By KP
The team picked to start against Sparta Prague suggested Liverpool were set up to possibly sneak a win in the absence of Gerrard, Suarez (cup tied), Kelly, Agger and the still injured Andy Carroll. Raheem Stirling and his Academy colleagues (except Coady who made the bench) did not enjoy Boy’s Own type debuts as King Kenny obviously wanted to immerse them in the atmosphere of the first team squad.
Liverpool controlled the opening exchanges by playing the ball around the defence and midfield, without any pace which allowed Sparta to eventually get into the game when Panic got on to a slide rule pass inside the badly positioned Johnson to shoot across Reina, who fortunately for Liverpool palmed out. The highlights in the first half were sporadic at most with Liverpool not getting in a meaningful effort on target, the closest coming in the 43rd minute when Kuyt almost flicked in from a Ngog header, following a Meireles corner. The only further efforts were from Sparta’s Panic who did well to keep joining the attack from left back and Kweuke.
Unfortunately Aurelio suffered what seems to be yet another of the muscle injuries which have blighted his career. When ever seems to get up a run of games injury seems to strike and has definitely hindered his international appearances. Joe Cole, probably disappointed with not starting, replaced him but failed to ignite his season looking well of the pace.
The second half started as the first ended, with Liverpool dominated possession with little or no intent by both sides, although with Sparta not having played for 12 weeks the lack of venom in their play even with home team advantage could be forgiven. Glen Johnson began to drive forward and a few incisive runs. On the 69 minute mark he cut in beautifully from the left taking two players out before flick a shot with the outside off his right boot. With a very capable left-foot as we’ve seen previously it seemed a missed opportunity.
The irrepressible Reina pulled off an excellent save when Kuweke swivelled from a corner and shot, which he must have seen late. With Ngog taken off eight minutes from time it’s difficult to assess his contribution playing upfront on his own with very little support, because he is the type of striker who needs to play with either a Carroll or a Suarez as he is a penalty box striker. But, his play outside the box has to improve if he is to become an important member of the squad going forward.
In what was a very turgid affair, Kyrgiakos was the standout player, making some decisive blocks and shepherding with Johnson running him close with driving runs down the right hand side in the second-half. What will disappoint the manager is the failure to create any real chances against a side who hadn’t played a first class match for three months. In a match where Liverpool enjoyed a good deal of possession, Lucas failed impose himself push further up the pitch. It just shows that there is still a fair bit of rebuilding to go.
KP
It was good to see Joe Cole back, battling his way through midfield. Our right back was somewhat confusing and at times Glen looked lost in position as well as loosing most of right back area battles. Fair play to Ngog, he had a tough time with the ROCK Repka. With Kuyt panting alongside Ngog who was alone up front, he needed to put in more strengh and determination for winning the ball, then playing off the defender into space and bringing in the midfield into play. Overall, I think it was a fair result
ReplyDeleteI agree it was a fair result but overall I was disappointed that we didn't show more determination and desire to finish the tie in the first leg which would have given us a chance to play the youngsters in the home leg. I felt that we were just too happy to draw and are gambling with the fact that Sparta are a poor side - if they score first next week Thursday then we will have a problem.
ReplyDeleteThe only poistive we can draw from this game is that we are still unbeaten.But given their lack of a previous in three months and the fact they'd sold there best two players in Janauary shows how much we still need Stevie G to create and Agger to help the build up. The sooner Suarez and Carroll are playing the better because it gives us more options. That's why is disappointing that players like Pacheco and some the others weren't fast tracked because they offer up skills which many of the first team just do not have in their lockers which is why Aurelio ends up in midfield because he passes with more subtlety and accuracy than most of our first team squad.
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