Liverpool's Cup Conundrum Continues

Liverpool faced one of the glaring problems they are currently having with cup competitions.  The problem is they are still in all of them.  The question is whether or not that is a good thing.

As fans, we all love to see Liverpool Football Club as much as we can.  Those of us with odd work schedules or commitments elsewhere are especially appreciative to have extra chances to see live games when it is difficult to get an eyeball on the league matches.

With that in mind, we have to be a little more pragmatic when it comes to the priorities.  Fans and players, alike, want silverware.  The EFL Cup (formerly Capital One Cup) might have the least prestige, but it would still be a trophy.

On the same line of thinking, the FA Cup is nowhere near what it once was.  Liverpool themselves proved that with the lineup they used in the first leg against Plymouth.

The average age of the players on the pitch during that game was barely over 20 and that was including players like Lucas, who is in his 30's.  Liverpool went with a bit more of an evenly spread lineup in the replay, but you are still giving younger players plenty of looks in these games.

The problem becomes how you deal with it.  Some are fine going with nothing but youth to get them experience and exposure at the expense of the result.  Others want a full effort to be put into every single match, regardless of opponent.

That puts managers in a precarious position.  Jurgen Klopp himself has basically said they want to win every time out.  His team sheet does not always reflect that, but Liverpool have not shown any indication of "purposely" dropping a match to save legs for other competitions.

Call it crazy, but we've seen other clubs cleverly put out a squad they knew would likely not pick up a win in cup games.  The idea is if they win they get experience and if they lose, that is one less fixture to worry about on the schedule.

The problem becomes the no-win scenario these games present.  If you put out a strong team and lose, you are blasted for it.  If you put up a strong team and win, people wonder if you are overexposing them to fatigue.  The opposite is true as well.

Put out a weak team and fans question your willingness to win.  Put out a weak team and win and you get no credit as manager or player because you're the bigger club.

So, Liverpool were left to wonder what to do against Plymouth Argyle.  Their kids could not break down the battle tested, fourth-tier team.

What do you do in the replay?  Play the same team and hope or use the regulars and win?

Klopp went for both.  We saw a starting lineup with players like Lucas, Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi and Coutinho.  They were mixed in with several prospects including youngster Ben Woodburn and then Harry Wilson in the second half.

The game opened up lively enough.  Liverpool even broke the deadlock with the most unlikely person imaginable.

Lucas, who had not scored in seven years, put the first goal of the game in.  With the cross coming from the left, Lucas ran to the near post and rewarded his efforts with a slick header that curled inside the post and past the keeper.

Unfortunately, the mixture of experience and youth looked just like that the rest of the match.  The game remained 1-0 well into the latter stages of the game and you could tell the squad on the field did not have much experience with each other.

Loris Karius was called into action far too often for a match against a fourth level team, regardless of which players were on.  He was still a little shaky, but it was enough to keep out the shots he should have.

Liverpool were fortunate much of the match though too.  A shot in the 75th minute clattered off the post after a volley from Jake Jervis.

The Reds did themselves no favors either.  Sturridge missed a good chance midway through the second half.  Liverpool were also gifted a penalty in the 87th minute only to see Origi side foot it right into the goalkeeper.

In the end, none of it mattered.  Lucas' goal held up the entire way and Liverpool won to make it to the fourth round of the FA Cup.

The issue now is whether that is a good thing.  As mentioned, we all want to see the club do well, but are more games good when Liverpool's league form is slipping a bit?

As a fan, we don't understand fatigue the way players do.  We see they are not having to play in Europe, so who cares about a few cup games?

Well, when the squad is only so deep, it can make a difference.  For now, we should all be happy that Liverpool is good enough to keep pressing on.

If the Reds can continue to use their youth in these games and win, then so be it.  It's good to get them time on a bigger stage.

We can only hope that these cup games don't complicate matters to the point where the Reds miss out on the top four.  We don't want to be Arsenal, where top four is our only concern, but it would be a step in the right direction if the Reds cannot catch Chelsea.

Liverpool Open Shakily And Then Find Their Footing Against Stoke

We always knew this match was going to be a bit of an odd one.  On a normal night, Stoke City would have no business on the field with Liverpool.  That is not meant as a knock to Stoke, but the talent level is just different.  As a fixture coming between the Merseyside Derby and a match against Manchester City, there was always the potential for disaster.

It seemed headed in that direction after some early chances for the Reds.  In the 12th minute, Stoke City scored the opening goal of the contest.  It was another example of poor defending that is invading all sports, but football particularly.

Too many people just scrambling around.  After a poor clearance, Sadio Mane clumsily fumbled the ball off his chest.  Stoke sent a cross in and Jonathan Walters header beat Simon Mignolet at the near post.

Mignolet rectified the situation in the 18th minute.  Former Red, Joe Allen, sent a low shot from the right toward the far post.  The Liverpool goalkeeper made a kick save that would make any NHL tender proud.

Despite the fact that Liverpool had the better of the pressure and the chances, it seemed as though Liverpool would not find an equalizer.  When they did though, they grabbed the game by the scruff.

Adam Lallana got a fortunate one in the 35th minute.  The goal itself was anything but lucky as Lallana showed great awareness pouncing on a loose ball and tucking it in from a tight angle.  The bounce that led to the goal was a bit fortunate as it caught all the defenders unaware.  That's how the ball bounces though.  Literally.

Liverpool was not happy to go into the break tied up.  They would claim the lead for themselves in the 44th minute.  Roberto Firmino put one in that seemed destined to stay out.

His goal gave me three reactions in a matter of seconds.  The shot looked guaranteed to score, so the fist went in the air.  When it hit the post, there was a feeling of exasperation.  The second post was almost funny and then relief when the ball actually went in.

Some more relief came in the second half.  It took about 15 minutes, but the Reds got that insurance goal to give their back line a bit more breathing space.

Divock Origi drove past the defender on the left side and sent a beautiful ball in.  Sadio Mane would have put it in, but Imbula was forced to at least attempt a block and ended up scoring an own goal.  Regardless of who put it in, you'll take the 3-1 lead all day long, especially how the team has defended.

The Reds kept their foot on the gas thankfully.  Taking advantage of a truly awful back pass, Daniel Sturridge scored 54 seconds into his shift.  It was a tidy finish in the 70th minute after a nifty move to get around the goalkeeper.  Even as a fan of Liverpool you wonder what the Stoke defender was even looking at.

The final 20 minutes were fairly pedestrian.  Not a clear cut chance for either team, though Liverpool came closest with a Dejan Lovren cross smashing off Firmino and over the bar almost immediately after Sturridge's goal.

In the end, it was mostly a feel good day.  Though the team lost, several former Reds (Crouch, Johnson, Allen) got nice ovations.  The Reds had a good enough performance, put four goals in and only allowed one.  More importantly, they got the win.

There were still issues at the back, but these are the teams you absolutely must beat and they did.  Liverpool are back up to second in the table with a chance to cement that spot against Manchester City on the weekend.

Random Thoughts:
- Personally, it was a pick me up to get the win today.  Normally celebrity deaths don't bother me, but as a Star Wars fan, I was hit by Carrie Fisher's death.  It was nice to have some positivity to cushion that.

- I'm quickly running out of any reasons to dislike Adam Lallana.  I've never hated him, but always felt there were better options.  I still like certain players more, but in terms of performance, there isn't a better choice at the moment.

- The announcer mentioned it and I agree.  With Coutinho coming back and Sturridge getting healthy, the loss of Mane won't be felt I don't think.

Walk On

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

Liverpool Stun The Blues At Stamford Bridge Again

First thing's first.  Apparently, I'm a terrible Liverpool fan.  I swore this game was going to be on Saturday, so I missed much of the first half.  Shame on me.

Anyway, what a performance in the end.  Liverpool came out and took advantage of a Chelsea squad that seemed to be put on their heels right away.

The Reds got things off to a cracking start with an early goal.  Liverpool managed to keep the Chelsea attack quiet in the first ten minutes or so and then set off to find their own tally.  It was not long after they found it.

In the 17th minute, the Liverpool attack began on the left hand side, something that would become almost a theme.  Peeling back from the corner, Coutinho received the ball and sent a pinpoint cross to the back side.

Astoundingly, the Chelsea defense had left at least three red kits alone on the back step and Liverpool took advantage.  Dejan Lovren had taken a step back onside just before the kick and then neatly tucked away the chance.  All he had to do was take the beautiful cross and then slip it just to the right of Thibaut Courtois for the lead.

The interesting thing was the lack of push back from the Blues.  They trodded up field now and then, forcing the odd corner kick or set piece.  However, they had almost no real threat on goal in the first half, let alone after the initial Liverpool goal was taken.

The Reds took full advantage of the lackluster play by their rivals and put another one in.  Again building up from the left hand side, the Reds pushed down toward the corner.  This time Chelsea captured control but failed to make a good clearance.

Jordan Henderson picked up the errant ball and scored one of the best goals you'll see all year.  Taking it from about 25 yards out, the captain put a right foot through the ball and could not have placed it any better if he threw it.

The shot hurled up into the air and bent back down with the perfect amount of curl.  Courtois made a valiant effort to stop it, but no goalkeeper was going to get it as it went into the upper 90 to make it 2-0 to Liverpool.

The Reds finished out the first half and took the lead into the break.  They had played about as well as anyone could hope and it was all about seeing it out from then on.

Chelsea did eventually mount a comeback.  However, the lone goal did not come until the 61st minute.  They had a bit more possession, but still managed little in the attack for the first five minutes or so.  That wasn't to last forever though.

Who else but Diego Costa ended up putting one in for Chelsea.  In the end, the defending by Liverpool wasn't the best but there wasn't too much they could do about the finish.

Matic got on the end of a ball in the box and took it endline.  Joel Matip pulled up from his slide, worrying he was going to create a penalty.  Other players blindly slid around attempting to thwart the cross, but Matic got it to Costa who just bumped it in.

It was game on from there.  Costa almost had the equalizer in the 65th minute.  The Chelsea striker spun and fired one on goal.  It forced a good save from Simon Mignolet to keep it out.

The goal put the nerves into the Reds, and definitely their fans, for the final half hour.  Fortunately, the team did not let on.  They went back to work.

Although they would not find paydirt the rest of the match, they still created.  Case in point was Divock Origi.  The Belgian, who came on for Daniel Sturridge, lept up and thought he had the head ball goal for sure in the 81st.  Courtois showed why he is still considered one of the best keepers in the world by turning it away.

Antonio Conte, the first year Chelsea manager, waited until the 84th minute to make massive changes.  It was too little, too late.  The Reds saw out the finish and earned a hard won three points.

The win puts Liverpool, at least temporarily, tied for second spot on points and in fourth place on goal differential.  It's far too early to put the Reds in the discussion for top four spots right now, but Jurgen Klopp has them playing like a team that will be there at the end.

The win provides Klopp his second win in a row at Stamford Bridge.  Arsene Wenger is the only other manager to do that in his first two matches at Chelsea.

What benefits Liverpool right now, is what benefited Brendan Rodgers' squad that finished in second place.  Liverpool have no European matches to take their focus away from the league.  We've seen it help the Reds and it helped Leicester win the league last season.

The likelihood of Liverpool taking the league is slim.  They are just too vulnerable defensively.  However, if they keep up their current form and clean up their bad results against lower level teams, we could be seeing more European nights come next season.

Random Thoughts:

- For the love of all that is holy, can we please avoid another Sturridge injury?  I know I can't be alone in worrying that it is more than just a precautionary move to take him out so early.  Not even an hour in and he has to come off.  He did not have his customary disgruntled look either, which means he knew he needed off.  Only bad can come of that.

- A win against Chelsea should and is reward enough.  It is made all the sweeter by the fact that the ESPN FC crew were so certain that Chelsea would take the game handily.  I know they are paid to give opinions and I have been in that spot before too.  When they go against your team so easily though, it's nice to have that little extra satisfaction of the broadcasters eating their words.

- LFC will have a good opportunity to rid themselves of this bad habit of allowing minnows to take down the big fish.  They face Derby County midweek in the League Cup and then Hull at the weekend.  Two wins should be expected as these men need to start playing like they're at the top of the league when they play those further down.

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 Coast Vs. Stoke, Can Focus On Europa Now

Liverpool vs Stoke was an odd fixture.  The Reds made several changes to the lineup, mostly to rest players and thus prioritizing the Europa League tie against Dortmund coming up next Thursday.  Despite the youth the Liverpool side opened quite well.

Alberto Moreno scored with a sizzling left footed shot in the 8th minute that knuckled and ended up in the bottom corner.  However, Liverpool messed up a few chances as well.  Moreno had another opportunity in the box after a fantastic run in behind the defense but was offside.  Then Firmino slid the ball across the box too far behind Daniel Sturridge around the 16th minute.

As well as Liverpool played overall, you could tell the youngsters still have a lot of seasoning to gain.  Both Stewart and Ojo basically stood like statues after turnovers instead of tracking the ball down.
Liverpool's set piece woes also continued with Bojan finding himself basically alone in the box to head home a free kick.  Simon Mignolet stood no chance as Kolo Toure just watched the Stoke man run by him for the header.

Then Stoke almost took the lead in the 28th minute as Peter Crouch scored from a header off the far post, but fortunately for the Liverpool back line it was called offside.  Moments later Sturridge had a clean look at the goal from the middle of the park and almost scored.  The ball just fizzed wide.

Despite some of the poor play toward the middle of the half, the kids made up for it.  Ojo set up the go ahead goal in the 33rd minute.  He knocked it to the left of the defender on the wing and ran to the right.  He picked up the ball just shy of the endline and fed it far post to Sturridge who wouldn't miss from there.

An equalizer almost came in the 39th minute, again from a free kick but this time shaved the face of goal and went wide.  Liverpool held onto that 2-1 lead into the half.  It was a mixed bag first half, but as long as the score is on your side you can deal with it.

It wouldn't take much in the second half for things to favor Liverpool either.  The Reds took a short corner and then James Milner served it into the box.  The Stoke defending looked like what fans have come to expect from the Reds and just watched the ball sail right over the top onto the head of Divock Origi for a 3-1 lead in the 49th minute.

In spite of the momentum of going up by two, Liverpool continued to give fouls in bad areas.  Mignolet had to come up with a huge save in the 54th minute.  The ball was served into the box and American international Geoff Cameron got quite the flick on it, but the Belgian keeper managed to leap backward and swat it over the bar.

Origi should have had two goals at the very least.  After a cheeky backheel from Sturridge into theh path of Moreno, the left back served one in for Origi who headed it wide when it actually may have been simpler to get it on target.

Origi would not settle for the one goal though.  After some great movement on the left to get around the defender, Origi curled one in just inside the post.  It was likely a cross intended for Sturridge, who missed, but I'm sure Origi will claim it as a shot all the way.

Liverpool had a few chances toward the end of the game, but things had essentially settled down and the Reds were just toying with their opponent.  It was an important win because there were seven new players in this side than the one that got the draw in Germany.

Additionally it was an important game because the side played so well as a team.  Any time you can get everyone on the same page and playing their individual positions very well, it's a good day.
Liverpool now jump ahead of Stoke in the table as they have 48 points and 47 for Stoke.  It keeps the Reds' faint hopes of a top four finish alive but at this point that seems extremely unlikely.

Liverpool still have some very winnable league matches just within the month of April and this was a good start for a strong push toward the end.  We all know that Europa League is now the focus, but as fans getting the best result in each game is also important and Liverpool have been doing a decent job of just that lately.

Random Thoughts:

- I have no clue what to think of the center backs.  Each one has good traits and each one makes you nervous as hell on every play as well.  The sad thing is it has become a position, like goalkeeper, where they get all the blame and little praise.  There just aren't many central defenders in the world that you can pick out as being a great player the way you can attacking players, so it is difficult to suggest someone the Reds should look into.

- Scoring is a momentum kind of thing and if Origi can keep his momentum going then it's going to benefit the Reds very well.  He could easily have had three or four, but two is nothing to be sneezed at.

- I'm not an overly negative person, but Sturridge makes anyone that way.  I honestly thought he would miss another two or three weeks when he went down with that knee to the thigh.

- Mignolet had one of his confident games.  The guy always seems to be able to stop shots, but on this day he was confident in kicking the ball and coming out on air challenges.  If he could just figure a way to do that all the time, this transfer talk would go away.  It might be too late in his career to expect that dog to learn his tricks though.

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 Open The Scoring Floodgates Against Villa

Only days after wondering what sort of formation and lineup combination the return of Daniel Sturridge could produce, we found out.  It would be a starting three up top with Sturridge, Coutinho and Firmino.  It paid dividends fairly quickly as well.

One of the few negatives was shown quickly.  Firmino tried to feed Sturridge in the 12th minute instead of shooting.  While the idea wasn't terrible, one could only hope that would not be the theme of the day and the offense would flow instead of trying to set up Sturridge in particular.

The fears were allayed fairly quickly after that initial chance though.  Liverpool scored in the first quarter hour and Sturridge got his first goal of the calendar year.  It came from a nice cross in by Coutinho and Sturridge nodded it in.

The Reds (or should we call them the Whites?...nah) doubled their lead about ten minutes later.  James Milner scored from a free kick in the 25th minute, though he had absolutely no intention to.  The Aston Villaa keeper took a few steps toward the ball, waved his hands at it, but nobody got a touch onto it.  Even as a goalkeeper, it was quite stunning to see something you might see on a high school field.

The half ended rather ignominiously.  Liverpool allowed a large amount of pressure as time ticked away.  Fortunately for them, Villa put a cross right into Simon Mignolet's hands after the good build up.  Then, to counter, Liverpool should have had a third but Sturridge was denied with a fantastic save by Mark Bunn in the 44th minute.

In the second half, Liverpool got off to a good start again, but it took awhile for it to pay off.  In the 58th minute, Firmino took the ball on the left, fed it into the middle and Emre Can finished it off for the third goal of the day.  Really, it was shoddy defending as there were three players that failed to close in on the German midfielder, but those are the situations that a team like Liverpool must take advantage of and they did.

Almost immediately following, the Reds fell asleep for a moment and it almost cost them.  Mignolet thwarted the cross and the defenders managed to dispose of the rebound.  But fear not Liverpool fans for this was Aston Villa they were playing.  Mere seconds after replacing Sturridge, Divock Origi made it 4-0.  The Reds quickly threw the interception into the path of the striker and Origi just tucked it past the keeper.

Then a bit of justice in the 65th minute.  Villa should have been given a red card for a clumsy challenge on Origi but only received a yellow.  Then, only three touches after the free kick, the ball hit the back of the net for the fifth time with Nathaniel Clyne getting the glory.  It wasn't long before Liverpool struck again too.

In the 71st minute, absolutely atrocious defending led to a goal by Kolo...Kolo Toure.  Even writing it strikes a strange chord.  The defender who had not scored in nearly five years, was left all alone just north of the penalty spot and went unchallenged on the header, which led to an easy tuck in for 6-0.

The amount of goals almost gave me writers cramp, but it was worth it.  These aren't the type of performances anyone expects every game, but it would be nice to see this offense a bit more often than not.  Liverpool can now focus on the Europa League with two matches coming against FC Ausburg in consecutive weeks.  That competition is not very prestigious any longer, but it is likely the only way to get a Champions League spot at this juncture, so all preparations must be made.  For now, let us bask in the offense which has not shone out from behind the clouds much this season.

Random Thoughts:
- It is somewhat crazy to think Liverpool went from a negative goal difference to positive in one game.  Now, they must find a way to keep it that way.  As long as you win more than not, it's not a huge stat, but it just doesn't pass the eye test when Liverpool are the only team in the top 10 that did not have a positive goal difference until now.

- This game was a perfect example of why Daniel Sturridge is so frustrating on many levels.  First, you saw his talent on display.  It was a good performance and makes you wish that the man could stay healthy for an entire season or at least the majority of one.  Then you also saw his reluctance to go full boar, most likely due to his injury history.  He put a foot toward a ball instead of going for a header early in the second and then pulled his run when he could have gotten on the end of an Alberto Moreno cross if he had kept going.  Nevertheless, it was a good sight to see his odd little dance.

Walk On

Liverpool's Boxing Day Match Ends In Victory

Merry Christmas to all the Reds fans out there.  Hopefully you all had a wonderful holiday spent with family, friends or perhaps some alone time if you had too much of the prior two.  On to the point - Liverpool.  The Reds came out very nicely against the league leaders, Leicester City.

Outside of a quick chance in the first two minutes, a header from Jamie Vardy about halfway through the first half and a huge save from Simon Mingolet against Mahrez late in the half, it was mostly Liverpool in the attacking third.  Liverpool looked like a classic LFC squad playing against what Leicester would normally be thought of as.  It was pure dominance by the team in Christmas red.  Unfortunately for the Kop and for fans around the world, Liverpool could not find the back of the net in the opening half.

They had plenty of opportunities.  Divock Origi was extremely lively in the striker role.  Coutinho was causing loads of problems in a roaming role when on attack.  There were lots of good runs and pushes toward goal.  Yet, again, Liverpool could not find paydirt.  Their best chances included a header from Sakho, a shot from Origi that almost snuck past Kasper Schmeichel on the near side and another on the far side that just skimmed wide.

The big question would be whether Liverpool would rue their missed chances to poach a goal against the team that was top of the table.  Unfortunately for the Reds, their best attacker couldn't make it through the entire half.  Origi, though very inconsistent game to game, looked the most likely man to score out of the entire 22 on the pitch.  He picked up an apparent injury and could not finish the half, ceding his position to Christian Benteke who has been out of form and out of the lineup.

Liverpool continued their offensive play in the second half as well.  With the scoreline being what it was, Leicester pushed forward into a few more counters, but it was still mostly Liverpool in possession and in the offensive third.  Then, with a little under half an hour left in the game, Liverpool finally found a little gold.

Benteke managed to find a bit of space toward the top of the box and was found with the cross.  The big Belgian had to stretch to reach the ball, but got the perfect amount of touch with his right foot to slide it past the defenders and beat the keeper.  Anfield rose to life with that tally and though Liverpool stayed on the attack, it was now on the much maligned Liverpool defense and goalkeeper to keep the three points.

The team would need them as the Foxes started knocking on the doorstep.  Mingolet managed a top notch save in the 74th minute, only to struggle on a couple ensuing set pieces.  Sakho was in perfect position, whether by design or luck, and saved a potential goal, allowing Mingolet to claim it off his thigh in the 82nd minute.  The Liverpool defenders held off mad scrambles toward the end of regulation and in fact went the full 90 without conceding.

Liverpool almost butchered the game in stoppage time however.  The Leicester keeper was joining the attack and not only did Benteke fail to score on an empty net - allowing the block from a defender - but Leicester almost created a score at the death.  In the end, it was an incredibly hard earned three points and Liverpool were the deserving victors.  They changed their own formation to force Leicester into unfamiliar situations, they had tons of energy and performed every facet of the game well enough to get the win.  While the Boxing Day match was a bit too much of a boxing match toward the end of the game, it was still a good performance by the Reds and a good way to cap off the holiday.

Random Thoughts:
- Christian Benteke is quickly becoming Mario Balotelli without the attitude and distraction.  You can tell the talent is there, but it is quite incomplete right now.  While the missed goal in stoppage time was the cherry on top, Benteke is simply an enigma right now.  Coming into the year everyone said Origi was the incomplete forward and Benteke was already more of a finished product.  Based on performance and the clear opinion of the manager, that situation seems to be reversed right now.

- The Brazilian duo of Coutinho and Firmino are also a bit maddening.  Coutinho was fantastic in the first half only to disappear, aside from his near goal skimming off the top netting, in the second half.  Firmino has flashes, brief glimpses but little more.  Much like Benteke, you can tell the skill is there but he still struggles to adjust to the English game.

- Outside of one or two minor mistakes, Dejan Lovren had a very good game.  He will likely never shake his current status with many Liverpool fans but his performance against the Foxes was exactly what many expected from him when he signed.

Walk On

The Force Is Not Strong With Liverpool Against Watford

My apologies for the title, but after a game like that one has to try and pick up their spirits.  You know the day is not going to go well when the club allow a goal such as the one given up in the first few minutes.  Rarely, in this writer's eyes, is the goalkeeper truly to blame for a goal but Adam Bogdan was at fault for the opening goal of the contest.

It appeared as though Bogdan overjumped in his attempt to claim the ball and had to adjust the position of his hands.  He spilled the ball and while a case could be made that it was kicked from his grasp, you still expect a Premier League goalkeeper to be able to handle that sort of ball.  Bogdan again looked panicked in the 34th minute when he wildly attempted to punch a ball that he could have easily claimed it.  That original play did solidify two things, however.  Firstly, Liverpool may be the worst they've ever been in the last three seasons at set pieces.

Whether corner kicks or free kicks, the Reds seem completely inept and unable to defend.  Fans, quite rightly, shake in their boots every time because it's as though you can sense the goal will be conceded.  Even when they do not concede, they never really look very confident during the transaction.

Secondly, unless a transfer can be made in the January window, perhaps the question of whether Bogdan should start over Simon Mingolet is now put to rest.  It was by no means a majority, but there were growing rumbles that Bogdan should be given a look instead of Mingolet.  He was given that chance and botched it almost from the start.  Bogdan was a hero in the penalty shoot out in the league cup, but those competitions are probably where his talents are best served.

The Reds tried to do something positive.  They had a blast from Nathaniel Clyne blocked in the ninth minute and then an opportunity again in the 11th.  Despite any of that, Liverpool never really looked settled into the game.  Understandably, they may have been complacent due to the fact that the club had not lost to Watford in the league in this century.

But the players needed to realize the position of their opponent in the table, not necessarily only focus on the name of the team.  The Hornets currently sit in seventh, but have been as high as fifth at times this season and Liverpool treated them as though they were a team from the relegation zone.  Liverpool never seemed interested or ready to match the energy and the physicality of their exuberant foes.

Liverpool just seemed completely unaware for the majority of the fixture.  That point was nevermore evident than in the 38th minute.  Adam Lallana was driving at the defender with Jordan Henderson streaking up the wing.  Instead of easily finding his teammate, Lallana had a poor touch and took it right into the defender.  No attack was gained at all

The game, as a whole, also showed what has been evident from the entire league this season but has now reared its head for Liverpool - there is absolutely no team this season that is very good.  No disrespect to Leicester City, because they have earned their top spot, but when they are the top team in the league you can tell that nobody else is playing up to standard.

Teams like Manchester City, Arsenal, Everton, Tottenham, Manchester United and Liverpool have just never gotten into a role for a long stretch.  Liverpool can blow City out of the stadium and then drop games to Newcastle or Watford.  The same has been true of all the "big clubs."  There is absolutely nothing wrong with smaller clubs doing well or bigger ones struggling, but as far as the Reds are concerned, they had better figure out who they are and what they're truly capable of.  If they do not, it will be another wasted season resting on the laurels of a coaching change as an excuse.

Random Thoughts:
- I believe Jurgen Klopp is doing the best he can, but these lineups without a true strikr are just not working with any consistency.  No, Christian Benteke and Divock Origi have not lived up to expectation but they have to be given the opportunity.  Granted, we do not see what these players do in training, but strikers have to be given the chance to produce.

- Can we please not start Adam Lallana?  Just once?  The man is talented, but he is completely lost right now.  He provides nothing offensively or defensively outside of a rare moment or two.  I see no reason why Lallana cannot sit on the bench while Firmino stays in his position and either Benteke or Origi play up front.  The trio of Firmino, Coutinho and a true striker can't be any worse than a trio of nothing but wingers.

- Klopp's honeymoon is over.  Not with the fans, but with the players.  The German may be unwilling to change much in January, but he will have to make big changes to the club to fit how he wants to play.  The current group of Reds don't seem to be able to do it right now.

Walk On

LFC's Bland Draw Little More Than A Training Match

Welcome back to me.  I was down in Orange Beach, Alabama broadcasting the NAIA Women's Soccer Championships.  I missed out on a great Liverpool performance and one that, well, was not so great.  Alas, that is probably what this team is.  Fans were hoping for the best of LFC in their last Europa League group match but got a little bit of both sides of Liverpool instead.  The Reds were in Switzerland to take on Sion.  Both teams were very lackluster in the opening 45.

Liverpool pushed forward a few times and Divock Origi might have scored on the opening chance if he went for a header instead of lunging to get a foot on it.  Outside of that, there was very little to speak of other than decent tactics.  The second half seemed poised to be a little more entertaining with Sion needing to be more positive, given that their spot in the second round was in doubt if Liverpool scored and other results held.  However, the chances for either side were few and far between.

Liverpool had a very good build up in the 54th minute only to have Firmino push it too far in front and lose possession - something he was guilty of for much of the game.  Liverpool had another chance in the 70th minute where Origi got in behind enough to force the goalkeeper out.  The keeper did get his right hand to the ball just enough to knock it away from the Belgian and Liverpool were unable to get enough support up to help finish it off.  Sadly for the Reds, that was one of the last chances they would see.

One of the biggest bright spots, on a night where there wasn't a lot to discuss, was left back, Brad Smith.  He set up the Origi chance early in the contest and nearly connected with his teammate again in the 84th minute.  He was decent defensively and very good going forward.  It might be nothing more than a good performance or he could be a player to watch for in the near future.  If nothing else, the Australian definitely looks like he will be a physical force.

In the end, this game was little more than a training exercise.  It was not completely worthless.  You get valuable game time for younger players and players, such as Jordan Henderson, who are returning from injury.  These are valuable in the sense that you're going against experienced players.  Regardless of their talent level, Sion provides an opponent that isn't yourself.  Training ground exercises and scrimmages can only do so much.  Even academy and reserve games only prove so much.  So, despite many fans' opinion that Europa League is a waste of time, it does provide valuable experience for players and valuable looks for the manager and staff.

On the flip side of that coin, Jurgen Klopp will eventually have to start prioritizing certain fixtures over the others.  To this point, he has mainly used as strong a team as he possibly could in each game, while still being sensitive to potential injury issues.  As the season progresses and Klopp gets his first taste of how busy English football gets during the holidays, he will need to learn that yes, you want to win every game but some are still more important than others.

This Europa season looks interesting going forward.  Liverpool topped their group so are in a decent position if they choose to put full effort into the competition.  That said, there are several name clubs that made the drop from Champions League to Europa.  It could make for some interesting match ups in the knockout stage.

Random Thoughts:
- Firmino is a good example of several things.  He is extremely frustrating.  He shows you just enough to get excited and then completely disappears.  He is also an example of what is wrong with modern football philosophy and the reaction of the fans.  So often, players are not given time to grow.  There are several players in the world that are just unable to perform on the biggest stages on the biggest clubs.  Chicharito seems to be one of those.  There are so many, though, that are given up on because they don't live up to expectations set by fans based on performances in different leagues.  Scoring a ton of goals for a midtable team in Germany doesn't automatically transfer over to England because there is a different style within the leagues.  But fans, and some managers, don't want to give the player time to grow or aren't allowed the give the player time because their job security doesn't allow it.  Some players just need a season to learn and then can show what they truly will be in that setting.

- Not related to this game, but I've come to the realization that Liverpool have to give up on Daniel Sturridge.  If they want to hold on to him as a sub or to use in a rotation or even to drive competition in the future for starting spots then fine.  But they simply cannot believe he will ever be healthy for an entire season anymore and need to find a player that can start in his stead.  This may not happen in the January window, but the combination of Sturridge's injuries and the inability of the wing players to be consistent forces Liverpool to again seek out a striker.

Walk On

Liverpool Snatches a Draw From the Jaws of Victory

It was always going to be a tough task - turning around Liverpool FC.  There were those, like myself, that had consumed the kool-aid and believed the signings were good and the team just wasn't playing up to snuff.  Then there were those, that while overly negative at times, probably had a better grasp on what the truth of this team really was.  Liverpool, for all their successes in years past, for all the money they've spent and for as close to a title they came just a few seasons ago, really aren't one of the big boys at the moment.

As has been the case the last few weeks, regardless of who was the manager, Liverpool managed to create a few chances but they simply don't have the ability to finish right now.  In his midweek meetings with the press, Jurgen Klopp even acknowledged his players seem to be experiencing a bit of anxiety in the attacking end.  The team has a lot of skill on the ball, but there just isn't that true threat on goal.  Granted, much of that, at the moment, is due to injuries.  Christian Benteke did not start the match against Southampton even though he was fit enough to be in the squad and Daniel Sturridge continues to prove that he may be the Derrick Rose of the Premier League - boatloads of talent that is rarely on the field.

Divock Origi has the ability to develop into a top class player, but he is far from the finished product right now.  He has done his best in the last couple matches featured in a starting role, but just appears more suited to the role being asked of Adam Lallana than the main striker.  Whether from a forced perspective or simply wanting a change of pace, Klopp wisely put on the big Belgian after the half.

Almost immediately, Benteke had an impact.  Only two minutes into the second 45, Lallana played a ball through to the left.  Benteke ran onto it and almost slid it back across to the Englishman, with Coutinho waiting even further along if it slipped through.  Alas, it only went for a corner, but Liverpool used that energy to keep up the pressure and earn two more corners immediately after.  The second half also served as a wake-up call for the Anfield faithful.

The glow of Klopp's arrival perhaps wearing off just a bit, the first half saw the Red's supporters a bit quiet and apprehensive like they were in the final few weeks of Brendan Rodgers' reign.  In the second frame, they were more lively even breaking out a brief rendition of some songs during the 52nd minute.  Despite the good vibes, the apprehension remained on the field.

Liverpool still looked decent when in attack mode, but like a baseball hitter gripping the bat too tightly, they were just pressing too much.  Alberto Moreno blasted one across the face of goal with too much pace in the 56th minute and then ripped one 20 feet over the bar a minute later.  Moreno did make up for those miscues with an absolutely perfectly timed tackle in the box when Southampton seemed to have a breakaway in the 60th minute.

Firmino came on for Lallana in the 67th minute and then the game entered a rather dull period.  The squads traded trips up the field and then back with little to show.  As things seemed determined to settle into another goalless draw, James Milner took the ball up the right side in the 78th minute and lofted one into the box.  It seemed too far out for much to come of it, but Benteke got full power behind the header and placed it right into the upper 90 for Liverpool's first goal.  It was a top notch goal and one that fans will hope gives Benteke the lift to further goals coming.

Unfortunately, the good feelings were short lived.  The bane of Liverpool, no matter who they have in the back four, has been set pieces and a long free kick was their undoing in this match.  Unable to clear the initial attempt, Gaston Ramirez headed it back across the goal for Mane to finish off past a lunging Milner and Simon Mingolet.  While there was little blame for any one player, it just had that stomach turning feel of Liverpool snatching a draw from the jaws of victory.

The bottom line is that this team remains disappointing.  Southampton is a good side, but Liverpool needed to find a way to win.  Other than a bit more optimism in the stands and a bit more effort shown on the field, there has been no difference in the results of Rodgers and Klopp.  That's no knock against the new manager, just the truth.  It's a bit of a harsher reality for those of us that drank the aforementioned kool-aid, because we're coming to the realization that the players simply aren't good enough.

Injuries have played a huge role in results but nobody has outperformed themselves simply because they have a new manager.  Coutinho seems to have actually regressed a step since the change.  There is definitely a more positive vibe with Klopp in charge, but it just hasn't translated onto the field and into goals.  Klopp seems to have shored up the defense overall, but they've also conceded a goal in two of the three games the German has been in charge.  In the end it's just more proof that the turnaround may be farther away than any of us envisioned and definitely farther away than we had hoped.

Random Thoughts:
- I was glad to see Liverpool legend, Stevie Nicol actually agreed with me about Adam Lallana, since it had seemed I was alone in the thoughts that he's just not that great.  He has technical ability unmatched by many in the game.  However, he cannot score and doesn't seem to do a great job of setting anyone else up to score either.  He would be a nice change of pace player off the bench, but as a starter he just isn't getting it done.

- I'm eager to see what new and creative ways people come up with to put this result on Simon Mingolet.  I understand it's the trait of typical lazy fans who have no concept of how to play the position, but I always get a tickle out of their insane need to blame goalkeepers for any goal.

- I keep hoping for the day when Liverpool will have two healthy strikers.  Perhaps I'm old fashioned or perhaps I'm too stuck in the old American style but I just think you need two true strikers.  Benteke is a strong man, but especially in the Premier League, if you don't have the second layer of attackers capable of providing quick support, then a holding striker just isn't going to create enough offense.

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 Fail to Hold Lead, Settle for Europa Draw

Today began the potentially long and winding road of the Europa League for Liverpool FC.  It is always a competition mired in controversy for fans in regards to how important it is and where to place it in importance for a long season full of league games and cup competitions.  Lots of new faces saw the field for Liverpool on this day.  Jordan Rossiter and Divock Origi saw their first starts of the year.  The evening would start as a back and forth contest between Liverpool and the French side, Bordeaux.  Coutinho rolled one just wide in the fifth minute to begin the Reds' attack.

However, moments later, a long ball over the top fooled the shaky Liverpool defense and almost got chipped over a sliding Simon Mingolet in the 11th minute.  That chance began a poor run of form for the Reds that saw a yellow card given to Kolo Toure, a hesitant punch from Mingolet and an injury from said punch on Toure.  Liverpool again let up a long ball into the box and Wahbi Khazri almost curled one into the top corner, but saw it sail just wide.

There were decent offensive moments for this Reds side.  Even though it was called offside, Divock Origi looked very positive on the ball, just skimming one wide in the 26th minute.  The positivity was short lived as Kolo Toure succumbed to his knock from Mingolet in the 28th minute, after making several solid clearances.  Due to the unexpected injury, Brendan Rodgers was forced to put in Pedro Chirivella and place Emre Can back in his less comfortable spot of last season, right back.  The makeshift Liverpool back line, which also saw young Joe Gomez move to center back, actually seemed to gel relatively quickly.  In attack Origi again looked smart, leading defenders away in the 36th minute, but Lallana's pass to Coutinho was too close to the defender and led to nothing.  Diego Rolan had several first half chances.

Lallana continued his poor form as he dribbled right into the defense and waited too long, giving away possession in an attempt to draw a foul which never came.  Poor defending again popped up toward the end of the half.  Khazri was allowed to slice right to the center of the field and only a poor shot right at the keeper kept the score level.  As the teams traded trips up the field, Liverpool almost poached one before the break.  Coutinho rang one off the woodwork, as he is want to do, but again the Brazilian looked like the most likely to score for this Reds side.

Despite the chances, it was a disappointing half again for the Reds as they failed to really put their stamp on the contest.  The second 45 opened up much the same as the first half.  Liverpool failed to come out of the gates strong for the second game in a row, but managed to keep it from costing them.  Lallana almost turned his fortunes around with a great spin move in the 59th minute, but fired it too close to the goalkeeper.  Liverpool then failed to do anything with the following corner.

A few chances were given up in between, but Lallana's chance seemed to slowly simmer the Liverpool attack as they began to build things, even if at a snails pace from that time through about ten minutes later.  Finally, the maligned Adam Lallana came through after that buildup.  The winger, received a pass from Alberto Moreno on the left side of the box, took it in and nutmegged the defender and coolly slotted it past the goalkeeper to the far side netting.

Danny Ings came into the contest for Origi roughly midway through the half.  Ings almost made an instant impact as he was set up very similarly to Lallana and almost scored a mirror goal to Liverpool's first.  Unfortunately for Ings, the angle was just a bit too narrow and that allowed Cedric Carrasso to get down and palm it away.  The game calmed down a little bit following those chances, save for a few nervy moments near the Liverpool goal.

Unfortunately for the Reds, contests last 90 minutes not 80.  After a late sub, taking Rossiter off, Liverpool took their foot off the gas just enough.  A difficult ball to handle in the box ultimately led to a goal for Bordeaux in the 81st minute.  Liverpool failed to clear the ball when it popped into the air.  That allowed the French side to control the ball, juggle it a few times and then have it slide loose to Bordeaux's sub Jussie who ripped it past Mingolet.  Cameron Brannagan could not really be blamed for the goal, but it did not look good on the young player to have a goal come so quickly after his insertion into the contest.  Liverpool's defense continued to allow pressure for the next few minutes, seemingly unwilling to deal with any ball that went into the center of the pitch.

The game opened as wide as possible following that.  Moreno had a blast toward goal directed right at the keeper.  Bordeaux sent several balls close to goal that Mingolet had to get fists to.  The French team also took advantage of several Liverpool turnovers to drive down field, but the finishes just were not there.  Liverpool's passing looked sharp when in attack, but like their counterparts the final one was just quite there.  In the end, the pressure did not crack the Liverpool defense, despite the continual backing in at the death.  A valuable point was gained by the Reds and valuable experience was gained by young players and players who may need it come the dog days of a long season.  As has become typical with this team, there were many disappointing moments and missed opportunities.  Plenty of work remains if this is to become a team that can contend for anything, but it was a positive result and any momentum that is not negative is a good thing right now.

Random Thoughts:
- Jordan Rossiter looked decent in his starting debut.  He struggled with fitness toward the end, which can be expected of someone yet to play a full 90 minutes in top competition.  He did not overly impress skill wise, but I liked his intensity in challenges.  Also, it's good to see someone who has come through the academy system.  It's always nice to see players be brought up instead of always having to shell out money to bring them in from other teams.

- On American TV, analyst Alexi Lalas was unimpressed with Divock Origi.  I slightly disagree.  When on the ball he was very positive and created a few chances.  He did not light the world on fire, but as time goes on it becomes more and more apparent that none of the players in the Liverpool squad are suited to play as a lone striker, so it was just as much a problem of system as anything Origi did or did not do.  That said, he did disappear for stretches and needs to work at interjecting himself into the game more.

- Emre Can is a confusing player to view.  There are times he uses his quickness and long stride to track down or keep up with some of the fastest players on the field.  There are other times he looks labored in his movements and can appear lazy, even if this is far from true.  Perhaps I over analyze his running mechanics.  He is, nevertheless, a versatile player that is very valuable in the sorts of situations that pop up from time to time such as Toure's injury.

- I am of two schools of thought when it comes to Europa.  I fully understand and support the need to get valuable playing time and European experience for young players and the underutilized squad.  On the flip side, while top four in the league is still achievable, it would be nice to just say go for it and prove that Liverpool are still a team to contend with and go for some silverware.  That said, it is understandable that the league is still the priority at this early stage.

- Despite the goal and a few flashes of attack, Liverpool continue to prove that they are unable to play with a top three that utilizes a lone striker.  When Daniel Sturridge regains fitness, they must play with a top two of Benteke and Sturridge with Coutinho tucked in behind.  If that means that players like Firmino or Lallana's playing time suffer as a result, so be it.

Walk On.