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.
Showing posts with label Glen Johnson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Glen Johnson. Show all posts
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Sunday, December 21, 2014
Late Equalizer Gives Reds Much Deserved Point
Heading into an all important matchup with their Londoner rivals, Liverpool again employed a rather unusual formation with seven midfielders and three defenders. Although you can argue whether it can sustain this squad for the rest of the season, it has yielded decent results. Not only has it improved the team on the scoresheet, the team itself just seems to flow better and have better energy.
Liverpool came out and dominated the first 45 minutes of play. They probably should have had more goals at the break than they did, given the effort. However, despite a quality goal from Coutinho, the Reds ended the first half tied up due to their lack of defending set pieces. Much like their counterparts, Liverpool again struggle to attack the ball and keep track of their man on free kicks and corners. It was again their downfall in the first half. After dominating possession and scoring chances, Liverpool could not hang onto the lead. One may question whether the offense whistled against Steven Gerrard was actually a foul or not, but the fact is it was called and Liverpool failed to defend it.
Surprisingly, the Reds have defended as a team better with only three true defenders but they still continue to prove that no matter who cracks the lineup that changes are in order. Whether they happen in January or during the summer window, there are still changes that must be made in the back. This fact was on full display for the go-ahead goal by Oliver Giroud. Arsenal did come out with more pep and possession in the second half, but still were not creating much. Then, in the usual lapse of marking, Giroud was allowed a full strike on the ball just steps away from the six yard area with all three Liverpool defenders being in a triangle around him but at least two meters away.
For long stretches it appeared as though Liverpool would miss out on any points, very similarly to the Manchester United fixture. Both matches saw Liverpool create chances aplenty and possess the ball in fine fashion, only to see mistakes at the back cost them. Fortunately for the Reds, whether by injury or simply current form, Arsenal is not United. Even after Liverpool were forced to go down by a man, following Fabio Borini's red card (and perhaps final act in a Liverpool kit), Arsenal were more than willing to let Liverpool run at them and create. Blame the players or blame Arsene Wenger, the bottom line is Liverpool will take it.
The Reds deserved better than a loss. Yes, sometimes you lose when you don't deserve to. That's football. That's sports. But, on this night, Liverpool got at least partially what they deserved. One could argue they deserved all three points, but at least a draw was something this club needed. While they did not gain any ground against Arsenal, it was still a valuable point. Even though there is still half a season to go and this writer has done his best to see the positives, a loss in this match would have made it exceedingly difficult to see Liverpool making a charge at the top four. Liverpool have not fared well against the teams above them in the table. They needed actual representation of the improvement they have seen rather than just moral or mental victories. Three points would have been much better, but not giving up on the match and banging home a header from Martin Skrtel to equalize was a good way to go into the Christmas break.
Questions continue to rise for this team. Though I have long argued for a two striker system, I am not quite sure you alter the team just yet. What can be done about the defense? There is no doubt the team has performed better with three at the back, but there is little doubt that whether you use Skrtel, Kolo Toure, Sakho, Dejan Lovren, Javier Manquillo, Glen Johnson or Moreno they still seem to give up unnecessary chances. It is a team rife with question marks and doubters, but there are at least tangible positives to see.
Lazar Markovic, while still raw, is starting to look like a good talent. There were flashes of a Raheem Sterling from two years ago. Much like Sterling's first chances in the first team, you can see the talent there, it just needs to be nurtured and brought along. Even from the beginning of the season, Markovic's touch has gotten much better. Whether he is worth the transfer fee is up to discussion. The team as a whole is producing a lot more as well.
Three goals against Bournmouthe, two against Arsenal and lots of chances against United have at least given fans hope that the ball will hit the back of the net each match. Fans were hoping for three points, but a gift of one for Christmas will at least tide them over until Boxing Day where they can hope for the full three against Burnley.
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and best wishes to Liverpool FC and all the fans from St. Louis to New York and out to the rest of the world. Walk on.
Liverpool came out and dominated the first 45 minutes of play. They probably should have had more goals at the break than they did, given the effort. However, despite a quality goal from Coutinho, the Reds ended the first half tied up due to their lack of defending set pieces. Much like their counterparts, Liverpool again struggle to attack the ball and keep track of their man on free kicks and corners. It was again their downfall in the first half. After dominating possession and scoring chances, Liverpool could not hang onto the lead. One may question whether the offense whistled against Steven Gerrard was actually a foul or not, but the fact is it was called and Liverpool failed to defend it.
Surprisingly, the Reds have defended as a team better with only three true defenders but they still continue to prove that no matter who cracks the lineup that changes are in order. Whether they happen in January or during the summer window, there are still changes that must be made in the back. This fact was on full display for the go-ahead goal by Oliver Giroud. Arsenal did come out with more pep and possession in the second half, but still were not creating much. Then, in the usual lapse of marking, Giroud was allowed a full strike on the ball just steps away from the six yard area with all three Liverpool defenders being in a triangle around him but at least two meters away.
For long stretches it appeared as though Liverpool would miss out on any points, very similarly to the Manchester United fixture. Both matches saw Liverpool create chances aplenty and possess the ball in fine fashion, only to see mistakes at the back cost them. Fortunately for the Reds, whether by injury or simply current form, Arsenal is not United. Even after Liverpool were forced to go down by a man, following Fabio Borini's red card (and perhaps final act in a Liverpool kit), Arsenal were more than willing to let Liverpool run at them and create. Blame the players or blame Arsene Wenger, the bottom line is Liverpool will take it.
The Reds deserved better than a loss. Yes, sometimes you lose when you don't deserve to. That's football. That's sports. But, on this night, Liverpool got at least partially what they deserved. One could argue they deserved all three points, but at least a draw was something this club needed. While they did not gain any ground against Arsenal, it was still a valuable point. Even though there is still half a season to go and this writer has done his best to see the positives, a loss in this match would have made it exceedingly difficult to see Liverpool making a charge at the top four. Liverpool have not fared well against the teams above them in the table. They needed actual representation of the improvement they have seen rather than just moral or mental victories. Three points would have been much better, but not giving up on the match and banging home a header from Martin Skrtel to equalize was a good way to go into the Christmas break.
Questions continue to rise for this team. Though I have long argued for a two striker system, I am not quite sure you alter the team just yet. What can be done about the defense? There is no doubt the team has performed better with three at the back, but there is little doubt that whether you use Skrtel, Kolo Toure, Sakho, Dejan Lovren, Javier Manquillo, Glen Johnson or Moreno they still seem to give up unnecessary chances. It is a team rife with question marks and doubters, but there are at least tangible positives to see.
Lazar Markovic, while still raw, is starting to look like a good talent. There were flashes of a Raheem Sterling from two years ago. Much like Sterling's first chances in the first team, you can see the talent there, it just needs to be nurtured and brought along. Even from the beginning of the season, Markovic's touch has gotten much better. Whether he is worth the transfer fee is up to discussion. The team as a whole is producing a lot more as well.
Three goals against Bournmouthe, two against Arsenal and lots of chances against United have at least given fans hope that the ball will hit the back of the net each match. Fans were hoping for three points, but a gift of one for Christmas will at least tide them over until Boxing Day where they can hope for the full three against Burnley.
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and best wishes to Liverpool FC and all the fans from St. Louis to New York and out to the rest of the world. Walk on.
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Reds advance in Capital One Cup, questions remain
Liverpool did what was expected during their midweek match in the Capital One Cup, which was win. The sad thing was, though the win was expected on paper, it wasn't quite so in the minds of the fans. Those who are honest will admit, especially after the reveal of the starting XI, that a result was in question. Liverpool had not given supporters enough reason to believe they would pounce on a much lesser foe, even after creating so many offensive chances in the last fixture against Manchester United.
Ultimately, the job was done. Brendan Rodgers, again chose an odd starting formation. The manager employed a back three and what amounted to seven midfielders, deployed in various spots. The starting XI was so questionable that an online survey actually suggested Liverpool should just use a 0-0-0-10 formation. What made the lack of a starting striker even more interesting was the inclusion of both Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini as potential substitutes. Yet, the job got done.
Despite the ongoing questions of formation and starting lineups, Liverpool came out dominating possession and had a good attacking style of play. At first it seemed like if the Reds were going to lose, it would be very similar to the United match - creating good chances but not being able to finish and then giving up goals on the counter. Instead, Liverpool looked like the Liverpool of last year. They strung together several passes and a beautiful stretch of play led to a cross by Lazar Markovic from the left, Jordan Henderson met it with the head on the right and back across the goal to an open Raheem Sterling for the easy header in the 20th minute.
Instead of just resting on their laurels, Liverpool kept up the pressure. Again good passing set up the offensive pressure and Markovic scored a nice hit from inside the box to get his first goal. Liverpool would continue to dominate the play into the half, before Sterling would add his second goal of the match. Sterling looked cool and composed slotting the ball past the keeper from the right hand side after a solid through ball split the defense. Sterling should have had the hat trick as he was presented another opportunity midway through the second half, but given his day as a whole, perhaps it can be forgiven in this instance.
The scary thing about the game, from a Liverpool perspective, is the way Bournemouth were able to slice through the defense once they got the confidence of hitting the back of the net. Dan Gosling's goal in the 57th minute sparked the Cherries and they created several quality chances following. The goal could have been prevented as well. Overall, the back three did a decent job of marking on the score, but there was a lack of defensive pressure from the midfield as they were slow to get back on the break leaving a large gap at the top of the box. Despite only allowing the one tally, it was still a less than stellar performance defensively as a whole squad. Too many players getting beaten one v one. On this night, the support was there enough and the opposition's quality was not enough to really expose Liverpool.
The positive thing about the contest was that Liverpool created chances and they finished them. Perhaps not all the chances, but that doesn't happen on the best of nights. The Reds came out and dominated the way they should be expected to against this kind of opponent and their main fault was letting their foot off the gas.
Sterling gained much needed confidence from this match as well. For all his efforts, Sterling looked incapable of finishing anything during the Manchester United match and this was the kind of performance the young man needed. Sterling needed this kind of match, not only to prove he could score, but to relieve the pressure of the world he had taken on his shoulders with all the injuries and lack of form of the squad. He needed this kind of match to push the contract talks, whether stalled out or not, to the back burner once more. Liverpool needed this kind of performance from Sterling because they need the player they got in this match instead of the one who has pushed too hard for most of the season.
Liverpool, ultimately, got what they needed. Rodgers needed a convincing win to show that he had not completely lost touch of his managerial skills and lost the pulse of the team. The team, though they would much rather have a clean sheet, needed at least a low scoring game defensively to show they still need work but at least give them confidence that the back line is not in absolute shambles. The midfield needed a game like this where space was available to remind them that passes can be strung together and they can form a cohesive unit. The only way the result could have been better, really, would be to add another goal following the Cherries' tally and if it had come from a true striker - this would have been difficult given that Borini came on with under 10 minutes to play and Lambert did not play, but I digress.
Liverpool still have question marks. Much to many fans' delight, Glen Johnson will be absent until the new year. However, whether Rodgers continues a back three or returns to a back four, Johnson's replacement remains a spot up for grabs. Perhaps the position can be filled by the return of Sakho. Dejan Lovren and Martin Skrtel are still liabilities at the back as well. Another question is the starting lineup as a whole. Though it produced good attack and three goals, I do not believe the same XI can be played against Arsenal on the weekend and produce the same results. But, who do you play and where? Rodgers seems against two strikers, but Balotelli created his best chances of the year when there were two clear striking options. Sterling has found a bit of form now, but has looked lost if forced into a back-to-the-goal striker role.
The debate will be ongoing until the match, but in the end all fans can do is wait and see. The important thing is that Liverpool got a win. Advancing to the finals of the Capital One Cup will be difficult since the Reds have drawn Chelsea in the semi-final round, but at least Liverpool still have the prospective of silverware. This game, by no means, solved all that ails the team and it's loyal followers. However, if nothing else, at least all who play and bleed Liverpool red can feel good about their club even if only for a few days.
Ultimately, the job was done. Brendan Rodgers, again chose an odd starting formation. The manager employed a back three and what amounted to seven midfielders, deployed in various spots. The starting XI was so questionable that an online survey actually suggested Liverpool should just use a 0-0-0-10 formation. What made the lack of a starting striker even more interesting was the inclusion of both Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini as potential substitutes. Yet, the job got done.
Despite the ongoing questions of formation and starting lineups, Liverpool came out dominating possession and had a good attacking style of play. At first it seemed like if the Reds were going to lose, it would be very similar to the United match - creating good chances but not being able to finish and then giving up goals on the counter. Instead, Liverpool looked like the Liverpool of last year. They strung together several passes and a beautiful stretch of play led to a cross by Lazar Markovic from the left, Jordan Henderson met it with the head on the right and back across the goal to an open Raheem Sterling for the easy header in the 20th minute.
Instead of just resting on their laurels, Liverpool kept up the pressure. Again good passing set up the offensive pressure and Markovic scored a nice hit from inside the box to get his first goal. Liverpool would continue to dominate the play into the half, before Sterling would add his second goal of the match. Sterling looked cool and composed slotting the ball past the keeper from the right hand side after a solid through ball split the defense. Sterling should have had the hat trick as he was presented another opportunity midway through the second half, but given his day as a whole, perhaps it can be forgiven in this instance.
The scary thing about the game, from a Liverpool perspective, is the way Bournemouth were able to slice through the defense once they got the confidence of hitting the back of the net. Dan Gosling's goal in the 57th minute sparked the Cherries and they created several quality chances following. The goal could have been prevented as well. Overall, the back three did a decent job of marking on the score, but there was a lack of defensive pressure from the midfield as they were slow to get back on the break leaving a large gap at the top of the box. Despite only allowing the one tally, it was still a less than stellar performance defensively as a whole squad. Too many players getting beaten one v one. On this night, the support was there enough and the opposition's quality was not enough to really expose Liverpool.
The positive thing about the contest was that Liverpool created chances and they finished them. Perhaps not all the chances, but that doesn't happen on the best of nights. The Reds came out and dominated the way they should be expected to against this kind of opponent and their main fault was letting their foot off the gas.
Sterling gained much needed confidence from this match as well. For all his efforts, Sterling looked incapable of finishing anything during the Manchester United match and this was the kind of performance the young man needed. Sterling needed this kind of match, not only to prove he could score, but to relieve the pressure of the world he had taken on his shoulders with all the injuries and lack of form of the squad. He needed this kind of match to push the contract talks, whether stalled out or not, to the back burner once more. Liverpool needed this kind of performance from Sterling because they need the player they got in this match instead of the one who has pushed too hard for most of the season.
Liverpool, ultimately, got what they needed. Rodgers needed a convincing win to show that he had not completely lost touch of his managerial skills and lost the pulse of the team. The team, though they would much rather have a clean sheet, needed at least a low scoring game defensively to show they still need work but at least give them confidence that the back line is not in absolute shambles. The midfield needed a game like this where space was available to remind them that passes can be strung together and they can form a cohesive unit. The only way the result could have been better, really, would be to add another goal following the Cherries' tally and if it had come from a true striker - this would have been difficult given that Borini came on with under 10 minutes to play and Lambert did not play, but I digress.
Liverpool still have question marks. Much to many fans' delight, Glen Johnson will be absent until the new year. However, whether Rodgers continues a back three or returns to a back four, Johnson's replacement remains a spot up for grabs. Perhaps the position can be filled by the return of Sakho. Dejan Lovren and Martin Skrtel are still liabilities at the back as well. Another question is the starting lineup as a whole. Though it produced good attack and three goals, I do not believe the same XI can be played against Arsenal on the weekend and produce the same results. But, who do you play and where? Rodgers seems against two strikers, but Balotelli created his best chances of the year when there were two clear striking options. Sterling has found a bit of form now, but has looked lost if forced into a back-to-the-goal striker role.
The debate will be ongoing until the match, but in the end all fans can do is wait and see. The important thing is that Liverpool got a win. Advancing to the finals of the Capital One Cup will be difficult since the Reds have drawn Chelsea in the semi-final round, but at least Liverpool still have the prospective of silverware. This game, by no means, solved all that ails the team and it's loyal followers. However, if nothing else, at least all who play and bleed Liverpool red can feel good about their club even if only for a few days.
Saturday, November 8, 2014
Another match, another hair puller
Well, as they have tended to do this season, the Liverpool Football Club provided flashes to give the supporters hope only to have it dashed by the same mistakes. As will ever be the case with professional sports, the vocal minority will seek to put the blame all on one person. Several will seek the head of the manager, Brendan Rodgers. Many will heap blame on the lightning rod, Mario Balotelli. Some may even look to place fault on recalls such as Glen Johnson or Dejan Lovren. None are right and none are completely wrong.
Some readers will accuse me of sitting on the fence, but the truth is seeing with a clear head is the only way to look at these situations. It is a main reason that my blogs are not usually finished for several hours after a match. You have to let the blood cool and think clearly, without the passion of a supporter, which is very difficult at the time. The truth is, this is a team-wide problem. Blame lays from the owners down to the players. Some may stick out more than others, but all deserve credit for the failings of this team.
As much as I love Brendan Rodgers and his overall philosophies regarding the importance of supporters, he has to shoulder the blame along with his squad. Many of his signings are either just not good enough or not coming along at the pace needed for Liverpool to contend for top four and silverware consistently. His strange reliance on a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, when it has produced next to no goals has proven another undoing. Unless he plans to play Balotelli as a winder with a top three of Balotelli, Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge, then it becomes more and more unclear why he would not want the team to be more accustomed to two strikers. Many are also upset with his choice of words during pre and post-match press conferences, but I could write an entirely different blog about the silliness in worrying about that.
The entire team of players needs to shoulder the blame as well. While several players had decent to good matches, the bottom line is the entire team is just not getting it done. This team is such a conundrum, that even supporters have no clear clue about who should be in the starting 11. While talent wise, Balotelli is still the best scoring option for a striker, some want him out of the team even though Rickie Lambert and Fabrio Borini have given little actual evidence they will produce anything more than Mario other than work rate. Though Sterling and Coutinho had good matches, causing several problems with their pace and attacking style, they too did not produce anything substantial. Sterling seems to lack that final touch this season, almost always dribbling too close to an opponent or putting too much touch on a ball thus allowing a defender the opportunity to claim it.
The same can be said of Coutinho, though he has more claim to reigning in his mistakes in recent matches. You can go player to player, man to man and pick faults with every single one that have either not benefited the club or hindered it. Kolo Toure had a good performance against Real Madrid, midweek, but if you look within yourself does he really instill more confidence or any less cringe-worthy moments than Lovren or Martin Skrtel? Skrtel did an excellent job containing Diego Costa on this day, but there were many articles calling for his head to be the one Toure replaced instead of Lovren for the Chelsea match. Glen Johnson had a very good match against the Blues as well, but still made his usual Glen Johnson mistakes. They were simply not as damaging as they have been in matches past.
The clear question moving forward is what can each man do to improve the team and how can Brendan Rodgers make improvements either by squad changes, changes in the transfer window or simply by trying a new formation. Fans and supporters and pundits can cry for change in the squad, but until a player gives BR absolutely no possible opportunity for them to not play, then the starting 11 will always be a contentious spot. Toure and Borini had good matches in Champions League, but other than personal bias' against their potential replacements, would they really instill that much more confidence in a supporter for a different result?
There is no clear reason, especially with the money spent, why Glen Johnson continues to gain a starting spot. However, can we really say that Javier Manquillo has performed so well that he should be given the nod ever single time? The answer to all of these is no. Say what you will about Rodgers, but I still believe he knows talent on his own pitch very well. His ability to judge what talent to bring in remains to be seen. But if that is true, then he sees who is training well and who gives his squad the best opportunity on each day. So yes it is Rodgers' fault for picking the squads who are not performing up to snuff, but it is also each players fault for not performing up to the quality that put them in the squad or for not performing well enough in training to replace the players that so many question.
The supporters dissatisfaction is palpable and understandably so. There is simply no consistency for this club, even in the way they lose matches. While I was one who argued that a 1-0 loss to Madrid was a decent result and the team should be proud of the way they played, I feel the complete opposite for the result against Chelsea. Let no man say I am taking credit away from the Blues. They played an excellent match. They minimized mistakes and were only made to pay for one cruel deflection early in the game. Liverpool, on the other hand, had several decent performances individually but were just so inept at times that I'm sure several people lost beverages and gained gray hairs. The stretch from the 30th minute to the 35th had so many mistakes it looked like a youth squad taking on Chelsea.
Liverpool must play better, plain and simple. They have to return to basics. It does not matter they were taking on the team at the top of the table. It does not matter if they were playing the team at the bottom. Their own form is lacking right now and has to be changed. There are too many cute passes or cheeky plays and when you are not in good form those plays do not come off. Liverpool needs to be more direct and forceful. You cannot have passes that barely hit their target or do not hit the target at all. It is not even a problem with through balls, it is passes to players feet that do not have the pace on them to not be intercepted. The Reds need to be sure of every ball and every clearance for a time. If they do that then the skill plays will come. There is so much skill in this team, but at the moment it is not upstairs and that is a huge issue.
As a personal opinion, other than the attacking players, there are few Chelsea players that are just far and away better skill-wise than what Liverpool has right now. The difference is in the brain. Chelsea is so sure of what they are doing that their skill is allowed to shine. Liverpool doubts so much of what they do, at the moment, that their skill makes them look like bumblers due to indecision. Luckily for Liverpool, it is a league-wide problem at the moment. With all the blunders and poor matches Liverpool have had, they are currently only 8th with several squads above them that most would doubt can hold their position an entire season. Manchester City's results, given all their money spent, put them in the same boat of having lots of skill or potential talent but just not having the mental stability to keep it all in step. The Reds just have to play smarter. You can have all the skill in the world, but if you don't have the mental capacity to clear balls at the right time or be aware of your defensive markings then you're not helping the club. You can have all the skill and pace in the world, but if you cannot link up with your fellow midfielders or attackers and constantly put balls into the opposition then you're doing no good. You can have all the technical ability and strike wonder goals all day in training, but if you do not have the mental ability to play with your team and see the runs they make or work hard in the box, then it is all for naught.
As the supporters do, I still have faith in this squad to finish in the top four. I still believe the inclusion of Daniel Sturridge up top will open up a lot of space. The thing that worries most is, even if Sturridge is a missing link, is this team really set up for long term success if their success is based on one man. No matter how good he is or can be, Liverpool have to find ways to be successful even if Sturridge is not playing or not playing at his best. That was shown in today's match when no matter how much skill anyone showed in flashes, it just wasn't there the entire time and mental mistakes were the huge gap between the Reds and Blues. Liverpool has many questions still and have to find the answers now before the gap between 8th and 4th is too much to climb. The international break may be a good thing for the club this time. The player's poor form may mean more club practice time than international action. Perhaps it will reset focus as well. Three matches remain in November and Liverpool needs three points in each. Crystal Palace, Ludogorets and Stoke won't be easy, but if Liverpool is to be Liverpool once more then it has to be three points from each. It seems tough my friends, but we and the club must Walk On.
Some readers will accuse me of sitting on the fence, but the truth is seeing with a clear head is the only way to look at these situations. It is a main reason that my blogs are not usually finished for several hours after a match. You have to let the blood cool and think clearly, without the passion of a supporter, which is very difficult at the time. The truth is, this is a team-wide problem. Blame lays from the owners down to the players. Some may stick out more than others, but all deserve credit for the failings of this team.
As much as I love Brendan Rodgers and his overall philosophies regarding the importance of supporters, he has to shoulder the blame along with his squad. Many of his signings are either just not good enough or not coming along at the pace needed for Liverpool to contend for top four and silverware consistently. His strange reliance on a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, when it has produced next to no goals has proven another undoing. Unless he plans to play Balotelli as a winder with a top three of Balotelli, Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge, then it becomes more and more unclear why he would not want the team to be more accustomed to two strikers. Many are also upset with his choice of words during pre and post-match press conferences, but I could write an entirely different blog about the silliness in worrying about that.
The entire team of players needs to shoulder the blame as well. While several players had decent to good matches, the bottom line is the entire team is just not getting it done. This team is such a conundrum, that even supporters have no clear clue about who should be in the starting 11. While talent wise, Balotelli is still the best scoring option for a striker, some want him out of the team even though Rickie Lambert and Fabrio Borini have given little actual evidence they will produce anything more than Mario other than work rate. Though Sterling and Coutinho had good matches, causing several problems with their pace and attacking style, they too did not produce anything substantial. Sterling seems to lack that final touch this season, almost always dribbling too close to an opponent or putting too much touch on a ball thus allowing a defender the opportunity to claim it.
The same can be said of Coutinho, though he has more claim to reigning in his mistakes in recent matches. You can go player to player, man to man and pick faults with every single one that have either not benefited the club or hindered it. Kolo Toure had a good performance against Real Madrid, midweek, but if you look within yourself does he really instill more confidence or any less cringe-worthy moments than Lovren or Martin Skrtel? Skrtel did an excellent job containing Diego Costa on this day, but there were many articles calling for his head to be the one Toure replaced instead of Lovren for the Chelsea match. Glen Johnson had a very good match against the Blues as well, but still made his usual Glen Johnson mistakes. They were simply not as damaging as they have been in matches past.
The clear question moving forward is what can each man do to improve the team and how can Brendan Rodgers make improvements either by squad changes, changes in the transfer window or simply by trying a new formation. Fans and supporters and pundits can cry for change in the squad, but until a player gives BR absolutely no possible opportunity for them to not play, then the starting 11 will always be a contentious spot. Toure and Borini had good matches in Champions League, but other than personal bias' against their potential replacements, would they really instill that much more confidence in a supporter for a different result?
There is no clear reason, especially with the money spent, why Glen Johnson continues to gain a starting spot. However, can we really say that Javier Manquillo has performed so well that he should be given the nod ever single time? The answer to all of these is no. Say what you will about Rodgers, but I still believe he knows talent on his own pitch very well. His ability to judge what talent to bring in remains to be seen. But if that is true, then he sees who is training well and who gives his squad the best opportunity on each day. So yes it is Rodgers' fault for picking the squads who are not performing up to snuff, but it is also each players fault for not performing up to the quality that put them in the squad or for not performing well enough in training to replace the players that so many question.
The supporters dissatisfaction is palpable and understandably so. There is simply no consistency for this club, even in the way they lose matches. While I was one who argued that a 1-0 loss to Madrid was a decent result and the team should be proud of the way they played, I feel the complete opposite for the result against Chelsea. Let no man say I am taking credit away from the Blues. They played an excellent match. They minimized mistakes and were only made to pay for one cruel deflection early in the game. Liverpool, on the other hand, had several decent performances individually but were just so inept at times that I'm sure several people lost beverages and gained gray hairs. The stretch from the 30th minute to the 35th had so many mistakes it looked like a youth squad taking on Chelsea.
Liverpool must play better, plain and simple. They have to return to basics. It does not matter they were taking on the team at the top of the table. It does not matter if they were playing the team at the bottom. Their own form is lacking right now and has to be changed. There are too many cute passes or cheeky plays and when you are not in good form those plays do not come off. Liverpool needs to be more direct and forceful. You cannot have passes that barely hit their target or do not hit the target at all. It is not even a problem with through balls, it is passes to players feet that do not have the pace on them to not be intercepted. The Reds need to be sure of every ball and every clearance for a time. If they do that then the skill plays will come. There is so much skill in this team, but at the moment it is not upstairs and that is a huge issue.
As a personal opinion, other than the attacking players, there are few Chelsea players that are just far and away better skill-wise than what Liverpool has right now. The difference is in the brain. Chelsea is so sure of what they are doing that their skill is allowed to shine. Liverpool doubts so much of what they do, at the moment, that their skill makes them look like bumblers due to indecision. Luckily for Liverpool, it is a league-wide problem at the moment. With all the blunders and poor matches Liverpool have had, they are currently only 8th with several squads above them that most would doubt can hold their position an entire season. Manchester City's results, given all their money spent, put them in the same boat of having lots of skill or potential talent but just not having the mental stability to keep it all in step. The Reds just have to play smarter. You can have all the skill in the world, but if you don't have the mental capacity to clear balls at the right time or be aware of your defensive markings then you're not helping the club. You can have all the skill and pace in the world, but if you cannot link up with your fellow midfielders or attackers and constantly put balls into the opposition then you're doing no good. You can have all the technical ability and strike wonder goals all day in training, but if you do not have the mental ability to play with your team and see the runs they make or work hard in the box, then it is all for naught.
As the supporters do, I still have faith in this squad to finish in the top four. I still believe the inclusion of Daniel Sturridge up top will open up a lot of space. The thing that worries most is, even if Sturridge is a missing link, is this team really set up for long term success if their success is based on one man. No matter how good he is or can be, Liverpool have to find ways to be successful even if Sturridge is not playing or not playing at his best. That was shown in today's match when no matter how much skill anyone showed in flashes, it just wasn't there the entire time and mental mistakes were the huge gap between the Reds and Blues. Liverpool has many questions still and have to find the answers now before the gap between 8th and 4th is too much to climb. The international break may be a good thing for the club this time. The player's poor form may mean more club practice time than international action. Perhaps it will reset focus as well. Three matches remain in November and Liverpool needs three points in each. Crystal Palace, Ludogorets and Stoke won't be easy, but if Liverpool is to be Liverpool once more then it has to be three points from each. It seems tough my friends, but we and the club must Walk On.
Saturday, November 1, 2014
What to do? What to do...?
Well, another weekend performance leaves many supporters of the Kop scratching their heads and asking what to do. A very underwhelming 1-0 loss to Newcastle, on the road, brings up all the old questions and maybe even a few new ones. What are Liverpool to do? What formation should they be playing? Who should be playing in that formation? Is it the manager, the players or a combination?
Without even going on social media, I already know Mario Balotelli's detractors are having a field day with this game. Another match without a goal. Several moments of lackadaisical play. Etc. and so on and so forth. The man is not Luis Suarez. Never was. Never will be. The sooner people fully grasp that, the sooner they can accept the fact that Balotelli is going to be a part of this team for the full season and Liverpool can win games and score goals with him in the side. He is not going to go full boar for every single ball. He is not going to track down every lost pass. He is going to look a bit silly on occasion, trying to draw fouls where there are none (Suarez did this as well by the way). Regardless of your or my own opinion on the level of effort, those items in and of themselves, do not make the man a poor player. Nor do they mean that he lost the game himself.
Today's loss to Newcastle was another prime example of a bad effort by the entire team, as a team. Right now, Liverpool look like 10 individuals out there on the pitch. There seems to be little cohesion with anyone. Right now, everyone needs to take blame for the losses because there seems to be nobody to not blame. The only person you might exclude today would be Steven Gerrard and maybe Simon Mingolet. Everyone else played a hand, or did not play a hand as the case actually seems to be, in not getting any result against Newcastle.
Nothing against Newcastle, they came out with a game plan and executed it very well and were able to poach a goal late in the contest. On the other hand, Liverpool not only look disinterested at times, they look confused. There is still strong support for Brendan Rodgers, as there should be in the grand scheme of things. Yet, under the microcosm of this game and the last few weeks, the manager must share the blame. Rodgers has been too stubborn in his relentless pursuit of keeping all his midfield signings happy, to the detriment of the team. The 4-3-3 and/or the 4-2-3-1 simply has not worked. While I am a strong supporter of Mario Balotelli, if Rodgers was dead set on playing one up top so all the talent could be employed through the midfield, then certainly the Italian enigma was the wrong choice.
Despite the lack of speed and perhaps even creativity it provides, the Reds looked their best in attack when Balotelli had a partner up top in Rickie Lambert during the Capital One Cup match. Most would say that warranted a longer look, but BR must disagree. Even on the American broadcast of the match, they pointed out when Lambert came on, Balotelli then was told to come to more of a wing position. Down the road, when Daniel Sturridge is healthy, perhaps that would be an option. Sturridge up front, Balotelli and Sterling on the wings and midfield and defense set up behind that. But this hard-nosed approach to not even attempt a top two seems wrong headed at this juncture.
Liverpool need something different in the attack. Rodgers must either find a system that suits Balotelli or figure out what roster to use without him, because jamming square pegs into round holes isn't working. Also, the rest of the team needs to take a long look in the mirror. The defense is just abysmal at the moment. Mignolet, while not at fault in much today, looks lost at times especially when called to charge after lobbed balls. The back four is also just a shamble right now. Lovren seems to be trying to live up to his contract too much instead of just playing football. Skrtel plays his guts out most games, but is almost always good for one critical mistake or silly foul. Moreno looked lost against Newcastle, mostly because of the position he was put in.
The scouting might have shown that using Moreno in a more attacking role was a good plan, but the employment of the plan was non-existent. Moreno looked so uncomfortable, he often refused to take anyone on and would simply pass back to where ever the ball had come from. Again, Rodgers seemed too stubborn and even when Newcastle were pressing the attack, a back three seemed to be the system employed. And then there's everyone's favorite, Glen Johnson. For awhile it seemed it might have been just fans being too harsh on him, but now it is more evident why there is an overall disdain for the left back.
Johnson, no doubt, tries his best but he just isn't deserving of a starting spot right now. The only logical answer to the question of why he's in there could be that Liverpool want to showcase him to get a higher bid in January. It seems to be backfiring. While Johnson was not directly at fault for the goal scored, as a former goalkeeper, nothing is more infuriating to see than the defense continually backing away from the attack as Johnson and his mates did on the scoring play. There were several opportunities for a tackle further up field, but so much room was given that when the gap was closed a tackle was out of question since they were in the area. Nothing seems to change though.
Rodgers sees this team every day in training. He knows their strengths and weaknesses. He sees who is providing the effort and improving. That is what makes it so infuriating as a fan to see the same issues pop up almost every game. What is Manquillo not doing during the week to not see more minutes come the weekend? What are Lambert and Borini doing or not doing to not be given a chance up top alongside Balotelli? Why is Rodgers so keen on sticking with a system that doesn't even seem to produce chances, regardless of the talent of Sterling and Coutinho?
This team has to start finding answers. While they remain in the top 10, despite a rather uninspiring start, there are just too many questions. It's too early for fatigue to be a real issue. There is too much skill and potential for there not to be, at least, more scoring chances. I don't base success and problems on the money spent. Yet, there just has to be something more given by all who wear the crest right now. The questions have to be answered, because status quo is not working and this team, as Brendan Rodgers has even pointed out, cannot pin their hopes on Daniel Sturridge returning alone.
Without even going on social media, I already know Mario Balotelli's detractors are having a field day with this game. Another match without a goal. Several moments of lackadaisical play. Etc. and so on and so forth. The man is not Luis Suarez. Never was. Never will be. The sooner people fully grasp that, the sooner they can accept the fact that Balotelli is going to be a part of this team for the full season and Liverpool can win games and score goals with him in the side. He is not going to go full boar for every single ball. He is not going to track down every lost pass. He is going to look a bit silly on occasion, trying to draw fouls where there are none (Suarez did this as well by the way). Regardless of your or my own opinion on the level of effort, those items in and of themselves, do not make the man a poor player. Nor do they mean that he lost the game himself.
Today's loss to Newcastle was another prime example of a bad effort by the entire team, as a team. Right now, Liverpool look like 10 individuals out there on the pitch. There seems to be little cohesion with anyone. Right now, everyone needs to take blame for the losses because there seems to be nobody to not blame. The only person you might exclude today would be Steven Gerrard and maybe Simon Mingolet. Everyone else played a hand, or did not play a hand as the case actually seems to be, in not getting any result against Newcastle.
Nothing against Newcastle, they came out with a game plan and executed it very well and were able to poach a goal late in the contest. On the other hand, Liverpool not only look disinterested at times, they look confused. There is still strong support for Brendan Rodgers, as there should be in the grand scheme of things. Yet, under the microcosm of this game and the last few weeks, the manager must share the blame. Rodgers has been too stubborn in his relentless pursuit of keeping all his midfield signings happy, to the detriment of the team. The 4-3-3 and/or the 4-2-3-1 simply has not worked. While I am a strong supporter of Mario Balotelli, if Rodgers was dead set on playing one up top so all the talent could be employed through the midfield, then certainly the Italian enigma was the wrong choice.
Despite the lack of speed and perhaps even creativity it provides, the Reds looked their best in attack when Balotelli had a partner up top in Rickie Lambert during the Capital One Cup match. Most would say that warranted a longer look, but BR must disagree. Even on the American broadcast of the match, they pointed out when Lambert came on, Balotelli then was told to come to more of a wing position. Down the road, when Daniel Sturridge is healthy, perhaps that would be an option. Sturridge up front, Balotelli and Sterling on the wings and midfield and defense set up behind that. But this hard-nosed approach to not even attempt a top two seems wrong headed at this juncture.
Liverpool need something different in the attack. Rodgers must either find a system that suits Balotelli or figure out what roster to use without him, because jamming square pegs into round holes isn't working. Also, the rest of the team needs to take a long look in the mirror. The defense is just abysmal at the moment. Mignolet, while not at fault in much today, looks lost at times especially when called to charge after lobbed balls. The back four is also just a shamble right now. Lovren seems to be trying to live up to his contract too much instead of just playing football. Skrtel plays his guts out most games, but is almost always good for one critical mistake or silly foul. Moreno looked lost against Newcastle, mostly because of the position he was put in.
The scouting might have shown that using Moreno in a more attacking role was a good plan, but the employment of the plan was non-existent. Moreno looked so uncomfortable, he often refused to take anyone on and would simply pass back to where ever the ball had come from. Again, Rodgers seemed too stubborn and even when Newcastle were pressing the attack, a back three seemed to be the system employed. And then there's everyone's favorite, Glen Johnson. For awhile it seemed it might have been just fans being too harsh on him, but now it is more evident why there is an overall disdain for the left back.
Johnson, no doubt, tries his best but he just isn't deserving of a starting spot right now. The only logical answer to the question of why he's in there could be that Liverpool want to showcase him to get a higher bid in January. It seems to be backfiring. While Johnson was not directly at fault for the goal scored, as a former goalkeeper, nothing is more infuriating to see than the defense continually backing away from the attack as Johnson and his mates did on the scoring play. There were several opportunities for a tackle further up field, but so much room was given that when the gap was closed a tackle was out of question since they were in the area. Nothing seems to change though.
Rodgers sees this team every day in training. He knows their strengths and weaknesses. He sees who is providing the effort and improving. That is what makes it so infuriating as a fan to see the same issues pop up almost every game. What is Manquillo not doing during the week to not see more minutes come the weekend? What are Lambert and Borini doing or not doing to not be given a chance up top alongside Balotelli? Why is Rodgers so keen on sticking with a system that doesn't even seem to produce chances, regardless of the talent of Sterling and Coutinho?
This team has to start finding answers. While they remain in the top 10, despite a rather uninspiring start, there are just too many questions. It's too early for fatigue to be a real issue. There is too much skill and potential for there not to be, at least, more scoring chances. I don't base success and problems on the money spent. Yet, there just has to be something more given by all who wear the crest right now. The questions have to be answered, because status quo is not working and this team, as Brendan Rodgers has even pointed out, cannot pin their hopes on Daniel Sturridge returning alone.
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