One of the worries brought up over the course of the past few weeks was how playing an extra match - one that could have been prevented - would affect the team. Given the result of the replay, it seemed worth it to keep Liverpool in the FA Cup tournament. It was a spectacular win, one covered in my previous blog post. It was one that should have given this club loads of confidence heading into their next match - the all important Merseyside Derby.
However, it seemed to have the opposite affect. Liverpool looked tired and listless. Several players had solid performances, but several had less than stellar matches and even bordered on being awful. Steven Gerrard was one of those players. His game was by no means actually awful, but compared to what we have come to expect from the Liverpool captain, it was by no means a typical Gerrard match. He looked slow and a bit off. Gerrard's touch was nowhere near where one would hope it would be, given the fact this match could have been his last Merseyside Derby. His passes were off the mark from the very beginning.
In a play that garnered a chuckle from the NBC broadcast crew, Gerrard sprayed one out wide toward winger Jordan Ibe, when Ibe had already clearly made a run up the pitch. Similar passes were made later in the match as well. By no means is this a statement against Gerrard as a player. It could simply be time catching up or it could be a lack of form given his relative lack of playing time over recent weeks. Or, the most likely answer in reality, is it was just a poor performance and should be written off as such. Unfortunately, we have come to expect great things from Gerrard so often that anything less comes off as much worse than it was in reality.
The Liverpool skipper was by far, not the only player who had a less than stellar match. When you look at the overall performances of the team as a whole, Raheem Sterling, Emre Can and Martin Skrtel were the only players that had good performances. Lucas' departure so early in the match may have been a cause, perhaps throwing the team into a disarray. Joe Allen came on in his stead, and while he did not do anything wrong, he did what Joe Allen tends to do - nothing.
Allen gives his all out there during the match, usually doing a decent job of closing down or trying to plug up space. But given his normal position of a defensive, holding midfielder he just rarely cuts it. He is too small to be effective as a fourth or fifth defender, often getting muscled off the ball especially against Everton on this night. He gives the ball away too often in areas that may not lead to direct counter attacks, but still put his defensive teammates in a poor spot.
Even Daniel Sturridge had a poor showing. Sturridge did nothing wrong, really, but outside of a few nice moments he really disappeared in the late stages of the second half. This is not necessarily a reflection on him. He was not being set up in very opportune spots and often tried to get things going in a positive manner only to run into defenders. The team gained a brief spark when Sturridge first entered the game, but offensively you could tell they were looking to him too much after that instead of taking the game by the scruff.
The defense also returned to their shaky play. They did not fail to mark their counterparts or allow players in behind them. However, their footwork was questionable at best. Emre Can, save for his overconfident play late in the match against Lukaku, was very good. Martin Skrtel was ok. However, Sakho more than made up for both of them and that's not a good thing. Sakho marks his men very well and is a solid defensive back, but there are recreational league players who show better foot skills than Liverpool's left back.
Ultimately, I could go on for paragraph after paragraph singling out players and moments in the match. The bottom line is that this was a very disappointing match. It wasn't an end of the world result. Liverpool gained a point and are still alive. However, it was a match that was winnable and given circumstances in the table it would have been much more valuable to gain the three points as opposed to just one. No one can argue that a draw is not better than a loss, but the listlessness of the match just put a negative spin on this.
The Bolton replay may be to blame. While in the grand scheme of things, it is a positive thing for the club to remain in the FA Cup, it could be partially to blame for this type of result. Despite being a lower level club, Bolton really took it to the Reds in their midweek clash. Despite having their lone goal come on a questionable penalty, Bolton took the game to Liverpool and the Reds had to expend quite a bit of energy to score their own two goals. From the beginning of the Merseyside Derby, you could see that Liverpool just didn't have that jump and energy that you would normally see in such a rivalry match. The extra game is surely to blame, at least in part, for that.
It is not just Liverpool to blame for this result. Everton came out with a game plan and executed it reasonably well. The disappointing thing was just the way the match played out. It was boring, it was uneventful, it lacked pace and punch except for Jordan Ibe's blast on the Liverpool side and a great save by Simon Mingolet at the end of the match after a smart shot by Sheamus Coleman.
Liverpool just did not come out with the energy one would have hoped. Even though the club has struggled to finish goals in games past, if Liverpool came out and played with the form they have shown over the past few weeks there is no doubt they would have won. Everton lack much of the skill that the Reds have and if both are at their best, Liverpool should have gotten a win. Instead, Everton played ok and Liverpool made many mistakes and a 0-0 draw is what is the result.
Again, this result is not the end of the world. A point is a point and every point is valuable at this point in the season. It is just disappointing that so many players were either affected by the extra game during the week or lacked the mental fortitude to summon the energy for a derby. It is disappointing to watch two teams that need wins going forward to put so little into the match as a whole. It was disappointing to have the legend of Steven Gerrard end so unremarkably in regards to the Merseyside Derby. Both teams will go on their respective paths for the rest of the season, but this was just a disappointing match to watch.
Random thoughts:
- Perhaps it is just me, since I do not live in the cauldron of Liverpool and do not have to deal with the rivals literally living on my doorstep. However, Everton seem like those rivals that you hate and want to destroy in the derby but are ok with them doing well other than that. As long as Liverpool finish at least one place above them, Everton can finish as high as they want sort of deal. Maybe I'm wrong.
- In addition to the faults I found with the players, I wasn't completely on board with the substitutes. Ibe starting is fine due to his speed and youthful exuberance. I was a bit shocked to see Coutinho come off, even though he has played a lot of games lately. Joe Allen coming on makes sense from a positional sense but I would not have seen a problem using Markovic to replace Lucas and moving Gerrard back. Lambert is basically in the same boat with Fabio Borini and Mario Balotelli. He just doesn't do much.
- Liverpool had lots of shots and though credited with 6 on target, it was disappointing to not take advantage of Tim Howard not being in net. Being American, I am biased, but Howard is still one of the best Premier League keepers and not winning when he is not in the match makes it a bit more disappointing.
- I did not understand why Reds and Blues could not sit together. Everything I have heard in the past is that fan bases have intermingled during the Merseyside Derbies. I did not get the reasoning to not allow this just because the match was held at night.
Walk On
Saturday, February 7, 2015
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
FA Cup Match Goes From Terrible To Fantastic
Liverpool took on the Bolton Wanderers in an FA Cup rematch on Wednesday. It was a match that on the surface looked like nothing but a negative. Liverpool needed to focus on keeping their league form together, with a chance at a top four spot more alive than ever given the return of Daniel Sturridge. The replay was a match that appeared like nothing but a waste of resources. A game that, even if won, proved that the Reds did not have enough quality to dispatch of Bolton at Anfield. A game that would tire legs if no squad changes were made or disrupt team chemistry if changes were made.
Even once the game began, those things were still at the surface. Once the game finished, however, it was a different story. Liverpool began the match with a reasonably familiar squad with Adam Lallana, Lazar Markovic and Joe Allen really being the only changes from the weekly team.
The Reds came out and strung passes together. They limited chances. They pushed forward. However, as has been the case multiple times this season, they failed to really create solid scoring chances in the first half. It has been an ongoing theme that can be solved with a consistently healthy Daniel Sturridge, but only time can prove that true or untrue. Defensively, Liverpool did enough to quell any uprisings from the Bolton offense but they still have not instilled a great confidence within the supporters.
This was further proved when Martin Skrtel lunged in and was called for a penalty. Firstly, I don't think it was a penalty. I've seen many worse things happen in the penalty box and not get called. However, whether you or I think it was a penalty or not is immaterial. The bottom line is that Skrtel put himself in a position where the official was given the opportunity to decide. Skrtel is a fine defender as is Sakho. Emre Can is a decent defender in matches such as these. When faced with top talents, that has yet to be proven for sure. Unfortunately as a unit, there are too many times when they put themselves in poor places on the field.
Whether it was a penalty or not, Liverpool put themselves behind the eight ball early in the second half and things looked bleak even when they looked positive. Eidur Gudjohnsen made easy work of the penalty and it looked like Bolton would make that scoreline hold up. Liverpool pushed forward, seeing that Bolton was going to do nothing but defend. Can even moved up into a holding midfield role, reducing Liverpool's backline to two. For a long time, it seemed as though even the all out attack coupled with being a man up would not yield the goal.
Make no mistake, Brendan Rodgers went for it in this match. Every substitution was made for attack. Even placing Jordan Henderson in at holding midfield was done with attack in mind. The move actually, although briefly, placed Steven Gerrard as part of the attacking three. Fabio Borini was inserted after that and finally Daniel Sturridge got his first taste of FA Cup action this year. Liverpool bombed forward and threw everything at the goal.
Raheem Sterling chipped one off the post, Can slapped one off the crossbar and it just seemed as though Liverpool would not find that final magic moment to keep them in the match. However, Can would not be denied. Though he would not factor onto the sheet as the goal scorer, his ball through to Sterling was nothing short of fantastic. A lovely lofted ball, reminiscent of the ball tossed to Fabian Johnson just before the US Soccer team left for the World Cup. It would take a good finish from Sterling to prevent it from being just a good pass, but ultimately it was a world-class play that knotted up the game for the Reds.
Liverpool took a firm grasp on the match from there. It seemed as though Liverpool were destined to be winners at that point, whether in extra time or a late winner. In the end, the Reds would get the latter. Phillipe Coutinho took a wicked shot from just outside the box and though it looked to be sailing high, it had a beautiful dip and knicked in just off the crossbar.
It was an interesting goal from multiple facets. Firstly, Coutinho had been trying similar chances throughout the game, with none coming off obviously. It was something he needed to keep up his confidence. It came at a great time for the club, because win or lose, playing extra time may have been the worst case scenario. With an important league match against crosstown rival Everton on the weekend, using up more precious minutes on the legs would have been just short of a disaster. This goal prevented that. Beyond that though, it instilled a belief back in the supporters that this FA Cup is important and has value.
Even in this space, it has been questioned whether putting a full squad out in a replay would be worth it. It was not ultimately clear if this venture was the best use of resources, given the problems the club have had, the number of games in front and the goals still attainable. However, with a performance such as this and a goal to win in the dying embers of the match it became evident that it was worth it. The FA Cup, at least for this club at this time, is worth putting your all into. The traveling fans obviously believed it. So should we all, now.
Liverpool still have tough roads ahead. Crystal Palace will be no pushover in the next round of the FA. The Reds have winnable but still important league matches coming up. They also have the Europa League beginning soon as well. Brendan Rodgers is going to earn his money in the months to come, deciding who plays and when and which competitions are viable. One can only hope it is more than just coincidence that a team known as the Reds will be playing at a Crystal Palace on Valentines' Day. Supporters hope it is an omen. We shall see.
Random Thoughts:
- When the season began, it was not very evident to yours truly why Fabio Borini could not get any time in the squad. As the season goes on, it is no longer evident why he is now chosen over his international compatriot, Mario Balotelli. Everyone has their opinion on either one, but from this perspective I really see no difference in the two of them other than "effort." I put that in quotes, because all it is is running for running's sake. Borini makes no difference in his time on the field. He doesn't make a positive impact at all. Balotelli has decent foot skills and has lots of talent, but it has not been brought forth. People mainly fault him because he isn't running at all times. Borini has speed, but little else. His finishing is poor, his passing is poor but he runs. I just don't see it any longer.
- I'm a little surprised that Adam Lallana was brought off so early. I understand the rotation, to get Gerrard forward, but I'm curious as to why Allen was kept on so long.
- I think many supporters were hoping for additional ammo in the January window, but with the summer signings gelling very well with the squad - playing important roles in some cases - it probably was a good idea to keep the team as is.
Walk On
Even once the game began, those things were still at the surface. Once the game finished, however, it was a different story. Liverpool began the match with a reasonably familiar squad with Adam Lallana, Lazar Markovic and Joe Allen really being the only changes from the weekly team.
The Reds came out and strung passes together. They limited chances. They pushed forward. However, as has been the case multiple times this season, they failed to really create solid scoring chances in the first half. It has been an ongoing theme that can be solved with a consistently healthy Daniel Sturridge, but only time can prove that true or untrue. Defensively, Liverpool did enough to quell any uprisings from the Bolton offense but they still have not instilled a great confidence within the supporters.
This was further proved when Martin Skrtel lunged in and was called for a penalty. Firstly, I don't think it was a penalty. I've seen many worse things happen in the penalty box and not get called. However, whether you or I think it was a penalty or not is immaterial. The bottom line is that Skrtel put himself in a position where the official was given the opportunity to decide. Skrtel is a fine defender as is Sakho. Emre Can is a decent defender in matches such as these. When faced with top talents, that has yet to be proven for sure. Unfortunately as a unit, there are too many times when they put themselves in poor places on the field.
Whether it was a penalty or not, Liverpool put themselves behind the eight ball early in the second half and things looked bleak even when they looked positive. Eidur Gudjohnsen made easy work of the penalty and it looked like Bolton would make that scoreline hold up. Liverpool pushed forward, seeing that Bolton was going to do nothing but defend. Can even moved up into a holding midfield role, reducing Liverpool's backline to two. For a long time, it seemed as though even the all out attack coupled with being a man up would not yield the goal.
Make no mistake, Brendan Rodgers went for it in this match. Every substitution was made for attack. Even placing Jordan Henderson in at holding midfield was done with attack in mind. The move actually, although briefly, placed Steven Gerrard as part of the attacking three. Fabio Borini was inserted after that and finally Daniel Sturridge got his first taste of FA Cup action this year. Liverpool bombed forward and threw everything at the goal.
Raheem Sterling chipped one off the post, Can slapped one off the crossbar and it just seemed as though Liverpool would not find that final magic moment to keep them in the match. However, Can would not be denied. Though he would not factor onto the sheet as the goal scorer, his ball through to Sterling was nothing short of fantastic. A lovely lofted ball, reminiscent of the ball tossed to Fabian Johnson just before the US Soccer team left for the World Cup. It would take a good finish from Sterling to prevent it from being just a good pass, but ultimately it was a world-class play that knotted up the game for the Reds.
Liverpool took a firm grasp on the match from there. It seemed as though Liverpool were destined to be winners at that point, whether in extra time or a late winner. In the end, the Reds would get the latter. Phillipe Coutinho took a wicked shot from just outside the box and though it looked to be sailing high, it had a beautiful dip and knicked in just off the crossbar.
It was an interesting goal from multiple facets. Firstly, Coutinho had been trying similar chances throughout the game, with none coming off obviously. It was something he needed to keep up his confidence. It came at a great time for the club, because win or lose, playing extra time may have been the worst case scenario. With an important league match against crosstown rival Everton on the weekend, using up more precious minutes on the legs would have been just short of a disaster. This goal prevented that. Beyond that though, it instilled a belief back in the supporters that this FA Cup is important and has value.
Even in this space, it has been questioned whether putting a full squad out in a replay would be worth it. It was not ultimately clear if this venture was the best use of resources, given the problems the club have had, the number of games in front and the goals still attainable. However, with a performance such as this and a goal to win in the dying embers of the match it became evident that it was worth it. The FA Cup, at least for this club at this time, is worth putting your all into. The traveling fans obviously believed it. So should we all, now.
Liverpool still have tough roads ahead. Crystal Palace will be no pushover in the next round of the FA. The Reds have winnable but still important league matches coming up. They also have the Europa League beginning soon as well. Brendan Rodgers is going to earn his money in the months to come, deciding who plays and when and which competitions are viable. One can only hope it is more than just coincidence that a team known as the Reds will be playing at a Crystal Palace on Valentines' Day. Supporters hope it is an omen. We shall see.
Random Thoughts:
- When the season began, it was not very evident to yours truly why Fabio Borini could not get any time in the squad. As the season goes on, it is no longer evident why he is now chosen over his international compatriot, Mario Balotelli. Everyone has their opinion on either one, but from this perspective I really see no difference in the two of them other than "effort." I put that in quotes, because all it is is running for running's sake. Borini makes no difference in his time on the field. He doesn't make a positive impact at all. Balotelli has decent foot skills and has lots of talent, but it has not been brought forth. People mainly fault him because he isn't running at all times. Borini has speed, but little else. His finishing is poor, his passing is poor but he runs. I just don't see it any longer.
- I'm a little surprised that Adam Lallana was brought off so early. I understand the rotation, to get Gerrard forward, but I'm curious as to why Allen was kept on so long.
- I think many supporters were hoping for additional ammo in the January window, but with the summer signings gelling very well with the squad - playing important roles in some cases - it probably was a good idea to keep the team as is.
Walk On
Saturday, January 31, 2015
Liverpool Returns to League Action With Solid Win
The Reds returned to league action after what seemed like an eternity of cup matches in recent memory. They did so in fine fashion as well taking down West Ham United by a final of 2-0. Liverpool could, and perhaps should, have had more goals as well. In typical Liverpool fashion for this year, there were mistakes made along the way that keep their performances from being very good or great. However, there cannot be too many complaints following a victory against a side that was a point up in the table before the match began.
Since columns are usually written by whiney, frustrated people I may as well join their ranks for a few paragraphs and begin with the things I saw wrong with this match. Firstly, though a very talented player, Lazar Markovic returned to his shaky form from earlier this season. Markovic has speed up and down the field and hustles non-stop. It is his touch that falters him in important moments though.
In the seventh minute, Markovic failed to convert what should have been an early goal. It was not a gimme shot, but still for one as talented as he and one with the aspirations of being an Anfield legend, you have to put those away. Markovic also blasted one wide of the post just before the halftime break, which would have also put his team up by a goal again. He was clearly disappointed in himself, but the shot was not overly rushed and though there were some players in front it has to be put in the net.
Markovic was by no means the only player to falter in their attacking. Alberto Moreno was set up with a very nice cross by Raheem Sterling in the 47th minute. Moreno was unmarked and managed only to flail his left leg at the ball and connect just enough to at least keep the ball in play. Moreno is more of an attacking defender, in the mold of Roberto Carlos, but it was still a golden opportunity that needs to be better handled. Jordan Henderson also continued to prove that there is a pretty big drop off from Steven Gerrard to himself.
Henderson should not aspire to be Stevie G. It is an effort in futility. Henderson just isn't the quality of Gerrard and probably never will be. That does not mean that he is not or cannot be a top player at the club. Henderson gives his best on the pitch almost every game. He just lacks that final ball or touch that Gerrard brings to the captaincy. There were two free kicks that pop to mind, including the 70th minute, where Hendo blasted it right into the wall. He is not beyond learning to get better touch on those, but for right now Liverpool will have to find someone with better quality to replace Gerrard on free kicks come next season.
Before you begin to wonder where all this negativity comes from and think perhaps you were dreaming and the scoreline was reversed, fear not. Liverpool was indeed victorious and there were many good things to come from the match. Liverpool kept a clean sheet for the fourth match in a row. The defense, while still questionable and still giving fans that queezy feeling, played a very solid match. West Ham did not have a shot on target until the 32nd minute. With the exception of set pieces, the Hammers really created nothing from the flow of play. The one nit-picky item of mention regarding the back three was their inability to make quick passes out. Too often in the first half, they were forced to retreat in possession. This may well be due to a lack of off the ball movement, but the bottom line was West Ham continually pressured the ball and Liverpool were forced backward more than one would like.
The offense was very good. As previously mentioned, they did not finish as many chances as they should have. In addition to the misses by Henderson and Markovic, Jordan Ibe and Daniel Sturridge did not capitalize on chances in the 78th and 83rd minutes. Overall, however, they were good on the passes. Most balls were within a range that, even if they failed to do so, they had an opportunity to obtain and push into space. Sterling continued to show his growth as a star and his connection with Coutinho as they connected on Liverpool's first goal.
Liverpool were a bit fortunate with the deflection, but the chip pass from Coutinho to Sterling was cheekily created and deftly handled. Sterling then showed good composure - something that has at times lacked in his game this season - and slotted it past the goalkeeper. While he still occasionally tries to over-perform, Sterling continues to show that when he is within himself and composed that he could be an all-world caliber player. It may still be a likelihood to happen, Liverpool need to get pen to paper on a new deal for young Raheem.
One would be remiss to not mention the return of Daniel Sturridge as one of the biggest positives. Sturridge lacked his usual first touch, no doubt caused by not playing a game since August. He looked clearly rusty and a bit over-eager to run around. However, both he and the team looked very good when together on the pitch for the first time in almost five months. Liverpool looked very similar to their attack of last season with a formation of Sturridge, Sterling and Coutinho all rotating around. If Sturrige had not scored, his return would still have been a good omen of things to come with the ease the attacking line slipped into with his inclusion.
Sturridge was not about to let a chance to put his own little chapter in the Anfield annals though. 15 had a couple of good chances, as mentioned, in the 78th minute. Then, only two minutes later, Sturridge would bury one in the 80th minute to put his team up by two. Not only was the shot powerful and accurate, but with his weak foot. That is definitely an encouraging sign due to the fact that even when the SAS connection was flying last season, Sturridge's weak foot was often a weakness that he was uncomfortable using. On this evening, Sturridge struck the ball with supreme confidence and coupled with the sharp angle, made the goal all the more impressive.
Liverpool may still have questions within the squad. They may still not have quite enough to regularly challenge the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City, but they continue to move in positive ways. The moves made in the lineup are beneficial more than hindrances, as they were earlier. Lallana fit in well in his more central role and despite his falterings on this night, Markovic has proven that he is more than capable of playing a wing attacker or a more defensive winger position as well. That does nothing but help the depth of this club as they continue forward with Europa competitions and the FA Cup. Mistakes are made by just about any club. The important thing, for now, is the belief has returned. Walk on.
Random Thoughs:
- Liverpool need to take advantage of their fixture list in the league coming up. With the exception of the City match on March 1, all of February and March feature winnable games. If Liverpool can continue their current form, they could easily find themselves contending for a top four spot in April and May.
- Being a keeper, it pains me a bit to mention, but the manner in which keepers get so butt-hurt with the smallest of touches is aggravating. Adrian, West Ham's goalkeeper, was brushed along the ribs by Coutinho - who was trying to avoid contact. By his reaction, you would think Adrian had been shanked in the lunch line at the state penitentiary. Really? Goalkeepers are not accustomed to being hit, but these sorts of overreactions are not beneficial to the game.
- Speaking of overacting, I'm tired of players putting their teammates in peril because they want to lay on the deck in hopes of earning their opponent a yellow card. Markovic went down in the box after being grazed along the face and stayed down for a good 30 seconds. He is by no means the only player to do such things, but sooner or later those sorts of actions will be punished by an attack taking advantage of one fewer player involving themselves in the play.
Since columns are usually written by whiney, frustrated people I may as well join their ranks for a few paragraphs and begin with the things I saw wrong with this match. Firstly, though a very talented player, Lazar Markovic returned to his shaky form from earlier this season. Markovic has speed up and down the field and hustles non-stop. It is his touch that falters him in important moments though.
In the seventh minute, Markovic failed to convert what should have been an early goal. It was not a gimme shot, but still for one as talented as he and one with the aspirations of being an Anfield legend, you have to put those away. Markovic also blasted one wide of the post just before the halftime break, which would have also put his team up by a goal again. He was clearly disappointed in himself, but the shot was not overly rushed and though there were some players in front it has to be put in the net.
Markovic was by no means the only player to falter in their attacking. Alberto Moreno was set up with a very nice cross by Raheem Sterling in the 47th minute. Moreno was unmarked and managed only to flail his left leg at the ball and connect just enough to at least keep the ball in play. Moreno is more of an attacking defender, in the mold of Roberto Carlos, but it was still a golden opportunity that needs to be better handled. Jordan Henderson also continued to prove that there is a pretty big drop off from Steven Gerrard to himself.
Henderson should not aspire to be Stevie G. It is an effort in futility. Henderson just isn't the quality of Gerrard and probably never will be. That does not mean that he is not or cannot be a top player at the club. Henderson gives his best on the pitch almost every game. He just lacks that final ball or touch that Gerrard brings to the captaincy. There were two free kicks that pop to mind, including the 70th minute, where Hendo blasted it right into the wall. He is not beyond learning to get better touch on those, but for right now Liverpool will have to find someone with better quality to replace Gerrard on free kicks come next season.
Before you begin to wonder where all this negativity comes from and think perhaps you were dreaming and the scoreline was reversed, fear not. Liverpool was indeed victorious and there were many good things to come from the match. Liverpool kept a clean sheet for the fourth match in a row. The defense, while still questionable and still giving fans that queezy feeling, played a very solid match. West Ham did not have a shot on target until the 32nd minute. With the exception of set pieces, the Hammers really created nothing from the flow of play. The one nit-picky item of mention regarding the back three was their inability to make quick passes out. Too often in the first half, they were forced to retreat in possession. This may well be due to a lack of off the ball movement, but the bottom line was West Ham continually pressured the ball and Liverpool were forced backward more than one would like.
The offense was very good. As previously mentioned, they did not finish as many chances as they should have. In addition to the misses by Henderson and Markovic, Jordan Ibe and Daniel Sturridge did not capitalize on chances in the 78th and 83rd minutes. Overall, however, they were good on the passes. Most balls were within a range that, even if they failed to do so, they had an opportunity to obtain and push into space. Sterling continued to show his growth as a star and his connection with Coutinho as they connected on Liverpool's first goal.
Liverpool were a bit fortunate with the deflection, but the chip pass from Coutinho to Sterling was cheekily created and deftly handled. Sterling then showed good composure - something that has at times lacked in his game this season - and slotted it past the goalkeeper. While he still occasionally tries to over-perform, Sterling continues to show that when he is within himself and composed that he could be an all-world caliber player. It may still be a likelihood to happen, Liverpool need to get pen to paper on a new deal for young Raheem.
One would be remiss to not mention the return of Daniel Sturridge as one of the biggest positives. Sturridge lacked his usual first touch, no doubt caused by not playing a game since August. He looked clearly rusty and a bit over-eager to run around. However, both he and the team looked very good when together on the pitch for the first time in almost five months. Liverpool looked very similar to their attack of last season with a formation of Sturridge, Sterling and Coutinho all rotating around. If Sturrige had not scored, his return would still have been a good omen of things to come with the ease the attacking line slipped into with his inclusion.
Sturridge was not about to let a chance to put his own little chapter in the Anfield annals though. 15 had a couple of good chances, as mentioned, in the 78th minute. Then, only two minutes later, Sturridge would bury one in the 80th minute to put his team up by two. Not only was the shot powerful and accurate, but with his weak foot. That is definitely an encouraging sign due to the fact that even when the SAS connection was flying last season, Sturridge's weak foot was often a weakness that he was uncomfortable using. On this evening, Sturridge struck the ball with supreme confidence and coupled with the sharp angle, made the goal all the more impressive.
Liverpool may still have questions within the squad. They may still not have quite enough to regularly challenge the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City, but they continue to move in positive ways. The moves made in the lineup are beneficial more than hindrances, as they were earlier. Lallana fit in well in his more central role and despite his falterings on this night, Markovic has proven that he is more than capable of playing a wing attacker or a more defensive winger position as well. That does nothing but help the depth of this club as they continue forward with Europa competitions and the FA Cup. Mistakes are made by just about any club. The important thing, for now, is the belief has returned. Walk on.
Random Thoughs:
- Liverpool need to take advantage of their fixture list in the league coming up. With the exception of the City match on March 1, all of February and March feature winnable games. If Liverpool can continue their current form, they could easily find themselves contending for a top four spot in April and May.
- Being a keeper, it pains me a bit to mention, but the manner in which keepers get so butt-hurt with the smallest of touches is aggravating. Adrian, West Ham's goalkeeper, was brushed along the ribs by Coutinho - who was trying to avoid contact. By his reaction, you would think Adrian had been shanked in the lunch line at the state penitentiary. Really? Goalkeepers are not accustomed to being hit, but these sorts of overreactions are not beneficial to the game.
- Speaking of overacting, I'm tired of players putting their teammates in peril because they want to lay on the deck in hopes of earning their opponent a yellow card. Markovic went down in the box after being grazed along the face and stayed down for a good 30 seconds. He is by no means the only player to do such things, but sooner or later those sorts of actions will be punished by an attack taking advantage of one fewer player involving themselves in the play.
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Liverpool Lack the Quality to Defeat Chelsea
Before we get into the bulk of this, let me preface this blog by saying that I missed much of the match. Sometimes life takes precedence. Having said that, on to the game. Liverpool did what they needed to do for a decent portion of this game with one of their rivals, Chelsea. The Blues are one of the best teams in the world and showed it at the end of the extra time.
It can be hard for Liverpool supporters to stomach, especially those that have friends who support the Blues, but this season they have shown themselves to be one of the best in the world. It is a good showing for the Reds in that they have put themselves in a position to challenge Chelsea. The Liverpool from the beginning of the season would not have even reached extra time in this sort of matchup. In fact, the contest may have been decided long before had the Reds played the way they were at the start of the season. However, there really is no silver lining. Regardless of any positivity in terms of progress, the simple fact is that at the end of extra time, Liverpool were dreadful.
Liverpool had their chances during the game. They put 15 balls toward the goal and 4 on target. Thibault Courtois made a few really good saves, but Liverpool just lack that critical finisher, regardless of the amount of potential talent they have on the field. The second half of extra time was a prime example of this. As mentioned, Chelsea is one of the top 5 clubs in the world right now, but Liverpool just don't have the ability to break down a defense at the moment. Even with great talents like Raheem Sterling and Phillipe Coutinho, world class players like Gerrard, or decent players like Jordan Henderson they simply cannot consistently slice through a defense the way they did last season.
They have moments of brilliance. The passing to set up Coutinho's chance that was kicked away by Coutinho was clinical. We've seen glimpses of that throughout the year. Simply not enough though. The imminent return of Daniel Sturridge will improve things. If he returns to even part of the form he had last season, he immediately improves the club's ability to score. It is just frustrating that even though we see glimpses, there is still a huge disparity from what the club performed like last season and the big difference has basically been two players missing.
The extra time was extremely disappointing from a tactical standpoint. The Reds looked decent enough until the goal. After that, they really fell apart. They had a few opportunities, but really nothing that troubled the Chelsea goalkeeper. Again, all credit to the Blues. They won the game. However, the disparity in positive possession was quite astounding in the last 15 minutes. Liverpool looked lost. They blindly booted the ball around the pitch or headed the ball aimlessly up field with not inclination of where it might go. The Blues, on the other side, were cool and calm and knocked the ball around with ease. The Reds looked clueless when presented with opportunities on goal. They sailed several balls well over the goal, not even troubling the defense or goalkeeper.
From a Liverpool perspective, it was simply not good enough. Liverpool scored a quality goal at Anfield and had small windows of quality play. But in the grand scheme, over two full matches and two full periods of extra time, they just simply did not do enough to earn the wins. That is something that has to be rectified if Liverpool hope to return to the true upper echelon.
Despite the huge disappointment of not gaining a finals appearance in the league cup, Liverpool can still accomplish good things this season. They have fixed enough of their problems to make a good run at a top four spot. They still have an opportunity to reach Wembly with a good performance against Bolton and a reasonably favorable draw against Crystal Palace. Good things can still come from the rest of this season, but for one match they simply were not good enough. Walk on.
Personal thoughts:
- Blogs are, by nature, somewhat personal. I usually try to separate my deeper feelings from the blog, but I'm going to let a few out here.
- I am a big Brendan Rodgers fan. Most people, from what I've read, hated the reality series Being Liverpool. I loved it. I was really drawn to Rodgers' philosophy and feelings regarding the importance of the supporters and work ethic. However, sometimes he is clearly off his rocker. In the post match interview, he said Liverpool were the better side over the two days and were denied by Courtois. Courtois was the reason Chelsea drew in the first game, but to say you were the better team for two contests when you really weren't isn't reality. I understand trying to set a positive notion in the mind of the team, but some of his attempts to do so are completely from left field.
- Mario Balotelli is lost. I am one of the few, if only, supporters of Super Mario. Having part of my family be Italian makes me bias in that instance and I've seen the man's talent. But right now, even I have to admit he is terrible and just appears lost. I feel bad for him because I do think he wants to perform at Liverpool and wants to play well. However, you can see in his performance that he shoots when he should pass and passes when he should shoot and seems incapable of making the right decision. I hope he turns it around, if for no other reason than I own a Balotelli jersey, but the experiment may be a failure even for this dedicated supporter.
- Sterling and Coutinho have oodles of talent, but they are maddening. Similarly to Balotelli, but on a much smaller scale they like to shoot when they should pass and pass when they should shoot. When challenged by defenders that are actually world class, they seem to shrink. They still attempt to challenge them, but they get way too close to the defenders and often give it away. This is fine for early in matches because you want to test your opposition. When you are in extra time, with a finals appearance on the line, you simply must retain the ball. Too much carelessness. They are young though, so plenty of time to still learn it. Just frustrating for the moment.
- Jose Mourinho is one of the best managers in the world of club football, but he makes statements that make Rodgers look like a lyrical genius. I completely understand sticking up for your team, but to simply ignore anything negative any of his players ever does, from diving to stomping, and yet whine about every single thing that does not go your way is aggravating at best.
- Whether it's FIFA or the FA, if they want to retain credibility they must suspend Diego Costa. Taking all bias out of it, he may have gotten away with the stomps during the match but you cannot allow a player to deliberately stomp on an opponent and not be punished. It would not matter to me if it was a Liverpool player that was the offender in such an instance. Those things cannot be allowed in the game and regardless of who does it, they should be suspended.
15 chances, 4 on target.
BR says they were better side?
It can be hard for Liverpool supporters to stomach, especially those that have friends who support the Blues, but this season they have shown themselves to be one of the best in the world. It is a good showing for the Reds in that they have put themselves in a position to challenge Chelsea. The Liverpool from the beginning of the season would not have even reached extra time in this sort of matchup. In fact, the contest may have been decided long before had the Reds played the way they were at the start of the season. However, there really is no silver lining. Regardless of any positivity in terms of progress, the simple fact is that at the end of extra time, Liverpool were dreadful.
Liverpool had their chances during the game. They put 15 balls toward the goal and 4 on target. Thibault Courtois made a few really good saves, but Liverpool just lack that critical finisher, regardless of the amount of potential talent they have on the field. The second half of extra time was a prime example of this. As mentioned, Chelsea is one of the top 5 clubs in the world right now, but Liverpool just don't have the ability to break down a defense at the moment. Even with great talents like Raheem Sterling and Phillipe Coutinho, world class players like Gerrard, or decent players like Jordan Henderson they simply cannot consistently slice through a defense the way they did last season.
They have moments of brilliance. The passing to set up Coutinho's chance that was kicked away by Coutinho was clinical. We've seen glimpses of that throughout the year. Simply not enough though. The imminent return of Daniel Sturridge will improve things. If he returns to even part of the form he had last season, he immediately improves the club's ability to score. It is just frustrating that even though we see glimpses, there is still a huge disparity from what the club performed like last season and the big difference has basically been two players missing.
The extra time was extremely disappointing from a tactical standpoint. The Reds looked decent enough until the goal. After that, they really fell apart. They had a few opportunities, but really nothing that troubled the Chelsea goalkeeper. Again, all credit to the Blues. They won the game. However, the disparity in positive possession was quite astounding in the last 15 minutes. Liverpool looked lost. They blindly booted the ball around the pitch or headed the ball aimlessly up field with not inclination of where it might go. The Blues, on the other side, were cool and calm and knocked the ball around with ease. The Reds looked clueless when presented with opportunities on goal. They sailed several balls well over the goal, not even troubling the defense or goalkeeper.
From a Liverpool perspective, it was simply not good enough. Liverpool scored a quality goal at Anfield and had small windows of quality play. But in the grand scheme, over two full matches and two full periods of extra time, they just simply did not do enough to earn the wins. That is something that has to be rectified if Liverpool hope to return to the true upper echelon.
Despite the huge disappointment of not gaining a finals appearance in the league cup, Liverpool can still accomplish good things this season. They have fixed enough of their problems to make a good run at a top four spot. They still have an opportunity to reach Wembly with a good performance against Bolton and a reasonably favorable draw against Crystal Palace. Good things can still come from the rest of this season, but for one match they simply were not good enough. Walk on.
Personal thoughts:
- Blogs are, by nature, somewhat personal. I usually try to separate my deeper feelings from the blog, but I'm going to let a few out here.
- I am a big Brendan Rodgers fan. Most people, from what I've read, hated the reality series Being Liverpool. I loved it. I was really drawn to Rodgers' philosophy and feelings regarding the importance of the supporters and work ethic. However, sometimes he is clearly off his rocker. In the post match interview, he said Liverpool were the better side over the two days and were denied by Courtois. Courtois was the reason Chelsea drew in the first game, but to say you were the better team for two contests when you really weren't isn't reality. I understand trying to set a positive notion in the mind of the team, but some of his attempts to do so are completely from left field.
- Mario Balotelli is lost. I am one of the few, if only, supporters of Super Mario. Having part of my family be Italian makes me bias in that instance and I've seen the man's talent. But right now, even I have to admit he is terrible and just appears lost. I feel bad for him because I do think he wants to perform at Liverpool and wants to play well. However, you can see in his performance that he shoots when he should pass and passes when he should shoot and seems incapable of making the right decision. I hope he turns it around, if for no other reason than I own a Balotelli jersey, but the experiment may be a failure even for this dedicated supporter.
- Sterling and Coutinho have oodles of talent, but they are maddening. Similarly to Balotelli, but on a much smaller scale they like to shoot when they should pass and pass when they should shoot. When challenged by defenders that are actually world class, they seem to shrink. They still attempt to challenge them, but they get way too close to the defenders and often give it away. This is fine for early in matches because you want to test your opposition. When you are in extra time, with a finals appearance on the line, you simply must retain the ball. Too much carelessness. They are young though, so plenty of time to still learn it. Just frustrating for the moment.
- Jose Mourinho is one of the best managers in the world of club football, but he makes statements that make Rodgers look like a lyrical genius. I completely understand sticking up for your team, but to simply ignore anything negative any of his players ever does, from diving to stomping, and yet whine about every single thing that does not go your way is aggravating at best.
- Whether it's FIFA or the FA, if they want to retain credibility they must suspend Diego Costa. Taking all bias out of it, he may have gotten away with the stomps during the match but you cannot allow a player to deliberately stomp on an opponent and not be punished. It would not matter to me if it was a Liverpool player that was the offender in such an instance. Those things cannot be allowed in the game and regardless of who does it, they should be suspended.
15 chances, 4 on target.
BR says they were better side?
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Liverpool Face Replay After Drawing With The Wanderers
Before we get into the meat of this, I would like to say I appreciate Fox Sports broadcast of this FA Cup match. Most matches, you don't get to hear the crowd at Anfield sing You'll Never Walk Alone in full voice beforehand, but Fox allows the time before to hear the pageantry. Unless you're just a die hard rival of Liverpool, you have to get taken in by the entire stadium singing. Now then, on to the match.
Brendan Rodgers, again, proved that he's the manager and he'll make the decisions without the question of what others may think. While some may have advocated the inclusion of an actual striker or perhaps even a true center back, Rodgers went his own way. Even if you still want Sterling in the starting XI, you could argue that he should have played back in Coutinho or Lallana's spot. A spot Sterling will likely have to get used to once Daniel Sturridge finally returns. However, Rodgers' maligned favorites returned.
Glen Johnson, who has little if any fans left, got the start at right back. Emre Can moved to center, Sakho stayed on the left. Jose Enrique played at the wing along with Javier Manquillo. Not exactly the stuff of defensive legends and they looked equally shaky to begin the match. Liverpool would eventually take control about ten minutes in and keep control for much of the first half, but it was a first half performance that further proved this is a club that must look for more/better depth for future seasons. Joe Allen does what Allen does, which is disappear. The defensive three plus the wingbacks were decent enough for a match against Bolton, but if/when the competitions take on more meaning in the future years those pairings may not work.
Despite a very talented attacking three of Sterling, Lallana and Coutinho, the team lacked that decisive pass from the midfield or shot from the attackers. Lots of balls thrown forward with possession, but nothing from it once they were 18 yards from goal in the first half. Though they were clearly the more skilled side, Liverpool were actually lucky to be even at the half. Bolton, quite frankly, should have made the Reds pay about 13 minutes before the half. And absolute strike from Dean Moxey just outside the box skimmed barely wide. Mingolet was fortunate not to give the ball away right before halftime as well since he was a bit too adventurous out of his area.
Lazar Markovic checked in right at the beginning of the half, looking to spark the team. He almost did, but the Wanderers got away with a trip at the back on Markovic which would have allowed him a clear chance at goal. The foul was not given, but Liverpool had a small bit of justice done in return when Bolton air mailed their own free kick just moments after. The match went back and forth for the center portions of the second half. Liverpool forced a fine save only to see Bolton smash a chance wide that should have been put on target, just into the 60th minute and again by Gudjohnson in the 65th, this time whacked over.
The Reds just couldn't find that final ball from either a shot or pass to really put the match away. In the 66th minute, Sterling passed to Lallana instead of shooting. Slightly odd subs came on with the offensively challenged Lucas entering and Fabio Borini for Manquillo. But who moved to wing back? Sterling? It looked like it for a time. The Reds still managed to create good chances, but it really was a disjointed effort with the players on the pitch in odd positions. Borini was stopped by another great save in 70th minute and then Lucas actually got one on target in the dying moments, only to be parried away by the keeper.
Liverpool maintained a decent amount of possession. They kept their cool in a match where their EPL counterparts were falling by the wayside. They did have opportunities to score and they did what they needed to do defensively. By no means though, did they play a good game. Even the broadcasters said this squad reminded them more of the disjointed play of the Liverpool side seen back in November and prior. The back three as well as the wing backs did their job, but they looked shaky all game in doing so.
Can is a fine player, one who many hope will stay in a Liverpool shirt for years to come. However, he is not a center back. He can be utilized on the side of a back three, but having a player with huge defensive vulnerabilities and little, if any, aerial prowess in the middle of your defense is quite frightening. Allen is...well Allen. Jose Enrique is a decent player and qualified to start for lower level clubs but though he gives his best, it just isn't good enough on a regular basis. Jordan Henderson is another fine player, but he is quite inconsistent on the ball.
This was another match that makes you scratch your head. Liverpool can earn, and I do mean earn, a draw with Chelsea and then draw against Bolton and make it feel like a poor result. Given the context of many big clubs falling in the 4th round of the FA Cup, one can hang their hat on the idea that Liverpool is at least still alive. But you can also ask yourself if you would rather have lost. It goes against the very fiber of most fans, including myself. However, if you look at the cold hard facts does another match really benefit Liverpool at all even if they win?
The Reds have a difficult match with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge three days after this match. They have winnable, but important league matches to start off February and then begin their trek in the Europa League as well in February. Another 90 minutes of football on the legs isn't exactly beneficial to Liverpool's aims for the rest of the year. It is what it is though and the Reds have to find a way to deal with it. It is not something they anticipated, but with Chelsea and Manchester City out of the competition, perhaps the FA Cup can now join the Capital One Cup as a competition Liverpool can realistically set their sights on this season.
As previously mentioned, this match further proved just how much Liverpool needs to invest in more depth. I've gone on and on about the talent and potential within this team, but they just don't have enough talent to dominate teams the way a club of their stature should in these sorts of games. Yes, money has been spent but now the difficult decisions need to be made. Players need to be sold and replaced and solid, proven talent needs to be brought in to plug some of the gaps. This will surely not happen in January, but BR and the back room staff had better have a solid plan heading into the summer transfer window to keep this team on the uptick. Plenty of season left and silverware still on the table, but this was a relatively disappointing performance even if it did not eliminate the club. Walk on.
Random thoughts:
- I know I am in the minority, but I sincerely hope that Mario Balotelli does have a reported infection. Yes, they play a completely different position but the idea of Glen Johnson in the lineup and Balotelli not even a reserve puts quite a pit in my stomach.
- Eric Wynalda went down a few pegs in my book. After the match he said he watched the last 20 minutes without his glasses because Liverpool were so boring. The man is entitled to his opinion - and I did bag on the team in this blog - however boring seems a bit excessive. They had chances. Just don't have the offensive power to put them home.
- Funny how the entire ESPN FC staff was ripping on the FA Cup matchups being so bland and predictable. How'd that workout? Liverpool and Manchester United have replays and Chelsea and Man City are out. FA Cup might not be quite what it was, but the little teams still give their all.
- I'm pretty sure the broadcasters kept inquiring as to why Rickie Lambert wasn't coming in the match. The answer: Liverpool had already made all their subs. Being a broadcaster, it is easy to forget things but for both of them to forget and nobody in the stadium to tell them is slightly comical.
Brendan Rodgers, again, proved that he's the manager and he'll make the decisions without the question of what others may think. While some may have advocated the inclusion of an actual striker or perhaps even a true center back, Rodgers went his own way. Even if you still want Sterling in the starting XI, you could argue that he should have played back in Coutinho or Lallana's spot. A spot Sterling will likely have to get used to once Daniel Sturridge finally returns. However, Rodgers' maligned favorites returned.
Glen Johnson, who has little if any fans left, got the start at right back. Emre Can moved to center, Sakho stayed on the left. Jose Enrique played at the wing along with Javier Manquillo. Not exactly the stuff of defensive legends and they looked equally shaky to begin the match. Liverpool would eventually take control about ten minutes in and keep control for much of the first half, but it was a first half performance that further proved this is a club that must look for more/better depth for future seasons. Joe Allen does what Allen does, which is disappear. The defensive three plus the wingbacks were decent enough for a match against Bolton, but if/when the competitions take on more meaning in the future years those pairings may not work.
Despite a very talented attacking three of Sterling, Lallana and Coutinho, the team lacked that decisive pass from the midfield or shot from the attackers. Lots of balls thrown forward with possession, but nothing from it once they were 18 yards from goal in the first half. Though they were clearly the more skilled side, Liverpool were actually lucky to be even at the half. Bolton, quite frankly, should have made the Reds pay about 13 minutes before the half. And absolute strike from Dean Moxey just outside the box skimmed barely wide. Mingolet was fortunate not to give the ball away right before halftime as well since he was a bit too adventurous out of his area.
Lazar Markovic checked in right at the beginning of the half, looking to spark the team. He almost did, but the Wanderers got away with a trip at the back on Markovic which would have allowed him a clear chance at goal. The foul was not given, but Liverpool had a small bit of justice done in return when Bolton air mailed their own free kick just moments after. The match went back and forth for the center portions of the second half. Liverpool forced a fine save only to see Bolton smash a chance wide that should have been put on target, just into the 60th minute and again by Gudjohnson in the 65th, this time whacked over.
The Reds just couldn't find that final ball from either a shot or pass to really put the match away. In the 66th minute, Sterling passed to Lallana instead of shooting. Slightly odd subs came on with the offensively challenged Lucas entering and Fabio Borini for Manquillo. But who moved to wing back? Sterling? It looked like it for a time. The Reds still managed to create good chances, but it really was a disjointed effort with the players on the pitch in odd positions. Borini was stopped by another great save in 70th minute and then Lucas actually got one on target in the dying moments, only to be parried away by the keeper.
Liverpool maintained a decent amount of possession. They kept their cool in a match where their EPL counterparts were falling by the wayside. They did have opportunities to score and they did what they needed to do defensively. By no means though, did they play a good game. Even the broadcasters said this squad reminded them more of the disjointed play of the Liverpool side seen back in November and prior. The back three as well as the wing backs did their job, but they looked shaky all game in doing so.
Can is a fine player, one who many hope will stay in a Liverpool shirt for years to come. However, he is not a center back. He can be utilized on the side of a back three, but having a player with huge defensive vulnerabilities and little, if any, aerial prowess in the middle of your defense is quite frightening. Allen is...well Allen. Jose Enrique is a decent player and qualified to start for lower level clubs but though he gives his best, it just isn't good enough on a regular basis. Jordan Henderson is another fine player, but he is quite inconsistent on the ball.
This was another match that makes you scratch your head. Liverpool can earn, and I do mean earn, a draw with Chelsea and then draw against Bolton and make it feel like a poor result. Given the context of many big clubs falling in the 4th round of the FA Cup, one can hang their hat on the idea that Liverpool is at least still alive. But you can also ask yourself if you would rather have lost. It goes against the very fiber of most fans, including myself. However, if you look at the cold hard facts does another match really benefit Liverpool at all even if they win?
The Reds have a difficult match with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge three days after this match. They have winnable, but important league matches to start off February and then begin their trek in the Europa League as well in February. Another 90 minutes of football on the legs isn't exactly beneficial to Liverpool's aims for the rest of the year. It is what it is though and the Reds have to find a way to deal with it. It is not something they anticipated, but with Chelsea and Manchester City out of the competition, perhaps the FA Cup can now join the Capital One Cup as a competition Liverpool can realistically set their sights on this season.
As previously mentioned, this match further proved just how much Liverpool needs to invest in more depth. I've gone on and on about the talent and potential within this team, but they just don't have enough talent to dominate teams the way a club of their stature should in these sorts of games. Yes, money has been spent but now the difficult decisions need to be made. Players need to be sold and replaced and solid, proven talent needs to be brought in to plug some of the gaps. This will surely not happen in January, but BR and the back room staff had better have a solid plan heading into the summer transfer window to keep this team on the uptick. Plenty of season left and silverware still on the table, but this was a relatively disappointing performance even if it did not eliminate the club. Walk on.
Random thoughts:
- I know I am in the minority, but I sincerely hope that Mario Balotelli does have a reported infection. Yes, they play a completely different position but the idea of Glen Johnson in the lineup and Balotelli not even a reserve puts quite a pit in my stomach.
- Eric Wynalda went down a few pegs in my book. After the match he said he watched the last 20 minutes without his glasses because Liverpool were so boring. The man is entitled to his opinion - and I did bag on the team in this blog - however boring seems a bit excessive. They had chances. Just don't have the offensive power to put them home.
- Funny how the entire ESPN FC staff was ripping on the FA Cup matchups being so bland and predictable. How'd that workout? Liverpool and Manchester United have replays and Chelsea and Man City are out. FA Cup might not be quite what it was, but the little teams still give their all.
- I'm pretty sure the broadcasters kept inquiring as to why Rickie Lambert wasn't coming in the match. The answer: Liverpool had already made all their subs. Being a broadcaster, it is easy to forget things but for both of them to forget and nobody in the stadium to tell them is slightly comical.
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Liverpool take it to the Blues
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.
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.
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.
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