Liverpool came into their game against Crystal Palace in a good place, but not a great one. The Reds were set in the top four, but not separating themselves from the pack and not in fantastic form.
The Reds gained points in their last three games, but it was only a draw and two close wins. Considering the results came against Bournemouth, Stoke and West Brom, it was not an encouraging sign to be playing against another team in the bottom half.
Liverpool struggled to create against Palace early. In the 16th minute, there was way too much passing when the Reds had a break. You'd like to see Coutinho or Milner strike it first time, but instead they looked elsewhere for finishers and no shot ever came.
Former Liverpool man Christian Benteke narrowly missed to the right in the 22nd minute. Unfortunately, you could somewhat tell he was not likely to be held off the board the entire time.
Fortunately for Liverpool, they struck first. Coutinho returned to form on a beautiful free kick goal in the 24th minute. He placed it absolutely perfectly, up and over the wall and just inside the post, giving the goalkeeper no chance. It was important not only for the game, but for the Brazilian who has been a bit of a ghost of late.
Liverpool continued their attempts to be too cute after that though. In the 31st minute, Firmino had a good chance to set something up but he wasted it by just playing it into the crowd.
Those missed chances would be rued later. A sleeping defense allowed a ball over the top in the 42nd minute. You could see the goal coming a mile away as the cross went to the back post and Benteke finished it off with class. It was a fine play all around, but it could have been avoided much earlier and the Reds just seem to find ways to give up goals to teams that have no business scoring them.
Liverpool still had everything to play for in the second half, but you felt it was a missed opportunity. The equalizing goal was going to allow Palace to sit back and play for a point instead of having to open up to get a second half goal.
Surprisingly, the Eagles opened up on the front foot pushing toward goal in the early moments of the second 45. Fortunately, nothing came of it outside of a corner kick that was easily cleared.
Those early moments seemed to wake Liverpool a bit. They pushed forward into the sea of yellow and began to find space. The magical feet of Coutinho almost created something special in the 50th minute, but his left footed shot was shoveled over the bar. The main man took on what seemed like the whole of Palace just moments later inside the 18, but there were just too many bodies to lead the block.
The subsequent play seemed like it would fall Liverpool's way too. However, Lucas was the man on the strike from the corner. He is a fine defender and passer, but it seems like too many important moments fall to his feet. There is a reason he has not scored in the Premier League in eight seasons and he continued to show why.
Again, the missed chances came back to haunt the Reds. Palace kept building up their own attack and you could sense something was coming again.
Then, they finally struck in the 75th minute. Of course, it would be Benteke a second time. Liverpool's defending of the corner was woeful, missing a clearing attempt and the Belgian headed it home with power.
Coutinho had a decent chance late that went well over the bar, but it just was not going to be Liverpool's day. As a fan, it was very disappointing to see.
Unfortunately, it begs whether the problem might actually be Jurgen Klopp. Never one to blame managers for everything, but this is becoming too much of an issue that the team cannot crush lower opposition.
Nobody should be calling for the German's job. He is still the best choice for the spot, but he has to figure this out because it is unbecoming of a team with Champions League aspirations.
Random Thoughts:
- Thank goodness for the St. Louis Blues. It was a bad soccer weekend. Saint Louis FC lost to a lower team 2-1 as well and it was the same story. Score an early goal and then have some defensive miscues cost you all the points. Perhaps it is me? Nah...
- I love Sadio Mane for his energy and tenacity. He just does not seem to be the kind of player that makes that big a difference. This team does not seem to be set up to be a one man show, but the Reds don't seem to be able to do anything when he is gone.
- It's still too early to think about the summer, but can we ever have a year where we aren't demanding more impact players be brought in? When will Liverpool reach a point where you bring in supplemental players or that's all you need anyway? Seems like either injury or underperformance always make us want a big name and then they never sign one.
Walk On
Showing posts with label Sadio Mane. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sadio Mane. Show all posts
Sunday, April 23, 2017
Saturday, March 4, 2017
Liverpool Should Play Arsenal Every Day
Liverpool came into their match against perennial top-four candidate Arsenal needing a result, particularly a win. While there was plenty of reason to think they would be able to get it, there were reasons to doubt whether it would happen too.
Fortunately, the Reds came to play and the Gunners stayed away. Liverpool put out a much more balanced side, with no less focus on attack.
After my own claims about the intelligence behind starting Lucas at center back (yes, I'm taking credit), the Reds put in Ragnar Klavan. It may not have had an immediate impact as Liverpool still look shaky on the counter, but it did have a calming effect on the team.
Liverpool looked much more focused and streamlined on their attacks, right from the get go. They came out and took the game to Arsenal and were rewarded for their efforts.
Even more impressive than Liverpool's intensity was the crispness of their attack. Not only did they score nice goals, but the plays that led up to each goal were discussion worthy as well.
Roberto Firmino put Liverpool ahead just nine minutes into the game. The buildup was just as satisfying as the finish.
Coming off a Simon Mignolet kick, the ball took a bounce through the midfield. Coutinho just flicked it to the right for Sadio Mane. Mane's speed allowed him to gain enough space for, admittedly, an awkward cross. However it found it's way to Firmino, who kept his composure and allowed the goalkeeper and defenders to fall like bowling pins in front of him.
The game stayed close until the 40th minute when Mane would get his just-desserts.
The Reds had an even better team performance in getting the season sweep over Arsenal. The offense was not as strong, but it did not need to be.
With the exception of Arsenal's initial boost from the substitute of Alexis Sanchez, Liverpool dominated the midfield. Liverpool did not have to do a ton of defending, but they looked pretty comfortable in most situations where they did. Mignolet was not called on to save the team's butts like in previous games.
It was a fun game to watch and, win or lose, that has not always been the case in recent times. Now, if the team could just bottle up these efforts and apply it to the teams mid-table and below.
Random Thoughts:
- It's fun to consider ourselves the third place team in the league, but it is hard to do so. We are currently even on points with Manchester City and they have two games in hand. More importantly, it gets the team into the top four though, where they are now two points up on Arsenal.
- Any suggestions on other suggestions I should make for the team? Clearly they listened and put Klavan in and that seemed to help, so I have all the power now.
- This is generally a Liverpool blog, but what is up with Arsenal sitting Sanchez? The guy is leading the league in goals. We will take it, but it was definitely a head scratcher.
- On a side note, nobody reading this will get it likely, but my wife apparently thinks Jurgen Klopp looks like Principal Brown from The Amazing World of Gumball. I don't know about her sometimes.
Fortunately, the Reds came to play and the Gunners stayed away. Liverpool put out a much more balanced side, with no less focus on attack.
After my own claims about the intelligence behind starting Lucas at center back (yes, I'm taking credit), the Reds put in Ragnar Klavan. It may not have had an immediate impact as Liverpool still look shaky on the counter, but it did have a calming effect on the team.
Liverpool looked much more focused and streamlined on their attacks, right from the get go. They came out and took the game to Arsenal and were rewarded for their efforts.
Even more impressive than Liverpool's intensity was the crispness of their attack. Not only did they score nice goals, but the plays that led up to each goal were discussion worthy as well.
Roberto Firmino put Liverpool ahead just nine minutes into the game. The buildup was just as satisfying as the finish.
Coming off a Simon Mignolet kick, the ball took a bounce through the midfield. Coutinho just flicked it to the right for Sadio Mane. Mane's speed allowed him to gain enough space for, admittedly, an awkward cross. However it found it's way to Firmino, who kept his composure and allowed the goalkeeper and defenders to fall like bowling pins in front of him.
The game stayed close until the 40th minute when Mane would get his just-desserts.
Mane's finish was fine, but again the buildup was just as good. Liverpool worked it up the left this time, pinged some passes around the box and then found a wide-open Mane on the back door. It was a sight. Also, it was not the first time the prolific winger stung the Gunners.2-0 MANE!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/LvnefERe9b— Liverpool Gifs (@LiverpoolGifs) March 4, 2017
The way the game played out, you honestly wish this year's Liverpool could play Arsenal every game. Granted, the first game was too close at 4-3 but Liverpool came out and played masterfully offensively (if not defensively).Sadio Mané goal vs Arsenal at the start of the season 🔥👊 #LFC pic.twitter.com/0iG26LrdJm— Anything Liverpool (@Anything_LFC) March 4, 2017
The Reds had an even better team performance in getting the season sweep over Arsenal. The offense was not as strong, but it did not need to be.
With the exception of Arsenal's initial boost from the substitute of Alexis Sanchez, Liverpool dominated the midfield. Liverpool did not have to do a ton of defending, but they looked pretty comfortable in most situations where they did. Mignolet was not called on to save the team's butts like in previous games.
It was a fun game to watch and, win or lose, that has not always been the case in recent times. Now, if the team could just bottle up these efforts and apply it to the teams mid-table and below.
Random Thoughts:
- It's fun to consider ourselves the third place team in the league, but it is hard to do so. We are currently even on points with Manchester City and they have two games in hand. More importantly, it gets the team into the top four though, where they are now two points up on Arsenal.
- Any suggestions on other suggestions I should make for the team? Clearly they listened and put Klavan in and that seemed to help, so I have all the power now.
- This is generally a Liverpool blog, but what is up with Arsenal sitting Sanchez? The guy is leading the league in goals. We will take it, but it was definitely a head scratcher.
- On a side note, nobody reading this will get it likely, but my wife apparently thinks Jurgen Klopp looks like Principal Brown from The Amazing World of Gumball. I don't know about her sometimes.
Saturday, February 11, 2017
Real Liverpool Finally Show Up In 2017
Liverpool FC entered their pivotal clash with Tottenham on the wrong side of a streak. The Reds had a skid of three games without a win.
Additionally, they had only won one game since the start of the calendar year. They had looked solid in a couple of those matches, but things just were not going well by the final whistle blow.
So, it was important that Liverpool got off to a good start to get things rolling downhill instead of the usual uphill battle. That's exactly what happened in this instance, setting Anfield alight.
It was the player that had been missing in many of those matches that got things rolling. Sadio Mane scored in the 16th minute with a nice finish. After a great ball from the midfield, Mane used his speed to get through on a breakaway, cut back toward his right in the penalty box and tucked it past Hugo Lloris.
That goal was enough to get us all excited about the other 74 minutes, but we did not have to wait for long for another. It was Mane again in the 18th minute.
This time Liverpool came in force together. A shot from the right was initially saved from Lloris. The rebound came to the middle and the Spurs goalkeeper slid out to make another important stop. He could not control the rebound a second time and Mane was Johnny on the Spot from the left to bang it past and into the net to make it 2-0.
Mane almost had his third only moments later. Again coming down the right side, it appeared as though he got it through the goakeeper's legs and into the net. Unfortunately for those watching on television, it had just hit the side netting as Lloris barely got a leg on it as it went through the wickets.
As the game went on, Spurs got their way into it a bit more. Liverpool were a little lax on the backside and that allowed Tottenham a few chances. You almost got the feeling a goal before the half was coming. It never materialized.
The game settled in during the second half. Both teams pressed forward and created a chance here or there, but overall the game had calmed down quite a bit.
Coutinho missed a decent chance in the 74th minute. He slid it between the defender's leg, but it flashed wide of the left post.
Overall, it was an uneventful second 45. Other than the odd chance here or there the only things hitting the radar were potential injuries. Mane slipped on the warning track and appeared to tweak something for a moment. After that Adam Lallana got shaken up just moments later.
In the end, the victory was attained and that is what is most important. Liverpool needed a win and one against one of the big boys.
The Reds also temporarily jumped back into the top four. They are currently tied in points with Manchester City, who have a game in hand. However, Liverpool are now just one point back of the Spurs for second in the league.
It appears as though nobody will stay consistent enough to catch Chelsea. So, staying in the top four is the key issue right now and the Reds took a nice step to keep that focus alive.
Random Thoughts:
- To see Liverpool play so well against the team currently in second in the table is actually somewhat frustrating. It's great to see on the day, but it becomes sad that Liverpool can play so well against the top teams and have some of their worst games against the bottom feeders.
- At least the Reds can focus completely on the league right now. The Cup competitions were a distraction and while nobody wanted them to crash out of both, the Reds have no excuses going forward. It's league or nothing.
- As fans, we should savor the season because the summer is too long. However, this team needs to find some depth. I love James Milner and Lucas as players and admire their spirit for stepping into whatever role is asked of them. However, Liverpool cannot expect to keep winning and contending if they have midfield players in defender's roles. The Reds need players true to their position going forward.
Walk On
Additionally, they had only won one game since the start of the calendar year. They had looked solid in a couple of those matches, but things just were not going well by the final whistle blow.
So, it was important that Liverpool got off to a good start to get things rolling downhill instead of the usual uphill battle. That's exactly what happened in this instance, setting Anfield alight.
It was the player that had been missing in many of those matches that got things rolling. Sadio Mane scored in the 16th minute with a nice finish. After a great ball from the midfield, Mane used his speed to get through on a breakaway, cut back toward his right in the penalty box and tucked it past Hugo Lloris.
That goal was enough to get us all excited about the other 74 minutes, but we did not have to wait for long for another. It was Mane again in the 18th minute.
This time Liverpool came in force together. A shot from the right was initially saved from Lloris. The rebound came to the middle and the Spurs goalkeeper slid out to make another important stop. He could not control the rebound a second time and Mane was Johnny on the Spot from the left to bang it past and into the net to make it 2-0.
Mane almost had his third only moments later. Again coming down the right side, it appeared as though he got it through the goakeeper's legs and into the net. Unfortunately for those watching on television, it had just hit the side netting as Lloris barely got a leg on it as it went through the wickets.
As the game went on, Spurs got their way into it a bit more. Liverpool were a little lax on the backside and that allowed Tottenham a few chances. You almost got the feeling a goal before the half was coming. It never materialized.
The game settled in during the second half. Both teams pressed forward and created a chance here or there, but overall the game had calmed down quite a bit.
Coutinho missed a decent chance in the 74th minute. He slid it between the defender's leg, but it flashed wide of the left post.
Overall, it was an uneventful second 45. Other than the odd chance here or there the only things hitting the radar were potential injuries. Mane slipped on the warning track and appeared to tweak something for a moment. After that Adam Lallana got shaken up just moments later.
In the end, the victory was attained and that is what is most important. Liverpool needed a win and one against one of the big boys.
The Reds also temporarily jumped back into the top four. They are currently tied in points with Manchester City, who have a game in hand. However, Liverpool are now just one point back of the Spurs for second in the league.
It appears as though nobody will stay consistent enough to catch Chelsea. So, staying in the top four is the key issue right now and the Reds took a nice step to keep that focus alive.
Random Thoughts:
- To see Liverpool play so well against the team currently in second in the table is actually somewhat frustrating. It's great to see on the day, but it becomes sad that Liverpool can play so well against the top teams and have some of their worst games against the bottom feeders.
- At least the Reds can focus completely on the league right now. The Cup competitions were a distraction and while nobody wanted them to crash out of both, the Reds have no excuses going forward. It's league or nothing.
- As fans, we should savor the season because the summer is too long. However, this team needs to find some depth. I love James Milner and Lucas as players and admire their spirit for stepping into whatever role is asked of them. However, Liverpool cannot expect to keep winning and contending if they have midfield players in defender's roles. The Reds need players true to their position going forward.
Walk On
Monday, December 19, 2016
A Late Bit Of Magic And Luck Turn Merseyside Red
Liverpool and Everton on a Monday night. As fans of either side would say, there could be nothing better than to have the spotlight to themselves for the 227th Merseyside Derby.
It would be a contentious game, but a fun one. Neutrals might not have gotten much enjoyment out of it, but it was a solid rivalry game as opposed to some of the ones we have seen in recent memory.
It was a very slow build for either team, despite the energy pouring forth from each player. In the 37th minute, the first real chance came for Liverpool. After a great passing buildup, including a dummy run by Mane, the pass was too far behind Origi. He lifted it high and wide even from in close to goal, but there was little opportunity for him to do much else with it.
Conversely, Liverpool were fortunate not to concede in the 44th minute. Funes Mori was not defended during a corner kick and the Reds got lucky he did not put a powerful header on target.
Liverpool came alive, a bit, in the 50th minute. A miscue at the back could not be capitalized as Maarten Steklenburg made a save and then the Reds kept scrambling but could not get that final ball toward net.
It is unfortunate that Liverpool don't have more of an aerial presence. When Everton's goalkeeper got hurt, it would have been the perfect time to just flight balls into the box. Instead, the Reds gained no advantage from him staying on for a minute or two and gave Everton a chance to make the change and get Joel Robles warmed up.
Midway through the second half, Ross Barkley should have been red carded for his challenge on Jordan Henderson. Hendo was lucky not to be more injured. As an official, I understand the yellow, but on replay (if officials had the luxury) it would have been a sending off.
The chances began to come a bit more often for the Reds later on. Roberto Firmino failed to convert a bicycle kick in the 77th minute.
It would have been almost impossible to get his foot on as the cross didn't have enough air under it by the time it got to the Brazilian. Then he almost broke the deadlock in the 80th minute with a fantastic volley from the penalty spot. Unfortunately, Robles was up to the task, diving to his left and getting palms to it.
Just when it seemed all was gone and the Reds would have to settle for a point against another inferior opponent, they found that bit of magic. Second half substitute Daniel Sturridge found his way past a couple defenders and sent a slow roller toward net.
It beat Robles but clanged off the post. Sadio Mane managed to get to it before the lunging goalkeeper and pop it in in the fourth minute of added time. The Reds almost had another when Firmino went five hole on Robles, but Ronald Coleman spoiled it with a fantastic sliding block on the line.
In the end, it was a fantastic win even if the team did not dominate the way they could have. As far as rivalry games go, it was a solid match for both sides. Those are the ones you love to win. When your opponent did enough to deserve a point and you crush their spirits, it's very satisfying.
Liverpool didn't play their best by any stretch. When you get three points though, it all gets cleaned in the wash.
This is the game that the Reds have not been winning in recent weeks. They dropped a terrible result to Bournemouth and then managed a disappointing draw with West Ham. To finally win a match they have struggled to finish off in recent form is quite the relief.
Now Liverpool must keep that form going against teams they have to beat. You're going to have big wins or tough losses against the top of the table, but it's those middle and lower teams where you must get the three points.
Random Thoughts:
- I am not one of those that has continually bashed Dejan Lovren. Given his skill set, I think he has performed as well as can be expected most days with the obvious exception here and there. That said, I have been rather impressed with Ragnar Klavan. I'm not sure an injury should keep Joel Matip out of the lineup once healthy, so maybe a combo of Klavan and Matip would work nicely in the center.
- Given their form, when healthy, it is almost impossible not to have a front three of Firmino, Coutinho and Mane. That said, the bit of magic Sturridge can muster when he is on his game is hard to keep on the bench. It's a pity that he has been so injury prone. Someone with his skill should never have been taken out of the lineup, though we all know why it happened and nobody can complain that it did happen.
- In your too much information of the day, I managed to miss the blasted goal. Just when I decided nobody was going to score, I went to use the bathroom. Of course, moments later I can hear Arlo White screaming about Mane's winner. What can you do?
- Given Liverpool's defensive woes, it seems unlikely they can truly mount a challenge for the league. The win at least gives them a chance since they will be second in the table during Christmas. That means they don't have to worry about vaulting over teams, but can rather worry about their own results and hope Chelsea falter in the second half.
Walk On
It would be a contentious game, but a fun one. Neutrals might not have gotten much enjoyment out of it, but it was a solid rivalry game as opposed to some of the ones we have seen in recent memory.
It was a very slow build for either team, despite the energy pouring forth from each player. In the 37th minute, the first real chance came for Liverpool. After a great passing buildup, including a dummy run by Mane, the pass was too far behind Origi. He lifted it high and wide even from in close to goal, but there was little opportunity for him to do much else with it.
Conversely, Liverpool were fortunate not to concede in the 44th minute. Funes Mori was not defended during a corner kick and the Reds got lucky he did not put a powerful header on target.
Liverpool came alive, a bit, in the 50th minute. A miscue at the back could not be capitalized as Maarten Steklenburg made a save and then the Reds kept scrambling but could not get that final ball toward net.
It is unfortunate that Liverpool don't have more of an aerial presence. When Everton's goalkeeper got hurt, it would have been the perfect time to just flight balls into the box. Instead, the Reds gained no advantage from him staying on for a minute or two and gave Everton a chance to make the change and get Joel Robles warmed up.
Midway through the second half, Ross Barkley should have been red carded for his challenge on Jordan Henderson. Hendo was lucky not to be more injured. As an official, I understand the yellow, but on replay (if officials had the luxury) it would have been a sending off.
The chances began to come a bit more often for the Reds later on. Roberto Firmino failed to convert a bicycle kick in the 77th minute.
It would have been almost impossible to get his foot on as the cross didn't have enough air under it by the time it got to the Brazilian. Then he almost broke the deadlock in the 80th minute with a fantastic volley from the penalty spot. Unfortunately, Robles was up to the task, diving to his left and getting palms to it.
Just when it seemed all was gone and the Reds would have to settle for a point against another inferior opponent, they found that bit of magic. Second half substitute Daniel Sturridge found his way past a couple defenders and sent a slow roller toward net.
It beat Robles but clanged off the post. Sadio Mane managed to get to it before the lunging goalkeeper and pop it in in the fourth minute of added time. The Reds almost had another when Firmino went five hole on Robles, but Ronald Coleman spoiled it with a fantastic sliding block on the line.
In the end, it was a fantastic win even if the team did not dominate the way they could have. As far as rivalry games go, it was a solid match for both sides. Those are the ones you love to win. When your opponent did enough to deserve a point and you crush their spirits, it's very satisfying.
Liverpool didn't play their best by any stretch. When you get three points though, it all gets cleaned in the wash.
This is the game that the Reds have not been winning in recent weeks. They dropped a terrible result to Bournemouth and then managed a disappointing draw with West Ham. To finally win a match they have struggled to finish off in recent form is quite the relief.
Now Liverpool must keep that form going against teams they have to beat. You're going to have big wins or tough losses against the top of the table, but it's those middle and lower teams where you must get the three points.
Random Thoughts:
- I am not one of those that has continually bashed Dejan Lovren. Given his skill set, I think he has performed as well as can be expected most days with the obvious exception here and there. That said, I have been rather impressed with Ragnar Klavan. I'm not sure an injury should keep Joel Matip out of the lineup once healthy, so maybe a combo of Klavan and Matip would work nicely in the center.
- Given their form, when healthy, it is almost impossible not to have a front three of Firmino, Coutinho and Mane. That said, the bit of magic Sturridge can muster when he is on his game is hard to keep on the bench. It's a pity that he has been so injury prone. Someone with his skill should never have been taken out of the lineup, though we all know why it happened and nobody can complain that it did happen.
- In your too much information of the day, I managed to miss the blasted goal. Just when I decided nobody was going to score, I went to use the bathroom. Of course, moments later I can hear Arlo White screaming about Mane's winner. What can you do?
- Given Liverpool's defensive woes, it seems unlikely they can truly mount a challenge for the league. The win at least gives them a chance since they will be second in the table during Christmas. That means they don't have to worry about vaulting over teams, but can rather worry about their own results and hope Chelsea falter in the second half.
Walk On
Sunday, December 4, 2016
Liverpool Stunned, Defense Proving To Be Achilles Heel
Welcome back. It's been a few games between articles due to my yearly trek down south to cover the NAIA National Championship. In that time Liverpool pulled off a couple simple wins.
They defeated Sunderland over the weekend 2-0. Then, it was a cool finish by the same scoreline over Leeds in the league cup. In that last one featured a fine score by 17 year old Ben Woodburn, who many are claiming could be the next big thing.
Probably best to pump the brakes on that one since it was just one goal against a team that has floundered near the bottom of the Championship in recent times. Still, always good to see new talent.
Speaking of new talent, the Reds were forced to put some new faces in the starting XI due to some injury woes. Lucas was playing at center back for the until Joel Matip. Lucas generally does a fine job, but is always worrying since he's truly a midfielder.
Also getting a start was Divock Origi. Coutinho was unable to make the start, but with Daniel Sturridge also being less than 100%, the Belgian got the nod.
Initially, the Cherries looked quite good. They didn't have a ton of possession, but they were defending well and the press was throwing the Reds - clad in greenish, yellow highlighter kits - off kilter.
It seemed like the day would not go well based on Liverpool's first chance. Origi was served a cross from the near side and was wide open on the back post. Somehow, he managed to miss it with a slight slip in the 11th minute and it stayed level. That wouldn't be the case for too much longer though.
In the 20th minute Sadio Mane took a beautifully flighted ball, from the left touchline, in the box. The goalkeeper, Artur Boruc, left himself in no man's land and Mane just tucked it past and Bournemouth could just watch it roll in.
If Bournemouth were disappointed by the first, they were exasperated by the second. Boruc had just made the mistake by not coming out far enough and then made an even bigger one. In the 23rd minute, the ball was popped over the top, to the right, for Divok Origi.
The goalkeeper came out of the penalty area for some inexplicable reason. Origi just touched it past him and then finished it off with a bad angle goal that just tucked inside the far post.
In typical Liverpool fashion, they couldn't make it easy on themselves. After holding the lead through the halftime break, the Reds gave up an early penalty to the Cherries in the 56th minute.
They converted and then it appeared to be game on. Fortunately for Liverpool fans, it also woke up their team.
In the 64th minute, Mane cut through defenders on the right side of the box. He served up Emre Can at the top of the 18 and he ripped a right footed curler past the keeper to restore the two goal lead.
Flipping back to the negative side, Mane appeared to pick up an injury. Fortunately, Adam Lallana was fit enough to be a sub, otherwise the Reds may have had to turn to one of the kids they had on the bench.
Liverpool were denied a goal to increase their lead with around 18 minutes left. Goal line technology said it missed scoring by a whisker. That decision became crucial since Ryan Fraser tucked one in in the 75th minute.
The Reds gave it away at the top of the attacking 18 and that set the wheels in motion. The train came off the track right after. A cheap free kick was given away, Fraser crossed it from the right and Lewis Cook smashed it home to even up the game at three apiece.
Lorus Karius looked shaky throughout the game, but came up big. In the 82nd minute he made a game saving stop as Benik Afobe was in alone near the spot.
Despite the face Bournemouth looked the better side for the last ten minutes, Liverpool still almost took it. Origi had a wonderful spin volley in added time, but got just too far underneath it.
In the end, it was a deserved defeat. A whistler of a shot could not be caught cleanly by Karius. Though he blocked the second chance, Ake cleaned up the mess and put Bournemouth up 4-3 with only a minute or so left in stoppage time.
It was a rather sickening result. To find yourself up 2-0 and then 3-1 and not only not win, but lose is ridiculous. Jurgen Klopp is a fantastic manager, but as much as he gets his team to believe and push forward, he has not found a way to fix their defensive woes.
So many have said the back line is why Liverpool will not win the league. With results like this one, those doubts are well founded.
Full credit goes to Bournemouth as they never gave up. Down two goals twice to one of the giants, they kept at it. Nevertheless, Liverpool have to find a way to see this one out no matter the circumstance and they did not get the job done.
Random Thoughts:
- Karius proved me right in this game. I don't know that Simon Mignolet would have fared any better, but Karius is not an improvement in the slightest in my eyes.
Walk On
They defeated Sunderland over the weekend 2-0. Then, it was a cool finish by the same scoreline over Leeds in the league cup. In that last one featured a fine score by 17 year old Ben Woodburn, who many are claiming could be the next big thing.
Probably best to pump the brakes on that one since it was just one goal against a team that has floundered near the bottom of the Championship in recent times. Still, always good to see new talent.
Speaking of new talent, the Reds were forced to put some new faces in the starting XI due to some injury woes. Lucas was playing at center back for the until Joel Matip. Lucas generally does a fine job, but is always worrying since he's truly a midfielder.
Also getting a start was Divock Origi. Coutinho was unable to make the start, but with Daniel Sturridge also being less than 100%, the Belgian got the nod.
Initially, the Cherries looked quite good. They didn't have a ton of possession, but they were defending well and the press was throwing the Reds - clad in greenish, yellow highlighter kits - off kilter.
It seemed like the day would not go well based on Liverpool's first chance. Origi was served a cross from the near side and was wide open on the back post. Somehow, he managed to miss it with a slight slip in the 11th minute and it stayed level. That wouldn't be the case for too much longer though.
In the 20th minute Sadio Mane took a beautifully flighted ball, from the left touchline, in the box. The goalkeeper, Artur Boruc, left himself in no man's land and Mane just tucked it past and Bournemouth could just watch it roll in.
If Bournemouth were disappointed by the first, they were exasperated by the second. Boruc had just made the mistake by not coming out far enough and then made an even bigger one. In the 23rd minute, the ball was popped over the top, to the right, for Divok Origi.
The goalkeeper came out of the penalty area for some inexplicable reason. Origi just touched it past him and then finished it off with a bad angle goal that just tucked inside the far post.
In typical Liverpool fashion, they couldn't make it easy on themselves. After holding the lead through the halftime break, the Reds gave up an early penalty to the Cherries in the 56th minute.
They converted and then it appeared to be game on. Fortunately for Liverpool fans, it also woke up their team.
In the 64th minute, Mane cut through defenders on the right side of the box. He served up Emre Can at the top of the 18 and he ripped a right footed curler past the keeper to restore the two goal lead.
Flipping back to the negative side, Mane appeared to pick up an injury. Fortunately, Adam Lallana was fit enough to be a sub, otherwise the Reds may have had to turn to one of the kids they had on the bench.
Liverpool were denied a goal to increase their lead with around 18 minutes left. Goal line technology said it missed scoring by a whisker. That decision became crucial since Ryan Fraser tucked one in in the 75th minute.
The Reds gave it away at the top of the attacking 18 and that set the wheels in motion. The train came off the track right after. A cheap free kick was given away, Fraser crossed it from the right and Lewis Cook smashed it home to even up the game at three apiece.
Lorus Karius looked shaky throughout the game, but came up big. In the 82nd minute he made a game saving stop as Benik Afobe was in alone near the spot.
Despite the face Bournemouth looked the better side for the last ten minutes, Liverpool still almost took it. Origi had a wonderful spin volley in added time, but got just too far underneath it.
In the end, it was a deserved defeat. A whistler of a shot could not be caught cleanly by Karius. Though he blocked the second chance, Ake cleaned up the mess and put Bournemouth up 4-3 with only a minute or so left in stoppage time.
It was a rather sickening result. To find yourself up 2-0 and then 3-1 and not only not win, but lose is ridiculous. Jurgen Klopp is a fantastic manager, but as much as he gets his team to believe and push forward, he has not found a way to fix their defensive woes.
So many have said the back line is why Liverpool will not win the league. With results like this one, those doubts are well founded.
Full credit goes to Bournemouth as they never gave up. Down two goals twice to one of the giants, they kept at it. Nevertheless, Liverpool have to find a way to see this one out no matter the circumstance and they did not get the job done.
Random Thoughts:
- Karius proved me right in this game. I don't know that Simon Mignolet would have fared any better, but Karius is not an improvement in the slightest in my eyes.
Walk On
Sunday, November 6, 2016
Liverpool Crush Watford But Still Concede A Goal
Liverpool came into their match with Watford expecting three points. The last time that was the case, the Reds got blanked in a rather depressing match against Burnley early in the year.
Though the match opened up closely, you didn't get the feeling that this would end the same way. Watford was focusing on defending, but there just seemed to be too much space for the Reds to not get goals.
The chances came, but from odd spots. The visitors almost got the first score of the game when a challenge in the midfield blasted a ball toward the Liverpool goal. It wasn't overly close in the end, but it was enough to put a small lump in Loris Karius' throat.
For Liverpool, it was central defender Lucas with two chances. He has not scored in six goals, but was unlucky to not find one early in the first half. Still, the team would not be held off the sheet for long.
Sadio Mane scored in the 27th minute with a fantastic flick from the corner. Coutinho made the wise choice to go short on the corner to Milner. The Brazilian got it back at a better angle and flung it into the box where Mane lunged toward it and just let it glance off his forehead.
Not even a full three minutes later, in the 30th minute, Coutinho finally got his own goal. Slicing through two defenders, he tucked it into the lower right side with power. It was a fitting finish to make up for the one he had just flashed wide minutes earlier.
It had seemed like Liverpool took their foot off the gas, but this offense can strike like lightning. In the 43rd minute, they got the ball up field with only a few touches. Adam Lallana served the ball in and Emre Can headed it back to where it came from, leaving the new goalkeeper absolutely nothing to do but stand there.
Liverpool were capable of being up by five or so. Nevertheless, being up by three and keeping Watford off the board for 45 minutes was a very good start.
LFC came out with the same kind of energy in the second half, but it looked a bit too easy. They looked like a team that was more interested in setting up something fancy or getting goals for those that didn't have them yet instead of taking the game by the throat.
That didn't keep them from scoring though. Some lax defending from Watford in the 57th minute allowed a cross to find a wide open Firmino. His goal made it 4-0. That wouldn't hold for long.
The Reds pushed numbers forward after a giveaway in midfield, fresh off a poor clearance by Watford. Firmino bullied his way onto the ball into the box on the right. He then slipped a deft pass to Mane, who put it to sleep with all the care of a new parent. That made it 5-0 just before stroke of the 61st minute.
Unfortunately, despite all the goal scoring, the Reds could not keep the defense compact. Liverpool got loose at the back following a couple subs, though the subs had nothing to do with it as players. Karius made some great saves to keep the clean sheet until the 75th minute.
Then, the defending became too poor and Janmat was all alone in the area. He bent it around the keeper and gave Watford its first goal of the game, keeping Liverpool's streak of not having clean sheets alive and well.
We have long known that Liverpool does not have the best defending in the league. It is a very makeshift unit, trying to do its best on most nights. Still, it is disappointing for the team to have played so well and then lose that extra little cherry of the clean sheet when Watford had not pressured until those late moments.
Liverpool were very unlucky to not return the margin of victory back to five earlier than they did. The team kept trying to set up Daniel Sturridge, but the home ground woodwoork was not kind. He did pick up an assist on Georginio Wijnaldum's score in the 91st minute, which at least got him off the goose egg in a red shirt.
In the end, it was a fantastic win, but the clean sheet gone spoiled it just a little. You can't be too disappointed with that fact though because Liverpool took advantage of other team's slipups. The Reds are atop the table for the first time in what feels like forever.
It is only by a point, but to see Liverpool on top alone feels pretty good.
Random Thoughts:
- I like Ian Darke as a broadcaster very much. He might have been a little too colorful with his description of Joel Matip though. As a broadcaster myself, I'm not sure I'd describe the lanky defender as slim and elegant.
- Say what you want about his demeanor or ability to stay healthy, but you have to feel for Sturridge. He should have had two goals and maybe more, but was denied by the posts twice and the goalkeeper just as many times.
- The shutout aspect probably isn't as important to some. As a goalkeeper, these were the games that were frustrating because there was no reason the chances should have even come.
- Nothing to do with the game, but how in the world did Danny Ings get hurt? He hasn't played in forever and then suffers a knee injury that will knock him out? Injuries happen, but to lose almost all or all of a season due to a training injury seems excessive.
Walk On
Though the match opened up closely, you didn't get the feeling that this would end the same way. Watford was focusing on defending, but there just seemed to be too much space for the Reds to not get goals.
The chances came, but from odd spots. The visitors almost got the first score of the game when a challenge in the midfield blasted a ball toward the Liverpool goal. It wasn't overly close in the end, but it was enough to put a small lump in Loris Karius' throat.
For Liverpool, it was central defender Lucas with two chances. He has not scored in six goals, but was unlucky to not find one early in the first half. Still, the team would not be held off the sheet for long.
Sadio Mane scored in the 27th minute with a fantastic flick from the corner. Coutinho made the wise choice to go short on the corner to Milner. The Brazilian got it back at a better angle and flung it into the box where Mane lunged toward it and just let it glance off his forehead.
Not even a full three minutes later, in the 30th minute, Coutinho finally got his own goal. Slicing through two defenders, he tucked it into the lower right side with power. It was a fitting finish to make up for the one he had just flashed wide minutes earlier.
It had seemed like Liverpool took their foot off the gas, but this offense can strike like lightning. In the 43rd minute, they got the ball up field with only a few touches. Adam Lallana served the ball in and Emre Can headed it back to where it came from, leaving the new goalkeeper absolutely nothing to do but stand there.
Liverpool were capable of being up by five or so. Nevertheless, being up by three and keeping Watford off the board for 45 minutes was a very good start.
LFC came out with the same kind of energy in the second half, but it looked a bit too easy. They looked like a team that was more interested in setting up something fancy or getting goals for those that didn't have them yet instead of taking the game by the throat.
That didn't keep them from scoring though. Some lax defending from Watford in the 57th minute allowed a cross to find a wide open Firmino. His goal made it 4-0. That wouldn't hold for long.
The Reds pushed numbers forward after a giveaway in midfield, fresh off a poor clearance by Watford. Firmino bullied his way onto the ball into the box on the right. He then slipped a deft pass to Mane, who put it to sleep with all the care of a new parent. That made it 5-0 just before stroke of the 61st minute.
Unfortunately, despite all the goal scoring, the Reds could not keep the defense compact. Liverpool got loose at the back following a couple subs, though the subs had nothing to do with it as players. Karius made some great saves to keep the clean sheet until the 75th minute.
Then, the defending became too poor and Janmat was all alone in the area. He bent it around the keeper and gave Watford its first goal of the game, keeping Liverpool's streak of not having clean sheets alive and well.
We have long known that Liverpool does not have the best defending in the league. It is a very makeshift unit, trying to do its best on most nights. Still, it is disappointing for the team to have played so well and then lose that extra little cherry of the clean sheet when Watford had not pressured until those late moments.
Liverpool were very unlucky to not return the margin of victory back to five earlier than they did. The team kept trying to set up Daniel Sturridge, but the home ground woodwoork was not kind. He did pick up an assist on Georginio Wijnaldum's score in the 91st minute, which at least got him off the goose egg in a red shirt.
In the end, it was a fantastic win, but the clean sheet gone spoiled it just a little. You can't be too disappointed with that fact though because Liverpool took advantage of other team's slipups. The Reds are atop the table for the first time in what feels like forever.
It is only by a point, but to see Liverpool on top alone feels pretty good.
Random Thoughts:
- I like Ian Darke as a broadcaster very much. He might have been a little too colorful with his description of Joel Matip though. As a broadcaster myself, I'm not sure I'd describe the lanky defender as slim and elegant.
- Say what you want about his demeanor or ability to stay healthy, but you have to feel for Sturridge. He should have had two goals and maybe more, but was denied by the posts twice and the goalkeeper just as many times.
- The shutout aspect probably isn't as important to some. As a goalkeeper, these were the games that were frustrating because there was no reason the chances should have even come.
- Nothing to do with the game, but how in the world did Danny Ings get hurt? He hasn't played in forever and then suffers a knee injury that will knock him out? Injuries happen, but to lose almost all or all of a season due to a training injury seems excessive.
Walk On
Saturday, October 22, 2016
Liverpool Jump On West Brom And Then Hang On
After the very bland prime time game against Manchester United, there was some fear seeing the way West Bromwich Albion set up. They started putting numbers behind the ball after the opening minutes of the match and nightmares of the previous 0-0 draw began surfacing.
Fortunately, West Brom aren't United. Tony Pulis is not Jose Mourinho. So, the Reds were able to take advantage reasonably early.
Liverpool had been building up the attack with little success, looking for crosses into the overcrowded middle. Then they struck in the 20th minute. Emre Can drove up the middle on the dribble before laying it off to Coutinho. The talented Brazilian then lofted a fantastic cross to the back post.
Sadio Mane was right there. All he had to do was finish it off, which was no small task. Mane waited for the ball to float over the defender, kept an eye on it as it did and then struck it cleanly into the back of the net.
It wouldn't be long before the Reds were rewarded again. This time it would come off a West Brom miscue.
A bad backpass to the goalkeeper was not cleanly handled. The ball was bouncing and Ben Foster just popped it up into the air only about 35 yards downfield.
Liverpool barely took any touches. Mane took a few dribbles and handed it over to Coutinho. He then charged into the box and handed two defenders their jock straps after blasting the ball just past the near post in the 35th minute.
The second half was fairly bland for a good 15 minutes. It almost seemed as though both sides were fine with the scoreline as it was.
Then, Liverpool got a free kick in a dangerous area in the 58th minute. Lovren got a great flick onto the ball off the cross and thought he was assured of a goal. Unfortunately, Foster came out of nowhere to swat the ball away from the upper 90 and deny the Reds their third goal of the game.
West Brom's best chance came in the 70th minute. After a scuffle in front of goal before a corner kick, the Baggies finally got their first shot. Nacer Chadli had a little space in the area and tried a scoop shot that ultimately went over the target.
Then the Baggies actually struck out of nowhere. Again off a corner kick, the Reds surrendered a goal off a set piece. Loris Karius stayed on his line and the ball bounced around in front of him. Just as he lunged toward it, it was toe poked past him by Gareth McAuley, making the score 2-1.
In the end, Liverpool would hang on by that score. The Reds looked a little lost after that goal conceded, but a win is a win at this point. The victory puts Liverpool top of the table with Arsenal tied on points, but down by goal difference.
It's a short turnaround now as the Reds face the Spurs in the league Cup on Tuesday. If we see the first half Liverpool show up in that game, they should be fine.
Random Thoughts:
- Clearly the team is better without Daniel Sturridge right now. It's kind of a sad fact since he used to be the first name written in pen, but now the style seems to fit better with Adam Lallana in midfield behind a top three of Coutinho, Firmino and Mane.
- I'd still like to know what Karius is chosen over Mignolet. Personally, I don't prefer one or the other but I have yet to see the new keeper do anything that justifies the switch.
- It's to the point now where you can almost sense goals coming off set pieces. Liverpool got the win, which is great, but to think they could be alone at the top of the table had they not conceded is a bit disappointing.
- Liverpool will have to be without their captain in the midweek game. Jordan Henderson's yellow card will see him banned for a game. It will be interesting to see who gets placed in his spot. We can at least hope that Georginio Wijnaldum is healthy since he came in the second half.
Walk On
Fortunately, West Brom aren't United. Tony Pulis is not Jose Mourinho. So, the Reds were able to take advantage reasonably early.
Liverpool had been building up the attack with little success, looking for crosses into the overcrowded middle. Then they struck in the 20th minute. Emre Can drove up the middle on the dribble before laying it off to Coutinho. The talented Brazilian then lofted a fantastic cross to the back post.
Sadio Mane was right there. All he had to do was finish it off, which was no small task. Mane waited for the ball to float over the defender, kept an eye on it as it did and then struck it cleanly into the back of the net.
It wouldn't be long before the Reds were rewarded again. This time it would come off a West Brom miscue.
A bad backpass to the goalkeeper was not cleanly handled. The ball was bouncing and Ben Foster just popped it up into the air only about 35 yards downfield.
Liverpool barely took any touches. Mane took a few dribbles and handed it over to Coutinho. He then charged into the box and handed two defenders their jock straps after blasting the ball just past the near post in the 35th minute.
The second half was fairly bland for a good 15 minutes. It almost seemed as though both sides were fine with the scoreline as it was.
Then, Liverpool got a free kick in a dangerous area in the 58th minute. Lovren got a great flick onto the ball off the cross and thought he was assured of a goal. Unfortunately, Foster came out of nowhere to swat the ball away from the upper 90 and deny the Reds their third goal of the game.
West Brom's best chance came in the 70th minute. After a scuffle in front of goal before a corner kick, the Baggies finally got their first shot. Nacer Chadli had a little space in the area and tried a scoop shot that ultimately went over the target.
Then the Baggies actually struck out of nowhere. Again off a corner kick, the Reds surrendered a goal off a set piece. Loris Karius stayed on his line and the ball bounced around in front of him. Just as he lunged toward it, it was toe poked past him by Gareth McAuley, making the score 2-1.
In the end, Liverpool would hang on by that score. The Reds looked a little lost after that goal conceded, but a win is a win at this point. The victory puts Liverpool top of the table with Arsenal tied on points, but down by goal difference.
It's a short turnaround now as the Reds face the Spurs in the league Cup on Tuesday. If we see the first half Liverpool show up in that game, they should be fine.
Random Thoughts:
- Clearly the team is better without Daniel Sturridge right now. It's kind of a sad fact since he used to be the first name written in pen, but now the style seems to fit better with Adam Lallana in midfield behind a top three of Coutinho, Firmino and Mane.
- I'd still like to know what Karius is chosen over Mignolet. Personally, I don't prefer one or the other but I have yet to see the new keeper do anything that justifies the switch.
- It's to the point now where you can almost sense goals coming off set pieces. Liverpool got the win, which is great, but to think they could be alone at the top of the table had they not conceded is a bit disappointing.
- Liverpool will have to be without their captain in the midweek game. Jordan Henderson's yellow card will see him banned for a game. It will be interesting to see who gets placed in his spot. We can at least hope that Georginio Wijnaldum is healthy since he came in the second half.
Walk On
Saturday, September 24, 2016
Liverpool Thrash Hull City In Impressive Fashion
Liverpool should have been up 1-0 in the ninth minute. Sadio Mane got in a decent cross from the right. Coutinho was all alone in front of the keeper and either tried to toe poke it or scuffed it, but neither put it in the net.
The Reds kept on the pressure though and their patience paid off. In the 17th minute, Coutinho drove his way into the area and dished it off to Adam Lallana. The Englishman got a weak left foot through it, cutting it across his body and into the side netting.
It wasn't a pretty goal, but it broke down the defending and gave the keeper no chance. There is not much more you can ask for than that.
The patience was the key for the entire half. They just took what was available to them and built upon it each time. It paid off in the 29th minute.
Again, good build up from the right hand side after a giveaway and Mane pushed down the right. His strong cross found Coutinho at the penalty spot. He blasted one and the defender got caught with his hands out and was awarded a red card.
Liverpool went up 2-0 on a James Milner penalty kick. He tucked it in nicely in the bottom right corner, just slipping it under the goalkeeper. That opened the flood gates from there.
Liverpool kept up the pressure, putting the squeeze on the depleted Hull City defense. Mane, who was begging for a goal after all his set up play, was rewarded in the 35th minute. Lallana cut toward the box from the left and put it right to Mane at the penalty spot. The Liverpool newcomer was surrounded by defenders, but calmly spun around and slotted it past the despairing keeper.
The Reds came within a whisker of making it 4-0 before half. Milner, playing as a left back, got all the way to the attacking endline. He flashed a great pass across the face of goal, but nobody was on the doorstep to tap it in.
It would not be all sunshine and rainbows in the second half though. Hull City earned a corner kick in the 50th minute. Unfortunately, Liverpool's habit of making a hash of set pieces continued. They failed to clear the ball and it was smashed past Karius to cut the lead to two.
Coutinho was having none of that though. The Brazilian absolutely ripped home a goal not even a minute later.
Liverpool took the ball right after the kick and Lallana found some space. When closed down, he crossed to Coutinho in the middle. His shot came from about 22 yards away and there was no shot for any keeper to get a hand on it.
The Reds kept on it from there. Daniel Sturridge earned a penalty in the 70th minute, which Milner finished off for a second time, again sticking it just under the keeper.
Liverpool mainly toyed with the Tigers after that. The Reds pressed up the field a few times, but never really sought out their sixth goal with any great urgency.
In the end, it was a fine performance against a team Liverpool should beat. These are the games that have tripped them up in the past, so it was good to come away with three points.
The win, whether temporarily or not, puts them in third place in the table. It vaulted them past Everton and keeps them above Manchester United. Liverpool seem to have really settled into some good form and it will be interesting to see how long it lasts.
Random Thoughts:
- It was a shame that Sturridge couldn't get a goal after earning the penalty. After the Balotelli incidents where everyone was whining about taking the penalties, I understand having to use one kicker but it still seems as though you should be allowed to take it if you earned it.
- I'm curious as to the switch in goalkeepers. I know many fans are against Simon Mignolet, but Karius didn't do much in the midweek game and didn't do much against Hull. So, what did he do to earn the start? If Liverpool wins, it's fine. Just curious as to the reasoning.
Walk On
The Reds kept on the pressure though and their patience paid off. In the 17th minute, Coutinho drove his way into the area and dished it off to Adam Lallana. The Englishman got a weak left foot through it, cutting it across his body and into the side netting.
It wasn't a pretty goal, but it broke down the defending and gave the keeper no chance. There is not much more you can ask for than that.
The patience was the key for the entire half. They just took what was available to them and built upon it each time. It paid off in the 29th minute.
Again, good build up from the right hand side after a giveaway and Mane pushed down the right. His strong cross found Coutinho at the penalty spot. He blasted one and the defender got caught with his hands out and was awarded a red card.
Liverpool went up 2-0 on a James Milner penalty kick. He tucked it in nicely in the bottom right corner, just slipping it under the goalkeeper. That opened the flood gates from there.
Liverpool kept up the pressure, putting the squeeze on the depleted Hull City defense. Mane, who was begging for a goal after all his set up play, was rewarded in the 35th minute. Lallana cut toward the box from the left and put it right to Mane at the penalty spot. The Liverpool newcomer was surrounded by defenders, but calmly spun around and slotted it past the despairing keeper.
The Reds came within a whisker of making it 4-0 before half. Milner, playing as a left back, got all the way to the attacking endline. He flashed a great pass across the face of goal, but nobody was on the doorstep to tap it in.
It would not be all sunshine and rainbows in the second half though. Hull City earned a corner kick in the 50th minute. Unfortunately, Liverpool's habit of making a hash of set pieces continued. They failed to clear the ball and it was smashed past Karius to cut the lead to two.
Coutinho was having none of that though. The Brazilian absolutely ripped home a goal not even a minute later.
Liverpool took the ball right after the kick and Lallana found some space. When closed down, he crossed to Coutinho in the middle. His shot came from about 22 yards away and there was no shot for any keeper to get a hand on it.
The Reds kept on it from there. Daniel Sturridge earned a penalty in the 70th minute, which Milner finished off for a second time, again sticking it just under the keeper.
Liverpool mainly toyed with the Tigers after that. The Reds pressed up the field a few times, but never really sought out their sixth goal with any great urgency.
In the end, it was a fine performance against a team Liverpool should beat. These are the games that have tripped them up in the past, so it was good to come away with three points.
The win, whether temporarily or not, puts them in third place in the table. It vaulted them past Everton and keeps them above Manchester United. Liverpool seem to have really settled into some good form and it will be interesting to see how long it lasts.
Random Thoughts:
- It was a shame that Sturridge couldn't get a goal after earning the penalty. After the Balotelli incidents where everyone was whining about taking the penalties, I understand having to use one kicker but it still seems as though you should be allowed to take it if you earned it.
- I'm curious as to the switch in goalkeepers. I know many fans are against Simon Mignolet, but Karius didn't do much in the midweek game and didn't do much against Hull. So, what did he do to earn the start? If Liverpool wins, it's fine. Just curious as to the reasoning.
Walk On
Saturday, September 10, 2016
Despite Shaky Moments, Liverpool Dominate the Defending Champs
Thank goodness the international break is over. The United States played quite well during their qualifiers and Christian Pulisic looks like the genuine article. Still, without the club games to watch, it gets rather boring.
There was not much boring about Liverpool's start against the Foxes of Leicester. Leicester opened up quite positively, but Liverpool managed to weather it. Then, they built up their own attack. The first goal came in the 13th minute.
James Milner brought it up the left wing. Daniel Sturridge made a good run toward the flag, dragging opposition defenders with him. This left Firmino relatively open toward the middle. He took a great first touch that put the ball around the defender and at the top of the area, where he slipped it just under Casper Schmeichel.
Liverpool began flirting with a bit of danger afterward. You expect a pushback following any goal, but Leicester began to string things together. They just missed scoring an equalizer in the 20th minute when they flashed one just wide of the left post right in front of Simon Mignolet.
26th minute, it was almost 2-0. Liverpool got a clever cross into the front of goal from the endline. Sturridge got a solid right foot on it, but knocked it right into the sprawled out hands of Schmeichel. It was a fantastic save, but Sturridge will, no doubt, feel he should have done better in the end.
The Reds were playing some great football, but couldn't seem to get the finisher. They had wave after wave of attack for about five minutes. Then the score came. Another push up the field found Sturridge in the box. He had a cheeky backheel back toward the spot. Sadio Mane manged to just flick it over the keeper and into the net in the 31st minute. In the end, it may have gone over the goal if it had not hit Schmeichel's hand, but it scored nevertheless.
Just when it seemed like Liverpool were putting a stranglehold on the game, their makeshift backline came back to bite them. Lucas, playing centerback for some head scratching reason, was trying to roll a pass back to Mignolet. He misshit the ball and then, due to pressure, toe poked it well past the keeper and right to Jamie Vardy, who smashed it into the back of the net.
The Reds were still up by a goal after that, but the game had switched. Mignolet almost allowed the equalizer when he flailed at a cross and missed and the header just bounced off the crossbar and over. Fortunately, Lucas made amends right before half. Leicester got away with some fouls and sprung a break. Lucas' sliding challenge avoided what would have been a three or four on two attack.
The first 45 was almost flawless in attack for Liverpool. Sadly, the defending was hit or miss and the turnover was just unthinkable. It would be up to the Reds to seal things up defensively in the second half and hopefully keep the attacking prowess going and reward the Kop. The Foxes would clearly want their say in the match before its end too.
The second 45 began with a bit of a lull, but not for too long. The first ten minutes or so went by with only a hitch or two. Nothing major on either side. Then, the Reds came back to life.
Sturridge was again denied by a strong save in close. However, Liverpool kept on the front foot and would not let the ball out. Just as it seemed the attack would peter out, the ball was laid off to the right for Adam Lallana. The winger unleashed the fury on the ball and as the announcer said, if not for the net, the ball would still be sailing. 3-1 to the good guys in the 56th minute.
In the 61st, it seemed as though the opposition would bring it within one goal again. Vardy was put in possession of the ball in a very dangerous area. Just to the left, near the spot, the striker took a strong swing through the ball. Mignolet had come out confidently, slid right into the shot and the save almost turned into a counter attack.
Honestly, Liverpool should have been up 4-1 in the 79th minute. They had a good deal of buildup play from the wings. The ball finally got popped into the area for Firmino. It bobbled around a few times and then fell back to Jordan Henderson. Normally a calm player, the captain just ripped it dozens of rows up into the Kop instead of into the upper netting.
It almost looked like the Reds would butcher another chance to go up by 4-1. Schmeichel had come almost to the half line to make a challenge he was never going to win against Mane. Mane then took a few dribbles and instead of going for a looping shot himself, he centered it to Firmino.
The pass was rather weak, but Firmino took a touch to get around the defender. He still managed to push it into an empty net and take the three goal lead into stoppage time. It would end up being a nice finish, but a bit scary in terms of doing too much with it.
Ultimately, Liverpool won quite comfortably. There were a few nervy moments here and there, but if Lucas had not made that mind bogglingly strange error, then Liverpool would have had a clean sheet. When it's all taken into consideration, three points and a dominant performance against the defending champions is a good result.
Nobody knows how Leicester will finish this season. They are still defending champions and Liverpool took them to task. Now, the Reds must just find ways to finish off the minnows since they seem to play so well against the sharks and the whales.
Random Thoughts:
- I do not like the round patches for the league on the sleeve. The logo, when not up close, looks too much like the WWF Panda. For some reason, round patches just look odd too.
- My, oh my. What is going on with the back four? We know Clyne will be good and Matip seems to have settled in quite well. Lovren has his issues, but he is replaced by Lucas? I know you want Lucas to get some games, but no. Just no. Milner seems to be adapting to his wingback role, but this just seems like a mess in the making that might cost the team points later in the year.
- There's no way of knowing how good other teams will be. That said, this squad is shaping up a lot like the one that finished second in the league a few seasons ago. I'm not saying they'll finish that high, but they have tons of scoring prowess and are shaky at the back. If they can keep the offense rolling, then the wins could pile up. If the defending becomes too much of a hinderance, it could be another up and down year, which we have already seen signs of.
Walk On
There was not much boring about Liverpool's start against the Foxes of Leicester. Leicester opened up quite positively, but Liverpool managed to weather it. Then, they built up their own attack. The first goal came in the 13th minute.
James Milner brought it up the left wing. Daniel Sturridge made a good run toward the flag, dragging opposition defenders with him. This left Firmino relatively open toward the middle. He took a great first touch that put the ball around the defender and at the top of the area, where he slipped it just under Casper Schmeichel.
Liverpool began flirting with a bit of danger afterward. You expect a pushback following any goal, but Leicester began to string things together. They just missed scoring an equalizer in the 20th minute when they flashed one just wide of the left post right in front of Simon Mignolet.
26th minute, it was almost 2-0. Liverpool got a clever cross into the front of goal from the endline. Sturridge got a solid right foot on it, but knocked it right into the sprawled out hands of Schmeichel. It was a fantastic save, but Sturridge will, no doubt, feel he should have done better in the end.
The Reds were playing some great football, but couldn't seem to get the finisher. They had wave after wave of attack for about five minutes. Then the score came. Another push up the field found Sturridge in the box. He had a cheeky backheel back toward the spot. Sadio Mane manged to just flick it over the keeper and into the net in the 31st minute. In the end, it may have gone over the goal if it had not hit Schmeichel's hand, but it scored nevertheless.
Just when it seemed like Liverpool were putting a stranglehold on the game, their makeshift backline came back to bite them. Lucas, playing centerback for some head scratching reason, was trying to roll a pass back to Mignolet. He misshit the ball and then, due to pressure, toe poked it well past the keeper and right to Jamie Vardy, who smashed it into the back of the net.
The Reds were still up by a goal after that, but the game had switched. Mignolet almost allowed the equalizer when he flailed at a cross and missed and the header just bounced off the crossbar and over. Fortunately, Lucas made amends right before half. Leicester got away with some fouls and sprung a break. Lucas' sliding challenge avoided what would have been a three or four on two attack.
The first 45 was almost flawless in attack for Liverpool. Sadly, the defending was hit or miss and the turnover was just unthinkable. It would be up to the Reds to seal things up defensively in the second half and hopefully keep the attacking prowess going and reward the Kop. The Foxes would clearly want their say in the match before its end too.
The second 45 began with a bit of a lull, but not for too long. The first ten minutes or so went by with only a hitch or two. Nothing major on either side. Then, the Reds came back to life.
Sturridge was again denied by a strong save in close. However, Liverpool kept on the front foot and would not let the ball out. Just as it seemed the attack would peter out, the ball was laid off to the right for Adam Lallana. The winger unleashed the fury on the ball and as the announcer said, if not for the net, the ball would still be sailing. 3-1 to the good guys in the 56th minute.
In the 61st, it seemed as though the opposition would bring it within one goal again. Vardy was put in possession of the ball in a very dangerous area. Just to the left, near the spot, the striker took a strong swing through the ball. Mignolet had come out confidently, slid right into the shot and the save almost turned into a counter attack.
Honestly, Liverpool should have been up 4-1 in the 79th minute. They had a good deal of buildup play from the wings. The ball finally got popped into the area for Firmino. It bobbled around a few times and then fell back to Jordan Henderson. Normally a calm player, the captain just ripped it dozens of rows up into the Kop instead of into the upper netting.
It almost looked like the Reds would butcher another chance to go up by 4-1. Schmeichel had come almost to the half line to make a challenge he was never going to win against Mane. Mane then took a few dribbles and instead of going for a looping shot himself, he centered it to Firmino.
The pass was rather weak, but Firmino took a touch to get around the defender. He still managed to push it into an empty net and take the three goal lead into stoppage time. It would end up being a nice finish, but a bit scary in terms of doing too much with it.
Ultimately, Liverpool won quite comfortably. There were a few nervy moments here and there, but if Lucas had not made that mind bogglingly strange error, then Liverpool would have had a clean sheet. When it's all taken into consideration, three points and a dominant performance against the defending champions is a good result.
Nobody knows how Leicester will finish this season. They are still defending champions and Liverpool took them to task. Now, the Reds must just find ways to finish off the minnows since they seem to play so well against the sharks and the whales.
Random Thoughts:
- I do not like the round patches for the league on the sleeve. The logo, when not up close, looks too much like the WWF Panda. For some reason, round patches just look odd too.
- My, oh my. What is going on with the back four? We know Clyne will be good and Matip seems to have settled in quite well. Lovren has his issues, but he is replaced by Lucas? I know you want Lucas to get some games, but no. Just no. Milner seems to be adapting to his wingback role, but this just seems like a mess in the making that might cost the team points later in the year.
- There's no way of knowing how good other teams will be. That said, this squad is shaping up a lot like the one that finished second in the league a few seasons ago. I'm not saying they'll finish that high, but they have tons of scoring prowess and are shaky at the back. If they can keep the offense rolling, then the wins could pile up. If the defending becomes too much of a hinderance, it could be another up and down year, which we have already seen signs of.
Walk On
Saturday, August 27, 2016
Liverpool Show Flashes Against Spurs, But Settle For A Point
Liverpool came into the weekend with a lot to prove. It's early in the season, but their inconsistency over two league games has already worried the fans. A team like Tottenham was just the kind of test Liverpool needed to pass.
The day didn't start well at all. Although Liverpool never came close to conceding, they played about as poorly as you could without allowing a goal. The first quarter hour was absolutely dreadful.
The Reds were allowing too many holes for Spurs to strike through. Their touch was terrible. It seemed as though every touch off the foot or judged bounce went completely awry.
Fortunately, Liverpool did not let in the goal early as they did against Burnley and that was the difference early on. It allowed the team to calm down, get their feet under them and make their own impact on the game.
As the first half progressed, it became more of Liverpool's game. They would take the lead from a James Milner penalty kick that came after Firmino got by Erik Lamela and forced him to clip the heel. While Milner's choice to take the kick was surprising, he made no doubt with the strike.
Liverpool were a bit hard done by the half by the end of it. They could easily have had between two and four goals. Michel Vorm was the only reason the Reds didn't have a crooked number on the scoreboard. Vorm made a kick save that would have made any hockey goaltender proud on Coutinho and also several sliding tackles on Mane`.
The second half began with much of the same. Spurs would have the occasional romp forward, but it was much more of Liverpool in possession. However, Burnley showed that possession means little for the end result, so the Reds needed an insurance goal.
A new defender almost came up with just that. Joel Matip barely missed a header from a corner in the 53rd minute. The flick just went over the bar. Liverpool should have had a goal awarded just minutes after that as well.
The Reds had some fantastic build up play. The ball was played through to Adam Lallana, who proceeded to send it across the six yard area where it was smashed in by Mane`. The flag was up and fans were left to wonder how Mane` could have been offside since he was behind the ball. As it turned out, the assistant had labeled Lallana off, but even that was questionable as it was his boot at most.
The problem after those lost chances was Spurs began to build up their own attack. They nearly scored twice on successive corner kicks. Only top reaction saves by Simon Mignolet kept the ball out of the net on those instances, but Tottenham had begun to plant their flag.
Spurs were eventually rewarded for their efforts too. In the 72nd minute, Milner quizzically took a step forward as the ball went over his head. His man managed to get a cross off that was flicked over to the left side. Danny Rose was all alone on the back side and found enough space to hit it between Mignolet and the converging Mane` to level up the game.
Liverpool recovered a bit toward the end of the game. In fact, they should have done much more with an opportunity in stoppage time. Unfortunately an extremely slow pass to Firmino thwarted what should have been a clear break and Lallana could only force a corner once in the box.
In the end, a draw was probably a fair result given the back and forth nature of the contest as a whole. Liverpool needed a win to really boost themselves, but a point is a point. Liverpool still have some defensive deficiencies and that's unlikely to change. They looked solid going forward and just need a bit more gelling with the new faces.
Now it's a week off to prepare for the defending champions and to open up their refurbished home stand. Liverpool had better use that time to get a few things in order. Leicester has not looked great to start the year, but the Reds don't want to be the team they find form against.
Random Thoughts:
- I like Alberto Moreno and I like James Milner. Neither are the answer at left back right now though so Jurgen Klopp had better be strongly considering pursuing a left back. The window is closed now, but given what we've seen from those two players, signing DeAndre Yedlin would have been a step up. You can't keep having that position cost you as the season progresses.
- I think Christian Pulisic has the chance to be a good player. However, despite that assertion, I don't think Liverpool is the spot for him right now. If he's not going to play regularly, then he may as well stay at Dortmund. If he can show his quality right away at Liverpool (assuming he even comes, since it's all rumor), then alright. Yet, it just seems there are too many players ahead of him in the pecking order for him to find a regular spot and he's at the age where he needs to be playing all the time.
- What is it with Liverpool having to have a hot tempered center back? Lovren has always been a bit frustrating, but he has definitely taken up Skrtel's role of yelling about every call and looking like anything that doesn't go his way will blow his top off.
Walk On
The day didn't start well at all. Although Liverpool never came close to conceding, they played about as poorly as you could without allowing a goal. The first quarter hour was absolutely dreadful.
The Reds were allowing too many holes for Spurs to strike through. Their touch was terrible. It seemed as though every touch off the foot or judged bounce went completely awry.
Fortunately, Liverpool did not let in the goal early as they did against Burnley and that was the difference early on. It allowed the team to calm down, get their feet under them and make their own impact on the game.
As the first half progressed, it became more of Liverpool's game. They would take the lead from a James Milner penalty kick that came after Firmino got by Erik Lamela and forced him to clip the heel. While Milner's choice to take the kick was surprising, he made no doubt with the strike.
Liverpool were a bit hard done by the half by the end of it. They could easily have had between two and four goals. Michel Vorm was the only reason the Reds didn't have a crooked number on the scoreboard. Vorm made a kick save that would have made any hockey goaltender proud on Coutinho and also several sliding tackles on Mane`.
The second half began with much of the same. Spurs would have the occasional romp forward, but it was much more of Liverpool in possession. However, Burnley showed that possession means little for the end result, so the Reds needed an insurance goal.
A new defender almost came up with just that. Joel Matip barely missed a header from a corner in the 53rd minute. The flick just went over the bar. Liverpool should have had a goal awarded just minutes after that as well.
The Reds had some fantastic build up play. The ball was played through to Adam Lallana, who proceeded to send it across the six yard area where it was smashed in by Mane`. The flag was up and fans were left to wonder how Mane` could have been offside since he was behind the ball. As it turned out, the assistant had labeled Lallana off, but even that was questionable as it was his boot at most.
The problem after those lost chances was Spurs began to build up their own attack. They nearly scored twice on successive corner kicks. Only top reaction saves by Simon Mignolet kept the ball out of the net on those instances, but Tottenham had begun to plant their flag.
Spurs were eventually rewarded for their efforts too. In the 72nd minute, Milner quizzically took a step forward as the ball went over his head. His man managed to get a cross off that was flicked over to the left side. Danny Rose was all alone on the back side and found enough space to hit it between Mignolet and the converging Mane` to level up the game.
Liverpool recovered a bit toward the end of the game. In fact, they should have done much more with an opportunity in stoppage time. Unfortunately an extremely slow pass to Firmino thwarted what should have been a clear break and Lallana could only force a corner once in the box.
In the end, a draw was probably a fair result given the back and forth nature of the contest as a whole. Liverpool needed a win to really boost themselves, but a point is a point. Liverpool still have some defensive deficiencies and that's unlikely to change. They looked solid going forward and just need a bit more gelling with the new faces.
Now it's a week off to prepare for the defending champions and to open up their refurbished home stand. Liverpool had better use that time to get a few things in order. Leicester has not looked great to start the year, but the Reds don't want to be the team they find form against.
Random Thoughts:
- I like Alberto Moreno and I like James Milner. Neither are the answer at left back right now though so Jurgen Klopp had better be strongly considering pursuing a left back. The window is closed now, but given what we've seen from those two players, signing DeAndre Yedlin would have been a step up. You can't keep having that position cost you as the season progresses.
- I think Christian Pulisic has the chance to be a good player. However, despite that assertion, I don't think Liverpool is the spot for him right now. If he's not going to play regularly, then he may as well stay at Dortmund. If he can show his quality right away at Liverpool (assuming he even comes, since it's all rumor), then alright. Yet, it just seems there are too many players ahead of him in the pecking order for him to find a regular spot and he's at the age where he needs to be playing all the time.
- What is it with Liverpool having to have a hot tempered center back? Lovren has always been a bit frustrating, but he has definitely taken up Skrtel's role of yelling about every call and looking like anything that doesn't go his way will blow his top off.
Walk On
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
Liverpool Return To Winning Ways Knocking Off Burton Albion
Welcome back Liverpool fans. I've been away for the beginning of the season. I was out of the country for a wedding in Canada.
In the meantime, the team managed to come up with a huge 4-3 win over Arsenal. They then dropped a terrible 2-0 decision to Burnley after that. While these games were on the road, making them more difficult, it has been an incredibly up and down start to the new season.
Combine that with the rather dull showing while the Reds were in St. Louis and it has become a bit of a worry. While the game in my hometown could be easily chalked up to a combination of being a preseason affair and a terribly humid day, it doesn't explain why the team continues to be so inconsistent.
That said, they did what they needed to do to advance in the EFL Cup. On a side note, why in blue blazes did they change the name? Has the competition fallen so low on the totem pole that they could not find a replacement sponsor when Capital One dropped off?
It's a minor thing, but even though the name Capital One Cup was less than palatable, EFL Cup just seems so plain. I digress.
The game itself against Burton Albion was exactly what you would want from such a fixture. The Reds got things off to a great start. Sadio Mane did a little foot dangle before the cross that saw Divock Origi tap it in.
Firmino scored off a header in the 22nd minute, Liverpool got an own goal in the 61st and then Daniel Sturridge scored a brace at the end of the match. It was a fine performance by just about everyone involved and a good jumping off point to prepare for Tottenham on the weekend.
Everything must be kept in perspective as Burton is a Championship side. Barring another monumental failure by Liverpool, this was always going to be the result. So, a 5-0 win in this kind of match is not going to mean that the Reds are off and running when it comes to the league.
Nevertheless, it was a good showing. The players you want to step up and lead did and it was the kind of performance you want to see from Liverpool in these sorts of games where they outmatch their opponent as opposed to what happened last weekend.
Also on the positive side was Mane. When he was signed, it was mainly a shoulder shrug for most people. There were not any problems with the addition, but it wasn't someone people generally pointed to as being the missing piece.
So far, he's been the man the team can ill afford to lose the most. He played against Arsenal and Burton and the Reds won and played with flare and style. He was missing against Burnley and the team lacked that attacking spark.
He was man of the match in this EFL fixture and deservedly so. Though he did not get on the score sheet for all of them, he had a hand in almost every goal. He was still sprinting after challenges at the very end of the game.
Mane isn't one of those guys that's going to command tens of millions or hundreds of millions in the transfer market, but he fits in with this squad perfectly. He's exactly the type of player that Jurgen Klopp wants to mold his entire team after. Getting the current crop to play that way may still take some time.
Again, it was a good win but nothing to jump for joy about in the grand scheme. Just entertaining football to view and take it for what it was.
The weekend will be a better barometer of what kind of season we may be in for. For now, let's be happy with a win and be happy for a few days until the Reds invade London.
Random Thoughts:
- Much of this article was random thoughts, but let's get into a few more. Apparently there is talk of loaning out Sakho. I am not in favor of this at all. He's not a great defender, but still has a leg up on the current group of central defenders. He just needs to get his off field issues in order.
- Springboarding off that, there were fans who were honestly questioning whether Klopp belongs at Anfield because of the Sakho loan talk. Question his tactics or his transfer policies, but to say he doesn't belong is just ridiculous. He's shown quite well in his brief time. Also, this insane idea that every decision or loss means the manager is terrible and must be fired is just sickening. I understand that the game is extremely short lived in terms of who is in charge or playing on the field and change occurs all the time, but there is still something to be said for consistency.
- Nothing major happened in this game, but what happened to Moreno? He was never going to win defender of the year, but he's been just north of dreadful in his league games so far. He's got speed and skill. However, maybe it just isn't there upstairs.
- While I'm very impressed with Mane, it also scares me. Anytime a team is so reliant on one or two players to produce, it is worrying. Sturridge is a ticking time bomb when it comes to injury and if Mane is that important to the squad, they can't afford to lose him either. It would just be nice to feel like we could consistently rely on some of the other guys instead of just the odd performance here or there.
Walk On
In the meantime, the team managed to come up with a huge 4-3 win over Arsenal. They then dropped a terrible 2-0 decision to Burnley after that. While these games were on the road, making them more difficult, it has been an incredibly up and down start to the new season.
Combine that with the rather dull showing while the Reds were in St. Louis and it has become a bit of a worry. While the game in my hometown could be easily chalked up to a combination of being a preseason affair and a terribly humid day, it doesn't explain why the team continues to be so inconsistent.
That said, they did what they needed to do to advance in the EFL Cup. On a side note, why in blue blazes did they change the name? Has the competition fallen so low on the totem pole that they could not find a replacement sponsor when Capital One dropped off?
It's a minor thing, but even though the name Capital One Cup was less than palatable, EFL Cup just seems so plain. I digress.
The game itself against Burton Albion was exactly what you would want from such a fixture. The Reds got things off to a great start. Sadio Mane did a little foot dangle before the cross that saw Divock Origi tap it in.
Firmino scored off a header in the 22nd minute, Liverpool got an own goal in the 61st and then Daniel Sturridge scored a brace at the end of the match. It was a fine performance by just about everyone involved and a good jumping off point to prepare for Tottenham on the weekend.
Everything must be kept in perspective as Burton is a Championship side. Barring another monumental failure by Liverpool, this was always going to be the result. So, a 5-0 win in this kind of match is not going to mean that the Reds are off and running when it comes to the league.
Nevertheless, it was a good showing. The players you want to step up and lead did and it was the kind of performance you want to see from Liverpool in these sorts of games where they outmatch their opponent as opposed to what happened last weekend.
Also on the positive side was Mane. When he was signed, it was mainly a shoulder shrug for most people. There were not any problems with the addition, but it wasn't someone people generally pointed to as being the missing piece.
So far, he's been the man the team can ill afford to lose the most. He played against Arsenal and Burton and the Reds won and played with flare and style. He was missing against Burnley and the team lacked that attacking spark.
He was man of the match in this EFL fixture and deservedly so. Though he did not get on the score sheet for all of them, he had a hand in almost every goal. He was still sprinting after challenges at the very end of the game.
Mane isn't one of those guys that's going to command tens of millions or hundreds of millions in the transfer market, but he fits in with this squad perfectly. He's exactly the type of player that Jurgen Klopp wants to mold his entire team after. Getting the current crop to play that way may still take some time.
Again, it was a good win but nothing to jump for joy about in the grand scheme. Just entertaining football to view and take it for what it was.
The weekend will be a better barometer of what kind of season we may be in for. For now, let's be happy with a win and be happy for a few days until the Reds invade London.
Random Thoughts:
- Much of this article was random thoughts, but let's get into a few more. Apparently there is talk of loaning out Sakho. I am not in favor of this at all. He's not a great defender, but still has a leg up on the current group of central defenders. He just needs to get his off field issues in order.
- Springboarding off that, there were fans who were honestly questioning whether Klopp belongs at Anfield because of the Sakho loan talk. Question his tactics or his transfer policies, but to say he doesn't belong is just ridiculous. He's shown quite well in his brief time. Also, this insane idea that every decision or loss means the manager is terrible and must be fired is just sickening. I understand that the game is extremely short lived in terms of who is in charge or playing on the field and change occurs all the time, but there is still something to be said for consistency.
- Nothing major happened in this game, but what happened to Moreno? He was never going to win defender of the year, but he's been just north of dreadful in his league games so far. He's got speed and skill. However, maybe it just isn't there upstairs.
- While I'm very impressed with Mane, it also scares me. Anytime a team is so reliant on one or two players to produce, it is worrying. Sturridge is a ticking time bomb when it comes to injury and if Mane is that important to the squad, they can't afford to lose him either. It would just be nice to feel like we could consistently rely on some of the other guys instead of just the odd performance here or there.
Walk On
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