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

Liverpool Embarrass Their Crosstown Rivals

Regardless of position in the table, the Merseyside Derby is always something to look forward to.  Despite the relative closeness in the standings, Liverpool came in as the more in form team.  They only had one loss in their last 14 fixtures across all competitions, but those stats usually mean little in rivalry games.

The match opened up with a bit of trepedation on both sides.  Neither seemed to want to make an early mistake.  Then things began to loosen up a bit after the fifth minute.

Adam Lallana missed a golden opportunity to go up 1-0 in the sixth minute.  Lallana was basically alone in the box and tried to slip it through the wickets of Joel Robles, but the goalkeeper got down to stop the ball.

Then Morales had a chance about 13 minutes later for Everton.  He had slipped in behind much of the defense and cut it back into a good area, but did nothing but shoot it off the outside of his foot and not even trouble Simon Mignolet.

The teams kept trading what could be considered chances, but with little really in any of them.  Origi flashed a pass across in 22nd minute that was easily dealt with.  Lukaku outmuscled Sakho into the box seconds later only to be stopped by a brilliant slide tackle.

Lucas had a rip at goal that Robles dove for but easily saw and then Lallana flicked a header just wide in the 24th minute.  Coutinho almost snuck one in from a free kick in the 27th minute.

Then Roberto Firmino had a real chance in the 30th minute.  It seemed he had to be offside, but still got the shot off.  It took a touch off the defender, which put it off just enough to deflect off Robles' leg instead of going through the legs.

Despite the game seeming like it would go scoreless into the half, Liverpool broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute.  James Milner lobbed a monster cross from the right and Divock Origi just wanted it more.  He outlept two defenders and just neatly tucked it into the side of the goal with the header for the 1-0 lead.

Then Milner struck again with another assist in stoppage time.  With the clock just striking 47, Milner took a return pass in the box and bent one to the top of the six yard area.  Everton's defense looked lost and were ball watching, leaving Sakho wide open.  He headed it with power, but all it needed was any kind of touch and it would have gone in.  2-0 Reds was the halftime score.

The wheels really came off for the team in blue in the second half.  The fixture that had the most sending offs in league history added another name to that list.

Ramino Funes Mori was given a red card in the 50th minute.  There was a question of whether he was given a yellow for the challenge and a yellow for kicking the ball away or giving a straight red, but either way the Reds were up by a man though Origi was taken off the field as well with an injury due to the stamp.

Daniel Sturridge came on as the replacement as the Origi injury looked more and more serious with each replay.  However, the replacement made the opposition pay quite quickly.  Lucas fed a sweet ball through the hole into the box and Sturridge comfortably tucked it into the back of the net with a neat finish for his 50th career Liverpool goal.

Following the goal, you almost felt bad for Everton.  They had shot themselves in the foot with the foolish red card, but it became almost a training exercise for Liverpool.  They spent what seemed like the final 20 minutes in the attacking penalty area just flashing things left and right of the target.

Liverpool, however, were not concerned with the woes of their crosstown rival though and rightly so.  In the 76th minute, Joe Allen found Coutinho at the top of the 18.  The Brazilian feinted a one-time shot and then used the one touch to create space before placing one perfectly in the bottom right corner and a four goal lead.

The whistle mercifully blew in the 98th minute wth Liverpool the victors by a final of 4-0.  As Liverpool fans, it was a night to relish.  Even the softest of us still revel in defeating your rivals and this was a night to enjoy.  The football itself wasn't a great spectacle as it became the stuff of training ground walk throughs, but there's nothing wrong with a win.  There's nothing wrong with a win over your rival and there's definitely nothing wrong with a win over your rival coming with ease.

Liverpool moved up to seventh in the league.  They trail West Ham by two with a game in hand.  They are still within reach of catching Manchester United for fifth as well, but for now it's not even worth discussing that.  Best to keep focused on each match and feel good about the results when they come.

Random Thoughts

- Despite the big win, the injury to Origi comes at a bad time.  With Liverpool needing to put a lot of focus on Europa League and not wanting to put too much stress on Daniel Sturridge, losing a productive striker at this point is a big loss if he's out for long.

- Given the way the game played out, I'm glad he was not in the lineup.  Still, it would have been neat to see Tim Howard in the Everton goal for his final Merseyside Derby.

- Though many of us get on them, it would have been nice to see either Joe Allen or Lucas actually get a goal to reward them for their recent efforts.  I'll throw Lallana into that mix as well, though he messes up his own chances when he gets them sometimes.

- Sakho is just such an odd character.  He's really growing into a solid defender and even scoring a goal here and there.  But he just looks so awkward in his movements.  He's always somewhat hunched and squatted in his placement to make kicks and always seems as though he might flub it, but he's been solid regardless.

- Jurgen Klopp can say that the league is always most important, but at this point it would be a mistake to not put more emphasis on Europa.  It would be almost impossible to get into fifth, let alone fourth so the european league remains Liverpool's best chance at Champions League football next season and that helps draw in better players.

Walk On

Liverpool Finish Comeback for the Ages

Liverpool had everything in front of them as they headed into their second leg against Borussia Dortmund.  They had the game at home in front of the Kop.  They had the away goal.  They had a healthy lineup ready to go coming off the strong draw last week and a win over the weekend.  They also had one of the most stirring renditions of You'll Never Walk Alone sung by the entire Anfield Stadium, including the Dortmund fans.

Things could not have gotten off to a worse start though.

In the fourth minute, Coutinho turned the ball over and that led to a Dortmund break.  Mignolet made a fantastic save on Aubameyang but could not scramble to get to the rebound put in by Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

Then in the eigth minute, another giveaway in the attacking end led to a break for Marco Reus who slotted it through to Aubameyang who banged it into the upper 90.  How he was left alone on the backside is beyond anyone and much of the blame has to lay with Alberto Moreno who could not track back.

In the 21st minute, a great team build up only led to a chance for Adam Lallana who just absolutely whiffed.  Divock Origi just missed on a deflection from a Milner cross in the 25th as the Reds attempted to shake off the cobwebs.

Liverpool's defense started becoming swiss cheese during the initial comeback attempt.  Aubameyang put a Reus cross just wide after getting in behind again in the 36th.  Fortunately, that was the last time the goal was severely threatened before the break.

So, Liverpool down 2-0 in the match, going into the second half had everything to do and got things started off right.

In the 48th minute Coutinho slotted a lovely little ball through on the break for Origi and the Belgian managed to toe poke it past the Dortmund keeper.  Liverpool were dominating possession and chances but could not find that final ball.  Then luck turned against them.

Reus received the ball just onside and in behind Nathaniel Clyne and right footed it past the sliding Simon Mignolet for an almost assuredly series clinching goal.  The tally put the German side up by two both on aggregate and in the game.  It would take a herculean effort to come back.

But legends exist based on some sort of fact and we may have seen a new legend born on this night at Anfield.  The air was seemingly sucked out of both the stadium and the team, but all it took was one strike.

Milner was the give part of a give and go with Coutinho and the Brazilian flashed one past the keeper from the top of the box to get the proverbial ball rolling.  2-3 in the game and 3-4 on aggregate at that point.

However that one play sent a jolt through both teams.  Almost immediately, Origi just missed an equalizing goal.  The game calmed down a bit on the pitch, but not for long.

In the 78th minute, after an injury to Emre Can, Liverpool gained a corner.  The kick was rather poor and didn't clear the first defender. However, a missed flick by Daniel Sturridge actually served to throw the defenders off and Sakho slid in, picked it up off the bounce and headed it in for the tie.

All knotted up on aggregate and in the game but Liverpool still had to win since they had given up three away goals.  As the game wore on, the exuberance was replaced by nerves for both sides but definitely the fans in red.  Were they really going to charge all the way back only to fall on the away goal rule?

Then the most unlikeliest of heroes stepped forward.  Liverpool were given a free kick just on the attacking side of the line.  They played it through on the ground to Sturridge who struggled to get hold of it.  Then he cheekily backheeled it through the defender's legs to Milner who sliced it to the back post.

The oft maligned Dejan Lovren was there.  He skied above the defender and headed it in on the back post completing the most improbable of comebacks.

The win keeps Liverpool's dream of playing in the Champions League alive and well when it seemed like the plug was about to be pulled.  The league is all but untenable given the amount of teams between the Reds and the top four and even getting back to the Europa League isn't a given so it's all or nothing in this year's Europa.

Liverpool, much like their manager, never gave up even though every sane sentiment said they should have.  They played like champions even though it was only a quarterfinal and won.

Dortmund didn't deserve to lose.  They are a fine club, but as their own Mats Hummels said, they got the jitters.  Liverpool took advantage and we all got to take advantage and saw one of the finest games we're likely to see for some time.

Random Thoughts:

- Of all the times to not be able to see the game live, of course it would be for this game.  I saw the first half and had to go ref a high school game.  I saw they scored the first goal on twitter and then nothing until I got home to watch the rest.  So clearly I won the game since I turned it off.

- Was it me or did Lovren look a little defiant while looking into the Kop after his goal.  I know a lot of players celebrate in such a manner but it almost had an air of "where are all your jeers and comments now?"

- Things are now set up pretty well.  Dortmund was the last of the big traditional clubs in the tournament so LIverpool have things in their favor.  Big clubs don't win Europa in recent years, but as long as the Reds don't take anyone for granted they have it all in front of them.

Walk On

Liverpool Almost Steal Win, Settle for Vital Draw in Germany

Liverpool taking on Borussia Dortmund sounds like something that should be taking place in the Champions League.  Instead it was a quarterfinal leg in the Europa League.  There was a lot of build up to this match, much of it surrounding the fact that Jurgen Klopp was returning to his old post for the first time.

As any coach would say, he was not on the pitch so the focus should not have been on him.  Still, the media never listens to such things.  Regardless of where the focus was before the match, it ended up on the field during the game.

In the first half hour, it was a typical European match with both sides prodding and probing and feeling out the opponent and the official.  Each side got a good chance, but nothing came of it initially.

Dortmund seemed to be taking a hold of the match.  Aubameyang just missed a goal from a free kick around the 30 minute mark.  The shot was a knuckler that ended up deflecting off a leaping Sakho in the wall and sliced just wide of the net.

The German side then picked up the pace and created several more pushes up the field.  They seemed to be pushing the Liverpool defense onto their heels.  The Nigerian international had another strike at goal around the 35th minute, but could not find the back of the net.  That coupled with Sakho spoiling a 2 on 1 with Aubameyang and Reus that could have spelled the end.

Instead, seemingly against the run of play, Liverpool would strike.  In the 36th minute, Divok Origi found a bit of space in the offensive end and made the most of it.  Taking possession in the box, off James Milner's header, he managed to settle the ball and instead of hitting it first time, he took an extra touch to his right, got the shot off which took a little knick off the defender and went inside the left post.

Not only did Liverpool send their traveling fans and the thousands, if not millions, watching around the world into a frenzy they got the important away goal.  Anytime you give yourself that cushion, you've done well.  They still needed to see things out against an extremely talented offensive team, which would not be easy.

The lead almost didn't last through the half.  Dejan Lovren came up with a huge block to deny Aubameyang just outside the six yard area in extra time.  Then Simon Mignolet had to come up with a block of his own, stopping Marco Reus on the doorstep after the defense did not push off the goal line when the initial corner was stopped.

The joy wouldn't last for long into the second half.  Only two minutes and change in, Liverpool gave up a corner.  Dortmund took it short and then sent it in from a better angle.  Liverpool's defense stood and watched as Mats Hummels attacked the ball and banged it in with the header.  Adam Lallana challenged at the end, but he was flat footed and stood no chance.

The Reds seemed undaunted by the goal though.  They immediately attacked.  Their initial foray into the area was dealt with, but moments later they just pounded away at the net.  Chance after chance, two taken by Coutinho were blasted toward net but Roman Weidenfeller was up to the task on three straight occasions with one or two other ones being blocked.  The goal could not be taken, but it was a fantastic response.

In the end, the game settled down and little happened after that mad fury.  Liverpool had a few more pushes up the field and Dortmund had a couple long balls into the box that forced some nervy moments out of the Liverpool keeper, but both teams seemed settled into a 1-1 draw in the end.

It was a fine result for Liverpool, but the win would have been the ultimate.  While Liverpool gave themselves that important away goal, they cannot sit on their laurels in the home match next week.  You simply cannot assume you will get the clean sheet at Anfield, so the away goal rule may not even come into play.

However, on the positive side, if Liverpool can pull a similar performance at home as they did on the road then they will be in a great position to make it to the semifinals.  Dortmund will look to take better advantage of Liverpool's defending, but after one leg Liverpool is in a good spot and that's all you could ask (though we would have loved the win).

Random Thoughts:

- Those that read this regularly know Joe Allen is right up there with Adam Lallana in my book.  I know taking Henderson off was likely due to possible injury or preventing one, but eesh.  Gives me the willies when Allen is on.  Credit where credit is due though, he did almost set up a score for Coutinho.

- The drawback of being a goalkeeper is that you marvel at opposing keepers coming up with saves while cursing them in the same breath.  Weidenfeller was absolutely the only reason Liverpool did not win.

- Like any person that watches this team regularly, the defending gives me pause if not gut problems.  That said, both Sakho and Lovren came up with game saving blocks that could have altered the course of the game if not taken.

- I'm probably the only person that doen't analyze every single lineup.  That said, it will be interesting to see who is on the pitch next Thursday given players getting more healthy vs players who produced in this fixture.

Walk On

Liverpool Do Just Enough To Send United Home Crying

Liverpool against Manchester United.  It rarely matters if there's any stakes.  It's one of the most heated rivalries in the game and always has importance to the supporters, if not the footballing world.

Putting something on the line such as advancing in the Europa League and keeping a Champions League spot alive just adds that extra pepper to an already spicy chili.  This rivalry did not disappoint and produced some entertaining games despite the lack of those very things for both clubs in their league play.

Liverpool dominated at home and won by a reasonably decisive 2-0 score.  United manager, Louis Van Gaal saw it differently, calling each of Liverpool's goals cheap and complaining about officiating.  The Dutchman also saw fit to calmly state his club was looking to tie up the two leg affair but could easily score four, as though they score goals for fun with regularity.

Unfortunately for the Reds, the Red Devils got the momentum of the first goal of the game.  Nathaniel Clyne went for a clumsy challenge in the box and took down Martial, who eventually scored the penalty.

Instead of panicking, Liverpool calmly retaliated.  While United still pushed the ball forward as any team will in any game where there is a bit of ebb and flow, Liverpool had the better of the chances.

Daniel Sturridge banged a beautiful curler off the crossbar on a free kick, but the goal that followed was a real gem.  On the literal last kick before the halftime whistle, Coutinho slipped the tip of the knife between the ribs of United.

The Brazilian took the ball up the wing and cut into the box.  He then got all the way toward the post and just flipped it over the sliding David De Gea, who could do nothing but watch it slide past his ear and into the net.

Liverpool didn't cover themselves in glory, but they did well enough in all aspects.  They defended well, with Sakho doing a very good job in the center.  Offensively, well the second half wasn't quite what it should have been but once that away goal came you somewhat expected that.

The Reds, wearing black in actuality, should have put the game away in the 62nd minute.  Coutinho sliced his way through several defenders and then put the ball wide to Sturridge.  The talented forward further proved what most already knew, in that he has no right foot, by skying a shot 10 yards away from target from in close.

Liverpool also messed up a great chance to close it out in the 75th minute.  Emre Can outraced the defender and smartly laid it back, even though he could have shot.  Coutinho then tried a fake to get around the defender only to shoot it right at De Gea.  As well as he looked on his goal, one expected him to bury that chance too.

Only minutes later Coutinho almost made up for the weak shot by blasting one on target that De Gea got a hand on to push it over the bar.  It seemed destined for Liverpool to create but not finish.
Bastian Schweinsteiger could easily have been given a red for a challenge from behind just outside the box in the 80th minute.  Again though, Liverpool failed to score as Coutinho whipped one well over the goal.

Liverpool kept creating but De Gea was up to the challenge each time except for the one goal.  He stopped Origi twice with only moments to go in the game.  The one goal would last though as United could not pierce the Liverpool defense.

It was a matchup of two English giants who have fallen in recent years, but to each club's supporters it still meant the world.  Liverpool get the bragging rights and United suffers the indignity of crashing out of Europe completely at home at the hands of Liverpool.

Random Thoughts:

- The goal by Liverpool brought up odd feelings.  It was a fantastic cheeky finish and as a fan it got me off my seat.  As a keeper, I've had that feeling that De Gea had.  You think you have the shooter cut off and he has no angle only for it to sneak just by you.

- From a "normal" line of thinking, I was surprised that Jurgen Klopp made offensive for offensive substitutes by putting Origi and Benteke on for Sturridge and Coutinho.  Only Allen was a defensive sub, but still similar in position to Jordan Henderson.  However, seeing Juventus watch their lead evaporate by making defensive subs, I'm glad Klopp knows more about who to put on compared to conventional thinkers.

- I missed the last couple games due to covering basketball tournaments.  In honesty, I was worried I should not have come back when United scored that first goal.  Thankfully I'm still allowed to watch games since Liverpool won the two legs.

Walk On

It Take Pens To Drop Potters, But Liverpool Will Be At Wembley

Liverpool came into the second leg of the Capital One Cup semifinal up 1-0 with an important away goal, however the Liverpool side that doesn't seem threatening was the one that appeared in the first half.  Emre Can's strike was the only really good scoring opportunity of the opening 45 minutes of play for the Reds.  They pressed toward goal a few times and were not without skill at all, but there just wasn't that quality that is needed in the final third.

Instead they seemed to be hanging onto the knife's edge.  Stoke, though having similar statistical numbers, seemed to be threatening much more.  Some of that was due to Liverpool's inadequate defending on corners always putting fan's hearts in their throats and some was simply due to actual lax defending.  In the end it would cost them.  Marko Arnautovic scored in the first minute of extra time and put his team up 1-0 in the game and even 1-1 in the semifinals.

Arnautovic was clearly offside when viewing the replay, but in the end it doesn't matter.  Decisions go for or against teams all the time.  Liverpool needed to defend better and simply didn't.  If the officials had gotten the call correct, it would have helped the situation, but you could almost feel the goal coming at some point regardless.  There can be little doubt that Jurgen Klopp intended his team to try to see out a 1-0 decision over two legs, but that seemed to be the intention of the players on the field.  Arnautovic's goal threw a wrench into those plans and the idea of penalties was something that would really stick in the craw of the faithful.  It was up to Liverpool to pull it together over the second 45 minutes.

It seemed as though the Reds had taken that to heart as almost from the get-go, Liverpool earned a dangerous freekick from just outside the box.  Unfortunately the kick was relatively wasted by Alberto Moreno.  The Reds kept up the pressure with Firmino striking one off the near post in the 48th minute.  Liverpool had a few other pushes upfield, but only for the first 15 minutes or so.  Once the half settled in, Stoke regained their confidence.

Again trying to take advantage of freekicks and corners, they almost struck in the 61st minute.  Only a full stretch, sliding tackle by Sakho, who was already dealing with a hamstring issue, managed to stop the go-ahead goal.  Liverpool didn't go quietly though.  They pressured and were pressured.  Their best chance to date came when the ball fell to Jon Flanagan in the 77th minute, but there were so many bodies in front of him that he could do nothing with it.  It would be the last real opportunity in regulation as extra time was called for.

Liverpool had a chance early in the extra time as Firmino flashed one wide.  Former Red, Peter Crouch did the same from a header just moments later.  Then just before the break, Stoke should have scored.  Van Ginkle put one off the post after a good feed from Crouch.  Van Ginkel almost ended it again in the 24th minute of extra time with a volley that was smothered by Simon Mignolet.  In the end, neither team could score despite mistakes made in important areas and the match came down to penalties.

It was as nerve wracking as you would expect and perhaps more than anyone would anticipate given the low esteem the competition has in most eyes.  Liverpool didn't blink though.  Mignolet saved Crouch's attempt after allowing the initial goal, but Can put it off the post.  Then the teams traded four consecutive goals each.  Finally, the beleaguered Belgian came through and denied Stoke's second penalty in sudden death.  Joe Allen finished off the contest and, perhaps a year too late for Steven Gerrard, Liverpool will be playing in a championship final at Wembley Stadium.  It was not the prettiest of games, but earning your way into a final is nothing to be scoffed at.

Random Thoughts:
- Since it seems to be doing some good, I still don't care for Joe Allen.

- I hate penalties.  I have yet to figure out a good alternative though.  I used to say just let them run til they hit the ground, but would that really be more appealing?  I suppose not when you see how the mistakes pile up when fatigue sets in.

- Good on Migs to be a hero.  Sure it's a low level cup competition, but he made two big saves.  Nobody for Stoke skied one or hit the bar.  It was the keeper who came up when he needed to.

- Klopp gambled and won on this occasion.  I applaud his decisions given how things turned out, but extra time could have gone extremely differently.  Klopp essentially went with Sakho as his only true defender when he pulled off Kolo Toure for Allen and then Flanagan for Jordan Ibe.  Yes, I'm aware Moreno was out there, but even though I like him, he's not much of a real defender.

- Whether it's Everton or Manchester City, the final will be no easy game.  That said, it will be nice to see Liverpool in a final.

Walk On

Liverpool Pull Off Miracle Draw Against League Leaders

Throw records out the window.  Forget about the injury report.  Rivalry games are their own animals and the beast showed up for a good one between Liverpool and Arsenal.  This game opened up fast and furious, with the Reds in control of the first quarter hour.  Liverpool had the bulk of the possession and looked like the side that crushed Manchester City 4-1 instead of the one that has struggled at times.

Adam Lallana came close to finishing off a good bit of play in the  6th minute, only to clash with a defender that as correctly not called a penalty.  Only four minutes later, Liverpool would strike.  After bounding around with several cracks following a corner kick, Roberto Firmino finished off a left footer through the wickets of the defender and past a helpless Petr Cech.  Unfortunately instead of turning into a one-way affair, it turned into a boxing match straight out of Hollywood.

Arsenal answered in the 14th minute when Aaron Ramsey struck on a play from nothing.  Arsenal had had almost no attack at all and then when the ball just slipped through the defenders, Ramsey made Liverpool pay at the near post.  The pendulum swung back the other way in the 19th minute.

Firmino, like his Brazilian compatriot Coutinho (who is out injured), after it had bounced around like a hot potato outside the box and spun a brilliant curling shot into the upper 90.  It was a fantastic goal and a fantastic finish to a run of play that Liverpool had shown up to that point.  Alas, things would turn sour from then on.

In the 25th minute, Arsenal almost equalized but Sakho cleared the initial attempt over the bar only to see an even worse goal go in directly off the ensuing corner kick.  Everything went wrong on that corner kick.  Simon Mignolet did not react well to the deflection from Olivier Giroud, the defenders watched the ball with little reaction until it was too late and Liverpool had nobody on the near post when one body would have easily stopped the attempt.

Liverpool had a few runs and chances before the end of the half, but could not capitalize and would be made to pay soon after the half.  Not even ten minutes into the second frame, Giroud would again strike against shoddy Liverpool defending.  With bodies just flailing around and flopping on the ground, the Frenchman had a brilliant first touch and then spun against the grain to strike one past the defenders and behind a helpless Mignolet, who was left no time to react.

Liverpool, again, were not without chances.  Jordan Ibe made a good run on the right only to be unrewarded and berated by Benteke, who was in no position to receive a pass due to so many players in between.  Then, much like their opponents, Liverpool pulled one from nowhere.  Again, taking advantage of failures to clear, Liverpool kept the ball alive.  Benteke headed one across the box in stoppage time and the recent sub, Joe Allen, smashed one in off the fingertips of Cech.

The final whistle would go not long after with a 3-3 scoreline as the final of this midweek clash.  It was an insane contest.  The Liverpool that dominated the game for so long early, deserved much more than what they got.  In contrast, the Liverpool that was floundering in the rain and snow while Arsenal consolidated the momentum deserved much worse than this result.  Everything taken as a whole, it was a fair result to both squads.

Arsenal will be disappointed because they are now tied on points, instead of in sole possession of the top spot in the table.  Liverpool will be disappointed because three points would have drawn them much closer to the top four.  Instead, both will be satisfied because they could easily have lost as they could have won.  Both will take positives out of this game due to their team's tenacity.  Liverpool have another crack at glory as they take on the hated Manchester United on the weekend.  Given the two clubs' positions in the table, that contest holds even more importance.  For now, they must rest and focus on the things they did right on this night.

Random Thoughts:
- In an effort to not be two-faced, I will not say that this one goal does enough to put Joe Allen in a good light in my eyes.  That said, as anyone who follows the club, you celebrate good performances by any player and even if only for one brief moment, Joe Allen was a huge factor.

- As a goalkeeper, I will always side with my fellow union members.  I have constantly said that Mignolet is a great shot stopper and unless you can find a keeper who is better at everything - not just better at defending corners - then you don't make a change.  That said, Mignolet seems to make a case against me repeatedly.  There were several things that could have gone differently on that initial Giroud goal, but Mignolet was not blameless by any stretch.

- On a personal note, it was a fantastic result for me personally.  I desperately wanted the win, but given the cloud of doom and feeling of unworthiness over the St. Louis area after the Rams left in the manner they did, it was nice to be distracted for a few hours and see some good football as well.  For those that want further insight into my feelings on that matter you can see my YouTube show here:  https://youtu.be/kcTno6Ir4qY

- For fans, two points out of six against Arsenal isn't great, but the way each individual game played out it was more than enough.  Now, onto the weekend.

Walk On

Klopp's Crew Keep Clean Sheet in Debut

It was the opening game of a new era.  It was the first game of the Jurgen Klopp era.  People wanted a quick turnaround, but none was to be had and it was unrealistic to hope for.  Managerial changes can spur (no pun intended) change, but players are players.  They can't be changed overnight.  Nevertheless, Liverpool could have and should have scored in the 10th minute as Divock Origi's flick went off the crossbar and the rebound bounced too many ways for a clean rebound to be had.

Liverpool had their chances after that, and looked a bit more positive than in the last few weeks, but it was mostly Tottenham after the first 15 minutes.  Simon Mingolet was forced to make a huge save in the 28th minute as Adam Lallana and Emre Can failed to fully get back, leaving the left wing open.  Tottenham continued to build pressure, but the Reds managed to defend fairly well, constantly talking which, admittedly, was something a bit lacking under Brendan Rodgers.  Liverpool managed to counter with a chance of their own in the 33rd minute, but still could not quite conjure enough to truly trouble the Spurs.  Spurs then rebounded with more chances of their own.  Harry Kane failed to put one in, hitting it off Mingolet's left leg and then Sakho with a block on the rebound opportunity.

The first 45 minutes of the Klopp era weren't really all that different, but really about what should have been expected.  Liverpool came out with a lot of energy, but it wasn't really concentrated in one area.  The players could clearly be seen wanting to perform well for their new manager, but not knowing exactly how other than to run.  There was no momentous occasion to celebrate the change, but given the starting lineup Liverpool had to go with, it was no more than should've been expected.  Still, you can't say that a scoreless draw at the half was not progress given the chances afforded to the opposition.

For the first 15 minutes of the second half, both teams seemed content to allow their opponent into the penalty area and then attempt to defend.  Sure, you can claim it worked since it was still scoreless heading into the last half hour, but it's a dangerous way to play.  The game calmed into somewhat of a lull during the 60th minutes.  Both sides had an opportunity toward the box, or two, but nothing overtly dangerous.  Liverpool's best chance was an appeal for penalty by Lallana in the 67th minute that went unheeded by the official.

Liverpool built up some very good pressure in the 70th minute, but could find no shots.  Unfortunately for them, all their pressure only led to a counter attack for Harry Kane that was fortunately blocked before fully going toward goal.  Joe Allen came on in the 81st minute, which was a bit confusing since Allen does not strike anyone as an attacking player, but came on in an attacking position.  Jordan Ibe would have seemed a better fit, but perhaps Klopp wanted more possession or more defending up-field.

The substitution didn't seem to spark much either.  Nothing to do with Allen really, but almost immediately after the switch, Spurs had another strong attack from Kane that was neatly parried away by Mingolet.  Ibe did come onto the field moments later for Coutinho, who seemed to be laboring.  That would be the last thing the Reds need at this point, considering that their entire lineup of forwards to be counted on was on the injury list for this weekend.

Most of the second half, as mentioned was relatively dull, but that made any chance for either side that much more intense.  Can had a rip toward goal in the 90th minute that just skimmed a foot or so wide and that put the hearts of Liverpool fans in their throats as they were hoping for something miraculous.  LFC supporters also had their hopes raised as Milner was awarded a free kick just outside the box with only minutes to go.  Alas, the kick was wasted by Moreno and that would be all she wrote.

It was a rather uninspiring game, if you take all the pageantry and hype surrounding Klopp out of the occasion.  It was much the same as we have seen all season, but it did have just a twinge of a better feel to it.  Liverpool managed a bit more energy than some of the lethargic performances of late weeks.  They had some good offensive chances, which is important given all the injuries the team had.  A squad missing Daniel Sturridge, Christian Benteke and Danny Ings was always going to struggle to score (they've struggled even with those players).  However, creating some chances knowing those players weren't even available as subs was a positive.  A draw is much better than a loss, but this game proved what Klopp had already said in his press conference.  He is not a miracle worker and it will be a process.

Random Thoughts:
- What kind of luck do Liverpool have if not bad luck?  We all knew Benteke was unlikely and Ings is finished for the year, but to wake up and find Sturridge out with a swollen knee is extremely disheartening.

- People want to lump this all on Rodgers, but let us not forget that so many people were ready to give up on loan-outs like Lazar Markovic and more than willing to rid themselves of Ricki Lambert and Mario Balotelli.  Now, given injuries, the Liverpool squad are very thin at positions they seemed deep in at the year's start.  It's just the way things happen.  To blame Rodgers is just piling on the hate.

- Mingolet continues to irritate people who want him out.  He's not quite decisive enough on set pieces, but I still contend he's one of the league's best shot stoppers and am not sure exactly who his detractors want to bring in that will clearly be better.

Walk On

Liverpool Hang On by Fingernails

On a week that had pretty much been a nightmare for Liverpool and their manager, Brendan Rodgers, there was a big need of a bright spot.  The team, fans and manager got what they needed with about as good a start as they could hope.  Liverpool scored while some people may have been still searching for their seats and did so in fine fashion.  James Milner had a crack at goal in the 2nd minute that found the net against one of his former clubs.  Coutinho set up the goal with a nice bit of play from the left side, sliding it into the middle for Milner who had a soft first touch before banging it home.  Liverpool continued the attack and looked sharp in the opening minutes.

Emre Can had a good flick in the 5th minute right but was right at goalkeeper Brad Guzan.  As tends to happen though, not everything could run smoothly.  Aston Villa almost equalized with a sharp header from Rudy Gestede in the 7th min.  Liverpool would dominate until 22nd minute when a mistake by Can almost cost them.  Gestede smashed it wide after being set up perfectly from Can, when the defender should have cleared it away but ended up knocking it back into the middle.

The disappointing thing about the first half was it was an embodiment of how the season has gone.  Liverpool looked sharp against opposition that they should beat, but could not fully take charge of the game.  Despite the fantastic start and the energizing shot in the arm for the team and for Anfield, the rest of the half pretty much petered out.  Liverpool dominated possession, but could not create any more true chances.  Sure there were forays at goal, but nothing that really troubled Guzan or the Villa faithful.

The second half provided an opportunity to change all that and Liverpool almost took advantage.  in the 52nd minute, Milner almost struck again.  His charge forward led to a hard shot that the defender just deflected wide.  Nathaniel Clyne was right there on the doorstep but a sliding defender denied the Reds their second goal of the contest.  Nevertheless it was a positive start to the second 45 minutes.  Moments later a handball led to another chance.

Coutinho tried to be a bit cheeky and went low with the shot, which in actuality is more difficult to handle for most goalkeepers.  Unfortunately for Liverpool, Guzan was quick to smother.  The fortunes would finally favor the home side just before the 60th minute.  Milner continued to shine wearing the Captain's armband, settling the ball smartly with the chest and flicking it over the Villa backline.  Daniel Sturridge, still struggling to regain full fitness, looked in top form as he absolutely ripped it into the side netting with his preferred left foot.  It only took eight matches, but at last Liverpool had scored two goals in a contest.

The glad tidings and good feelings would not last long to the chagrin of many.  Gestede was inexplicably left to run through the area and finished off a cross from the right hand side.  Even more inexplicably, Can was the man in charge of following Gestede and when the Villain slid by him, Can put his arms up as to blame others for his faults.  A disheartening defensive showing from a side, that while has always had its share of problems, looked very solid with so many clean sheets to begin the year.

Then, as quickly as things turned sour, Daniel Sturridge waved his magic wand and soothed the wails of the Kopites.  Right in front of Anfield's famed supporter section, less than a minute following the goal conceded, the Reds struck again to put the advantage back to two.  Sturridge took the ball on the edge of the area, put it into the box for Coutinho, took the one touch on his weaker right foot and slid it into that same side netting.  Top notch football and something the fans of Liverpool have been hoping to see for a long time but were robbed of due to a terrible string of injuries.

The fans were again made to sweat though as the roller coaster continued.  The Liverpool defense again looked a shamble.  This time Sakho was caught ball watching along with the rest of the backline and Gestede made them pay.  The Aston Villa striker flew threw the air and clattered Sakho out of the way in order to head it into the back of the net.  Again, tragic defending and again no chance for Mingolet to make a save.

Coutinho almost answered a few minutes later.  The Brazilian took a sweet strike from a free kick and just peeled it over the wall.  Guzan had to stretch fully to his right and paw it away, keeping the margin at one goal.  The game never seemed to calm down either.  The ball kept pinging back and forth between the teams.  Sturridge almost had his hat-trick twice, once not generating power and the second forcing a great save by Guzan.  Ings had a chance that he blasted right into a defender.  Villa, for their part, kept charging up field as well despite the holes it would leave at the back.

In the end, it wouldn't matter as the final whistle eventually came with Liverpool still on top by a goal, which was their only goal when the opening whistle rang.  It was never fully comfortable but a win and three points cannot be discounted.  The disappointing thing is that nothing can ever fully go right for this club.  The Reds finally crack the score sheet more than once and then the defense loses the ability to watch anything other than the ball.  Nevertheless, it was positive to see Daniel Sturridge return to scoring form and for the club to get a much needed victory.

There will be a very vocal section that will actually be disappointed with the win because they wanted a poor performance to be the final nail in the manager's coffin, but I simply cannot side with them.  Brendan Rodgers' time at Anfield may come to a close sooner rather than later, but to root against your team due to your own frustrations with the manager is too much.  This is still a team in the works and trying to figure things out.  It is incredibly understandable how frustrating that is for a fan base still used to knowing how the team would perform and who would be on the field.

Rodgers is still not off the hook, but the noose is not quite over his neck yet either.  For all its potential defensive failings, this team seems to be settling into the 3-5-2.  You or I can complain about its positives and negatives all we want, but the fact is that with the personnel at Liverpool's disposal right now, that is the best formation at the moment.  Things might change if/when Jordan Henderson can return.  The formation may get tweaked for cup matches or European games, but overall it fits this squad best even if certain players are not in their comfort zone.  Now that a quality win was gained, Liverpool have to capitalize and put a string together.  As with anything with this club though, that is easier said than done.

Random Thoughts:
- As someone who lifts weights and no longer looks like someone who plays soccer, it was still odd to see Adama Traore come onto the field.  That man is jacked.

- Personally, I'm a big fan of Emre Can.  I think he's extremely talented and could be a good Liverpool player for years to come.  I feel for him though because he is versatile enough to be played at the back even though that is clearly not his best position.  He looked so much more comfortable early in the season when he was in the defensive midfield, but the team is better when he is in the back three.  It's just sad that is the case because he is so clearly not a central defender.

- Piggy backing off that, it's sad to see Joe Gomez not on the field.  Gomez did nothing wrong really, but like Can is a victim of circumstance.  Alberto Moreno fits in better as a winger due to his speed and offensive ability and thus Gomez is simply the odd man out (though some could perhaps make a case that he could play in the back three instead of Can).

- It's hard not to love Danny Ings.  He's not full of flair and boatloads of technical ability.  He's just an old-school style player that never gives up on a play.  He's as willing to tack back 60 yards as he is to make a run into the box for an attempt on goal.  The sport could use more players like him and Liverpool are lucky to have him.  While nowhere near the ability, he is similar to Anthony Martial in that nobody probably expected him to produce to the ability he has so far but it is a pleasant surprise.

- As I mentioned in the main article, I just can't abide the fans that want their team to lose so that a manager will get fired or there will be changes in personnel.  Far be it for me to tell anyone how to root for their own team, but that just isn't my style.  For me, you cheer for the team through thick and thin and hope that things will turn out in the end.

Walk On

Liverpool Earn Wembley Appearance

Liverpool earned their way into an appearance at Wembley Stadium for an FA Cup semifinal match with Aston Villa.  A hard fought replay against Blackburn Rovers went the Reds' way with a 1-0 win.  In very few ways, if any, was this the game Liverpool fans were hoping for, but it was a victory.  Following two bad losses to Manchester United and Arsenal in the league and several weeks of controversy surrounding the contract status of Raheem Sterling, Liverpool simply needed some positivity.

It wasn't the prettiest of games.  Much of the first half, for Liverpool, was spent in possession that went nowhere.  The Reds had the ball, knocked it around the back, pushed forward now and then but really created nothing.  There was a nice flick back by Daniel Sturridge in the 16th minute that almost led to a chance.  Coutinho had a sharp angle chance blocked in the 18th minute and Liverpool attacked reasonably well in the 20 minute stages.  However, there was very little true pressure placed on Blackburn's keeper Simon Eastwood.

For a bit, it even seemed as though things would continue to pile up on Liverpool.  Mamadou Sakho picked up an apparent hamstring injury and had to be subbed off in the 27th minute.  The Reds were already shorthanded with suspensions to key players and the chosen substitute, Kolo Toure, was about as far from anything resembling good form as you can be in his time against Arsenal.

Things continued in the woe category as Coutinho appeared to have a golden chance in the 36th minute, when his shot seemed destined for the bottom right corner only to have Eastwood come up with a last second save.  Eastwood was screened until the ball was about four yards out, which made the stop even more improbable.  On the flip side of that coin, Simon Mingolet was called into action in the second half as well.  Two huge saves, both diving to his left, probably saved the result for his club.

Mere moments after leaping to stop a drive heading for the upper left side of the goal, Mingolet kept one out of the bottom left with a save rivaling his counterpart.  The Belgian keeper saw it very late and was screened by several of his own players.  There was also a question of potential handball by Joe Allen, and by the letter of the law it may have been, but it was unintentional and did not alter the shot in any manner.  That moment was really a catalyst for Liverpool.

They turned up the pressure in the 50th minute onward.  They did allow the occasional counterattack or two, but really steadied the game.  Kolo Toure had an excellent block in the 66th minute, not totally erasing his previous performance, but at least putting him back in a more positive light.  Finally, Coutinho broke the deadlock in the 70th minute.  Coutinho replaced Jordan Henderson on the corner kick and did not have a very good attempt, in all honesty.  However, the Brazilian recouped possession, took a quick pass from Henderson in the box and rocketed a shot across the face of goal and in off the post.

One knock on the Reds' squad was their lack of urgency the rest of the half.  Plenty could have gone wrong in the final 20 minutes and despite Liverpool's dominance of possession, they did not really seek out that second goal.  It almost came back to bite them when Eastwood  had a brilliant turn and shot in the box.  Mingolet saw the shot late, but got down to block it and smother the 94th minute attempt and ultimately the Reds got the win.

Things haven't gone Liverpool's way lately and a win was sorely needed.  While positives weren't abundantly available, they were there. The Reds did not crush the second tier opponent and did not look like world beaters, but they got the job done.  They overcame the obstacle of suspensions to Steven Gerrard, Martin Skrtel and Emre Can.  Toure did a reasonably good job of coming in and defending.  Dejan Lovren was solid in possession and made no mistakes.  Joe Allen will never be anyone's first choice, outside of perhaps his manager, but he did a solid job and did exactly what was asked of him in every way.  Mingolet continued his top form.  Sterling and Coutinho looked very positive as well.

Nobody will ever confuse Blackburn for a true stern test, but Liverpool did what was necessary and took enough away from the game to look forward instead of worrying too much about the last two games.  That said, questions still linger for this side as they progress.  Though Manchester City continues to leave the door cracked, gaining a top four spot will be incredibly difficult.  The specter of a Europa League spot also looms.  A league match against Chelsea is still on the horizon, but a date in Wembley Stadium is a pretty sweet carrot to put in your pocket.  Now the team must simply look to themselves and do the best they can.

Random thoughts:

- I understand he was playing out of position, but I was confused to see Jordan Henderson constantly in the center of the field when he was technically listed as a wing back.

- Springboarding off that idea, again I realize that Henderson, Sterling or Adam Lallana are all out of position in the wingback position, but you have to put your best players in their best position and let the rest fall where it may.  Sterling has been useless in the wing position and should always be part of the attacking trio in the current set up.

- Liverpool's defending corp needs to catch a break.  Can will be available in the next match, but the injury to Sakho now throws more cloudiness into an already murky situation back there.

- Speaking of injury, given his recent history, Sturridge's asking to be subbed off was a bit troubling.  He did not appear to be laboring, but one still worries when he asks to be removed.

- Liverpool supporters will always do their best to support whoever slips on the red kit.  However, changes have to be made to this squad.  Age and injury have played a huge role but players like Allen and Lucas just aren't good enough to be consistently relied upon and regardless of what formation Liverpool use going forward, they have to find a true wingback.  The constant rotation on the outside is frustrating as a fan and provides no stability from a team standpoint.

- Things have been set up in a positive way for Liverpool.  Aston Villa is probably going to be more concerned with staying out of the relegation zone and is in poor form to begin with.  A finals appearance is not assured, but seems likely.  Unfortunately, Liverpool may be forced to see an in-form Arsenal team once more, should that finals spot be attained.

Walk On.

Liverpool Into The FA Quarterfinals

It wasn't the prettiest of matches at all times, but the dream of silverware is still alive for Liverpool FC.  It wasn't the best of starts, falling behind to Crystal Palace on the road, but the Reds managed to get enough right to pull out a win.  Several old problems began to creep back into the squad, but they managed to overcome them instead of allowing those problems to dictate the match.

Liverpool came into this FA Cup tie flying.  No, they haven't played on the level of Real Madrid or Barcelona, but very few in the world can or have.  Liverpool played like Liverpool though and ultimately, as long as that happens, the result is all that matters.  LFC didn't have the most rousing of starts to this cup match.  They conceded an early goal, only 15 minutes into the game on a bit of uninspiring defense.  The ball popped up into the box and Simon Mingolet punched it, while colliding with one of the Eagles.  No foul was called, rightly, and Frazier Campbell managed to bang home the loose ball.

While there was no clear blame to any one person on the goal, the blame can be shared by all.  No one marked the follow up player and the defense was shaky as a whole for much of the first half.  Despite the retro-grade defending, Liverpool managed to dominate possession as they have in many of their recent matches.  Unfortunately for the Reds, Crystal Palace began packing it in following their go-ahead score.  Liverpool pressed and the Eagles just slammed in more bodies.

Brendan Rodgers then made the changes.  Seeking to capitalize on the good form from the weekend match, Rodgers inserted Mario Balotelli for Lazar Markovic straight away following halftime.  While it was not surprising to see the Italian come on, it was a bit surprising to see Markovic come off since he had not really done anything wrong and one could argue Liverpool needed his speed on the flanks.  But, as has been the case in the new year, Rodgers' decisions paid off.

Jordan Henderson, given the captain's armband following the disappointing news of Steven Gerrard's leg injury, played a very inspired second half.  Henderson smartly set up the tying goal with a nice cross to Daniel Sturridge who continued to show his worth to the club by neatly finishing off the one-time strike.  While the ball did deflect off the goalkeeper, it would've taken a Herculean effort to keep out.

Then it was Balo-time.  Mario Balotelli took on the defense and drew an important foul in a very dangerous area, just outside the penalty box.  Full of new-found confidence, Balotelli was not about to let anyone not named Steven Gerrard tell him he was not taking the free kick.  Balotelli smashed his shot right where it needed to be and while the goalkeeper managed to get a piece of it, Adam Lallana made an intelligent run and knocked home the rebound.  Not to give all credit to Balotelli, the wall did a masterful job of spacing out the defenders and moving at the perfect time for Mario's shot to glide through the vacated space in the wall.

Balotelli continued his turnaround by doing what he does best, when not on the ball.  Balotelli was an instigator.  Many will say this is not an important role in the game - something I would agree with on principle - however, it does exist and when Mario is in the right frame of mind he gives his team an advantage in this area.  Balotelli is always in the mix.  Opposing teams know his short temper and try to set the fuse.  When the striker is not in form and not in the right mind, it is a detriment to his club.  When he is in the right frame, as he was on this night, he is a benefit.  He attracts so much attention that if he is able to stand up and just smile, he sets off his opponent and frustrates them.

But let us not focus too much on Balotelli just for a couple good games.  The team as a whole did what they needed to do.  Emre Can had his moments of defensive lapses, but he still continues to do just enough right and allow an escape valve for the back three.  Simon Mingolet was not challenged often, but you continue to see confidence that was simply not there earlier in the season.  Sakho always has moments that make you cringe when he is on the ball but he continues to thwart offenses.  Coutinho had a better match than he did on the weekend.  Joe Allen, well...Joe Allen did not make many mistakes.  Allen continues to be a questionable start, but as long as he fills in and makes no mistakes then you cannot fault the position too much.

This is the team supporters were expecting at the beginning of the season.  Seeing how players have actually performed, winning the league title or even contending was always going to be a long shot no matter how strong a fan you are.  However, these sorts of matches are what fans still expected from their club.  It is exactly what they did not get at the beginning of the year.  Earlier in the season, Liverpool would have shrunk from the occasion.  They would've failed to score despite their possession and chances.  They would've conceded another goal on a corner or set-piece.  They would have been knocked out of the FA Cup.

It took a lot longer than anyone expected, rightly or wrongly.  The pieces have now begun to gel and this squad is playing like a team that Liverpool fans can be proud of.  It wasn't the best of matches and Liverpool did not dominate from start to finish, but as mentioned they won.  In the end that's all that matters.  They have turned the tide and are now winning matches even when they do not play to their full capabilities.  That is Liverpool football.

Random Thoughts:

- I'm somewhat confused as to what Fox Sports plan was.  They put this live match on Fox Sports Plus, which I do not subscribe to and many probably do not either.  Thus I had to watch the match on Fox Sports En Vivo and listen to the audio through my computer.  I did manage to time it up pretty well though.  Kudos to me.

- I think all LFC fans are holding their breathe regarding Raheem Sterling.  It is being reported as a minor foot injury, but having already lost Gerrard for at least a month LFC cannot afford to lose such an important player for long, especially given their turnaround.

- Despite the fact that I'm a fan of the player, I still concede that Balotelli makes poor plays.  He has had a decent turnaround in the last two matches but he should be kept as far away from defensive corner kicks as possible.  I'm all for placing more responsibility on players and saying "This is how we do things here" but he's just too much of a liability despite his size advantage.

- Can deserves all the praise he is getting, but he is terrible in the air.  He is young but his timing on headers is just awful.

- Speaking of Can, I was surprised he was still in the back three.  It had been suggested that he would join Henderson in the midfield and Lovren would start in the backline.  Obviously Rodgers' lineup worked, but if given the opportunity it would be nice to see Can back in a more comfortable midfield role.  We shall see.

Walk On.

Bolton Replay May Have Cost Liverpool Merseyside Derby

One of the worries brought up over the course of the past few weeks was how playing an extra match - one that could have been prevented - would affect the team.  Given the result of the replay, it seemed worth it to keep Liverpool in the FA Cup tournament.  It was a spectacular win, one covered in my previous blog post.  It was one that should have given this club loads of confidence heading into their next match - the all important Merseyside Derby.

However, it seemed to have the opposite affect.  Liverpool looked tired and listless.  Several players had solid performances, but several had less than stellar matches and even bordered on being awful.  Steven Gerrard was one of those players.  His game was by no means actually awful, but compared to what we have come to expect from the Liverpool captain, it was by no means a typical Gerrard match.  He looked slow and a bit off.  Gerrard's touch was nowhere near where one would hope it would be, given the fact this match could have been his last Merseyside Derby.  His passes were off the mark from the very beginning.

In a play that garnered a chuckle from the NBC broadcast crew, Gerrard sprayed one out wide toward winger Jordan Ibe, when Ibe had already clearly made a run up the pitch.  Similar passes were made later in the match as well.  By no means is this a statement against Gerrard as a player.  It could simply be time catching up or it could be a lack of form given his relative lack of playing time over recent weeks.  Or, the most likely answer in reality, is it was just a poor performance and should be written off as such.  Unfortunately, we have come to expect great things from Gerrard so often that anything less comes off as much worse than it was in reality.

The Liverpool skipper was by far, not the only player who had a less than stellar match.  When you look at the overall performances of the team as a whole, Raheem Sterling, Emre Can and Martin Skrtel were the only players that had good performances.  Lucas' departure so early in the match may have been a cause, perhaps throwing the team into a disarray.  Joe Allen came on in his stead, and while he did not do anything wrong, he did what Joe Allen tends to do - nothing.

Allen gives his all out there during the match, usually doing a decent job of closing down or trying to plug up space.  But given his normal position of a defensive, holding midfielder he just rarely cuts it.  He is too small to be effective as a fourth or fifth defender, often getting muscled off the ball especially against Everton on this night.  He gives the ball away too often in areas that may not lead to direct counter attacks, but still put his defensive teammates in a poor spot.

Even Daniel Sturridge had a poor showing.  Sturridge did nothing wrong, really, but outside of a few nice moments he really disappeared in the late stages of the second half.  This is not necessarily a reflection on him.  He was not being set up in very opportune spots and often tried to get things going in a positive manner only to run into defenders.  The team gained a brief spark when Sturridge first entered the game, but offensively you could tell they were looking to him too much after that instead of taking the game by the scruff.

The defense also returned to their shaky play.  They did not fail to mark their counterparts or allow players in behind them.  However, their footwork was questionable at best.  Emre Can, save for his overconfident play late in the match against Lukaku, was very good.  Martin Skrtel was ok.  However, Sakho more than made up for both of them and that's not a good thing.  Sakho marks his men very well and is a solid defensive back, but there are recreational league players who show better foot skills than Liverpool's left back.

Ultimately, I could go on for paragraph after paragraph singling out players and moments in the match.  The bottom line is that this was a very disappointing match.  It wasn't an end of the world result.  Liverpool gained a point and are still alive.  However, it was a match that was winnable and given circumstances in the table it would have been much more valuable to gain the three points as opposed to just one.  No one can argue that a draw is not better than a loss, but the listlessness of the match just put a negative spin on this.

The Bolton replay may be to blame.  While in the grand scheme of things, it is a positive thing for the club to remain in the FA Cup, it could be partially to blame for this type of result.  Despite being a lower level club, Bolton really took it to the Reds in their midweek clash.  Despite having their lone goal come on a questionable penalty, Bolton took the game to Liverpool and the Reds had to expend quite a bit of energy to score their own two goals.  From the beginning of the Merseyside Derby, you could see that Liverpool just didn't have that jump and energy that you would normally see in such a rivalry match.  The extra game is surely to blame, at least in part, for that.

It is not just Liverpool to blame for this result.  Everton came out with a game plan and executed it reasonably well.  The disappointing thing was just the way the match played out.  It was boring, it was uneventful, it lacked pace and punch except for Jordan Ibe's blast on the Liverpool side and a great save by Simon Mingolet at the end of the match after a smart shot by Sheamus Coleman.

Liverpool just did not come out with the energy one would have hoped.  Even though the club has struggled to finish goals in games past, if Liverpool came out and played with the form they have shown over the past few weeks there is no doubt they would have won.  Everton lack much of the skill that the Reds have and if both are at their best, Liverpool should have gotten a win.  Instead, Everton played ok and Liverpool made many mistakes and a 0-0 draw is what is the result.

Again, this result is not the end of the world.  A point is a point and every point is valuable at this point in the season.  It is just disappointing that so many players were either affected by the extra game during the week or lacked the mental fortitude to summon the energy for a derby.  It is disappointing to watch two teams that need wins going forward to put so little into the match as a whole.  It was disappointing to have the legend of Steven Gerrard end so unremarkably in regards to the Merseyside Derby.  Both teams will go on their respective paths for the rest of the season, but this was just a disappointing match to watch.

Random thoughts:
- Perhaps it is just me, since I do not live in the cauldron of Liverpool and do not have to deal with the rivals literally living on my doorstep.  However, Everton seem like those rivals that you hate and want to destroy in the derby but are ok with them doing well other than that.  As long as Liverpool finish at least one place above them, Everton can finish as high as they want sort of deal.  Maybe I'm wrong.

- In addition to the faults I found with the players, I wasn't completely on board with the substitutes.  Ibe starting is fine due to his speed and youthful exuberance.  I was a bit shocked to see Coutinho come off, even though he has played a lot of games lately.  Joe Allen coming on makes sense from a positional sense but I would not have seen a problem using Markovic to replace Lucas and moving Gerrard back.  Lambert is basically in the same boat with Fabio Borini and Mario Balotelli.  He just doesn't do much.

- Liverpool had lots of shots and though credited with 6 on target, it was disappointing to not take advantage of Tim Howard not being in net.  Being American, I am biased, but Howard is still one of the best Premier League keepers and not winning when he is not in the match makes it a bit more disappointing.

- I did not understand why Reds and Blues could not sit together.  Everything I have heard in the past is that fan bases have intermingled during the Merseyside Derbies.  I did not get the reasoning to not allow this just because the match was held at night.

Walk On

Late Equalizer Gives Reds Much Deserved Point

Heading into an all important matchup with their Londoner rivals, Liverpool again employed a rather unusual formation with seven midfielders and three defenders.  Although you can argue whether it can sustain this squad for the rest of the season, it has yielded decent results.  Not only has it improved the team on the scoresheet, the team itself just seems to flow better and have better energy.
Liverpool came out and dominated the first 45 minutes of play.  They probably should have had more goals at the break than they did, given the effort.  However, despite a quality goal from Coutinho, the Reds ended the first half tied up due to their lack of defending set pieces.  Much like their counterparts, Liverpool again struggle to attack the ball and keep track of their man on free kicks and corners.  It was again their downfall in the first half.  After dominating possession and scoring chances, Liverpool could not hang onto the lead.  One may question whether the offense whistled against Steven Gerrard was actually a foul or not, but the fact is it was called and Liverpool failed to defend it.

Surprisingly, the Reds have defended as a team better with only three true defenders but they still continue to prove that no matter who cracks the lineup that changes are in order.  Whether they happen in January or during the summer window, there are still changes that must be made in the back.  This fact was on full display for the go-ahead goal by Oliver Giroud.  Arsenal did come out with more pep and possession in the second half, but still were not creating much.  Then, in the usual lapse of marking, Giroud was allowed a full strike on the ball just steps away from the six yard area with all three Liverpool defenders being in a triangle around him but at least two meters away.

For long stretches it appeared as though Liverpool would miss out on any points, very similarly to the Manchester United fixture.  Both matches saw Liverpool create chances aplenty and possess the ball in fine fashion, only to see mistakes at the back cost them.  Fortunately for the Reds, whether by injury or simply current form, Arsenal is not United.  Even after Liverpool were forced to go down by a man, following Fabio Borini's red card (and perhaps final act in a Liverpool kit), Arsenal were more than willing to let Liverpool run at them and create.  Blame the players or blame Arsene Wenger, the bottom line is Liverpool will take it.

The Reds deserved better than a loss.  Yes, sometimes you lose when you don't deserve to.  That's football.  That's sports.  But, on this night, Liverpool got at least partially what they deserved.  One could argue they deserved all three points, but at least a draw was something this club needed.  While they did not gain any ground against Arsenal, it was still a valuable point.  Even though there is still half a season to go and this writer has done his best to see the positives, a loss in this match would have made it exceedingly difficult to see Liverpool making a charge at the top four.  Liverpool have not fared well against the teams above them in the table.  They needed actual representation of the improvement they have seen rather than just moral or mental victories.  Three points would have been much better, but not giving up on the match and banging home a header from Martin Skrtel to equalize was a good way to go into the Christmas break.

Questions continue to rise for this team.  Though I have long argued for a two striker system, I am not quite sure you alter the team just yet.  What can be done about the defense?  There is no doubt the team has performed better with three at the back, but there is little doubt that whether you use Skrtel, Kolo Toure, Sakho, Dejan Lovren, Javier Manquillo, Glen Johnson or Moreno they still seem to give up unnecessary chances.  It is a team rife with question marks and doubters, but there are at least tangible positives to see.

Lazar Markovic, while still raw, is starting to look like a good talent.  There were flashes of a Raheem Sterling from two years ago.  Much like Sterling's first chances in the first team, you can see the talent there, it just needs to be nurtured and brought along.  Even from the beginning of the season, Markovic's touch has gotten much better.  Whether he is worth the transfer fee is up to discussion.  The team as a whole is producing a lot more as well.

Three goals against Bournmouthe, two against Arsenal and lots of chances against United have at least given fans hope that the ball will hit the back of the net each match.  Fans were hoping for three points, but a gift of one for Christmas will at least tide them over until Boxing Day where they can hope for the full three against Burnley.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and best wishes to Liverpool FC and all the fans from St. Louis to New York and out to the rest of the world.  Walk on.