Liverpool did what was expected during their midweek match in the Capital One Cup, which was win. The sad thing was, though the win was expected on paper, it wasn't quite so in the minds of the fans. Those who are honest will admit, especially after the reveal of the starting XI, that a result was in question. Liverpool had not given supporters enough reason to believe they would pounce on a much lesser foe, even after creating so many offensive chances in the last fixture against Manchester United.
Ultimately, the job was done. Brendan Rodgers, again chose an odd starting formation. The manager employed a back three and what amounted to seven midfielders, deployed in various spots. The starting XI was so questionable that an online survey actually suggested Liverpool should just use a 0-0-0-10 formation. What made the lack of a starting striker even more interesting was the inclusion of both Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini as potential substitutes. Yet, the job got done.
Despite the ongoing questions of formation and starting lineups, Liverpool came out dominating possession and had a good attacking style of play. At first it seemed like if the Reds were going to lose, it would be very similar to the United match - creating good chances but not being able to finish and then giving up goals on the counter. Instead, Liverpool looked like the Liverpool of last year. They strung together several passes and a beautiful stretch of play led to a cross by Lazar Markovic from the left, Jordan Henderson met it with the head on the right and back across the goal to an open Raheem Sterling for the easy header in the 20th minute.
Instead of just resting on their laurels, Liverpool kept up the pressure. Again good passing set up the offensive pressure and Markovic scored a nice hit from inside the box to get his first goal. Liverpool would continue to dominate the play into the half, before Sterling would add his second goal of the match. Sterling looked cool and composed slotting the ball past the keeper from the right hand side after a solid through ball split the defense. Sterling should have had the hat trick as he was presented another opportunity midway through the second half, but given his day as a whole, perhaps it can be forgiven in this instance.
The scary thing about the game, from a Liverpool perspective, is the way Bournemouth were able to slice through the defense once they got the confidence of hitting the back of the net. Dan Gosling's goal in the 57th minute sparked the Cherries and they created several quality chances following. The goal could have been prevented as well. Overall, the back three did a decent job of marking on the score, but there was a lack of defensive pressure from the midfield as they were slow to get back on the break leaving a large gap at the top of the box. Despite only allowing the one tally, it was still a less than stellar performance defensively as a whole squad. Too many players getting beaten one v one. On this night, the support was there enough and the opposition's quality was not enough to really expose Liverpool.
The positive thing about the contest was that Liverpool created chances and they finished them. Perhaps not all the chances, but that doesn't happen on the best of nights. The Reds came out and dominated the way they should be expected to against this kind of opponent and their main fault was letting their foot off the gas.
Sterling gained much needed confidence from this match as well. For all his efforts, Sterling looked incapable of finishing anything during the Manchester United match and this was the kind of performance the young man needed. Sterling needed this kind of match, not only to prove he could score, but to relieve the pressure of the world he had taken on his shoulders with all the injuries and lack of form of the squad. He needed this kind of match to push the contract talks, whether stalled out or not, to the back burner once more. Liverpool needed this kind of performance from Sterling because they need the player they got in this match instead of the one who has pushed too hard for most of the season.
Liverpool, ultimately, got what they needed. Rodgers needed a convincing win to show that he had not completely lost touch of his managerial skills and lost the pulse of the team. The team, though they would much rather have a clean sheet, needed at least a low scoring game defensively to show they still need work but at least give them confidence that the back line is not in absolute shambles. The midfield needed a game like this where space was available to remind them that passes can be strung together and they can form a cohesive unit. The only way the result could have been better, really, would be to add another goal following the Cherries' tally and if it had come from a true striker - this would have been difficult given that Borini came on with under 10 minutes to play and Lambert did not play, but I digress.
Liverpool still have question marks. Much to many fans' delight, Glen Johnson will be absent until the new year. However, whether Rodgers continues a back three or returns to a back four, Johnson's replacement remains a spot up for grabs. Perhaps the position can be filled by the return of Sakho. Dejan Lovren and Martin Skrtel are still liabilities at the back as well. Another question is the starting lineup as a whole. Though it produced good attack and three goals, I do not believe the same XI can be played against Arsenal on the weekend and produce the same results. But, who do you play and where? Rodgers seems against two strikers, but Balotelli created his best chances of the year when there were two clear striking options. Sterling has found a bit of form now, but has looked lost if forced into a back-to-the-goal striker role.
The debate will be ongoing until the match, but in the end all fans can do is wait and see. The important thing is that Liverpool got a win. Advancing to the finals of the Capital One Cup will be difficult since the Reds have drawn Chelsea in the semi-final round, but at least Liverpool still have the prospective of silverware. This game, by no means, solved all that ails the team and it's loyal followers. However, if nothing else, at least all who play and bleed Liverpool red can feel good about their club even if only for a few days.
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Sunday, December 14, 2014
United fixture encapsulates Liverpool season
It was the sort of match that, had the score line been different, maybe you could actually feel good about. Liverpool had the best of the chances throughout the game. They had a decent amount of possession. They linked together reasonably well in the midfield. Raheem Sterling gave the Manchester United defense fits with his pace. Mario Balotelli created a few chances as well.
Alas, as Reds' fans know, potential positivity is where it all ends. Yes, they created the chances but as has been the case all season long, they cannot finish them. Raheem Sterling had so many chances it is almost laughable that Liverpool could not score. Mario Balotelli, of course coupled with his usual malaise and complaints, also had several great opportunities that just would not go in either by lack of luck or good goalkeeping. The bottom line was, no matter who was on the end of the ball, there is just no killer instinct in this side right now. It wasn't just offensively that the club struggled either.
Though a back three will always leave space at the back, it really wasn't the formation that led to the goals against. The way this side have played the last few matches and really the season as a whole, there really isn't a starting XI that will appease everyone. Even saying that, the starting XI against United had flashes of brilliance and good team play. However, it again just raises too many questions.
I won't argue completely against a back three, since there have been several times I thought it might be a good formation. Personally, I would've chosen Toure over Johnson to begin and perhaps either Manquillo or Moreno instead of Allen. And then there is the inclusion of Allen. I know little of the man. I'm sure he is fully committed to doing his best to bring results to his club. Yet, the constant inclusion of Joe Allen at this point leans more toward managerial favoritism rather than anything the "Welsh Xavi" has actually produced on the pitch. Normally he is nonexistant, only knowing he played by looking at the stat sheet. On this day, he was directly responsible for the opening goal getting beaten through the legs and not getting back in front of Valencia.
The inclusion of Brad Jones in goal did not help matters either. Jones was not responsible for any of the goals and, most likely, Simon Mingolet would not have stopped any of the three goals. However, even if you understand the message that Brendan Rodgers was trying to send - hockey fans will get it more than most - this still was probably not the match to attempt it. A huge rivalry, coupled with a purely attacking minded formation is just not the place to switch keepers and put in a man who has played one competitive fixture.
Support, from the people, for Rodgers will certainly continue to dwindle. Even his most staunch supporters have little to say to back his decisions. It is a sad day when the best a proud club such as Liverpool can muster is a faint glimmer of having the higher number of chances. Unfortunately, that is what people need to cling to.
Brendan Rodgers will most likely last through the season and rightly so. I will write up an article on the benefits of keeping him weighed versus the ideas of why he should be gone soon. However, the truth is that no matter how much you argue that his decisions are infuriating, the players shoulder just as much of the blame and I do not believe that a mid-season managerial change will yield any different results.
Liverpool have put themselves in a position where they have loads of talent, but it is young, unproven potential talent. They had a plan to bring in a certain type of player, but despite the necessity to plan for the future, in today's game you simply cannot win the league with only young talent. You have to have players who have that hard gained experience and, outside of Steven Gerrard, this team just does not have it. They don't have it on the pitch or on the bench. Perhaps they are gaining it this season.
The club still needs to make some sort of change in the transfer window. There are so many needs, I will leave the specifics of who they should bring in up to the reader. Another defender is much needed, as is a striker. The players to match those needs and being available in January might be difficult to find. And while there really are no moral victories, the players have to take the positives from their play out of the Manchester United match. Fans can whine and moan and complain all they want and they should. Their club is not producing points. However, the players have no confidence at all. A 3-0 defeat will not help that, but there were glimmers of hope and the players have to find a way to open those rays of glimmering light into full beams.
The one other thing that supporters can hold onto, even if in vein, is that only seven points separate Liverpool and fourth place. Southhampton have fallen back to the pack and Newcastle have cooled. So, in terms of the big names, only Arsenal is above the Reds. It's a long road to hoe, but the team has to find a way. Continued disappointment will only breed more disappointment. It's up to someone at Anfield to break the mold. As ever, all we can do is Walk On.
Alas, as Reds' fans know, potential positivity is where it all ends. Yes, they created the chances but as has been the case all season long, they cannot finish them. Raheem Sterling had so many chances it is almost laughable that Liverpool could not score. Mario Balotelli, of course coupled with his usual malaise and complaints, also had several great opportunities that just would not go in either by lack of luck or good goalkeeping. The bottom line was, no matter who was on the end of the ball, there is just no killer instinct in this side right now. It wasn't just offensively that the club struggled either.
Though a back three will always leave space at the back, it really wasn't the formation that led to the goals against. The way this side have played the last few matches and really the season as a whole, there really isn't a starting XI that will appease everyone. Even saying that, the starting XI against United had flashes of brilliance and good team play. However, it again just raises too many questions.
I won't argue completely against a back three, since there have been several times I thought it might be a good formation. Personally, I would've chosen Toure over Johnson to begin and perhaps either Manquillo or Moreno instead of Allen. And then there is the inclusion of Allen. I know little of the man. I'm sure he is fully committed to doing his best to bring results to his club. Yet, the constant inclusion of Joe Allen at this point leans more toward managerial favoritism rather than anything the "Welsh Xavi" has actually produced on the pitch. Normally he is nonexistant, only knowing he played by looking at the stat sheet. On this day, he was directly responsible for the opening goal getting beaten through the legs and not getting back in front of Valencia.
The inclusion of Brad Jones in goal did not help matters either. Jones was not responsible for any of the goals and, most likely, Simon Mingolet would not have stopped any of the three goals. However, even if you understand the message that Brendan Rodgers was trying to send - hockey fans will get it more than most - this still was probably not the match to attempt it. A huge rivalry, coupled with a purely attacking minded formation is just not the place to switch keepers and put in a man who has played one competitive fixture.
Support, from the people, for Rodgers will certainly continue to dwindle. Even his most staunch supporters have little to say to back his decisions. It is a sad day when the best a proud club such as Liverpool can muster is a faint glimmer of having the higher number of chances. Unfortunately, that is what people need to cling to.
Brendan Rodgers will most likely last through the season and rightly so. I will write up an article on the benefits of keeping him weighed versus the ideas of why he should be gone soon. However, the truth is that no matter how much you argue that his decisions are infuriating, the players shoulder just as much of the blame and I do not believe that a mid-season managerial change will yield any different results.
Liverpool have put themselves in a position where they have loads of talent, but it is young, unproven potential talent. They had a plan to bring in a certain type of player, but despite the necessity to plan for the future, in today's game you simply cannot win the league with only young talent. You have to have players who have that hard gained experience and, outside of Steven Gerrard, this team just does not have it. They don't have it on the pitch or on the bench. Perhaps they are gaining it this season.
The club still needs to make some sort of change in the transfer window. There are so many needs, I will leave the specifics of who they should bring in up to the reader. Another defender is much needed, as is a striker. The players to match those needs and being available in January might be difficult to find. And while there really are no moral victories, the players have to take the positives from their play out of the Manchester United match. Fans can whine and moan and complain all they want and they should. Their club is not producing points. However, the players have no confidence at all. A 3-0 defeat will not help that, but there were glimmers of hope and the players have to find a way to open those rays of glimmering light into full beams.
The one other thing that supporters can hold onto, even if in vein, is that only seven points separate Liverpool and fourth place. Southhampton have fallen back to the pack and Newcastle have cooled. So, in terms of the big names, only Arsenal is above the Reds. It's a long road to hoe, but the team has to find a way. Continued disappointment will only breed more disappointment. It's up to someone at Anfield to break the mold. As ever, all we can do is Walk On.
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Champions League Exit Due to Same Old Issues
Liverpool supporters watched their team crash out of Europe's biggest tournament in heart pounding fashion, but ultimately the effort was too little, too late. The same problems that have plagued this squad from day one led them to this point and after truly earning the right to be in the Champions League, they now make a rather early exit.
Questionable managerial decisions, including both frustrating starting XI choices and mind-bogglingly absurd absences of certain players on the bench were again en vogue. Slow starts that peter out and get worse as the half continue were again all too visible to even the most novice viewer. Favorable possession numbers leading to no attacking threat was again the modus operandi of this beloved team.
The reasons for starting Glen Johnson are unbeknownst to almost anyone except the manager. While Johnson has been in decent form when in attack mode, he can at times look like he would be unable to defend a winger from a Sunday beer league. Due to no new contract talk and the constant disapproval of the player, the only logical explanation for his constant inclusion is that Brendan Rodgers is hopeful a foolish team will come seeking Johnson's services in January instead of waiting for the free transfer in the summer. I have seen it on several websites, that Javier Manquillo gets little favor due to his loanee status.
First of all, if this is true it makes no sense because Rodgers is the one that sought out the player's services. Secondly, if there is no intention of bringing Johnson back, then what is the difference between using a loaned in player versus using a player that seemingly is going to be allowed to walk in the summer?
Departing from the ongoing issue of the starting lineup, the team just did not play the kind of first half needed to win a game that had to be won. Many supporters, including this one, were gladdened by the energy and possession of the first five or ten minutes and the string of passes put together. However it all went awry after that initial foray. Liverpool had much more of the ball, but as the storm clouds unleashed their fury you could sense the clouds forming over the Reds' defense in the form of Basel's attack. Minutes before and for much of the game following Basel's goal there was absolutely no attack for Liverpool. Not just a toothless attack, but no attack at all.
The back four seemed solid to start the game. Despite their usual lapses in marking, teammates were always there to back someone up and make the clearing ball. However on the goal, I have seen less ball watching during high school matches. No closing down, no movement. All the back four just standing in a line while Lucas tried in vein to make up for his own defensive lapse.
The only thing that cannot be questioned is the Liverpool captain's ability to lead by example. After the inexplicable red card to Lazar Markovic - that really should not have been given due to the fingernail clipping the bridge of the nose. Yet Markovic is still to blame for even allowing the referee an opportunity to make a decision. - it was only Steven Gerrard that sent a message this was all unacceptable. Gerrard made a crunching tackle almost immediately after, that sent a charge through the fans and the team. Gerrard turned back the clock a bit, showing attacking flair and a bit of pace that we have not seen for awhile. He willed the team forward and gave all his fellow compatriots no choice but to join him. His equalizing goal and the emotion that poured forth after was something to make even the most hardened man smile and marvel at the skill of the hit on the free kick.
Unfortunately, even Gerrard's unwavering effort and unparalleled will was not enough to poach that second goal. The Reds bombed forward with passion and effort but it was not to be. The problem, as it has been in several games during the year, is that the team does not play an entire 90 minutes the way they did at the end. While we all know it is impossible to expend that much effort for an entire match, Liverpool still have enough skill that they can dominate teams and create problems. However they get in their own way and play with a timid style, hoping not to make a mistake rather than playing free flowing football like we saw last season.
Even the bright spots have flaws on this team. Gerrard, no matter how skilled and iron willed, still needs time off and the team looks like a limp noodle without their captain. Father time is undefeated and even Gerrard can't play in the attacking role all the time. Raheem Sterling is trying to be Luis Suarez lite, but only taking the bad aspects of Suarez' game. Sterling, in only his second full season in the starting lineup, has already gained a reputation as a diver and officials now err on the side of no call even when there is actually a penalty to be called. Sterling also has a bad habit of taking on multiple defenders or playing with the ball when a defender is only a step away.
The rest of the team is well documented. It is just a sad state of affairs in the Liverpool camp, mostly due to unnecessary confusion. There are certain instances where a manager is within his rights to say he is the manager and simply made a decision, however we seem to be far from that with several decisions. Fabio Borini languishes with the reserves while Rickie Lambert loses steam and the club has no other true striking option. Regardless of the youngster's talent, the fact that Markovic comes on for a striker seems questionable at best when the club needs two goals and disgustingly stubborn at worst.
Injuries play a part. Let it not be said that sensible fans do not realize this. However the problems that were on display on this night at Anfield and the ones that have arisen all season, are not solved by the simple inclusion of Daniel Sturridge. Even a potential partnership of Sturridge and a theoretically in-form Mario Balotelli is not enough to fully turn the whole thing around. In today's day and age, you cannot have only one striking option. Especially one that is 32. The back four has to be changed. Perhaps the inclusion of Sakho will help, but something has to change. Whether it is tactical or philosophical, something has to change with this squad defensively beyond just a change in who starts.
The bottom line is that the players have to figure it out. Yes, the manager has to play a big part in that, but the players have to take it upon themselves. We all want Liverpool to succeed, but when visiting message boards and online forums, all one sees is the call for Brendan Rodgers' job. While even the most staunch BR supporter has been led to question the man, the truth is that the team is just as much of a problem. Jurgen Klopp, who has his own issues with a championship contending team languishing near relegation, is not going to magically come through the Shankly Gates and do any more with the same players BR has than the Irishman has.
Changes have to be made. Whether on the training ground, within the hearts of the players or with actual personnel changes during the January transfer window, changes have to be made. The manager needs to be more selfless and not let his ego get in the way of team decisions, as seems to be more the recent case. The players have to find some sort of energy. I do not believe this nonsense of Balotelli affecting the lockerrom, but even if he has there is no reason for him to continue to affect anyone when he is not even on the teamsheet. There are no more excuses other than they have not been good enough. This team has to find it within themselves to figure it out, otherwise magical Champions League nights at Anfield may have to wait many years again. Walk on.
Questionable managerial decisions, including both frustrating starting XI choices and mind-bogglingly absurd absences of certain players on the bench were again en vogue. Slow starts that peter out and get worse as the half continue were again all too visible to even the most novice viewer. Favorable possession numbers leading to no attacking threat was again the modus operandi of this beloved team.
The reasons for starting Glen Johnson are unbeknownst to almost anyone except the manager. While Johnson has been in decent form when in attack mode, he can at times look like he would be unable to defend a winger from a Sunday beer league. Due to no new contract talk and the constant disapproval of the player, the only logical explanation for his constant inclusion is that Brendan Rodgers is hopeful a foolish team will come seeking Johnson's services in January instead of waiting for the free transfer in the summer. I have seen it on several websites, that Javier Manquillo gets little favor due to his loanee status.
First of all, if this is true it makes no sense because Rodgers is the one that sought out the player's services. Secondly, if there is no intention of bringing Johnson back, then what is the difference between using a loaned in player versus using a player that seemingly is going to be allowed to walk in the summer?
Departing from the ongoing issue of the starting lineup, the team just did not play the kind of first half needed to win a game that had to be won. Many supporters, including this one, were gladdened by the energy and possession of the first five or ten minutes and the string of passes put together. However it all went awry after that initial foray. Liverpool had much more of the ball, but as the storm clouds unleashed their fury you could sense the clouds forming over the Reds' defense in the form of Basel's attack. Minutes before and for much of the game following Basel's goal there was absolutely no attack for Liverpool. Not just a toothless attack, but no attack at all.
The back four seemed solid to start the game. Despite their usual lapses in marking, teammates were always there to back someone up and make the clearing ball. However on the goal, I have seen less ball watching during high school matches. No closing down, no movement. All the back four just standing in a line while Lucas tried in vein to make up for his own defensive lapse.
The only thing that cannot be questioned is the Liverpool captain's ability to lead by example. After the inexplicable red card to Lazar Markovic - that really should not have been given due to the fingernail clipping the bridge of the nose. Yet Markovic is still to blame for even allowing the referee an opportunity to make a decision. - it was only Steven Gerrard that sent a message this was all unacceptable. Gerrard made a crunching tackle almost immediately after, that sent a charge through the fans and the team. Gerrard turned back the clock a bit, showing attacking flair and a bit of pace that we have not seen for awhile. He willed the team forward and gave all his fellow compatriots no choice but to join him. His equalizing goal and the emotion that poured forth after was something to make even the most hardened man smile and marvel at the skill of the hit on the free kick.
Unfortunately, even Gerrard's unwavering effort and unparalleled will was not enough to poach that second goal. The Reds bombed forward with passion and effort but it was not to be. The problem, as it has been in several games during the year, is that the team does not play an entire 90 minutes the way they did at the end. While we all know it is impossible to expend that much effort for an entire match, Liverpool still have enough skill that they can dominate teams and create problems. However they get in their own way and play with a timid style, hoping not to make a mistake rather than playing free flowing football like we saw last season.
Even the bright spots have flaws on this team. Gerrard, no matter how skilled and iron willed, still needs time off and the team looks like a limp noodle without their captain. Father time is undefeated and even Gerrard can't play in the attacking role all the time. Raheem Sterling is trying to be Luis Suarez lite, but only taking the bad aspects of Suarez' game. Sterling, in only his second full season in the starting lineup, has already gained a reputation as a diver and officials now err on the side of no call even when there is actually a penalty to be called. Sterling also has a bad habit of taking on multiple defenders or playing with the ball when a defender is only a step away.
The rest of the team is well documented. It is just a sad state of affairs in the Liverpool camp, mostly due to unnecessary confusion. There are certain instances where a manager is within his rights to say he is the manager and simply made a decision, however we seem to be far from that with several decisions. Fabio Borini languishes with the reserves while Rickie Lambert loses steam and the club has no other true striking option. Regardless of the youngster's talent, the fact that Markovic comes on for a striker seems questionable at best when the club needs two goals and disgustingly stubborn at worst.
Injuries play a part. Let it not be said that sensible fans do not realize this. However the problems that were on display on this night at Anfield and the ones that have arisen all season, are not solved by the simple inclusion of Daniel Sturridge. Even a potential partnership of Sturridge and a theoretically in-form Mario Balotelli is not enough to fully turn the whole thing around. In today's day and age, you cannot have only one striking option. Especially one that is 32. The back four has to be changed. Perhaps the inclusion of Sakho will help, but something has to change. Whether it is tactical or philosophical, something has to change with this squad defensively beyond just a change in who starts.
The bottom line is that the players have to figure it out. Yes, the manager has to play a big part in that, but the players have to take it upon themselves. We all want Liverpool to succeed, but when visiting message boards and online forums, all one sees is the call for Brendan Rodgers' job. While even the most staunch BR supporter has been led to question the man, the truth is that the team is just as much of a problem. Jurgen Klopp, who has his own issues with a championship contending team languishing near relegation, is not going to magically come through the Shankly Gates and do any more with the same players BR has than the Irishman has.
Changes have to be made. Whether on the training ground, within the hearts of the players or with actual personnel changes during the January transfer window, changes have to be made. The manager needs to be more selfless and not let his ego get in the way of team decisions, as seems to be more the recent case. The players have to find some sort of energy. I do not believe this nonsense of Balotelli affecting the lockerrom, but even if he has there is no reason for him to continue to affect anyone when he is not even on the teamsheet. There are no more excuses other than they have not been good enough. This team has to find it within themselves to figure it out, otherwise magical Champions League nights at Anfield may have to wait many years again. Walk on.
Saturday, November 29, 2014
A win is a win
It was not pretty. It was not nice. It was not what many fans expected or maybe even wanted, but it's what they got and what they have to digest. In a game that Liverpool desperately needed a win, that's exactly what they got even if it wasn't particularly pleasing to the pallet. The contest again provided the faithful plenty of reasons to wonder what the heck is going on.
Ever the villain, Glen Johnson still continues to figure into the starting 11 and, although I have nothing against him overall, it was exceedingly puzzling to see Jose Enrique on the team sheet. It was not surprising to see Steven Gerrard absent, due to the mid-week start, but Joe Allen's inclusion was a bit of a surprise due to his lack of inspiring play - often being little more than a body on the field. The injuries and lack of options made the attacking players pretty well a known quantity.
Given all this, the Reds still had what looked like a team that should handily take care of Stoke even despite the fact the Potters have taken results and victories against teams like Manchester City. When the week began, most supporters thought it could be a three win week. A crushing defeat to Crystal Palace and a disheartening late equalizer by Ludogorets all but threw the water on what some hoped would spark a fire that could lead to a long run. Instead they were left with the small hope of at least one positive result.
Really there is little to discuss with the game. Even the announcers during the first half commented on how little happened. If anything, it was a disappointing fixture because Stoke had as many chances as Liverpool. Both sides were denied. Stoke hit the post and Mignolet made some decent saves in a game where he may have thought he would see little action. On the flip side, despite an almost non-existent midfield, Liverpool should have put home at least two chances before they actually did score. Lucas' and Allen's attempts on goal come straight to mind.
Yet, before we delve too deep into the pit of despair, let us not forget that three points were gained. We can challenge the manager on his team selection all we want. We can wonder at the ineptitude of the Reds' play at times and their lack of any will other than the will to be disappointing. We can wonder why two players, no matter how talented, can have such an affect on the scoring - or lack thereof - of a team that seemed very talented a season ago.
Ultimately, no matter how it looked, the result the team wanted; the result the team needed was gained. The seemingly universally unpopular Johson was the hero of the hour with a superb effort goal. In the end, it may be what the doctor ordered. Perhaps, instead of a game where all ills were cured and all the players just lept off the page with glorious performances, maybe this was the sort of ugly victory that will actually turn the page on what has been a less than inspiring season. Maybe a victory when so many players were still less than their best will actually boost some confidence. Only time will tell.
Liverpool still have a string of winnable games to come, so perhaps this will be the spark. Even the smallest spark can ignite things if properly stoked. The supporters will be watching and continue to do all they can to help their club. Maybe at season's end, all will look back on an ugly win in the dying days of November as the point when things turned for the better. Walk on.
Ever the villain, Glen Johnson still continues to figure into the starting 11 and, although I have nothing against him overall, it was exceedingly puzzling to see Jose Enrique on the team sheet. It was not surprising to see Steven Gerrard absent, due to the mid-week start, but Joe Allen's inclusion was a bit of a surprise due to his lack of inspiring play - often being little more than a body on the field. The injuries and lack of options made the attacking players pretty well a known quantity.
Given all this, the Reds still had what looked like a team that should handily take care of Stoke even despite the fact the Potters have taken results and victories against teams like Manchester City. When the week began, most supporters thought it could be a three win week. A crushing defeat to Crystal Palace and a disheartening late equalizer by Ludogorets all but threw the water on what some hoped would spark a fire that could lead to a long run. Instead they were left with the small hope of at least one positive result.
Really there is little to discuss with the game. Even the announcers during the first half commented on how little happened. If anything, it was a disappointing fixture because Stoke had as many chances as Liverpool. Both sides were denied. Stoke hit the post and Mignolet made some decent saves in a game where he may have thought he would see little action. On the flip side, despite an almost non-existent midfield, Liverpool should have put home at least two chances before they actually did score. Lucas' and Allen's attempts on goal come straight to mind.
Yet, before we delve too deep into the pit of despair, let us not forget that three points were gained. We can challenge the manager on his team selection all we want. We can wonder at the ineptitude of the Reds' play at times and their lack of any will other than the will to be disappointing. We can wonder why two players, no matter how talented, can have such an affect on the scoring - or lack thereof - of a team that seemed very talented a season ago.
Ultimately, no matter how it looked, the result the team wanted; the result the team needed was gained. The seemingly universally unpopular Johson was the hero of the hour with a superb effort goal. In the end, it may be what the doctor ordered. Perhaps, instead of a game where all ills were cured and all the players just lept off the page with glorious performances, maybe this was the sort of ugly victory that will actually turn the page on what has been a less than inspiring season. Maybe a victory when so many players were still less than their best will actually boost some confidence. Only time will tell.
Liverpool still have a string of winnable games to come, so perhaps this will be the spark. Even the smallest spark can ignite things if properly stoked. The supporters will be watching and continue to do all they can to help their club. Maybe at season's end, all will look back on an ugly win in the dying days of November as the point when things turned for the better. Walk on.
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Champions League Disappointment
Greetings Kopites and Liverpool supporters. Apologies for not getting my usual blog done the day of the match, but with everything going on in the St. Louis area combined with Thanksgiving etc, it was a bit overwhelming. That said, let's focus on the team. Questions abound. Poor performances still plague a team that was only two results away from winning a league title just a season ago. And if not for a silly penalty given to the Reds months ago, the team could already be eliminated from the Champions League.
This team becomes ever more maddening the more we seem to watch it, if for no other reason than players we try to defend and managers we want to speak up for are beginning to give us little reason to do so. Outside of Rickie Lambert, who seems to have established himself as one of the few players deserving of a long stretch in the starting 11, nobody can put together a long run of form let alone a solid 90 minutes. Being a former goalkeeper, I have stood up for Simon Mingolet many times because few realize the difficulties of the position if you have not been the man between the sticks. Yet, even I could not see much reason for such a long rebound on Ludogorets initial goal. And while some can say the ball should never have reached that area, everyone's favorite punching bag, Glen Johnson, whiffed on a header that lead to an equalizer.
Problems persist and new ones pop up left and right. There is almost always someone who is completely within their rights to complain about some portion of the starting squad. Players who have shown talent, disappear at the most shocking of times and those that have played poorly still manage spots in the team. Let us not dwell on the failures of the past and now look forward to potential solutions. The first thing that must be decided, on a somewhat regular basis, is some form of a solid formation.
I have always favored a two striker system and still believe that when Mario Balotelli is healthy, coupled with the sudden emergence of Rickie Lambert's form, that is the system to use up top. But that does leave concerns in the back. People will say I am mad, but if the manager continues to play only one striker, then perhaps the team should employ what would amount to a 3-5-1-1. In that sort of formation, I would put all the defensive chips on the table. Play all three center backs as the 3 with Skrtel, Toure and Lovren; have Manquillo and Moreno as part of the 5 as wingers but with more of a defensive role; have Henderson, Gerrard and Coutinho as the central portion of the midfield and then Sterling as the point of the midfield and Lambert as a striker. Personally, I don't feel that leads to much attack but perhaps it would shore up the defense. Another option would be a 4-2-3-1 with whatever defensive four you chose; Gerrard and Can/Lucas as the 2; Henderson, Sterling and Coutinho as the attacking midfield and then a striker. Again, perhaps not the most attacking minded or talented but it seems apparent that with the current talent and inconsistencies being shown that the diamond 4 does not seem to be working.
Another solution for this club would be to add some talent in January. Yes, it would seem that the Reds have become this year's Tottenham, spending their millions on depth only to have it gel together as well as water and oil. Thus some may argue that spending more might be unwise. However, the lack of striking options and the porous defense have to have stop gaps put in place at the very least. Top level players are unlikely to be offered in the mid-season transfer window, but Liverpool just needs talent. At this point, I believe many supporters would welcome about anyone if they did not have to see certain players regularly in the team sheet again. The biggest question for the transfer window is whether Brendan Rodgers is pulling a Balotelli again or is being truthful that he has no plans to bring in anyone.
Though many are against the head man and are seeming to be proven correct in their reasons, it still seems too early to sack someone who was on the verge of leading Liverpool back to the promised land such a short time ago. However, this team can ill afford to drop back to obscurity in the European ranks. Money does not have to be thrown at the problem, but it looks each progressing week that training ground tactics are not going to solve the problems either. To go into January so blatantly stating that the club will not add a single soul would be foolhardy at best and a poor judgement of one's managerial skills as well. With the exception of the few, chesty people sitting behind a keyboard, nobody wants this club to fail simply to gain a new bench boss. But the proof is in the pudding as they say. This club has to look in the mirror from the owner down to the man who washes the kits. Everyone needs to be doing a better job.
No matter what the pundits say or we believe in our own minds, there is simply too much talent there. Sure, there are better players and players we all would have rather signed at certain periods than the ones on the team. But these are Liverpool players and all are professional footballers for a reason. Each man needs to look within themselves and ask if they are doing enough to deserve not just a paycheck, but the honor of pulling on that shirt week in and week out. Right now, not everyone if they are honest should be able to tell themselves yes. But all is not lost. Champions League is still in Liverpool's own hands. There is enough season left to still make a run at the top 4 domestically. The challenge is for every single person to do what they must and maybe even a little more to obtain those objectives. To my fellow Americans, Happy Thanksgiving. Cheers to all the rest. Walk on. YNWA.
This team becomes ever more maddening the more we seem to watch it, if for no other reason than players we try to defend and managers we want to speak up for are beginning to give us little reason to do so. Outside of Rickie Lambert, who seems to have established himself as one of the few players deserving of a long stretch in the starting 11, nobody can put together a long run of form let alone a solid 90 minutes. Being a former goalkeeper, I have stood up for Simon Mingolet many times because few realize the difficulties of the position if you have not been the man between the sticks. Yet, even I could not see much reason for such a long rebound on Ludogorets initial goal. And while some can say the ball should never have reached that area, everyone's favorite punching bag, Glen Johnson, whiffed on a header that lead to an equalizer.
Problems persist and new ones pop up left and right. There is almost always someone who is completely within their rights to complain about some portion of the starting squad. Players who have shown talent, disappear at the most shocking of times and those that have played poorly still manage spots in the team. Let us not dwell on the failures of the past and now look forward to potential solutions. The first thing that must be decided, on a somewhat regular basis, is some form of a solid formation.
I have always favored a two striker system and still believe that when Mario Balotelli is healthy, coupled with the sudden emergence of Rickie Lambert's form, that is the system to use up top. But that does leave concerns in the back. People will say I am mad, but if the manager continues to play only one striker, then perhaps the team should employ what would amount to a 3-5-1-1. In that sort of formation, I would put all the defensive chips on the table. Play all three center backs as the 3 with Skrtel, Toure and Lovren; have Manquillo and Moreno as part of the 5 as wingers but with more of a defensive role; have Henderson, Gerrard and Coutinho as the central portion of the midfield and then Sterling as the point of the midfield and Lambert as a striker. Personally, I don't feel that leads to much attack but perhaps it would shore up the defense. Another option would be a 4-2-3-1 with whatever defensive four you chose; Gerrard and Can/Lucas as the 2; Henderson, Sterling and Coutinho as the attacking midfield and then a striker. Again, perhaps not the most attacking minded or talented but it seems apparent that with the current talent and inconsistencies being shown that the diamond 4 does not seem to be working.
Another solution for this club would be to add some talent in January. Yes, it would seem that the Reds have become this year's Tottenham, spending their millions on depth only to have it gel together as well as water and oil. Thus some may argue that spending more might be unwise. However, the lack of striking options and the porous defense have to have stop gaps put in place at the very least. Top level players are unlikely to be offered in the mid-season transfer window, but Liverpool just needs talent. At this point, I believe many supporters would welcome about anyone if they did not have to see certain players regularly in the team sheet again. The biggest question for the transfer window is whether Brendan Rodgers is pulling a Balotelli again or is being truthful that he has no plans to bring in anyone.
Though many are against the head man and are seeming to be proven correct in their reasons, it still seems too early to sack someone who was on the verge of leading Liverpool back to the promised land such a short time ago. However, this team can ill afford to drop back to obscurity in the European ranks. Money does not have to be thrown at the problem, but it looks each progressing week that training ground tactics are not going to solve the problems either. To go into January so blatantly stating that the club will not add a single soul would be foolhardy at best and a poor judgement of one's managerial skills as well. With the exception of the few, chesty people sitting behind a keyboard, nobody wants this club to fail simply to gain a new bench boss. But the proof is in the pudding as they say. This club has to look in the mirror from the owner down to the man who washes the kits. Everyone needs to be doing a better job.
No matter what the pundits say or we believe in our own minds, there is simply too much talent there. Sure, there are better players and players we all would have rather signed at certain periods than the ones on the team. But these are Liverpool players and all are professional footballers for a reason. Each man needs to look within themselves and ask if they are doing enough to deserve not just a paycheck, but the honor of pulling on that shirt week in and week out. Right now, not everyone if they are honest should be able to tell themselves yes. But all is not lost. Champions League is still in Liverpool's own hands. There is enough season left to still make a run at the top 4 domestically. The challenge is for every single person to do what they must and maybe even a little more to obtain those objectives. To my fellow Americans, Happy Thanksgiving. Cheers to all the rest. Walk on. YNWA.
Sunday, November 23, 2014
Kick to the gut
We were all ready to get back to league action following the long international break. So it seemed anyway. Reality set in quickly following a rousing start to what had to be three points for Liverpool. Rickie Lambert finally got off the goose egg, scoring his first goal of the season and the first in the kit of his boyhood team. It seemed like a storybook start to what could have spurred the Reds on to a great week and perhaps turn the season around. Instead, the fairy tale turned to the stuff of nightmares coupled with the same mistakes that keep burying this storied club further away from their goal.
It seemed like Liverpool had solved their issues. Scoring a goal only 90 seconds into the match on a great lofted ball and nicely finished off by Lambert. It seemed like a perfect start that would erase all the scoring woes of the Reds. Lambert getting the goal, Liverpool getting a league score by a striker not named Sturridge, solid midfield hookup with the forward lines: it all seemed like the day could end with nothing but a positive result and a good start to a week that, on paper, featured three winnable games. Then it all went to pot.
Dwight Gale, the thorn in the side of Liverpool the last two matches against Crystal Palace, evened up the scoring and despite a few good chances and a bit of attacking play, Liverpool never really threatened again. As a fan, hope was given as the halftime analysts still thought Liverpool's talent would overcome and their skill would provide a game winning goal. Instead, the second half provided little attack and more defensive mistakes. The same defensive mistakes, one might add.
It has been a frustrating time to be a supporter of Liverpool. What makes it most frustrating is the confusion of how one or two players can alter a team to this extent. The defense was mediocre last season, so the addition of a few players, given their form at the moment, could not be expected to cure all ills. The enigma that is the Liverpool offense is what is so puzzling. Before the team dealt him to Spanish giant, Barcelona, it was already well known that Luis Suarez was a world class player. It was always going to be difficult to replace him, if for no other reason than the fact that nobody plays like Suarez. Alexis Sanchez, now of Arsenal, is the closest in terms of work-rate, however nobody (even the players who are better than Suarez) really matches the man in ever category. Even so, the drop off in goal scoring has been astounding.
Scoring goals is by no means an easy task. Yet, no matter how talented the duo is or was, it is mind boggling to see a team so eager to attack and break apart a defense become so listless and toothless up front. The problem, right now, is team wide and seems to be affecting every single player's performance. It is a problem of confidence. Any problem in the team has spread to the other parts. Poor defensive play or tactics forces the midfield to worry too much about helping out at the back. Poor midfield play, in terms of poor passing or badly timed giveaways, forces more pressure on an already shaky back line. The problems with the strikers are well documented and that forces both the midfield and defense to worry too much about trying to score when it may not even be their job.
The Crystal Palace match was a prime example of that last point. Outside of the Lambert goal, the best chances close to goal actually came from Martin Skrtel and Javier Manquillo. Those that watched the match saw how those chances were butchered, but what else can be expected from defenders who are not used to the pressure of hitting a target? One can say you should expect more from everyone and while correct, should we really think we will get it when it hasn't happened all year? Of course following a result such as this, the calls for Brendan Rodgers' job have ramped up, perhaps rightly so.
Those need to be tempered slightly though. Yes, given this poor run of form from his team and a seeming lack of desire, there is plenty of blame to be put on the manager. But there have been some, even in the media, who think Rodgers may not make it past the new year. Really? That is such utter nonsense that it is laughable. Far be it from me to say that won't happen, because the reality of European football is that is could. What benefit would that serve though? Even if you fire or sack him right after Christmas, the new man would have approximately two weeks to bring in someone new to fit his style after observing the club for a respectable amount of time. That is not enough to fix this club's issues. As an American, I can give a unique perspective. We have so many sports that the idea of lower teams defeating you is more common place. It doesn't affect a coach's job as much as in Europe. Also, more often than not, a midseason change does nothing for the team other than simply change for change's sake.
Rodgers should be evaluated at the end of the season and given a proper January window to attempt plugging up some holes. Rodgers has to figure out what players play to his style the best or fit a style to the players. Soccer or football managers really have little to affect a match outside of instilling a belief in their men and putting out the best starting 11. The back four have given Rodgers little options, since everyone has played poorly at different times. Alberto Moreno bombs forward, leaving holes behind at times, though it is still curious why he was left off the team sheet. Dejan Lovren simply looks lost if the ball is not in the air. Martin Skrtel, though he has his backers, is incredibly inconsistent and seems like he cannot defend without pulling or tugging. Manquillo, though young and making a few youthful mistakes, seems like the best of the options and he has been left off the team more often than not due to him being a loanee apparently. There are options on the bench. However, those who really believe Kolo Toure, regardless of his good performance against Madrid, won't make the same mistakes Skrtel and Loven make are delusional.
The biggest issue Rodgers has in front of him, is the apparent lack of desire in this club. Perhaps Suarez brought so much energy to the team last year that so many issues were covered up. Now, whether the absence of said player or the manager's sudden lack of ability to inspire his troops, this team is stuck in the lake with no rudder and no wind in the sails. My one major fault with Rodgers, outside of picking a starting 11, has been his unwillingness to accept blame following matches. Now he has done so. Perhaps there was no other option, but Rodgers can see the writing on the wall and knows it really is up to him to figure it out. Everyone needs to do their part. Players have to perform. Do your own job to the best of your ability and there is enough talent on this squad to get results. Players have to perform, the manager has to make good choices and the Reds need a bit of luck.
Couple all of that with a good signing or two in January and this team can still make top four. That is what has to be focused on. The league, unfortunately, has been gone for some time. Fourth place and maintaining a spot in Champions League is still alive because of all the teams in front of them. Thin hopes, perhaps, due to the number of teams above Livepool but many are still clubs that could fall off in the second half. It's all up to the men in the kits and on the sideline. Will this team pull triumph from the jaws of defeat or will they be known as the team that went from the brink of winning a title to the mediocrity of the lower portion of the table? It is all up to them. All the supporters can do is pour their hearts out, as they do week in and week out and hope. Walk on my friends.
It seemed like Liverpool had solved their issues. Scoring a goal only 90 seconds into the match on a great lofted ball and nicely finished off by Lambert. It seemed like a perfect start that would erase all the scoring woes of the Reds. Lambert getting the goal, Liverpool getting a league score by a striker not named Sturridge, solid midfield hookup with the forward lines: it all seemed like the day could end with nothing but a positive result and a good start to a week that, on paper, featured three winnable games. Then it all went to pot.
Dwight Gale, the thorn in the side of Liverpool the last two matches against Crystal Palace, evened up the scoring and despite a few good chances and a bit of attacking play, Liverpool never really threatened again. As a fan, hope was given as the halftime analysts still thought Liverpool's talent would overcome and their skill would provide a game winning goal. Instead, the second half provided little attack and more defensive mistakes. The same defensive mistakes, one might add.
It has been a frustrating time to be a supporter of Liverpool. What makes it most frustrating is the confusion of how one or two players can alter a team to this extent. The defense was mediocre last season, so the addition of a few players, given their form at the moment, could not be expected to cure all ills. The enigma that is the Liverpool offense is what is so puzzling. Before the team dealt him to Spanish giant, Barcelona, it was already well known that Luis Suarez was a world class player. It was always going to be difficult to replace him, if for no other reason than the fact that nobody plays like Suarez. Alexis Sanchez, now of Arsenal, is the closest in terms of work-rate, however nobody (even the players who are better than Suarez) really matches the man in ever category. Even so, the drop off in goal scoring has been astounding.
Scoring goals is by no means an easy task. Yet, no matter how talented the duo is or was, it is mind boggling to see a team so eager to attack and break apart a defense become so listless and toothless up front. The problem, right now, is team wide and seems to be affecting every single player's performance. It is a problem of confidence. Any problem in the team has spread to the other parts. Poor defensive play or tactics forces the midfield to worry too much about helping out at the back. Poor midfield play, in terms of poor passing or badly timed giveaways, forces more pressure on an already shaky back line. The problems with the strikers are well documented and that forces both the midfield and defense to worry too much about trying to score when it may not even be their job.
The Crystal Palace match was a prime example of that last point. Outside of the Lambert goal, the best chances close to goal actually came from Martin Skrtel and Javier Manquillo. Those that watched the match saw how those chances were butchered, but what else can be expected from defenders who are not used to the pressure of hitting a target? One can say you should expect more from everyone and while correct, should we really think we will get it when it hasn't happened all year? Of course following a result such as this, the calls for Brendan Rodgers' job have ramped up, perhaps rightly so.
Those need to be tempered slightly though. Yes, given this poor run of form from his team and a seeming lack of desire, there is plenty of blame to be put on the manager. But there have been some, even in the media, who think Rodgers may not make it past the new year. Really? That is such utter nonsense that it is laughable. Far be it from me to say that won't happen, because the reality of European football is that is could. What benefit would that serve though? Even if you fire or sack him right after Christmas, the new man would have approximately two weeks to bring in someone new to fit his style after observing the club for a respectable amount of time. That is not enough to fix this club's issues. As an American, I can give a unique perspective. We have so many sports that the idea of lower teams defeating you is more common place. It doesn't affect a coach's job as much as in Europe. Also, more often than not, a midseason change does nothing for the team other than simply change for change's sake.
Rodgers should be evaluated at the end of the season and given a proper January window to attempt plugging up some holes. Rodgers has to figure out what players play to his style the best or fit a style to the players. Soccer or football managers really have little to affect a match outside of instilling a belief in their men and putting out the best starting 11. The back four have given Rodgers little options, since everyone has played poorly at different times. Alberto Moreno bombs forward, leaving holes behind at times, though it is still curious why he was left off the team sheet. Dejan Lovren simply looks lost if the ball is not in the air. Martin Skrtel, though he has his backers, is incredibly inconsistent and seems like he cannot defend without pulling or tugging. Manquillo, though young and making a few youthful mistakes, seems like the best of the options and he has been left off the team more often than not due to him being a loanee apparently. There are options on the bench. However, those who really believe Kolo Toure, regardless of his good performance against Madrid, won't make the same mistakes Skrtel and Loven make are delusional.
The biggest issue Rodgers has in front of him, is the apparent lack of desire in this club. Perhaps Suarez brought so much energy to the team last year that so many issues were covered up. Now, whether the absence of said player or the manager's sudden lack of ability to inspire his troops, this team is stuck in the lake with no rudder and no wind in the sails. My one major fault with Rodgers, outside of picking a starting 11, has been his unwillingness to accept blame following matches. Now he has done so. Perhaps there was no other option, but Rodgers can see the writing on the wall and knows it really is up to him to figure it out. Everyone needs to do their part. Players have to perform. Do your own job to the best of your ability and there is enough talent on this squad to get results. Players have to perform, the manager has to make good choices and the Reds need a bit of luck.
Couple all of that with a good signing or two in January and this team can still make top four. That is what has to be focused on. The league, unfortunately, has been gone for some time. Fourth place and maintaining a spot in Champions League is still alive because of all the teams in front of them. Thin hopes, perhaps, due to the number of teams above Livepool but many are still clubs that could fall off in the second half. It's all up to the men in the kits and on the sideline. Will this team pull triumph from the jaws of defeat or will they be known as the team that went from the brink of winning a title to the mediocrity of the lower portion of the table? It is all up to them. All the supporters can do is pour their hearts out, as they do week in and week out and hope. Walk on my friends.
Saturday, November 8, 2014
Another match, another hair puller
Well, as they have tended to do this season, the Liverpool Football Club provided flashes to give the supporters hope only to have it dashed by the same mistakes. As will ever be the case with professional sports, the vocal minority will seek to put the blame all on one person. Several will seek the head of the manager, Brendan Rodgers. Many will heap blame on the lightning rod, Mario Balotelli. Some may even look to place fault on recalls such as Glen Johnson or Dejan Lovren. None are right and none are completely wrong.
Some readers will accuse me of sitting on the fence, but the truth is seeing with a clear head is the only way to look at these situations. It is a main reason that my blogs are not usually finished for several hours after a match. You have to let the blood cool and think clearly, without the passion of a supporter, which is very difficult at the time. The truth is, this is a team-wide problem. Blame lays from the owners down to the players. Some may stick out more than others, but all deserve credit for the failings of this team.
As much as I love Brendan Rodgers and his overall philosophies regarding the importance of supporters, he has to shoulder the blame along with his squad. Many of his signings are either just not good enough or not coming along at the pace needed for Liverpool to contend for top four and silverware consistently. His strange reliance on a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, when it has produced next to no goals has proven another undoing. Unless he plans to play Balotelli as a winder with a top three of Balotelli, Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge, then it becomes more and more unclear why he would not want the team to be more accustomed to two strikers. Many are also upset with his choice of words during pre and post-match press conferences, but I could write an entirely different blog about the silliness in worrying about that.
The entire team of players needs to shoulder the blame as well. While several players had decent to good matches, the bottom line is the entire team is just not getting it done. This team is such a conundrum, that even supporters have no clear clue about who should be in the starting 11. While talent wise, Balotelli is still the best scoring option for a striker, some want him out of the team even though Rickie Lambert and Fabrio Borini have given little actual evidence they will produce anything more than Mario other than work rate. Though Sterling and Coutinho had good matches, causing several problems with their pace and attacking style, they too did not produce anything substantial. Sterling seems to lack that final touch this season, almost always dribbling too close to an opponent or putting too much touch on a ball thus allowing a defender the opportunity to claim it.
The same can be said of Coutinho, though he has more claim to reigning in his mistakes in recent matches. You can go player to player, man to man and pick faults with every single one that have either not benefited the club or hindered it. Kolo Toure had a good performance against Real Madrid, midweek, but if you look within yourself does he really instill more confidence or any less cringe-worthy moments than Lovren or Martin Skrtel? Skrtel did an excellent job containing Diego Costa on this day, but there were many articles calling for his head to be the one Toure replaced instead of Lovren for the Chelsea match. Glen Johnson had a very good match against the Blues as well, but still made his usual Glen Johnson mistakes. They were simply not as damaging as they have been in matches past.
The clear question moving forward is what can each man do to improve the team and how can Brendan Rodgers make improvements either by squad changes, changes in the transfer window or simply by trying a new formation. Fans and supporters and pundits can cry for change in the squad, but until a player gives BR absolutely no possible opportunity for them to not play, then the starting 11 will always be a contentious spot. Toure and Borini had good matches in Champions League, but other than personal bias' against their potential replacements, would they really instill that much more confidence in a supporter for a different result?
There is no clear reason, especially with the money spent, why Glen Johnson continues to gain a starting spot. However, can we really say that Javier Manquillo has performed so well that he should be given the nod ever single time? The answer to all of these is no. Say what you will about Rodgers, but I still believe he knows talent on his own pitch very well. His ability to judge what talent to bring in remains to be seen. But if that is true, then he sees who is training well and who gives his squad the best opportunity on each day. So yes it is Rodgers' fault for picking the squads who are not performing up to snuff, but it is also each players fault for not performing up to the quality that put them in the squad or for not performing well enough in training to replace the players that so many question.
The supporters dissatisfaction is palpable and understandably so. There is simply no consistency for this club, even in the way they lose matches. While I was one who argued that a 1-0 loss to Madrid was a decent result and the team should be proud of the way they played, I feel the complete opposite for the result against Chelsea. Let no man say I am taking credit away from the Blues. They played an excellent match. They minimized mistakes and were only made to pay for one cruel deflection early in the game. Liverpool, on the other hand, had several decent performances individually but were just so inept at times that I'm sure several people lost beverages and gained gray hairs. The stretch from the 30th minute to the 35th had so many mistakes it looked like a youth squad taking on Chelsea.
Liverpool must play better, plain and simple. They have to return to basics. It does not matter they were taking on the team at the top of the table. It does not matter if they were playing the team at the bottom. Their own form is lacking right now and has to be changed. There are too many cute passes or cheeky plays and when you are not in good form those plays do not come off. Liverpool needs to be more direct and forceful. You cannot have passes that barely hit their target or do not hit the target at all. It is not even a problem with through balls, it is passes to players feet that do not have the pace on them to not be intercepted. The Reds need to be sure of every ball and every clearance for a time. If they do that then the skill plays will come. There is so much skill in this team, but at the moment it is not upstairs and that is a huge issue.
As a personal opinion, other than the attacking players, there are few Chelsea players that are just far and away better skill-wise than what Liverpool has right now. The difference is in the brain. Chelsea is so sure of what they are doing that their skill is allowed to shine. Liverpool doubts so much of what they do, at the moment, that their skill makes them look like bumblers due to indecision. Luckily for Liverpool, it is a league-wide problem at the moment. With all the blunders and poor matches Liverpool have had, they are currently only 8th with several squads above them that most would doubt can hold their position an entire season. Manchester City's results, given all their money spent, put them in the same boat of having lots of skill or potential talent but just not having the mental stability to keep it all in step. The Reds just have to play smarter. You can have all the skill in the world, but if you don't have the mental capacity to clear balls at the right time or be aware of your defensive markings then you're not helping the club. You can have all the skill and pace in the world, but if you cannot link up with your fellow midfielders or attackers and constantly put balls into the opposition then you're doing no good. You can have all the technical ability and strike wonder goals all day in training, but if you do not have the mental ability to play with your team and see the runs they make or work hard in the box, then it is all for naught.
As the supporters do, I still have faith in this squad to finish in the top four. I still believe the inclusion of Daniel Sturridge up top will open up a lot of space. The thing that worries most is, even if Sturridge is a missing link, is this team really set up for long term success if their success is based on one man. No matter how good he is or can be, Liverpool have to find ways to be successful even if Sturridge is not playing or not playing at his best. That was shown in today's match when no matter how much skill anyone showed in flashes, it just wasn't there the entire time and mental mistakes were the huge gap between the Reds and Blues. Liverpool has many questions still and have to find the answers now before the gap between 8th and 4th is too much to climb. The international break may be a good thing for the club this time. The player's poor form may mean more club practice time than international action. Perhaps it will reset focus as well. Three matches remain in November and Liverpool needs three points in each. Crystal Palace, Ludogorets and Stoke won't be easy, but if Liverpool is to be Liverpool once more then it has to be three points from each. It seems tough my friends, but we and the club must Walk On.
Some readers will accuse me of sitting on the fence, but the truth is seeing with a clear head is the only way to look at these situations. It is a main reason that my blogs are not usually finished for several hours after a match. You have to let the blood cool and think clearly, without the passion of a supporter, which is very difficult at the time. The truth is, this is a team-wide problem. Blame lays from the owners down to the players. Some may stick out more than others, but all deserve credit for the failings of this team.
As much as I love Brendan Rodgers and his overall philosophies regarding the importance of supporters, he has to shoulder the blame along with his squad. Many of his signings are either just not good enough or not coming along at the pace needed for Liverpool to contend for top four and silverware consistently. His strange reliance on a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, when it has produced next to no goals has proven another undoing. Unless he plans to play Balotelli as a winder with a top three of Balotelli, Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge, then it becomes more and more unclear why he would not want the team to be more accustomed to two strikers. Many are also upset with his choice of words during pre and post-match press conferences, but I could write an entirely different blog about the silliness in worrying about that.
The entire team of players needs to shoulder the blame as well. While several players had decent to good matches, the bottom line is the entire team is just not getting it done. This team is such a conundrum, that even supporters have no clear clue about who should be in the starting 11. While talent wise, Balotelli is still the best scoring option for a striker, some want him out of the team even though Rickie Lambert and Fabrio Borini have given little actual evidence they will produce anything more than Mario other than work rate. Though Sterling and Coutinho had good matches, causing several problems with their pace and attacking style, they too did not produce anything substantial. Sterling seems to lack that final touch this season, almost always dribbling too close to an opponent or putting too much touch on a ball thus allowing a defender the opportunity to claim it.
The same can be said of Coutinho, though he has more claim to reigning in his mistakes in recent matches. You can go player to player, man to man and pick faults with every single one that have either not benefited the club or hindered it. Kolo Toure had a good performance against Real Madrid, midweek, but if you look within yourself does he really instill more confidence or any less cringe-worthy moments than Lovren or Martin Skrtel? Skrtel did an excellent job containing Diego Costa on this day, but there were many articles calling for his head to be the one Toure replaced instead of Lovren for the Chelsea match. Glen Johnson had a very good match against the Blues as well, but still made his usual Glen Johnson mistakes. They were simply not as damaging as they have been in matches past.
The clear question moving forward is what can each man do to improve the team and how can Brendan Rodgers make improvements either by squad changes, changes in the transfer window or simply by trying a new formation. Fans and supporters and pundits can cry for change in the squad, but until a player gives BR absolutely no possible opportunity for them to not play, then the starting 11 will always be a contentious spot. Toure and Borini had good matches in Champions League, but other than personal bias' against their potential replacements, would they really instill that much more confidence in a supporter for a different result?
There is no clear reason, especially with the money spent, why Glen Johnson continues to gain a starting spot. However, can we really say that Javier Manquillo has performed so well that he should be given the nod ever single time? The answer to all of these is no. Say what you will about Rodgers, but I still believe he knows talent on his own pitch very well. His ability to judge what talent to bring in remains to be seen. But if that is true, then he sees who is training well and who gives his squad the best opportunity on each day. So yes it is Rodgers' fault for picking the squads who are not performing up to snuff, but it is also each players fault for not performing up to the quality that put them in the squad or for not performing well enough in training to replace the players that so many question.
The supporters dissatisfaction is palpable and understandably so. There is simply no consistency for this club, even in the way they lose matches. While I was one who argued that a 1-0 loss to Madrid was a decent result and the team should be proud of the way they played, I feel the complete opposite for the result against Chelsea. Let no man say I am taking credit away from the Blues. They played an excellent match. They minimized mistakes and were only made to pay for one cruel deflection early in the game. Liverpool, on the other hand, had several decent performances individually but were just so inept at times that I'm sure several people lost beverages and gained gray hairs. The stretch from the 30th minute to the 35th had so many mistakes it looked like a youth squad taking on Chelsea.
Liverpool must play better, plain and simple. They have to return to basics. It does not matter they were taking on the team at the top of the table. It does not matter if they were playing the team at the bottom. Their own form is lacking right now and has to be changed. There are too many cute passes or cheeky plays and when you are not in good form those plays do not come off. Liverpool needs to be more direct and forceful. You cannot have passes that barely hit their target or do not hit the target at all. It is not even a problem with through balls, it is passes to players feet that do not have the pace on them to not be intercepted. The Reds need to be sure of every ball and every clearance for a time. If they do that then the skill plays will come. There is so much skill in this team, but at the moment it is not upstairs and that is a huge issue.
As a personal opinion, other than the attacking players, there are few Chelsea players that are just far and away better skill-wise than what Liverpool has right now. The difference is in the brain. Chelsea is so sure of what they are doing that their skill is allowed to shine. Liverpool doubts so much of what they do, at the moment, that their skill makes them look like bumblers due to indecision. Luckily for Liverpool, it is a league-wide problem at the moment. With all the blunders and poor matches Liverpool have had, they are currently only 8th with several squads above them that most would doubt can hold their position an entire season. Manchester City's results, given all their money spent, put them in the same boat of having lots of skill or potential talent but just not having the mental stability to keep it all in step. The Reds just have to play smarter. You can have all the skill in the world, but if you don't have the mental capacity to clear balls at the right time or be aware of your defensive markings then you're not helping the club. You can have all the skill and pace in the world, but if you cannot link up with your fellow midfielders or attackers and constantly put balls into the opposition then you're doing no good. You can have all the technical ability and strike wonder goals all day in training, but if you do not have the mental ability to play with your team and see the runs they make or work hard in the box, then it is all for naught.
As the supporters do, I still have faith in this squad to finish in the top four. I still believe the inclusion of Daniel Sturridge up top will open up a lot of space. The thing that worries most is, even if Sturridge is a missing link, is this team really set up for long term success if their success is based on one man. No matter how good he is or can be, Liverpool have to find ways to be successful even if Sturridge is not playing or not playing at his best. That was shown in today's match when no matter how much skill anyone showed in flashes, it just wasn't there the entire time and mental mistakes were the huge gap between the Reds and Blues. Liverpool has many questions still and have to find the answers now before the gap between 8th and 4th is too much to climb. The international break may be a good thing for the club this time. The player's poor form may mean more club practice time than international action. Perhaps it will reset focus as well. Three matches remain in November and Liverpool needs three points in each. Crystal Palace, Ludogorets and Stoke won't be easy, but if Liverpool is to be Liverpool once more then it has to be three points from each. It seems tough my friends, but we and the club must Walk On.
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