With the disappointing news that we had again been gazumped by Chelsea for another player Salah still upsetting LFC fans we went into this tricky away cup tie needing further reinforcements so therefore had to play a very strong side.
Bournemouth started the game on the front foot controlling play and gaining two early corners through nice intricate play and our side's lethargic display at the start was very surprising especially as we are not playing any additional games during the midweek.
With Lucas out for two to three months, Allen injured in training and no reinforcements forthcoming Gerrard again had to be deployed in the defensive midfield role. Henderson seemed to struggle to get to grips with the pitch and the game in general.
Gerrard saw his free kick floating over the bar as Suarez the usual favourite from deadballs stood aside. Moses energetic play was rewarded with a goal to take the lead with a calm finish from outside the area with his right foot, which disappointly he didn't feel the need to celebrate, posssibly smarting from recent criticism.
From the restart Bournemouth nearly had an instant riposte when their forwards Daniels and Surman combined to allow Surman to clip a strike at Jones - Kolo Toure was in the right place to deflect the ball behind for a corner.
From the resulting corner Bournemouth's captain headed over an inviting chance when it seemed easier to get it on target.
Intelligent play by Suarez then created a great chance for Henderson to double our lead but as becoming a regular habit for Henderson he fluffed his lines and the score remained 1-0.
Suarez with the assistance of Coutinho then tried to wriggle through a few Bournemouth defenders to get a shot off at goal but this went just wide.
The last chance in the half saw Gerrard set up Sturridge for a lob which was tucked away well but was unfortunately offside.
At halftime we were very fortunate to be in the lead but our thoughts were we are happy for the lead and we should get better in the second half.
The turning point came early on when our right back Martin Kelly tugged at Bournemouth's Simon Francis's shirt illegally in our own area and the officials chose to ignore the blatant claims for a Bournemouth penalty.
The bravery of Martin Skrtel was then brought into action when he diverted a dangerous cross away but clashed with striker Grabban and had to then go off for treatment. When down to ten men our capt Gerrard was then required to move back to fill in as centre back to concede another corner much to his anger and he was therefore booked for dissent.
Once Skrtel came back the telling move for the second goal came with the SAS back in full effect with Suarez playing through his strike partner Sturridge for a smart finish to make it 2-0.
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| Daniel Sturridge sends Liverpool through to the 5th round |
Excellent response again to conceding a goal by Bournemouth with their striker Grabban again shooting wide.
Henderson then produced an excellent ball over the top to Sturridge, who in turn produced a brilliantly instinctive first time lob which unluckly clipped the bar with Camp beaten all ends up.
Shortly after Sturridge tried to set up his strike partner Suarez but this time his striking partner lofted the ball just over.
The very welcome return of Jon Flanagan comes just in time for Tuesday's vital Merseyside derby.
Bournemouth had one more chance which Grabban toe-poked towards goal only for Jones to punch away.
The final chance of the game saw Suarez, again put through by Sturrigde, seeing his angled drive well saved by Lee Camp.
Man of the match - Victor Moses
Moses throughout his loan spell at our club has shown little or no sign of producing the exciting wing play he did at Crystal Palace, Wigan or at stages at Chelsea, today he showed glimpses of what he can do but needs to show it on a consistent basis every time he gets game time.
Critical eye: Our keeper Jones performed like a third string keeper rather than our direct reserve keeper, he was flapping and indecisive and just did not breed any confidence.
Despite our clean sheet in the game we did not look confident at all in defence, Toure and Skrtel do not exude stability and authority.
Martin Kelly was solid and stopped several opportunites for crosses from his side despite his rash tug at the Bournemouth player which should have resulted in a penalty.
Positives:
- No further injuries
- A clean sheet
- Another goal from the SAS partnership.
Bournemouth: Camp; Francis, Ward, Elphick, Daniels; Arter(Pitman 78), Surman, O'Kane; Ritchie(Fraser 73), Pugh(Rantie 73).
Subs: Allsop, Cook, Harte, MacDonald.
Liverpool: Jones;Kelly (Flanagan 73), Skrtel, Toure, Cissoko;Henderson, Gerrard, Moses (Sterling 84); Coutinho(Alberto 84), Suarez; Sturridge.
Subs: Aspas, Mignolet, Ibe, Sama.
Booked: Gerrard
Goals: Moses 26, Sturridge 60
Referee: Lee Probert.
Attendance: 11,475
Going in this was always going to be a tricky match and the kind of game where top teams are often dumped out of the competition, so to get through is thoroughly pleasing.
ReplyDeleteIt's obvious we are still struggling especially in midfield and defence and the difference between the sides as it has been for most of the season with our victories is the quality in finishing. This time at least another goal scorer stepped up.
Martin Kelly still not fully wound up, following his long-term injury did an admirable job and needs games to regain his sharpness and Brendan Rodgers has an interesting decision for the Merseyside Derby as to whether he brings Flanagan back in the left-back position or to replace Glen Johnson, especially with the threat Everton will pose down both flanks.
Again Sturridge and Suarez were impressive and one wonders just how dominant this Liverpool team would be if supported by a dominant midfield. There is no way, in my opinion that the Liverpool squad will make it through to the end of the season in fourth place with the current resources available to Rodgers are just to thin.
Bournmouth were impressive in possession and could so easily have been awarded a penalty.
Was good to Moses appearing to have his appetite back with some searing runs down the left full of pace and power and his goal, came from a quick release which beat the goalkeeper at his near post. If he can keep to that level he could give the manager the choice of playing two wingers in some home games, especially should he bring in some welcome additions in centre-midfield.
The centre-halfs looked patently under-whelming, which as I have said before isn't helped by the lack of cover in front of them and the pairing is consistent changed through injury. Toure is obviously not a long-term solution and is playing way more games than Liverpool fans anticipated and one feel nervous with him in top games.
Kelly was lucky not to give away a penalty and the penchant that Liverpool defenders, led by Skrtel, have for man-handling in the area will eventually catch-up with us and it something the manager needs to nip in the bud as its been highlighted week in and week out which obviously makes refrees aware.
All in all, we are through and it's job well done it what has proved tricky situation in the last few years and importantly we showed the fortitude to match Bournmouth's intensity.