The Capital One Cup, as ever, is a competition of major consternation for fans. Some see the value, especially if things are not going well in the league, and others see it as nothing but a distraction. In the opening 45 minutes of the semifinal against Stoke, both sides would see their opinions validated.
Liverpool saw things come crashing down in the grand scheme of things, as an already injury riddled team was bitten once more. Hamstring injuries cost both Dejan Lovren and, perhaps more importantly, Coutinho their days very early in the contest. On the flip side of that coin, one of the substitutes, Jordan Ibe, provided the moment of brilliance that would put the Reds on top of the match.
Ibe put in a left footer in the 37th minte. After initially controlling what appeared to be a mishit shot by Joe Allen, Ibe neatly tucked it into the side netting on the far side to finish off one of many first half chances by Liverpool. Unfortunately for the Reds, it was their only score of the half when they should have had several. Even the commentator, Jon Champion, mentioned that it should not have been a surprise that Liverpool had the lead but by how many.
That failure to score more than one in the opening half looked like something Liverpool might rue once the second opened. Stoke, having received a stern talking to in the locker room no doubt, came out strong and tested the weakened Liverpool backline. Due to Lovren's injury, James Milner came on as the sub and Lucas was pushed into a de facto center back role. This worked fine when Liverpool were on the attack early in the game, but was decidedly a disadvantage in the second.
Liverpool created the odd chance, but never seemed to fully regain their grasp on the game. Even when seemingly defending well, things almost went wrong. In the 77th minute, a deflected shot almost chipped Simon Mignolet. Fortunately the keeper was on his toes and able to poke it over the crossbar.
The night seemed to get worse as it went on. Kolo Toure was suffering from a hamstring injury with all the Reds' subs used up. As he soldiered on, Jonathan Walters almost equalized right at the death but saw it scrape the face of goal and go wide.
Liverpool will count their blessings with the 1-0 victory. While they should have won by more and should be disappointed to once again fail to score more than a goal and rely on defense in the second half, they will be glad to have scored the all important away goal and kept their hopes of a Wembly final alive and well.
Fans will, no doubt, lament the injuries. Liverpool could well be without any of their center backs going into their FA Cup match against Exeter on January 8th. Depending on severity, they could be without Coutinho for awhile with important matches in the league coming up. Sadly, given the team's league form of late, the focus may need to stay on cup competitions. At this stage, all fans can do is wait for the ever-growing injury report.
Random Thoughts:
- It was nice to be able to see this match on television. It won't last, since it is only a free preview of BeInSports for ATT-Uverse, but at least I didn't have to worry about virus-laden links to online viewing.
- Liverpool will almost have to turn to their youth teams for defending in their next match, regardless of how much importance they wish to put on a cup match. With every single central defender currently hobbled, it might not be worth the risk to send anyone out there at less than 100%. Especially when none of them might even be at 50%. LFC's best hope is that Toure only had a cramp.
- Jurgen Klopp's recent comment about hating hamstrings is going from an amusing comment to an actual disdain. Since few, if any, of those reading this (and certainly myself) have not played at a professional level, we can't fully understand the complexities of injuries and how the amount games or lack thereof can impact it. That being said, it seems too coincidental that almost all of Liverpool's injuries seem to be hamstring related. Either the training staff needs to be examined or the training methods.
Walk On
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
Saturday, January 2, 2016
Liverpool Continue Their Jeckyll and Hyde Performances
In the latest episode of As Liverpool Turns, the game did not start on the correct foot. Since the initial shine wore off of Jurgen Klopp, the team he is in charge of have been Jekyll and Hyde. We saw the Hyde part toward the beginning of the match, especially in the back four. After being the saving grace in their Boxing Day match, the back four were to blame for the initial goal given up against West Ham in the first match of 2016.
Alberto Moreno made a run up the left hand side, only to be fouled and not given a free kick. Whether you believe it was a foul or not quickly became irrelevant. Moreno stayed on the ground in an effort to make it look worse than it was, West Ham drove down through his vacated position and slipped a beautiful cross inside the box. It was finished off by Michail Antonio and so were Liverpool.
The Reds looked a shambles during the opening quarter hour. Very little in attack and akin to a man's first attempt at walking on stilts in defense. If not for the woodwork, Liverpool would have been down 2-0 in the 17th minute after Manuel Lanzini sent a knuckleball past a bewildered Simon Mignolet, only to see it ricochet back toward the field.
In attack, Liverpool looked just as shaky in the first half. There was no attack for the first few minutes and when they got a little more cohesive, none of the attacking players were able to keep the ball settled down. Sadly, the Reds' best attack in the opening half hour was when Jordan Ibe dribbled it over the endline. That same statement could be made for the entire half, with the exception of a few decent corners and a side footer from Emre Can knicking off the crossbar.
As a whole, the opening half was just a shambles. Fortunately for the Reds, the back four rebounded from their weak start and redeemed themselves. Moreno came all the way across the field to make a smart tackle to avoid a shot on goal and Nathaniel Clyne made a block during a counter attack that would have seen Mignolet have a 50/50 chance, at best, to save it.
Liverpool opened up the second more positively, but things just weren't quite on. Benteke was set up nicely by Moreno in the 51st minute, but oddly opened up his body to direct the shot well wide instead of trying to strike the ball. Then, despite the ok chances and decent possession, it all went to pot. Andy Carroll, was set up with a header on the counter attack and the former Liverpool striker made his ex-team pay.
That would be the final score and continue to prove that this current incarnation of Liverpool are simply an enigma. They show up against the big boys, but in a season where the big boys are not the teams to contend with, they fail to play well enough against the other clubs. What is more, this squad always seems on the cusp. A win would have seen them, if only temporarily, within two points of a top four spot. Now they remain five back with Spurs still to play this weekend and playing equally enigmatic Everton.
There are excuses, but weak ones. Danny Ings, Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi, Jordan Henderson and James Milner are all out with various injuries. With the exception of Ings and Sturridge though, none of those names really pop off the page as really making the difference in any loss this season. January might provide no reinforcements, regardless of their need. Whether they are truly good enough or not, these players have to stand up and be accounted. This run of inconsistency is simply not good enough from a professional at this level.
Random Thoughts:
- As much as I may dislike Adam Lallana, perhaps the team does play better with him in there. A trio of Coutinho, Firmino and Ibe should be a force to be reckoned with. They should have been switching constantly and making runs in behind to support Benteke. Instead, they were mired in quicksand without a clue.
- People wanting to get rid of Simon Mignolet should watch the 69th minute. He is pretty bad at corner kicks, that much is true. However, he is one of the better shot stoppers in the league. He denied Carroll on the initial header and then sprawled to collect the rebound as well. I've made this point in the past, but unless there is someone out there that is head and shoulders better in every aspect, I would not be willing to change goalkeepers simply to have someone who is only better at defending corners.
- Chances are Liverpool will have to wait until the summer to make any significant additions. That said, every mediocre to poor result makes even myself hope for something to happen in the January window. Initially it seemed a good idea to wait, let the season play out and hope players returning from injury would be enough. Now, standing pat in the winter seems a terrible mistake.
Walk On
Alberto Moreno made a run up the left hand side, only to be fouled and not given a free kick. Whether you believe it was a foul or not quickly became irrelevant. Moreno stayed on the ground in an effort to make it look worse than it was, West Ham drove down through his vacated position and slipped a beautiful cross inside the box. It was finished off by Michail Antonio and so were Liverpool.
The Reds looked a shambles during the opening quarter hour. Very little in attack and akin to a man's first attempt at walking on stilts in defense. If not for the woodwork, Liverpool would have been down 2-0 in the 17th minute after Manuel Lanzini sent a knuckleball past a bewildered Simon Mignolet, only to see it ricochet back toward the field.
In attack, Liverpool looked just as shaky in the first half. There was no attack for the first few minutes and when they got a little more cohesive, none of the attacking players were able to keep the ball settled down. Sadly, the Reds' best attack in the opening half hour was when Jordan Ibe dribbled it over the endline. That same statement could be made for the entire half, with the exception of a few decent corners and a side footer from Emre Can knicking off the crossbar.
As a whole, the opening half was just a shambles. Fortunately for the Reds, the back four rebounded from their weak start and redeemed themselves. Moreno came all the way across the field to make a smart tackle to avoid a shot on goal and Nathaniel Clyne made a block during a counter attack that would have seen Mignolet have a 50/50 chance, at best, to save it.
Liverpool opened up the second more positively, but things just weren't quite on. Benteke was set up nicely by Moreno in the 51st minute, but oddly opened up his body to direct the shot well wide instead of trying to strike the ball. Then, despite the ok chances and decent possession, it all went to pot. Andy Carroll, was set up with a header on the counter attack and the former Liverpool striker made his ex-team pay.
That would be the final score and continue to prove that this current incarnation of Liverpool are simply an enigma. They show up against the big boys, but in a season where the big boys are not the teams to contend with, they fail to play well enough against the other clubs. What is more, this squad always seems on the cusp. A win would have seen them, if only temporarily, within two points of a top four spot. Now they remain five back with Spurs still to play this weekend and playing equally enigmatic Everton.
There are excuses, but weak ones. Danny Ings, Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi, Jordan Henderson and James Milner are all out with various injuries. With the exception of Ings and Sturridge though, none of those names really pop off the page as really making the difference in any loss this season. January might provide no reinforcements, regardless of their need. Whether they are truly good enough or not, these players have to stand up and be accounted. This run of inconsistency is simply not good enough from a professional at this level.
Random Thoughts:
- As much as I may dislike Adam Lallana, perhaps the team does play better with him in there. A trio of Coutinho, Firmino and Ibe should be a force to be reckoned with. They should have been switching constantly and making runs in behind to support Benteke. Instead, they were mired in quicksand without a clue.
- People wanting to get rid of Simon Mignolet should watch the 69th minute. He is pretty bad at corner kicks, that much is true. However, he is one of the better shot stoppers in the league. He denied Carroll on the initial header and then sprawled to collect the rebound as well. I've made this point in the past, but unless there is someone out there that is head and shoulders better in every aspect, I would not be willing to change goalkeepers simply to have someone who is only better at defending corners.
- Chances are Liverpool will have to wait until the summer to make any significant additions. That said, every mediocre to poor result makes even myself hope for something to happen in the January window. Initially it seemed a good idea to wait, let the season play out and hope players returning from injury would be enough. Now, standing pat in the winter seems a terrible mistake.
Walk On
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Liverpool Winning Games In Manchester United Style
It's not something any Liverpool supporter wants to think about, but right now Liverpool are winning in the same way Manchester United was winning earlier in the season. The wins aren't pretty by any stretch of the imagination, but at this stage of the season three points is really all that matters. Liverpool dominated most of the play in the opening 45, but failed to make a notch on the scoreboard. Roberto Firmino blasted one off the post in the 25th minute after faking out two defenders. Firmino was very solid in the first half, but just could not add to his league goal tally, which only sits at one currently. Firmino was also denied with a spectacular save by Vito Mannone off his header in the 36th.
Liverpool had 66% of the possession in the first half, but couldn't break down the Sunderland defense. As the game moved along, the Blackcats came close to countering as well. The back four switched off for a moment and former Red, Fabio Borini almost poached a goal in the 33rd. Sunderland also wasted a dangerous free kick when Adam Johnson skied it from just outside the box after a foolish challenge from Sakho.
Whether by skill or pure luck, Benteke took advantage of an early miscue by the Sunderland defenders and Liverpool scored only seconds into the second half. The pass seemed to go through several bodies without taking a solid touch only to find the Belgian alone in the box behind everyone as he slotted it just past the keeper. After that, there was very little to speak of for either team, both positively or negatively. Liverpool were extremely clumsy in the 77th minute and almost conceded. A poor Firmino clearance almost led to a goal. Late substitute, Jordan Ibe, butchered a chance in the 88th minute that would have sealed the game by smashing the shot over the bar. Then Benteke did the same as he shot into the goaltender in the 92nd.
Ultimately the three points were earned and the team moved up to seventh and within five points of a Champions League spot. They also tied themselves on points with hated rival, Manchester United. Much like their rivals, the wins have not been visually pleasing to the fans but they all count the same at the end of the year. The interesting thing to view has been the different trajectories of the teams. Despite being equal on points, United is in crisis and might fire their manager while Liverpool are on more of a slow, steady rise and are being praised for falling in line with Jurgen Klopp.
One of the things that remains a concern is the lack of goals. Liverpool are currently the only team in the top ten that are not on the positive side of goal differential. Liverpool's main problem seems to be they win games by one goal and then lose by multiple goals. As well as the Red's defense can play at times, they need to figure out a way to score more frequently. The defense is not good enough to win all the games for the team, so more goals are an absolute must. The same is said for the Red Devils. It's not an enviable position for Liverpool fans to be in - to be compared to anything from Manchester - but when the Champions League and even the top of the league is still within at least a dream, then the Reds will take it.
Random Thoughts:
- I'd like to thank either NBC Sports or ATT Uverse for saying the game started at 2pm. I turned it on a minute after 2 and the game was already 16 minutes in. At least nothing major happened.
- The sport is one of inconsistency, but the Brazilians of Liverpool need to find a way to do more in every game. While Firmino had a pretty decent showing, Coutinho was almost nonexistent.
- Say what you will about the tackle, but many Reds' fans had to be worried when Sakho looked to be injured. Skrtel is already nursing an injury and Sakho, himself, only recently returned from injury. With only Kolo Toure in central defense left, any further injury might force Emre Can back into the uncomfortable role of defender.
Walk On
Liverpool had 66% of the possession in the first half, but couldn't break down the Sunderland defense. As the game moved along, the Blackcats came close to countering as well. The back four switched off for a moment and former Red, Fabio Borini almost poached a goal in the 33rd. Sunderland also wasted a dangerous free kick when Adam Johnson skied it from just outside the box after a foolish challenge from Sakho.
Whether by skill or pure luck, Benteke took advantage of an early miscue by the Sunderland defenders and Liverpool scored only seconds into the second half. The pass seemed to go through several bodies without taking a solid touch only to find the Belgian alone in the box behind everyone as he slotted it just past the keeper. After that, there was very little to speak of for either team, both positively or negatively. Liverpool were extremely clumsy in the 77th minute and almost conceded. A poor Firmino clearance almost led to a goal. Late substitute, Jordan Ibe, butchered a chance in the 88th minute that would have sealed the game by smashing the shot over the bar. Then Benteke did the same as he shot into the goaltender in the 92nd.
Ultimately the three points were earned and the team moved up to seventh and within five points of a Champions League spot. They also tied themselves on points with hated rival, Manchester United. Much like their rivals, the wins have not been visually pleasing to the fans but they all count the same at the end of the year. The interesting thing to view has been the different trajectories of the teams. Despite being equal on points, United is in crisis and might fire their manager while Liverpool are on more of a slow, steady rise and are being praised for falling in line with Jurgen Klopp.
One of the things that remains a concern is the lack of goals. Liverpool are currently the only team in the top ten that are not on the positive side of goal differential. Liverpool's main problem seems to be they win games by one goal and then lose by multiple goals. As well as the Red's defense can play at times, they need to figure out a way to score more frequently. The defense is not good enough to win all the games for the team, so more goals are an absolute must. The same is said for the Red Devils. It's not an enviable position for Liverpool fans to be in - to be compared to anything from Manchester - but when the Champions League and even the top of the league is still within at least a dream, then the Reds will take it.
Random Thoughts:
- I'd like to thank either NBC Sports or ATT Uverse for saying the game started at 2pm. I turned it on a minute after 2 and the game was already 16 minutes in. At least nothing major happened.
- The sport is one of inconsistency, but the Brazilians of Liverpool need to find a way to do more in every game. While Firmino had a pretty decent showing, Coutinho was almost nonexistent.
- Say what you will about the tackle, but many Reds' fans had to be worried when Sakho looked to be injured. Skrtel is already nursing an injury and Sakho, himself, only recently returned from injury. With only Kolo Toure in central defense left, any further injury might force Emre Can back into the uncomfortable role of defender.
Walk On
Saturday, December 26, 2015
Liverpool's Boxing Day Match Ends In Victory
Merry Christmas to all the Reds fans out there. Hopefully you all had a wonderful holiday spent with family, friends or perhaps some alone time if you had too much of the prior two. On to the point - Liverpool. The Reds came out very nicely against the league leaders, Leicester City.
Outside of a quick chance in the first two minutes, a header from Jamie Vardy about halfway through the first half and a huge save from Simon Mingolet against Mahrez late in the half, it was mostly Liverpool in the attacking third. Liverpool looked like a classic LFC squad playing against what Leicester would normally be thought of as. It was pure dominance by the team in Christmas red. Unfortunately for the Kop and for fans around the world, Liverpool could not find the back of the net in the opening half.
They had plenty of opportunities. Divock Origi was extremely lively in the striker role. Coutinho was causing loads of problems in a roaming role when on attack. There were lots of good runs and pushes toward goal. Yet, again, Liverpool could not find paydirt. Their best chances included a header from Sakho, a shot from Origi that almost snuck past Kasper Schmeichel on the near side and another on the far side that just skimmed wide.
The big question would be whether Liverpool would rue their missed chances to poach a goal against the team that was top of the table. Unfortunately for the Reds, their best attacker couldn't make it through the entire half. Origi, though very inconsistent game to game, looked the most likely man to score out of the entire 22 on the pitch. He picked up an apparent injury and could not finish the half, ceding his position to Christian Benteke who has been out of form and out of the lineup.
Liverpool continued their offensive play in the second half as well. With the scoreline being what it was, Leicester pushed forward into a few more counters, but it was still mostly Liverpool in possession and in the offensive third. Then, with a little under half an hour left in the game, Liverpool finally found a little gold.
Benteke managed to find a bit of space toward the top of the box and was found with the cross. The big Belgian had to stretch to reach the ball, but got the perfect amount of touch with his right foot to slide it past the defenders and beat the keeper. Anfield rose to life with that tally and though Liverpool stayed on the attack, it was now on the much maligned Liverpool defense and goalkeeper to keep the three points.
The team would need them as the Foxes started knocking on the doorstep. Mingolet managed a top notch save in the 74th minute, only to struggle on a couple ensuing set pieces. Sakho was in perfect position, whether by design or luck, and saved a potential goal, allowing Mingolet to claim it off his thigh in the 82nd minute. The Liverpool defenders held off mad scrambles toward the end of regulation and in fact went the full 90 without conceding.
Liverpool almost butchered the game in stoppage time however. The Leicester keeper was joining the attack and not only did Benteke fail to score on an empty net - allowing the block from a defender - but Leicester almost created a score at the death. In the end, it was an incredibly hard earned three points and Liverpool were the deserving victors. They changed their own formation to force Leicester into unfamiliar situations, they had tons of energy and performed every facet of the game well enough to get the win. While the Boxing Day match was a bit too much of a boxing match toward the end of the game, it was still a good performance by the Reds and a good way to cap off the holiday.
Random Thoughts:
- Christian Benteke is quickly becoming Mario Balotelli without the attitude and distraction. You can tell the talent is there, but it is quite incomplete right now. While the missed goal in stoppage time was the cherry on top, Benteke is simply an enigma right now. Coming into the year everyone said Origi was the incomplete forward and Benteke was already more of a finished product. Based on performance and the clear opinion of the manager, that situation seems to be reversed right now.
- The Brazilian duo of Coutinho and Firmino are also a bit maddening. Coutinho was fantastic in the first half only to disappear, aside from his near goal skimming off the top netting, in the second half. Firmino has flashes, brief glimpses but little more. Much like Benteke, you can tell the skill is there but he still struggles to adjust to the English game.
- Outside of one or two minor mistakes, Dejan Lovren had a very good game. He will likely never shake his current status with many Liverpool fans but his performance against the Foxes was exactly what many expected from him when he signed.
Walk On
Outside of a quick chance in the first two minutes, a header from Jamie Vardy about halfway through the first half and a huge save from Simon Mingolet against Mahrez late in the half, it was mostly Liverpool in the attacking third. Liverpool looked like a classic LFC squad playing against what Leicester would normally be thought of as. It was pure dominance by the team in Christmas red. Unfortunately for the Kop and for fans around the world, Liverpool could not find the back of the net in the opening half.
They had plenty of opportunities. Divock Origi was extremely lively in the striker role. Coutinho was causing loads of problems in a roaming role when on attack. There were lots of good runs and pushes toward goal. Yet, again, Liverpool could not find paydirt. Their best chances included a header from Sakho, a shot from Origi that almost snuck past Kasper Schmeichel on the near side and another on the far side that just skimmed wide.
The big question would be whether Liverpool would rue their missed chances to poach a goal against the team that was top of the table. Unfortunately for the Reds, their best attacker couldn't make it through the entire half. Origi, though very inconsistent game to game, looked the most likely man to score out of the entire 22 on the pitch. He picked up an apparent injury and could not finish the half, ceding his position to Christian Benteke who has been out of form and out of the lineup.
Liverpool continued their offensive play in the second half as well. With the scoreline being what it was, Leicester pushed forward into a few more counters, but it was still mostly Liverpool in possession and in the offensive third. Then, with a little under half an hour left in the game, Liverpool finally found a little gold.
Benteke managed to find a bit of space toward the top of the box and was found with the cross. The big Belgian had to stretch to reach the ball, but got the perfect amount of touch with his right foot to slide it past the defenders and beat the keeper. Anfield rose to life with that tally and though Liverpool stayed on the attack, it was now on the much maligned Liverpool defense and goalkeeper to keep the three points.
The team would need them as the Foxes started knocking on the doorstep. Mingolet managed a top notch save in the 74th minute, only to struggle on a couple ensuing set pieces. Sakho was in perfect position, whether by design or luck, and saved a potential goal, allowing Mingolet to claim it off his thigh in the 82nd minute. The Liverpool defenders held off mad scrambles toward the end of regulation and in fact went the full 90 without conceding.
Liverpool almost butchered the game in stoppage time however. The Leicester keeper was joining the attack and not only did Benteke fail to score on an empty net - allowing the block from a defender - but Leicester almost created a score at the death. In the end, it was an incredibly hard earned three points and Liverpool were the deserving victors. They changed their own formation to force Leicester into unfamiliar situations, they had tons of energy and performed every facet of the game well enough to get the win. While the Boxing Day match was a bit too much of a boxing match toward the end of the game, it was still a good performance by the Reds and a good way to cap off the holiday.
Random Thoughts:
- Christian Benteke is quickly becoming Mario Balotelli without the attitude and distraction. You can tell the talent is there, but it is quite incomplete right now. While the missed goal in stoppage time was the cherry on top, Benteke is simply an enigma right now. Coming into the year everyone said Origi was the incomplete forward and Benteke was already more of a finished product. Based on performance and the clear opinion of the manager, that situation seems to be reversed right now.
- The Brazilian duo of Coutinho and Firmino are also a bit maddening. Coutinho was fantastic in the first half only to disappear, aside from his near goal skimming off the top netting, in the second half. Firmino has flashes, brief glimpses but little more. Much like Benteke, you can tell the skill is there but he still struggles to adjust to the English game.
- Outside of one or two minor mistakes, Dejan Lovren had a very good game. He will likely never shake his current status with many Liverpool fans but his performance against the Foxes was exactly what many expected from him when he signed.
Walk On
Sunday, December 20, 2015
The Force Is Not Strong With Liverpool Against Watford
My apologies for the title, but after a game like that one has to try and pick up their spirits. You know the day is not going to go well when the club allow a goal such as the one given up in the first few minutes. Rarely, in this writer's eyes, is the goalkeeper truly to blame for a goal but Adam Bogdan was at fault for the opening goal of the contest.
It appeared as though Bogdan overjumped in his attempt to claim the ball and had to adjust the position of his hands. He spilled the ball and while a case could be made that it was kicked from his grasp, you still expect a Premier League goalkeeper to be able to handle that sort of ball. Bogdan again looked panicked in the 34th minute when he wildly attempted to punch a ball that he could have easily claimed it. That original play did solidify two things, however. Firstly, Liverpool may be the worst they've ever been in the last three seasons at set pieces.
Whether corner kicks or free kicks, the Reds seem completely inept and unable to defend. Fans, quite rightly, shake in their boots every time because it's as though you can sense the goal will be conceded. Even when they do not concede, they never really look very confident during the transaction.
Secondly, unless a transfer can be made in the January window, perhaps the question of whether Bogdan should start over Simon Mingolet is now put to rest. It was by no means a majority, but there were growing rumbles that Bogdan should be given a look instead of Mingolet. He was given that chance and botched it almost from the start. Bogdan was a hero in the penalty shoot out in the league cup, but those competitions are probably where his talents are best served.
The Reds tried to do something positive. They had a blast from Nathaniel Clyne blocked in the ninth minute and then an opportunity again in the 11th. Despite any of that, Liverpool never really looked settled into the game. Understandably, they may have been complacent due to the fact that the club had not lost to Watford in the league in this century.
But the players needed to realize the position of their opponent in the table, not necessarily only focus on the name of the team. The Hornets currently sit in seventh, but have been as high as fifth at times this season and Liverpool treated them as though they were a team from the relegation zone. Liverpool never seemed interested or ready to match the energy and the physicality of their exuberant foes.
Liverpool just seemed completely unaware for the majority of the fixture. That point was nevermore evident than in the 38th minute. Adam Lallana was driving at the defender with Jordan Henderson streaking up the wing. Instead of easily finding his teammate, Lallana had a poor touch and took it right into the defender. No attack was gained at all
The game, as a whole, also showed what has been evident from the entire league this season but has now reared its head for Liverpool - there is absolutely no team this season that is very good. No disrespect to Leicester City, because they have earned their top spot, but when they are the top team in the league you can tell that nobody else is playing up to standard.
Teams like Manchester City, Arsenal, Everton, Tottenham, Manchester United and Liverpool have just never gotten into a role for a long stretch. Liverpool can blow City out of the stadium and then drop games to Newcastle or Watford. The same has been true of all the "big clubs." There is absolutely nothing wrong with smaller clubs doing well or bigger ones struggling, but as far as the Reds are concerned, they had better figure out who they are and what they're truly capable of. If they do not, it will be another wasted season resting on the laurels of a coaching change as an excuse.
Random Thoughts:
- I believe Jurgen Klopp is doing the best he can, but these lineups without a true strikr are just not working with any consistency. No, Christian Benteke and Divock Origi have not lived up to expectation but they have to be given the opportunity. Granted, we do not see what these players do in training, but strikers have to be given the chance to produce.
- Can we please not start Adam Lallana? Just once? The man is talented, but he is completely lost right now. He provides nothing offensively or defensively outside of a rare moment or two. I see no reason why Lallana cannot sit on the bench while Firmino stays in his position and either Benteke or Origi play up front. The trio of Firmino, Coutinho and a true striker can't be any worse than a trio of nothing but wingers.
- Klopp's honeymoon is over. Not with the fans, but with the players. The German may be unwilling to change much in January, but he will have to make big changes to the club to fit how he wants to play. The current group of Reds don't seem to be able to do it right now.
Walk On
It appeared as though Bogdan overjumped in his attempt to claim the ball and had to adjust the position of his hands. He spilled the ball and while a case could be made that it was kicked from his grasp, you still expect a Premier League goalkeeper to be able to handle that sort of ball. Bogdan again looked panicked in the 34th minute when he wildly attempted to punch a ball that he could have easily claimed it. That original play did solidify two things, however. Firstly, Liverpool may be the worst they've ever been in the last three seasons at set pieces.
Whether corner kicks or free kicks, the Reds seem completely inept and unable to defend. Fans, quite rightly, shake in their boots every time because it's as though you can sense the goal will be conceded. Even when they do not concede, they never really look very confident during the transaction.
Secondly, unless a transfer can be made in the January window, perhaps the question of whether Bogdan should start over Simon Mingolet is now put to rest. It was by no means a majority, but there were growing rumbles that Bogdan should be given a look instead of Mingolet. He was given that chance and botched it almost from the start. Bogdan was a hero in the penalty shoot out in the league cup, but those competitions are probably where his talents are best served.
The Reds tried to do something positive. They had a blast from Nathaniel Clyne blocked in the ninth minute and then an opportunity again in the 11th. Despite any of that, Liverpool never really looked settled into the game. Understandably, they may have been complacent due to the fact that the club had not lost to Watford in the league in this century.
But the players needed to realize the position of their opponent in the table, not necessarily only focus on the name of the team. The Hornets currently sit in seventh, but have been as high as fifth at times this season and Liverpool treated them as though they were a team from the relegation zone. Liverpool never seemed interested or ready to match the energy and the physicality of their exuberant foes.
Liverpool just seemed completely unaware for the majority of the fixture. That point was nevermore evident than in the 38th minute. Adam Lallana was driving at the defender with Jordan Henderson streaking up the wing. Instead of easily finding his teammate, Lallana had a poor touch and took it right into the defender. No attack was gained at all
The game, as a whole, also showed what has been evident from the entire league this season but has now reared its head for Liverpool - there is absolutely no team this season that is very good. No disrespect to Leicester City, because they have earned their top spot, but when they are the top team in the league you can tell that nobody else is playing up to standard.
Teams like Manchester City, Arsenal, Everton, Tottenham, Manchester United and Liverpool have just never gotten into a role for a long stretch. Liverpool can blow City out of the stadium and then drop games to Newcastle or Watford. The same has been true of all the "big clubs." There is absolutely nothing wrong with smaller clubs doing well or bigger ones struggling, but as far as the Reds are concerned, they had better figure out who they are and what they're truly capable of. If they do not, it will be another wasted season resting on the laurels of a coaching change as an excuse.
Random Thoughts:
- I believe Jurgen Klopp is doing the best he can, but these lineups without a true strikr are just not working with any consistency. No, Christian Benteke and Divock Origi have not lived up to expectation but they have to be given the opportunity. Granted, we do not see what these players do in training, but strikers have to be given the chance to produce.
- Can we please not start Adam Lallana? Just once? The man is talented, but he is completely lost right now. He provides nothing offensively or defensively outside of a rare moment or two. I see no reason why Lallana cannot sit on the bench while Firmino stays in his position and either Benteke or Origi play up front. The trio of Firmino, Coutinho and a true striker can't be any worse than a trio of nothing but wingers.
- Klopp's honeymoon is over. Not with the fans, but with the players. The German may be unwilling to change much in January, but he will have to make big changes to the club to fit how he wants to play. The current group of Reds don't seem to be able to do it right now.
Walk On
Sunday, December 13, 2015
Liverpool Deserve Better, but Settle for a Point Against West Brom
Liverpool came in waves. They looked like scoring early in the game, pushing so many numbers forward at the West Brom defense. However they were unable to connect on the final ball that would've put them ahead. West Brom came back for a few moments and while they didn't truly create a scoring chance, they did enough to at least threaten. After gaining their composure, the Reds charged forward again and were rewarded.
After several close calls and missed passes, the Reds finally hit on all cylinders for a goal in the 21st minute. Coutinho, who was very good all half with the exception of his finishing, sent in a great cross to the far side of the box. Jordan Henderson finished off a header from Lallana that saw the captain in a bit of space in the area where all he had to do was get a good foot on it. Henderson did just that and put his team up by a goal. Sadly, for as good as Liverpool looked in attack, the lead did not last all that long.
Whether under Brendan Rodgers or Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool have struggled on set pieces including corner kicks. Just such a play was where they were made to pay. Simon Mignolet came after the ball but missed on a wild, swinging punch. Despite the bevy of red shirts in the box, the follow-up shot found it's way through and Liverpool shockingly found themselves level. Even removing the sting of the goalkeeping mistake, it was a punch to the throat for Liverpool and their fans because West Brom really hadn't done enough to deserve to be on level footing.
Almost rubbing salt in the wound, West Brom looked like they had gone up by a goal on the stroke of halftime. Liverpool looked clueless on the set piece once again. They allowed three, if not four, attackers to get in behind them. Despite the fact that it was correctly ruled offside in the end, did not alleviate the fact the Reds appeared to be rooted into the field when the ball was struck. It was a rather disappointing way to end a fairly positive 45 minutes of play but only being level seemed much better as well.
The second half played out very similarly to the first. Liverpool came out with good energy and possession. Again, they looked more than capable of scoring within the first five to 10 minutes. Benteke barely missed a goal from a header in the 51st minute that would have really put a strangle on the momentum. The same could be said of Dejan Lovren's chance only minutes later. It was deflected out for a corner, but was just begging to be taken and claim the game for Liverpool.
Much the same way as the first half went, though, West Brom found themselves poaching something from the clutches of nothing. Again, coming off a set piece corner, Liverpool just looked lost and allowed Olsson to knick one in after his tally was wiped off the board with the offside call at the break. Similarly to the first half, it wasn't just disappointing to see the ball hit the back of the net but to also see it come from nothing. Liverpool were in charge of the match only to see it slip from there fingers, if only momentarily.
The Reds seemed to gain confidence on the pitch after a nasty injury to Lovren. Lallana had an opportunity to score in the 80th minute that was smartly saved, but should have been finished off as well. Benteke butchered a head ball chance a minute later. In the end though, luck favored Liverpool - at least in the grand sense.
Liverpool avoided disaster when Rondon mucked up a glorious chance in the 88th minute, spraying a shot wide when all he had was Mignolet to worry about. Moments later Henderson smashed an opportunity right at the goalkeeper and Jordan Ibe blasted one just wide after that. But then Liverpool were favored by fortune in the 97th. Origi, who came on puzzlingly for the injured Lovren, took advantage of the advantage given by the official. His shot was deflected off a defender into the back of the net and gained Liverpool the point they deserved.
While Liverpool probably should have gotten all three points, they deserved the one. The old adage says sometimes it is better to be lucky than good and that was true on this night. It was a mixture of relief, due to Liverpool almost losing to both Newcastle and West Brom, and the feeling of getting what was owed. Liverpool can't rely on that luck every match, but they'll take it for this one.
Random Thoughts:
- Overall, Adam Lallana had a pretty decent game. I still wonder what he has over the heads of Liverpool's managers. Whether Rodgers or Klopp, they continue to use Lallana in a starting role when he seems to do little on the field to deserve it. Granted, we are not there for daily training but it just doesn't seem like he produces enough to have that spot.
- Mignolet deserves some blame for the first West Brom goal, but not nearly the amount he will be given. I admit I am biased, being a keeper that also struggled on corner kicks, but people do not realize how difficult a skill it is to rightly judge the flight of a ball and connect with it when there are so many bodies in the box. There is constant chatter to get a new keeper, but Mingolet is one of the best pure shot stoppers around. Unless they can get someone who is a 100% upgrade, it would be foolish to seek out someone who is simply a little bit better at handling corner kicks.
- I am still a supporter of Brendan Rodgers, but those are the kind of games his teams would probably have lost. Jurgen Klopp has definitely instilled a huge amount of belief and energy in this LFC squad.
Walk On
After several close calls and missed passes, the Reds finally hit on all cylinders for a goal in the 21st minute. Coutinho, who was very good all half with the exception of his finishing, sent in a great cross to the far side of the box. Jordan Henderson finished off a header from Lallana that saw the captain in a bit of space in the area where all he had to do was get a good foot on it. Henderson did just that and put his team up by a goal. Sadly, for as good as Liverpool looked in attack, the lead did not last all that long.
Whether under Brendan Rodgers or Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool have struggled on set pieces including corner kicks. Just such a play was where they were made to pay. Simon Mignolet came after the ball but missed on a wild, swinging punch. Despite the bevy of red shirts in the box, the follow-up shot found it's way through and Liverpool shockingly found themselves level. Even removing the sting of the goalkeeping mistake, it was a punch to the throat for Liverpool and their fans because West Brom really hadn't done enough to deserve to be on level footing.
Almost rubbing salt in the wound, West Brom looked like they had gone up by a goal on the stroke of halftime. Liverpool looked clueless on the set piece once again. They allowed three, if not four, attackers to get in behind them. Despite the fact that it was correctly ruled offside in the end, did not alleviate the fact the Reds appeared to be rooted into the field when the ball was struck. It was a rather disappointing way to end a fairly positive 45 minutes of play but only being level seemed much better as well.
The second half played out very similarly to the first. Liverpool came out with good energy and possession. Again, they looked more than capable of scoring within the first five to 10 minutes. Benteke barely missed a goal from a header in the 51st minute that would have really put a strangle on the momentum. The same could be said of Dejan Lovren's chance only minutes later. It was deflected out for a corner, but was just begging to be taken and claim the game for Liverpool.
Much the same way as the first half went, though, West Brom found themselves poaching something from the clutches of nothing. Again, coming off a set piece corner, Liverpool just looked lost and allowed Olsson to knick one in after his tally was wiped off the board with the offside call at the break. Similarly to the first half, it wasn't just disappointing to see the ball hit the back of the net but to also see it come from nothing. Liverpool were in charge of the match only to see it slip from there fingers, if only momentarily.
The Reds seemed to gain confidence on the pitch after a nasty injury to Lovren. Lallana had an opportunity to score in the 80th minute that was smartly saved, but should have been finished off as well. Benteke butchered a head ball chance a minute later. In the end though, luck favored Liverpool - at least in the grand sense.
Liverpool avoided disaster when Rondon mucked up a glorious chance in the 88th minute, spraying a shot wide when all he had was Mignolet to worry about. Moments later Henderson smashed an opportunity right at the goalkeeper and Jordan Ibe blasted one just wide after that. But then Liverpool were favored by fortune in the 97th. Origi, who came on puzzlingly for the injured Lovren, took advantage of the advantage given by the official. His shot was deflected off a defender into the back of the net and gained Liverpool the point they deserved.
While Liverpool probably should have gotten all three points, they deserved the one. The old adage says sometimes it is better to be lucky than good and that was true on this night. It was a mixture of relief, due to Liverpool almost losing to both Newcastle and West Brom, and the feeling of getting what was owed. Liverpool can't rely on that luck every match, but they'll take it for this one.
Random Thoughts:
- Overall, Adam Lallana had a pretty decent game. I still wonder what he has over the heads of Liverpool's managers. Whether Rodgers or Klopp, they continue to use Lallana in a starting role when he seems to do little on the field to deserve it. Granted, we are not there for daily training but it just doesn't seem like he produces enough to have that spot.
- Mignolet deserves some blame for the first West Brom goal, but not nearly the amount he will be given. I admit I am biased, being a keeper that also struggled on corner kicks, but people do not realize how difficult a skill it is to rightly judge the flight of a ball and connect with it when there are so many bodies in the box. There is constant chatter to get a new keeper, but Mingolet is one of the best pure shot stoppers around. Unless they can get someone who is a 100% upgrade, it would be foolish to seek out someone who is simply a little bit better at handling corner kicks.
- I am still a supporter of Brendan Rodgers, but those are the kind of games his teams would probably have lost. Jurgen Klopp has definitely instilled a huge amount of belief and energy in this LFC squad.
Walk On
Thursday, December 10, 2015
LFC's Bland Draw Little More Than A Training Match
Welcome back to me. I was down in Orange Beach, Alabama broadcasting the NAIA Women's Soccer Championships. I missed out on a great Liverpool performance and one that, well, was not so great. Alas, that is probably what this team is. Fans were hoping for the best of LFC in their last Europa League group match but got a little bit of both sides of Liverpool instead. The Reds were in Switzerland to take on Sion. Both teams were very lackluster in the opening 45.
Liverpool pushed forward a few times and Divock Origi might have scored on the opening chance if he went for a header instead of lunging to get a foot on it. Outside of that, there was very little to speak of other than decent tactics. The second half seemed poised to be a little more entertaining with Sion needing to be more positive, given that their spot in the second round was in doubt if Liverpool scored and other results held. However, the chances for either side were few and far between.
Liverpool had a very good build up in the 54th minute only to have Firmino push it too far in front and lose possession - something he was guilty of for much of the game. Liverpool had another chance in the 70th minute where Origi got in behind enough to force the goalkeeper out. The keeper did get his right hand to the ball just enough to knock it away from the Belgian and Liverpool were unable to get enough support up to help finish it off. Sadly for the Reds, that was one of the last chances they would see.
One of the biggest bright spots, on a night where there wasn't a lot to discuss, was left back, Brad Smith. He set up the Origi chance early in the contest and nearly connected with his teammate again in the 84th minute. He was decent defensively and very good going forward. It might be nothing more than a good performance or he could be a player to watch for in the near future. If nothing else, the Australian definitely looks like he will be a physical force.
In the end, this game was little more than a training exercise. It was not completely worthless. You get valuable game time for younger players and players, such as Jordan Henderson, who are returning from injury. These are valuable in the sense that you're going against experienced players. Regardless of their talent level, Sion provides an opponent that isn't yourself. Training ground exercises and scrimmages can only do so much. Even academy and reserve games only prove so much. So, despite many fans' opinion that Europa League is a waste of time, it does provide valuable experience for players and valuable looks for the manager and staff.
On the flip side of that coin, Jurgen Klopp will eventually have to start prioritizing certain fixtures over the others. To this point, he has mainly used as strong a team as he possibly could in each game, while still being sensitive to potential injury issues. As the season progresses and Klopp gets his first taste of how busy English football gets during the holidays, he will need to learn that yes, you want to win every game but some are still more important than others.
This Europa season looks interesting going forward. Liverpool topped their group so are in a decent position if they choose to put full effort into the competition. That said, there are several name clubs that made the drop from Champions League to Europa. It could make for some interesting match ups in the knockout stage.
Random Thoughts:
- Firmino is a good example of several things. He is extremely frustrating. He shows you just enough to get excited and then completely disappears. He is also an example of what is wrong with modern football philosophy and the reaction of the fans. So often, players are not given time to grow. There are several players in the world that are just unable to perform on the biggest stages on the biggest clubs. Chicharito seems to be one of those. There are so many, though, that are given up on because they don't live up to expectations set by fans based on performances in different leagues. Scoring a ton of goals for a midtable team in Germany doesn't automatically transfer over to England because there is a different style within the leagues. But fans, and some managers, don't want to give the player time to grow or aren't allowed the give the player time because their job security doesn't allow it. Some players just need a season to learn and then can show what they truly will be in that setting.
- Not related to this game, but I've come to the realization that Liverpool have to give up on Daniel Sturridge. If they want to hold on to him as a sub or to use in a rotation or even to drive competition in the future for starting spots then fine. But they simply cannot believe he will ever be healthy for an entire season anymore and need to find a player that can start in his stead. This may not happen in the January window, but the combination of Sturridge's injuries and the inability of the wing players to be consistent forces Liverpool to again seek out a striker.
Walk On
Liverpool pushed forward a few times and Divock Origi might have scored on the opening chance if he went for a header instead of lunging to get a foot on it. Outside of that, there was very little to speak of other than decent tactics. The second half seemed poised to be a little more entertaining with Sion needing to be more positive, given that their spot in the second round was in doubt if Liverpool scored and other results held. However, the chances for either side were few and far between.
Liverpool had a very good build up in the 54th minute only to have Firmino push it too far in front and lose possession - something he was guilty of for much of the game. Liverpool had another chance in the 70th minute where Origi got in behind enough to force the goalkeeper out. The keeper did get his right hand to the ball just enough to knock it away from the Belgian and Liverpool were unable to get enough support up to help finish it off. Sadly for the Reds, that was one of the last chances they would see.
One of the biggest bright spots, on a night where there wasn't a lot to discuss, was left back, Brad Smith. He set up the Origi chance early in the contest and nearly connected with his teammate again in the 84th minute. He was decent defensively and very good going forward. It might be nothing more than a good performance or he could be a player to watch for in the near future. If nothing else, the Australian definitely looks like he will be a physical force.
In the end, this game was little more than a training exercise. It was not completely worthless. You get valuable game time for younger players and players, such as Jordan Henderson, who are returning from injury. These are valuable in the sense that you're going against experienced players. Regardless of their talent level, Sion provides an opponent that isn't yourself. Training ground exercises and scrimmages can only do so much. Even academy and reserve games only prove so much. So, despite many fans' opinion that Europa League is a waste of time, it does provide valuable experience for players and valuable looks for the manager and staff.
On the flip side of that coin, Jurgen Klopp will eventually have to start prioritizing certain fixtures over the others. To this point, he has mainly used as strong a team as he possibly could in each game, while still being sensitive to potential injury issues. As the season progresses and Klopp gets his first taste of how busy English football gets during the holidays, he will need to learn that yes, you want to win every game but some are still more important than others.
This Europa season looks interesting going forward. Liverpool topped their group so are in a decent position if they choose to put full effort into the competition. That said, there are several name clubs that made the drop from Champions League to Europa. It could make for some interesting match ups in the knockout stage.
Random Thoughts:
- Firmino is a good example of several things. He is extremely frustrating. He shows you just enough to get excited and then completely disappears. He is also an example of what is wrong with modern football philosophy and the reaction of the fans. So often, players are not given time to grow. There are several players in the world that are just unable to perform on the biggest stages on the biggest clubs. Chicharito seems to be one of those. There are so many, though, that are given up on because they don't live up to expectations set by fans based on performances in different leagues. Scoring a ton of goals for a midtable team in Germany doesn't automatically transfer over to England because there is a different style within the leagues. But fans, and some managers, don't want to give the player time to grow or aren't allowed the give the player time because their job security doesn't allow it. Some players just need a season to learn and then can show what they truly will be in that setting.
- Not related to this game, but I've come to the realization that Liverpool have to give up on Daniel Sturridge. If they want to hold on to him as a sub or to use in a rotation or even to drive competition in the future for starting spots then fine. But they simply cannot believe he will ever be healthy for an entire season anymore and need to find a player that can start in his stead. This may not happen in the January window, but the combination of Sturridge's injuries and the inability of the wing players to be consistent forces Liverpool to again seek out a striker.
Walk On
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