Liverpool and Manchester United had the lights all to themselves. A rare, though becoming more commonplace, Monday night game provided a good look for the Premier League's premier rivalry. Fans expecting fireworks went away disappointed though.
Liverpool opened the game a bit slow, despite the rousing YNWA chant by the expanded Anfield. It seemed as though the Reds would settle into the game and get things going. However, they seemed to only allow Manchester United to gain more momentum.
The Red Devils kept building up their own attack with little in the way of countering. Liverpool managed to get up field here and there in the first 30 minutes, but not with much belief.
Much of Liverpool's possession in that first half hour was spent trying to get the ball under control. It seemed to always be in the air when Liverpool were in attack.
Liverpool's best chance was hardly that. After the Reds finally had some build up play, the strike came from a Firmino header from a tough angle. Ultimately, it went right at the keeper.
After the 30 minute mark, Liverpool did seem to settle into the match a little better. They calmed down much more on the ball, settled down defensively and closed the gaps and managed to start finding holes in Jose Mourinho's defensive plan.
There was not much to witness in terms of highlights from the opening 45 minutes. Neither side truly tested either goalkeeper. It was more a battle of wills.
United had the better of the attack in the first 15 minutes. Liverpool dominated possession of the ball, but created very little in the opening frame.
As much as the Reds took the halftime advice to heart and came out with authority against Swansea, they did the opposite in this Monday night match. Their passing was fairly bad, including a dreadful mistake by Loris Karius that almost led to a chance for Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
The attack came out even more disjointed than they were in the first half. Even when there was good buildup, the Reds would always find a way to botch it toward the area.
Ten minutes into the second half, it almost seemed as though things were not going to turn for the better. Manchester United began building an attack and almost had it pay off with a nice cross from right to left from Pogba to Ibrahimovic. Only a stray header did not end that attack with a goal.
Can in the 59th minute almost made something of nothing. A fabulous through ball from Joel Matip bound the German, who was surrounded in the area. Still, he flicked a left footer through all the traffic and De Gea was forced to make a sparkling reaction save to keep the game level.
Liverpool kept the pressure on in spurts. In the 71st minute, Coutinho whipped one that looked earmarked for the upper 90. Unfortunately, De Gea came from nowhere to get a piece of it and keep the goose eggs on the board again.
The Reds put their foot on the gas as United began to run out of their own. Liverpool put tons of pressure on the defense, but just didn't look like they would be able to find that final bit of magic.
In the end, that statement proved to be true. The Reds just could not find that last bit of play to create a goal. They won't be overly disappointed with a point against their rivals, but they won't be happy either.
As the game plodded on, you could tell United were playing for the point. They had almost no attack after the opening five or ten minutes in the second half.
Like him or not (most of us do not), you have to give Mourinho credit. Het set up a team that was going to be difficult to break down and they implemented the game plan almost to perfection.
It wasn't what was advertised. We were promised a fantastic, showcase game and were rewarded with a mediocre performance overall. Still, it was a point and kept Liverpool in the top four going into the weekend.
Random Thoughts:
- I am curious as to what Loris Karius provides that Simon Mignolet does not. At this stage, we all just want to win. However, Karius seems to be just as poor on crosses and set pieces as Mignolet, so what does he bring to the table?
- The way the team changed, I completely understand the sub. When it was made, I thought for sure Lallana was coming on for Mane. Mane had done absolutely nothing positive to that point, so it made more sense in the moment to leave Sturridge on. Strange how managers know more than we do.
- It is disappointing to see the team look so poor with Sturridge in. That must change. Using Lallana is fine, but in terms of pure skill, the Reds need a front three of Coutinho, Sturridge and Firmino in form and clicking.
- Maybe it's because I'm biased, but I don't see United being anywhere close to title contenders right now. The NBCSN crew were kissing their feet, but I just didn't see it. Credit where credit is due, they defended well and kept their shape. However, with Liverpool's defense being questionable, they created almost nothing. You do have to score to win a league title.
Walk On
Monday, October 17, 2016
Saturday, October 1, 2016
Liverpool Take Down The Swans With Second Half Comeback
When you don't have the top players in the world, and even when you do sometimes, you worry about the occasional off game. That's what Liverpool had at the start of their match against Swansea.
Liverpool came out well enough, but credit to the Swans, they came out with a bit more energy. Liverpool dealt with it initially, but things just seemed off. The Reds had speed, but no control. They had positioning, but no exit avenues when in trouble.
Then their off start, combined with Swansea's good one, caught up to them. For whatever reason, whether under Brendan Rodgers or Jurgen Klopp, this Liverpool side just can't defend set pieces. It was just such a play that doomed them.
Swansea earned a corner kick in the seventh minute and that was all they'd need to break the deadlock. The ball was swung into the back post. Nathaniel Clyne was flat footed and made no challenge for the ball, allowing it to be sent back across goal.
Dejan Lovren was tied up with his man, so he whiffed as he stuck a leg out for it. Nobody was guarding the man who eventually scored right in front of net, as the rest of the defenders stood and watched the initial cross as though it was the coming of an angel.
After that goal, Liverpool just looked out of sorts. They weren't playing badly, but they weren't doing much to put their own stamp on the game. Things went from bad to worse as Adam Lallana went out with an injury. Fortunately, the Reds had Daniel Sturridge to bring on.
The offense still did not look on the same page. Liverpool had a dream chance in the 27th minute with Coutinho and Sturridge charging in, but the Brazilian played it through the defenders, right to the keeper instead of on an angle for his teammates. Even worse, this came moments after almost conceding a second off another cross right in front of goal.
As the first half progressed, things looked a little brighter. Still, when your best chance was Sadio Mane's blocked shot late in the half, things did not occur how you would expect.
The second half opened much brighter. The Reds were much more on the front foot, even though it opened up a hole or two at the back. Eventually, it paid off.
In the 54th minute, Liverpool earned a dangerous free kick. Coutinho slammed it into the wall, but Jordan Henderson lofted it back across. Swansea's defenders pulled a Liverpool and watched it sail over their heads right onto the forehead of Firmino, who barely touched it, but just enough to sneak it in and make it 1-1.
The Reds really came to life following that. Minutes later, Coutinho almost bent one in, just curling about a foot wide of the post.
The game seemed destined to end in a draw and perhaps that would have been fair to both clubs. Liverpool had won the second half, but could not create that magic chance to put a goal in through the run of play. Swansea had pressed and won the first half.
Liverpool took advantage of a mistake in the 83rd minute. A failure to properly clear the ball led to Firmino getting position in the box. Swansea's defender somewhat fell on him and the Reds were given a penalty.
James Milner finished off the kick and the game. It wasn't a comfortable end though. Swansea should have equalized as Van der Hoorn was right on the doorstep and failed to get a solid touch.
In the end, the final whistle went with Liverpool up by the score of 2-1. It might not have been fair to Swansea, but fair is not how these games always turn out.
For the time being, Liverpool moved up to second in the table. That may change over the course of other results, but it feels pretty good to be in that spot, even if only briefly.
Random Thoughts:
- What is it about Liverpool keepers and crosses? Karius looked as clueless as Mignolet when he came out and swing a mighty fist at a ball only to come up with nothing.
- Though I'm not the biggest Adam Lallana fan, it was disappointing to see him leave with an injury. He has been playing well and creating danger with his pace on the wings.
- Also disappointing to hear the Swansea manager, Francesco Guidolin is likely going to be fired. It does not affect us as Liverpool fans, but he seemed to have the players charging around with purpose and belief and they were a bit hard done by the result.
- Lots of credit to Klopp for this result. So many managers, good and bad, can't get their teams to turn thing around during the break. Klopp managed to make adjustments and say the right things because Liverpool were a totally different team in the second half.
Walk On
Liverpool came out well enough, but credit to the Swans, they came out with a bit more energy. Liverpool dealt with it initially, but things just seemed off. The Reds had speed, but no control. They had positioning, but no exit avenues when in trouble.
Then their off start, combined with Swansea's good one, caught up to them. For whatever reason, whether under Brendan Rodgers or Jurgen Klopp, this Liverpool side just can't defend set pieces. It was just such a play that doomed them.
Swansea earned a corner kick in the seventh minute and that was all they'd need to break the deadlock. The ball was swung into the back post. Nathaniel Clyne was flat footed and made no challenge for the ball, allowing it to be sent back across goal.
Dejan Lovren was tied up with his man, so he whiffed as he stuck a leg out for it. Nobody was guarding the man who eventually scored right in front of net, as the rest of the defenders stood and watched the initial cross as though it was the coming of an angel.
After that goal, Liverpool just looked out of sorts. They weren't playing badly, but they weren't doing much to put their own stamp on the game. Things went from bad to worse as Adam Lallana went out with an injury. Fortunately, the Reds had Daniel Sturridge to bring on.
The offense still did not look on the same page. Liverpool had a dream chance in the 27th minute with Coutinho and Sturridge charging in, but the Brazilian played it through the defenders, right to the keeper instead of on an angle for his teammates. Even worse, this came moments after almost conceding a second off another cross right in front of goal.
As the first half progressed, things looked a little brighter. Still, when your best chance was Sadio Mane's blocked shot late in the half, things did not occur how you would expect.
The second half opened much brighter. The Reds were much more on the front foot, even though it opened up a hole or two at the back. Eventually, it paid off.
In the 54th minute, Liverpool earned a dangerous free kick. Coutinho slammed it into the wall, but Jordan Henderson lofted it back across. Swansea's defenders pulled a Liverpool and watched it sail over their heads right onto the forehead of Firmino, who barely touched it, but just enough to sneak it in and make it 1-1.
The Reds really came to life following that. Minutes later, Coutinho almost bent one in, just curling about a foot wide of the post.
The game seemed destined to end in a draw and perhaps that would have been fair to both clubs. Liverpool had won the second half, but could not create that magic chance to put a goal in through the run of play. Swansea had pressed and won the first half.
Liverpool took advantage of a mistake in the 83rd minute. A failure to properly clear the ball led to Firmino getting position in the box. Swansea's defender somewhat fell on him and the Reds were given a penalty.
James Milner finished off the kick and the game. It wasn't a comfortable end though. Swansea should have equalized as Van der Hoorn was right on the doorstep and failed to get a solid touch.
In the end, the final whistle went with Liverpool up by the score of 2-1. It might not have been fair to Swansea, but fair is not how these games always turn out.
For the time being, Liverpool moved up to second in the table. That may change over the course of other results, but it feels pretty good to be in that spot, even if only briefly.
Random Thoughts:
- What is it about Liverpool keepers and crosses? Karius looked as clueless as Mignolet when he came out and swing a mighty fist at a ball only to come up with nothing.
- Though I'm not the biggest Adam Lallana fan, it was disappointing to see him leave with an injury. He has been playing well and creating danger with his pace on the wings.
- Also disappointing to hear the Swansea manager, Francesco Guidolin is likely going to be fired. It does not affect us as Liverpool fans, but he seemed to have the players charging around with purpose and belief and they were a bit hard done by the result.
- Lots of credit to Klopp for this result. So many managers, good and bad, can't get their teams to turn thing around during the break. Klopp managed to make adjustments and say the right things because Liverpool were a totally different team in the second half.
Walk On
Saturday, September 24, 2016
Liverpool Thrash Hull City In Impressive Fashion
Liverpool should have been up 1-0 in the ninth minute. Sadio Mane got in a decent cross from the right. Coutinho was all alone in front of the keeper and either tried to toe poke it or scuffed it, but neither put it in the net.
The Reds kept on the pressure though and their patience paid off. In the 17th minute, Coutinho drove his way into the area and dished it off to Adam Lallana. The Englishman got a weak left foot through it, cutting it across his body and into the side netting.
It wasn't a pretty goal, but it broke down the defending and gave the keeper no chance. There is not much more you can ask for than that.
The patience was the key for the entire half. They just took what was available to them and built upon it each time. It paid off in the 29th minute.
Again, good build up from the right hand side after a giveaway and Mane pushed down the right. His strong cross found Coutinho at the penalty spot. He blasted one and the defender got caught with his hands out and was awarded a red card.
Liverpool went up 2-0 on a James Milner penalty kick. He tucked it in nicely in the bottom right corner, just slipping it under the goalkeeper. That opened the flood gates from there.
Liverpool kept up the pressure, putting the squeeze on the depleted Hull City defense. Mane, who was begging for a goal after all his set up play, was rewarded in the 35th minute. Lallana cut toward the box from the left and put it right to Mane at the penalty spot. The Liverpool newcomer was surrounded by defenders, but calmly spun around and slotted it past the despairing keeper.
The Reds came within a whisker of making it 4-0 before half. Milner, playing as a left back, got all the way to the attacking endline. He flashed a great pass across the face of goal, but nobody was on the doorstep to tap it in.
It would not be all sunshine and rainbows in the second half though. Hull City earned a corner kick in the 50th minute. Unfortunately, Liverpool's habit of making a hash of set pieces continued. They failed to clear the ball and it was smashed past Karius to cut the lead to two.
Coutinho was having none of that though. The Brazilian absolutely ripped home a goal not even a minute later.
Liverpool took the ball right after the kick and Lallana found some space. When closed down, he crossed to Coutinho in the middle. His shot came from about 22 yards away and there was no shot for any keeper to get a hand on it.
The Reds kept on it from there. Daniel Sturridge earned a penalty in the 70th minute, which Milner finished off for a second time, again sticking it just under the keeper.
Liverpool mainly toyed with the Tigers after that. The Reds pressed up the field a few times, but never really sought out their sixth goal with any great urgency.
In the end, it was a fine performance against a team Liverpool should beat. These are the games that have tripped them up in the past, so it was good to come away with three points.
The win, whether temporarily or not, puts them in third place in the table. It vaulted them past Everton and keeps them above Manchester United. Liverpool seem to have really settled into some good form and it will be interesting to see how long it lasts.
Random Thoughts:
- It was a shame that Sturridge couldn't get a goal after earning the penalty. After the Balotelli incidents where everyone was whining about taking the penalties, I understand having to use one kicker but it still seems as though you should be allowed to take it if you earned it.
- I'm curious as to the switch in goalkeepers. I know many fans are against Simon Mignolet, but Karius didn't do much in the midweek game and didn't do much against Hull. So, what did he do to earn the start? If Liverpool wins, it's fine. Just curious as to the reasoning.
Walk On
The Reds kept on the pressure though and their patience paid off. In the 17th minute, Coutinho drove his way into the area and dished it off to Adam Lallana. The Englishman got a weak left foot through it, cutting it across his body and into the side netting.
It wasn't a pretty goal, but it broke down the defending and gave the keeper no chance. There is not much more you can ask for than that.
The patience was the key for the entire half. They just took what was available to them and built upon it each time. It paid off in the 29th minute.
Again, good build up from the right hand side after a giveaway and Mane pushed down the right. His strong cross found Coutinho at the penalty spot. He blasted one and the defender got caught with his hands out and was awarded a red card.
Liverpool went up 2-0 on a James Milner penalty kick. He tucked it in nicely in the bottom right corner, just slipping it under the goalkeeper. That opened the flood gates from there.
Liverpool kept up the pressure, putting the squeeze on the depleted Hull City defense. Mane, who was begging for a goal after all his set up play, was rewarded in the 35th minute. Lallana cut toward the box from the left and put it right to Mane at the penalty spot. The Liverpool newcomer was surrounded by defenders, but calmly spun around and slotted it past the despairing keeper.
The Reds came within a whisker of making it 4-0 before half. Milner, playing as a left back, got all the way to the attacking endline. He flashed a great pass across the face of goal, but nobody was on the doorstep to tap it in.
It would not be all sunshine and rainbows in the second half though. Hull City earned a corner kick in the 50th minute. Unfortunately, Liverpool's habit of making a hash of set pieces continued. They failed to clear the ball and it was smashed past Karius to cut the lead to two.
Coutinho was having none of that though. The Brazilian absolutely ripped home a goal not even a minute later.
Liverpool took the ball right after the kick and Lallana found some space. When closed down, he crossed to Coutinho in the middle. His shot came from about 22 yards away and there was no shot for any keeper to get a hand on it.
The Reds kept on it from there. Daniel Sturridge earned a penalty in the 70th minute, which Milner finished off for a second time, again sticking it just under the keeper.
Liverpool mainly toyed with the Tigers after that. The Reds pressed up the field a few times, but never really sought out their sixth goal with any great urgency.
In the end, it was a fine performance against a team Liverpool should beat. These are the games that have tripped them up in the past, so it was good to come away with three points.
The win, whether temporarily or not, puts them in third place in the table. It vaulted them past Everton and keeps them above Manchester United. Liverpool seem to have really settled into some good form and it will be interesting to see how long it lasts.
Random Thoughts:
- It was a shame that Sturridge couldn't get a goal after earning the penalty. After the Balotelli incidents where everyone was whining about taking the penalties, I understand having to use one kicker but it still seems as though you should be allowed to take it if you earned it.
- I'm curious as to the switch in goalkeepers. I know many fans are against Simon Mignolet, but Karius didn't do much in the midweek game and didn't do much against Hull. So, what did he do to earn the start? If Liverpool wins, it's fine. Just curious as to the reasoning.
Walk On
Friday, September 16, 2016
Liverpool Stun The Blues At Stamford Bridge Again
First thing's first. Apparently, I'm a terrible Liverpool fan. I swore this game was going to be on Saturday, so I missed much of the first half. Shame on me.
Anyway, what a performance in the end. Liverpool came out and took advantage of a Chelsea squad that seemed to be put on their heels right away.
The Reds got things off to a cracking start with an early goal. Liverpool managed to keep the Chelsea attack quiet in the first ten minutes or so and then set off to find their own tally. It was not long after they found it.
In the 17th minute, the Liverpool attack began on the left hand side, something that would become almost a theme. Peeling back from the corner, Coutinho received the ball and sent a pinpoint cross to the back side.
Astoundingly, the Chelsea defense had left at least three red kits alone on the back step and Liverpool took advantage. Dejan Lovren had taken a step back onside just before the kick and then neatly tucked away the chance. All he had to do was take the beautiful cross and then slip it just to the right of Thibaut Courtois for the lead.
The interesting thing was the lack of push back from the Blues. They trodded up field now and then, forcing the odd corner kick or set piece. However, they had almost no real threat on goal in the first half, let alone after the initial Liverpool goal was taken.
The Reds took full advantage of the lackluster play by their rivals and put another one in. Again building up from the left hand side, the Reds pushed down toward the corner. This time Chelsea captured control but failed to make a good clearance.
Jordan Henderson picked up the errant ball and scored one of the best goals you'll see all year. Taking it from about 25 yards out, the captain put a right foot through the ball and could not have placed it any better if he threw it.
The shot hurled up into the air and bent back down with the perfect amount of curl. Courtois made a valiant effort to stop it, but no goalkeeper was going to get it as it went into the upper 90 to make it 2-0 to Liverpool.
The Reds finished out the first half and took the lead into the break. They had played about as well as anyone could hope and it was all about seeing it out from then on.
Chelsea did eventually mount a comeback. However, the lone goal did not come until the 61st minute. They had a bit more possession, but still managed little in the attack for the first five minutes or so. That wasn't to last forever though.
Who else but Diego Costa ended up putting one in for Chelsea. In the end, the defending by Liverpool wasn't the best but there wasn't too much they could do about the finish.
Matic got on the end of a ball in the box and took it endline. Joel Matip pulled up from his slide, worrying he was going to create a penalty. Other players blindly slid around attempting to thwart the cross, but Matic got it to Costa who just bumped it in.
It was game on from there. Costa almost had the equalizer in the 65th minute. The Chelsea striker spun and fired one on goal. It forced a good save from Simon Mignolet to keep it out.
The goal put the nerves into the Reds, and definitely their fans, for the final half hour. Fortunately, the team did not let on. They went back to work.
Although they would not find paydirt the rest of the match, they still created. Case in point was Divock Origi. The Belgian, who came on for Daniel Sturridge, lept up and thought he had the head ball goal for sure in the 81st. Courtois showed why he is still considered one of the best keepers in the world by turning it away.
Antonio Conte, the first year Chelsea manager, waited until the 84th minute to make massive changes. It was too little, too late. The Reds saw out the finish and earned a hard won three points.
The win puts Liverpool, at least temporarily, tied for second spot on points and in fourth place on goal differential. It's far too early to put the Reds in the discussion for top four spots right now, but Jurgen Klopp has them playing like a team that will be there at the end.
The win provides Klopp his second win in a row at Stamford Bridge. Arsene Wenger is the only other manager to do that in his first two matches at Chelsea.
What benefits Liverpool right now, is what benefited Brendan Rodgers' squad that finished in second place. Liverpool have no European matches to take their focus away from the league. We've seen it help the Reds and it helped Leicester win the league last season.
The likelihood of Liverpool taking the league is slim. They are just too vulnerable defensively. However, if they keep up their current form and clean up their bad results against lower level teams, we could be seeing more European nights come next season.
Random Thoughts:
- For the love of all that is holy, can we please avoid another Sturridge injury? I know I can't be alone in worrying that it is more than just a precautionary move to take him out so early. Not even an hour in and he has to come off. He did not have his customary disgruntled look either, which means he knew he needed off. Only bad can come of that.
- A win against Chelsea should and is reward enough. It is made all the sweeter by the fact that the ESPN FC crew were so certain that Chelsea would take the game handily. I know they are paid to give opinions and I have been in that spot before too. When they go against your team so easily though, it's nice to have that little extra satisfaction of the broadcasters eating their words.
- LFC will have a good opportunity to rid themselves of this bad habit of allowing minnows to take down the big fish. They face Derby County midweek in the League Cup and then Hull at the weekend. Two wins should be expected as these men need to start playing like they're at the top of the league when they play those further down.
Walk On
Anyway, what a performance in the end. Liverpool came out and took advantage of a Chelsea squad that seemed to be put on their heels right away.
The Reds got things off to a cracking start with an early goal. Liverpool managed to keep the Chelsea attack quiet in the first ten minutes or so and then set off to find their own tally. It was not long after they found it.
In the 17th minute, the Liverpool attack began on the left hand side, something that would become almost a theme. Peeling back from the corner, Coutinho received the ball and sent a pinpoint cross to the back side.
Astoundingly, the Chelsea defense had left at least three red kits alone on the back step and Liverpool took advantage. Dejan Lovren had taken a step back onside just before the kick and then neatly tucked away the chance. All he had to do was take the beautiful cross and then slip it just to the right of Thibaut Courtois for the lead.
The interesting thing was the lack of push back from the Blues. They trodded up field now and then, forcing the odd corner kick or set piece. However, they had almost no real threat on goal in the first half, let alone after the initial Liverpool goal was taken.
The Reds took full advantage of the lackluster play by their rivals and put another one in. Again building up from the left hand side, the Reds pushed down toward the corner. This time Chelsea captured control but failed to make a good clearance.
Jordan Henderson picked up the errant ball and scored one of the best goals you'll see all year. Taking it from about 25 yards out, the captain put a right foot through the ball and could not have placed it any better if he threw it.
The shot hurled up into the air and bent back down with the perfect amount of curl. Courtois made a valiant effort to stop it, but no goalkeeper was going to get it as it went into the upper 90 to make it 2-0 to Liverpool.
The Reds finished out the first half and took the lead into the break. They had played about as well as anyone could hope and it was all about seeing it out from then on.
Chelsea did eventually mount a comeback. However, the lone goal did not come until the 61st minute. They had a bit more possession, but still managed little in the attack for the first five minutes or so. That wasn't to last forever though.
Who else but Diego Costa ended up putting one in for Chelsea. In the end, the defending by Liverpool wasn't the best but there wasn't too much they could do about the finish.
Matic got on the end of a ball in the box and took it endline. Joel Matip pulled up from his slide, worrying he was going to create a penalty. Other players blindly slid around attempting to thwart the cross, but Matic got it to Costa who just bumped it in.
It was game on from there. Costa almost had the equalizer in the 65th minute. The Chelsea striker spun and fired one on goal. It forced a good save from Simon Mignolet to keep it out.
The goal put the nerves into the Reds, and definitely their fans, for the final half hour. Fortunately, the team did not let on. They went back to work.
Although they would not find paydirt the rest of the match, they still created. Case in point was Divock Origi. The Belgian, who came on for Daniel Sturridge, lept up and thought he had the head ball goal for sure in the 81st. Courtois showed why he is still considered one of the best keepers in the world by turning it away.
Antonio Conte, the first year Chelsea manager, waited until the 84th minute to make massive changes. It was too little, too late. The Reds saw out the finish and earned a hard won three points.
The win puts Liverpool, at least temporarily, tied for second spot on points and in fourth place on goal differential. It's far too early to put the Reds in the discussion for top four spots right now, but Jurgen Klopp has them playing like a team that will be there at the end.
The win provides Klopp his second win in a row at Stamford Bridge. Arsene Wenger is the only other manager to do that in his first two matches at Chelsea.
What benefits Liverpool right now, is what benefited Brendan Rodgers' squad that finished in second place. Liverpool have no European matches to take their focus away from the league. We've seen it help the Reds and it helped Leicester win the league last season.
The likelihood of Liverpool taking the league is slim. They are just too vulnerable defensively. However, if they keep up their current form and clean up their bad results against lower level teams, we could be seeing more European nights come next season.
Random Thoughts:
- For the love of all that is holy, can we please avoid another Sturridge injury? I know I can't be alone in worrying that it is more than just a precautionary move to take him out so early. Not even an hour in and he has to come off. He did not have his customary disgruntled look either, which means he knew he needed off. Only bad can come of that.
- A win against Chelsea should and is reward enough. It is made all the sweeter by the fact that the ESPN FC crew were so certain that Chelsea would take the game handily. I know they are paid to give opinions and I have been in that spot before too. When they go against your team so easily though, it's nice to have that little extra satisfaction of the broadcasters eating their words.
- LFC will have a good opportunity to rid themselves of this bad habit of allowing minnows to take down the big fish. They face Derby County midweek in the League Cup and then Hull at the weekend. Two wins should be expected as these men need to start playing like they're at the top of the league when they play those further down.
Walk On
Saturday, September 10, 2016
Despite Shaky Moments, Liverpool Dominate the Defending Champs
Thank goodness the international break is over. The United States played quite well during their qualifiers and Christian Pulisic looks like the genuine article. Still, without the club games to watch, it gets rather boring.
There was not much boring about Liverpool's start against the Foxes of Leicester. Leicester opened up quite positively, but Liverpool managed to weather it. Then, they built up their own attack. The first goal came in the 13th minute.
James Milner brought it up the left wing. Daniel Sturridge made a good run toward the flag, dragging opposition defenders with him. This left Firmino relatively open toward the middle. He took a great first touch that put the ball around the defender and at the top of the area, where he slipped it just under Casper Schmeichel.
Liverpool began flirting with a bit of danger afterward. You expect a pushback following any goal, but Leicester began to string things together. They just missed scoring an equalizer in the 20th minute when they flashed one just wide of the left post right in front of Simon Mignolet.
26th minute, it was almost 2-0. Liverpool got a clever cross into the front of goal from the endline. Sturridge got a solid right foot on it, but knocked it right into the sprawled out hands of Schmeichel. It was a fantastic save, but Sturridge will, no doubt, feel he should have done better in the end.
The Reds were playing some great football, but couldn't seem to get the finisher. They had wave after wave of attack for about five minutes. Then the score came. Another push up the field found Sturridge in the box. He had a cheeky backheel back toward the spot. Sadio Mane manged to just flick it over the keeper and into the net in the 31st minute. In the end, it may have gone over the goal if it had not hit Schmeichel's hand, but it scored nevertheless.
Just when it seemed like Liverpool were putting a stranglehold on the game, their makeshift backline came back to bite them. Lucas, playing centerback for some head scratching reason, was trying to roll a pass back to Mignolet. He misshit the ball and then, due to pressure, toe poked it well past the keeper and right to Jamie Vardy, who smashed it into the back of the net.
The Reds were still up by a goal after that, but the game had switched. Mignolet almost allowed the equalizer when he flailed at a cross and missed and the header just bounced off the crossbar and over. Fortunately, Lucas made amends right before half. Leicester got away with some fouls and sprung a break. Lucas' sliding challenge avoided what would have been a three or four on two attack.
The first 45 was almost flawless in attack for Liverpool. Sadly, the defending was hit or miss and the turnover was just unthinkable. It would be up to the Reds to seal things up defensively in the second half and hopefully keep the attacking prowess going and reward the Kop. The Foxes would clearly want their say in the match before its end too.
The second 45 began with a bit of a lull, but not for too long. The first ten minutes or so went by with only a hitch or two. Nothing major on either side. Then, the Reds came back to life.
Sturridge was again denied by a strong save in close. However, Liverpool kept on the front foot and would not let the ball out. Just as it seemed the attack would peter out, the ball was laid off to the right for Adam Lallana. The winger unleashed the fury on the ball and as the announcer said, if not for the net, the ball would still be sailing. 3-1 to the good guys in the 56th minute.
In the 61st, it seemed as though the opposition would bring it within one goal again. Vardy was put in possession of the ball in a very dangerous area. Just to the left, near the spot, the striker took a strong swing through the ball. Mignolet had come out confidently, slid right into the shot and the save almost turned into a counter attack.
Honestly, Liverpool should have been up 4-1 in the 79th minute. They had a good deal of buildup play from the wings. The ball finally got popped into the area for Firmino. It bobbled around a few times and then fell back to Jordan Henderson. Normally a calm player, the captain just ripped it dozens of rows up into the Kop instead of into the upper netting.
It almost looked like the Reds would butcher another chance to go up by 4-1. Schmeichel had come almost to the half line to make a challenge he was never going to win against Mane. Mane then took a few dribbles and instead of going for a looping shot himself, he centered it to Firmino.
The pass was rather weak, but Firmino took a touch to get around the defender. He still managed to push it into an empty net and take the three goal lead into stoppage time. It would end up being a nice finish, but a bit scary in terms of doing too much with it.
Ultimately, Liverpool won quite comfortably. There were a few nervy moments here and there, but if Lucas had not made that mind bogglingly strange error, then Liverpool would have had a clean sheet. When it's all taken into consideration, three points and a dominant performance against the defending champions is a good result.
Nobody knows how Leicester will finish this season. They are still defending champions and Liverpool took them to task. Now, the Reds must just find ways to finish off the minnows since they seem to play so well against the sharks and the whales.
Random Thoughts:
- I do not like the round patches for the league on the sleeve. The logo, when not up close, looks too much like the WWF Panda. For some reason, round patches just look odd too.
- My, oh my. What is going on with the back four? We know Clyne will be good and Matip seems to have settled in quite well. Lovren has his issues, but he is replaced by Lucas? I know you want Lucas to get some games, but no. Just no. Milner seems to be adapting to his wingback role, but this just seems like a mess in the making that might cost the team points later in the year.
- There's no way of knowing how good other teams will be. That said, this squad is shaping up a lot like the one that finished second in the league a few seasons ago. I'm not saying they'll finish that high, but they have tons of scoring prowess and are shaky at the back. If they can keep the offense rolling, then the wins could pile up. If the defending becomes too much of a hinderance, it could be another up and down year, which we have already seen signs of.
Walk On
There was not much boring about Liverpool's start against the Foxes of Leicester. Leicester opened up quite positively, but Liverpool managed to weather it. Then, they built up their own attack. The first goal came in the 13th minute.
James Milner brought it up the left wing. Daniel Sturridge made a good run toward the flag, dragging opposition defenders with him. This left Firmino relatively open toward the middle. He took a great first touch that put the ball around the defender and at the top of the area, where he slipped it just under Casper Schmeichel.
Liverpool began flirting with a bit of danger afterward. You expect a pushback following any goal, but Leicester began to string things together. They just missed scoring an equalizer in the 20th minute when they flashed one just wide of the left post right in front of Simon Mignolet.
26th minute, it was almost 2-0. Liverpool got a clever cross into the front of goal from the endline. Sturridge got a solid right foot on it, but knocked it right into the sprawled out hands of Schmeichel. It was a fantastic save, but Sturridge will, no doubt, feel he should have done better in the end.
The Reds were playing some great football, but couldn't seem to get the finisher. They had wave after wave of attack for about five minutes. Then the score came. Another push up the field found Sturridge in the box. He had a cheeky backheel back toward the spot. Sadio Mane manged to just flick it over the keeper and into the net in the 31st minute. In the end, it may have gone over the goal if it had not hit Schmeichel's hand, but it scored nevertheless.
Just when it seemed like Liverpool were putting a stranglehold on the game, their makeshift backline came back to bite them. Lucas, playing centerback for some head scratching reason, was trying to roll a pass back to Mignolet. He misshit the ball and then, due to pressure, toe poked it well past the keeper and right to Jamie Vardy, who smashed it into the back of the net.
The Reds were still up by a goal after that, but the game had switched. Mignolet almost allowed the equalizer when he flailed at a cross and missed and the header just bounced off the crossbar and over. Fortunately, Lucas made amends right before half. Leicester got away with some fouls and sprung a break. Lucas' sliding challenge avoided what would have been a three or four on two attack.
The first 45 was almost flawless in attack for Liverpool. Sadly, the defending was hit or miss and the turnover was just unthinkable. It would be up to the Reds to seal things up defensively in the second half and hopefully keep the attacking prowess going and reward the Kop. The Foxes would clearly want their say in the match before its end too.
The second 45 began with a bit of a lull, but not for too long. The first ten minutes or so went by with only a hitch or two. Nothing major on either side. Then, the Reds came back to life.
Sturridge was again denied by a strong save in close. However, Liverpool kept on the front foot and would not let the ball out. Just as it seemed the attack would peter out, the ball was laid off to the right for Adam Lallana. The winger unleashed the fury on the ball and as the announcer said, if not for the net, the ball would still be sailing. 3-1 to the good guys in the 56th minute.
In the 61st, it seemed as though the opposition would bring it within one goal again. Vardy was put in possession of the ball in a very dangerous area. Just to the left, near the spot, the striker took a strong swing through the ball. Mignolet had come out confidently, slid right into the shot and the save almost turned into a counter attack.
Honestly, Liverpool should have been up 4-1 in the 79th minute. They had a good deal of buildup play from the wings. The ball finally got popped into the area for Firmino. It bobbled around a few times and then fell back to Jordan Henderson. Normally a calm player, the captain just ripped it dozens of rows up into the Kop instead of into the upper netting.
It almost looked like the Reds would butcher another chance to go up by 4-1. Schmeichel had come almost to the half line to make a challenge he was never going to win against Mane. Mane then took a few dribbles and instead of going for a looping shot himself, he centered it to Firmino.
The pass was rather weak, but Firmino took a touch to get around the defender. He still managed to push it into an empty net and take the three goal lead into stoppage time. It would end up being a nice finish, but a bit scary in terms of doing too much with it.
Ultimately, Liverpool won quite comfortably. There were a few nervy moments here and there, but if Lucas had not made that mind bogglingly strange error, then Liverpool would have had a clean sheet. When it's all taken into consideration, three points and a dominant performance against the defending champions is a good result.
Nobody knows how Leicester will finish this season. They are still defending champions and Liverpool took them to task. Now, the Reds must just find ways to finish off the minnows since they seem to play so well against the sharks and the whales.
Random Thoughts:
- I do not like the round patches for the league on the sleeve. The logo, when not up close, looks too much like the WWF Panda. For some reason, round patches just look odd too.
- My, oh my. What is going on with the back four? We know Clyne will be good and Matip seems to have settled in quite well. Lovren has his issues, but he is replaced by Lucas? I know you want Lucas to get some games, but no. Just no. Milner seems to be adapting to his wingback role, but this just seems like a mess in the making that might cost the team points later in the year.
- There's no way of knowing how good other teams will be. That said, this squad is shaping up a lot like the one that finished second in the league a few seasons ago. I'm not saying they'll finish that high, but they have tons of scoring prowess and are shaky at the back. If they can keep the offense rolling, then the wins could pile up. If the defending becomes too much of a hinderance, it could be another up and down year, which we have already seen signs of.
Walk On
Saturday, August 27, 2016
Liverpool Show Flashes Against Spurs, But Settle For A Point
Liverpool came into the weekend with a lot to prove. It's early in the season, but their inconsistency over two league games has already worried the fans. A team like Tottenham was just the kind of test Liverpool needed to pass.
The day didn't start well at all. Although Liverpool never came close to conceding, they played about as poorly as you could without allowing a goal. The first quarter hour was absolutely dreadful.
The Reds were allowing too many holes for Spurs to strike through. Their touch was terrible. It seemed as though every touch off the foot or judged bounce went completely awry.
Fortunately, Liverpool did not let in the goal early as they did against Burnley and that was the difference early on. It allowed the team to calm down, get their feet under them and make their own impact on the game.
As the first half progressed, it became more of Liverpool's game. They would take the lead from a James Milner penalty kick that came after Firmino got by Erik Lamela and forced him to clip the heel. While Milner's choice to take the kick was surprising, he made no doubt with the strike.
Liverpool were a bit hard done by the half by the end of it. They could easily have had between two and four goals. Michel Vorm was the only reason the Reds didn't have a crooked number on the scoreboard. Vorm made a kick save that would have made any hockey goaltender proud on Coutinho and also several sliding tackles on Mane`.
The second half began with much of the same. Spurs would have the occasional romp forward, but it was much more of Liverpool in possession. However, Burnley showed that possession means little for the end result, so the Reds needed an insurance goal.
A new defender almost came up with just that. Joel Matip barely missed a header from a corner in the 53rd minute. The flick just went over the bar. Liverpool should have had a goal awarded just minutes after that as well.
The Reds had some fantastic build up play. The ball was played through to Adam Lallana, who proceeded to send it across the six yard area where it was smashed in by Mane`. The flag was up and fans were left to wonder how Mane` could have been offside since he was behind the ball. As it turned out, the assistant had labeled Lallana off, but even that was questionable as it was his boot at most.
The problem after those lost chances was Spurs began to build up their own attack. They nearly scored twice on successive corner kicks. Only top reaction saves by Simon Mignolet kept the ball out of the net on those instances, but Tottenham had begun to plant their flag.
Spurs were eventually rewarded for their efforts too. In the 72nd minute, Milner quizzically took a step forward as the ball went over his head. His man managed to get a cross off that was flicked over to the left side. Danny Rose was all alone on the back side and found enough space to hit it between Mignolet and the converging Mane` to level up the game.
Liverpool recovered a bit toward the end of the game. In fact, they should have done much more with an opportunity in stoppage time. Unfortunately an extremely slow pass to Firmino thwarted what should have been a clear break and Lallana could only force a corner once in the box.
In the end, a draw was probably a fair result given the back and forth nature of the contest as a whole. Liverpool needed a win to really boost themselves, but a point is a point. Liverpool still have some defensive deficiencies and that's unlikely to change. They looked solid going forward and just need a bit more gelling with the new faces.
Now it's a week off to prepare for the defending champions and to open up their refurbished home stand. Liverpool had better use that time to get a few things in order. Leicester has not looked great to start the year, but the Reds don't want to be the team they find form against.
Random Thoughts:
- I like Alberto Moreno and I like James Milner. Neither are the answer at left back right now though so Jurgen Klopp had better be strongly considering pursuing a left back. The window is closed now, but given what we've seen from those two players, signing DeAndre Yedlin would have been a step up. You can't keep having that position cost you as the season progresses.
- I think Christian Pulisic has the chance to be a good player. However, despite that assertion, I don't think Liverpool is the spot for him right now. If he's not going to play regularly, then he may as well stay at Dortmund. If he can show his quality right away at Liverpool (assuming he even comes, since it's all rumor), then alright. Yet, it just seems there are too many players ahead of him in the pecking order for him to find a regular spot and he's at the age where he needs to be playing all the time.
- What is it with Liverpool having to have a hot tempered center back? Lovren has always been a bit frustrating, but he has definitely taken up Skrtel's role of yelling about every call and looking like anything that doesn't go his way will blow his top off.
Walk On
The day didn't start well at all. Although Liverpool never came close to conceding, they played about as poorly as you could without allowing a goal. The first quarter hour was absolutely dreadful.
The Reds were allowing too many holes for Spurs to strike through. Their touch was terrible. It seemed as though every touch off the foot or judged bounce went completely awry.
Fortunately, Liverpool did not let in the goal early as they did against Burnley and that was the difference early on. It allowed the team to calm down, get their feet under them and make their own impact on the game.
As the first half progressed, it became more of Liverpool's game. They would take the lead from a James Milner penalty kick that came after Firmino got by Erik Lamela and forced him to clip the heel. While Milner's choice to take the kick was surprising, he made no doubt with the strike.
Liverpool were a bit hard done by the half by the end of it. They could easily have had between two and four goals. Michel Vorm was the only reason the Reds didn't have a crooked number on the scoreboard. Vorm made a kick save that would have made any hockey goaltender proud on Coutinho and also several sliding tackles on Mane`.
The second half began with much of the same. Spurs would have the occasional romp forward, but it was much more of Liverpool in possession. However, Burnley showed that possession means little for the end result, so the Reds needed an insurance goal.
A new defender almost came up with just that. Joel Matip barely missed a header from a corner in the 53rd minute. The flick just went over the bar. Liverpool should have had a goal awarded just minutes after that as well.
The Reds had some fantastic build up play. The ball was played through to Adam Lallana, who proceeded to send it across the six yard area where it was smashed in by Mane`. The flag was up and fans were left to wonder how Mane` could have been offside since he was behind the ball. As it turned out, the assistant had labeled Lallana off, but even that was questionable as it was his boot at most.
The problem after those lost chances was Spurs began to build up their own attack. They nearly scored twice on successive corner kicks. Only top reaction saves by Simon Mignolet kept the ball out of the net on those instances, but Tottenham had begun to plant their flag.
Spurs were eventually rewarded for their efforts too. In the 72nd minute, Milner quizzically took a step forward as the ball went over his head. His man managed to get a cross off that was flicked over to the left side. Danny Rose was all alone on the back side and found enough space to hit it between Mignolet and the converging Mane` to level up the game.
Liverpool recovered a bit toward the end of the game. In fact, they should have done much more with an opportunity in stoppage time. Unfortunately an extremely slow pass to Firmino thwarted what should have been a clear break and Lallana could only force a corner once in the box.
In the end, a draw was probably a fair result given the back and forth nature of the contest as a whole. Liverpool needed a win to really boost themselves, but a point is a point. Liverpool still have some defensive deficiencies and that's unlikely to change. They looked solid going forward and just need a bit more gelling with the new faces.
Now it's a week off to prepare for the defending champions and to open up their refurbished home stand. Liverpool had better use that time to get a few things in order. Leicester has not looked great to start the year, but the Reds don't want to be the team they find form against.
Random Thoughts:
- I like Alberto Moreno and I like James Milner. Neither are the answer at left back right now though so Jurgen Klopp had better be strongly considering pursuing a left back. The window is closed now, but given what we've seen from those two players, signing DeAndre Yedlin would have been a step up. You can't keep having that position cost you as the season progresses.
- I think Christian Pulisic has the chance to be a good player. However, despite that assertion, I don't think Liverpool is the spot for him right now. If he's not going to play regularly, then he may as well stay at Dortmund. If he can show his quality right away at Liverpool (assuming he even comes, since it's all rumor), then alright. Yet, it just seems there are too many players ahead of him in the pecking order for him to find a regular spot and he's at the age where he needs to be playing all the time.
- What is it with Liverpool having to have a hot tempered center back? Lovren has always been a bit frustrating, but he has definitely taken up Skrtel's role of yelling about every call and looking like anything that doesn't go his way will blow his top off.
Walk On
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
Liverpool Return To Winning Ways Knocking Off Burton Albion
Welcome back Liverpool fans. I've been away for the beginning of the season. I was out of the country for a wedding in Canada.
In the meantime, the team managed to come up with a huge 4-3 win over Arsenal. They then dropped a terrible 2-0 decision to Burnley after that. While these games were on the road, making them more difficult, it has been an incredibly up and down start to the new season.
Combine that with the rather dull showing while the Reds were in St. Louis and it has become a bit of a worry. While the game in my hometown could be easily chalked up to a combination of being a preseason affair and a terribly humid day, it doesn't explain why the team continues to be so inconsistent.
That said, they did what they needed to do to advance in the EFL Cup. On a side note, why in blue blazes did they change the name? Has the competition fallen so low on the totem pole that they could not find a replacement sponsor when Capital One dropped off?
It's a minor thing, but even though the name Capital One Cup was less than palatable, EFL Cup just seems so plain. I digress.
The game itself against Burton Albion was exactly what you would want from such a fixture. The Reds got things off to a great start. Sadio Mane did a little foot dangle before the cross that saw Divock Origi tap it in.
Firmino scored off a header in the 22nd minute, Liverpool got an own goal in the 61st and then Daniel Sturridge scored a brace at the end of the match. It was a fine performance by just about everyone involved and a good jumping off point to prepare for Tottenham on the weekend.
Everything must be kept in perspective as Burton is a Championship side. Barring another monumental failure by Liverpool, this was always going to be the result. So, a 5-0 win in this kind of match is not going to mean that the Reds are off and running when it comes to the league.
Nevertheless, it was a good showing. The players you want to step up and lead did and it was the kind of performance you want to see from Liverpool in these sorts of games where they outmatch their opponent as opposed to what happened last weekend.
Also on the positive side was Mane. When he was signed, it was mainly a shoulder shrug for most people. There were not any problems with the addition, but it wasn't someone people generally pointed to as being the missing piece.
So far, he's been the man the team can ill afford to lose the most. He played against Arsenal and Burton and the Reds won and played with flare and style. He was missing against Burnley and the team lacked that attacking spark.
He was man of the match in this EFL fixture and deservedly so. Though he did not get on the score sheet for all of them, he had a hand in almost every goal. He was still sprinting after challenges at the very end of the game.
Mane isn't one of those guys that's going to command tens of millions or hundreds of millions in the transfer market, but he fits in with this squad perfectly. He's exactly the type of player that Jurgen Klopp wants to mold his entire team after. Getting the current crop to play that way may still take some time.
Again, it was a good win but nothing to jump for joy about in the grand scheme. Just entertaining football to view and take it for what it was.
The weekend will be a better barometer of what kind of season we may be in for. For now, let's be happy with a win and be happy for a few days until the Reds invade London.
Random Thoughts:
- Much of this article was random thoughts, but let's get into a few more. Apparently there is talk of loaning out Sakho. I am not in favor of this at all. He's not a great defender, but still has a leg up on the current group of central defenders. He just needs to get his off field issues in order.
- Springboarding off that, there were fans who were honestly questioning whether Klopp belongs at Anfield because of the Sakho loan talk. Question his tactics or his transfer policies, but to say he doesn't belong is just ridiculous. He's shown quite well in his brief time. Also, this insane idea that every decision or loss means the manager is terrible and must be fired is just sickening. I understand that the game is extremely short lived in terms of who is in charge or playing on the field and change occurs all the time, but there is still something to be said for consistency.
- Nothing major happened in this game, but what happened to Moreno? He was never going to win defender of the year, but he's been just north of dreadful in his league games so far. He's got speed and skill. However, maybe it just isn't there upstairs.
- While I'm very impressed with Mane, it also scares me. Anytime a team is so reliant on one or two players to produce, it is worrying. Sturridge is a ticking time bomb when it comes to injury and if Mane is that important to the squad, they can't afford to lose him either. It would just be nice to feel like we could consistently rely on some of the other guys instead of just the odd performance here or there.
Walk On
In the meantime, the team managed to come up with a huge 4-3 win over Arsenal. They then dropped a terrible 2-0 decision to Burnley after that. While these games were on the road, making them more difficult, it has been an incredibly up and down start to the new season.
Combine that with the rather dull showing while the Reds were in St. Louis and it has become a bit of a worry. While the game in my hometown could be easily chalked up to a combination of being a preseason affair and a terribly humid day, it doesn't explain why the team continues to be so inconsistent.
That said, they did what they needed to do to advance in the EFL Cup. On a side note, why in blue blazes did they change the name? Has the competition fallen so low on the totem pole that they could not find a replacement sponsor when Capital One dropped off?
It's a minor thing, but even though the name Capital One Cup was less than palatable, EFL Cup just seems so plain. I digress.
The game itself against Burton Albion was exactly what you would want from such a fixture. The Reds got things off to a great start. Sadio Mane did a little foot dangle before the cross that saw Divock Origi tap it in.
Firmino scored off a header in the 22nd minute, Liverpool got an own goal in the 61st and then Daniel Sturridge scored a brace at the end of the match. It was a fine performance by just about everyone involved and a good jumping off point to prepare for Tottenham on the weekend.
Everything must be kept in perspective as Burton is a Championship side. Barring another monumental failure by Liverpool, this was always going to be the result. So, a 5-0 win in this kind of match is not going to mean that the Reds are off and running when it comes to the league.
Nevertheless, it was a good showing. The players you want to step up and lead did and it was the kind of performance you want to see from Liverpool in these sorts of games where they outmatch their opponent as opposed to what happened last weekend.
Also on the positive side was Mane. When he was signed, it was mainly a shoulder shrug for most people. There were not any problems with the addition, but it wasn't someone people generally pointed to as being the missing piece.
So far, he's been the man the team can ill afford to lose the most. He played against Arsenal and Burton and the Reds won and played with flare and style. He was missing against Burnley and the team lacked that attacking spark.
He was man of the match in this EFL fixture and deservedly so. Though he did not get on the score sheet for all of them, he had a hand in almost every goal. He was still sprinting after challenges at the very end of the game.
Mane isn't one of those guys that's going to command tens of millions or hundreds of millions in the transfer market, but he fits in with this squad perfectly. He's exactly the type of player that Jurgen Klopp wants to mold his entire team after. Getting the current crop to play that way may still take some time.
Again, it was a good win but nothing to jump for joy about in the grand scheme. Just entertaining football to view and take it for what it was.
The weekend will be a better barometer of what kind of season we may be in for. For now, let's be happy with a win and be happy for a few days until the Reds invade London.
Random Thoughts:
- Much of this article was random thoughts, but let's get into a few more. Apparently there is talk of loaning out Sakho. I am not in favor of this at all. He's not a great defender, but still has a leg up on the current group of central defenders. He just needs to get his off field issues in order.
- Springboarding off that, there were fans who were honestly questioning whether Klopp belongs at Anfield because of the Sakho loan talk. Question his tactics or his transfer policies, but to say he doesn't belong is just ridiculous. He's shown quite well in his brief time. Also, this insane idea that every decision or loss means the manager is terrible and must be fired is just sickening. I understand that the game is extremely short lived in terms of who is in charge or playing on the field and change occurs all the time, but there is still something to be said for consistency.
- Nothing major happened in this game, but what happened to Moreno? He was never going to win defender of the year, but he's been just north of dreadful in his league games so far. He's got speed and skill. However, maybe it just isn't there upstairs.
- While I'm very impressed with Mane, it also scares me. Anytime a team is so reliant on one or two players to produce, it is worrying. Sturridge is a ticking time bomb when it comes to injury and if Mane is that important to the squad, they can't afford to lose him either. It would just be nice to feel like we could consistently rely on some of the other guys instead of just the odd performance here or there.
Walk On
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