A Missed Opportunity

Sunday 13 February 2011

By KP

With Gerrard and Agger missing Liverpool went into the match against Wigan with Suarez starting his first game in tandem with the ever willing Kuyt, the possibilities of putting pressure on Spurs and Chelsea respectively was on the horizon, and with both those playing later that was a more than a distinct possibility as confidence was high after four successive wins with no goals conceded.  The big change for Liverpool was the change in formation, going to a conventional four-four-two, the aim being to attack Wigan side low in confidence.

Wigan started the game in good fashion using the speed of their forwards to worry the Liverpool backline and midfield.  They played with so much vigour and strength applied to their attacking traits that it made for a very uncomfortable afternoon for the team, coaching staff and fans alike. We failed to get on top until the final fifteen minutes of the match. Suarez showed that he was a class apart, with intricate touches, close control, intelligent movement and a potent shot.  He worked well with Kuyt and looked to link up with Meireles and Maxi at every opportunity and showed that all being he will be a top notch acquisition.

What was very noticeable is Lucas’ passing, especially in the first-half.  He seems to be willing to play more short, crisp passes to help build attacks, instead of playing the ball back or square which he had a penchant for doing, thus within his new found confidence he appears willing to take on more responsibility.  Raul Meireles broke the deadlock in the 24^th minute when he latched on to a defensive header by Gohuri and volleyed in inimitable fashion leaving the diving Al-Habsi grasping at thin air.

Wigan had created a couple of chances with the impressive Rodallega, Moses, Daime and N’Zogbia causing no end of worry. N’Zogbia had a long range free-kick comfortably saved by Reina just before half-time.  Moses showed Wigan’s intent early on with a driving run which took him past Kelly at speed with Rodallega almost guiding the ball in at the near post.  Wigan’s attacking philosophy gained a well deserved equalizer, albeit suspiciously off-side,  after the hour when Gohouri knocked in N’Zogbia’s whipped in cross from the Wigan right which was flicked on.  The Liverpool defence will be disappointed with their marking haven’t not conceded  a goal in our previous four games.

Unfortunately, for Liverpool as we were to learn from King Kenny’s post-match comments, Meireles  was feeling the effects of a bug which saw him being replaced by Ngog after 53 minutes by Ngog.  Once Meireles left  the arena, it seemed any winning goal for us was going to be struck Suarez, who rose to the occasion in admiral fashion, taking on the responsibility of leading the line and also showing that he was able to put in a shift, endearing himself to the crowd, chasing back. On 77minutes after being hauled down, just outside the area, he hit the crossbar, with a gloriously struck free-kick.

Although Liverpool dominated the last quarter of the game, only Aurelio with a drive from just outside the area which flew just over, threatened the Wigan goal, as such Wigan held on in relative comfort.

The game showed just how Liverpool missed Gerrard. Against Chelsea, he was everywhere, creating the chance for Maxi and the  assist for the goal and as usual we missed his drive from midfield which looked a chasm with the loss of Meireles.  Daniel Agger was also missed, with his willingness to take the ball into midfield and drive further forward.  We can only Meireles bug is short-term as he one of our very few match winners.

Yes this was a missed opportunity, but we need to look at this in relation to our position when Roy Hodgson left the club  and realise that our disappoint tells us just hope far we’ve come in so short space of time.

KP

Sunday 13 February 2011