After a lengthy break (around 16 days), Liverpool returned to action. They seemed to have everything set up for a victory but that's why we play the games.
Liverpool was going up against Leicester. The Reds had their form back with a strong win over Tottenham, Leicester was reeling from the unpopular firing of Claudio Ranieri and the Foxes had not scored a Premier League goal in 2017.
All set up for Liverpool right? Not so fast my friend.
The Foxes came out with a lot of energy in the first few moments. Liverpool looked shaky on the backline and just a step slow. Their goalkeeper kept them into the contest with a couple early saves, but it would not last long enough.
Liverpool's defensive lapses were clear when Leicester scored the opening goal in the 28th minute. Lucas, who has played valiantly but is not a defender, was charged with marking Jamie Vardy. However, he was shoulder to shoulder with the striker as the through ball was played and Vardy scored on a breakaway with, really, only Simon Mignolet to beat.
Liverpool did not hang their heads. They almost came up with a moment of brilliance just a short time later. Coutinho was denied the equalizer only a minute or so later when Kasper Schmeichel made himself big, diving to stop the Brazilian's one timer.
Despite the Reds dominance through midfield, they could not really spring things on the attack. That left too much room for the Foxes to feel they were in the game. The Liverpool defensive woes continued as well.
In the 40th minute, the Reds failed to fully clear the ball from the penalty area. Liverpool looked lost when defending their own 18 yard box and Danny Drinkwater managed to make them pay. With the ball falling perfectly to him, he volleyed it from about 22 yards and curled it perfectly into the side netting.
Unfortunately for Liverpool, the Foxes looked like the team that won the 2016 Premier League title as opposed to the team that was in danger of being relegated. Liverpool came through the tunnel to open the second half with spirit, but spirit does not win games alone.
At one point, the Reds had 79% of the possession. They were pressing up the field and trying to probe the defense. They could not find a hole though.
Like the previous season, Leicester were not interested in playing an open game once they had a solid lead. The Foxes had plenty of players back to defend each push up the field. Then Leicester poached another one.
Against the run of play, a cross found Vardy. Vardy headed it home for his second of the game and a 3-0 lead with less than 30 minutes to go.
Liverpool tried some things, including some subs and brief formation changes. None of it was enough though.
There were bright spots. A bit of brilliance with some solid passing along the left and a good run by Emre Can was finished off by Coutinho. The forward's first goal in 16 games made the score 3-1.
In the end there was not enough moments of brilliance by the Reds. Schmeichel made some good saves to deny Liverpool any attempts at a comeback, but you just never felt like it was going to happen.
From a neutral perspective, it was a fine game to behold. There was solid defending, good countering and enough offense to keep even borderline fans entertained. Even as a non-neutral, it was hard not be taken in by the storyline of it all, especially with the fans salute to Ranieri.
From a Liverpool perspective, it was a disappointing performance. Even with a manager as good as Jurgen Klopp, this team continues to come out flat at the most random times. You can chalk it up to the time off, but that's no excuse.
Liverpool must find a way to defend better even when they have the current players on the field. The Reds have to be more cognizant of counter attacks, because that has almost crept up to a level spot with set pieces as the team's biggest weakness.
The Reds could have lept over Arsenal back into the top four. Now they remain a point behind with the Gunners having a chance to push the gap to four with a game in hand. Fortunately, Liverpool face Arsenal next and can keep their fate in their own hands.
Random Thoughts:
- Where is Ragnar Klavan? I appreciate the talents of Lucas and James Milner, but you cannot have two midfielders comprising the left side of your defense? Liverpool brought this guy in and it seems hard to imagine that even a young central defender is not preferable to a midfielder out of position. Who knew that we would all be clamoring for Dejan Lovren.
- As far as I'm concerned, the biggest issue missing from Liverpool after their break, other than the speed level, was killer instinct. Possession does not mean a thing if you can't finish. Liverpool seemed hesitant to let fly in an attempt to keep pushing further or find that extra bit of space that never materialized. The Reds are at their best when they feel free to have a go from anywhere.
- I mentioned it above, but it bares repeating - Liverpool have to keep counterattacks to a minimum. It's impossible to have none, especially against good teams. Still, when the Reds did enough through the flow of the game to earn some points but looked absolutely lost at times when Leicester flung balls over the top, it's a big problem.
Walk On
Showing posts with label Lucas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lucas. Show all posts
Monday, February 27, 2017
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Game In Hand Goes To Pot
Let me preface today's blog with the fact that I did not see the entirety of today's match due to another DVR SNAFU (Which did not end up mattering as I saw the entire first half). Liverpool's faint glimmer of hope for Champions League football has been all but dashed. A midweek clash with Hull City, a squad fighting to stay above the relegation zone, seemed to be the good medicine Liverpool would need following a disappointing weekend match against West Brom. Despite manager Brendan Rodgers' claims that the club played well on the weekend and just did not score, the team failed to answer the call in a time when three points are ever so precious.
Again, three points were needed to continue any hope of playing in Europe's top competition in this Tuesday match and Liverpool, again, failed to answer the bell. This club, simply, has been a disappointment this season. Despite glimmers and flashes of what could be, there have been far too many bad performances from the team.
Liverpool did create chances. 12 shots and nine on target are not stats to be scoffed at, but the quality of some of the attempts leaves much to be desired. While the Reds could easily have had two or three goals in the first half - one coming off Mario Balotelli's backheel that went straight at the keeper, one coming off Coutinho's one-timer that went straight at the keeper and one that Jordan Henderson shot straight at the keeper - the bottom line is that the team did not finish their chances. As fans we want to believe that there is talent in this squad, but either it is not being utilized correctly or it is simply not there.
People may blame Mario Balotelli for the loss, and would not be completely incorrect, but in fairness he was in position to make three Hull City attackers offside. Unfortunately, the pass went to the one attacker smart enough to stay onside and nobody defended the ball. Yes, Balotelli played the man offside and shoulders a large bit of blame, but the lack of urgency in attempting to defend that ball was shocking. Premier League defenders should not be standing with their feet in quicksand and watching the ball go over their heads as though they were watching the first rocket blast into outer space.
One can also argue that the lack of urgency in this squad is quite alarming. Fine, you go down by a goal in a late season match, only three days removed from your last match and one on the road. But to see little to no fight after the halftime break is shocking. If not for Simon Mingolet, a goalkeeper many fans were willing to place on the sacrificial altar during the January window, this team would have lost many more than 10 games. The score would have been much worse than 1-0 in today's match as well. Mingolet has been a rare bright spot in the month of April as the team has crumbled around him.
The sad part of all this is we have reached the point where cold, hard, calculated moves must be made. Personally, I really like Brendan Rodgers. But if he has lost the ear of this team and seems unable to pull off the moves to keep Liverpool in the upper echelon, then he must go. Raheem Sterling is a great young talent. However, as good as he is and can be, seven goals is not good enough. I would not advocate selling him, but he has to do more than simply dribble and show speed to be a player deserving of the money he wants. Coutinho is in the same boat. He is a fantastic player, but more must be accomplished. He cannot simply keep the ball on a string and show filthy moves and then blast the ball over the bar. Sadly, despite their lack of truly accomplishing anything this season, those two have been the lone bright spots on this squad (at least in attacking terms).
Again, once the season is finished and every result tabulated, I will go more into depth about what this team needs and who is just not good enough. As supporters, though, we are incredibly disappointed and frustrated right now. Unfortunately, last year seems to be fools gold and we all took a piece. Everyone knew, the loss of one of the top five players in the world in Suarez was going to be a big blow, but we did not know that it would deprive the team of all its scoring. Nobody has stepped up to fill the void and players that were to be counted on in important roles like Daniel Sturridge and Lucas continue to get injured if you look at them the wrong way.
Even taking the supporter hat off, this team has become difficult to watch. The club is slow at the back, ineffective through the midfield and lack cutthroat, clinical finishing in attack. At this moment, we are all at a loss. Anger presents many options and opinions in the heat of the moment, but many are lacking any true thought or consideration. The winds of change are surely stirring inside the Shankly Gates, but for now all the fans can do is hope the season ends on an up-note. It is a sad state of affairs, given the promise going into the year, but that is what they are left with.
Walk On.
Again, three points were needed to continue any hope of playing in Europe's top competition in this Tuesday match and Liverpool, again, failed to answer the bell. This club, simply, has been a disappointment this season. Despite glimmers and flashes of what could be, there have been far too many bad performances from the team.
Liverpool did create chances. 12 shots and nine on target are not stats to be scoffed at, but the quality of some of the attempts leaves much to be desired. While the Reds could easily have had two or three goals in the first half - one coming off Mario Balotelli's backheel that went straight at the keeper, one coming off Coutinho's one-timer that went straight at the keeper and one that Jordan Henderson shot straight at the keeper - the bottom line is that the team did not finish their chances. As fans we want to believe that there is talent in this squad, but either it is not being utilized correctly or it is simply not there.
People may blame Mario Balotelli for the loss, and would not be completely incorrect, but in fairness he was in position to make three Hull City attackers offside. Unfortunately, the pass went to the one attacker smart enough to stay onside and nobody defended the ball. Yes, Balotelli played the man offside and shoulders a large bit of blame, but the lack of urgency in attempting to defend that ball was shocking. Premier League defenders should not be standing with their feet in quicksand and watching the ball go over their heads as though they were watching the first rocket blast into outer space.
One can also argue that the lack of urgency in this squad is quite alarming. Fine, you go down by a goal in a late season match, only three days removed from your last match and one on the road. But to see little to no fight after the halftime break is shocking. If not for Simon Mingolet, a goalkeeper many fans were willing to place on the sacrificial altar during the January window, this team would have lost many more than 10 games. The score would have been much worse than 1-0 in today's match as well. Mingolet has been a rare bright spot in the month of April as the team has crumbled around him.
The sad part of all this is we have reached the point where cold, hard, calculated moves must be made. Personally, I really like Brendan Rodgers. But if he has lost the ear of this team and seems unable to pull off the moves to keep Liverpool in the upper echelon, then he must go. Raheem Sterling is a great young talent. However, as good as he is and can be, seven goals is not good enough. I would not advocate selling him, but he has to do more than simply dribble and show speed to be a player deserving of the money he wants. Coutinho is in the same boat. He is a fantastic player, but more must be accomplished. He cannot simply keep the ball on a string and show filthy moves and then blast the ball over the bar. Sadly, despite their lack of truly accomplishing anything this season, those two have been the lone bright spots on this squad (at least in attacking terms).
Again, once the season is finished and every result tabulated, I will go more into depth about what this team needs and who is just not good enough. As supporters, though, we are incredibly disappointed and frustrated right now. Unfortunately, last year seems to be fools gold and we all took a piece. Everyone knew, the loss of one of the top five players in the world in Suarez was going to be a big blow, but we did not know that it would deprive the team of all its scoring. Nobody has stepped up to fill the void and players that were to be counted on in important roles like Daniel Sturridge and Lucas continue to get injured if you look at them the wrong way.
Even taking the supporter hat off, this team has become difficult to watch. The club is slow at the back, ineffective through the midfield and lack cutthroat, clinical finishing in attack. At this moment, we are all at a loss. Anger presents many options and opinions in the heat of the moment, but many are lacking any true thought or consideration. The winds of change are surely stirring inside the Shankly Gates, but for now all the fans can do is hope the season ends on an up-note. It is a sad state of affairs, given the promise going into the year, but that is what they are left with.
Walk On.
Sunday, March 22, 2015
Madness and Missed Chances Doom Reds
We all knew that the undefeated streak probably would not last the rest of the season. We all knew that a poor performance was bound to come. Supporters just hoped that it would not come against their hated rival, Manchester United. Unfortunately for them and the team, it did.
Liverpool came out of the gates and never really found their footing. The Reds were on their heels from the word go. Credit does have to go to the Red Devils of Manchester United as well. They came out and dominated the match. They implemented their game plan and did not allow Liverpool into the match, regardless of the Red's form. They were strong on the ball. Manchester dominated possession. They closed down every lost ball and were physically imposing on the smaller Liverpool squad.
Credit given, Liverpool did not do enough to affect the game. Alberto Moreno was absolutely horrible in this game. His passes were off the mark consistently in the opening 15 minutes. He gave the ball away in key areas. He was lackadaisical getting back on defense. Really, the only positive he put forth was his attacking speed.
Rarely, if ever do I put blame with any one player and you cannot do so here. However, Moreno can be put at fault during both goals, which does not help his case. Moreno had a giveaway near the sideline that gave possession to United, which they ended up turning into the first goal for Juan Mata. Then, upon reviewing the play, Moreno lost his marker - again Mata - who recieved a cheeky little chip over the defensive line and was coolly finished off by Mata with a sparking side volley.
As I mentioned, blame cannot solely be placed on one player. Daniel Sturridge did little to affect the game, other than blasting the ball past David De Gea to give the team life with around 20 minutes to play. Raheem Sterling saw little of the ball and when he did, he just did not have that extra burst or nice touch to really get himself into space. Coutinho had a couple flashes, but nothing that really tested the opponents. Adam Lallana played ok, but failed to equalize the game in the 36th minute which would have completely altered the game. Again, United did an excellent job of shutting down the Liverpool attackers, but the Reds themselves did not do enough to really turn up the pressure either.
The really disappointing portion of the match came just after half time. Everyone that saw the match, knows. Liverpool's captain, their leader made a huge mistake that he even admitted played a huge role in costing his team the game. Steven Gerrard came on for Adam Lallana at half-time and made several positive passes in his opening 30 seconds in the match. However, two sliding tackles made on the captain apparently got under his skin and the second one earned a stomp on the lower shin of Ander Herrera.
It was a moment of madness. Any of us who have played have experienced it - that point where the blood just hits the boiling point and the primal urges override our normal brain functions. At the highest level, in a match of such importance one would just expect better of a player so experienced in just those situations. What made matters worse, if that is even possible after putting your team down by a man, is the fact that it occurred so soon. Only 33 seconds of clock had elapsed by the time Gerrard was sent to the locker room.
Liverpool fans are left to ponder what kind of impact their longtime captain might have had if he kept his cool. Supporters are left to wonder what changes may have happened. Would Manchester United's second goal have come? Would Gerrard have directed traffic well enough to avert the tally? Would he have orchestrated a more well organized attack and allowed the Reds to take hold of the half? We'll never know.
It was an all-around performance by Liverpool, which fans have become accustomed to. Unfortunately, it was not the kind of all-around performance they are used to seeing. Instead of the entire team playing well and pressing the issue, the entire team played poorly and had their part to play in the team losing. Fans can, and certainly will, point to the Lallana miss (which would have been the goal to keep it tied given the way everything played out) or the yellow card that could have been red on Phil Jones as things that did not go in their favor. They will look to the ineffectiveness of the attack. Ultimately, the team as a whole did not do enough to deserve the win.
The season is not over. Liverpool remain in fifth spot and the top four is not out of reach. Important games remain, including another important one on the road against Arsenal in two weeks. Liverpool may benefit from an extra week of rest and training. Regardless, they must regroup. They have not tasted defeat in the league since December 14, against the very same team. This loss will taste extra bitter for the team and sting a little longer for the fans given what might have been. However, as their famous anthem states: Though your dreams be tossed and blown, Walk on with hope in your heart. Brighter days are ahead.
Random Thoughts:
- Brendan Rodgers has to find a way to get the scoring touch back. Daniel Sturridge has managed to score some goals, but he simply isn't the player he was last year yet. The team was flying high with Sterling at the top of the spear, so to speak, and hasn't quite acclimated to Sturridge being up there. As a complimentary point, Sterling looks lost at times as a wing back. He gives constant effort, but he needs to be up top. Lallana is skilled, but I really don't understand why he is not playing wing back with a top three of Coutinho, Sterling and Sturridge.
- I really cannot stand Merouane Fallaini. The guy has talent, no doubt, but I honestly think I would be sick to my stomach if Liverpool ever signed him. I do not like his demeanor, the way he carries himself or his reactions any time he is touched.
- Thank goodness for Simon Mingolet's return to form. As a keeper, I know stopping a penalty takes more luck than skill. However, seeing him keep Wayne Rooney scoreless at Anfield in ten years, on a penalty kick of all things, was a lone bright spot in an otherwise depressing game.
- It's a good thing Liverpool will get an extra week to think things over. They will be without Steven Gerrard for sure and, given the recent suspensions around the league, will be without the services of Martin Skrtel as well. Those are key cogs to this squad, so other players are going to have to step up to keep one loss from spiraling into more.
- He is no Steven Gerrard, in skill or leadership, but it was good to see Lucas in the lineup once again. He will be needed during the absence of Gerrard for sure. That excitement was tempered by the sight of Lucas next to Glen Johnson though.
Walk On
Liverpool came out of the gates and never really found their footing. The Reds were on their heels from the word go. Credit does have to go to the Red Devils of Manchester United as well. They came out and dominated the match. They implemented their game plan and did not allow Liverpool into the match, regardless of the Red's form. They were strong on the ball. Manchester dominated possession. They closed down every lost ball and were physically imposing on the smaller Liverpool squad.
Credit given, Liverpool did not do enough to affect the game. Alberto Moreno was absolutely horrible in this game. His passes were off the mark consistently in the opening 15 minutes. He gave the ball away in key areas. He was lackadaisical getting back on defense. Really, the only positive he put forth was his attacking speed.
Rarely, if ever do I put blame with any one player and you cannot do so here. However, Moreno can be put at fault during both goals, which does not help his case. Moreno had a giveaway near the sideline that gave possession to United, which they ended up turning into the first goal for Juan Mata. Then, upon reviewing the play, Moreno lost his marker - again Mata - who recieved a cheeky little chip over the defensive line and was coolly finished off by Mata with a sparking side volley.
As I mentioned, blame cannot solely be placed on one player. Daniel Sturridge did little to affect the game, other than blasting the ball past David De Gea to give the team life with around 20 minutes to play. Raheem Sterling saw little of the ball and when he did, he just did not have that extra burst or nice touch to really get himself into space. Coutinho had a couple flashes, but nothing that really tested the opponents. Adam Lallana played ok, but failed to equalize the game in the 36th minute which would have completely altered the game. Again, United did an excellent job of shutting down the Liverpool attackers, but the Reds themselves did not do enough to really turn up the pressure either.
The really disappointing portion of the match came just after half time. Everyone that saw the match, knows. Liverpool's captain, their leader made a huge mistake that he even admitted played a huge role in costing his team the game. Steven Gerrard came on for Adam Lallana at half-time and made several positive passes in his opening 30 seconds in the match. However, two sliding tackles made on the captain apparently got under his skin and the second one earned a stomp on the lower shin of Ander Herrera.
It was a moment of madness. Any of us who have played have experienced it - that point where the blood just hits the boiling point and the primal urges override our normal brain functions. At the highest level, in a match of such importance one would just expect better of a player so experienced in just those situations. What made matters worse, if that is even possible after putting your team down by a man, is the fact that it occurred so soon. Only 33 seconds of clock had elapsed by the time Gerrard was sent to the locker room.
Liverpool fans are left to ponder what kind of impact their longtime captain might have had if he kept his cool. Supporters are left to wonder what changes may have happened. Would Manchester United's second goal have come? Would Gerrard have directed traffic well enough to avert the tally? Would he have orchestrated a more well organized attack and allowed the Reds to take hold of the half? We'll never know.
It was an all-around performance by Liverpool, which fans have become accustomed to. Unfortunately, it was not the kind of all-around performance they are used to seeing. Instead of the entire team playing well and pressing the issue, the entire team played poorly and had their part to play in the team losing. Fans can, and certainly will, point to the Lallana miss (which would have been the goal to keep it tied given the way everything played out) or the yellow card that could have been red on Phil Jones as things that did not go in their favor. They will look to the ineffectiveness of the attack. Ultimately, the team as a whole did not do enough to deserve the win.
The season is not over. Liverpool remain in fifth spot and the top four is not out of reach. Important games remain, including another important one on the road against Arsenal in two weeks. Liverpool may benefit from an extra week of rest and training. Regardless, they must regroup. They have not tasted defeat in the league since December 14, against the very same team. This loss will taste extra bitter for the team and sting a little longer for the fans given what might have been. However, as their famous anthem states: Though your dreams be tossed and blown, Walk on with hope in your heart. Brighter days are ahead.
Random Thoughts:
- Brendan Rodgers has to find a way to get the scoring touch back. Daniel Sturridge has managed to score some goals, but he simply isn't the player he was last year yet. The team was flying high with Sterling at the top of the spear, so to speak, and hasn't quite acclimated to Sturridge being up there. As a complimentary point, Sterling looks lost at times as a wing back. He gives constant effort, but he needs to be up top. Lallana is skilled, but I really don't understand why he is not playing wing back with a top three of Coutinho, Sterling and Sturridge.
- I really cannot stand Merouane Fallaini. The guy has talent, no doubt, but I honestly think I would be sick to my stomach if Liverpool ever signed him. I do not like his demeanor, the way he carries himself or his reactions any time he is touched.
- Thank goodness for Simon Mingolet's return to form. As a keeper, I know stopping a penalty takes more luck than skill. However, seeing him keep Wayne Rooney scoreless at Anfield in ten years, on a penalty kick of all things, was a lone bright spot in an otherwise depressing game.
- It's a good thing Liverpool will get an extra week to think things over. They will be without Steven Gerrard for sure and, given the recent suspensions around the league, will be without the services of Martin Skrtel as well. Those are key cogs to this squad, so other players are going to have to step up to keep one loss from spiraling into more.
- He is no Steven Gerrard, in skill or leadership, but it was good to see Lucas in the lineup once again. He will be needed during the absence of Gerrard for sure. That excitement was tempered by the sight of Lucas next to Glen Johnson though.
Walk On
Saturday, November 29, 2014
A win is a win
It was not pretty. It was not nice. It was not what many fans expected or maybe even wanted, but it's what they got and what they have to digest. In a game that Liverpool desperately needed a win, that's exactly what they got even if it wasn't particularly pleasing to the pallet. The contest again provided the faithful plenty of reasons to wonder what the heck is going on.
Ever the villain, Glen Johnson still continues to figure into the starting 11 and, although I have nothing against him overall, it was exceedingly puzzling to see Jose Enrique on the team sheet. It was not surprising to see Steven Gerrard absent, due to the mid-week start, but Joe Allen's inclusion was a bit of a surprise due to his lack of inspiring play - often being little more than a body on the field. The injuries and lack of options made the attacking players pretty well a known quantity.
Given all this, the Reds still had what looked like a team that should handily take care of Stoke even despite the fact the Potters have taken results and victories against teams like Manchester City. When the week began, most supporters thought it could be a three win week. A crushing defeat to Crystal Palace and a disheartening late equalizer by Ludogorets all but threw the water on what some hoped would spark a fire that could lead to a long run. Instead they were left with the small hope of at least one positive result.
Really there is little to discuss with the game. Even the announcers during the first half commented on how little happened. If anything, it was a disappointing fixture because Stoke had as many chances as Liverpool. Both sides were denied. Stoke hit the post and Mignolet made some decent saves in a game where he may have thought he would see little action. On the flip side, despite an almost non-existent midfield, Liverpool should have put home at least two chances before they actually did score. Lucas' and Allen's attempts on goal come straight to mind.
Yet, before we delve too deep into the pit of despair, let us not forget that three points were gained. We can challenge the manager on his team selection all we want. We can wonder at the ineptitude of the Reds' play at times and their lack of any will other than the will to be disappointing. We can wonder why two players, no matter how talented, can have such an affect on the scoring - or lack thereof - of a team that seemed very talented a season ago.
Ultimately, no matter how it looked, the result the team wanted; the result the team needed was gained. The seemingly universally unpopular Johson was the hero of the hour with a superb effort goal. In the end, it may be what the doctor ordered. Perhaps, instead of a game where all ills were cured and all the players just lept off the page with glorious performances, maybe this was the sort of ugly victory that will actually turn the page on what has been a less than inspiring season. Maybe a victory when so many players were still less than their best will actually boost some confidence. Only time will tell.
Liverpool still have a string of winnable games to come, so perhaps this will be the spark. Even the smallest spark can ignite things if properly stoked. The supporters will be watching and continue to do all they can to help their club. Maybe at season's end, all will look back on an ugly win in the dying days of November as the point when things turned for the better. Walk on.
Ever the villain, Glen Johnson still continues to figure into the starting 11 and, although I have nothing against him overall, it was exceedingly puzzling to see Jose Enrique on the team sheet. It was not surprising to see Steven Gerrard absent, due to the mid-week start, but Joe Allen's inclusion was a bit of a surprise due to his lack of inspiring play - often being little more than a body on the field. The injuries and lack of options made the attacking players pretty well a known quantity.
Given all this, the Reds still had what looked like a team that should handily take care of Stoke even despite the fact the Potters have taken results and victories against teams like Manchester City. When the week began, most supporters thought it could be a three win week. A crushing defeat to Crystal Palace and a disheartening late equalizer by Ludogorets all but threw the water on what some hoped would spark a fire that could lead to a long run. Instead they were left with the small hope of at least one positive result.
Really there is little to discuss with the game. Even the announcers during the first half commented on how little happened. If anything, it was a disappointing fixture because Stoke had as many chances as Liverpool. Both sides were denied. Stoke hit the post and Mignolet made some decent saves in a game where he may have thought he would see little action. On the flip side, despite an almost non-existent midfield, Liverpool should have put home at least two chances before they actually did score. Lucas' and Allen's attempts on goal come straight to mind.
Yet, before we delve too deep into the pit of despair, let us not forget that three points were gained. We can challenge the manager on his team selection all we want. We can wonder at the ineptitude of the Reds' play at times and their lack of any will other than the will to be disappointing. We can wonder why two players, no matter how talented, can have such an affect on the scoring - or lack thereof - of a team that seemed very talented a season ago.
Ultimately, no matter how it looked, the result the team wanted; the result the team needed was gained. The seemingly universally unpopular Johson was the hero of the hour with a superb effort goal. In the end, it may be what the doctor ordered. Perhaps, instead of a game where all ills were cured and all the players just lept off the page with glorious performances, maybe this was the sort of ugly victory that will actually turn the page on what has been a less than inspiring season. Maybe a victory when so many players were still less than their best will actually boost some confidence. Only time will tell.
Liverpool still have a string of winnable games to come, so perhaps this will be the spark. Even the smallest spark can ignite things if properly stoked. The supporters will be watching and continue to do all they can to help their club. Maybe at season's end, all will look back on an ugly win in the dying days of November as the point when things turned for the better. Walk on.
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