Things never seem to slow down in English football when you progress in competitions outside of the league. Such is the case for many teams, including Liverpool FC. Due to the hectic schedule created by the FA Cup, the entire league had midweek fixtures. Liverpool were faced with the task of taking on league title hopeful, Leicester City. Both teams came out looking to take the game by the scruff, but it would not go according to plan for either.
Liverpool wasted a great chance in the 15th minute, mere moments after conceding an opportunity to the Foxes that resulted in a good save by Simon Mignolet.. Then, the Reds went down the field, and got it into the box. Unfortunately, Roberto Firmino tried to lay the ball back for Lallana on a header and instead gave it right to the defense. Playing against a team ahead of you in the table, you must convert those chances.
Mignolet came up huge again with a spectacular save on Mahrez in the 35 minute. The ball came in from about 25 yards out and was labled for the upper corner with a curler. Liverpool squandered another chance in the 40th minute when Alberto Moreno skied a shot in the instead of crossing it back across the box. It was the type of decision that you applaud for taking initiative and criticize for being selfish when there were better options, all at once.
It was the kind of half that makes for pundit's dreams. There were enough positives for either side so that whoever is on the individual team's side, they could point to this or that as being something to build on for the second half or at least the next game. There was also enough done wrong, i.e. poor defending and lax defensive shape leading to breaks down the field, that national pundits could point out everything either team had done wrong. Case in point, the NBC studio crew said Leicester had won the half when people in red saw Liverpool control a bit more of the possession. At 0-0 though, neither side was fully right or wrong.
The second half opened up quite similarly. Both squads bombed up the pitch with hopefulness and purpose. Neither could really do much with the ball in the final third however. It was not until the 60th minute that there was a breakthrough. After Liverpool had gotten the ball into the box, Emre Can relinquished possession when surrounded by three defenders. The Foxes just ripped a long ball up the right side for Jamie Vardy and he made Liverpool pay. The up and coming striker took the ball on the bounce and just blasted a shot first-time from about 25 yards out and into the net.
Many will blame Mignolet or the defending, but it was a quality goal, brilliantly taken and any goalkeeper in the same situation would have been in the same spot on the field. It was up to the players on the Liverpool side to attempt an equalizer from then on, while not conceding another. Alas, that was not in the cards.
While the second goal was again expertly taken by Vardy, the defending was surely to blame. Sakho failed to judge the ball on the first attempt and then failed to head it clear of the attacking players. Then the Leicester strike force was given yards of space as the Liverpool defenders dropped off, which allowed them to pick out Vardy in the box. Dejan Lovren had a moment where he fell asleep and by the time he turned around all he could do was tokenly lunge at the attempt. There was no savior on that play however as Vardy slotted it past Lovren and over the diving Mignolet.
Liverpool's attack petered out following the first goal and all but disappeared after the second. The apathy could be seen in full force on a corner kick in the 76th minute. The kick itself was decent, but there was absolutely no movement toward the ball at all. There was no one attacking and no one with the fortitude to put forth some effort. Liverpool did not just lay down and die. Nathaniel Clyne had a shot that would have surely scored in the 80th minute if not for a good block on the six yard line, but there just wasn't enough of it to make a difference.
Leicester are having a magical season, very similar to what Liverpool experienced the year Luis Suarez almost led them to the title. They are currently a feel good story and everything that is right with the sport. However, despite their top notch play and deserved place in the table, it still stings for a club like Liverpool to be so out-classed by a team that was in the relegation zone just last season. There have been far worse losses in the past and this season, but this one really showed how far the club has fallen and how much work will be needed in the off-season to turn things around. There is undoubtedly enough talent for Jurgen Klopp to work with so that he does not need an entirely new starting XI in one summer, but the overhaul will be wide spread and much needed.
Random Thoughts:
- I'm pleased Liverpool did not allow themselves to be held to ransom by Shaktar. You can catch my thoughts in this video, which included some other soccer topics - https://youtu.be/3WUvQ2_eNBw
- I will never root for any club over Liverpool, but I am pulling for Leicester. Similarly to how everyone expected the bottom to drop out when Liverpool were challenging a couple years ago, everyone keeps expecting the bubble to burst for the Foxes. Maybe it eventually will, but they are still a pretty good story and play some pretty entertaining football.
- While I do truly believe my statement that the entire team does not need to be replaced in one summer transfer window, I don't know who I would say is safe. Perhaps Coutinho or maybe Firmino, simply because of his price and the fact he was just bought, but outside of those I don't know if there is any player that I would be shocked to see sold or would empathize with if a replacement was purchased.
Walk On
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
Saturday, January 30, 2016
Liverpool Draw and Add Their Fixture Glut
Coming into the fourth round of the FA Cup, Liverpool were placed in the unenviable position of needing to rest players but not being allowed to take West Ham United lightly due to being thumped by the Hammers twice in the league. So, what you got was a mishmash of young players and first-squad players that hadn't seen as much playing time. In the opening 45 minutes of play, it was actually a lineup that played well.
Liverpool dominated possession, not only in general but in the attacking third. They created a few chances, though not enough to score given the 0-0 scoreline at the half, but still enough to look positive. The best chance was a Cameron Brannagan blistering shot that may have been heading for the lower 90, but was saved by the West Ham keeper's fingertips. Everyone was lively and seeming to be feeding off the energy their coach, Jurgen Klopp has in spades.
The downfall of the contest was also the lineup. The young team was no longer playing against Exeter. They were going against an actual Premier League side and you could tell. While there was energy and enthusiasm to burn, you could also tell this was not a starting XI that had played together. Several ideas were tried, but did not come off due to players not only not being on the same page, but sometimes not even in the same chapter. For as well as someone like Brad Smith has played of late, he constantly flicked balls to nowhere or sent passes to no one because there was no cohesiveness between the squad. Ultimately it did not cost the team in the first half.
The second half was a different matter. Both sides came out looking to end it in the first minutes. West Ham came closest in the 50th minute when the ball was bouncing around and actually caught the arm of Steven Caulker. Liverpool were lucky to survive both the handball and the scrum to follow without conceding. The Reds seemed to catch their breath a bit after that scare and returned to their front foot and pushed forward.
Joao Teixeira struck one on target in the 63rd minute, trying to rip one near post that was turned away by Darren Rudolph. Then Rudolph came up huge again in the 75th minute. A great through-ball found Christian Benteke in the box. His shot was quickly stopped, the rebound from Joe Allen was al but smothered and then Benteke had a second attempt that was turned away.
In the end, none of it mattered. The game was good experience for the young players again. From a mental standpoint, it was good to play so well against West Ham, which has not been the case in the last few matches. But since neither team could score - though West Ham came unnervingly close in stoppage time - it means another match added to an already overcrowded schedule. No fan wants their team to lose and no manager truly wants to give up on a match or tournament, however the FA Cup is really putting a strain on the squad. It will be interesting to see if Klopp continues the run of younger players in the FA Cup, but for now Liverpool must focus on a rather good performance if not a result.
Random Thoughts:
- Something should change about the replays. I fully understand that it means more TV money for the smaller clubs, which can keep them afloat for an entire season. However, if the FA refuses to make any changes to the schedule over the holidays, then something has to give. It just adds too many unwanted matches.
- It's easier said than done, but Liverpool need to find a game changer. They need someone who will stand up and put the team on their shoulders in games like this. Whether it's the first squad or this younger team, there just isn't that player in the side that you know can make the difference.
- This is truly a random thought since it has nothing to do with the game. Forget about Alex Teixeira. I have no problems with the player, but it just doesn't seem worth it to be held for ransom by Shaktar. Every rumor says the price is going up and then Shaktar will say you had better double the last offer. That's ridiculous. Teixeira is talented, but even though all teams try to lowball their first offer there just can't be a way that doubling the price is worth it.
Walk On
Liverpool dominated possession, not only in general but in the attacking third. They created a few chances, though not enough to score given the 0-0 scoreline at the half, but still enough to look positive. The best chance was a Cameron Brannagan blistering shot that may have been heading for the lower 90, but was saved by the West Ham keeper's fingertips. Everyone was lively and seeming to be feeding off the energy their coach, Jurgen Klopp has in spades.
The downfall of the contest was also the lineup. The young team was no longer playing against Exeter. They were going against an actual Premier League side and you could tell. While there was energy and enthusiasm to burn, you could also tell this was not a starting XI that had played together. Several ideas were tried, but did not come off due to players not only not being on the same page, but sometimes not even in the same chapter. For as well as someone like Brad Smith has played of late, he constantly flicked balls to nowhere or sent passes to no one because there was no cohesiveness between the squad. Ultimately it did not cost the team in the first half.
The second half was a different matter. Both sides came out looking to end it in the first minutes. West Ham came closest in the 50th minute when the ball was bouncing around and actually caught the arm of Steven Caulker. Liverpool were lucky to survive both the handball and the scrum to follow without conceding. The Reds seemed to catch their breath a bit after that scare and returned to their front foot and pushed forward.
Joao Teixeira struck one on target in the 63rd minute, trying to rip one near post that was turned away by Darren Rudolph. Then Rudolph came up huge again in the 75th minute. A great through-ball found Christian Benteke in the box. His shot was quickly stopped, the rebound from Joe Allen was al but smothered and then Benteke had a second attempt that was turned away.
In the end, none of it mattered. The game was good experience for the young players again. From a mental standpoint, it was good to play so well against West Ham, which has not been the case in the last few matches. But since neither team could score - though West Ham came unnervingly close in stoppage time - it means another match added to an already overcrowded schedule. No fan wants their team to lose and no manager truly wants to give up on a match or tournament, however the FA Cup is really putting a strain on the squad. It will be interesting to see if Klopp continues the run of younger players in the FA Cup, but for now Liverpool must focus on a rather good performance if not a result.
Random Thoughts:
- Something should change about the replays. I fully understand that it means more TV money for the smaller clubs, which can keep them afloat for an entire season. However, if the FA refuses to make any changes to the schedule over the holidays, then something has to give. It just adds too many unwanted matches.
- It's easier said than done, but Liverpool need to find a game changer. They need someone who will stand up and put the team on their shoulders in games like this. Whether it's the first squad or this younger team, there just isn't that player in the side that you know can make the difference.
- This is truly a random thought since it has nothing to do with the game. Forget about Alex Teixeira. I have no problems with the player, but it just doesn't seem worth it to be held for ransom by Shaktar. Every rumor says the price is going up and then Shaktar will say you had better double the last offer. That's ridiculous. Teixeira is talented, but even though all teams try to lowball their first offer there just can't be a way that doubling the price is worth it.
Walk On
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
It Take Pens To Drop Potters, But Liverpool Will Be At Wembley
Liverpool came into the second leg of the Capital One Cup semifinal up 1-0 with an important away goal, however the Liverpool side that doesn't seem threatening was the one that appeared in the first half. Emre Can's strike was the only really good scoring opportunity of the opening 45 minutes of play for the Reds. They pressed toward goal a few times and were not without skill at all, but there just wasn't that quality that is needed in the final third.
Instead they seemed to be hanging onto the knife's edge. Stoke, though having similar statistical numbers, seemed to be threatening much more. Some of that was due to Liverpool's inadequate defending on corners always putting fan's hearts in their throats and some was simply due to actual lax defending. In the end it would cost them. Marko Arnautovic scored in the first minute of extra time and put his team up 1-0 in the game and even 1-1 in the semifinals.
Arnautovic was clearly offside when viewing the replay, but in the end it doesn't matter. Decisions go for or against teams all the time. Liverpool needed to defend better and simply didn't. If the officials had gotten the call correct, it would have helped the situation, but you could almost feel the goal coming at some point regardless. There can be little doubt that Jurgen Klopp intended his team to try to see out a 1-0 decision over two legs, but that seemed to be the intention of the players on the field. Arnautovic's goal threw a wrench into those plans and the idea of penalties was something that would really stick in the craw of the faithful. It was up to Liverpool to pull it together over the second 45 minutes.
It seemed as though the Reds had taken that to heart as almost from the get-go, Liverpool earned a dangerous freekick from just outside the box. Unfortunately the kick was relatively wasted by Alberto Moreno. The Reds kept up the pressure with Firmino striking one off the near post in the 48th minute. Liverpool had a few other pushes upfield, but only for the first 15 minutes or so. Once the half settled in, Stoke regained their confidence.
Again trying to take advantage of freekicks and corners, they almost struck in the 61st minute. Only a full stretch, sliding tackle by Sakho, who was already dealing with a hamstring issue, managed to stop the go-ahead goal. Liverpool didn't go quietly though. They pressured and were pressured. Their best chance to date came when the ball fell to Jon Flanagan in the 77th minute, but there were so many bodies in front of him that he could do nothing with it. It would be the last real opportunity in regulation as extra time was called for.
Liverpool had a chance early in the extra time as Firmino flashed one wide. Former Red, Peter Crouch did the same from a header just moments later. Then just before the break, Stoke should have scored. Van Ginkle put one off the post after a good feed from Crouch. Van Ginkel almost ended it again in the 24th minute of extra time with a volley that was smothered by Simon Mignolet. In the end, neither team could score despite mistakes made in important areas and the match came down to penalties.
It was as nerve wracking as you would expect and perhaps more than anyone would anticipate given the low esteem the competition has in most eyes. Liverpool didn't blink though. Mignolet saved Crouch's attempt after allowing the initial goal, but Can put it off the post. Then the teams traded four consecutive goals each. Finally, the beleaguered Belgian came through and denied Stoke's second penalty in sudden death. Joe Allen finished off the contest and, perhaps a year too late for Steven Gerrard, Liverpool will be playing in a championship final at Wembley Stadium. It was not the prettiest of games, but earning your way into a final is nothing to be scoffed at.
Random Thoughts:
- Since it seems to be doing some good, I still don't care for Joe Allen.
- I hate penalties. I have yet to figure out a good alternative though. I used to say just let them run til they hit the ground, but would that really be more appealing? I suppose not when you see how the mistakes pile up when fatigue sets in.
- Good on Migs to be a hero. Sure it's a low level cup competition, but he made two big saves. Nobody for Stoke skied one or hit the bar. It was the keeper who came up when he needed to.
- Klopp gambled and won on this occasion. I applaud his decisions given how things turned out, but extra time could have gone extremely differently. Klopp essentially went with Sakho as his only true defender when he pulled off Kolo Toure for Allen and then Flanagan for Jordan Ibe. Yes, I'm aware Moreno was out there, but even though I like him, he's not much of a real defender.
- Whether it's Everton or Manchester City, the final will be no easy game. That said, it will be nice to see Liverpool in a final.
Walk On
Instead they seemed to be hanging onto the knife's edge. Stoke, though having similar statistical numbers, seemed to be threatening much more. Some of that was due to Liverpool's inadequate defending on corners always putting fan's hearts in their throats and some was simply due to actual lax defending. In the end it would cost them. Marko Arnautovic scored in the first minute of extra time and put his team up 1-0 in the game and even 1-1 in the semifinals.
Arnautovic was clearly offside when viewing the replay, but in the end it doesn't matter. Decisions go for or against teams all the time. Liverpool needed to defend better and simply didn't. If the officials had gotten the call correct, it would have helped the situation, but you could almost feel the goal coming at some point regardless. There can be little doubt that Jurgen Klopp intended his team to try to see out a 1-0 decision over two legs, but that seemed to be the intention of the players on the field. Arnautovic's goal threw a wrench into those plans and the idea of penalties was something that would really stick in the craw of the faithful. It was up to Liverpool to pull it together over the second 45 minutes.
It seemed as though the Reds had taken that to heart as almost from the get-go, Liverpool earned a dangerous freekick from just outside the box. Unfortunately the kick was relatively wasted by Alberto Moreno. The Reds kept up the pressure with Firmino striking one off the near post in the 48th minute. Liverpool had a few other pushes upfield, but only for the first 15 minutes or so. Once the half settled in, Stoke regained their confidence.
Again trying to take advantage of freekicks and corners, they almost struck in the 61st minute. Only a full stretch, sliding tackle by Sakho, who was already dealing with a hamstring issue, managed to stop the go-ahead goal. Liverpool didn't go quietly though. They pressured and were pressured. Their best chance to date came when the ball fell to Jon Flanagan in the 77th minute, but there were so many bodies in front of him that he could do nothing with it. It would be the last real opportunity in regulation as extra time was called for.
Liverpool had a chance early in the extra time as Firmino flashed one wide. Former Red, Peter Crouch did the same from a header just moments later. Then just before the break, Stoke should have scored. Van Ginkle put one off the post after a good feed from Crouch. Van Ginkel almost ended it again in the 24th minute of extra time with a volley that was smothered by Simon Mignolet. In the end, neither team could score despite mistakes made in important areas and the match came down to penalties.
It was as nerve wracking as you would expect and perhaps more than anyone would anticipate given the low esteem the competition has in most eyes. Liverpool didn't blink though. Mignolet saved Crouch's attempt after allowing the initial goal, but Can put it off the post. Then the teams traded four consecutive goals each. Finally, the beleaguered Belgian came through and denied Stoke's second penalty in sudden death. Joe Allen finished off the contest and, perhaps a year too late for Steven Gerrard, Liverpool will be playing in a championship final at Wembley Stadium. It was not the prettiest of games, but earning your way into a final is nothing to be scoffed at.
Random Thoughts:
- Since it seems to be doing some good, I still don't care for Joe Allen.
- I hate penalties. I have yet to figure out a good alternative though. I used to say just let them run til they hit the ground, but would that really be more appealing? I suppose not when you see how the mistakes pile up when fatigue sets in.
- Good on Migs to be a hero. Sure it's a low level cup competition, but he made two big saves. Nobody for Stoke skied one or hit the bar. It was the keeper who came up when he needed to.
- Klopp gambled and won on this occasion. I applaud his decisions given how things turned out, but extra time could have gone extremely differently. Klopp essentially went with Sakho as his only true defender when he pulled off Kolo Toure for Allen and then Flanagan for Jordan Ibe. Yes, I'm aware Moreno was out there, but even though I like him, he's not much of a real defender.
- Whether it's Everton or Manchester City, the final will be no easy game. That said, it will be nice to see Liverpool in a final.
Walk On
Saturday, January 23, 2016
Liverpool Win the Game As Defenders Bury Their Heads In the Sand
For whatever reason, games against Norwich City take on much more fear than they should. Liverpool had not been beaten by the Canaries in 22 years, but these games always seem to produce a bit of doubt. Will the Reds produce or will they be overconfident? Those questions came right to the forefront at the start of this away match.
Liverpool failed to come out with any energy or intensity and produced a very dull affair. Norwich actually dominated the proceedings in the first five minutes or so before the Reds finally started taking more possession. Liverpool eventually scored the first goal of the game, but it really came against the run of play. Roberto Firmino managed to slip past the defense as he was played onside by a near-side defender when Firmino was on the far side. The Brazilian chunked the shot, in reality, but it clipped off the goalkeeper's foot, then off the post and in. It was the kind of fortune that would be in rare supply on this day.
The game settled into another lull before the dread began to creep in. Norwich, regardless of possession or flow, just seemed to be more on the front foot. When that has happened in much of this season, nothing good usually follows for Liverpool and nothing did. Liverpool again succumbed to their failures on corner kicks for the equalizing goal. None could clear the ball far enough and it fell to Mbokani, who backheeled it in. Then, rubbing salt in the wound, the former Evertonian, Steven Naismith smashed one in after sneaking in past the slumbering Liverpool defenders in the 41st minute.
One would have hoped that the halftime talk might have livened things up, but it only got worse in the second half. Norwich still pushed forward with vigor and found themselves up by two goals not long into the second 45. Alberto Moreno inexplicably went for another challenge on the endline after miraculously getting away with the first and was called for the penalty. Hoolahan's shot was just slotted over Simon Mignolet, who had guessed correctly, and made the score 3-1. The game seemed almost hopelessly out of reach, but Liverpool - as is their want - like to always show some glimmer.
Not even a full two minutes afterward, Jordan Henderson found a bit of space in the now napping Canary backline and slotted home a right footer. Unfortunately for Liverpool, it drew them within one instead of drawing the game. Fortunately for them, it would not be their last score. Showing a rare bit of teamwide form, Liverpool scored after several successive good touches. Firmino actually started off the play with a one touch flick toward the near sideline. Milner kept the movement going and then the oft maligned Adam Lallana managed to chase down the ball and smartly play it into space in the box. Firmino was in that space and he coolly nudged it over the keeper to knot the game at three.
Then, as inexplicably as they lost the lead, Liverpool regained it. Some strange Jedi mindtrick must have come into play because Russel Martin tried a backpass that was unnecessary even if James Milner was not in the path. In fact, Milner was and he made Norwich pay when he nudged it just to the right to throw the keeper off and then rolled it in. 4-3 was the score after that play with still at least 15 minutes to go. Those 15 minutes would not end quietly.
Bassong tied up the game in the 92nd minute after Liverpool just stood around again. Red jerseys seemed rooted to the ground as they just flailed about while the defender put one home. Then, only moments later, Lallana scored to put Liverpool back on top just before the final whistle. In the end, it was an absolutely terrible match that will be celebrated because three points were taken by Liverpool. So much was wrong with everything that happened defensively and in midfield and the attack really did not look like something that could put together 5 goals. Nevertheless a win goes in the back pocket and perhaps Liverpool can build off it with the knowledge that they probably did not deserve the result.
Random Thoughts:
- Perhaps I should hate on more players. While in reality, fans should know they have absolutely no affect on the field, it seems like the more I dislike a player or the more I am ready for players to be sold the better they perform. Joe Allen has been a goal scoring machine and Adam Lallana was actually productive. In the spirit of this, I have soured greatly on Benteke so I fully expect a hat-trick in his next start.
- Springboarding off the last idea, it is time to totally redo this team. It's almost impossible to have a completely different XI by next summer, but there just isn't enough quality as a squad for Liverpool. Lots of us like players as individuals, but there is no longer any one player that you can say must be kept or there is no way you could find a replacement. Klopp needs to have free reign in bringing in his players and sell off everyone else.
- Can we please get more former goalkeepers as color commentators? As a broadcaster and goalkeeper, I'm constantly sickened by the constant phrase of "he's got to to better with that" or be stronger or the worst: He's got to cover that near post. If you haven't played keeper, you don't have the first clue what goes into the spot. That's not to downplay anyone's feelings on an individual play, but I'd just like these people to be put into those actual situations and see how, in their infinite wisdom, they would have done differently.
Walk On
Liverpool failed to come out with any energy or intensity and produced a very dull affair. Norwich actually dominated the proceedings in the first five minutes or so before the Reds finally started taking more possession. Liverpool eventually scored the first goal of the game, but it really came against the run of play. Roberto Firmino managed to slip past the defense as he was played onside by a near-side defender when Firmino was on the far side. The Brazilian chunked the shot, in reality, but it clipped off the goalkeeper's foot, then off the post and in. It was the kind of fortune that would be in rare supply on this day.
The game settled into another lull before the dread began to creep in. Norwich, regardless of possession or flow, just seemed to be more on the front foot. When that has happened in much of this season, nothing good usually follows for Liverpool and nothing did. Liverpool again succumbed to their failures on corner kicks for the equalizing goal. None could clear the ball far enough and it fell to Mbokani, who backheeled it in. Then, rubbing salt in the wound, the former Evertonian, Steven Naismith smashed one in after sneaking in past the slumbering Liverpool defenders in the 41st minute.
One would have hoped that the halftime talk might have livened things up, but it only got worse in the second half. Norwich still pushed forward with vigor and found themselves up by two goals not long into the second 45. Alberto Moreno inexplicably went for another challenge on the endline after miraculously getting away with the first and was called for the penalty. Hoolahan's shot was just slotted over Simon Mignolet, who had guessed correctly, and made the score 3-1. The game seemed almost hopelessly out of reach, but Liverpool - as is their want - like to always show some glimmer.
Not even a full two minutes afterward, Jordan Henderson found a bit of space in the now napping Canary backline and slotted home a right footer. Unfortunately for Liverpool, it drew them within one instead of drawing the game. Fortunately for them, it would not be their last score. Showing a rare bit of teamwide form, Liverpool scored after several successive good touches. Firmino actually started off the play with a one touch flick toward the near sideline. Milner kept the movement going and then the oft maligned Adam Lallana managed to chase down the ball and smartly play it into space in the box. Firmino was in that space and he coolly nudged it over the keeper to knot the game at three.
Then, as inexplicably as they lost the lead, Liverpool regained it. Some strange Jedi mindtrick must have come into play because Russel Martin tried a backpass that was unnecessary even if James Milner was not in the path. In fact, Milner was and he made Norwich pay when he nudged it just to the right to throw the keeper off and then rolled it in. 4-3 was the score after that play with still at least 15 minutes to go. Those 15 minutes would not end quietly.
Bassong tied up the game in the 92nd minute after Liverpool just stood around again. Red jerseys seemed rooted to the ground as they just flailed about while the defender put one home. Then, only moments later, Lallana scored to put Liverpool back on top just before the final whistle. In the end, it was an absolutely terrible match that will be celebrated because three points were taken by Liverpool. So much was wrong with everything that happened defensively and in midfield and the attack really did not look like something that could put together 5 goals. Nevertheless a win goes in the back pocket and perhaps Liverpool can build off it with the knowledge that they probably did not deserve the result.
Random Thoughts:
- Perhaps I should hate on more players. While in reality, fans should know they have absolutely no affect on the field, it seems like the more I dislike a player or the more I am ready for players to be sold the better they perform. Joe Allen has been a goal scoring machine and Adam Lallana was actually productive. In the spirit of this, I have soured greatly on Benteke so I fully expect a hat-trick in his next start.
- Springboarding off the last idea, it is time to totally redo this team. It's almost impossible to have a completely different XI by next summer, but there just isn't enough quality as a squad for Liverpool. Lots of us like players as individuals, but there is no longer any one player that you can say must be kept or there is no way you could find a replacement. Klopp needs to have free reign in bringing in his players and sell off everyone else.
- Can we please get more former goalkeepers as color commentators? As a broadcaster and goalkeeper, I'm constantly sickened by the constant phrase of "he's got to to better with that" or be stronger or the worst: He's got to cover that near post. If you haven't played keeper, you don't have the first clue what goes into the spot. That's not to downplay anyone's feelings on an individual play, but I'd just like these people to be put into those actual situations and see how, in their infinite wisdom, they would have done differently.
Walk On
Wednesday, January 20, 2016
Liverpool Youngsters Prove Prognosticators Wrong
Nobody likes a replay. The players have to play a game that wasn't originally scheduled. Fans don't care for them because it's more money out of their pocket to buy tickets against teams they likely didn't want to see. It's possible that the networks don't even care for them because they have to scramble to sell advertising space that wasn't planned for as well. Nevertheless, a replay against Exeter at Anfield could not be avoided. It was a very bland start to the game for both clubs despite Liverpool enjoying much of the possession.
The Reds wouldn't take too long to net the first goal though. Brad Smith set up the eventual first goal quite nicely. Smith started the play by really stretching the opponent by taking up space in the wide areas. Then, he worked a nice one two with Christian Benteke and slotted it perfectly to a wide open Joe Allen in the 10th minute. It looked like LFC were ready to burst the game open, but that would not happen in the first half.
On the bright side, Benteke looked fairly good in the opening 25 minutes, but could not finish despite several header opportunities. What was positive about him, beyond the finishing, was his movement. He looked interested in the game instead of trying to blame his faults on his young teammates, which has become a bit of a habit of late. It was also nice to see Jodan Ibe try a couple shots from distance in the 39th minute instead of his usual Raheem Sterling-esque style of dribbling until space evaporates. The second opportunity from in the box might have been laid back for a cross but the idea wasn't terrible.
A repeat of Manchester United outcome was definitely in fans' minds given the amound of chances wasted, especially Benteke's shot right into the defender's feet in the 45th. Still, it was a decent first half of play for the Liverpool youngsters.
The second half was an interesting mix. Liverpool saw Jon Flanagan return in the 51st minute, though he wasn't called on to really do much. Then Ibe thought he had scored in the 54th minute on a blistering shot that rang off the crossbar and fell to the turf behind the line. However, with goal line technology it was all conjecture for fans and was rightly not given. Also, Liverpool as a club, regardless of age, continued their run of finishing or lack thereof as well.
Joao Teixeira took too long and was blocked in the 72nd minute and then the ensuing chances were a bit comical and ended with a slow roller off the foot of Sheyi Ojo that resulted in a training ground save. Ojo made up for the poor shoot with a fantastic one just minutes later. Just two touches into the box from the right side, Ojo put it on his left foot and just scooped it into the side netting. The Reds then put the final nail in the coffin in the 82nd minute. Benteke took on a couple defenders and peeled back. Then he slid a pinpoint pass to Teixeira who just bashed it past the keeper from about 7 yards.
In the end, it was what you would expect from a Liverpool standpoint. There weren't any mind-blowing moments, but Liverpool played more than well enough to get the victory. On the one hand, it continues to add fixtures to their schedule but if Jurgen Klopp continues to use the FA Cup as an opportunity for youth players and bench players, then it's not as much of an issue. Also a win is always a positive no matter the opponent and no matter who is on the field. This game in no way takes away the sting of the loss to Manchester United, but there were enough positives to at least smooth a few frazzled nerves.
Random Thoughts:
- Apologies for no write-up following the United clash. I had a fever, slept through the live game and didn't feel up to watching a 1-0 loss when I saw the score listed on social media.
- Fans always want wins, but this win over Exeter was nice because all the talking heads were saying Liverpool would get embarrassed if they played the youngsters again. It wasn't a flawless game, but I think 3-0 speaks for itself.
- Joe Allen is a scoring machine! Wait...what? Oh well. I'd still rather him not be on the field if given a better option, which is almost anyone.
- Is this game truly a breakthrough for Benteke? I highly doubt it. I want the striker to be successful at Liverpool, but I just don't know that he has the mentality. He really is becoming another Balotelli without the off-field problems. Simply an enigma.
- Good to see some people catching up to my take on Adam Lallana. A good article summed it up here: http://www.football365.com/news/16-conclusions-liverpool-0-1-man-united and even former Blue, Craig Burley had an opinon on Mr. Cruyff Turn that I agreed with. The talent is there, but living in St. Louis, I've seen talent be there for USL players too. That doesn't mean they know how to produce or are truly meant to play at the highest levels consistently.
- It's both a good and bad thing, but it's kind of a shame that left back might be the biggest position in terms of depth for Liverpool. Personally, despite some of his defensive faults, I have no problem with Alberto Moreno. Brad Smith has also shown that he could be very capable of making the first squad soon, now Flanagan has returned and I thought Joe Gomez was good in the role before injury as well.
- As I prepare for the inevitable firestorm of online reaction...I have no problem with extending Simon Mignolet's contract.
Walk On
The Reds wouldn't take too long to net the first goal though. Brad Smith set up the eventual first goal quite nicely. Smith started the play by really stretching the opponent by taking up space in the wide areas. Then, he worked a nice one two with Christian Benteke and slotted it perfectly to a wide open Joe Allen in the 10th minute. It looked like LFC were ready to burst the game open, but that would not happen in the first half.
On the bright side, Benteke looked fairly good in the opening 25 minutes, but could not finish despite several header opportunities. What was positive about him, beyond the finishing, was his movement. He looked interested in the game instead of trying to blame his faults on his young teammates, which has become a bit of a habit of late. It was also nice to see Jodan Ibe try a couple shots from distance in the 39th minute instead of his usual Raheem Sterling-esque style of dribbling until space evaporates. The second opportunity from in the box might have been laid back for a cross but the idea wasn't terrible.
A repeat of Manchester United outcome was definitely in fans' minds given the amound of chances wasted, especially Benteke's shot right into the defender's feet in the 45th. Still, it was a decent first half of play for the Liverpool youngsters.
The second half was an interesting mix. Liverpool saw Jon Flanagan return in the 51st minute, though he wasn't called on to really do much. Then Ibe thought he had scored in the 54th minute on a blistering shot that rang off the crossbar and fell to the turf behind the line. However, with goal line technology it was all conjecture for fans and was rightly not given. Also, Liverpool as a club, regardless of age, continued their run of finishing or lack thereof as well.
Joao Teixeira took too long and was blocked in the 72nd minute and then the ensuing chances were a bit comical and ended with a slow roller off the foot of Sheyi Ojo that resulted in a training ground save. Ojo made up for the poor shoot with a fantastic one just minutes later. Just two touches into the box from the right side, Ojo put it on his left foot and just scooped it into the side netting. The Reds then put the final nail in the coffin in the 82nd minute. Benteke took on a couple defenders and peeled back. Then he slid a pinpoint pass to Teixeira who just bashed it past the keeper from about 7 yards.
In the end, it was what you would expect from a Liverpool standpoint. There weren't any mind-blowing moments, but Liverpool played more than well enough to get the victory. On the one hand, it continues to add fixtures to their schedule but if Jurgen Klopp continues to use the FA Cup as an opportunity for youth players and bench players, then it's not as much of an issue. Also a win is always a positive no matter the opponent and no matter who is on the field. This game in no way takes away the sting of the loss to Manchester United, but there were enough positives to at least smooth a few frazzled nerves.
Random Thoughts:
- Apologies for no write-up following the United clash. I had a fever, slept through the live game and didn't feel up to watching a 1-0 loss when I saw the score listed on social media.
- Fans always want wins, but this win over Exeter was nice because all the talking heads were saying Liverpool would get embarrassed if they played the youngsters again. It wasn't a flawless game, but I think 3-0 speaks for itself.
- Joe Allen is a scoring machine! Wait...what? Oh well. I'd still rather him not be on the field if given a better option, which is almost anyone.
- Is this game truly a breakthrough for Benteke? I highly doubt it. I want the striker to be successful at Liverpool, but I just don't know that he has the mentality. He really is becoming another Balotelli without the off-field problems. Simply an enigma.
- Good to see some people catching up to my take on Adam Lallana. A good article summed it up here: http://www.football365.com/news/16-conclusions-liverpool-0-1-man-united and even former Blue, Craig Burley had an opinon on Mr. Cruyff Turn that I agreed with. The talent is there, but living in St. Louis, I've seen talent be there for USL players too. That doesn't mean they know how to produce or are truly meant to play at the highest levels consistently.
- It's both a good and bad thing, but it's kind of a shame that left back might be the biggest position in terms of depth for Liverpool. Personally, despite some of his defensive faults, I have no problem with Alberto Moreno. Brad Smith has also shown that he could be very capable of making the first squad soon, now Flanagan has returned and I thought Joe Gomez was good in the role before injury as well.
- As I prepare for the inevitable firestorm of online reaction...I have no problem with extending Simon Mignolet's contract.
Walk On
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Liverpool Pull Off Miracle Draw Against League Leaders
Throw records out the window. Forget about the injury report. Rivalry games are their own animals and the beast showed up for a good one between Liverpool and Arsenal. This game opened up fast and furious, with the Reds in control of the first quarter hour. Liverpool had the bulk of the possession and looked like the side that crushed Manchester City 4-1 instead of the one that has struggled at times.
Adam Lallana came close to finishing off a good bit of play in the 6th minute, only to clash with a defender that as correctly not called a penalty. Only four minutes later, Liverpool would strike. After bounding around with several cracks following a corner kick, Roberto Firmino finished off a left footer through the wickets of the defender and past a helpless Petr Cech. Unfortunately instead of turning into a one-way affair, it turned into a boxing match straight out of Hollywood.
Arsenal answered in the 14th minute when Aaron Ramsey struck on a play from nothing. Arsenal had had almost no attack at all and then when the ball just slipped through the defenders, Ramsey made Liverpool pay at the near post. The pendulum swung back the other way in the 19th minute.
Firmino, like his Brazilian compatriot Coutinho (who is out injured), after it had bounced around like a hot potato outside the box and spun a brilliant curling shot into the upper 90. It was a fantastic goal and a fantastic finish to a run of play that Liverpool had shown up to that point. Alas, things would turn sour from then on.
In the 25th minute, Arsenal almost equalized but Sakho cleared the initial attempt over the bar only to see an even worse goal go in directly off the ensuing corner kick. Everything went wrong on that corner kick. Simon Mignolet did not react well to the deflection from Olivier Giroud, the defenders watched the ball with little reaction until it was too late and Liverpool had nobody on the near post when one body would have easily stopped the attempt.
Liverpool had a few runs and chances before the end of the half, but could not capitalize and would be made to pay soon after the half. Not even ten minutes into the second frame, Giroud would again strike against shoddy Liverpool defending. With bodies just flailing around and flopping on the ground, the Frenchman had a brilliant first touch and then spun against the grain to strike one past the defenders and behind a helpless Mignolet, who was left no time to react.
Liverpool, again, were not without chances. Jordan Ibe made a good run on the right only to be unrewarded and berated by Benteke, who was in no position to receive a pass due to so many players in between. Then, much like their opponents, Liverpool pulled one from nowhere. Again, taking advantage of failures to clear, Liverpool kept the ball alive. Benteke headed one across the box in stoppage time and the recent sub, Joe Allen, smashed one in off the fingertips of Cech.
The final whistle would go not long after with a 3-3 scoreline as the final of this midweek clash. It was an insane contest. The Liverpool that dominated the game for so long early, deserved much more than what they got. In contrast, the Liverpool that was floundering in the rain and snow while Arsenal consolidated the momentum deserved much worse than this result. Everything taken as a whole, it was a fair result to both squads.
Arsenal will be disappointed because they are now tied on points, instead of in sole possession of the top spot in the table. Liverpool will be disappointed because three points would have drawn them much closer to the top four. Instead, both will be satisfied because they could easily have lost as they could have won. Both will take positives out of this game due to their team's tenacity. Liverpool have another crack at glory as they take on the hated Manchester United on the weekend. Given the two clubs' positions in the table, that contest holds even more importance. For now, they must rest and focus on the things they did right on this night.
Random Thoughts:
- In an effort to not be two-faced, I will not say that this one goal does enough to put Joe Allen in a good light in my eyes. That said, as anyone who follows the club, you celebrate good performances by any player and even if only for one brief moment, Joe Allen was a huge factor.
- As a goalkeeper, I will always side with my fellow union members. I have constantly said that Mignolet is a great shot stopper and unless you can find a keeper who is better at everything - not just better at defending corners - then you don't make a change. That said, Mignolet seems to make a case against me repeatedly. There were several things that could have gone differently on that initial Giroud goal, but Mignolet was not blameless by any stretch.
- On a personal note, it was a fantastic result for me personally. I desperately wanted the win, but given the cloud of doom and feeling of unworthiness over the St. Louis area after the Rams left in the manner they did, it was nice to be distracted for a few hours and see some good football as well. For those that want further insight into my feelings on that matter you can see my YouTube show here: https://youtu.be/kcTno6Ir4qY
- For fans, two points out of six against Arsenal isn't great, but the way each individual game played out it was more than enough. Now, onto the weekend.
Walk On
Adam Lallana came close to finishing off a good bit of play in the 6th minute, only to clash with a defender that as correctly not called a penalty. Only four minutes later, Liverpool would strike. After bounding around with several cracks following a corner kick, Roberto Firmino finished off a left footer through the wickets of the defender and past a helpless Petr Cech. Unfortunately instead of turning into a one-way affair, it turned into a boxing match straight out of Hollywood.
Arsenal answered in the 14th minute when Aaron Ramsey struck on a play from nothing. Arsenal had had almost no attack at all and then when the ball just slipped through the defenders, Ramsey made Liverpool pay at the near post. The pendulum swung back the other way in the 19th minute.
Firmino, like his Brazilian compatriot Coutinho (who is out injured), after it had bounced around like a hot potato outside the box and spun a brilliant curling shot into the upper 90. It was a fantastic goal and a fantastic finish to a run of play that Liverpool had shown up to that point. Alas, things would turn sour from then on.
In the 25th minute, Arsenal almost equalized but Sakho cleared the initial attempt over the bar only to see an even worse goal go in directly off the ensuing corner kick. Everything went wrong on that corner kick. Simon Mignolet did not react well to the deflection from Olivier Giroud, the defenders watched the ball with little reaction until it was too late and Liverpool had nobody on the near post when one body would have easily stopped the attempt.
Liverpool had a few runs and chances before the end of the half, but could not capitalize and would be made to pay soon after the half. Not even ten minutes into the second frame, Giroud would again strike against shoddy Liverpool defending. With bodies just flailing around and flopping on the ground, the Frenchman had a brilliant first touch and then spun against the grain to strike one past the defenders and behind a helpless Mignolet, who was left no time to react.
Liverpool, again, were not without chances. Jordan Ibe made a good run on the right only to be unrewarded and berated by Benteke, who was in no position to receive a pass due to so many players in between. Then, much like their opponents, Liverpool pulled one from nowhere. Again, taking advantage of failures to clear, Liverpool kept the ball alive. Benteke headed one across the box in stoppage time and the recent sub, Joe Allen, smashed one in off the fingertips of Cech.
The final whistle would go not long after with a 3-3 scoreline as the final of this midweek clash. It was an insane contest. The Liverpool that dominated the game for so long early, deserved much more than what they got. In contrast, the Liverpool that was floundering in the rain and snow while Arsenal consolidated the momentum deserved much worse than this result. Everything taken as a whole, it was a fair result to both squads.
Arsenal will be disappointed because they are now tied on points, instead of in sole possession of the top spot in the table. Liverpool will be disappointed because three points would have drawn them much closer to the top four. Instead, both will be satisfied because they could easily have lost as they could have won. Both will take positives out of this game due to their team's tenacity. Liverpool have another crack at glory as they take on the hated Manchester United on the weekend. Given the two clubs' positions in the table, that contest holds even more importance. For now, they must rest and focus on the things they did right on this night.
Random Thoughts:
- In an effort to not be two-faced, I will not say that this one goal does enough to put Joe Allen in a good light in my eyes. That said, as anyone who follows the club, you celebrate good performances by any player and even if only for one brief moment, Joe Allen was a huge factor.
- As a goalkeeper, I will always side with my fellow union members. I have constantly said that Mignolet is a great shot stopper and unless you can find a keeper who is better at everything - not just better at defending corners - then you don't make a change. That said, Mignolet seems to make a case against me repeatedly. There were several things that could have gone differently on that initial Giroud goal, but Mignolet was not blameless by any stretch.
- On a personal note, it was a fantastic result for me personally. I desperately wanted the win, but given the cloud of doom and feeling of unworthiness over the St. Louis area after the Rams left in the manner they did, it was nice to be distracted for a few hours and see some good football as well. For those that want further insight into my feelings on that matter you can see my YouTube show here: https://youtu.be/kcTno6Ir4qY
- For fans, two points out of six against Arsenal isn't great, but the way each individual game played out it was more than enough. Now, onto the weekend.
Walk On
Friday, January 8, 2016
Liverpool's Youth Squad Salvage an FA Draw
While anyone could have excused Liverpool's youth infused lineup in any cup competition, it was frightening to see the extent the injury bug has actually forced Jurgen Klopp's hand. Christian Benteke was the only first squad player included in the starting XI. Despite this, the young team seemed to gel as the opening stages of the game went on. Unfortunately, some youthful mistakes cost the Reds.
Tom Nicoll finished off a great goal for Exeter after some breckdown on the left side of Liverpool's defense led to a cross. The Reds equalized only three minutes later when Jerome Sinclair found the back of the net on what would have been called a penalty if he had not scored. Liverpool had some back and forth after the quick burst of scoring.
As will happen with youth, they looked good at times and quite suspect at others. Joao Carlos Teixeira almost scored for Liverpool in the 17th minute. He made a good move but the ball got caught up between his feet and then his shot was blocked. Soon after, Exeter almost took the lead for a second time in the 30th minute when Noble put a chance over the bar and made a case for a penalty. Christian Ribero should have scored for the home side in the 41st minute as he failed to score on a header after he exposed the left side of the defense again. Unfortunately for the Reds, the cracks were too much to keep together for the full 45.
Lee Holmes gave Exeter the lead they may not have expected but probably deserved. Adam Bogdan received a bit of a bump that could have been called a foul, but the Liverpool goalkeeper should have done better. The ball sailed past his hand and into the upper corner on the near side as Bogdan looked around for the whistle that would never come.
Liverpool tried their best in the second half. Benteke was denied in the 51st minute after his powerful header was smartly saved by the Exeter goalkeeper. While the game wasn't the easiest on the eyes, it was good to see this young squad not giving up. They got their own just desserts in the 74th minute. A low cross from the recently inserted Ojo was cleared away from the six yard area but right to Brad Smith who banged it home for the 2-2 scoreline, which would be the final.
Teixeira could have scored in the 81st minute. He would have had a better chance if he one timed it but he elected to take a touch, which allowed the keeper to come out and cut off the angle. Alas, the result was exactly what nobody wanted. Exeter fans will feel it was an opportunity missed against an extremely weakened Liverpool squad. Liverpool will be happy with essentially their youth squad getting a result, but now another fixture is added to an already crowded schedule.
You'd like to see more from Benteke against a lesser opponent. Cases could be made to insert Adam Lallana in an effort to finish off the game to avoid the replay. However, the thing to take away from this contest is actually that Klopp has proven he can change. Klopp's biggest problem, if it can be said to be a problem, is that he wants to win everything. He hasn't prioritized any competition over the other. Whether it was his hand being forced or an actual decision he made, Klopp wisely changed his lineup. Whether he keeps the strategy going forward is up to him, but it's a good sign.
Random Thoughts:
- I have no problem with him as a person, but if Liverpool are forced to use Enrique at centerback in the league then they are in serious trouble. Lucas may be a better choice.
- The field was absolutely terrible. I actually don't fault the groundskeeper. I'm sure they have a limited budget to make repairs, if any. However, from a viewer aspect it was terrible and had to have made for a bad match. I've seen better fields back when I played CYC.
- Strikers are a precious commodity and Liverpool have none in the cupboard. While Benteke could work extremely well with Daniel Sturridge, the latter's injury problems could force the big Belgian's departure from the team. Today's game also showed that the Reds don't have any true strikers coming through the pipeline either.
Tom Nicoll finished off a great goal for Exeter after some breckdown on the left side of Liverpool's defense led to a cross. The Reds equalized only three minutes later when Jerome Sinclair found the back of the net on what would have been called a penalty if he had not scored. Liverpool had some back and forth after the quick burst of scoring.
As will happen with youth, they looked good at times and quite suspect at others. Joao Carlos Teixeira almost scored for Liverpool in the 17th minute. He made a good move but the ball got caught up between his feet and then his shot was blocked. Soon after, Exeter almost took the lead for a second time in the 30th minute when Noble put a chance over the bar and made a case for a penalty. Christian Ribero should have scored for the home side in the 41st minute as he failed to score on a header after he exposed the left side of the defense again. Unfortunately for the Reds, the cracks were too much to keep together for the full 45.
Lee Holmes gave Exeter the lead they may not have expected but probably deserved. Adam Bogdan received a bit of a bump that could have been called a foul, but the Liverpool goalkeeper should have done better. The ball sailed past his hand and into the upper corner on the near side as Bogdan looked around for the whistle that would never come.
Liverpool tried their best in the second half. Benteke was denied in the 51st minute after his powerful header was smartly saved by the Exeter goalkeeper. While the game wasn't the easiest on the eyes, it was good to see this young squad not giving up. They got their own just desserts in the 74th minute. A low cross from the recently inserted Ojo was cleared away from the six yard area but right to Brad Smith who banged it home for the 2-2 scoreline, which would be the final.
Teixeira could have scored in the 81st minute. He would have had a better chance if he one timed it but he elected to take a touch, which allowed the keeper to come out and cut off the angle. Alas, the result was exactly what nobody wanted. Exeter fans will feel it was an opportunity missed against an extremely weakened Liverpool squad. Liverpool will be happy with essentially their youth squad getting a result, but now another fixture is added to an already crowded schedule.
You'd like to see more from Benteke against a lesser opponent. Cases could be made to insert Adam Lallana in an effort to finish off the game to avoid the replay. However, the thing to take away from this contest is actually that Klopp has proven he can change. Klopp's biggest problem, if it can be said to be a problem, is that he wants to win everything. He hasn't prioritized any competition over the other. Whether it was his hand being forced or an actual decision he made, Klopp wisely changed his lineup. Whether he keeps the strategy going forward is up to him, but it's a good sign.
Random Thoughts:
- I have no problem with him as a person, but if Liverpool are forced to use Enrique at centerback in the league then they are in serious trouble. Lucas may be a better choice.
- The field was absolutely terrible. I actually don't fault the groundskeeper. I'm sure they have a limited budget to make repairs, if any. However, from a viewer aspect it was terrible and had to have made for a bad match. I've seen better fields back when I played CYC.
- Strikers are a precious commodity and Liverpool have none in the cupboard. While Benteke could work extremely well with Daniel Sturridge, the latter's injury problems could force the big Belgian's departure from the team. Today's game also showed that the Reds don't have any true strikers coming through the pipeline either.
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