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
Showing posts with label Jose Mourinho. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jose Mourinho. Show all posts
Monday, October 17, 2016
Saturday, October 31, 2015
Liverpool Rally Behind the "Normal One"...Bye Bye "Special One"?
It was an improbable result to imagine a few months ago. Chelsea were flying high as champions of the Premier League and Liverpool were still struggling to deal with injuries and get new signings to gel within the squad. My, how things have changed. Liverpool have struggled to find the results but they still looked like a team with plenty in front of them. Chelsea on the other hand have appeared to be a shell of a team despite the majority of last year's championship squad still being in place.
The match got off to a rough start for the Reds and a dream start for Chelsea. Ramires was fed a line drive cross from the right in the fourth minute and he smartly finished it off with the head. Simon Mingolet had no chance and the defenders, though ball watching yet again, were left relatively powerless even if they were in perfect position. As mentioned, it was a dream start for Ramires, who had just signed a new contract, a dream start for the Blues and a perfect start for Jose Mourinho.
Chelsea almost doubled their advantage two minutes later after a free kick led to a header on the near side that sliced across the face of goal. Martin Skrtel was tightly marking John Terry and almost surely prevented a goal. Then Mourinho became Mourinho. Despite all his talents as a manager and skills for providing wins for whichever club he is managing, Mourinho can't help but slide into defensive shells when he thinks it is beneficial. You can't argue completely with his tactics as he has won so much, but it does not provide beautiful football when his teams often have so much skill.
Although Liverpool never looked disinterested, they just seemed to lack that spark, as we have seen so many times, unfortunately, regardless of who the manager is. But, seemingly from nowhere, the Reds would get that spark. Coutinho, known mainly for his right foot, created a large area of space just outside the box as he cut the ball back to his left as the halftime break was approaching. Whether it was intentional or not, there was not a ton of power on the shot but it was placed to perfection. Asmir Begovic, the Blues' goalkeeper was left with no chance at all as the shot came from near the center of the pitch and was slotted neatly into the left hand side of the net.
Immediately after the goal was scored, the camera cut to Mourinho, who was headed down the walkway to the dressing room. Whether he was already down there and came back to see the goal or the goal forced his departure is unknown, but a sweet sight for the Liverpool supporters. It almost seemed a bit of foreshadowing, for the result of the contest and for the possible future of the Chelsea manager.
Nothing would be for sure for most of the second half. The game went almost 30 minutes with little from either side to make one believe this would not be another game where Liverpool would fail to score more than a goal and another contest where Chelsea would not take full points. That all changed in the 74th minute. Fulfilling a Liverpool penchant for scoring goals in bunches after a long dry spell, Coutinho knocked home his second of the contest. Starting from a nothing play, a long ball from midfield, Christian Benteke nodded it down. The ball went just by a teammate, but came right to the Brazilian and he made sure to put it to bed. Getting a deflection off the defender helped the ball in, but the right footer may have been destined for a goal no matter what.
The icing on the cake came nine minutes later. The Chelsea defense went to sleep and Benteke made them pay. The summer signing, despite injuries, still proving he is a capable scorer took the ball after an Adam Lallana stepover. The big striker took a couple dribbles at the reeling defenders, tucked the ball away and that was all she wrote. Chelsea had chances before and after that, including a little chip attempt that Mingolet scrambled back to parry away, but there was always a hint this would be the result from that reaction at the half.
These are teams that are not headed in polar opposite directions, being as neither is where they want to be. However, Liverpool are on the edge, peeking in at the top four now. Chelsea, on the other hand, are dangling over that relegation zone. Few gave Liverpool much of a chance, given their lack of scoring and playing at Stamford Bridge, but those are the games that show why you go out and play and not let the pundits decide. There are still a myriad of things to alter and get better with for the Reds, but few victories taste as sweet as one over Chelsea and the players and their manager earned it.
Random Thoughts:
- Being a fan of a team that sings "Manchester is full of s***" leaves little room to take a moral stand. However, it seemed like all of Chelsea's songs had to do with spiteful things, like Steven Gerrard and never winning again etc. Made the final result a little bit sweeter with their silence.
- Oh how I look forward to a day when Liverpool has two healthy strikers. I'm no tactical genius and will never claim to be a coach. That said, this team just seems set up to play with two strikers and Coutinho tucked in behind. You have to have everyone healthy, which seems impossible of late, and it creates problems with who to play in midfield but if it is beneficial to the team then that's all anyone can ask for.
- Mourinho proved how much of a clown he can be as he refused to say anything to the postmatch reporter. He kept saying he had nothing to say and looking at the man like he was an idiot for doing his job. The egotist may feel better for not speaking, but he has done himself no favors.
- I never root for anyone to lose their job, no matter how much I dislike them. Even so, to paraphrase a certain dark lord of the Sith - This will be a day long remembered. Liverpool may have seen to the end of Mourinho and perhaps caused the relegation of Chelsea.
- That last one was a bit harsh, but when you have family members who root for Chelsea, it's ok to have a little dig ;)
Walk On
The match got off to a rough start for the Reds and a dream start for Chelsea. Ramires was fed a line drive cross from the right in the fourth minute and he smartly finished it off with the head. Simon Mingolet had no chance and the defenders, though ball watching yet again, were left relatively powerless even if they were in perfect position. As mentioned, it was a dream start for Ramires, who had just signed a new contract, a dream start for the Blues and a perfect start for Jose Mourinho.
Chelsea almost doubled their advantage two minutes later after a free kick led to a header on the near side that sliced across the face of goal. Martin Skrtel was tightly marking John Terry and almost surely prevented a goal. Then Mourinho became Mourinho. Despite all his talents as a manager and skills for providing wins for whichever club he is managing, Mourinho can't help but slide into defensive shells when he thinks it is beneficial. You can't argue completely with his tactics as he has won so much, but it does not provide beautiful football when his teams often have so much skill.
Although Liverpool never looked disinterested, they just seemed to lack that spark, as we have seen so many times, unfortunately, regardless of who the manager is. But, seemingly from nowhere, the Reds would get that spark. Coutinho, known mainly for his right foot, created a large area of space just outside the box as he cut the ball back to his left as the halftime break was approaching. Whether it was intentional or not, there was not a ton of power on the shot but it was placed to perfection. Asmir Begovic, the Blues' goalkeeper was left with no chance at all as the shot came from near the center of the pitch and was slotted neatly into the left hand side of the net.
Immediately after the goal was scored, the camera cut to Mourinho, who was headed down the walkway to the dressing room. Whether he was already down there and came back to see the goal or the goal forced his departure is unknown, but a sweet sight for the Liverpool supporters. It almost seemed a bit of foreshadowing, for the result of the contest and for the possible future of the Chelsea manager.
Nothing would be for sure for most of the second half. The game went almost 30 minutes with little from either side to make one believe this would not be another game where Liverpool would fail to score more than a goal and another contest where Chelsea would not take full points. That all changed in the 74th minute. Fulfilling a Liverpool penchant for scoring goals in bunches after a long dry spell, Coutinho knocked home his second of the contest. Starting from a nothing play, a long ball from midfield, Christian Benteke nodded it down. The ball went just by a teammate, but came right to the Brazilian and he made sure to put it to bed. Getting a deflection off the defender helped the ball in, but the right footer may have been destined for a goal no matter what.
The icing on the cake came nine minutes later. The Chelsea defense went to sleep and Benteke made them pay. The summer signing, despite injuries, still proving he is a capable scorer took the ball after an Adam Lallana stepover. The big striker took a couple dribbles at the reeling defenders, tucked the ball away and that was all she wrote. Chelsea had chances before and after that, including a little chip attempt that Mingolet scrambled back to parry away, but there was always a hint this would be the result from that reaction at the half.
These are teams that are not headed in polar opposite directions, being as neither is where they want to be. However, Liverpool are on the edge, peeking in at the top four now. Chelsea, on the other hand, are dangling over that relegation zone. Few gave Liverpool much of a chance, given their lack of scoring and playing at Stamford Bridge, but those are the games that show why you go out and play and not let the pundits decide. There are still a myriad of things to alter and get better with for the Reds, but few victories taste as sweet as one over Chelsea and the players and their manager earned it.
Random Thoughts:
- Being a fan of a team that sings "Manchester is full of s***" leaves little room to take a moral stand. However, it seemed like all of Chelsea's songs had to do with spiteful things, like Steven Gerrard and never winning again etc. Made the final result a little bit sweeter with their silence.
- Oh how I look forward to a day when Liverpool has two healthy strikers. I'm no tactical genius and will never claim to be a coach. That said, this team just seems set up to play with two strikers and Coutinho tucked in behind. You have to have everyone healthy, which seems impossible of late, and it creates problems with who to play in midfield but if it is beneficial to the team then that's all anyone can ask for.
- Mourinho proved how much of a clown he can be as he refused to say anything to the postmatch reporter. He kept saying he had nothing to say and looking at the man like he was an idiot for doing his job. The egotist may feel better for not speaking, but he has done himself no favors.
- I never root for anyone to lose their job, no matter how much I dislike them. Even so, to paraphrase a certain dark lord of the Sith - This will be a day long remembered. Liverpool may have seen to the end of Mourinho and perhaps caused the relegation of Chelsea.
- That last one was a bit harsh, but when you have family members who root for Chelsea, it's ok to have a little dig ;)
Walk On
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Liverpool take it to the Blues
The Capital One Cup is down a few rungs in terms of importance to most football/soccer fans, but when rivalry match ups take place, it raises the stakes a little bit. Such was the case in the first leg of the semifinal between Liverpool and Chelsea. Most teams, especially ones that lead the table, would put out a team of reserves or at least a mixture of reserves and starters. The Special One, Jose Mourinho, put out an especially strong squad given the situation his club is in. It was also especially strong given the fact that only a day prior to the match, Mourinho said it was not possible for his club to win the English treble.
It was a match that had plenty to argue about, if you like criticizing the minute details that a referee must react on in mere seconds. There were missed calls, including a handball by Thibaut Courtois that went uncalled - one that as a former goalkeeper, I could not be too mad at. Both sides did their fair share of yelling and arguing at the officials. However really, though you or I may not completely agree with the penalty given for Chelsea's only goal, the official really had a pretty good match.
Both teams had an overall good match and it was an entertaining game of football. Chelsea showed glimpses of why they are one of the best teams in the world. Even as a supporter of one of their chief rivals, I had to marvel at some of their work. There was one play specifically in the second half where the one touch passing to get out of their own end was a marvel to see. But equally pleasing to the eye was the way that Liverpool played.
The Reds attacked with no fear and defended well enough to win the game. Unfortunately for them, they did not. If the penalty had not been called, there may well have been a win in the fortunes of the Reds and the Kopites. If they were not up against Courtois as well, there may have been a win instead of a draw as well. Liverpool banged away at the frame, including in the literal sense when Steven Gerrard hit the post. They out-shot the Blues 20-7 and out-chanced them 7-0. Coutois had to prove how good he is to keep Liverpool out.
As mentioned, it was a rousing game that, if not for the the rivalry aspect, would be seen in almost totally positive light. From a Liverpool perspective, they dominated possession for a good chunk of the game, they created several quality chances, they linked well, they defended well for the most part and took the game to Chelsea. It was another good motivational game for Liverpool, if for no other reason than it gives them the belief they can still compete with the best teams in England.
By no means am I suggesting Liverpool are back. As I have said in this space before and as many out there already know, this is a team that still has specific needs. Regardless of whether the team sticks with a back three or goes with a back four, they have to at least find more reserves capable of stepping in and not having any drop off. They have to settle the goalkeeper situation, whether it is to keep confidence in Simon Mingolet or bring in someone else. They have to find a way to get goals from the strikers they have brought in or will bring in on a regular basis. But those issues do not mean that this club has not made progress.
If you had asked even the most positive Liverpool fan a month or two ago if they could even pull out a draw with Chelsea, the poll would not favor the Reds by any stretch. The calls for Brendan Rodgers' head..er I mean job have quieted, his choices are working and the team has found a cohesion and a realization that if you are going to play you had better play in the spot you are assigned, not the one you feel you are better suited.
Chelsea may yet win this semifinal. They have the talent and they have the crowd. Liverpool's inability to score that all-important go ahead goal may cost them a chance at the league cup. Yet the idea that they outplayed Chelsea in any facet is uplifting. Now their fate is truly in their hands. Was this a great result? No. Only a win could be that. Enough was measured and put forth, however, to show that this team is now truly worthy of wearing the Liverpool crest. Walk on.
Random thoughts:
- I hate the way Chelsea packs it in. It is just against my nature in what attracts me to sports in general, not just soccer. I take nothing away from the team or the manager - though I strongly dislike the Special One. It is smart strategy. Get the lead and hold it. It is just incredibly frustrating to watch a team charge and charge again but constantly have two or three defenders always around the ball. Kudos to the Blues for having the talent to pull it off most of the time, but makes me ill in the stomach.
- The big question for the Reds is can they perform away from Anfield. Though I have not had the pleasure of being there in person - yet - you can just tell that the place has a magic. The crowd, the atmosphere, the ghosts of teams past have an affect on both the home squad and the visitors. Even when the Blues were packing it in, the surge of the crowd could be felt, even through a computer. When that crowd is not there, will Liverpool still have the courage and fortitude to attack? Time will tell.
- An absolute gem of a goal from Raheem Sterling. He is proving himself to be a good striker, but I think I'd still like to see him in a role a bit further back. Great talent though. Still has a bit to learn, but hopefully he'll be wearing Liverpool red for years to come.
- I did not know Mitre still made soccer products until I saw the ball for the match.
- You know you're a goalkeeper when your reaction to one of your rivals' keeper making a great save includes both high praise followed by a few expletive adjectives.
- As a former official, it really irritates me how every player on the field with the slightest gripe charges up and gets in the referee's face. There was an excellent article on ESPN FC's website, which I can no longer find the link to, that spoke to this very thing. While I did not agree with all the points, I do believe there needs to be less demonstrative behavior towards the ref. Fans can do as they please, within reason. Players need to get back to a point where they voiced their displeasure but went about their business instead of spraying the referee with drool from a few inches away for every call or non-call.
It was a match that had plenty to argue about, if you like criticizing the minute details that a referee must react on in mere seconds. There were missed calls, including a handball by Thibaut Courtois that went uncalled - one that as a former goalkeeper, I could not be too mad at. Both sides did their fair share of yelling and arguing at the officials. However really, though you or I may not completely agree with the penalty given for Chelsea's only goal, the official really had a pretty good match.
Both teams had an overall good match and it was an entertaining game of football. Chelsea showed glimpses of why they are one of the best teams in the world. Even as a supporter of one of their chief rivals, I had to marvel at some of their work. There was one play specifically in the second half where the one touch passing to get out of their own end was a marvel to see. But equally pleasing to the eye was the way that Liverpool played.
The Reds attacked with no fear and defended well enough to win the game. Unfortunately for them, they did not. If the penalty had not been called, there may well have been a win in the fortunes of the Reds and the Kopites. If they were not up against Courtois as well, there may have been a win instead of a draw as well. Liverpool banged away at the frame, including in the literal sense when Steven Gerrard hit the post. They out-shot the Blues 20-7 and out-chanced them 7-0. Coutois had to prove how good he is to keep Liverpool out.
As mentioned, it was a rousing game that, if not for the the rivalry aspect, would be seen in almost totally positive light. From a Liverpool perspective, they dominated possession for a good chunk of the game, they created several quality chances, they linked well, they defended well for the most part and took the game to Chelsea. It was another good motivational game for Liverpool, if for no other reason than it gives them the belief they can still compete with the best teams in England.
By no means am I suggesting Liverpool are back. As I have said in this space before and as many out there already know, this is a team that still has specific needs. Regardless of whether the team sticks with a back three or goes with a back four, they have to at least find more reserves capable of stepping in and not having any drop off. They have to settle the goalkeeper situation, whether it is to keep confidence in Simon Mingolet or bring in someone else. They have to find a way to get goals from the strikers they have brought in or will bring in on a regular basis. But those issues do not mean that this club has not made progress.
If you had asked even the most positive Liverpool fan a month or two ago if they could even pull out a draw with Chelsea, the poll would not favor the Reds by any stretch. The calls for Brendan Rodgers' head..er I mean job have quieted, his choices are working and the team has found a cohesion and a realization that if you are going to play you had better play in the spot you are assigned, not the one you feel you are better suited.
Chelsea may yet win this semifinal. They have the talent and they have the crowd. Liverpool's inability to score that all-important go ahead goal may cost them a chance at the league cup. Yet the idea that they outplayed Chelsea in any facet is uplifting. Now their fate is truly in their hands. Was this a great result? No. Only a win could be that. Enough was measured and put forth, however, to show that this team is now truly worthy of wearing the Liverpool crest. Walk on.
Random thoughts:
- I hate the way Chelsea packs it in. It is just against my nature in what attracts me to sports in general, not just soccer. I take nothing away from the team or the manager - though I strongly dislike the Special One. It is smart strategy. Get the lead and hold it. It is just incredibly frustrating to watch a team charge and charge again but constantly have two or three defenders always around the ball. Kudos to the Blues for having the talent to pull it off most of the time, but makes me ill in the stomach.
- The big question for the Reds is can they perform away from Anfield. Though I have not had the pleasure of being there in person - yet - you can just tell that the place has a magic. The crowd, the atmosphere, the ghosts of teams past have an affect on both the home squad and the visitors. Even when the Blues were packing it in, the surge of the crowd could be felt, even through a computer. When that crowd is not there, will Liverpool still have the courage and fortitude to attack? Time will tell.
- An absolute gem of a goal from Raheem Sterling. He is proving himself to be a good striker, but I think I'd still like to see him in a role a bit further back. Great talent though. Still has a bit to learn, but hopefully he'll be wearing Liverpool red for years to come.
- I did not know Mitre still made soccer products until I saw the ball for the match.
- You know you're a goalkeeper when your reaction to one of your rivals' keeper making a great save includes both high praise followed by a few expletive adjectives.
- As a former official, it really irritates me how every player on the field with the slightest gripe charges up and gets in the referee's face. There was an excellent article on ESPN FC's website, which I can no longer find the link to, that spoke to this very thing. While I did not agree with all the points, I do believe there needs to be less demonstrative behavior towards the ref. Fans can do as they please, within reason. Players need to get back to a point where they voiced their displeasure but went about their business instead of spraying the referee with drool from a few inches away for every call or non-call.
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