Liverpool took on the Bolton Wanderers in an FA Cup rematch on Wednesday. It was a match that on the surface looked like nothing but a negative. Liverpool needed to focus on keeping their league form together, with a chance at a top four spot more alive than ever given the return of Daniel Sturridge. The replay was a match that appeared like nothing but a waste of resources. A game that, even if won, proved that the Reds did not have enough quality to dispatch of Bolton at Anfield. A game that would tire legs if no squad changes were made or disrupt team chemistry if changes were made.
Even once the game began, those things were still at the surface. Once the game finished, however, it was a different story. Liverpool began the match with a reasonably familiar squad with Adam Lallana, Lazar Markovic and Joe Allen really being the only changes from the weekly team.
The Reds came out and strung passes together. They limited chances. They pushed forward. However, as has been the case multiple times this season, they failed to really create solid scoring chances in the first half. It has been an ongoing theme that can be solved with a consistently healthy Daniel Sturridge, but only time can prove that true or untrue. Defensively, Liverpool did enough to quell any uprisings from the Bolton offense but they still have not instilled a great confidence within the supporters.
This was further proved when Martin Skrtel lunged in and was called for a penalty. Firstly, I don't think it was a penalty. I've seen many worse things happen in the penalty box and not get called. However, whether you or I think it was a penalty or not is immaterial. The bottom line is that Skrtel put himself in a position where the official was given the opportunity to decide. Skrtel is a fine defender as is Sakho. Emre Can is a decent defender in matches such as these. When faced with top talents, that has yet to be proven for sure. Unfortunately as a unit, there are too many times when they put themselves in poor places on the field.
Whether it was a penalty or not, Liverpool put themselves behind the eight ball early in the second half and things looked bleak even when they looked positive. Eidur Gudjohnsen made easy work of the penalty and it looked like Bolton would make that scoreline hold up. Liverpool pushed forward, seeing that Bolton was going to do nothing but defend. Can even moved up into a holding midfield role, reducing Liverpool's backline to two. For a long time, it seemed as though even the all out attack coupled with being a man up would not yield the goal.
Make no mistake, Brendan Rodgers went for it in this match. Every substitution was made for attack. Even placing Jordan Henderson in at holding midfield was done with attack in mind. The move actually, although briefly, placed Steven Gerrard as part of the attacking three. Fabio Borini was inserted after that and finally Daniel Sturridge got his first taste of FA Cup action this year. Liverpool bombed forward and threw everything at the goal.
Raheem Sterling chipped one off the post, Can slapped one off the crossbar and it just seemed as though Liverpool would not find that final magic moment to keep them in the match. However, Can would not be denied. Though he would not factor onto the sheet as the goal scorer, his ball through to Sterling was nothing short of fantastic. A lovely lofted ball, reminiscent of the ball tossed to Fabian Johnson just before the US Soccer team left for the World Cup. It would take a good finish from Sterling to prevent it from being just a good pass, but ultimately it was a world-class play that knotted up the game for the Reds.
Liverpool took a firm grasp on the match from there. It seemed as though Liverpool were destined to be winners at that point, whether in extra time or a late winner. In the end, the Reds would get the latter. Phillipe Coutinho took a wicked shot from just outside the box and though it looked to be sailing high, it had a beautiful dip and knicked in just off the crossbar.
It was an interesting goal from multiple facets. Firstly, Coutinho had been trying similar chances throughout the game, with none coming off obviously. It was something he needed to keep up his confidence. It came at a great time for the club, because win or lose, playing extra time may have been the worst case scenario. With an important league match against crosstown rival Everton on the weekend, using up more precious minutes on the legs would have been just short of a disaster. This goal prevented that. Beyond that though, it instilled a belief back in the supporters that this FA Cup is important and has value.
Even in this space, it has been questioned whether putting a full squad out in a replay would be worth it. It was not ultimately clear if this venture was the best use of resources, given the problems the club have had, the number of games in front and the goals still attainable. However, with a performance such as this and a goal to win in the dying embers of the match it became evident that it was worth it. The FA Cup, at least for this club at this time, is worth putting your all into. The traveling fans obviously believed it. So should we all, now.
Liverpool still have tough roads ahead. Crystal Palace will be no pushover in the next round of the FA. The Reds have winnable but still important league matches coming up. They also have the Europa League beginning soon as well. Brendan Rodgers is going to earn his money in the months to come, deciding who plays and when and which competitions are viable. One can only hope it is more than just coincidence that a team known as the Reds will be playing at a Crystal Palace on Valentines' Day. Supporters hope it is an omen. We shall see.
Random Thoughts:
- When the season began, it was not very evident to yours truly why Fabio Borini could not get any time in the squad. As the season goes on, it is no longer evident why he is now chosen over his international compatriot, Mario Balotelli. Everyone has their opinion on either one, but from this perspective I really see no difference in the two of them other than "effort." I put that in quotes, because all it is is running for running's sake. Borini makes no difference in his time on the field. He doesn't make a positive impact at all. Balotelli has decent foot skills and has lots of talent, but it has not been brought forth. People mainly fault him because he isn't running at all times. Borini has speed, but little else. His finishing is poor, his passing is poor but he runs. I just don't see it any longer.
- I'm a little surprised that Adam Lallana was brought off so early. I understand the rotation, to get Gerrard forward, but I'm curious as to why Allen was kept on so long.
- I think many supporters were hoping for additional ammo in the January window, but with the summer signings gelling very well with the squad - playing important roles in some cases - it probably was a good idea to keep the team as is.
Walk On
Showing posts with label Bolton Wanderers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bolton Wanderers. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Liverpool Face Replay After Drawing With The Wanderers
Before we get into the meat of this, I would like to say I appreciate Fox Sports broadcast of this FA Cup match. Most matches, you don't get to hear the crowd at Anfield sing You'll Never Walk Alone in full voice beforehand, but Fox allows the time before to hear the pageantry. Unless you're just a die hard rival of Liverpool, you have to get taken in by the entire stadium singing. Now then, on to the match.
Brendan Rodgers, again, proved that he's the manager and he'll make the decisions without the question of what others may think. While some may have advocated the inclusion of an actual striker or perhaps even a true center back, Rodgers went his own way. Even if you still want Sterling in the starting XI, you could argue that he should have played back in Coutinho or Lallana's spot. A spot Sterling will likely have to get used to once Daniel Sturridge finally returns. However, Rodgers' maligned favorites returned.
Glen Johnson, who has little if any fans left, got the start at right back. Emre Can moved to center, Sakho stayed on the left. Jose Enrique played at the wing along with Javier Manquillo. Not exactly the stuff of defensive legends and they looked equally shaky to begin the match. Liverpool would eventually take control about ten minutes in and keep control for much of the first half, but it was a first half performance that further proved this is a club that must look for more/better depth for future seasons. Joe Allen does what Allen does, which is disappear. The defensive three plus the wingbacks were decent enough for a match against Bolton, but if/when the competitions take on more meaning in the future years those pairings may not work.
Despite a very talented attacking three of Sterling, Lallana and Coutinho, the team lacked that decisive pass from the midfield or shot from the attackers. Lots of balls thrown forward with possession, but nothing from it once they were 18 yards from goal in the first half. Though they were clearly the more skilled side, Liverpool were actually lucky to be even at the half. Bolton, quite frankly, should have made the Reds pay about 13 minutes before the half. And absolute strike from Dean Moxey just outside the box skimmed barely wide. Mingolet was fortunate not to give the ball away right before halftime as well since he was a bit too adventurous out of his area.
Lazar Markovic checked in right at the beginning of the half, looking to spark the team. He almost did, but the Wanderers got away with a trip at the back on Markovic which would have allowed him a clear chance at goal. The foul was not given, but Liverpool had a small bit of justice done in return when Bolton air mailed their own free kick just moments after. The match went back and forth for the center portions of the second half. Liverpool forced a fine save only to see Bolton smash a chance wide that should have been put on target, just into the 60th minute and again by Gudjohnson in the 65th, this time whacked over.
The Reds just couldn't find that final ball from either a shot or pass to really put the match away. In the 66th minute, Sterling passed to Lallana instead of shooting. Slightly odd subs came on with the offensively challenged Lucas entering and Fabio Borini for Manquillo. But who moved to wing back? Sterling? It looked like it for a time. The Reds still managed to create good chances, but it really was a disjointed effort with the players on the pitch in odd positions. Borini was stopped by another great save in 70th minute and then Lucas actually got one on target in the dying moments, only to be parried away by the keeper.
Liverpool maintained a decent amount of possession. They kept their cool in a match where their EPL counterparts were falling by the wayside. They did have opportunities to score and they did what they needed to do defensively. By no means though, did they play a good game. Even the broadcasters said this squad reminded them more of the disjointed play of the Liverpool side seen back in November and prior. The back three as well as the wing backs did their job, but they looked shaky all game in doing so.
Can is a fine player, one who many hope will stay in a Liverpool shirt for years to come. However, he is not a center back. He can be utilized on the side of a back three, but having a player with huge defensive vulnerabilities and little, if any, aerial prowess in the middle of your defense is quite frightening. Allen is...well Allen. Jose Enrique is a decent player and qualified to start for lower level clubs but though he gives his best, it just isn't good enough on a regular basis. Jordan Henderson is another fine player, but he is quite inconsistent on the ball.
This was another match that makes you scratch your head. Liverpool can earn, and I do mean earn, a draw with Chelsea and then draw against Bolton and make it feel like a poor result. Given the context of many big clubs falling in the 4th round of the FA Cup, one can hang their hat on the idea that Liverpool is at least still alive. But you can also ask yourself if you would rather have lost. It goes against the very fiber of most fans, including myself. However, if you look at the cold hard facts does another match really benefit Liverpool at all even if they win?
The Reds have a difficult match with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge three days after this match. They have winnable, but important league matches to start off February and then begin their trek in the Europa League as well in February. Another 90 minutes of football on the legs isn't exactly beneficial to Liverpool's aims for the rest of the year. It is what it is though and the Reds have to find a way to deal with it. It is not something they anticipated, but with Chelsea and Manchester City out of the competition, perhaps the FA Cup can now join the Capital One Cup as a competition Liverpool can realistically set their sights on this season.
As previously mentioned, this match further proved just how much Liverpool needs to invest in more depth. I've gone on and on about the talent and potential within this team, but they just don't have enough talent to dominate teams the way a club of their stature should in these sorts of games. Yes, money has been spent but now the difficult decisions need to be made. Players need to be sold and replaced and solid, proven talent needs to be brought in to plug some of the gaps. This will surely not happen in January, but BR and the back room staff had better have a solid plan heading into the summer transfer window to keep this team on the uptick. Plenty of season left and silverware still on the table, but this was a relatively disappointing performance even if it did not eliminate the club. Walk on.
Random thoughts:
- I know I am in the minority, but I sincerely hope that Mario Balotelli does have a reported infection. Yes, they play a completely different position but the idea of Glen Johnson in the lineup and Balotelli not even a reserve puts quite a pit in my stomach.
- Eric Wynalda went down a few pegs in my book. After the match he said he watched the last 20 minutes without his glasses because Liverpool were so boring. The man is entitled to his opinion - and I did bag on the team in this blog - however boring seems a bit excessive. They had chances. Just don't have the offensive power to put them home.
- Funny how the entire ESPN FC staff was ripping on the FA Cup matchups being so bland and predictable. How'd that workout? Liverpool and Manchester United have replays and Chelsea and Man City are out. FA Cup might not be quite what it was, but the little teams still give their all.
- I'm pretty sure the broadcasters kept inquiring as to why Rickie Lambert wasn't coming in the match. The answer: Liverpool had already made all their subs. Being a broadcaster, it is easy to forget things but for both of them to forget and nobody in the stadium to tell them is slightly comical.
Brendan Rodgers, again, proved that he's the manager and he'll make the decisions without the question of what others may think. While some may have advocated the inclusion of an actual striker or perhaps even a true center back, Rodgers went his own way. Even if you still want Sterling in the starting XI, you could argue that he should have played back in Coutinho or Lallana's spot. A spot Sterling will likely have to get used to once Daniel Sturridge finally returns. However, Rodgers' maligned favorites returned.
Glen Johnson, who has little if any fans left, got the start at right back. Emre Can moved to center, Sakho stayed on the left. Jose Enrique played at the wing along with Javier Manquillo. Not exactly the stuff of defensive legends and they looked equally shaky to begin the match. Liverpool would eventually take control about ten minutes in and keep control for much of the first half, but it was a first half performance that further proved this is a club that must look for more/better depth for future seasons. Joe Allen does what Allen does, which is disappear. The defensive three plus the wingbacks were decent enough for a match against Bolton, but if/when the competitions take on more meaning in the future years those pairings may not work.
Despite a very talented attacking three of Sterling, Lallana and Coutinho, the team lacked that decisive pass from the midfield or shot from the attackers. Lots of balls thrown forward with possession, but nothing from it once they were 18 yards from goal in the first half. Though they were clearly the more skilled side, Liverpool were actually lucky to be even at the half. Bolton, quite frankly, should have made the Reds pay about 13 minutes before the half. And absolute strike from Dean Moxey just outside the box skimmed barely wide. Mingolet was fortunate not to give the ball away right before halftime as well since he was a bit too adventurous out of his area.
Lazar Markovic checked in right at the beginning of the half, looking to spark the team. He almost did, but the Wanderers got away with a trip at the back on Markovic which would have allowed him a clear chance at goal. The foul was not given, but Liverpool had a small bit of justice done in return when Bolton air mailed their own free kick just moments after. The match went back and forth for the center portions of the second half. Liverpool forced a fine save only to see Bolton smash a chance wide that should have been put on target, just into the 60th minute and again by Gudjohnson in the 65th, this time whacked over.
The Reds just couldn't find that final ball from either a shot or pass to really put the match away. In the 66th minute, Sterling passed to Lallana instead of shooting. Slightly odd subs came on with the offensively challenged Lucas entering and Fabio Borini for Manquillo. But who moved to wing back? Sterling? It looked like it for a time. The Reds still managed to create good chances, but it really was a disjointed effort with the players on the pitch in odd positions. Borini was stopped by another great save in 70th minute and then Lucas actually got one on target in the dying moments, only to be parried away by the keeper.
Liverpool maintained a decent amount of possession. They kept their cool in a match where their EPL counterparts were falling by the wayside. They did have opportunities to score and they did what they needed to do defensively. By no means though, did they play a good game. Even the broadcasters said this squad reminded them more of the disjointed play of the Liverpool side seen back in November and prior. The back three as well as the wing backs did their job, but they looked shaky all game in doing so.
Can is a fine player, one who many hope will stay in a Liverpool shirt for years to come. However, he is not a center back. He can be utilized on the side of a back three, but having a player with huge defensive vulnerabilities and little, if any, aerial prowess in the middle of your defense is quite frightening. Allen is...well Allen. Jose Enrique is a decent player and qualified to start for lower level clubs but though he gives his best, it just isn't good enough on a regular basis. Jordan Henderson is another fine player, but he is quite inconsistent on the ball.
This was another match that makes you scratch your head. Liverpool can earn, and I do mean earn, a draw with Chelsea and then draw against Bolton and make it feel like a poor result. Given the context of many big clubs falling in the 4th round of the FA Cup, one can hang their hat on the idea that Liverpool is at least still alive. But you can also ask yourself if you would rather have lost. It goes against the very fiber of most fans, including myself. However, if you look at the cold hard facts does another match really benefit Liverpool at all even if they win?
The Reds have a difficult match with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge three days after this match. They have winnable, but important league matches to start off February and then begin their trek in the Europa League as well in February. Another 90 minutes of football on the legs isn't exactly beneficial to Liverpool's aims for the rest of the year. It is what it is though and the Reds have to find a way to deal with it. It is not something they anticipated, but with Chelsea and Manchester City out of the competition, perhaps the FA Cup can now join the Capital One Cup as a competition Liverpool can realistically set their sights on this season.
As previously mentioned, this match further proved just how much Liverpool needs to invest in more depth. I've gone on and on about the talent and potential within this team, but they just don't have enough talent to dominate teams the way a club of their stature should in these sorts of games. Yes, money has been spent but now the difficult decisions need to be made. Players need to be sold and replaced and solid, proven talent needs to be brought in to plug some of the gaps. This will surely not happen in January, but BR and the back room staff had better have a solid plan heading into the summer transfer window to keep this team on the uptick. Plenty of season left and silverware still on the table, but this was a relatively disappointing performance even if it did not eliminate the club. Walk on.
Random thoughts:
- I know I am in the minority, but I sincerely hope that Mario Balotelli does have a reported infection. Yes, they play a completely different position but the idea of Glen Johnson in the lineup and Balotelli not even a reserve puts quite a pit in my stomach.
- Eric Wynalda went down a few pegs in my book. After the match he said he watched the last 20 minutes without his glasses because Liverpool were so boring. The man is entitled to his opinion - and I did bag on the team in this blog - however boring seems a bit excessive. They had chances. Just don't have the offensive power to put them home.
- Funny how the entire ESPN FC staff was ripping on the FA Cup matchups being so bland and predictable. How'd that workout? Liverpool and Manchester United have replays and Chelsea and Man City are out. FA Cup might not be quite what it was, but the little teams still give their all.
- I'm pretty sure the broadcasters kept inquiring as to why Rickie Lambert wasn't coming in the match. The answer: Liverpool had already made all their subs. Being a broadcaster, it is easy to forget things but for both of them to forget and nobody in the stadium to tell them is slightly comical.
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