The weather in Liverpool was a bit of a harbinger for the day. Cloudy and dim but not completely devoid of something better. It was a typical start for the Reds on the day. Liverpool held the majority of the possession in the first quarter hour but could not find that final ball in the attacking areas as has been their way of late.
Liverpool and Alberto Moreno finally created a chance in the 20th minute. Moreno flashed a left footer across the face of goal, but saw it saved with the left foot of the keeper. Later on in the 30th minute, James Milner was fed a great pass that got into the box. However, instead of shooting, he tried to lay it off on the ground to Adam Lallana, with too many defenders in between. Liverpool again were foiled by themselves in the 40th minute. Joe Allen plunged down the left but served it too far behind Jordan Henderson. Henderson tried to back heel it into the path of a teammate, but again there was just too much reliance on luck instead of knowing where each pass would end up. Roberto Firmino probably came closest to scoring in the first 45 with a crack off the left foot in the 44th minute that sailed about two feet over goal.
LFC had 82% possession and yet nothing was really created. There were chances, as there are in any game, but you never really go the feeling that Liverpool were going to score. It was something we've seen all too often this season. While many, including this writer, are souring on many of the players that take the pitch, there is still just too much potential for this squad to be floundering the way they have been in 2016.
Firmino was again the closest to scoring in the early stages of the second half. Unfortunately, like his earlier chance, it just sailed away from target. Fortunately, though, the Brazilian did not let his missed chances get into his head. In the 59th minute, Firmino got into the space behind the defenders as he readied himself for a cross from the near side off Milner's foot. Firmino just got a nod onto it and cut it back across the grain, giving the Sunderland keeper no shot. 1-0 to the Reds at that point, but still a half hour for either more glory or doom to creep in.
Liverpool definitely put the pressure on after their initial score. Jordan Ibe blasted one off the head of a defender immediately after the goal. Then in the 65th minute both Lallana and Ibe were stopped by good kick saves by Vito Mannone. Henderson also just slashed one wide a minute later. Finally Liverpool would get some cushion in the 70th minute. Firmino intercepted a cross, but instead of taking the shot he dropped it back to the penalty spot where it was finished off by Lallana.
However, Liverpool still never really felt comfortable. Patrick van Aanholt hit the side netting for the opposition in the 66th minute and could have easily laid it into the path of Jermain Defoe. Then the lump in the throat got bigger as Sunderland poached one in the 82nd minute from Adam Johnson. Johnson struck it sweetly and curled it around the wall, but Simon Mignolet should have saved it. Then, in the 89th minute, Dafoe evened it up. Liverpool's defenders just kind of stood behind all the attackers, which allowed Dafoe to spin and easily put it in.
Sadly, this sort of result has come to be more expected than not. The fools in the mainstream media will have a field day, writing clickbait articles about how Jurgen Klopp hasn't had a positive affect and how he hasn't earned as many points per game as his predecessor. The bottom line is that the players just aren't good enough. Changes are in order to get this club back where it needs to be, but for now fans just never know what they're in for. One game you'll see the team that thrashed Manchester City and the next you could lose to a team in the relegation zone. It's not a comfortable feeling, but there's nothing to be done about it at the moment. It's simply the current reality for the Reds.
Random Thoughts:
- Only time will tell how good Alex Teixeira will be. I still contend that Liverpool were right not to pay the amount that China ended up spending to get him.
- As a keeper, I've been there. You know you should have been better, but just failed to get a ball. Therefor, I empathize with Mignolet. Even so, he had to stop that ball from the free kick. There was enough time for him to see it and get down. He was just slow to react and it cost the team.
- I understand that injuries are a part of the modern game. It's because of the fitness regime these players use to keep in top physical condition and eventually the body wears out. That said, either Liverpool need new physios or they just have terrible luck. To be forced to waste two subs in the first half due to injury is just pushing it. Part of me expected Daniel Sturridge to be inserted just so the team could make it three for three.
- You would've hoped the team could perform for their manager, who was out with an apparent appendicitis. Sadly, this lot couldn't even hold a two goal lead for their leader.
Walk On
Showing posts with label Sunderland. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sunderland. Show all posts
Saturday, February 6, 2016
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Liverpool Winning Games In Manchester United Style
It's not something any Liverpool supporter wants to think about, but right now Liverpool are winning in the same way Manchester United was winning earlier in the season. The wins aren't pretty by any stretch of the imagination, but at this stage of the season three points is really all that matters. Liverpool dominated most of the play in the opening 45, but failed to make a notch on the scoreboard. Roberto Firmino blasted one off the post in the 25th minute after faking out two defenders. Firmino was very solid in the first half, but just could not add to his league goal tally, which only sits at one currently. Firmino was also denied with a spectacular save by Vito Mannone off his header in the 36th.
Liverpool had 66% of the possession in the first half, but couldn't break down the Sunderland defense. As the game moved along, the Blackcats came close to countering as well. The back four switched off for a moment and former Red, Fabio Borini almost poached a goal in the 33rd. Sunderland also wasted a dangerous free kick when Adam Johnson skied it from just outside the box after a foolish challenge from Sakho.
Whether by skill or pure luck, Benteke took advantage of an early miscue by the Sunderland defenders and Liverpool scored only seconds into the second half. The pass seemed to go through several bodies without taking a solid touch only to find the Belgian alone in the box behind everyone as he slotted it just past the keeper. After that, there was very little to speak of for either team, both positively or negatively. Liverpool were extremely clumsy in the 77th minute and almost conceded. A poor Firmino clearance almost led to a goal. Late substitute, Jordan Ibe, butchered a chance in the 88th minute that would have sealed the game by smashing the shot over the bar. Then Benteke did the same as he shot into the goaltender in the 92nd.
Ultimately the three points were earned and the team moved up to seventh and within five points of a Champions League spot. They also tied themselves on points with hated rival, Manchester United. Much like their rivals, the wins have not been visually pleasing to the fans but they all count the same at the end of the year. The interesting thing to view has been the different trajectories of the teams. Despite being equal on points, United is in crisis and might fire their manager while Liverpool are on more of a slow, steady rise and are being praised for falling in line with Jurgen Klopp.
One of the things that remains a concern is the lack of goals. Liverpool are currently the only team in the top ten that are not on the positive side of goal differential. Liverpool's main problem seems to be they win games by one goal and then lose by multiple goals. As well as the Red's defense can play at times, they need to figure out a way to score more frequently. The defense is not good enough to win all the games for the team, so more goals are an absolute must. The same is said for the Red Devils. It's not an enviable position for Liverpool fans to be in - to be compared to anything from Manchester - but when the Champions League and even the top of the league is still within at least a dream, then the Reds will take it.
Random Thoughts:
- I'd like to thank either NBC Sports or ATT Uverse for saying the game started at 2pm. I turned it on a minute after 2 and the game was already 16 minutes in. At least nothing major happened.
- The sport is one of inconsistency, but the Brazilians of Liverpool need to find a way to do more in every game. While Firmino had a pretty decent showing, Coutinho was almost nonexistent.
- Say what you will about the tackle, but many Reds' fans had to be worried when Sakho looked to be injured. Skrtel is already nursing an injury and Sakho, himself, only recently returned from injury. With only Kolo Toure in central defense left, any further injury might force Emre Can back into the uncomfortable role of defender.
Walk On
Liverpool had 66% of the possession in the first half, but couldn't break down the Sunderland defense. As the game moved along, the Blackcats came close to countering as well. The back four switched off for a moment and former Red, Fabio Borini almost poached a goal in the 33rd. Sunderland also wasted a dangerous free kick when Adam Johnson skied it from just outside the box after a foolish challenge from Sakho.
Whether by skill or pure luck, Benteke took advantage of an early miscue by the Sunderland defenders and Liverpool scored only seconds into the second half. The pass seemed to go through several bodies without taking a solid touch only to find the Belgian alone in the box behind everyone as he slotted it just past the keeper. After that, there was very little to speak of for either team, both positively or negatively. Liverpool were extremely clumsy in the 77th minute and almost conceded. A poor Firmino clearance almost led to a goal. Late substitute, Jordan Ibe, butchered a chance in the 88th minute that would have sealed the game by smashing the shot over the bar. Then Benteke did the same as he shot into the goaltender in the 92nd.
Ultimately the three points were earned and the team moved up to seventh and within five points of a Champions League spot. They also tied themselves on points with hated rival, Manchester United. Much like their rivals, the wins have not been visually pleasing to the fans but they all count the same at the end of the year. The interesting thing to view has been the different trajectories of the teams. Despite being equal on points, United is in crisis and might fire their manager while Liverpool are on more of a slow, steady rise and are being praised for falling in line with Jurgen Klopp.
One of the things that remains a concern is the lack of goals. Liverpool are currently the only team in the top ten that are not on the positive side of goal differential. Liverpool's main problem seems to be they win games by one goal and then lose by multiple goals. As well as the Red's defense can play at times, they need to figure out a way to score more frequently. The defense is not good enough to win all the games for the team, so more goals are an absolute must. The same is said for the Red Devils. It's not an enviable position for Liverpool fans to be in - to be compared to anything from Manchester - but when the Champions League and even the top of the league is still within at least a dream, then the Reds will take it.
Random Thoughts:
- I'd like to thank either NBC Sports or ATT Uverse for saying the game started at 2pm. I turned it on a minute after 2 and the game was already 16 minutes in. At least nothing major happened.
- The sport is one of inconsistency, but the Brazilians of Liverpool need to find a way to do more in every game. While Firmino had a pretty decent showing, Coutinho was almost nonexistent.
- Say what you will about the tackle, but many Reds' fans had to be worried when Sakho looked to be injured. Skrtel is already nursing an injury and Sakho, himself, only recently returned from injury. With only Kolo Toure in central defense left, any further injury might force Emre Can back into the uncomfortable role of defender.
Walk On
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
Gerrard Shines after Announcement of Departure
Liverpool's quest for silverware was kept alive with a solid, though not utterly convincing win over AFC Wimbledon. Steven Gerrard, as ever, was the inspirational leader of the Reds and backed up that inspiration with on field performance. Goals, to be specific. Only days after announcing that one of the all-time greats would be leaving Anfield for America, Gerrard scored both of Liverpool's goals, proving that though he may have lost a step in pace, he still has the will and the skill.
Focusing first on the match, Liverpool came out with good energy and form and dominated the first 20-30 minutes. However, for reasons that are explainable only by those wearing the kits, the Reds failed to keep hold of the match after their captain put them up by a goal. Following Gerrard's 12th minute goal, Liverpool seemed to ease the foot off the gas perhaps thinking that a club several divisions away was going to just roll over. Wimbledon did nothing of the sort and scored an equalizer on Liverpool's bane, the set piece.
After getting away with a foul against goalkeeper Simon Mingolet, the monster known as Abedayo Akinfenwa managed to pounce on the rebound and knock it in to set the crowd at Kingsmeadow into a frenzy in the 36th minute. For the rest of the half and briefly at the start of the second half, it looked as though Wimbledon may actually poach another goal and if not get the W, at least put the fear of God into the Reds and their faithful.
However, Steven Gerrard was not going to let his FA Cup career end at Kingsmeadow. Liverpool took the lead from their leader and started to string things together. They drew an important foul in a dangerous area with less than 30 minutes left in the half and the captain stepped to the plate as he always does. Gerrard pulled out some of that old magic and placed the free kick right over the wall and past the outstretched fingers of goalkeeper James Shea.
After that, Liverpool took control of the match and though the odd chance came on corner kicks or long shots, the Reds were not seriously threatened again. Liverpool managed a few chances of their own, including a few for the divisive Mario Balotelli. To be frank, Jordan Henderson should have made it 3-1 as well but opted a chip cross instead of a shot on frame. Now the Reds must prepare for a home match against Bolton at the end of the month to keep their dreams of an FA Cup title alive.
Taking a broader approach than just the match, after learning that Steven Gerrard would be coming to this side of the pond raised many mixed emotions from the fans. While those of us here in America may be excited at the prospect of actually seeing Gerrard play in person in MLS, we are no doubt disappointed that Gerrard will not finish his career in Liverpool red. I could join the ranks of those who are looking back on the storied career of Gerrard or those who debate whether he should have left long ago for better chances at winning titles. I chose to focus on the future though, specifically that of the Liverpool Football Club.
While supporters will never agree on who is good and who is mediocre or bad, most all of them can agree that there is talent on this team. Raheem Sterling, though frustrating at times, has so much pace and ability that he is very deserving of the praise heaped on him. Emre Can is proving himself to be a valuable asset, even playing somewhat out of position. Though still raw, Lazar Markovic is gaining confidence each match started. After a slow start, Adam Lallana is proving himself to be a true Liverpool player. Though none of them will ever be confused with the world class types, the back line has improved it's run of play defending also.
Liverpool has worked their model of signing up and comers to perfection in terms of stocking up potential. The downside of that is potential does not always transform into performance. Once Steven Gerrard is gone, Liverpool's ownership group and managing office will have to decide how they are going to proceed in the years to come. As stated, the philosophy has worked to rebuild the club to a point, but championships are not won by youth. As much as Brendan Rodgers has steadfastly adhered to the signing philosophy, even he has come out in recent weeks saying that Liverpool FC will have to start signing proven players.
The Reds will have to add experienced players to this squad in the future and not distant future. Jordan Henderson is a fine player, but he is not Gerrard. Without Gerrard's leadership and guidance, will Sterling continue to flourish or will he become a prima donna as many young players with so much upside have in the past? Who will step up for this club in those important moments the way that captain Liverpool has?
Steven Gerrard can be replaced in terms of on field performance. Yes, he is leading the club in goals this season, but that is as much a damnation of the performance of the actual goals scorers as it is a representation of how much Gerrard has to offer. With the exception of his pinpoint passes, Gerrard's performance on the field can be replaced. It may not be quite to his level game in and game out, but the team has players good enough to step into those roles. The big question for this club is how to replace his leadership. Another question going forward, as mentioned, is whether the club will bring in proven players.
While the talent is there from young signing and players brought up through the academies, losing talents like Luis Suarez and Steven Gerrard in two straight summers is hard - if not impossible- to replace from within. There are a lot of goals and gutsy performances to try and fill right there. When Gerrard leaves, we may have seen the last of a dying breed in terms of a player not only willing but honored to be a part of a club for almost their entire career. However that does not have to mean the end of the Liverpool player. Liverpool and their football club have their own way about them. It is the reason many of us were drawn to the club in the first place. Liverpool FC do not need to throw exorbitant amounts of cash at huge names for the sake of it. But the Reds do need to bring in proven players who are willing to be a part of the Liverpool family and work to bring this storied club back to glory.
Liverpool does not need to become Chelsea or Manchester City or Manchester United to win. But the loss of the club's two best players in successive summers will put a large spotlight on the higher ups as to their plans for this club. Steven Gerrard, like all the greats to wear Liverpool red, is not entirely irreplaceable, but he does leave large shoes to fill.
: A couple random notes :
- They have a passionate fan base, and I understand the financial constraints of low level clubs, but Kingsmeadow's field is awful. There are high school fields here in America that have more grass and better quality.
- Akinfenwa gives hope to all of us larger people. While he has obviously put in the work to be in shape, he is without a doubt the largest (in shape) professional soccer/football player. He could easily be a linebacker in the NFL.
- Most, if not all, may disagree but I really don't see why Rickie Lambert gets any start over Mario Balotelli. People can claim the ridiculous idea that Balo brings down team morale, but in terms of pace and foot skills there is no comparison. I have all the respect in the world for Lambert and like the fact that he is a lifelong Reds fan, but he has done little on the field to prove he deserves playing time any more than Balotelli has. Yes, Sterling needed rest but with the return of Sturridge imminent and Divok Origi being brought off loan, decisions will have to be made about the number of true forwards on the field at once. Neither Lambert or Balotelli have flourished as a lone striker, but I have doubts Sturridge or Origi will do well on their own either.
Walk on my friends. Here's hoping for three more points against Sunderland.
Focusing first on the match, Liverpool came out with good energy and form and dominated the first 20-30 minutes. However, for reasons that are explainable only by those wearing the kits, the Reds failed to keep hold of the match after their captain put them up by a goal. Following Gerrard's 12th minute goal, Liverpool seemed to ease the foot off the gas perhaps thinking that a club several divisions away was going to just roll over. Wimbledon did nothing of the sort and scored an equalizer on Liverpool's bane, the set piece.
After getting away with a foul against goalkeeper Simon Mingolet, the monster known as Abedayo Akinfenwa managed to pounce on the rebound and knock it in to set the crowd at Kingsmeadow into a frenzy in the 36th minute. For the rest of the half and briefly at the start of the second half, it looked as though Wimbledon may actually poach another goal and if not get the W, at least put the fear of God into the Reds and their faithful.
However, Steven Gerrard was not going to let his FA Cup career end at Kingsmeadow. Liverpool took the lead from their leader and started to string things together. They drew an important foul in a dangerous area with less than 30 minutes left in the half and the captain stepped to the plate as he always does. Gerrard pulled out some of that old magic and placed the free kick right over the wall and past the outstretched fingers of goalkeeper James Shea.
After that, Liverpool took control of the match and though the odd chance came on corner kicks or long shots, the Reds were not seriously threatened again. Liverpool managed a few chances of their own, including a few for the divisive Mario Balotelli. To be frank, Jordan Henderson should have made it 3-1 as well but opted a chip cross instead of a shot on frame. Now the Reds must prepare for a home match against Bolton at the end of the month to keep their dreams of an FA Cup title alive.
Taking a broader approach than just the match, after learning that Steven Gerrard would be coming to this side of the pond raised many mixed emotions from the fans. While those of us here in America may be excited at the prospect of actually seeing Gerrard play in person in MLS, we are no doubt disappointed that Gerrard will not finish his career in Liverpool red. I could join the ranks of those who are looking back on the storied career of Gerrard or those who debate whether he should have left long ago for better chances at winning titles. I chose to focus on the future though, specifically that of the Liverpool Football Club.
While supporters will never agree on who is good and who is mediocre or bad, most all of them can agree that there is talent on this team. Raheem Sterling, though frustrating at times, has so much pace and ability that he is very deserving of the praise heaped on him. Emre Can is proving himself to be a valuable asset, even playing somewhat out of position. Though still raw, Lazar Markovic is gaining confidence each match started. After a slow start, Adam Lallana is proving himself to be a true Liverpool player. Though none of them will ever be confused with the world class types, the back line has improved it's run of play defending also.
Liverpool has worked their model of signing up and comers to perfection in terms of stocking up potential. The downside of that is potential does not always transform into performance. Once Steven Gerrard is gone, Liverpool's ownership group and managing office will have to decide how they are going to proceed in the years to come. As stated, the philosophy has worked to rebuild the club to a point, but championships are not won by youth. As much as Brendan Rodgers has steadfastly adhered to the signing philosophy, even he has come out in recent weeks saying that Liverpool FC will have to start signing proven players.
The Reds will have to add experienced players to this squad in the future and not distant future. Jordan Henderson is a fine player, but he is not Gerrard. Without Gerrard's leadership and guidance, will Sterling continue to flourish or will he become a prima donna as many young players with so much upside have in the past? Who will step up for this club in those important moments the way that captain Liverpool has?
Steven Gerrard can be replaced in terms of on field performance. Yes, he is leading the club in goals this season, but that is as much a damnation of the performance of the actual goals scorers as it is a representation of how much Gerrard has to offer. With the exception of his pinpoint passes, Gerrard's performance on the field can be replaced. It may not be quite to his level game in and game out, but the team has players good enough to step into those roles. The big question for this club is how to replace his leadership. Another question going forward, as mentioned, is whether the club will bring in proven players.
While the talent is there from young signing and players brought up through the academies, losing talents like Luis Suarez and Steven Gerrard in two straight summers is hard - if not impossible- to replace from within. There are a lot of goals and gutsy performances to try and fill right there. When Gerrard leaves, we may have seen the last of a dying breed in terms of a player not only willing but honored to be a part of a club for almost their entire career. However that does not have to mean the end of the Liverpool player. Liverpool and their football club have their own way about them. It is the reason many of us were drawn to the club in the first place. Liverpool FC do not need to throw exorbitant amounts of cash at huge names for the sake of it. But the Reds do need to bring in proven players who are willing to be a part of the Liverpool family and work to bring this storied club back to glory.
Liverpool does not need to become Chelsea or Manchester City or Manchester United to win. But the loss of the club's two best players in successive summers will put a large spotlight on the higher ups as to their plans for this club. Steven Gerrard, like all the greats to wear Liverpool red, is not entirely irreplaceable, but he does leave large shoes to fill.
: A couple random notes :
- They have a passionate fan base, and I understand the financial constraints of low level clubs, but Kingsmeadow's field is awful. There are high school fields here in America that have more grass and better quality.
- Akinfenwa gives hope to all of us larger people. While he has obviously put in the work to be in shape, he is without a doubt the largest (in shape) professional soccer/football player. He could easily be a linebacker in the NFL.
- Most, if not all, may disagree but I really don't see why Rickie Lambert gets any start over Mario Balotelli. People can claim the ridiculous idea that Balo brings down team morale, but in terms of pace and foot skills there is no comparison. I have all the respect in the world for Lambert and like the fact that he is a lifelong Reds fan, but he has done little on the field to prove he deserves playing time any more than Balotelli has. Yes, Sterling needed rest but with the return of Sturridge imminent and Divok Origi being brought off loan, decisions will have to be made about the number of true forwards on the field at once. Neither Lambert or Balotelli have flourished as a lone striker, but I have doubts Sturridge or Origi will do well on their own either.
Walk on my friends. Here's hoping for three more points against Sunderland.
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