Brown from The Amazing World of Gumball. I don't know about her sometimes.
Monday, February 27, 2017
Liverpool Countered To Death By Leicester
After a lengthy break (around 16 days), Liverpool returned to action. They seemed to have everything set up for a victory but that's why we play the games.
Liverpool was going up against Leicester. The Reds had their form back with a strong win over Tottenham, Leicester was reeling from the unpopular firing of Claudio Ranieri and the Foxes had not scored a Premier League goal in 2017.
All set up for Liverpool right? Not so fast my friend.
The Foxes came out with a lot of energy in the first few moments. Liverpool looked shaky on the backline and just a step slow. Their goalkeeper kept them into the contest with a couple early saves, but it would not last long enough.
Liverpool's defensive lapses were clear when Leicester scored the opening goal in the 28th minute. Lucas, who has played valiantly but is not a defender, was charged with marking Jamie Vardy. However, he was shoulder to shoulder with the striker as the through ball was played and Vardy scored on a breakaway with, really, only Simon Mignolet to beat.
Liverpool did not hang their heads. They almost came up with a moment of brilliance just a short time later. Coutinho was denied the equalizer only a minute or so later when Kasper Schmeichel made himself big, diving to stop the Brazilian's one timer.
Despite the Reds dominance through midfield, they could not really spring things on the attack. That left too much room for the Foxes to feel they were in the game. The Liverpool defensive woes continued as well.
In the 40th minute, the Reds failed to fully clear the ball from the penalty area. Liverpool looked lost when defending their own 18 yard box and Danny Drinkwater managed to make them pay. With the ball falling perfectly to him, he volleyed it from about 22 yards and curled it perfectly into the side netting.
Unfortunately for Liverpool, the Foxes looked like the team that won the 2016 Premier League title as opposed to the team that was in danger of being relegated. Liverpool came through the tunnel to open the second half with spirit, but spirit does not win games alone.
At one point, the Reds had 79% of the possession. They were pressing up the field and trying to probe the defense. They could not find a hole though.
Like the previous season, Leicester were not interested in playing an open game once they had a solid lead. The Foxes had plenty of players back to defend each push up the field. Then Leicester poached another one.
Against the run of play, a cross found Vardy. Vardy headed it home for his second of the game and a 3-0 lead with less than 30 minutes to go.
Liverpool tried some things, including some subs and brief formation changes. None of it was enough though.
There were bright spots. A bit of brilliance with some solid passing along the left and a good run by Emre Can was finished off by Coutinho. The forward's first goal in 16 games made the score 3-1.
In the end there was not enough moments of brilliance by the Reds. Schmeichel made some good saves to deny Liverpool any attempts at a comeback, but you just never felt like it was going to happen.
From a neutral perspective, it was a fine game to behold. There was solid defending, good countering and enough offense to keep even borderline fans entertained. Even as a non-neutral, it was hard not be taken in by the storyline of it all, especially with the fans salute to Ranieri.
From a Liverpool perspective, it was a disappointing performance. Even with a manager as good as Jurgen Klopp, this team continues to come out flat at the most random times. You can chalk it up to the time off, but that's no excuse.
Liverpool must find a way to defend better even when they have the current players on the field. The Reds have to be more cognizant of counter attacks, because that has almost crept up to a level spot with set pieces as the team's biggest weakness.
The Reds could have lept over Arsenal back into the top four. Now they remain a point behind with the Gunners having a chance to push the gap to four with a game in hand. Fortunately, Liverpool face Arsenal next and can keep their fate in their own hands.
Random Thoughts:
- Where is Ragnar Klavan? I appreciate the talents of Lucas and James Milner, but you cannot have two midfielders comprising the left side of your defense? Liverpool brought this guy in and it seems hard to imagine that even a young central defender is not preferable to a midfielder out of position. Who knew that we would all be clamoring for Dejan Lovren.
- As far as I'm concerned, the biggest issue missing from Liverpool after their break, other than the speed level, was killer instinct. Possession does not mean a thing if you can't finish. Liverpool seemed hesitant to let fly in an attempt to keep pushing further or find that extra bit of space that never materialized. The Reds are at their best when they feel free to have a go from anywhere.
- I mentioned it above, but it bares repeating - Liverpool have to keep counterattacks to a minimum. It's impossible to have none, especially against good teams. Still, when the Reds did enough through the flow of the game to earn some points but looked absolutely lost at times when Leicester flung balls over the top, it's a big problem.
Walk On
Liverpool was going up against Leicester. The Reds had their form back with a strong win over Tottenham, Leicester was reeling from the unpopular firing of Claudio Ranieri and the Foxes had not scored a Premier League goal in 2017.
All set up for Liverpool right? Not so fast my friend.
The Foxes came out with a lot of energy in the first few moments. Liverpool looked shaky on the backline and just a step slow. Their goalkeeper kept them into the contest with a couple early saves, but it would not last long enough.
Liverpool's defensive lapses were clear when Leicester scored the opening goal in the 28th minute. Lucas, who has played valiantly but is not a defender, was charged with marking Jamie Vardy. However, he was shoulder to shoulder with the striker as the through ball was played and Vardy scored on a breakaway with, really, only Simon Mignolet to beat.
Liverpool did not hang their heads. They almost came up with a moment of brilliance just a short time later. Coutinho was denied the equalizer only a minute or so later when Kasper Schmeichel made himself big, diving to stop the Brazilian's one timer.
Despite the Reds dominance through midfield, they could not really spring things on the attack. That left too much room for the Foxes to feel they were in the game. The Liverpool defensive woes continued as well.
In the 40th minute, the Reds failed to fully clear the ball from the penalty area. Liverpool looked lost when defending their own 18 yard box and Danny Drinkwater managed to make them pay. With the ball falling perfectly to him, he volleyed it from about 22 yards and curled it perfectly into the side netting.
Unfortunately for Liverpool, the Foxes looked like the team that won the 2016 Premier League title as opposed to the team that was in danger of being relegated. Liverpool came through the tunnel to open the second half with spirit, but spirit does not win games alone.
At one point, the Reds had 79% of the possession. They were pressing up the field and trying to probe the defense. They could not find a hole though.
Like the previous season, Leicester were not interested in playing an open game once they had a solid lead. The Foxes had plenty of players back to defend each push up the field. Then Leicester poached another one.
Against the run of play, a cross found Vardy. Vardy headed it home for his second of the game and a 3-0 lead with less than 30 minutes to go.
Liverpool tried some things, including some subs and brief formation changes. None of it was enough though.
There were bright spots. A bit of brilliance with some solid passing along the left and a good run by Emre Can was finished off by Coutinho. The forward's first goal in 16 games made the score 3-1.
In the end there was not enough moments of brilliance by the Reds. Schmeichel made some good saves to deny Liverpool any attempts at a comeback, but you just never felt like it was going to happen.
From a neutral perspective, it was a fine game to behold. There was solid defending, good countering and enough offense to keep even borderline fans entertained. Even as a non-neutral, it was hard not be taken in by the storyline of it all, especially with the fans salute to Ranieri.
From a Liverpool perspective, it was a disappointing performance. Even with a manager as good as Jurgen Klopp, this team continues to come out flat at the most random times. You can chalk it up to the time off, but that's no excuse.
Liverpool must find a way to defend better even when they have the current players on the field. The Reds have to be more cognizant of counter attacks, because that has almost crept up to a level spot with set pieces as the team's biggest weakness.
The Reds could have lept over Arsenal back into the top four. Now they remain a point behind with the Gunners having a chance to push the gap to four with a game in hand. Fortunately, Liverpool face Arsenal next and can keep their fate in their own hands.
Random Thoughts:
- Where is Ragnar Klavan? I appreciate the talents of Lucas and James Milner, but you cannot have two midfielders comprising the left side of your defense? Liverpool brought this guy in and it seems hard to imagine that even a young central defender is not preferable to a midfielder out of position. Who knew that we would all be clamoring for Dejan Lovren.
- As far as I'm concerned, the biggest issue missing from Liverpool after their break, other than the speed level, was killer instinct. Possession does not mean a thing if you can't finish. Liverpool seemed hesitant to let fly in an attempt to keep pushing further or find that extra bit of space that never materialized. The Reds are at their best when they feel free to have a go from anywhere.
- I mentioned it above, but it bares repeating - Liverpool have to keep counterattacks to a minimum. It's impossible to have none, especially against good teams. Still, when the Reds did enough through the flow of the game to earn some points but looked absolutely lost at times when Leicester flung balls over the top, it's a big problem.
Walk On
Saturday, February 11, 2017
Real Liverpool Finally Show Up In 2017
Liverpool FC entered their pivotal clash with Tottenham on the wrong side of a streak. The Reds had a skid of three games without a win.
Additionally, they had only won one game since the start of the calendar year. They had looked solid in a couple of those matches, but things just were not going well by the final whistle blow.
So, it was important that Liverpool got off to a good start to get things rolling downhill instead of the usual uphill battle. That's exactly what happened in this instance, setting Anfield alight.
It was the player that had been missing in many of those matches that got things rolling. Sadio Mane scored in the 16th minute with a nice finish. After a great ball from the midfield, Mane used his speed to get through on a breakaway, cut back toward his right in the penalty box and tucked it past Hugo Lloris.
That goal was enough to get us all excited about the other 74 minutes, but we did not have to wait for long for another. It was Mane again in the 18th minute.
This time Liverpool came in force together. A shot from the right was initially saved from Lloris. The rebound came to the middle and the Spurs goalkeeper slid out to make another important stop. He could not control the rebound a second time and Mane was Johnny on the Spot from the left to bang it past and into the net to make it 2-0.
Mane almost had his third only moments later. Again coming down the right side, it appeared as though he got it through the goakeeper's legs and into the net. Unfortunately for those watching on television, it had just hit the side netting as Lloris barely got a leg on it as it went through the wickets.
As the game went on, Spurs got their way into it a bit more. Liverpool were a little lax on the backside and that allowed Tottenham a few chances. You almost got the feeling a goal before the half was coming. It never materialized.
The game settled in during the second half. Both teams pressed forward and created a chance here or there, but overall the game had calmed down quite a bit.
Coutinho missed a decent chance in the 74th minute. He slid it between the defender's leg, but it flashed wide of the left post.
Overall, it was an uneventful second 45. Other than the odd chance here or there the only things hitting the radar were potential injuries. Mane slipped on the warning track and appeared to tweak something for a moment. After that Adam Lallana got shaken up just moments later.
In the end, the victory was attained and that is what is most important. Liverpool needed a win and one against one of the big boys.
The Reds also temporarily jumped back into the top four. They are currently tied in points with Manchester City, who have a game in hand. However, Liverpool are now just one point back of the Spurs for second in the league.
It appears as though nobody will stay consistent enough to catch Chelsea. So, staying in the top four is the key issue right now and the Reds took a nice step to keep that focus alive.
Random Thoughts:
- To see Liverpool play so well against the team currently in second in the table is actually somewhat frustrating. It's great to see on the day, but it becomes sad that Liverpool can play so well against the top teams and have some of their worst games against the bottom feeders.
- At least the Reds can focus completely on the league right now. The Cup competitions were a distraction and while nobody wanted them to crash out of both, the Reds have no excuses going forward. It's league or nothing.
- As fans, we should savor the season because the summer is too long. However, this team needs to find some depth. I love James Milner and Lucas as players and admire their spirit for stepping into whatever role is asked of them. However, Liverpool cannot expect to keep winning and contending if they have midfield players in defender's roles. The Reds need players true to their position going forward.
Walk On
Additionally, they had only won one game since the start of the calendar year. They had looked solid in a couple of those matches, but things just were not going well by the final whistle blow.
So, it was important that Liverpool got off to a good start to get things rolling downhill instead of the usual uphill battle. That's exactly what happened in this instance, setting Anfield alight.
It was the player that had been missing in many of those matches that got things rolling. Sadio Mane scored in the 16th minute with a nice finish. After a great ball from the midfield, Mane used his speed to get through on a breakaway, cut back toward his right in the penalty box and tucked it past Hugo Lloris.
That goal was enough to get us all excited about the other 74 minutes, but we did not have to wait for long for another. It was Mane again in the 18th minute.
This time Liverpool came in force together. A shot from the right was initially saved from Lloris. The rebound came to the middle and the Spurs goalkeeper slid out to make another important stop. He could not control the rebound a second time and Mane was Johnny on the Spot from the left to bang it past and into the net to make it 2-0.
Mane almost had his third only moments later. Again coming down the right side, it appeared as though he got it through the goakeeper's legs and into the net. Unfortunately for those watching on television, it had just hit the side netting as Lloris barely got a leg on it as it went through the wickets.
As the game went on, Spurs got their way into it a bit more. Liverpool were a little lax on the backside and that allowed Tottenham a few chances. You almost got the feeling a goal before the half was coming. It never materialized.
The game settled in during the second half. Both teams pressed forward and created a chance here or there, but overall the game had calmed down quite a bit.
Coutinho missed a decent chance in the 74th minute. He slid it between the defender's leg, but it flashed wide of the left post.
Overall, it was an uneventful second 45. Other than the odd chance here or there the only things hitting the radar were potential injuries. Mane slipped on the warning track and appeared to tweak something for a moment. After that Adam Lallana got shaken up just moments later.
In the end, the victory was attained and that is what is most important. Liverpool needed a win and one against one of the big boys.
The Reds also temporarily jumped back into the top four. They are currently tied in points with Manchester City, who have a game in hand. However, Liverpool are now just one point back of the Spurs for second in the league.
It appears as though nobody will stay consistent enough to catch Chelsea. So, staying in the top four is the key issue right now and the Reds took a nice step to keep that focus alive.
Random Thoughts:
- To see Liverpool play so well against the team currently in second in the table is actually somewhat frustrating. It's great to see on the day, but it becomes sad that Liverpool can play so well against the top teams and have some of their worst games against the bottom feeders.
- At least the Reds can focus completely on the league right now. The Cup competitions were a distraction and while nobody wanted them to crash out of both, the Reds have no excuses going forward. It's league or nothing.
- As fans, we should savor the season because the summer is too long. However, this team needs to find some depth. I love James Milner and Lucas as players and admire their spirit for stepping into whatever role is asked of them. However, Liverpool cannot expect to keep winning and contending if they have midfield players in defender's roles. The Reds need players true to their position going forward.
Walk On
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
Liverpool's Cup Conundrum Continues
Liverpool faced one of the glaring problems they are currently having with cup competitions. The problem is they are still in all of them. The question is whether or not that is a good thing.
As fans, we all love to see Liverpool Football Club as much as we can. Those of us with odd work schedules or commitments elsewhere are especially appreciative to have extra chances to see live games when it is difficult to get an eyeball on the league matches.
With that in mind, we have to be a little more pragmatic when it comes to the priorities. Fans and players, alike, want silverware. The EFL Cup (formerly Capital One Cup) might have the least prestige, but it would still be a trophy.
On the same line of thinking, the FA Cup is nowhere near what it once was. Liverpool themselves proved that with the lineup they used in the first leg against Plymouth.
The average age of the players on the pitch during that game was barely over 20 and that was including players like Lucas, who is in his 30's. Liverpool went with a bit more of an evenly spread lineup in the replay, but you are still giving younger players plenty of looks in these games.
The problem becomes how you deal with it. Some are fine going with nothing but youth to get them experience and exposure at the expense of the result. Others want a full effort to be put into every single match, regardless of opponent.
That puts managers in a precarious position. Jurgen Klopp himself has basically said they want to win every time out. His team sheet does not always reflect that, but Liverpool have not shown any indication of "purposely" dropping a match to save legs for other competitions.
Call it crazy, but we've seen other clubs cleverly put out a squad they knew would likely not pick up a win in cup games. The idea is if they win they get experience and if they lose, that is one less fixture to worry about on the schedule.
The problem becomes the no-win scenario these games present. If you put out a strong team and lose, you are blasted for it. If you put up a strong team and win, people wonder if you are overexposing them to fatigue. The opposite is true as well.
Put out a weak team and fans question your willingness to win. Put out a weak team and win and you get no credit as manager or player because you're the bigger club.
So, Liverpool were left to wonder what to do against Plymouth Argyle. Their kids could not break down the battle tested, fourth-tier team.
What do you do in the replay? Play the same team and hope or use the regulars and win?
Klopp went for both. We saw a starting lineup with players like Lucas, Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi and Coutinho. They were mixed in with several prospects including youngster Ben Woodburn and then Harry Wilson in the second half.
The game opened up lively enough. Liverpool even broke the deadlock with the most unlikely person imaginable.
Lucas, who had not scored in seven years, put the first goal of the game in. With the cross coming from the left, Lucas ran to the near post and rewarded his efforts with a slick header that curled inside the post and past the keeper.
Unfortunately, the mixture of experience and youth looked just like that the rest of the match. The game remained 1-0 well into the latter stages of the game and you could tell the squad on the field did not have much experience with each other.
Loris Karius was called into action far too often for a match against a fourth level team, regardless of which players were on. He was still a little shaky, but it was enough to keep out the shots he should have.
Liverpool were fortunate much of the match though too. A shot in the 75th minute clattered off the post after a volley from Jake Jervis.
The Reds did themselves no favors either. Sturridge missed a good chance midway through the second half. Liverpool were also gifted a penalty in the 87th minute only to see Origi side foot it right into the goalkeeper.
In the end, none of it mattered. Lucas' goal held up the entire way and Liverpool won to make it to the fourth round of the FA Cup.
The issue now is whether that is a good thing. As mentioned, we all want to see the club do well, but are more games good when Liverpool's league form is slipping a bit?
As a fan, we don't understand fatigue the way players do. We see they are not having to play in Europe, so who cares about a few cup games?
Well, when the squad is only so deep, it can make a difference. For now, we should all be happy that Liverpool is good enough to keep pressing on.
If the Reds can continue to use their youth in these games and win, then so be it. It's good to get them time on a bigger stage.
We can only hope that these cup games don't complicate matters to the point where the Reds miss out on the top four. We don't want to be Arsenal, where top four is our only concern, but it would be a step in the right direction if the Reds cannot catch Chelsea.
As fans, we all love to see Liverpool Football Club as much as we can. Those of us with odd work schedules or commitments elsewhere are especially appreciative to have extra chances to see live games when it is difficult to get an eyeball on the league matches.
With that in mind, we have to be a little more pragmatic when it comes to the priorities. Fans and players, alike, want silverware. The EFL Cup (formerly Capital One Cup) might have the least prestige, but it would still be a trophy.
On the same line of thinking, the FA Cup is nowhere near what it once was. Liverpool themselves proved that with the lineup they used in the first leg against Plymouth.
The average age of the players on the pitch during that game was barely over 20 and that was including players like Lucas, who is in his 30's. Liverpool went with a bit more of an evenly spread lineup in the replay, but you are still giving younger players plenty of looks in these games.
The problem becomes how you deal with it. Some are fine going with nothing but youth to get them experience and exposure at the expense of the result. Others want a full effort to be put into every single match, regardless of opponent.
That puts managers in a precarious position. Jurgen Klopp himself has basically said they want to win every time out. His team sheet does not always reflect that, but Liverpool have not shown any indication of "purposely" dropping a match to save legs for other competitions.
Call it crazy, but we've seen other clubs cleverly put out a squad they knew would likely not pick up a win in cup games. The idea is if they win they get experience and if they lose, that is one less fixture to worry about on the schedule.
The problem becomes the no-win scenario these games present. If you put out a strong team and lose, you are blasted for it. If you put up a strong team and win, people wonder if you are overexposing them to fatigue. The opposite is true as well.
Put out a weak team and fans question your willingness to win. Put out a weak team and win and you get no credit as manager or player because you're the bigger club.
So, Liverpool were left to wonder what to do against Plymouth Argyle. Their kids could not break down the battle tested, fourth-tier team.
What do you do in the replay? Play the same team and hope or use the regulars and win?
Klopp went for both. We saw a starting lineup with players like Lucas, Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi and Coutinho. They were mixed in with several prospects including youngster Ben Woodburn and then Harry Wilson in the second half.
The game opened up lively enough. Liverpool even broke the deadlock with the most unlikely person imaginable.
Lucas, who had not scored in seven years, put the first goal of the game in. With the cross coming from the left, Lucas ran to the near post and rewarded his efforts with a slick header that curled inside the post and past the keeper.
Unfortunately, the mixture of experience and youth looked just like that the rest of the match. The game remained 1-0 well into the latter stages of the game and you could tell the squad on the field did not have much experience with each other.
Loris Karius was called into action far too often for a match against a fourth level team, regardless of which players were on. He was still a little shaky, but it was enough to keep out the shots he should have.
Liverpool were fortunate much of the match though too. A shot in the 75th minute clattered off the post after a volley from Jake Jervis.
The Reds did themselves no favors either. Sturridge missed a good chance midway through the second half. Liverpool were also gifted a penalty in the 87th minute only to see Origi side foot it right into the goalkeeper.
In the end, none of it mattered. Lucas' goal held up the entire way and Liverpool won to make it to the fourth round of the FA Cup.
The issue now is whether that is a good thing. As mentioned, we all want to see the club do well, but are more games good when Liverpool's league form is slipping a bit?
As a fan, we don't understand fatigue the way players do. We see they are not having to play in Europe, so who cares about a few cup games?
Well, when the squad is only so deep, it can make a difference. For now, we should all be happy that Liverpool is good enough to keep pressing on.
If the Reds can continue to use their youth in these games and win, then so be it. It's good to get them time on a bigger stage.
We can only hope that these cup games don't complicate matters to the point where the Reds miss out on the top four. We don't want to be Arsenal, where top four is our only concern, but it would be a step in the right direction if the Reds cannot catch Chelsea.
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
Liverpool Open Shakily And Then Find Their Footing Against Stoke
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
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
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
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