Liverpool came into today's match riding high. They've been scoring goals, racking up points and looking like a real title contender.
Liverpool had not lost since their disappointing 2-0 loss to Burnley, of all teams. The Reds had been flying high and there were all sorts of mentions by the broadcast team about how the team was performing better than they had since 1987 or more goals at this point since the 1800's, etc.
Southampton did not care much about all that. They wanted a point from this match, come hell or high water. For the first 45 minutes it looked like they would get at least that.
They parked the bus and put all ten men behind the ball, giving Liverpool absolutely no space in which to work. Liverpool had a chance or two off Southampton mistakes, but there really wasn't anything from the Reds that would trouble the goalkeeper by being on frame.
The second half would be more of the same, but the spaces were more readily available. The Old Boys were trying to probe a little further forward in an attempt to take all three points.
While they came close to poaching a goal in the 59th minute when Charlie Austin overpowered the defender for a header that skimmed wide, the Reds were the one afforded more chances. Unfortunately, their top guys were not on top form.
Coutinho flubbed one off his left foot about 10 minutes into the second half. He could have been given a penalty since the defender made a lot of contact with him and none on the ball (to the naked eye, there appeared to be a block but was none), but you expect better from the Brazilian.
Speaking of Brazilians, Firmino was played into space on the right in the 69th minute and came close to scoring. He probably should have, but ended up flashing it just wide as he tried to cut it back across goal.
Liverpool had some opportunities off set pieces or corner kicks, but just could not find that bit of magic to break the deadlock. With each second ticking off the clock, the match looked like it was going to end in a slightly less boring result than the Manchester United fixture.
The Reds kept their foot on the gas trying to get the three points. Daniel Sturridge finally got some game time late on.
His inclusion almost immediately paid dividends. He lofted a cross into a dangerous area and Nathaniel Clyne almost finished it off in the 79th minute. Sadly, it just shaved the goal again and did not hit the net.
In the end, there was nothing in it for the Liverpool offense. They created a handful of chances throughout, but could not finish.
The only sad thing was the lack of possession they had when it mattered most, in stoppage time. The Reds looked a bit out of sorts during all of that.
Nevertheless, it was a decent performance in the grand scheme. Liverpool remain top of the table on the number of goals they have scored.
A point on the road is always important. It was not nearly the result we all wanted, but nothing to be too disappointed with either.
Random Thoughts:
- Very random, but the Paul Pogba commercial bothers me. The insinuation seems to be the woman at the start would be his mother. Yet she calls him Pogba. My friends have called me by my last name, but nobody in your family would call you by your last name.
- Though I've made my feelings fairly apparent regarding Adam Lallana, he's had a fantastic year this season. You wonder if his creativity and work rate might have been a deciding factor in being able to break down Southampton if he was not injured.
- I feel bad for Dejan Lovren. Clearly I have not kept myself in the loop because I can't remember what he did that makes him the only player the fans booed. Liverpool had at least two ex-Southampton players on the field and at least three on the team and Lovren gets all the ill will.
Walk On
Showing posts with label Nathaniel Clyne. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nathaniel Clyne. Show all posts
Saturday, November 19, 2016
Saturday, January 2, 2016
Liverpool Continue Their Jeckyll and Hyde Performances
In the latest episode of As Liverpool Turns, the game did not start on the correct foot. Since the initial shine wore off of Jurgen Klopp, the team he is in charge of have been Jekyll and Hyde. We saw the Hyde part toward the beginning of the match, especially in the back four. After being the saving grace in their Boxing Day match, the back four were to blame for the initial goal given up against West Ham in the first match of 2016.
Alberto Moreno made a run up the left hand side, only to be fouled and not given a free kick. Whether you believe it was a foul or not quickly became irrelevant. Moreno stayed on the ground in an effort to make it look worse than it was, West Ham drove down through his vacated position and slipped a beautiful cross inside the box. It was finished off by Michail Antonio and so were Liverpool.
The Reds looked a shambles during the opening quarter hour. Very little in attack and akin to a man's first attempt at walking on stilts in defense. If not for the woodwork, Liverpool would have been down 2-0 in the 17th minute after Manuel Lanzini sent a knuckleball past a bewildered Simon Mignolet, only to see it ricochet back toward the field.
In attack, Liverpool looked just as shaky in the first half. There was no attack for the first few minutes and when they got a little more cohesive, none of the attacking players were able to keep the ball settled down. Sadly, the Reds' best attack in the opening half hour was when Jordan Ibe dribbled it over the endline. That same statement could be made for the entire half, with the exception of a few decent corners and a side footer from Emre Can knicking off the crossbar.
As a whole, the opening half was just a shambles. Fortunately for the Reds, the back four rebounded from their weak start and redeemed themselves. Moreno came all the way across the field to make a smart tackle to avoid a shot on goal and Nathaniel Clyne made a block during a counter attack that would have seen Mignolet have a 50/50 chance, at best, to save it.
Liverpool opened up the second more positively, but things just weren't quite on. Benteke was set up nicely by Moreno in the 51st minute, but oddly opened up his body to direct the shot well wide instead of trying to strike the ball. Then, despite the ok chances and decent possession, it all went to pot. Andy Carroll, was set up with a header on the counter attack and the former Liverpool striker made his ex-team pay.
That would be the final score and continue to prove that this current incarnation of Liverpool are simply an enigma. They show up against the big boys, but in a season where the big boys are not the teams to contend with, they fail to play well enough against the other clubs. What is more, this squad always seems on the cusp. A win would have seen them, if only temporarily, within two points of a top four spot. Now they remain five back with Spurs still to play this weekend and playing equally enigmatic Everton.
There are excuses, but weak ones. Danny Ings, Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi, Jordan Henderson and James Milner are all out with various injuries. With the exception of Ings and Sturridge though, none of those names really pop off the page as really making the difference in any loss this season. January might provide no reinforcements, regardless of their need. Whether they are truly good enough or not, these players have to stand up and be accounted. This run of inconsistency is simply not good enough from a professional at this level.
Random Thoughts:
- As much as I may dislike Adam Lallana, perhaps the team does play better with him in there. A trio of Coutinho, Firmino and Ibe should be a force to be reckoned with. They should have been switching constantly and making runs in behind to support Benteke. Instead, they were mired in quicksand without a clue.
- People wanting to get rid of Simon Mignolet should watch the 69th minute. He is pretty bad at corner kicks, that much is true. However, he is one of the better shot stoppers in the league. He denied Carroll on the initial header and then sprawled to collect the rebound as well. I've made this point in the past, but unless there is someone out there that is head and shoulders better in every aspect, I would not be willing to change goalkeepers simply to have someone who is only better at defending corners.
- Chances are Liverpool will have to wait until the summer to make any significant additions. That said, every mediocre to poor result makes even myself hope for something to happen in the January window. Initially it seemed a good idea to wait, let the season play out and hope players returning from injury would be enough. Now, standing pat in the winter seems a terrible mistake.
Walk On
Alberto Moreno made a run up the left hand side, only to be fouled and not given a free kick. Whether you believe it was a foul or not quickly became irrelevant. Moreno stayed on the ground in an effort to make it look worse than it was, West Ham drove down through his vacated position and slipped a beautiful cross inside the box. It was finished off by Michail Antonio and so were Liverpool.
The Reds looked a shambles during the opening quarter hour. Very little in attack and akin to a man's first attempt at walking on stilts in defense. If not for the woodwork, Liverpool would have been down 2-0 in the 17th minute after Manuel Lanzini sent a knuckleball past a bewildered Simon Mignolet, only to see it ricochet back toward the field.
In attack, Liverpool looked just as shaky in the first half. There was no attack for the first few minutes and when they got a little more cohesive, none of the attacking players were able to keep the ball settled down. Sadly, the Reds' best attack in the opening half hour was when Jordan Ibe dribbled it over the endline. That same statement could be made for the entire half, with the exception of a few decent corners and a side footer from Emre Can knicking off the crossbar.
As a whole, the opening half was just a shambles. Fortunately for the Reds, the back four rebounded from their weak start and redeemed themselves. Moreno came all the way across the field to make a smart tackle to avoid a shot on goal and Nathaniel Clyne made a block during a counter attack that would have seen Mignolet have a 50/50 chance, at best, to save it.
Liverpool opened up the second more positively, but things just weren't quite on. Benteke was set up nicely by Moreno in the 51st minute, but oddly opened up his body to direct the shot well wide instead of trying to strike the ball. Then, despite the ok chances and decent possession, it all went to pot. Andy Carroll, was set up with a header on the counter attack and the former Liverpool striker made his ex-team pay.
That would be the final score and continue to prove that this current incarnation of Liverpool are simply an enigma. They show up against the big boys, but in a season where the big boys are not the teams to contend with, they fail to play well enough against the other clubs. What is more, this squad always seems on the cusp. A win would have seen them, if only temporarily, within two points of a top four spot. Now they remain five back with Spurs still to play this weekend and playing equally enigmatic Everton.
There are excuses, but weak ones. Danny Ings, Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi, Jordan Henderson and James Milner are all out with various injuries. With the exception of Ings and Sturridge though, none of those names really pop off the page as really making the difference in any loss this season. January might provide no reinforcements, regardless of their need. Whether they are truly good enough or not, these players have to stand up and be accounted. This run of inconsistency is simply not good enough from a professional at this level.
Random Thoughts:
- As much as I may dislike Adam Lallana, perhaps the team does play better with him in there. A trio of Coutinho, Firmino and Ibe should be a force to be reckoned with. They should have been switching constantly and making runs in behind to support Benteke. Instead, they were mired in quicksand without a clue.
- People wanting to get rid of Simon Mignolet should watch the 69th minute. He is pretty bad at corner kicks, that much is true. However, he is one of the better shot stoppers in the league. He denied Carroll on the initial header and then sprawled to collect the rebound as well. I've made this point in the past, but unless there is someone out there that is head and shoulders better in every aspect, I would not be willing to change goalkeepers simply to have someone who is only better at defending corners.
- Chances are Liverpool will have to wait until the summer to make any significant additions. That said, every mediocre to poor result makes even myself hope for something to happen in the January window. Initially it seemed a good idea to wait, let the season play out and hope players returning from injury would be enough. Now, standing pat in the winter seems a terrible mistake.
Walk On
Sunday, December 20, 2015
The Force Is Not Strong With Liverpool Against Watford
My apologies for the title, but after a game like that one has to try and pick up their spirits. You know the day is not going to go well when the club allow a goal such as the one given up in the first few minutes. Rarely, in this writer's eyes, is the goalkeeper truly to blame for a goal but Adam Bogdan was at fault for the opening goal of the contest.
It appeared as though Bogdan overjumped in his attempt to claim the ball and had to adjust the position of his hands. He spilled the ball and while a case could be made that it was kicked from his grasp, you still expect a Premier League goalkeeper to be able to handle that sort of ball. Bogdan again looked panicked in the 34th minute when he wildly attempted to punch a ball that he could have easily claimed it. That original play did solidify two things, however. Firstly, Liverpool may be the worst they've ever been in the last three seasons at set pieces.
Whether corner kicks or free kicks, the Reds seem completely inept and unable to defend. Fans, quite rightly, shake in their boots every time because it's as though you can sense the goal will be conceded. Even when they do not concede, they never really look very confident during the transaction.
Secondly, unless a transfer can be made in the January window, perhaps the question of whether Bogdan should start over Simon Mingolet is now put to rest. It was by no means a majority, but there were growing rumbles that Bogdan should be given a look instead of Mingolet. He was given that chance and botched it almost from the start. Bogdan was a hero in the penalty shoot out in the league cup, but those competitions are probably where his talents are best served.
The Reds tried to do something positive. They had a blast from Nathaniel Clyne blocked in the ninth minute and then an opportunity again in the 11th. Despite any of that, Liverpool never really looked settled into the game. Understandably, they may have been complacent due to the fact that the club had not lost to Watford in the league in this century.
But the players needed to realize the position of their opponent in the table, not necessarily only focus on the name of the team. The Hornets currently sit in seventh, but have been as high as fifth at times this season and Liverpool treated them as though they were a team from the relegation zone. Liverpool never seemed interested or ready to match the energy and the physicality of their exuberant foes.
Liverpool just seemed completely unaware for the majority of the fixture. That point was nevermore evident than in the 38th minute. Adam Lallana was driving at the defender with Jordan Henderson streaking up the wing. Instead of easily finding his teammate, Lallana had a poor touch and took it right into the defender. No attack was gained at all
The game, as a whole, also showed what has been evident from the entire league this season but has now reared its head for Liverpool - there is absolutely no team this season that is very good. No disrespect to Leicester City, because they have earned their top spot, but when they are the top team in the league you can tell that nobody else is playing up to standard.
Teams like Manchester City, Arsenal, Everton, Tottenham, Manchester United and Liverpool have just never gotten into a role for a long stretch. Liverpool can blow City out of the stadium and then drop games to Newcastle or Watford. The same has been true of all the "big clubs." There is absolutely nothing wrong with smaller clubs doing well or bigger ones struggling, but as far as the Reds are concerned, they had better figure out who they are and what they're truly capable of. If they do not, it will be another wasted season resting on the laurels of a coaching change as an excuse.
Random Thoughts:
- I believe Jurgen Klopp is doing the best he can, but these lineups without a true strikr are just not working with any consistency. No, Christian Benteke and Divock Origi have not lived up to expectation but they have to be given the opportunity. Granted, we do not see what these players do in training, but strikers have to be given the chance to produce.
- Can we please not start Adam Lallana? Just once? The man is talented, but he is completely lost right now. He provides nothing offensively or defensively outside of a rare moment or two. I see no reason why Lallana cannot sit on the bench while Firmino stays in his position and either Benteke or Origi play up front. The trio of Firmino, Coutinho and a true striker can't be any worse than a trio of nothing but wingers.
- Klopp's honeymoon is over. Not with the fans, but with the players. The German may be unwilling to change much in January, but he will have to make big changes to the club to fit how he wants to play. The current group of Reds don't seem to be able to do it right now.
Walk On
It appeared as though Bogdan overjumped in his attempt to claim the ball and had to adjust the position of his hands. He spilled the ball and while a case could be made that it was kicked from his grasp, you still expect a Premier League goalkeeper to be able to handle that sort of ball. Bogdan again looked panicked in the 34th minute when he wildly attempted to punch a ball that he could have easily claimed it. That original play did solidify two things, however. Firstly, Liverpool may be the worst they've ever been in the last three seasons at set pieces.
Whether corner kicks or free kicks, the Reds seem completely inept and unable to defend. Fans, quite rightly, shake in their boots every time because it's as though you can sense the goal will be conceded. Even when they do not concede, they never really look very confident during the transaction.
Secondly, unless a transfer can be made in the January window, perhaps the question of whether Bogdan should start over Simon Mingolet is now put to rest. It was by no means a majority, but there were growing rumbles that Bogdan should be given a look instead of Mingolet. He was given that chance and botched it almost from the start. Bogdan was a hero in the penalty shoot out in the league cup, but those competitions are probably where his talents are best served.
The Reds tried to do something positive. They had a blast from Nathaniel Clyne blocked in the ninth minute and then an opportunity again in the 11th. Despite any of that, Liverpool never really looked settled into the game. Understandably, they may have been complacent due to the fact that the club had not lost to Watford in the league in this century.
But the players needed to realize the position of their opponent in the table, not necessarily only focus on the name of the team. The Hornets currently sit in seventh, but have been as high as fifth at times this season and Liverpool treated them as though they were a team from the relegation zone. Liverpool never seemed interested or ready to match the energy and the physicality of their exuberant foes.
Liverpool just seemed completely unaware for the majority of the fixture. That point was nevermore evident than in the 38th minute. Adam Lallana was driving at the defender with Jordan Henderson streaking up the wing. Instead of easily finding his teammate, Lallana had a poor touch and took it right into the defender. No attack was gained at all
The game, as a whole, also showed what has been evident from the entire league this season but has now reared its head for Liverpool - there is absolutely no team this season that is very good. No disrespect to Leicester City, because they have earned their top spot, but when they are the top team in the league you can tell that nobody else is playing up to standard.
Teams like Manchester City, Arsenal, Everton, Tottenham, Manchester United and Liverpool have just never gotten into a role for a long stretch. Liverpool can blow City out of the stadium and then drop games to Newcastle or Watford. The same has been true of all the "big clubs." There is absolutely nothing wrong with smaller clubs doing well or bigger ones struggling, but as far as the Reds are concerned, they had better figure out who they are and what they're truly capable of. If they do not, it will be another wasted season resting on the laurels of a coaching change as an excuse.
Random Thoughts:
- I believe Jurgen Klopp is doing the best he can, but these lineups without a true strikr are just not working with any consistency. No, Christian Benteke and Divock Origi have not lived up to expectation but they have to be given the opportunity. Granted, we do not see what these players do in training, but strikers have to be given the chance to produce.
- Can we please not start Adam Lallana? Just once? The man is talented, but he is completely lost right now. He provides nothing offensively or defensively outside of a rare moment or two. I see no reason why Lallana cannot sit on the bench while Firmino stays in his position and either Benteke or Origi play up front. The trio of Firmino, Coutinho and a true striker can't be any worse than a trio of nothing but wingers.
- Klopp's honeymoon is over. Not with the fans, but with the players. The German may be unwilling to change much in January, but he will have to make big changes to the club to fit how he wants to play. The current group of Reds don't seem to be able to do it right now.
Walk On
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Liverpool Only Manage One Goal Again In Cup Win
Ah the Capital One Cup - you provide such divisiveness. Purists, like the current Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, still see the benefit of trying to put everything you can (within reason) into cup competitions. Others say they aren't worth it and it would actually be better for a team to be eliminated so they can concentrate on the league. None are fully right or wrong. Both have valid arguments.
What is interesting is despite his claims of still being acclimated to English culture and not valuing this competition, Klopp actually fielded the first "Cup squad" Liverpool have probably put forth this season. Despite the lack of experience, Liverpool had that youthful exhuberance and created some decent chances. Roberto Firmino began to show flashes of what has been expected of him by the Kop and featured heavily in the opening goal of the match, which was smartly finished off by Nathaniel Clyne.
What made the goal even better - besides the obvious fact that it put the team ahead - was it was the kind of goal Liverpool have conceded so often. It was on a run of play, Clyne snuck in behind the defender who was appealing for offside and all he had to do was tuck it in. No easy task, but supporters have had to see that same goal so many times but against them, it was nice to see the Reds take advantage.
As is their way, Bournemouth put a lot into attack and were no slouch. Adam Bogdan had to deny three chances from Junior Stanislas alone. Nevertheless, the Reds held a slim possession advantage as the first 45 came to a close. Things never quite end up easy for Liverpool though.
Right out of the gate, Bournemouth created a chance that was narrowly missed. Shaun MacDonald won a header and the defense was caught ball watching. The ball barely slid wide of the post and MacDonald probably should've been awarded a penalty kick for his shirt almost being removed by the Liverpool defender.
On the flip side, Liverpool should have been up by two in the 58th minute. Good pressure from the midfield led to a turnover and Firmino raced into the box. Under light pressure, he fired a shot that beat the keeper but was always curling away from the left post as the shot came from the right. Firmino really should have done better and it was one of those chances that the club could've rued at the end of the contest.
The possession continued to favor the Reds as the gas slowly went out of Bournemouth. Liverpool didn't create a ton of chances but they were still relatively lively on the ball. Joao Teixeira almost scored after Joe Allen earned a free kick in the 80th minute, however it was neatly saved.
Bogdan was almost lulled to sleep for the second half only to see a toe ball from Matt Ritchie almost sneak in the near post. The secondary keeper was wise to it though and quickly got down to save it. In the end that was enough to hold on for a night of firsts. It was Bogdan's first win in regulation time. It was Klopp's first win with the club. Clyne's first goal with the team ended up being the game winner.
Much like the tournament itself, there were good aspects and bad. Getting the bad over with first, Liverpool again failed to score more than one goal. Liverpool have only scored more than once in one game all season, a 3-2 win over Aston Villa. Despite the good play from Firmino, Teixeira, Jordan Ibe and several others, they aren't getting statistical production from their scorers. Eventually the players you expect to produce need to start producing.
On the good side, fans got to see a lot of the young talent they had been clamoring for. Teixeira looked very comfortable on the ball and like Ibe and Raheem Sterling before him, has a chance to be a special player if brought up correctly. As mentioned, the goal Liverpool scored was from the run of play instead of a set piece. And what is more, the club won. Not convincingly or spectacularly, but at least the cloud of Klopp's first win has evaporated.
Going forward, it falls on each person to decide what matters to them. Are Liverpool still in that phase where a win is a win, no matter how or who they come against? Or is showing glimpses and flashes of good play with little to show for it not quite enough. Despite what most pundits will tell you, there is no real answer. Each person has their own view of it.
The bottom line is Liverpool are still alive. Think what you will of the Capital One Cup, but LFC have made the quarterfinals for the fifth time in the last decade. They're still alive after spectacular crashes from the competition by Chelsea and Arsenal the day before. They're still alive in a competition that can provide great experience for the squad players. They still have a chance for silverware, regardless of the prestige.
Random Thoughts:
- It would be nice not to have to watch these matches on virus laden streams in the US. Even if I had BeInSports, which I don't, the match wasn't shown live.
- Though most vocal fans hate him, I thought Dejan Lovren had a good game. He was solid in the back and only made one clear mistake in the second half that was quickly cleaned up by Clyne.
- Divock Origi was more lively on the ball but clearly has more developing to do. The sad thing is he may not be what was advertised, but he is still young enough to change any negative perception he has earned of late.
- Brendan Rodgers was more animated than many Premier League managers when his team scored, but Klopp takes it to another level. He really is a football man and turns into a fan when the ball hits the net, despite his position. It's refreshing to see.
Walk On
What is interesting is despite his claims of still being acclimated to English culture and not valuing this competition, Klopp actually fielded the first "Cup squad" Liverpool have probably put forth this season. Despite the lack of experience, Liverpool had that youthful exhuberance and created some decent chances. Roberto Firmino began to show flashes of what has been expected of him by the Kop and featured heavily in the opening goal of the match, which was smartly finished off by Nathaniel Clyne.
What made the goal even better - besides the obvious fact that it put the team ahead - was it was the kind of goal Liverpool have conceded so often. It was on a run of play, Clyne snuck in behind the defender who was appealing for offside and all he had to do was tuck it in. No easy task, but supporters have had to see that same goal so many times but against them, it was nice to see the Reds take advantage.
As is their way, Bournemouth put a lot into attack and were no slouch. Adam Bogdan had to deny three chances from Junior Stanislas alone. Nevertheless, the Reds held a slim possession advantage as the first 45 came to a close. Things never quite end up easy for Liverpool though.
Right out of the gate, Bournemouth created a chance that was narrowly missed. Shaun MacDonald won a header and the defense was caught ball watching. The ball barely slid wide of the post and MacDonald probably should've been awarded a penalty kick for his shirt almost being removed by the Liverpool defender.
On the flip side, Liverpool should have been up by two in the 58th minute. Good pressure from the midfield led to a turnover and Firmino raced into the box. Under light pressure, he fired a shot that beat the keeper but was always curling away from the left post as the shot came from the right. Firmino really should have done better and it was one of those chances that the club could've rued at the end of the contest.
The possession continued to favor the Reds as the gas slowly went out of Bournemouth. Liverpool didn't create a ton of chances but they were still relatively lively on the ball. Joao Teixeira almost scored after Joe Allen earned a free kick in the 80th minute, however it was neatly saved.
Bogdan was almost lulled to sleep for the second half only to see a toe ball from Matt Ritchie almost sneak in the near post. The secondary keeper was wise to it though and quickly got down to save it. In the end that was enough to hold on for a night of firsts. It was Bogdan's first win in regulation time. It was Klopp's first win with the club. Clyne's first goal with the team ended up being the game winner.
Much like the tournament itself, there were good aspects and bad. Getting the bad over with first, Liverpool again failed to score more than one goal. Liverpool have only scored more than once in one game all season, a 3-2 win over Aston Villa. Despite the good play from Firmino, Teixeira, Jordan Ibe and several others, they aren't getting statistical production from their scorers. Eventually the players you expect to produce need to start producing.
On the good side, fans got to see a lot of the young talent they had been clamoring for. Teixeira looked very comfortable on the ball and like Ibe and Raheem Sterling before him, has a chance to be a special player if brought up correctly. As mentioned, the goal Liverpool scored was from the run of play instead of a set piece. And what is more, the club won. Not convincingly or spectacularly, but at least the cloud of Klopp's first win has evaporated.
Going forward, it falls on each person to decide what matters to them. Are Liverpool still in that phase where a win is a win, no matter how or who they come against? Or is showing glimpses and flashes of good play with little to show for it not quite enough. Despite what most pundits will tell you, there is no real answer. Each person has their own view of it.
The bottom line is Liverpool are still alive. Think what you will of the Capital One Cup, but LFC have made the quarterfinals for the fifth time in the last decade. They're still alive after spectacular crashes from the competition by Chelsea and Arsenal the day before. They're still alive in a competition that can provide great experience for the squad players. They still have a chance for silverware, regardless of the prestige.
Random Thoughts:
- It would be nice not to have to watch these matches on virus laden streams in the US. Even if I had BeInSports, which I don't, the match wasn't shown live.
- Though most vocal fans hate him, I thought Dejan Lovren had a good game. He was solid in the back and only made one clear mistake in the second half that was quickly cleaned up by Clyne.
- Divock Origi was more lively on the ball but clearly has more developing to do. The sad thing is he may not be what was advertised, but he is still young enough to change any negative perception he has earned of late.
- Brendan Rodgers was more animated than many Premier League managers when his team scored, but Klopp takes it to another level. He really is a football man and turns into a fan when the ball hits the net, despite his position. It's refreshing to see.
Walk On
Saturday, September 26, 2015
Liverpool Hang On by Fingernails
On a week that had pretty much been a nightmare for Liverpool and their manager, Brendan Rodgers, there was a big need of a bright spot. The team, fans and manager got what they needed with about as good a start as they could hope. Liverpool scored while some people may have been still searching for their seats and did so in fine fashion. James Milner had a crack at goal in the 2nd minute that found the net against one of his former clubs. Coutinho set up the goal with a nice bit of play from the left side, sliding it into the middle for Milner who had a soft first touch before banging it home. Liverpool continued the attack and looked sharp in the opening minutes.
Emre Can had a good flick in the 5th minute right but was right at goalkeeper Brad Guzan. As tends to happen though, not everything could run smoothly. Aston Villa almost equalized with a sharp header from Rudy Gestede in the 7th min. Liverpool would dominate until 22nd minute when a mistake by Can almost cost them. Gestede smashed it wide after being set up perfectly from Can, when the defender should have cleared it away but ended up knocking it back into the middle.
The disappointing thing about the first half was it was an embodiment of how the season has gone. Liverpool looked sharp against opposition that they should beat, but could not fully take charge of the game. Despite the fantastic start and the energizing shot in the arm for the team and for Anfield, the rest of the half pretty much petered out. Liverpool dominated possession, but could not create any more true chances. Sure there were forays at goal, but nothing that really troubled Guzan or the Villa faithful.
The second half provided an opportunity to change all that and Liverpool almost took advantage. in the 52nd minute, Milner almost struck again. His charge forward led to a hard shot that the defender just deflected wide. Nathaniel Clyne was right there on the doorstep but a sliding defender denied the Reds their second goal of the contest. Nevertheless it was a positive start to the second 45 minutes. Moments later a handball led to another chance.
Coutinho tried to be a bit cheeky and went low with the shot, which in actuality is more difficult to handle for most goalkeepers. Unfortunately for Liverpool, Guzan was quick to smother. The fortunes would finally favor the home side just before the 60th minute. Milner continued to shine wearing the Captain's armband, settling the ball smartly with the chest and flicking it over the Villa backline. Daniel Sturridge, still struggling to regain full fitness, looked in top form as he absolutely ripped it into the side netting with his preferred left foot. It only took eight matches, but at last Liverpool had scored two goals in a contest.
The glad tidings and good feelings would not last long to the chagrin of many. Gestede was inexplicably left to run through the area and finished off a cross from the right hand side. Even more inexplicably, Can was the man in charge of following Gestede and when the Villain slid by him, Can put his arms up as to blame others for his faults. A disheartening defensive showing from a side, that while has always had its share of problems, looked very solid with so many clean sheets to begin the year.
Then, as quickly as things turned sour, Daniel Sturridge waved his magic wand and soothed the wails of the Kopites. Right in front of Anfield's famed supporter section, less than a minute following the goal conceded, the Reds struck again to put the advantage back to two. Sturridge took the ball on the edge of the area, put it into the box for Coutinho, took the one touch on his weaker right foot and slid it into that same side netting. Top notch football and something the fans of Liverpool have been hoping to see for a long time but were robbed of due to a terrible string of injuries.
The fans were again made to sweat though as the roller coaster continued. The Liverpool defense again looked a shamble. This time Sakho was caught ball watching along with the rest of the backline and Gestede made them pay. The Aston Villa striker flew threw the air and clattered Sakho out of the way in order to head it into the back of the net. Again, tragic defending and again no chance for Mingolet to make a save.
Coutinho almost answered a few minutes later. The Brazilian took a sweet strike from a free kick and just peeled it over the wall. Guzan had to stretch fully to his right and paw it away, keeping the margin at one goal. The game never seemed to calm down either. The ball kept pinging back and forth between the teams. Sturridge almost had his hat-trick twice, once not generating power and the second forcing a great save by Guzan. Ings had a chance that he blasted right into a defender. Villa, for their part, kept charging up field as well despite the holes it would leave at the back.
In the end, it wouldn't matter as the final whistle eventually came with Liverpool still on top by a goal, which was their only goal when the opening whistle rang. It was never fully comfortable but a win and three points cannot be discounted. The disappointing thing is that nothing can ever fully go right for this club. The Reds finally crack the score sheet more than once and then the defense loses the ability to watch anything other than the ball. Nevertheless, it was positive to see Daniel Sturridge return to scoring form and for the club to get a much needed victory.
There will be a very vocal section that will actually be disappointed with the win because they wanted a poor performance to be the final nail in the manager's coffin, but I simply cannot side with them. Brendan Rodgers' time at Anfield may come to a close sooner rather than later, but to root against your team due to your own frustrations with the manager is too much. This is still a team in the works and trying to figure things out. It is incredibly understandable how frustrating that is for a fan base still used to knowing how the team would perform and who would be on the field.
Rodgers is still not off the hook, but the noose is not quite over his neck yet either. For all its potential defensive failings, this team seems to be settling into the 3-5-2. You or I can complain about its positives and negatives all we want, but the fact is that with the personnel at Liverpool's disposal right now, that is the best formation at the moment. Things might change if/when Jordan Henderson can return. The formation may get tweaked for cup matches or European games, but overall it fits this squad best even if certain players are not in their comfort zone. Now that a quality win was gained, Liverpool have to capitalize and put a string together. As with anything with this club though, that is easier said than done.
Random Thoughts:
- As someone who lifts weights and no longer looks like someone who plays soccer, it was still odd to see Adama Traore come onto the field. That man is jacked.
- Personally, I'm a big fan of Emre Can. I think he's extremely talented and could be a good Liverpool player for years to come. I feel for him though because he is versatile enough to be played at the back even though that is clearly not his best position. He looked so much more comfortable early in the season when he was in the defensive midfield, but the team is better when he is in the back three. It's just sad that is the case because he is so clearly not a central defender.
- Piggy backing off that, it's sad to see Joe Gomez not on the field. Gomez did nothing wrong really, but like Can is a victim of circumstance. Alberto Moreno fits in better as a winger due to his speed and offensive ability and thus Gomez is simply the odd man out (though some could perhaps make a case that he could play in the back three instead of Can).
- It's hard not to love Danny Ings. He's not full of flair and boatloads of technical ability. He's just an old-school style player that never gives up on a play. He's as willing to tack back 60 yards as he is to make a run into the box for an attempt on goal. The sport could use more players like him and Liverpool are lucky to have him. While nowhere near the ability, he is similar to Anthony Martial in that nobody probably expected him to produce to the ability he has so far but it is a pleasant surprise.
- As I mentioned in the main article, I just can't abide the fans that want their team to lose so that a manager will get fired or there will be changes in personnel. Far be it for me to tell anyone how to root for their own team, but that just isn't my style. For me, you cheer for the team through thick and thin and hope that things will turn out in the end.
Walk On
Emre Can had a good flick in the 5th minute right but was right at goalkeeper Brad Guzan. As tends to happen though, not everything could run smoothly. Aston Villa almost equalized with a sharp header from Rudy Gestede in the 7th min. Liverpool would dominate until 22nd minute when a mistake by Can almost cost them. Gestede smashed it wide after being set up perfectly from Can, when the defender should have cleared it away but ended up knocking it back into the middle.
The disappointing thing about the first half was it was an embodiment of how the season has gone. Liverpool looked sharp against opposition that they should beat, but could not fully take charge of the game. Despite the fantastic start and the energizing shot in the arm for the team and for Anfield, the rest of the half pretty much petered out. Liverpool dominated possession, but could not create any more true chances. Sure there were forays at goal, but nothing that really troubled Guzan or the Villa faithful.
The second half provided an opportunity to change all that and Liverpool almost took advantage. in the 52nd minute, Milner almost struck again. His charge forward led to a hard shot that the defender just deflected wide. Nathaniel Clyne was right there on the doorstep but a sliding defender denied the Reds their second goal of the contest. Nevertheless it was a positive start to the second 45 minutes. Moments later a handball led to another chance.
Coutinho tried to be a bit cheeky and went low with the shot, which in actuality is more difficult to handle for most goalkeepers. Unfortunately for Liverpool, Guzan was quick to smother. The fortunes would finally favor the home side just before the 60th minute. Milner continued to shine wearing the Captain's armband, settling the ball smartly with the chest and flicking it over the Villa backline. Daniel Sturridge, still struggling to regain full fitness, looked in top form as he absolutely ripped it into the side netting with his preferred left foot. It only took eight matches, but at last Liverpool had scored two goals in a contest.
The glad tidings and good feelings would not last long to the chagrin of many. Gestede was inexplicably left to run through the area and finished off a cross from the right hand side. Even more inexplicably, Can was the man in charge of following Gestede and when the Villain slid by him, Can put his arms up as to blame others for his faults. A disheartening defensive showing from a side, that while has always had its share of problems, looked very solid with so many clean sheets to begin the year.
Then, as quickly as things turned sour, Daniel Sturridge waved his magic wand and soothed the wails of the Kopites. Right in front of Anfield's famed supporter section, less than a minute following the goal conceded, the Reds struck again to put the advantage back to two. Sturridge took the ball on the edge of the area, put it into the box for Coutinho, took the one touch on his weaker right foot and slid it into that same side netting. Top notch football and something the fans of Liverpool have been hoping to see for a long time but were robbed of due to a terrible string of injuries.
The fans were again made to sweat though as the roller coaster continued. The Liverpool defense again looked a shamble. This time Sakho was caught ball watching along with the rest of the backline and Gestede made them pay. The Aston Villa striker flew threw the air and clattered Sakho out of the way in order to head it into the back of the net. Again, tragic defending and again no chance for Mingolet to make a save.
Coutinho almost answered a few minutes later. The Brazilian took a sweet strike from a free kick and just peeled it over the wall. Guzan had to stretch fully to his right and paw it away, keeping the margin at one goal. The game never seemed to calm down either. The ball kept pinging back and forth between the teams. Sturridge almost had his hat-trick twice, once not generating power and the second forcing a great save by Guzan. Ings had a chance that he blasted right into a defender. Villa, for their part, kept charging up field as well despite the holes it would leave at the back.
In the end, it wouldn't matter as the final whistle eventually came with Liverpool still on top by a goal, which was their only goal when the opening whistle rang. It was never fully comfortable but a win and three points cannot be discounted. The disappointing thing is that nothing can ever fully go right for this club. The Reds finally crack the score sheet more than once and then the defense loses the ability to watch anything other than the ball. Nevertheless, it was positive to see Daniel Sturridge return to scoring form and for the club to get a much needed victory.
There will be a very vocal section that will actually be disappointed with the win because they wanted a poor performance to be the final nail in the manager's coffin, but I simply cannot side with them. Brendan Rodgers' time at Anfield may come to a close sooner rather than later, but to root against your team due to your own frustrations with the manager is too much. This is still a team in the works and trying to figure things out. It is incredibly understandable how frustrating that is for a fan base still used to knowing how the team would perform and who would be on the field.
Rodgers is still not off the hook, but the noose is not quite over his neck yet either. For all its potential defensive failings, this team seems to be settling into the 3-5-2. You or I can complain about its positives and negatives all we want, but the fact is that with the personnel at Liverpool's disposal right now, that is the best formation at the moment. Things might change if/when Jordan Henderson can return. The formation may get tweaked for cup matches or European games, but overall it fits this squad best even if certain players are not in their comfort zone. Now that a quality win was gained, Liverpool have to capitalize and put a string together. As with anything with this club though, that is easier said than done.
Random Thoughts:
- As someone who lifts weights and no longer looks like someone who plays soccer, it was still odd to see Adama Traore come onto the field. That man is jacked.
- Personally, I'm a big fan of Emre Can. I think he's extremely talented and could be a good Liverpool player for years to come. I feel for him though because he is versatile enough to be played at the back even though that is clearly not his best position. He looked so much more comfortable early in the season when he was in the defensive midfield, but the team is better when he is in the back three. It's just sad that is the case because he is so clearly not a central defender.
- Piggy backing off that, it's sad to see Joe Gomez not on the field. Gomez did nothing wrong really, but like Can is a victim of circumstance. Alberto Moreno fits in better as a winger due to his speed and offensive ability and thus Gomez is simply the odd man out (though some could perhaps make a case that he could play in the back three instead of Can).
- It's hard not to love Danny Ings. He's not full of flair and boatloads of technical ability. He's just an old-school style player that never gives up on a play. He's as willing to tack back 60 yards as he is to make a run into the box for an attempt on goal. The sport could use more players like him and Liverpool are lucky to have him. While nowhere near the ability, he is similar to Anthony Martial in that nobody probably expected him to produce to the ability he has so far but it is a pleasant surprise.
- As I mentioned in the main article, I just can't abide the fans that want their team to lose so that a manager will get fired or there will be changes in personnel. Far be it for me to tell anyone how to root for their own team, but that just isn't my style. For me, you cheer for the team through thick and thin and hope that things will turn out in the end.
Walk On
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