The 219th Mersey Derby and the 187th League meeting saw Jose Enrique return to the fold with Glen Johnson failing to recover from the injury picked up in midweek and Brad Jones continuing in goal with Pepe Reina on the bench. Stewart Downing after his wonderful goal midweek returned to the bench with Shelvey and Sterling and Suso started supporting Suarez upfront.
The opening ten minutes saw both teams vying for an opening with the away team looking to impose their passing game. Liverpool took the lead with Enrique combining superbly with Suso whose crossed low to Sterling, who had a great shout for penalty after being hauled down by Baines. Suarez picking the ball up beyond the back post slammed a shot back in which ricochet off Baines into the net. Suarez celebrated by sarcastic dive in front of the Everton bench in response to the Everton manager’s post match comments.
Liverpool were soon two up. Sterling surging into the Everton half was tripped by Osman and from the resultant free-kick Gerrard, a trademark whipped in delivery, the unmarked Suarez glanced home. The lead was soon pegged back to one as Brad Jones punched a corner back into the path of Osman whose half-volley took a deflection of Allen on its way into the net . Suarez almost restored the two goal lead with a stinging drive which flashed past the post.
Everton begun to take control of the game imposing their physicality and own brand of possession football and they were soon rewarded, when Fellaini picking up a breaking ball inside the area, after some great work from Kevin Mirallas who had given Wisdom an uncomfortable half, intelligently squared the ball across the face of goal for the onrushing Naysmith to slam home at close range with Enrique seemingly appearing not to have recognised his defensive responsibilities.
Liverpool introduced Coates and Shelvey at the break for Sahin and Suso as Rodgers recognised the need to increased the presence in the battle zones by going to a back three with an extra man in the midfield. A glorious ball from Enrique sent Sterling away, now playing in behind Suarez free on goal, but for the once the Liverpool youngster’s composure deserted him at the critical, shanking his chip nearer the corner flag than the goal. Sterling was the cynically hauled down by Jagielka 35 yards from goal. Gerrard’s long range shot from the free-kick was palmed away.
Everton almost took the lead after Nikica Jelavić was inches away from poking the ball home, but for a last ditch tackle from Skrtel. The Croatian marksman should have put Everton ahead with a header from a Baines free-kick. Liverpool were giving away free-kicks with increasingly regularity in dangerous areas with Baines delivery becoming an ever increasing threat. Everton were now completely dominant with Sterling and Suarez living on scraps with Liverpool playing on the counter-attack.
Gerarrd almost put Liverpool ahead when after some marvellous work pressuring Distin by Henderson squared the ball back, which was played back to Gerrard whose goal bound shot was blocked in front of the line by Jagielka.
Liverpool came back in the game in the last ten minutes and seemingly won the game with the last kick of the game with Suarez wheeling away in celebration. Gerrard’s free kick was knocked knocked down by Sebastian Coates which Suarez showing a poachers instinct to poke the ball home. After what seemed a delayed reaction the linesman flag went up to smash Liverpool’s dreams of victory. Replays showed the decision to be a poor one.
Man of The Match: Luis Suarez – By a country mile the best play on the pitch scoring his fifth league goal of the season with another cruelly rubbed off by a woeful decision. He was back to impudent best teasing the Everton defence at will and providing Liverpool with that cutting edge in the penalty box we’ve so often lacked in this season.
Comment: Defensive errors cost Liverpool dear as both Everton goals could so easily have been avoided. Liverpool’s teenagers finally found just how hard the profession game can be. Wisdom was given an uncomfortable afternoon by Kevin Mirallas, but lacked supportive cover. He came back strongly in the second-half after Mirallas went off at half-time and the physicality of the game seemed to inhibit Suso (and Sahin) but he has enough quality to learn from that.
Sterling became frustrated in the first half with his lack of success and gave away a silly free-kick for a petulant tackle. Moved behind Suarez in the second-half he showed he provided some nice touches and his pace threatened the Everton back line and it may well be that his future lies in playing through the middle with his game intelligence.
Brad Jones was disappointing in goal, being at fault for the first goal and being fortunate to be given a foul when dropping the ball under a challenge. The performances of Pepe Reina over the last 18 months has being worrying enough without our no. 2 getting the jitters.
Monday, 29 October 2012
Friday, 26 October 2012
Liverpool 1 Anzhi Makhachkala 0
Recognising the importance of the Europa League to Liverpool’s season, the starting line-up contained nine players who could well start in the Merseyside Derby on Sunday. Brad Jones in goal with the continued absence of Pepe Reina up against one of the truly great strikers of his generation in Anzhi Makhachkala’s Samuel Eto’o the former Champions League winning Barcelona striker.
A stunning Stewart Downing strike would see Liverpool over the line in what has become that very rare occurrence in 2012, a home win and delivering Anzhi their first loss in 13 games.
Liverpool totally dominated the game not just as is their wont through possession, but clear cut chances against an expensively assembled squad with the world’s highest paid player. They started well with Johnson playing a superb-ball inside the right full-back for Assaidi to play the ball back to Suarez whose tame shot was easily gathered by Gabulov.
The Assaidi and Johnson combination were huge positives for Rodgers and their link up play almost bore fruit when Assaidi got behind the full-back to feed the marauding Johnson whose first time shot was again straight at the keeper. Liverpool were stronger in the tackle led by the captain Gerrard. He produced a thunderous header in midfield to send Suarez on his way, who in turn rolled the ball across to Shelvey who showed a lack of composure in blazing his shot high, wide and handsome.
Assaidi and Johnson sliced through yet again only for Assaidi’s shot to barely concern the keeper. Johnson, Liverpool’s attacking force on yet another foray, played a superb one-two with Suarez but the defender air kicked with only the keeper in front of him and the goal at his mercy. The obvious lack of a cutting edge dampened down the crowd’s fervour and one could sense their apprehension in watching yet another half of football where chances went a begging.
Unlike the previous game against Udinese, Liverpool increased the tempo in the second-half, know doubt helped by the introduction of the excellent Sterling, who entered the fray at half-time for Johnson with Downing moving to left-back. Skrtel’s drive and determination to out muscle Eto’o almost paid off with Gabulov having to get down smartly to turn away his shot.
Downing in his new found position knocked a long ball up front, with Sterling coming in off touchline showing remarkable spring to beat the former Blackburn centre-half Samba to flick the ball on for the breaking Shelvey to cross for Gerrard in full flow. The Liverpool captain tried to guide the ball back into the near post, but sent his header wide.
Almost immediately, Liverpool’s new left back, brought to the club for £20 million pounds as one of the country’s top wingers showed a flash of the talent which Liverpool supporters had resigned themselves to being a thing of the past. He picked up Shelvey’s pass deep in the Anzhi half, stepped inside the challenge and unleashed a glorious right footed drive to leave Gabulov floundering as the ball smoked into the corner of the net.
Suarez produced a left-footed drive of equal ferocity which flashed past the post. Downing almost undid all his good work, when his pass across his own area was almost picked off by Eto’o.
Agger was booked for a cheeky bit of impedance as he headed the ball from Gabulov’s hand as the keeper was preparing to kick the ball out, and volleyed the ball into the net.
Man of The Match: Assaidi – Played like an old-fashioned winger getting paint on his boots and linking up well with his Johnson. Was incisive with his final ball often lifting his head to see colleagues in better positions and delivering a telling final ball. It was poignant that Downing who won the match with an exquisite finish has often been chastised for his final ball throughout his Liverpool career. Special mentions should go out to Andre Wisdom who showed a maturity beyond his years making some crucial interceptions by using his pace to cover and also using the ball well to distribute well out of defence. Raheem Sterling was excellent in the second-half in creating space and keeping the Anzhi defenders honest.
Comment: A fine finish by Stewart Downing cannot mask the fact that Liverpool once again missed enough chances to have won at least three games. It was always going to take a goal of that magnitude to win the game because easier chances were being spurned and with the spectre of Samuel Eto’o on the park there was always the trepidation that one flash of genius could have undone all the good work and control.
A stunning Stewart Downing strike would see Liverpool over the line in what has become that very rare occurrence in 2012, a home win and delivering Anzhi their first loss in 13 games.
Liverpool totally dominated the game not just as is their wont through possession, but clear cut chances against an expensively assembled squad with the world’s highest paid player. They started well with Johnson playing a superb-ball inside the right full-back for Assaidi to play the ball back to Suarez whose tame shot was easily gathered by Gabulov.
The Assaidi and Johnson combination were huge positives for Rodgers and their link up play almost bore fruit when Assaidi got behind the full-back to feed the marauding Johnson whose first time shot was again straight at the keeper. Liverpool were stronger in the tackle led by the captain Gerrard. He produced a thunderous header in midfield to send Suarez on his way, who in turn rolled the ball across to Shelvey who showed a lack of composure in blazing his shot high, wide and handsome.
Assaidi and Johnson sliced through yet again only for Assaidi’s shot to barely concern the keeper. Johnson, Liverpool’s attacking force on yet another foray, played a superb one-two with Suarez but the defender air kicked with only the keeper in front of him and the goal at his mercy. The obvious lack of a cutting edge dampened down the crowd’s fervour and one could sense their apprehension in watching yet another half of football where chances went a begging.
Unlike the previous game against Udinese, Liverpool increased the tempo in the second-half, know doubt helped by the introduction of the excellent Sterling, who entered the fray at half-time for Johnson with Downing moving to left-back. Skrtel’s drive and determination to out muscle Eto’o almost paid off with Gabulov having to get down smartly to turn away his shot.
Downing in his new found position knocked a long ball up front, with Sterling coming in off touchline showing remarkable spring to beat the former Blackburn centre-half Samba to flick the ball on for the breaking Shelvey to cross for Gerrard in full flow. The Liverpool captain tried to guide the ball back into the near post, but sent his header wide.
Almost immediately, Liverpool’s new left back, brought to the club for £20 million pounds as one of the country’s top wingers showed a flash of the talent which Liverpool supporters had resigned themselves to being a thing of the past. He picked up Shelvey’s pass deep in the Anzhi half, stepped inside the challenge and unleashed a glorious right footed drive to leave Gabulov floundering as the ball smoked into the corner of the net.
Suarez produced a left-footed drive of equal ferocity which flashed past the post. Downing almost undid all his good work, when his pass across his own area was almost picked off by Eto’o.
Agger was booked for a cheeky bit of impedance as he headed the ball from Gabulov’s hand as the keeper was preparing to kick the ball out, and volleyed the ball into the net.
Man of The Match: Assaidi – Played like an old-fashioned winger getting paint on his boots and linking up well with his Johnson. Was incisive with his final ball often lifting his head to see colleagues in better positions and delivering a telling final ball. It was poignant that Downing who won the match with an exquisite finish has often been chastised for his final ball throughout his Liverpool career. Special mentions should go out to Andre Wisdom who showed a maturity beyond his years making some crucial interceptions by using his pace to cover and also using the ball well to distribute well out of defence. Raheem Sterling was excellent in the second-half in creating space and keeping the Anzhi defenders honest.
Comment: A fine finish by Stewart Downing cannot mask the fact that Liverpool once again missed enough chances to have won at least three games. It was always going to take a goal of that magnitude to win the game because easier chances were being spurned and with the spectre of Samuel Eto’o on the park there was always the trepidation that one flash of genius could have undone all the good work and control.
Monday, 22 October 2012
Liverpool 1 Reading 0
Brendan Rodgers striker lite service, more pronounced in the the
absence of Fabio Borini and the manager’s reluctance to pick either Adam Morgan
or Samed Yesil for the match day squad, remained unchanged for the visit of
Reading.
The early exchanges saw Reading put on the back foot, with Sterling having a shot blocked and a speculative shot easily gathered by McCarthy. Gerrard unhindered from England’s lackadaisical performance in midweek, looked revitalised with some crunching tackles in midfield, one of which, a block tackle, saw Karacan’s day end early.
Liverpool continued to dominate with Suarez showing his speed of thought with a crafted chip after he miscontrolled, which sailed just over the bar. A stinging move from the centre of the park, after another Gerrard interception, involved Sahin sweeping the ball out to Sterling who return the complement to the Turkish midfielder who blazed his shot over from inside the area. As has been the norm recently Liverpool’s dominance in possession resulted in a plethora of missed opportunities which ramped up the tension in the ground.
Almost on the half hour the impressive Suarez, supplied a beautiful flicked pass which set the electric eel like Sterling away, to unleash an unerring finish inside inside the far post to become Liverpool’s second youngest scorer in the Premier League behind Michael Owen.
Suarez snaking run ended with a flashing drive past the post and Glen Johnson, after his run was picked out delightfully by Sterling, had his shot parried away by McCarthy.
Early in the second-half Suarez should’ve put the game to bed when after a characteristically mazy run, fluffed his lines when a simple finish in the corner of the net should have been the order of the day. Reading broke up the other end of the pitch and Jones pulled off a smart sprawling block to deny McCleary and pulled off a decent save from Jobi McAnuff.
Reading began to grow in confidence with Liverpool’s lack of precision finishing. Even so, the home team had chances to finish the game off with McCarthy again denying Suarez and flipping behind Sterling return cross. Shelvey on for Sahin, was found by a devastating defence splitting ball from Suarez, but caught in two minds, tamely wasted a golden opportunity.
Gerarrd stretched McCarthy from an acute angle, with Skrtel and Johnson also coming close to killing off a spirited Reading side who had chances to cause more than an embarrassment to the Liverpool defence, particularly in the last 20 minutes with Jason Roberts inclusion and a change of tact in going long.
Man of The Match: Raheem Sterling – Dispatched his goal with the clinical nature of finisher, which stood out like a beacon on a day when Liverpool were profligates in front of goal. His has the mature ability to pick out colleagues in tight situations by picking his head up (many of his colleagues could learn a thing or too, Suarez included), as such he is aware and is able to invariably make the right decisions. It was no coincidence he was given a standing ovation as left the field to be substituted.
Comment: With Liverpool's continued profligacy in front of goal, one is tempted to think of just where the team would be with a top class finisher in the line-up. Rodgers is not afraid to blood young talent with Sterling and Suso proof positive in that regard, but why does he refrain from blooding a youngster in the striking role or even on the bench?
It's not that we consistently miss chances, but it's also that chances in the box are spurned and the ratio of shots off target tends to be too high for club with Champions League pretensions, 23:13 in this game alone.
There is still over two months before the next transfer window and as such enough time to mount a challenge for the 4th Champions League spot or for that challenge to dissipate even before January. We talk about not being ready, but with the amount of possession we have in games a cutting edge up front would obviously increase the dimension and potency to Liverpool as an attacking force.
The early exchanges saw Reading put on the back foot, with Sterling having a shot blocked and a speculative shot easily gathered by McCarthy. Gerrard unhindered from England’s lackadaisical performance in midweek, looked revitalised with some crunching tackles in midfield, one of which, a block tackle, saw Karacan’s day end early.
Liverpool continued to dominate with Suarez showing his speed of thought with a crafted chip after he miscontrolled, which sailed just over the bar. A stinging move from the centre of the park, after another Gerrard interception, involved Sahin sweeping the ball out to Sterling who return the complement to the Turkish midfielder who blazed his shot over from inside the area. As has been the norm recently Liverpool’s dominance in possession resulted in a plethora of missed opportunities which ramped up the tension in the ground.
Almost on the half hour the impressive Suarez, supplied a beautiful flicked pass which set the electric eel like Sterling away, to unleash an unerring finish inside inside the far post to become Liverpool’s second youngest scorer in the Premier League behind Michael Owen.
Suarez snaking run ended with a flashing drive past the post and Glen Johnson, after his run was picked out delightfully by Sterling, had his shot parried away by McCarthy.
Early in the second-half Suarez should’ve put the game to bed when after a characteristically mazy run, fluffed his lines when a simple finish in the corner of the net should have been the order of the day. Reading broke up the other end of the pitch and Jones pulled off a smart sprawling block to deny McCleary and pulled off a decent save from Jobi McAnuff.
Reading began to grow in confidence with Liverpool’s lack of precision finishing. Even so, the home team had chances to finish the game off with McCarthy again denying Suarez and flipping behind Sterling return cross. Shelvey on for Sahin, was found by a devastating defence splitting ball from Suarez, but caught in two minds, tamely wasted a golden opportunity.
Gerarrd stretched McCarthy from an acute angle, with Skrtel and Johnson also coming close to killing off a spirited Reading side who had chances to cause more than an embarrassment to the Liverpool defence, particularly in the last 20 minutes with Jason Roberts inclusion and a change of tact in going long.
Man of The Match: Raheem Sterling – Dispatched his goal with the clinical nature of finisher, which stood out like a beacon on a day when Liverpool were profligates in front of goal. His has the mature ability to pick out colleagues in tight situations by picking his head up (many of his colleagues could learn a thing or too, Suarez included), as such he is aware and is able to invariably make the right decisions. It was no coincidence he was given a standing ovation as left the field to be substituted.
Comment: With Liverpool's continued profligacy in front of goal, one is tempted to think of just where the team would be with a top class finisher in the line-up. Rodgers is not afraid to blood young talent with Sterling and Suso proof positive in that regard, but why does he refrain from blooding a youngster in the striking role or even on the bench?
It's not that we consistently miss chances, but it's also that chances in the box are spurned and the ratio of shots off target tends to be too high for club with Champions League pretensions, 23:13 in this game alone.
There is still over two months before the next transfer window and as such enough time to mount a challenge for the 4th Champions League spot or for that challenge to dissipate even before January. We talk about not being ready, but with the amount of possession we have in games a cutting edge up front would obviously increase the dimension and potency to Liverpool as an attacking force.
Tuesday, 16 October 2012
Liverpool Staying At Home
Finally the announcement that we’ve all been waiting for, Liverpool are to remain at Anfield. Whether it’s because we have been unable to secure naming rights for a new stadium or the finances are just not there to build a new £300m plus stadium, it is welcome news to fans, not just at home, but worldwide, many of whom have made the pilgrimage to see many a great night in the historic old stadium.
Under the plans, Lothair Road, Alroy Road and Sybil will see residents rehoused to make room for redevelopment to the Main Stand and see the grounds capacity increase from its present 45,000 to 60,000. Sensibly, during the rebuilding process the capacity will not dip below its present full house.
The decision, a long time in the making, has seen off David Moores, Hicks and Gillett and the present incumbents Fenway Sports Group take the best part of two years to finalise the decision and write off almost £50 million in the process.
Whatever the whys and wherefores, we are almost there subject to the obvious rigours of planning permission and we can look further forward with a stronger planning commitment especially as the board have stated the transfer kitty will not be slashed.
As an aside, more good news, as the club’s stewards were awarded the Warmest Welcome award, by VisitFootball a joint venture by the Premier League and the national tourism board Visit England. Arsenal (Club of the Year), Man City and Fulham also received awards.
Under the plans, Lothair Road, Alroy Road and Sybil will see residents rehoused to make room for redevelopment to the Main Stand and see the grounds capacity increase from its present 45,000 to 60,000. Sensibly, during the rebuilding process the capacity will not dip below its present full house.
The decision, a long time in the making, has seen off David Moores, Hicks and Gillett and the present incumbents Fenway Sports Group take the best part of two years to finalise the decision and write off almost £50 million in the process.
 |
| Hicks and Gillet's vision consigned to history |
As an aside, more good news, as the club’s stewards were awarded the Warmest Welcome award, by VisitFootball a joint venture by the Premier League and the national tourism board Visit England. Arsenal (Club of the Year), Man City and Fulham also received awards.
Friday, 12 October 2012
Borini’s Injury Highlights Liverpool Transfer Policy
So our summer transfer policy has come home to roost. In a window which saw Craig Bellamy, Dirk Kuyt and Andy Carroll, on loan, leave the club with only Fabio Borini bought in for £10.5 million, the last named has now been confirmed as having broken a bone in his foot on international duty leaving Luis Suarez as the club’s only recognised top flight striker.
In a season which has seen the club again struggle to convert chances, Borini has shown an appetite to lead the line, if not as yet fully adjusted to the rigours of the Premiership football at one of the world’s greatest clubs.
We have been constant in this blog that Brendan Rodgers has two ways to go. First, to bring an experience striker before January on a free, but given the time frame he would be unlikely to get a striker capable of filling the breach. The second is to promote either Adam Morgan or Dani Pacheco as a replacement for Borini. Of the two Morgan seems the most likely candidate fitted to leading the line although should Pacheco fulfil his early promise Liverpool could yet save themselves millions in the transfer market.
It was folly for a top flight club to come into the season with just two strikers, one of whom is unproven in the Premiership, when the club’s main aim was to be challenging for a Champions League place. In addition, with the added incentive of Europa League football it was obvious that two strikers would leave us someway short.
The lack of depth has seen the likes of Raheem Sterling, Suso and Andre Wisdom break into the first probably sooner than Rodgers would have preferred, even given their their relative success. And it’s allowed others like Jack Robinson to manoeuvre themselves into contention and for Jonjo Shalvey who more than likely was bound for another loan stint if Rodgers transfer policy been allowed to flower, has become an intrinsic member of the squad. His marked improvement has been at such a rate that he is now a deserved addition, as his club club captain pointed out recently, of Roy Hodgson’s England World Cup squad against San Marino.
Brendan Rodgers will be offering up a prayer than Luis Suarez comes through Uruguay's World Cup qualifiers unscathed or Liverpool’s season already under some pressure could unravel in spectacular style.
Hopefully the board will be already be looking ahead to the January window and working with the manager to bolster a late Champions League run should we be a position to mount such a challenge.
If Rodgers can leverage Liverpool into a holding position he will have pulled a rabbit out of a very deep hat.
In a season which has seen the club again struggle to convert chances, Borini has shown an appetite to lead the line, if not as yet fully adjusted to the rigours of the Premiership football at one of the world’s greatest clubs.
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| Fabio Borini could be out for months |
It was folly for a top flight club to come into the season with just two strikers, one of whom is unproven in the Premiership, when the club’s main aim was to be challenging for a Champions League place. In addition, with the added incentive of Europa League football it was obvious that two strikers would leave us someway short.
The lack of depth has seen the likes of Raheem Sterling, Suso and Andre Wisdom break into the first probably sooner than Rodgers would have preferred, even given their their relative success. And it’s allowed others like Jack Robinson to manoeuvre themselves into contention and for Jonjo Shalvey who more than likely was bound for another loan stint if Rodgers transfer policy been allowed to flower, has become an intrinsic member of the squad. His marked improvement has been at such a rate that he is now a deserved addition, as his club club captain pointed out recently, of Roy Hodgson’s England World Cup squad against San Marino.
Brendan Rodgers will be offering up a prayer than Luis Suarez comes through Uruguay's World Cup qualifiers unscathed or Liverpool’s season already under some pressure could unravel in spectacular style.
Hopefully the board will be already be looking ahead to the January window and working with the manager to bolster a late Champions League run should we be a position to mount such a challenge.
If Rodgers can leverage Liverpool into a holding position he will have pulled a rabbit out of a very deep hat.
Tuesday, 9 October 2012
Liverpool 0 Stoke 0
Joe Cole’s post match interview reaffirmed the believe that Liverpool’s lack of potency in front of goal is not just costing the team points, but knocking confidence, he said speaking to www.Liverpoolfc.com “There was a bit of frustration in the dressing room after the game.
'The only criticism of us that I would have was that we didn't stick the ball in the back of the net. We just lacked that final bit. We have two weeks now to work on it and we're looking forward.'
Liverpool started with an unchanged line-up from the team that beat Norwich 5-1 away. Which again meant starts for youngsters Suso and Sterling and the Real Madrid loanee Sahin.
Stoke with former Liverpool players Peter Crouch and Charlie Adam in their starting line-up starting well controlling the opening exchanges with bright interchanges and link-up play which the Liverpool midfield finding difficult to get to grips with.
It wasn’t until Gerrard unleashed a 30 yard drive which Begovic palmed away and Agger almost toe-ended in a Suso chipped pass that the shackles were finally broken. But, the lack of real penetration was evident as from close range we rarely threatened the Stoke goal.
Early in the second-half Glen Johnson’s speculative shot was well saved low down. The England defender was proving to be, after Suarez, Liverpool’s most potent attacking weapon. His forward run cutting in from the left was sensationally picked out by Steven Gerrard, but he failed to show the required composure, blazing over from 10 yards
Suarez has has been in fantastic form recently was again Liverpool’s fluorescent light ghosting past 4 Stoke defenders from the half way line but blazing past the upright when a more measured finish was the desired option. Liverpool were now raising the tempo and Agger showing why Liverpool have just tied him down to a long term contract drove from his own-half into the penalty before crossing for the onrushing Sterling to strike the outside of the near post.
The post was struck again late on with Skrtel poking the ball against the post and Suarez just failing to get to the rebound.
Liverpool’s concentration was found wanting early in the match with Sahin giving the ball away to Adam, fortunately Pepe Reina as his has on so many occasions over the years proving masterly in one on one situations. Conversely, the Liverpool stopper gave the ball away with a pass out to Knightly, whose delicate chip he saved scrambling back, tipping the ball over the bar.
Much will be said about Luis Suarez theatrical dive in the box which was all being told rather unsavoury, but what should not be overlooked is Stoke’s rough house tactics targeting in particular Suso and Sterling. It was pleasing to see both youngsters show game mentality not to be knocked out of their stride and be a part of some of the more positive moments of the game. Suarez was also savagely treated, especially by Robert Huth and it was no coincidence that Stoke picked up six yellow cards to Liverpool’s none.
As has been said in many quarters, the lack of a quality finisher is hindering Liverpool progression even with stellar performers as Suarez and Gerrard in the side. Rodgers may reach the point where he has to trust Borini to come good or put in a young striker like Adam Morgan because we cannot go on dominating possession with a lack of reward (interestingly Stoke had 52 per cent of possession).
There are positives going forward as we kept control of the inform Peter Crouch and managed a clean sheet as Cole highlighted. “There's a lot to work on but we have got to take the positives out of it. We didn't get beat and we kept a clean sheet, which was important as we haven't kept one for a long time. Now we just need to kick on.”
Man of The Match: Luis Suarez – Once again, head and shoulders above anything else on the pitch, being Liverpool’s focal point in attack and his ability to conjure something out of nothing is staggering. But once again, like his colleagues, he was guilty of some poor finishing and taking the wrong options in crucial areas.
Comment: Possession is nine tenths of the law, but Liverpool have to be in a position to convert the chances they are creating and to do that they must have the tools to do so upfront. The question is can we wait until January when the damage to the season may already have been done or does Rodgers dip into the reserves yet again or trust Borini to be that man and at £11 million one would hope he graduates to the lethal striker status sooner rather than later.
'The only criticism of us that I would have was that we didn't stick the ball in the back of the net. We just lacked that final bit. We have two weeks now to work on it and we're looking forward.'
Liverpool started with an unchanged line-up from the team that beat Norwich 5-1 away. Which again meant starts for youngsters Suso and Sterling and the Real Madrid loanee Sahin.
Stoke with former Liverpool players Peter Crouch and Charlie Adam in their starting line-up starting well controlling the opening exchanges with bright interchanges and link-up play which the Liverpool midfield finding difficult to get to grips with.
It wasn’t until Gerrard unleashed a 30 yard drive which Begovic palmed away and Agger almost toe-ended in a Suso chipped pass that the shackles were finally broken. But, the lack of real penetration was evident as from close range we rarely threatened the Stoke goal.
Early in the second-half Glen Johnson’s speculative shot was well saved low down. The England defender was proving to be, after Suarez, Liverpool’s most potent attacking weapon. His forward run cutting in from the left was sensationally picked out by Steven Gerrard, but he failed to show the required composure, blazing over from 10 yards
Suarez has has been in fantastic form recently was again Liverpool’s fluorescent light ghosting past 4 Stoke defenders from the half way line but blazing past the upright when a more measured finish was the desired option. Liverpool were now raising the tempo and Agger showing why Liverpool have just tied him down to a long term contract drove from his own-half into the penalty before crossing for the onrushing Sterling to strike the outside of the near post.
The post was struck again late on with Skrtel poking the ball against the post and Suarez just failing to get to the rebound.
Liverpool’s concentration was found wanting early in the match with Sahin giving the ball away to Adam, fortunately Pepe Reina as his has on so many occasions over the years proving masterly in one on one situations. Conversely, the Liverpool stopper gave the ball away with a pass out to Knightly, whose delicate chip he saved scrambling back, tipping the ball over the bar.
Much will be said about Luis Suarez theatrical dive in the box which was all being told rather unsavoury, but what should not be overlooked is Stoke’s rough house tactics targeting in particular Suso and Sterling. It was pleasing to see both youngsters show game mentality not to be knocked out of their stride and be a part of some of the more positive moments of the game. Suarez was also savagely treated, especially by Robert Huth and it was no coincidence that Stoke picked up six yellow cards to Liverpool’s none.
As has been said in many quarters, the lack of a quality finisher is hindering Liverpool progression even with stellar performers as Suarez and Gerrard in the side. Rodgers may reach the point where he has to trust Borini to come good or put in a young striker like Adam Morgan because we cannot go on dominating possession with a lack of reward (interestingly Stoke had 52 per cent of possession).
There are positives going forward as we kept control of the inform Peter Crouch and managed a clean sheet as Cole highlighted. “There's a lot to work on but we have got to take the positives out of it. We didn't get beat and we kept a clean sheet, which was important as we haven't kept one for a long time. Now we just need to kick on.”
Man of The Match: Luis Suarez – Once again, head and shoulders above anything else on the pitch, being Liverpool’s focal point in attack and his ability to conjure something out of nothing is staggering. But once again, like his colleagues, he was guilty of some poor finishing and taking the wrong options in crucial areas.
Comment: Possession is nine tenths of the law, but Liverpool have to be in a position to convert the chances they are creating and to do that they must have the tools to do so upfront. The question is can we wait until January when the damage to the season may already have been done or does Rodgers dip into the reserves yet again or trust Borini to be that man and at £11 million one would hope he graduates to the lethal striker status sooner rather than later.
Sunday, 7 October 2012
Udinese Sharpshooters Expose Liverpool’s Defensive Frailties
With
most of Liverpool's recognised XI not considered it was a another chance for the
likes of Jordan Henderson and particularly Stewart Downing, recently on the end
of a very public criticism from the manager, to which he seemed surprised at the
open nature of, to stake a claim.
Under Rodgers Liverpool are already fully capable of stifling opponents attacking instincts with confident passing designed to retain possession. Joe Allen importance to that cause is obvious, but just as important in an attacking sense is Shelvey and it was he who broke the deadlock. Starting the move with a brisk pass out to the right to Downing, who collected and drove past for full-back to deliver a right-footed inch perfect cross for the young Englishman to decisively head home for his third Europa goal of the season.
Udinese
started the game at a high tempo, especially for a Serie A side, as if designed
to throw the home team of its stride. It
was Liverpool who had the first chance when Coates from a Downing corner saw
his powerful header well saved by Brkic low down. Udinese responded from a free-kick from the
right as Benatia’s header appeared for all the world as if it was homing into the
bottom corner of the net before Pepe Reina pulled off a superlative save at full
stretch. It was the type of save he has made his own and that Joe Hart has taken
out a subscription from his patent.
Under Rodgers Liverpool are already fully capable of stifling opponents attacking instincts with confident passing designed to retain possession. Joe Allen importance to that cause is obvious, but just as important in an attacking sense is Shelvey and it was he who broke the deadlock. Starting the move with a brisk pass out to the right to Downing, who collected and drove past for full-back to deliver a right-footed inch perfect cross for the young Englishman to decisively head home for his third Europa goal of the season.
If
the first half ended with Liverpool’s in complete control, without the final
penetration, the second started with concentration down on all fronts and
within 32 seconds the ball was nestling in the back of Reina’s net. Glen Johnson miss-control allowed the
impressive Di Natale to interchange with Lazarri and clip a world-class finish
past the flailing Reina.
Liverpool
struggled to get back into the game with Udinese pressing the ball, in
particular not allowing Shelvey time and space.
Rodgers recognising the need to reassert Liverpool’s dominance replaced Assaidi
and Henderson with Gerrard and Saurez. The
later immediately produced a sublime ball which set Downing free with just
grass to gallop into. The winger was cynically rugby tackled to the ground with
referee Johannesson yellow card suggesting he took a different slant to the
40,000 baying Liverpool fans. Shelvey
then unfortunately got in the way of a goal bound Suarez volley on the line.
The
miss was compounded when in the space of three minutes Coates headed an own
goal and the Di Natale whose movement had worried Carragher all evening,
superbly controlled a long ball before delivering a well weighted pass for Pasquale
to smoke home a drive.
The
topsy turvy nature of the second half continued when Suarez whipped in a
delicious free-kick. Downing then found
Suarez with a floated cross, but his header was straight at Brkic. In the remaining minutes Liverpool went close,
by not close enough.
The
underlying problem has been and remains defensive mistakes. We have now conceded 20 goals in 11 top
flight games and we need that underbelly to become as tough as teak. There is a striking problem, but there are
good players in other positions and we are throwing away games where we are
dominating the majority of possession and it can only hinder confidence should
it continue.
Man of The Match: Jonjo Shelvey – continues to progress and
provides the attacking impetus we are crying out for in midfield. Pleasing to see his confidence grow game by
game, but he has to repress the need to force his passes through the ‘eye of a
needle’ when as easier pass is the better option.
Match details:
Liverpool (4-3-3): Reina; Johnson, Carragher, Coates, Robinson; Henderson (Gerrard 65),
Allen, Shelvey; Downing, Borini (Sterling 79), Assaidi (Suarez 65).
Subs: Jones (g), Sahin, Skrtel, Wisdom.
Subs: Jones (g), Sahin, Skrtel, Wisdom.
Udinese (3-4-3): Brkic; Domizzi, Danilo, Benatia; Pasquale, Faraoni, Agymang, Pinzi,
Pereyra, Armero, Di Natale.
Subs: Padelli (g) Ranegie, Coda, Lazzari, Fabbrini, Heurtaux, Willians.
Booked: Pinzi, Benatia, Faraoni.
Referee: S Johannesson (Sweden).
Subs: Padelli (g) Ranegie, Coda, Lazzari, Fabbrini, Heurtaux, Willians.
Booked: Pinzi, Benatia, Faraoni.
Monday, 1 October 2012
Liverpool’s Pied Piper Leads Youngsters To Victory
Watching the reserves over the last two years three players that
have stood out in my opinion have been Raheem Sterling and Suso and Tom Ince.
The first teams are now part of the first team squad and Liverpool may yet
regret letting Ince go for a song.
How much will only be determined by the success of Brendan Rodgers over the next couple of seasons. Talent in tandem with attitude seems to be his measuring tool for choosing players. Jose Enrique’s suggested in midweek that Suso with his sublime gifts could be ‘that’ player when he said “ He can be a really top player for Liverpool and for any team in the world…”
Enrique went on to say “I think he is ready now. We saw that against Man United…” Suso’s performance in the first against Norwich showed maturity beyond his years in releasing the ball and the right time and his interaction with his team mates mates.
Liverpool started like the proverbial train, taking the lead within the second minute. Glen Johnson chugging down the right, his cross was only cleared by Jackson as far as Suarez who drilled the ball into the bottom right had corner past Ruddy.
Reina then brilliantly saved low down Jackson’s from point blank. Suarez stupendous ball through to Gerrard, saw the Liverpool captain’s diving header parried round the post by Ruddy. Agger produced a magnificent defence splitting which saw Suarez clean through only for him to side foot the ball ignominiously wide. From the resultant goal kick played short, Suarez nipped in before the sleeping Turner could react, and deliciously with the outside of his boot, left Ruddy again floundering with a spectacular finish. If Suarez could finish taps in like he does spectacular strikes Liverpool would have a Ballon D’or winner on their hands.;
As is the way this season, with Liverpool’s passing game now a more natural fit with technically gifted players such as Suso and Sahin in the line-up, possession is nine tenths of the law. The free-flowing nature of the play going forward at times was so smooth that Norwich were changing shadows.
Norwich should have got a goal back when Snodgrass unbelievably prodded over from a yard. The cost was immediate Suarez roaring into the area, after been played through by Sterling, committed the defender before picking out Sahin at the second attempt, who continuing in the same vain as he had in midweek arrived on queue. Liverpool’s defending reflected the open nature of the game and was at times kamikaze. Norwich had good opportunities to get back into the game.
Suarez for the second league game in succession at Carrow Road completed a spectacular hat-trick, making room for himself and curling the ball into the far corner after brilliant build-up play between Gerrard, Suso and Sahin. Doesn’t this man ever score score tap ins…
Liverpool’s loose defending eventually got what it deserved. But once again this season Pepe Reina will be disappointed in knocking the ball straight back into the path of the onrushing striker, who slammed the ball home. His reaction said it all, although he was equally disappointed with the lack of response from his defenders in dealing with the rebound.
Jordan Henderson introduction with 25 minutes remaining seemed attempt by Rodgers to put a seal on the open nature of the game. And at 4-1 that’s saying something. Another break away got the captain on the score sheet with Sterling squaring the ball to him and his deflected shot looping past Ruddy.
Holt who had looked lively since coming on got a well deserved goal when he capitalized on Skrtel’s mistake, dispatching his shot home for his first goal of the season.
Critics may say that Norwich were poor, which they undoubtedly were, but given our lack of a cutting edge in front of goal where we’ve produced fine performances against the some of the elite in the Premiership, barring Arsenal, the clinical nature in front of goal was a welcome change.
Rodgers has learnt from the League Cup and Europa game that the youngsters showed a vitality and a directness which the first XI were missing without a recognised out and out striker. Relative success will benefit the youngsters integration in the squad and there is no doubt some more experience and quality will be brought in January, but hopefully by then the likes of Sterling, Wisdom and Suso will have shown that long-term Liverpool have a foundation which will benefit its future.
Man of the Match: Luis Suarez – unbelievably sublime finishing for second season in succession at Carrow Road. The unpredictable Uruguayan must wish he played at the stadium every day of the week. His all round play was immense with link-up with Gerrard, Sahin, Suso and Sterling. One magnificent chipped through ball to Gerrard showed just how good he could in a role behind a front line striker and his tireless running was as usual there for all to see. His should’ve had a penalty for the second league game in a row and missed his easiest chance, but this was an afternoon when he would not be denied.
Suso – showed assuredness on the ball that belies his years and technical ability makes the news the the club would like to sign a new contract as essential. Andre Wisdom in his first start for the club was strong on the ball and robust in the tackle even though centre-half is his most favoured position.
LIVERPOOL: Reina, Wisdom, Skrtel, Agger, Johnson, Allen, Sahin (Henderson 66), Gerrard , Sterling, Suarez, Suso (Assaidi 59). Subs: Jones, Assaidi, Henderson, Coates, Carragher, Downing, Borini.
NORWICH CITY: Ruddy, Martin, Johnson, Turner, Snodgrass, Howson, Jackson (Holt 46), Surman (Hoolahan 55), Morison (Tettey 79), Garrido, Barnett. Subs: Bunn, Holt, Hoolahan, E Bennett, Tierney, R Bennett, Tettey.
How much will only be determined by the success of Brendan Rodgers over the next couple of seasons. Talent in tandem with attitude seems to be his measuring tool for choosing players. Jose Enrique’s suggested in midweek that Suso with his sublime gifts could be ‘that’ player when he said “ He can be a really top player for Liverpool and for any team in the world…”
Enrique went on to say “I think he is ready now. We saw that against Man United…” Suso’s performance in the first against Norwich showed maturity beyond his years in releasing the ball and the right time and his interaction with his team mates mates.
Liverpool started like the proverbial train, taking the lead within the second minute. Glen Johnson chugging down the right, his cross was only cleared by Jackson as far as Suarez who drilled the ball into the bottom right had corner past Ruddy.
Reina then brilliantly saved low down Jackson’s from point blank. Suarez stupendous ball through to Gerrard, saw the Liverpool captain’s diving header parried round the post by Ruddy. Agger produced a magnificent defence splitting which saw Suarez clean through only for him to side foot the ball ignominiously wide. From the resultant goal kick played short, Suarez nipped in before the sleeping Turner could react, and deliciously with the outside of his boot, left Ruddy again floundering with a spectacular finish. If Suarez could finish taps in like he does spectacular strikes Liverpool would have a Ballon D’or winner on their hands.;
As is the way this season, with Liverpool’s passing game now a more natural fit with technically gifted players such as Suso and Sahin in the line-up, possession is nine tenths of the law. The free-flowing nature of the play going forward at times was so smooth that Norwich were changing shadows.
Norwich should have got a goal back when Snodgrass unbelievably prodded over from a yard. The cost was immediate Suarez roaring into the area, after been played through by Sterling, committed the defender before picking out Sahin at the second attempt, who continuing in the same vain as he had in midweek arrived on queue. Liverpool’s defending reflected the open nature of the game and was at times kamikaze. Norwich had good opportunities to get back into the game.
Suarez for the second league game in succession at Carrow Road completed a spectacular hat-trick, making room for himself and curling the ball into the far corner after brilliant build-up play between Gerrard, Suso and Sahin. Doesn’t this man ever score score tap ins…
Liverpool’s loose defending eventually got what it deserved. But once again this season Pepe Reina will be disappointed in knocking the ball straight back into the path of the onrushing striker, who slammed the ball home. His reaction said it all, although he was equally disappointed with the lack of response from his defenders in dealing with the rebound.
Jordan Henderson introduction with 25 minutes remaining seemed attempt by Rodgers to put a seal on the open nature of the game. And at 4-1 that’s saying something. Another break away got the captain on the score sheet with Sterling squaring the ball to him and his deflected shot looping past Ruddy.
Holt who had looked lively since coming on got a well deserved goal when he capitalized on Skrtel’s mistake, dispatching his shot home for his first goal of the season.
Critics may say that Norwich were poor, which they undoubtedly were, but given our lack of a cutting edge in front of goal where we’ve produced fine performances against the some of the elite in the Premiership, barring Arsenal, the clinical nature in front of goal was a welcome change.
Rodgers has learnt from the League Cup and Europa game that the youngsters showed a vitality and a directness which the first XI were missing without a recognised out and out striker. Relative success will benefit the youngsters integration in the squad and there is no doubt some more experience and quality will be brought in January, but hopefully by then the likes of Sterling, Wisdom and Suso will have shown that long-term Liverpool have a foundation which will benefit its future.
Man of the Match: Luis Suarez – unbelievably sublime finishing for second season in succession at Carrow Road. The unpredictable Uruguayan must wish he played at the stadium every day of the week. His all round play was immense with link-up with Gerrard, Sahin, Suso and Sterling. One magnificent chipped through ball to Gerrard showed just how good he could in a role behind a front line striker and his tireless running was as usual there for all to see. His should’ve had a penalty for the second league game in a row and missed his easiest chance, but this was an afternoon when he would not be denied.
Suso – showed assuredness on the ball that belies his years and technical ability makes the news the the club would like to sign a new contract as essential. Andre Wisdom in his first start for the club was strong on the ball and robust in the tackle even though centre-half is his most favoured position.
LIVERPOOL: Reina, Wisdom, Skrtel, Agger, Johnson, Allen, Sahin (Henderson 66), Gerrard , Sterling, Suarez, Suso (Assaidi 59). Subs: Jones, Assaidi, Henderson, Coates, Carragher, Downing, Borini.
NORWICH CITY: Ruddy, Martin, Johnson, Turner, Snodgrass, Howson, Jackson (Holt 46), Surman (Hoolahan 55), Morison (Tettey 79), Garrido, Barnett. Subs: Bunn, Holt, Hoolahan, E Bennett, Tierney, R Bennett, Tettey.
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