Liverpool came into their final match of the season against Manchester City knowing it was one of the more important games of the year. It was featured on national television in the United States and had large implications on the potential final finish in the table.
The game opened up with a rather furious pace and never really calmed down. Liverpool got into the book first, but not the one they wanted. Roberto Firmino got a yellow card in the first quarter hour, that put him behind the eight ball. Fortunately he never found himself in a spot to get another decision against him.
Both teams went up and down the pitch in the early going, but chances were a bit fewer and farther between. Manchester City got the first true test of the game. Simon Mignolet came up with a good kick save in the 20th minute. The Reds were lucky that David Silva smashed one over the bar on the rebound, otherwise they would have conceded the first of the game. That would become a theme.
Liverpool got the short end of the stick in the 18 yard box. They were denied on consecutive penalty decisions. The first one where Sadio Mane was taken down was probably not a penalty, but the second where Gregorio Wijnaldum probably was.
The Reds began to finally string some things together as the game continued on. Coutinho flashed one high and wide in the 35th minute. You knew he wanted it on his preferred right foot, but the defenders still fell for it anyway. Unfortunately, the finishing product was not there.
Then in the 40th minute the entire world thought it would surely end in a City goal. They got the ball down the left wing and sent in a fizzing low cross. Liverpool came up with the initial block and then a miss on the near side averted the danger.
Liverpool were awarded for their own efforts in the 50th minute. Firmino was in the box and the defender put his foot up under his armpit. The announcers said it was no penalty since they got the ball, but it ended in a penalty goal for James Milner.
The Reds had opportunities to put the game to bed, but failed to do so and that cost them in the end. Roberto Firmino was denied on the break in the 61st minute.
Sergio Aguero made the Reds pay for their lack of finishing and tied it up in the 69th minute. City had been flashing crosses across the face of goal all game long and finally hit pay dirt.
Liverpool wasted another opportunity in the 72nd minute. Adam Lallana had it just outside the box and laid it off to the side instead of taking a shooting chance. Then Firmino shot it off the side netting instead of sliding one back across.
The misses kept on coming and got even worse in the way they happened. Lallana absolutely butchered the game winning chance and just caught it with his studs. It was a beautifully weighted ball by Emre Can over the top and then laid back to a waiting Lallana. Instead of just tucking it in, he managed to almost completely whiff on it, sending fans into a frenzy but not the good kind.
Aguero sent a volley over the bar in stoppage time, further sending Liverpool hearts into their throats. Fortunately, when the final whistle came it finished a draw.
The game was disappointing in the fact that that both teams missed so many opportunities to take the winner. However, a draw was probably a fair result given that both teams benefited from calls or non-calls from the ref and missed chances.
Liverpool missed out on a chance to leapfrog City in the table. Still, the point gives them a four point cushion over Manchester United, so it was not a failed chance in the grand scheme of things.
Random Thoughts:
- Going back to the penalty call, I found it hard to believe all the NBC broadcasters felt it was not a penalty. I understand both are former defenders, but you cannot throw your foot up at face level of an attacking player and think you won't get something called on you. There was contact, it was from behind and it was reckless. Touching the ball first has nothing to do with it.
- As an official myself, another phrase I'm tired of is having to get control of the game. No official has ever thought to themselves they needed to let a game get out of hand. You take each situation as it comes and try to call it as best you can. It's a no win scenario as fans don't like it when you call a ticky-tac foul just to "get the game back under control" and yellow cards don't have the effect everyone thinks they do. So, the official can only try to take each foul situation as it comes.
- Where on Earth is Daniel Sturridge? I understand he's injured, but how can the guy continuously pick up injury in practice? Why does he seem to have fallen so far out of favor as well? It's kind of a sad end to what could have been a great career since you can't see him lasting much longer in a red shirt.
- I try to be a live and let live type person. However, it is satisfying seeing Raheem Sterling continue to falter against his old team. I still believe he would have been better off staying in Liverpool for his game, but his pocketbook says otherwise so you can't fault him too much.
Walk On
Showing posts with label Sergio Aguero. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sergio Aguero. Show all posts
Sunday, March 19, 2017
Sunday, February 28, 2016
No Silverware for Liverpool As They Drop Cup Final
As the season has gone on, the chances for silverware have dwindled for Liverpool. Everything was on the table at season's start, but now there was only the league cup and maybe the Europa League. With so many games remaining in Europe, the league cup was the focus on this day but the opponent was no pushover in Manchester City.
The first half left much to be desired, but didn't end up costing anyone anything. In the 23rd minute, Liverpool caught on the counter attack. Sergio Aguero almost picked out the bottom corner and Simon Mignolet got a tip to it and deflected it just enough to knock it to the post. While Liverpool had a bit of possession, they just never threatened.
However, every time City got into the box, they were swarmed by Liverpool defenders but you just had a pit in your stomach expecting a penalty. In the 33rd minute, Liverpool got a free kick just outside the box and wasted it, which was something you figured could not happen in this match. Coutinho took it off the initial touch and whether he was crossing it or shooting, all he did was slice it away from target. It was seemingly not the Brazilian's game as in the 45th minute the ball was deflecting around and came to Coutinho who vollied it nowhere near target again.
The first half was mostly much ado about nothing with both side wasting some opportunities. Unfortunately it didnt take long for a goal to be scored in the second and it wasn't scored by the Reds. Fernandino put City up 1-0 in the 49th, slipping one just underneath Simon Mignolet and into the far-side side netting.
It wasn't the best of goals to give up, but people who have never played the position don't understand how difficult it is to actually stop the ball when it's on the ground and closer to you. After that tally it was all about missed chances for both sides. In the 55th minute, Sturridge slid one through into the box but Milner blasted it wide. Then in the 60th minute Sterling missed an absolute sitter that should have made it 2-0 but instead left Liverpool with life. Only two minutes later, the Reds were fortunate not to concede a penalty when Moreno swung his leg blindly at Aguero.
In 77th minute, Milner was again fed in the box and elected not to shoot and nothing came of the lame cross. Two minutes after that, Sterling pooched another one wide right in front of net, further solidifying what Liverpool supporters already believed about him. It was shaping up to be the kind of day where Sterling's misses would be the only enjoyment to take from the match.
Then, seemingly out of nowhere, in the 84th minute the Reds pressed up. Sturridge got the ball across the area to Adam Lallana. After Lallana smashed it off the near post, Coutinho was alone on the spot to bang home the rebound. In the 87th min, Mignolet makes a huge save on the doorstep and then came up with another brave stop lunging in front of Yaya Toure in the 88th minute.
With nobody claiming the dramatic goal at the death the two teams went to extra time. It actually seemed like it could end up being Liverpool's day as the extra periods went on. Despite appearing to have less energy, they kept plugging away and getting breaks.
Divock Origi took a good turn in the 12th min but fired it over the goal by almost as much height as distance he was away from the goal. Then, Aguero almost ended it in the 15th minute, but another fingertip save by Mignolet kept it out. Following that, it was Liverpool's turn to waste chances.
In the 17th minute, Lallana got in Sturridge's way on a clear header. Then moments later, Caballero denied Origi, on his own header, on the doorstep. Milner almost connected with Origi in the 21st minute and if Origi could have only gotten a toe to it, it may have scored. A minute after, Milner almost went from hero to goat as he nearly botched the game trying to head it to Mignolet and Aguero put it over the goal. No goals were given up though and to the dreaded penalty kicks.
Penalties:
Can - make, Lucas - miss (save), Coutinho - miss (save: hesitation BS), Lallana - miss (save)
Fernandino - miss (post), Navas - make, Aguero - make, Yaya Toure - make
As you can see, Liverpool fell on penalties 1-1 (3-1). What is frustrating is the Reds' inability to take a simply kick. You're 12 yards out with nobody to beat but the keeper and they just look absolutely terrible. Coutinho tried that ridiculous hesitation step that makes my blood boil every time I see it. Lucas' shot was ok but he would have been better served to shoot right down the middle and then Lallana's was just a top save by Caballero.
Conversely, many people will blame Mignolet because they have a personal vendetta against the man. However, he guessed correctly on every shot. It just came down the penalty takers for City were better than those for Liverpool.
Some will say City deserved to win, given the amount of chances they wasted. City won and Liverpool did not. This was the type of match where deserve had nothing to do with it. Liverpool would not have "deserved" to win if they had but they did not "deserve" to lose. Everything transpired and this was the outcome. There were several things that could have changed one way or the other and the outcome could have been completely different.
It was positive to see the Reds battle until the end. They have clearly adopted the spirit of their manager and if they can pick up on that so quickly, it bodes well for future teams when better players trickle in. For now though, it is just more evidence that the players on the pitch just aren't the quality we thought or need. Yes, the Europa League remains but as of this moment it's just a pipe dream and the silverware Liverpool had the best shot at slipped through their grasp.
Random Thoughts:
- Not to harp on the goalkeeping issue, but I really do get frustrated by the lack of understanding people who have never played the position. Yes, Mignolet would have been better served by standing his ground and making a kick save. However, when you have players within six yards of target and you have miliseconds to make a decision, it's never as simple as the pundits and toolboxes that yell at TVs make it.
- Say goodbye to Daniel Sturridge. While I really hope he was playing for time and just trying to get the match to penalties, seeing him on the ground grasping at his calf gives me the impression that he will be listed as injured within a day or two and most likely miss the rest of the year.
- I still have hope for Christian Benteke, but that means absolutely nothing since I had hope for Mario Balotelli. For whatever reason, the Belgian has fallen off the face of the earth as far as Jurgen Klopp is concerned and is looking like another wasted transfer.
- Going back to the Sturridge issue, it made me think - why is it that it seems like it's always attacking players that get cramped up and injure themselves? I know that's not 100% accurate, but just in general it seems like you only see attacking players go out in such a way. Yes, strikers sprint more, but defenders are constantly on the move and you just don't seem to see them laboring and walking and struggling as much.
- Ugh, Liverpool as I said did not "deserve" to win, but jeez if Milner could have put away his chances. It was not his best of days offensively, to be sure.
Walk On
The first half left much to be desired, but didn't end up costing anyone anything. In the 23rd minute, Liverpool caught on the counter attack. Sergio Aguero almost picked out the bottom corner and Simon Mignolet got a tip to it and deflected it just enough to knock it to the post. While Liverpool had a bit of possession, they just never threatened.
However, every time City got into the box, they were swarmed by Liverpool defenders but you just had a pit in your stomach expecting a penalty. In the 33rd minute, Liverpool got a free kick just outside the box and wasted it, which was something you figured could not happen in this match. Coutinho took it off the initial touch and whether he was crossing it or shooting, all he did was slice it away from target. It was seemingly not the Brazilian's game as in the 45th minute the ball was deflecting around and came to Coutinho who vollied it nowhere near target again.
The first half was mostly much ado about nothing with both side wasting some opportunities. Unfortunately it didnt take long for a goal to be scored in the second and it wasn't scored by the Reds. Fernandino put City up 1-0 in the 49th, slipping one just underneath Simon Mignolet and into the far-side side netting.
It wasn't the best of goals to give up, but people who have never played the position don't understand how difficult it is to actually stop the ball when it's on the ground and closer to you. After that tally it was all about missed chances for both sides. In the 55th minute, Sturridge slid one through into the box but Milner blasted it wide. Then in the 60th minute Sterling missed an absolute sitter that should have made it 2-0 but instead left Liverpool with life. Only two minutes later, the Reds were fortunate not to concede a penalty when Moreno swung his leg blindly at Aguero.
In 77th minute, Milner was again fed in the box and elected not to shoot and nothing came of the lame cross. Two minutes after that, Sterling pooched another one wide right in front of net, further solidifying what Liverpool supporters already believed about him. It was shaping up to be the kind of day where Sterling's misses would be the only enjoyment to take from the match.
Then, seemingly out of nowhere, in the 84th minute the Reds pressed up. Sturridge got the ball across the area to Adam Lallana. After Lallana smashed it off the near post, Coutinho was alone on the spot to bang home the rebound. In the 87th min, Mignolet makes a huge save on the doorstep and then came up with another brave stop lunging in front of Yaya Toure in the 88th minute.
With nobody claiming the dramatic goal at the death the two teams went to extra time. It actually seemed like it could end up being Liverpool's day as the extra periods went on. Despite appearing to have less energy, they kept plugging away and getting breaks.
Divock Origi took a good turn in the 12th min but fired it over the goal by almost as much height as distance he was away from the goal. Then, Aguero almost ended it in the 15th minute, but another fingertip save by Mignolet kept it out. Following that, it was Liverpool's turn to waste chances.
In the 17th minute, Lallana got in Sturridge's way on a clear header. Then moments later, Caballero denied Origi, on his own header, on the doorstep. Milner almost connected with Origi in the 21st minute and if Origi could have only gotten a toe to it, it may have scored. A minute after, Milner almost went from hero to goat as he nearly botched the game trying to head it to Mignolet and Aguero put it over the goal. No goals were given up though and to the dreaded penalty kicks.
Penalties:
Can - make, Lucas - miss (save), Coutinho - miss (save: hesitation BS), Lallana - miss (save)
Fernandino - miss (post), Navas - make, Aguero - make, Yaya Toure - make
As you can see, Liverpool fell on penalties 1-1 (3-1). What is frustrating is the Reds' inability to take a simply kick. You're 12 yards out with nobody to beat but the keeper and they just look absolutely terrible. Coutinho tried that ridiculous hesitation step that makes my blood boil every time I see it. Lucas' shot was ok but he would have been better served to shoot right down the middle and then Lallana's was just a top save by Caballero.
Conversely, many people will blame Mignolet because they have a personal vendetta against the man. However, he guessed correctly on every shot. It just came down the penalty takers for City were better than those for Liverpool.
Some will say City deserved to win, given the amount of chances they wasted. City won and Liverpool did not. This was the type of match where deserve had nothing to do with it. Liverpool would not have "deserved" to win if they had but they did not "deserve" to lose. Everything transpired and this was the outcome. There were several things that could have changed one way or the other and the outcome could have been completely different.
It was positive to see the Reds battle until the end. They have clearly adopted the spirit of their manager and if they can pick up on that so quickly, it bodes well for future teams when better players trickle in. For now though, it is just more evidence that the players on the pitch just aren't the quality we thought or need. Yes, the Europa League remains but as of this moment it's just a pipe dream and the silverware Liverpool had the best shot at slipped through their grasp.
Random Thoughts:
- Not to harp on the goalkeeping issue, but I really do get frustrated by the lack of understanding people who have never played the position. Yes, Mignolet would have been better served by standing his ground and making a kick save. However, when you have players within six yards of target and you have miliseconds to make a decision, it's never as simple as the pundits and toolboxes that yell at TVs make it.
- Say goodbye to Daniel Sturridge. While I really hope he was playing for time and just trying to get the match to penalties, seeing him on the ground grasping at his calf gives me the impression that he will be listed as injured within a day or two and most likely miss the rest of the year.
- I still have hope for Christian Benteke, but that means absolutely nothing since I had hope for Mario Balotelli. For whatever reason, the Belgian has fallen off the face of the earth as far as Jurgen Klopp is concerned and is looking like another wasted transfer.
- Going back to the Sturridge issue, it made me think - why is it that it seems like it's always attacking players that get cramped up and injure themselves? I know that's not 100% accurate, but just in general it seems like you only see attacking players go out in such a way. Yes, strikers sprint more, but defenders are constantly on the move and you just don't seem to see them laboring and walking and struggling as much.
- Ugh, Liverpool as I said did not "deserve" to win, but jeez if Milner could have put away his chances. It was not his best of days offensively, to be sure.
Walk On
Saturday, November 21, 2015
Liverpool Stun Manchester City and Their Own Supporters
Let's be honest here. Even the most ardent supporter of Liverpool FC had to be worried about facing Manchester City at the Etihad. People can be positive all they want, but in many heart of hearts people had to know defeat was immanent. People would have been right to believe that. Still no Christian Benteke or Daniel Sturridge to start. Dejan Lovren was in for the injured Sakho. Also, Liverpool had not won at City since 2008. A draw would be a spectacular result.
How little we know. Yes, there will be those that thump their chests and say they knew the result that happened was always what would come forth but few (if any) would have predicted what would transpire. Liverpool came out to a very aggressive start and took the game to their hosts. Apart from an early Sergio Aguero run into the box, City had little in the way of attack in the opening 10 minutes.
Despite their early pressure, Liverpool didn't trouble Joe Hart much but still came out of those same 10 minutes with the lead. Yes, it came off an own goal. Yes, Mangala probably should have sorted his feet out better. However, Liverpool created the goal with tenacious backtracking by Coutinho and then a good slotted ball for Firmino. Firmino's ball may not have been the greatest cross, but he put it into a dangerous area and was rewarded.
Those are the things that have to happen for a team such as the Reds. They don't have the best player in the league at every position. Some would say none of their starters are the best player in the league at that position. Regardless of all that conjecture, they came out as a team to start. They defended together, moved across field together and pushed forward together. It was something not seen in quite some time from this Reds' squad.
The second goal was definitely something to excite the fans. It was extremely reminiscent of the type of goals scored in Luis Suarez' final season with Liverpool. In the 23rd minute, the Brazilian connection that supporters have been hoping for since the summer finally came to fruition. Firmino took a bouncing ball over to the right, slotted it back across the box toward the penalty spot and it was neatly finished off by Coutinho as he went through the wickets of Hart.
The Reds just seemed to get better with each opportunity. The lead up to the third goal included at least five passes. Several of the passes came on the edge of the box, including a cheeky backheel by Emre Can that was fielded by Coutinho who then just tapped it to Firmino, who was standing in a more advantageous position. To top it all off, all of that happened in the first half hour and it could have been a fourth in the 35th minute when Firmino was robbed by a sprawling Hart and then shaved the post a minute later.
Unfortunately for the Reds, the first half couldn't be all roses and sunshine. Liverpool got a tiny bit careless with the ball in the 44th minute and the turnover led directly to an Aguero cracker of a goal. Simon Mingolet, who was rarely challenged had no shot to save the smash. City continued their turnaround in the opening minutes of the second half as well, pushing forward right out of the gate. It was not to be their night though.
City could have and should have brought the score to 3-2 in the 64th minute after James Milner's backpass was intercepted by Raheem Sterling who then played a ball for Aguero. The following shot was delayed just a moment which allowed Mingolet to scramble back and make a great save. Then Liverpool crushed all hope of the home fans when Martin Skrtel struck one sweetly off the shoelaces in the 81st minute.
Liverpool fans will soak up this victory and all the good feelings and bragging rights that come with it. Once that is done, the questions will now arise. Football is a fickle sport, but which Liverpool is the real one? Are we more likely to see the LFC seen in a defeat to Crystal Palace or the one on the field for the victory over Manchester City? Can Liverpool really contend for a top four spot or was this just one good performance a flash in the pan? Only the players and manager can tell the answers now. Clearly fans don't know, because so many did not expect this result in the first place.
Random Thoughts:
- You have to hope for the best but expect the worst in regards to Coutinho's potential injury. Liverpool just can't seem to keep anyone healthy the last few years. Just when the team seemed poised to have a solid scoring partnership, it seems the way things turn out for the Reds to have it dashed by another injury.
- It was surprising to see Firmino in the forward slot with no Benteke or Sturridge, given the focus on the latter two training prior to the match.
- Liverpool obviously had a few players out on international duty, but I think the extra week of nothing but training had to help. As mentioned at the end of the article, only the players know if this was a one-off or the start of the true Liverpool but they need to hold onto whatever mentality they used to win this contest. It will come in handy when the games start flying at you during the holidays.
- How sweet was it that Sterling was kept so quiet in this game? Yes, he has lived up to much of the potential seen in him. He is going to be a great player despite what any of us fans wished or thought. Nevertheless, for one night, it was the kind of performance or lack thereof that Liverpool fans take extra pleasure from. It was the cherry on top.
Walk On
How little we know. Yes, there will be those that thump their chests and say they knew the result that happened was always what would come forth but few (if any) would have predicted what would transpire. Liverpool came out to a very aggressive start and took the game to their hosts. Apart from an early Sergio Aguero run into the box, City had little in the way of attack in the opening 10 minutes.
Despite their early pressure, Liverpool didn't trouble Joe Hart much but still came out of those same 10 minutes with the lead. Yes, it came off an own goal. Yes, Mangala probably should have sorted his feet out better. However, Liverpool created the goal with tenacious backtracking by Coutinho and then a good slotted ball for Firmino. Firmino's ball may not have been the greatest cross, but he put it into a dangerous area and was rewarded.
Those are the things that have to happen for a team such as the Reds. They don't have the best player in the league at every position. Some would say none of their starters are the best player in the league at that position. Regardless of all that conjecture, they came out as a team to start. They defended together, moved across field together and pushed forward together. It was something not seen in quite some time from this Reds' squad.
The second goal was definitely something to excite the fans. It was extremely reminiscent of the type of goals scored in Luis Suarez' final season with Liverpool. In the 23rd minute, the Brazilian connection that supporters have been hoping for since the summer finally came to fruition. Firmino took a bouncing ball over to the right, slotted it back across the box toward the penalty spot and it was neatly finished off by Coutinho as he went through the wickets of Hart.
The Reds just seemed to get better with each opportunity. The lead up to the third goal included at least five passes. Several of the passes came on the edge of the box, including a cheeky backheel by Emre Can that was fielded by Coutinho who then just tapped it to Firmino, who was standing in a more advantageous position. To top it all off, all of that happened in the first half hour and it could have been a fourth in the 35th minute when Firmino was robbed by a sprawling Hart and then shaved the post a minute later.
Unfortunately for the Reds, the first half couldn't be all roses and sunshine. Liverpool got a tiny bit careless with the ball in the 44th minute and the turnover led directly to an Aguero cracker of a goal. Simon Mingolet, who was rarely challenged had no shot to save the smash. City continued their turnaround in the opening minutes of the second half as well, pushing forward right out of the gate. It was not to be their night though.
City could have and should have brought the score to 3-2 in the 64th minute after James Milner's backpass was intercepted by Raheem Sterling who then played a ball for Aguero. The following shot was delayed just a moment which allowed Mingolet to scramble back and make a great save. Then Liverpool crushed all hope of the home fans when Martin Skrtel struck one sweetly off the shoelaces in the 81st minute.
Liverpool fans will soak up this victory and all the good feelings and bragging rights that come with it. Once that is done, the questions will now arise. Football is a fickle sport, but which Liverpool is the real one? Are we more likely to see the LFC seen in a defeat to Crystal Palace or the one on the field for the victory over Manchester City? Can Liverpool really contend for a top four spot or was this just one good performance a flash in the pan? Only the players and manager can tell the answers now. Clearly fans don't know, because so many did not expect this result in the first place.
Random Thoughts:
- You have to hope for the best but expect the worst in regards to Coutinho's potential injury. Liverpool just can't seem to keep anyone healthy the last few years. Just when the team seemed poised to have a solid scoring partnership, it seems the way things turn out for the Reds to have it dashed by another injury.
- It was surprising to see Firmino in the forward slot with no Benteke or Sturridge, given the focus on the latter two training prior to the match.
- Liverpool obviously had a few players out on international duty, but I think the extra week of nothing but training had to help. As mentioned at the end of the article, only the players know if this was a one-off or the start of the true Liverpool but they need to hold onto whatever mentality they used to win this contest. It will come in handy when the games start flying at you during the holidays.
- How sweet was it that Sterling was kept so quiet in this game? Yes, he has lived up to much of the potential seen in him. He is going to be a great player despite what any of us fans wished or thought. Nevertheless, for one night, it was the kind of performance or lack thereof that Liverpool fans take extra pleasure from. It was the cherry on top.
Walk On
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Liverpool Continue to March Up the Table
Liverpool managed a fantastic game against Manchester City, just days after a disastrous exit to Besiktas in the Europa League. While it certainly helped to get the huge boost that the Anfield faithful always provide, Liverpool came out with a zest for the game and with energy many feared would be lacking after expending 120 minutes of strength in Istanbul. Liverpool opened the game very positively, almost creating a chance mere minutes into the game.
Then the floodgates opened. Both teams bombed back and forth. Manchester City, title dreams slowly vanishing like that last sweet dream that fades into the morning, put forth a solid attack. Absorbing the first two or three minutes, they lashed out toward the Kop with reckless abandon. Their attacks often left holes in the back, which Liverpool were able to take advantage of in turn.
Despite his failings in Europe, Brendan Rodgers' decisions continue to bear fruit domestically. While the boss has labeled it as an injury, the consensus is that Coutinho was held out of the road game at Istanbul merely to give him a rest. Regardless of what the truth is, the decision turned out to be a genius one as Coutinho dominated the game from the Reds' point of view. The Brazilian talent was solid on the ball, made great decisions and slotted deft passes into places only his teammates could get the ball. Coutinho may not have scored the opening goal, but he formulated Liverpool's attack for most of the first half. He presented Manchester City with problems as he was too fast in some instances and too skilled to be marked in others.
Jordan Henderson, who despite recent games of solid play is not known for his clinical finishing, smashed what Arlo White described as one of the potential goals of the year. Little did White know what was to come later. Henderson, for his part, took the pass on the left side of the box. pushed it past the lunging defender and though it seemed as though he may have pushed it too far away, Vincent Kompany did not close the distance. Henderson then smashed a brilliant right footed curler into the upper 90 and Joe Hart stood no chance.
Liverpool's lead would not last forever, unfortunately for their fans. Though the Reds were able to withstand the onslaught in the opening foray of the match, their defensive lapses could not hold back the wave forever. Sergio Aguero managed to avoid several tackles as he slid along the top of the box. The City striker's skill managed to draw enough attention that Edin Dzeko slipped into the space between center backs. Dzeko took the pass neatly from Aguero, spotted it past the sliding Simon Mingolet and knotted up the game.
Both teams continued to take their chances and heading into the half, it appeared as though momentum may be sliding toward City. However, Liverpool took control of the game in the second half. Defying conventional wisdom which said City would have more energy having played on Tuesday and Liverpool on Thursday, the Reds took the game to their opponents. Coutinho took the game into his hands as well.
In the 75th minute, Coutinho scored a brilliant goal that was very similar to Henderson's but from an even tighter angle. Liverpool's manager had nothing but praise for his young player. "He is a joy to work with and a joy to watch," said Rodgers. "He is a kid who has so much ahead of him in the game. He is 22 years of age. People forget that he came to us at 19. He is a sensational footballer. To beat Joe Hart at that angle and power was a phenomenal shot."
Not only was it important to get the victory over City for the simple morale booster, of beating a team that is above you in the table and defeated you soundly earlier in the season, but to keep moving up the table yourself. Liverpool came into the match one point behind Southampton, who sat in sixth. The Saints lost on Saturday, which allowed Liverpool a chance to even tie for fourth spot. The win vaulted them two points over the Saints and into a tie with Arsenal. The tie did not last long as Liverpool's Merseyside companion, Everton, could not take down the Gunners but at least the Reds have a Champions League spot within an extremely realistic grasp.
Liverpool are the only Premier League team yet to lose a league match in the calander year of 2015. Rodgers believes working into a Champions League spot may be an even bigger accomplishment than hoped for. "If we can get into the top four, it is an even bigger accomplishment than last season because of our starting position."
Liverpool continue to take their Kopites on a rollercoaster of a season. Their lack of success in Europe and the ups and downs of cup competitions have kept fans guessing and wondering. In the league, they have yet to let people down. A loss is bound to come at some time and Liverpool still have Arsenal and Manchester United above, but they have placed themselves in a position where things are in their hands. The Reds have winnable matches the next two league games and then face all-important fixtures against the Red Devils at home and the Gunners on the road. Points are at a premium. As long as Liverpool continue to pick them up in each game, then there may be more European nights at Anfield next season.
Random Thoughts:
- I cannot imagine not starting Daniel Sturridge if he is fit, but he seems to be proving himself more of an asset at this stage coming off the bench. He failed to put the nail in the coffin on a couple chances, but still threatened the goal and one has to figure if he was in full form he would've slotted the goals in.
- Liverpool deserved to win. Bottom line. That said, Manchester City failed to connect on several chances that, given their skill, you would normally expect them to finish off. The formation still suits the Reds, but I just worry about their defensive skill if faced with a team that is flying.
- Adam Lallana continues to be a bit of a mystery. Some games he looks fantastic, like this one against City. Others, he completely disappears like against Southampton. Perhaps the occasion of facing his former team was too much for him on that night.
Walk On
Then the floodgates opened. Both teams bombed back and forth. Manchester City, title dreams slowly vanishing like that last sweet dream that fades into the morning, put forth a solid attack. Absorbing the first two or three minutes, they lashed out toward the Kop with reckless abandon. Their attacks often left holes in the back, which Liverpool were able to take advantage of in turn.
Despite his failings in Europe, Brendan Rodgers' decisions continue to bear fruit domestically. While the boss has labeled it as an injury, the consensus is that Coutinho was held out of the road game at Istanbul merely to give him a rest. Regardless of what the truth is, the decision turned out to be a genius one as Coutinho dominated the game from the Reds' point of view. The Brazilian talent was solid on the ball, made great decisions and slotted deft passes into places only his teammates could get the ball. Coutinho may not have scored the opening goal, but he formulated Liverpool's attack for most of the first half. He presented Manchester City with problems as he was too fast in some instances and too skilled to be marked in others.
Jordan Henderson, who despite recent games of solid play is not known for his clinical finishing, smashed what Arlo White described as one of the potential goals of the year. Little did White know what was to come later. Henderson, for his part, took the pass on the left side of the box. pushed it past the lunging defender and though it seemed as though he may have pushed it too far away, Vincent Kompany did not close the distance. Henderson then smashed a brilliant right footed curler into the upper 90 and Joe Hart stood no chance.
Liverpool's lead would not last forever, unfortunately for their fans. Though the Reds were able to withstand the onslaught in the opening foray of the match, their defensive lapses could not hold back the wave forever. Sergio Aguero managed to avoid several tackles as he slid along the top of the box. The City striker's skill managed to draw enough attention that Edin Dzeko slipped into the space between center backs. Dzeko took the pass neatly from Aguero, spotted it past the sliding Simon Mingolet and knotted up the game.
Both teams continued to take their chances and heading into the half, it appeared as though momentum may be sliding toward City. However, Liverpool took control of the game in the second half. Defying conventional wisdom which said City would have more energy having played on Tuesday and Liverpool on Thursday, the Reds took the game to their opponents. Coutinho took the game into his hands as well.
In the 75th minute, Coutinho scored a brilliant goal that was very similar to Henderson's but from an even tighter angle. Liverpool's manager had nothing but praise for his young player. "He is a joy to work with and a joy to watch," said Rodgers. "He is a kid who has so much ahead of him in the game. He is 22 years of age. People forget that he came to us at 19. He is a sensational footballer. To beat Joe Hart at that angle and power was a phenomenal shot."
Not only was it important to get the victory over City for the simple morale booster, of beating a team that is above you in the table and defeated you soundly earlier in the season, but to keep moving up the table yourself. Liverpool came into the match one point behind Southampton, who sat in sixth. The Saints lost on Saturday, which allowed Liverpool a chance to even tie for fourth spot. The win vaulted them two points over the Saints and into a tie with Arsenal. The tie did not last long as Liverpool's Merseyside companion, Everton, could not take down the Gunners but at least the Reds have a Champions League spot within an extremely realistic grasp.
Liverpool are the only Premier League team yet to lose a league match in the calander year of 2015. Rodgers believes working into a Champions League spot may be an even bigger accomplishment than hoped for. "If we can get into the top four, it is an even bigger accomplishment than last season because of our starting position."
Liverpool continue to take their Kopites on a rollercoaster of a season. Their lack of success in Europe and the ups and downs of cup competitions have kept fans guessing and wondering. In the league, they have yet to let people down. A loss is bound to come at some time and Liverpool still have Arsenal and Manchester United above, but they have placed themselves in a position where things are in their hands. The Reds have winnable matches the next two league games and then face all-important fixtures against the Red Devils at home and the Gunners on the road. Points are at a premium. As long as Liverpool continue to pick them up in each game, then there may be more European nights at Anfield next season.
Random Thoughts:
- I cannot imagine not starting Daniel Sturridge if he is fit, but he seems to be proving himself more of an asset at this stage coming off the bench. He failed to put the nail in the coffin on a couple chances, but still threatened the goal and one has to figure if he was in full form he would've slotted the goals in.
- Liverpool deserved to win. Bottom line. That said, Manchester City failed to connect on several chances that, given their skill, you would normally expect them to finish off. The formation still suits the Reds, but I just worry about their defensive skill if faced with a team that is flying.
- Adam Lallana continues to be a bit of a mystery. Some games he looks fantastic, like this one against City. Others, he completely disappears like against Southampton. Perhaps the occasion of facing his former team was too much for him on that night.
Walk On
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