The Capital One Cup is down a few rungs in terms of importance to most football/soccer fans, but when rivalry match ups take place, it raises the stakes a little bit. Such was the case in the first leg of the semifinal between Liverpool and Chelsea. Most teams, especially ones that lead the table, would put out a team of reserves or at least a mixture of reserves and starters. The Special One, Jose Mourinho, put out an especially strong squad given the situation his club is in. It was also especially strong given the fact that only a day prior to the match, Mourinho said it was not possible for his club to win the English treble.
It was a match that had plenty to argue about, if you like criticizing the minute details that a referee must react on in mere seconds. There were missed calls, including a handball by Thibaut Courtois that went uncalled - one that as a former goalkeeper, I could not be too mad at. Both sides did their fair share of yelling and arguing at the officials. However really, though you or I may not completely agree with the penalty given for Chelsea's only goal, the official really had a pretty good match.
Both teams had an overall good match and it was an entertaining game of football. Chelsea showed glimpses of why they are one of the best teams in the world. Even as a supporter of one of their chief rivals, I had to marvel at some of their work. There was one play specifically in the second half where the one touch passing to get out of their own end was a marvel to see. But equally pleasing to the eye was the way that Liverpool played.
The Reds attacked with no fear and defended well enough to win the game. Unfortunately for them, they did not. If the penalty had not been called, there may well have been a win in the fortunes of the Reds and the Kopites. If they were not up against Courtois as well, there may have been a win instead of a draw as well. Liverpool banged away at the frame, including in the literal sense when Steven Gerrard hit the post. They out-shot the Blues 20-7 and out-chanced them 7-0. Coutois had to prove how good he is to keep Liverpool out.
As mentioned, it was a rousing game that, if not for the the rivalry aspect, would be seen in almost totally positive light. From a Liverpool perspective, they dominated possession for a good chunk of the game, they created several quality chances, they linked well, they defended well for the most part and took the game to Chelsea. It was another good motivational game for Liverpool, if for no other reason than it gives them the belief they can still compete with the best teams in England.
By no means am I suggesting Liverpool are back. As I have said in this space before and as many out there already know, this is a team that still has specific needs. Regardless of whether the team sticks with a back three or goes with a back four, they have to at least find more reserves capable of stepping in and not having any drop off. They have to settle the goalkeeper situation, whether it is to keep confidence in Simon Mingolet or bring in someone else. They have to find a way to get goals from the strikers they have brought in or will bring in on a regular basis. But those issues do not mean that this club has not made progress.
If you had asked even the most positive Liverpool fan a month or two ago if they could even pull out a draw with Chelsea, the poll would not favor the Reds by any stretch. The calls for Brendan Rodgers' head..er I mean job have quieted, his choices are working and the team has found a cohesion and a realization that if you are going to play you had better play in the spot you are assigned, not the one you feel you are better suited.
Chelsea may yet win this semifinal. They have the talent and they have the crowd. Liverpool's inability to score that all-important go ahead goal may cost them a chance at the league cup. Yet the idea that they outplayed Chelsea in any facet is uplifting. Now their fate is truly in their hands. Was this a great result? No. Only a win could be that. Enough was measured and put forth, however, to show that this team is now truly worthy of wearing the Liverpool crest. Walk on.
Random thoughts:
- I hate the way Chelsea packs it in. It is just against my nature in what attracts me to sports in general, not just soccer. I take nothing away from the team or the manager - though I strongly dislike the Special One. It is smart strategy. Get the lead and hold it. It is just incredibly frustrating to watch a team charge and charge again but constantly have two or three defenders always around the ball. Kudos to the Blues for having the talent to pull it off most of the time, but makes me ill in the stomach.
- The big question for the Reds is can they perform away from Anfield. Though I have not had the pleasure of being there in person - yet - you can just tell that the place has a magic. The crowd, the atmosphere, the ghosts of teams past have an affect on both the home squad and the visitors. Even when the Blues were packing it in, the surge of the crowd could be felt, even through a computer. When that crowd is not there, will Liverpool still have the courage and fortitude to attack? Time will tell.
- An absolute gem of a goal from Raheem Sterling. He is proving himself to be a good striker, but I think I'd still like to see him in a role a bit further back. Great talent though. Still has a bit to learn, but hopefully he'll be wearing Liverpool red for years to come.
- I did not know Mitre still made soccer products until I saw the ball for the match.
- You know you're a goalkeeper when your reaction to one of your rivals' keeper making a great save includes both high praise followed by a few expletive adjectives.
- As a former official, it really irritates me how every player on the field with the slightest gripe charges up and gets in the referee's face. There was an excellent article on ESPN FC's website, which I can no longer find the link to, that spoke to this very thing. While I did not agree with all the points, I do believe there needs to be less demonstrative behavior towards the ref. Fans can do as they please, within reason. Players need to get back to a point where they voiced their displeasure but went about their business instead of spraying the referee with drool from a few inches away for every call or non-call.
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Saturday, January 17, 2015
I return and so does Liverpool
Welcome back to this space, filled with delightful insightful nuggets of joy. In seriousness, the only reason I didn't write following the match against Sunderland was my wonderful DVR decided to stop recording the match at halftime. Even though the scoreline remained the same, I didn't feel it appropriate to do a writeup when I had only seen half the game. Anyway, on with the festivities.
Liverpool came into the match against Aston Villa in a decent spot in the table, but still needing wins. This match and this win was a decent measuring stick of where the squad is at the moment. Yes, Villa have been struggling of late, but they have talent at the right positions to be able to challenge at times and give enough of a game to let the Reds see what they measure up to right now. Liverpool's offense has sprung back to life.
Perhaps it was only one match, but it was good to see the bonafide strikers score for this team. Liverpool came out and dominated the game the way they used to last season. They looked cool on the ball and were making cheeky passes that were still smart and not putting the defenders in a spot if the pass did not come off. Even the broadcasters on the match kept saying it was only a matter of time before Liverpool would find a way through. They would in the 24th minute.
Jordan Henderson, who had a fine game in one of his first attempts to really fill the captaincy role, knocked a great ball across the area. Fabio Borini, who had not scored a league goal for the club since the spring of 2013, made a good backside run off the defender, stuck out his boot and knocked it just past the diving Brad Guzan. The Reds would add their final goal in the 79th minute.
Rickie Lambert, who had checked in for Borini minutes earlier, received a pass from Raheem Sterling just inside the box on the right. Instead of making the pass to a trailing, but open, Henderson, Lambert took it on himself and put a decent right foot through it. The shot slid on the ground to the far side post and a partially screened Guzan stood little chance of getting to it. It was a banner day for the strikers, perhaps only enhanced had the Italian enigma, Mario Balotelli, been included and score.
One of the few drawbacks of the match, was the lack of intensity defending the ball after the first goal. Despite having the better of possession for most of the match, Aston Villa came out in the second half and took it too the Reds. Liverpool defended well in terms of the back three but gave up several quality chances. As usual, they looked their most vulnerable on corner kicks. If not for some very good goalkeeping by Simon Mingolet the match may have gone the other way. The danger of that is a team with higher quality finishers would have, most likely, put those chances away.
Yet, overall, even the detractions from this game are fairly nit-picky. Yes, the team gave up several quality chances during a period when they should have had their foot on the Villans throats but they did enough to not concede. Liverpool should have been up 2-0 before the opening half even ended as Sterling was given a great open chance in the box. Sterling, believing that Guzan was on the hard charge, tried to chip the goalkeeper instead of slotting one low.
Brad Guzan also saved several chances as well, which could have put Liverpool up by three or four by the end. It was also good to see the team play a solid 90 without Steven Gerrard in the lineup. Liverpool will have to get used to doing just that with the departure of their long serving captain only months away. While Henderson is not ant may never be close to Gerrard, he did a good job at regrouping the team and keeping their composure when the Villans were on the attack. Another bright spot gleaned from this match and some of the past few is that the team is playing for Brendan Rodgers again.
I do not believe the team had ever lost confidence in Rodgers, but you could see that the managers choices were not always successful and perhaps that thought was even creeping into the squad. One can easily still challenge the manager on some of his team selections - the inclusion of Jordan Williams for some reason or the inclusion of at least three attacking options on the bench just weeks after having none. But, for now, as they were last season, Rodgers' decisions are working out. That is the bottom line really.
As fans, we can argue and pout and say this or that and love the manager or hate him. If his decisions prove fruitful and successful for the team, however, it is all just fan conjecture. Liverpool are winning. Unbeaten in their last six league matches and winners of four in that span, the Reds are on the march. Will it lead to another Champions League spot? Hard to say. Many matches remain and though Liverpool have reached the seventh spot in the table, it is still a long road to hoe. Southampton seem determined to not falter as some have claimed they will. Manchester United, though shaky and embroiled in turmoil, are still in a favorable position. Tottenham is up and down, but still above the Reds at the moment and no matter how good or bad they look, Arsenal seems to always find a way to sneak into the top four.
Liverpool's bad days are not far behind in the mirror. Their own manager admits as much. But he, as well as we, can and should see how far they have come. "There's a lot of improvement left in this team and group. But we're building towards the future here at the club. We have been progressing very well," said Rodgers after the Villa match. "We obviously had a bump in the road in the early part of the season. But in this period, the team is performing at a good level - defensively strong and playing some wonderful football. It's pleasing, but we have to keep improving."
The calls for firings and sackings have died down and the club is turning it around. Rodgers' words again have meaning instead of useless fluff. The dark days are not altogether gone, but there is light. The team, the club and all its supporters can feel it and though nothing is guaranteed, at least we have tangible positives to see. When we all see it, we never walk alone.
* quotes courtesy of LiverpoolFC.com and Chris Shaw/James Carroll.
Liverpool came into the match against Aston Villa in a decent spot in the table, but still needing wins. This match and this win was a decent measuring stick of where the squad is at the moment. Yes, Villa have been struggling of late, but they have talent at the right positions to be able to challenge at times and give enough of a game to let the Reds see what they measure up to right now. Liverpool's offense has sprung back to life.
Perhaps it was only one match, but it was good to see the bonafide strikers score for this team. Liverpool came out and dominated the game the way they used to last season. They looked cool on the ball and were making cheeky passes that were still smart and not putting the defenders in a spot if the pass did not come off. Even the broadcasters on the match kept saying it was only a matter of time before Liverpool would find a way through. They would in the 24th minute.
Jordan Henderson, who had a fine game in one of his first attempts to really fill the captaincy role, knocked a great ball across the area. Fabio Borini, who had not scored a league goal for the club since the spring of 2013, made a good backside run off the defender, stuck out his boot and knocked it just past the diving Brad Guzan. The Reds would add their final goal in the 79th minute.
Rickie Lambert, who had checked in for Borini minutes earlier, received a pass from Raheem Sterling just inside the box on the right. Instead of making the pass to a trailing, but open, Henderson, Lambert took it on himself and put a decent right foot through it. The shot slid on the ground to the far side post and a partially screened Guzan stood little chance of getting to it. It was a banner day for the strikers, perhaps only enhanced had the Italian enigma, Mario Balotelli, been included and score.
One of the few drawbacks of the match, was the lack of intensity defending the ball after the first goal. Despite having the better of possession for most of the match, Aston Villa came out in the second half and took it too the Reds. Liverpool defended well in terms of the back three but gave up several quality chances. As usual, they looked their most vulnerable on corner kicks. If not for some very good goalkeeping by Simon Mingolet the match may have gone the other way. The danger of that is a team with higher quality finishers would have, most likely, put those chances away.
Yet, overall, even the detractions from this game are fairly nit-picky. Yes, the team gave up several quality chances during a period when they should have had their foot on the Villans throats but they did enough to not concede. Liverpool should have been up 2-0 before the opening half even ended as Sterling was given a great open chance in the box. Sterling, believing that Guzan was on the hard charge, tried to chip the goalkeeper instead of slotting one low.
Brad Guzan also saved several chances as well, which could have put Liverpool up by three or four by the end. It was also good to see the team play a solid 90 without Steven Gerrard in the lineup. Liverpool will have to get used to doing just that with the departure of their long serving captain only months away. While Henderson is not ant may never be close to Gerrard, he did a good job at regrouping the team and keeping their composure when the Villans were on the attack. Another bright spot gleaned from this match and some of the past few is that the team is playing for Brendan Rodgers again.
I do not believe the team had ever lost confidence in Rodgers, but you could see that the managers choices were not always successful and perhaps that thought was even creeping into the squad. One can easily still challenge the manager on some of his team selections - the inclusion of Jordan Williams for some reason or the inclusion of at least three attacking options on the bench just weeks after having none. But, for now, as they were last season, Rodgers' decisions are working out. That is the bottom line really.
As fans, we can argue and pout and say this or that and love the manager or hate him. If his decisions prove fruitful and successful for the team, however, it is all just fan conjecture. Liverpool are winning. Unbeaten in their last six league matches and winners of four in that span, the Reds are on the march. Will it lead to another Champions League spot? Hard to say. Many matches remain and though Liverpool have reached the seventh spot in the table, it is still a long road to hoe. Southampton seem determined to not falter as some have claimed they will. Manchester United, though shaky and embroiled in turmoil, are still in a favorable position. Tottenham is up and down, but still above the Reds at the moment and no matter how good or bad they look, Arsenal seems to always find a way to sneak into the top four.
Liverpool's bad days are not far behind in the mirror. Their own manager admits as much. But he, as well as we, can and should see how far they have come. "There's a lot of improvement left in this team and group. But we're building towards the future here at the club. We have been progressing very well," said Rodgers after the Villa match. "We obviously had a bump in the road in the early part of the season. But in this period, the team is performing at a good level - defensively strong and playing some wonderful football. It's pleasing, but we have to keep improving."
The calls for firings and sackings have died down and the club is turning it around. Rodgers' words again have meaning instead of useless fluff. The dark days are not altogether gone, but there is light. The team, the club and all its supporters can feel it and though nothing is guaranteed, at least we have tangible positives to see. When we all see it, we never walk alone.
* quotes courtesy of LiverpoolFC.com and Chris Shaw/James Carroll.
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.
Thursday, January 1, 2015
Transition to 2015 a Bit Rough
Well if the note that Liverpool ended on was a high one, then 2015 was a bit sharp on the scale. It was just a bit off and a bit grating to the ear. Liverpool by no means played a bad game. There were glimpses and flashes of the team we saw against Swansea City. Yet, overall, it just wasn't the type of match the supporters would've expected after such a strong showing.
Leicester came out with the energy and passion you would've expected to see from the Reds. Liverpool was immediately thrown onto their heels and the Reds defended decently despite a sure goal being turned away by the Kop's woodwork on an early free kick by Riyad Mahrez. Once the game calmed down a bit, Liverpool took things into their hands. They pressed the attack and spread the field nicely with the speed and fluidity up front with the trio of Raheem Sterling, Adam Lallana and Coutinho.
Liverpool had their opportunities to score from the run of play, though rarely really tested backup keeper Ben Hamer. It was not until a more than fortunate penalty was given for a handball that actually hit the defender in the head that Liverpool was able to hit the net. More possession and attack yielded no result until another handball in the box gave Liverpool their second goal and Steven Gerrard his.
Normal fans would think the game was in hand and Liverpool seemed to be coasting to another victory. An early injury in the second half to Lallana may have actually cost Liverpool the game or at least raised questions about the lineup going forward. While Lallana would not have really figured into either goal actually scored by the Foxes, it was more what it did to Liverpool. Despite the uproar that a new goalkeeper is needed in the January window, Simon Mingolet played a solid match and nothing could be done about either goal.
The first goal for Leicester was an absolute sparkler from the top of the box. Nicely settled down and left for the Evertonian David Nugent to spank past the defender and past the outstretched hands of Mingolet. The Belgian keeper was screened but would not have had a chance even if he wasn't. With a score of 2-1, one could understand the Foxes being deserving of a tally given their hard work and unfortunate luck with the first penalty against them. However, they were not satisfied and Liverpool did not get their weight back on the toes. Less than two full minutes later, Leicester evened the game. Jefferey Schlupp took a good one time pass with a couple knocks and slotted it into the left netting with a solid left footed shot from the top of the arc.
While there were defensive lapses earlier in the play that led to the Foxes first goal, the second lay squarely on the backline and defending in general. A lackadaisical Raheem Sterling failed to account for Schlupp behind him, allowing the initial pass. Then Kolo Toure and Emre Can failed to close down on the shot before power could be put into it. The uninitiated will say Mingolet's attempt at the ball was poor and even the keeper himself may feel he could've put more power into the dive. However, any goalkeeper has no choice but to think Can is going to block that shot and then when it slides through the wickets, the goalkeeper has next to no time to react. Tie game. Done and dusted as they say.
Liverpool created more chances once they caught their breath. Two good chances came to the much debated Fabio Borini, one that seemed a tap in that the Italian striker managed to put a yard or two over the bar. Jordan Henderson whipped a strong shot toward goal as well, but ultimately well wide.
While my previous article focused on the positives to end 2014, this one will no doubt come off decidedly more negative. It is not for lack of effort. You can still see how the current formation benefits this team the most. However the questions raised in my previous blog and in this game will have great bearing on where this teams heads in 2015.
The defending is still awful. Brendan Rodgers is a proud man and a shrewd tactition, but his refusal to even entertain the idea of hiring a defensive coach may cost him his job. With no true goal scoring threat on this team, the constant glut of chances and goals given up along with the lack of clean sheets simply cannot be sustained by a winning club. Emre Can has done a fine job in a position that is not truly his own, however for the second straight contest he stumbled and looked foolish on a ball that drifted over his head. Mamadou Sakho has proven himself to be a very good positional defender, but looks like a recreational league player at times when the ball is at his feet. Kolo Toure and Martin Skrtel are essentially the same player. They are solid defenders when at their best, but often slip to ground or grab their opponents at inopportune times.
The offense is still stagnant. Despite the breath of fresh air that was the Swansea match, the offense still struggles to actually score from the run of play. One could argue that Liverpool was outscored 2-0 or 2-1 given that both goals coming off penalties that in other matches may not have been called. Yes, the Reds created offense and Sterling and Coutinho are deadly with the ball on their shoestrings at times. However when you see that Liverpool had 18 total attempts and 6 on target, one really struggles to remember a good save from Hamer. The attempts on target were not usually effective and the quality chances were mostly missed.
Rounding back to the thought that Lallana's injury costing Liverpool, you could just see the change in the team. Fabio Borini is a decent player and would probably start for several clubs across the world. However due to the reaction from Rodgers toward the player and Borini's need to prove he can play at Liverpool, #29 simply tries too hard. A calm, composed player with the backing of his manager would have been more likely to slot home the game winner. Instead Borini simply charged around to show his effort and then banged his goal over the bar. The injury placed in a player who is trying too hard and also changed the dynamic of the team.
While the attacking triangle of Sterling, Lallana and Coutinho is a bit fluid it is almost always Sterling at the top. Sterling was forced deeper due to Borini's inclusion and there was a sudden lack of creativity from the midfield. This cannot be blamed on Borini or Sterling's positions alone, but there was a decided drop off in the mental stability of this team when the team sheet changed. The same can be said of Rickie Lambert's inclusion for Alberto Moreno. The entire team shape was altered and though Lambert set up a potential chance for Borini, Liverpool just did not strike fear into the defense the way they had.
Taking a disappointing draw result away, these questions still have to be dealt with by the team because once Daniel Sturridge is healthy, there are going to be alterations to the squad. Whether by an addition in the January window or simply the return of Sturridge, by the end of January the starting XI is not going to be the same as it has been the last two or three games. Liverpool must accept this and find a way to threaten the goal no matter who is on the pitch. The positives, though few, that can be taken from the game are that Liverpool threaten anyone and everyone with the 3-4-2-1 and an attacking triangle of Sterling, Lallana and Coutinho. The team showed good spirit even after the equalizer, when earlier in the season we would've seen a go-ahead goal from the Foxes.
It comes as little consolation in the moment, but Liverpool at least gained points. Not only on the pitch, but with Arsenal getting blanked they gain ground on the Gunners and stay right behind West Ham, who also drew. Liverpool now has 9 days off from Premier League action and can rest a few legs. Whether Rodgers chooses to do so is another matter, after stating he is determined to bring silverware to Anfield. Ultimately, if the game is viewed in a microcosm, then it is simply a disappointing draw. When viewed on the larger scale it harkens back to past problems and raises new ones.
The Reds are fortunate in that their next two opponents aren't flying high at the moment and Liverpool has already handled lower level squads. Leicester wasn't flying high either and stole a point at Anfield though, so nothing can be taken for granted. Perhaps now that the busy holiday period is done the Reds can settle down, figure things out and play good football. Walk on.
Leicester came out with the energy and passion you would've expected to see from the Reds. Liverpool was immediately thrown onto their heels and the Reds defended decently despite a sure goal being turned away by the Kop's woodwork on an early free kick by Riyad Mahrez. Once the game calmed down a bit, Liverpool took things into their hands. They pressed the attack and spread the field nicely with the speed and fluidity up front with the trio of Raheem Sterling, Adam Lallana and Coutinho.
Liverpool had their opportunities to score from the run of play, though rarely really tested backup keeper Ben Hamer. It was not until a more than fortunate penalty was given for a handball that actually hit the defender in the head that Liverpool was able to hit the net. More possession and attack yielded no result until another handball in the box gave Liverpool their second goal and Steven Gerrard his.
Normal fans would think the game was in hand and Liverpool seemed to be coasting to another victory. An early injury in the second half to Lallana may have actually cost Liverpool the game or at least raised questions about the lineup going forward. While Lallana would not have really figured into either goal actually scored by the Foxes, it was more what it did to Liverpool. Despite the uproar that a new goalkeeper is needed in the January window, Simon Mingolet played a solid match and nothing could be done about either goal.
The first goal for Leicester was an absolute sparkler from the top of the box. Nicely settled down and left for the Evertonian David Nugent to spank past the defender and past the outstretched hands of Mingolet. The Belgian keeper was screened but would not have had a chance even if he wasn't. With a score of 2-1, one could understand the Foxes being deserving of a tally given their hard work and unfortunate luck with the first penalty against them. However, they were not satisfied and Liverpool did not get their weight back on the toes. Less than two full minutes later, Leicester evened the game. Jefferey Schlupp took a good one time pass with a couple knocks and slotted it into the left netting with a solid left footed shot from the top of the arc.
While there were defensive lapses earlier in the play that led to the Foxes first goal, the second lay squarely on the backline and defending in general. A lackadaisical Raheem Sterling failed to account for Schlupp behind him, allowing the initial pass. Then Kolo Toure and Emre Can failed to close down on the shot before power could be put into it. The uninitiated will say Mingolet's attempt at the ball was poor and even the keeper himself may feel he could've put more power into the dive. However, any goalkeeper has no choice but to think Can is going to block that shot and then when it slides through the wickets, the goalkeeper has next to no time to react. Tie game. Done and dusted as they say.
Liverpool created more chances once they caught their breath. Two good chances came to the much debated Fabio Borini, one that seemed a tap in that the Italian striker managed to put a yard or two over the bar. Jordan Henderson whipped a strong shot toward goal as well, but ultimately well wide.
While my previous article focused on the positives to end 2014, this one will no doubt come off decidedly more negative. It is not for lack of effort. You can still see how the current formation benefits this team the most. However the questions raised in my previous blog and in this game will have great bearing on where this teams heads in 2015.
The defending is still awful. Brendan Rodgers is a proud man and a shrewd tactition, but his refusal to even entertain the idea of hiring a defensive coach may cost him his job. With no true goal scoring threat on this team, the constant glut of chances and goals given up along with the lack of clean sheets simply cannot be sustained by a winning club. Emre Can has done a fine job in a position that is not truly his own, however for the second straight contest he stumbled and looked foolish on a ball that drifted over his head. Mamadou Sakho has proven himself to be a very good positional defender, but looks like a recreational league player at times when the ball is at his feet. Kolo Toure and Martin Skrtel are essentially the same player. They are solid defenders when at their best, but often slip to ground or grab their opponents at inopportune times.
The offense is still stagnant. Despite the breath of fresh air that was the Swansea match, the offense still struggles to actually score from the run of play. One could argue that Liverpool was outscored 2-0 or 2-1 given that both goals coming off penalties that in other matches may not have been called. Yes, the Reds created offense and Sterling and Coutinho are deadly with the ball on their shoestrings at times. However when you see that Liverpool had 18 total attempts and 6 on target, one really struggles to remember a good save from Hamer. The attempts on target were not usually effective and the quality chances were mostly missed.
Rounding back to the thought that Lallana's injury costing Liverpool, you could just see the change in the team. Fabio Borini is a decent player and would probably start for several clubs across the world. However due to the reaction from Rodgers toward the player and Borini's need to prove he can play at Liverpool, #29 simply tries too hard. A calm, composed player with the backing of his manager would have been more likely to slot home the game winner. Instead Borini simply charged around to show his effort and then banged his goal over the bar. The injury placed in a player who is trying too hard and also changed the dynamic of the team.
While the attacking triangle of Sterling, Lallana and Coutinho is a bit fluid it is almost always Sterling at the top. Sterling was forced deeper due to Borini's inclusion and there was a sudden lack of creativity from the midfield. This cannot be blamed on Borini or Sterling's positions alone, but there was a decided drop off in the mental stability of this team when the team sheet changed. The same can be said of Rickie Lambert's inclusion for Alberto Moreno. The entire team shape was altered and though Lambert set up a potential chance for Borini, Liverpool just did not strike fear into the defense the way they had.
Taking a disappointing draw result away, these questions still have to be dealt with by the team because once Daniel Sturridge is healthy, there are going to be alterations to the squad. Whether by an addition in the January window or simply the return of Sturridge, by the end of January the starting XI is not going to be the same as it has been the last two or three games. Liverpool must accept this and find a way to threaten the goal no matter who is on the pitch. The positives, though few, that can be taken from the game are that Liverpool threaten anyone and everyone with the 3-4-2-1 and an attacking triangle of Sterling, Lallana and Coutinho. The team showed good spirit even after the equalizer, when earlier in the season we would've seen a go-ahead goal from the Foxes.
It comes as little consolation in the moment, but Liverpool at least gained points. Not only on the pitch, but with Arsenal getting blanked they gain ground on the Gunners and stay right behind West Ham, who also drew. Liverpool now has 9 days off from Premier League action and can rest a few legs. Whether Rodgers chooses to do so is another matter, after stating he is determined to bring silverware to Anfield. Ultimately, if the game is viewed in a microcosm, then it is simply a disappointing draw. When viewed on the larger scale it harkens back to past problems and raises new ones.
The Reds are fortunate in that their next two opponents aren't flying high at the moment and Liverpool has already handled lower level squads. Leicester wasn't flying high either and stole a point at Anfield though, so nothing can be taken for granted. Perhaps now that the busy holiday period is done the Reds can settle down, figure things out and play good football. Walk on.
Monday, December 29, 2014
Solid Way to End 2014
2014 has seen several highs and lows for Liverpool Football Club. The year started so well with an incredible run of form last season to begin the year. The SAS was flying and the first league title for the club this century seemed like it was in sight. Then the clouds began forming. Several things did the club in at the end of last season. A poor showing against Crystal Palace and a massive slip by Steven Gerrard against Chelsea really cost Liverpool and allowed Manchester City to leapfrog the team.
The summer didn't go quite as planned either. Despite signing their superstar striker to a massive contract just months before, Luis Suarez was sold off to Barcelona, whether by the player's own design or feeling forced due to the player's actions during the World Cup. The money allowed the club to make several signings in terms of quantity - something the club desperately needed due to their inclusion in the Champions League - but it would be quite some time until fans and supporters would see anything resembling quality from those players. There was also the failure to sign the desired strikers in the summer window as well. Those failures, coupled with several attacking players passing Liverpool over in Rodgers' past, raise questions over the manager's ability to bring in striking options. Whether you blame the manager's inability to sell these players on his ideal or if it is the case of finances or simply too many fingers in the player pool pie, it does cause fans a great deal of discomfort.
Then came the start of the 2014-15 season. Despite the optimism of finishing in second place the season prior and the hope that the influx of speed and fresh faces would propel the club even further, the team struggled out of the gate. Nobody looked at ease in any aspect. Even when the club had its full compliment of players, including Daniel Sturridge on the pitch, the players, the manager and the fans all looked out of sorts. Fans wanted good performances and tried their best to spur on the team, including the much maligned Mario Balotelli. Players wanted the team to do well and to do well individually, but often tried too hard. Brendan Rodgers, for his part as well, often looked lost. While seemingly every decision he made last season was the right one, the opposite was happening to begin 2014.
Poor results in the league, terrible form in Champions League, no attacking options after Daniel Sturridge's injury, little to no confidence on the pitch and dreadful defending were all a recipe for a disastrous begin to the season that actually saw the storied Liverpool club briefly in the relegation zone. Many - or at least a very vocal minority - were calling for Rodgers' job all the while too. It has been a rocky climb back up, but the team has shown sparks and brief flashes of what they could be. The team is by no means out of the woods and could fall just as quickly, but the stormy seas have at least calmed over the holiday period.
If Liverpool can string together good results and make a climb back to toward the top of the table, we may well look back to a 3-0 loss to Manchester United as the turning point. While the scoreline was no doubt a bit of embarrassment, the final tally did not fully show the effort and fluidity that Liverpool showed on the field. They created more chances in that one fixture than perhaps the last month or two combined. The Reds were not rewarded for their efforts due to sparkling goalkeeping of David De Gea and terrible defending on their own part. Despite the ugly scoreline, it was perhaps the prettiest defeat of the season. That confidence in the attack has carried forward to good effect.
The Reds turned those chances into goals in the Capital One League Cup match on December 17 against Bournemouth. A 3-1 decision over a lowly club from divisions below may often be scoffed at, but when a team has struggled to gel and perform the way Liverpool have, one needs all the confidence you can gain. A 2-2 draw against Arsenal was, once again, a less than desired result given the way Liverpool played. The team played inspired football and showed great heart battling back to equalize after going down by a man. Despite what the pundits shouted from their cushy couches in front of the TV cameras, just because points were dropped, again due to poor defensive work, you cannot say that the team did not perform well and show good signs for the future.
As there is with any growth, there was a bit of pain in the Burnley match. Again, poor defensive work almost gave the game away. The goalkeeping situation became a bit of a farce when Brad Jones had to be subbed off due to an injury and that substitution almost came back to bite the club when more fresh legs could've been used later in that match. But the points were gained in a rather ugly 1-0 win over a possible relegation squad. However, similar to how Liverpool needed the kind of performance they saw against Manchester United regardless of the outcome, Liverpool needed all three points in that match regardless of how they got them. It was the kind of win that showed the Reds that every opponent needs to be feared and you have to play better each and every match. (As an aside, the result looks much better when you see that Burnley poached two points on the road at the Etihad and Liverpool got all three on the road at Burnley.)
Then Liverpool closed out the year in style. A 4-1 thrashing of a Swansea City side that were ahead of Liverpool in the table was just the way to end 2014. Not just for the fans, but the players and manager as well. No, the result of the game was not indicative of the gap in quality of the teams. Despite Liverpool's dominance for the opening 30 minutes and solid possession in the second half as well, the team showed it's flaws and were not truly a 4-1 decision better than Swansea. However, it was the culmination of a long and winding road to end a year that could be described as the same. It was a match that showed this team that great effort as a team out performs anything they could attempt to do as individuals. It was a culmination of Brendan Rodgers' efforts to get this team believing in itself and his systems again. While fans have every right to not buy in 100% yet, you can see that the team has and that is at least an encouraging thought.
The new signings are progressing, perhaps slower than anyone anticipated, but nicely. Adam Lallana's two goals against Swansea may have cemented his place in the side for quite some time. Excluding his bizarre red card offense in Champions League, Lazar Markovic has turned into a pacey wing option and his touch is much improved. Javier Manquillo and Alberto Moreno, though still not included in the team as often, have shown improvements as well. Despite any misgivings you or I or anyone may have with the formation, the 3-5-2 or 3-4-2-1 formation seems to have placed all these odd pieces in spots on the field that suit them best (for the moment). Even Mario Balotelli, in his few opportunities, has had several scoring chances and quality ones.
2015 holds more questions than certainty for this Liverpool squad. A big one is what becomes of the squad and/or the formation when Daniel Sturridge is healthy? Do we see an attempt at the Balotelli/Sturridge partnership that Rodgers had envisioned in the season's early days? Do we simply see Sturridge take Sterling's spot at the top of the field and see Raheem drop back a bit? If that happens, who is the midfielder that gets dropped? Lallana? Coutinho? Gerrard? What of the defense? Despite their improvement with the system, they still cause anxiety, especially on set pieces. Do you hope to score more goals than your opponents like last season or do you seek extra pieces in the January window. Do you look for another goalkeeping option in January? Does the team look to bolster the attack with a more true striker as well or do you hold out for Divok Origi in the summer?
We all have our opinions on each and every topic listed there. Some may like the option of two strikers but want a new keeper. Some may say defense has to be addressed and let the attack handle iteslf. There are plenty of combinations. That said, the inclusion of Daniel Sturridge back to the lineup will probably not be enough on its own to propel this club to championship heights. Changes will have to be made, whether in January or over the summer. However, regardless of your feelings on the manager or the players in the current squad, all fans should be able to agree that given the past week the prospects of a good 2015 surely look a lot brighter. It should be a fun year and it was truly a good result to end 2014. Health and happiness to all in the New Year. Walk on.
The summer didn't go quite as planned either. Despite signing their superstar striker to a massive contract just months before, Luis Suarez was sold off to Barcelona, whether by the player's own design or feeling forced due to the player's actions during the World Cup. The money allowed the club to make several signings in terms of quantity - something the club desperately needed due to their inclusion in the Champions League - but it would be quite some time until fans and supporters would see anything resembling quality from those players. There was also the failure to sign the desired strikers in the summer window as well. Those failures, coupled with several attacking players passing Liverpool over in Rodgers' past, raise questions over the manager's ability to bring in striking options. Whether you blame the manager's inability to sell these players on his ideal or if it is the case of finances or simply too many fingers in the player pool pie, it does cause fans a great deal of discomfort.
Then came the start of the 2014-15 season. Despite the optimism of finishing in second place the season prior and the hope that the influx of speed and fresh faces would propel the club even further, the team struggled out of the gate. Nobody looked at ease in any aspect. Even when the club had its full compliment of players, including Daniel Sturridge on the pitch, the players, the manager and the fans all looked out of sorts. Fans wanted good performances and tried their best to spur on the team, including the much maligned Mario Balotelli. Players wanted the team to do well and to do well individually, but often tried too hard. Brendan Rodgers, for his part as well, often looked lost. While seemingly every decision he made last season was the right one, the opposite was happening to begin 2014.
Poor results in the league, terrible form in Champions League, no attacking options after Daniel Sturridge's injury, little to no confidence on the pitch and dreadful defending were all a recipe for a disastrous begin to the season that actually saw the storied Liverpool club briefly in the relegation zone. Many - or at least a very vocal minority - were calling for Rodgers' job all the while too. It has been a rocky climb back up, but the team has shown sparks and brief flashes of what they could be. The team is by no means out of the woods and could fall just as quickly, but the stormy seas have at least calmed over the holiday period.
If Liverpool can string together good results and make a climb back to toward the top of the table, we may well look back to a 3-0 loss to Manchester United as the turning point. While the scoreline was no doubt a bit of embarrassment, the final tally did not fully show the effort and fluidity that Liverpool showed on the field. They created more chances in that one fixture than perhaps the last month or two combined. The Reds were not rewarded for their efforts due to sparkling goalkeeping of David De Gea and terrible defending on their own part. Despite the ugly scoreline, it was perhaps the prettiest defeat of the season. That confidence in the attack has carried forward to good effect.
The Reds turned those chances into goals in the Capital One League Cup match on December 17 against Bournemouth. A 3-1 decision over a lowly club from divisions below may often be scoffed at, but when a team has struggled to gel and perform the way Liverpool have, one needs all the confidence you can gain. A 2-2 draw against Arsenal was, once again, a less than desired result given the way Liverpool played. The team played inspired football and showed great heart battling back to equalize after going down by a man. Despite what the pundits shouted from their cushy couches in front of the TV cameras, just because points were dropped, again due to poor defensive work, you cannot say that the team did not perform well and show good signs for the future.
As there is with any growth, there was a bit of pain in the Burnley match. Again, poor defensive work almost gave the game away. The goalkeeping situation became a bit of a farce when Brad Jones had to be subbed off due to an injury and that substitution almost came back to bite the club when more fresh legs could've been used later in that match. But the points were gained in a rather ugly 1-0 win over a possible relegation squad. However, similar to how Liverpool needed the kind of performance they saw against Manchester United regardless of the outcome, Liverpool needed all three points in that match regardless of how they got them. It was the kind of win that showed the Reds that every opponent needs to be feared and you have to play better each and every match. (As an aside, the result looks much better when you see that Burnley poached two points on the road at the Etihad and Liverpool got all three on the road at Burnley.)
Then Liverpool closed out the year in style. A 4-1 thrashing of a Swansea City side that were ahead of Liverpool in the table was just the way to end 2014. Not just for the fans, but the players and manager as well. No, the result of the game was not indicative of the gap in quality of the teams. Despite Liverpool's dominance for the opening 30 minutes and solid possession in the second half as well, the team showed it's flaws and were not truly a 4-1 decision better than Swansea. However, it was the culmination of a long and winding road to end a year that could be described as the same. It was a match that showed this team that great effort as a team out performs anything they could attempt to do as individuals. It was a culmination of Brendan Rodgers' efforts to get this team believing in itself and his systems again. While fans have every right to not buy in 100% yet, you can see that the team has and that is at least an encouraging thought.
The new signings are progressing, perhaps slower than anyone anticipated, but nicely. Adam Lallana's two goals against Swansea may have cemented his place in the side for quite some time. Excluding his bizarre red card offense in Champions League, Lazar Markovic has turned into a pacey wing option and his touch is much improved. Javier Manquillo and Alberto Moreno, though still not included in the team as often, have shown improvements as well. Despite any misgivings you or I or anyone may have with the formation, the 3-5-2 or 3-4-2-1 formation seems to have placed all these odd pieces in spots on the field that suit them best (for the moment). Even Mario Balotelli, in his few opportunities, has had several scoring chances and quality ones.
2015 holds more questions than certainty for this Liverpool squad. A big one is what becomes of the squad and/or the formation when Daniel Sturridge is healthy? Do we see an attempt at the Balotelli/Sturridge partnership that Rodgers had envisioned in the season's early days? Do we simply see Sturridge take Sterling's spot at the top of the field and see Raheem drop back a bit? If that happens, who is the midfielder that gets dropped? Lallana? Coutinho? Gerrard? What of the defense? Despite their improvement with the system, they still cause anxiety, especially on set pieces. Do you hope to score more goals than your opponents like last season or do you seek extra pieces in the January window. Do you look for another goalkeeping option in January? Does the team look to bolster the attack with a more true striker as well or do you hold out for Divok Origi in the summer?
We all have our opinions on each and every topic listed there. Some may like the option of two strikers but want a new keeper. Some may say defense has to be addressed and let the attack handle iteslf. There are plenty of combinations. That said, the inclusion of Daniel Sturridge back to the lineup will probably not be enough on its own to propel this club to championship heights. Changes will have to be made, whether in January or over the summer. However, regardless of your feelings on the manager or the players in the current squad, all fans should be able to agree that given the past week the prospects of a good 2015 surely look a lot brighter. It should be a fun year and it was truly a good result to end 2014. Health and happiness to all in the New Year. Walk on.
Sunday, December 21, 2014
Late Equalizer Gives Reds Much Deserved Point
Heading into an all important matchup with their Londoner rivals, Liverpool again employed a rather unusual formation with seven midfielders and three defenders. Although you can argue whether it can sustain this squad for the rest of the season, it has yielded decent results. Not only has it improved the team on the scoresheet, the team itself just seems to flow better and have better energy.
Liverpool came out and dominated the first 45 minutes of play. They probably should have had more goals at the break than they did, given the effort. However, despite a quality goal from Coutinho, the Reds ended the first half tied up due to their lack of defending set pieces. Much like their counterparts, Liverpool again struggle to attack the ball and keep track of their man on free kicks and corners. It was again their downfall in the first half. After dominating possession and scoring chances, Liverpool could not hang onto the lead. One may question whether the offense whistled against Steven Gerrard was actually a foul or not, but the fact is it was called and Liverpool failed to defend it.
Surprisingly, the Reds have defended as a team better with only three true defenders but they still continue to prove that no matter who cracks the lineup that changes are in order. Whether they happen in January or during the summer window, there are still changes that must be made in the back. This fact was on full display for the go-ahead goal by Oliver Giroud. Arsenal did come out with more pep and possession in the second half, but still were not creating much. Then, in the usual lapse of marking, Giroud was allowed a full strike on the ball just steps away from the six yard area with all three Liverpool defenders being in a triangle around him but at least two meters away.
For long stretches it appeared as though Liverpool would miss out on any points, very similarly to the Manchester United fixture. Both matches saw Liverpool create chances aplenty and possess the ball in fine fashion, only to see mistakes at the back cost them. Fortunately for the Reds, whether by injury or simply current form, Arsenal is not United. Even after Liverpool were forced to go down by a man, following Fabio Borini's red card (and perhaps final act in a Liverpool kit), Arsenal were more than willing to let Liverpool run at them and create. Blame the players or blame Arsene Wenger, the bottom line is Liverpool will take it.
The Reds deserved better than a loss. Yes, sometimes you lose when you don't deserve to. That's football. That's sports. But, on this night, Liverpool got at least partially what they deserved. One could argue they deserved all three points, but at least a draw was something this club needed. While they did not gain any ground against Arsenal, it was still a valuable point. Even though there is still half a season to go and this writer has done his best to see the positives, a loss in this match would have made it exceedingly difficult to see Liverpool making a charge at the top four. Liverpool have not fared well against the teams above them in the table. They needed actual representation of the improvement they have seen rather than just moral or mental victories. Three points would have been much better, but not giving up on the match and banging home a header from Martin Skrtel to equalize was a good way to go into the Christmas break.
Questions continue to rise for this team. Though I have long argued for a two striker system, I am not quite sure you alter the team just yet. What can be done about the defense? There is no doubt the team has performed better with three at the back, but there is little doubt that whether you use Skrtel, Kolo Toure, Sakho, Dejan Lovren, Javier Manquillo, Glen Johnson or Moreno they still seem to give up unnecessary chances. It is a team rife with question marks and doubters, but there are at least tangible positives to see.
Lazar Markovic, while still raw, is starting to look like a good talent. There were flashes of a Raheem Sterling from two years ago. Much like Sterling's first chances in the first team, you can see the talent there, it just needs to be nurtured and brought along. Even from the beginning of the season, Markovic's touch has gotten much better. Whether he is worth the transfer fee is up to discussion. The team as a whole is producing a lot more as well.
Three goals against Bournmouthe, two against Arsenal and lots of chances against United have at least given fans hope that the ball will hit the back of the net each match. Fans were hoping for three points, but a gift of one for Christmas will at least tide them over until Boxing Day where they can hope for the full three against Burnley.
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and best wishes to Liverpool FC and all the fans from St. Louis to New York and out to the rest of the world. Walk on.
Liverpool came out and dominated the first 45 minutes of play. They probably should have had more goals at the break than they did, given the effort. However, despite a quality goal from Coutinho, the Reds ended the first half tied up due to their lack of defending set pieces. Much like their counterparts, Liverpool again struggle to attack the ball and keep track of their man on free kicks and corners. It was again their downfall in the first half. After dominating possession and scoring chances, Liverpool could not hang onto the lead. One may question whether the offense whistled against Steven Gerrard was actually a foul or not, but the fact is it was called and Liverpool failed to defend it.
Surprisingly, the Reds have defended as a team better with only three true defenders but they still continue to prove that no matter who cracks the lineup that changes are in order. Whether they happen in January or during the summer window, there are still changes that must be made in the back. This fact was on full display for the go-ahead goal by Oliver Giroud. Arsenal did come out with more pep and possession in the second half, but still were not creating much. Then, in the usual lapse of marking, Giroud was allowed a full strike on the ball just steps away from the six yard area with all three Liverpool defenders being in a triangle around him but at least two meters away.
For long stretches it appeared as though Liverpool would miss out on any points, very similarly to the Manchester United fixture. Both matches saw Liverpool create chances aplenty and possess the ball in fine fashion, only to see mistakes at the back cost them. Fortunately for the Reds, whether by injury or simply current form, Arsenal is not United. Even after Liverpool were forced to go down by a man, following Fabio Borini's red card (and perhaps final act in a Liverpool kit), Arsenal were more than willing to let Liverpool run at them and create. Blame the players or blame Arsene Wenger, the bottom line is Liverpool will take it.
The Reds deserved better than a loss. Yes, sometimes you lose when you don't deserve to. That's football. That's sports. But, on this night, Liverpool got at least partially what they deserved. One could argue they deserved all three points, but at least a draw was something this club needed. While they did not gain any ground against Arsenal, it was still a valuable point. Even though there is still half a season to go and this writer has done his best to see the positives, a loss in this match would have made it exceedingly difficult to see Liverpool making a charge at the top four. Liverpool have not fared well against the teams above them in the table. They needed actual representation of the improvement they have seen rather than just moral or mental victories. Three points would have been much better, but not giving up on the match and banging home a header from Martin Skrtel to equalize was a good way to go into the Christmas break.
Questions continue to rise for this team. Though I have long argued for a two striker system, I am not quite sure you alter the team just yet. What can be done about the defense? There is no doubt the team has performed better with three at the back, but there is little doubt that whether you use Skrtel, Kolo Toure, Sakho, Dejan Lovren, Javier Manquillo, Glen Johnson or Moreno they still seem to give up unnecessary chances. It is a team rife with question marks and doubters, but there are at least tangible positives to see.
Lazar Markovic, while still raw, is starting to look like a good talent. There were flashes of a Raheem Sterling from two years ago. Much like Sterling's first chances in the first team, you can see the talent there, it just needs to be nurtured and brought along. Even from the beginning of the season, Markovic's touch has gotten much better. Whether he is worth the transfer fee is up to discussion. The team as a whole is producing a lot more as well.
Three goals against Bournmouthe, two against Arsenal and lots of chances against United have at least given fans hope that the ball will hit the back of the net each match. Fans were hoping for three points, but a gift of one for Christmas will at least tide them over until Boxing Day where they can hope for the full three against Burnley.
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and best wishes to Liverpool FC and all the fans from St. Louis to New York and out to the rest of the world. Walk on.
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Reds advance in Capital One Cup, questions remain
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.
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.
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