Blog by dedlfc
The Spurs side always defend with a high line and so it was imperative that Sterling got a run out as last time out he tortured Kyle Naughton. Replacing Joe Allen - who performed well over the previous four league wins, but does not have the incisive cutting edge in his game like young Sterling.
The game was most certainly won in the second minute, when Younes Kaboul managed to turn a Glenn Johnson cross into his own net with Daniel Sturridge the intended recipient actually ahead of the ball.
We are a team on fire at present, having won our last seven league games and scored a hatful of goals in the process and the perfect fast start ensured Spurs looked like frightened rabbits, whilst we threatened to score with every move forward.
Danny Rose was suffering badly on the left flank, under attack from the clever movement and passing of both Sterling and Johnson, and probably not supported as well as might be hoped by Christian Eriksen, who was on the left of the Spurs midfield and had spoken negatively about Suarez prior to the game.
There had been a number of scares and perhaps Eriksen had got into a decent attacking position once for Spurs, but after 10 minutes, Coutinho picked out Suarez on the left side, and his intended cross just went over Sturridge’s head in front of goal. With Spurs's Bentaleb and Rose failing to prevent another Sterling advance, he passed to Suarez, this time on the right, feeding Coutinho for a volley that passed just wide of the post.
Eriksen cut in from the left with a decent run, and tried to feed the ball to Soldado, but the move was read well by the surprisingly strong Liverpool defence.
Vertonghen over-stretched at the back chasing back a ball which he felt he had to put out for a corner, and he never recovered from the injury.
Sigurdsson was penalised on the edge of the area for handball by Phil Dowd. There were several such dangerous free kicks given to us, Suarez took the free-kick and it went just over the target.
Spurs only had 10 men on the pitch, because Vertonghen had gone down again, and had to be replaced by Michael Dawson.
Due to brilliant anticipation by Suarez who capitalised on poor play by Dawson who with almost the first touch played an over strengthened pass slightly behind Kaboul, allowing Suarez to pounce and carry the ball into the clear and goalward with only Lloris to beat. The Uruguayan sourceror did not fail, scoring with a shot across the keeper taking him to 29 league goals beating the 19 year Premiership record of 28 league goals by Robbie Fowler.
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Kaboul was booked for a foul on Sturridge on the edge of the box. It was Sturridge’s turn to take the kick, but he too fired the ball over.
Bentaleb had a shot for Spurs, and our keeper Mignolet had to stretch to his right to save. Eriksen was the player most likely to create something for Spurs, but was thwarted at every turn.
Mignolet had to make a very good save from a Soldado shot, diving to his left and punching clear.
Kaboul failed to deal with Raheem Sterling, who crossed to the back post, where Suarez headed powerfully goalward. Lloris got enough of a touch to force the ball onto the underside of the bar, but somehow the ball stayed out of goal, bouncing out before being cleared.
Just before the break, Naughton was penalised on the edge of the box, and this time Suarez took a turn at a free kick, which went over the far post.
Henderson blazed over the target in front of The Kop from a wonderful lay off by Sterling following a brilliant one-two with Sturridge, before we scored our third goal which epitimised all the philosophy that Rodgers has been trying so hard to drum into our players with the ball starting at the back and eventually finding its way out to left back Flanagan. The youngster dummied and cut inside picking out Coutinho with a good ball. Coutinho was sharp and accurate with his shooting for a change beating Lloris low to his right with a right footed drive from 20 yards.
More defensive frailty by Tottenham gave Sturridge a chance, but his audacious back-heel attempt was save instinctively by Lloris. The agony, at least as far as the scoreline was concerned was complete, when Jordan Henderson hit a free kick through a crowd of legs in the Spurs area, which made it all the way into the net to make up for his earlier miss.
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| Dare to Dream... |
Our fans again starting singing the wonderful songs "We're gonna win the league" and "Poetry in Motion" ecstatic at going top of the Premier League and in control of our own destiny with Chelsea and Man City among our remaining visitors.
The roar from the Anfield faithful at the end of the game showed again that our fans are beginning to believe the ultimate dream may be possible.
Positives
Four more goals, a clean sheet and returning to the top of the table with just six games to go. The result was not a surprise, even the scoreline would not have surprised many.
Some would say the game was lost by Spurs before the teams left the tunnel because of their laid-back nature, perhaps even with a team selection that included no defensive midfielder for Spurs with Sandro staying on the bench throughout proceedings but we did the job in a professional and clinical manner and deserve all the credit for the win.
Negatives
I do not see any negatives to going top of the table and winning at this point.
Man of the match: Sterling - he has been unlucky to miss out on starting in the recent games but has not complained and just worked hard for the team and today showed all the intelligence and movement of an outstanding young talent at the top of his game and will only get better.
Teams:
Liverpool (4-3-3):- Mignolet; Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Flanagan; Henderson, Gerrard (Capt.) (sub Lucas, 70), Coutinho (sub Allen, 64); Sterling (sub Moses, 83), Sturridge, Suarez
Subs not used: Jones; Iago Aspas, Sakho, Cissokho
No bookings
Spurs (4-2-3-1): Lloris’ Naughton, Kaboul (Capt.), Vertonghen (sub Dawson, 24), Rose; Sigurdsson, Bentaleb (sub Dembele, 60); Lennon (sub Townsend, 60), Chadli, Eriksen; Soldado
Subs not used: Friedel; Sandro, Winks; Kane
Booked: Kaboul (foul on Sturridge), Sigurdsson (foul on Coutinho)
Attendance: 44,762
Referee: Phil Dowd
Brendan Rodgers has to take huge credit, alongside his players, he sent out as attacking team on paper as could've been imagine. It shows just how theis team has matured, as starting with this team not to long ago would have drawn a sharp in take of breath from the Anfield faithful. Coutinho and Sterling, particularly the second named, have matured into more rounded players capable of putting a shift inand harrying and badgering opposing midfielders and closing down space.
ReplyDeleteComing into the game against a team still harbouring hopes, albeit slight hopes of stealing a Champions League place, all week one could sense the trepidation talking to friends and work colleagues and in my mind it was because of the last 15 minutes of the Sunderland game, where it looked as if the situation had suddenly got to us. That being said, we got through it and the experience may stand us in good stead in the weeks ahead. Chelsea have now lost to Villa and Crystal Palace in the last few weeks which just shows that there are no pushovers, particularly at this time of the season and it shows you just have to grind out matches and show the mentally for the fight.
We were excellent from start to finish. High intensity and pressure all over the pitch. Spurs had their moments with some possession without ever looking threatening and most of the shots on goal were from long-range. As I've said previously, it's good that the goals are being shared around, because teams know that cutting off the supply line to SAS is one thing, but although they are our major pipeline, we still have tributaries running off the pipeline that can cause damage and proves this team is not one dimensional.
The pleasing thing for me, is we made a good team look poor and for our confidence managed to get a clean sheet, which again improves our goal difference and enabled Brendan to give Stevie Gerrard a well earnt break and give some valuable minutes into the legs of Lucas Leiva.
The League Trophy is coming back to its true home.
DeleteSteady. Strong and confident win, but one game at a time.
Deletelooks that way, but we got certain obstacles to get over yet, until the final whistle blows, lets keep going.
DeleteAnother fantastic step towards the holy grail guys – just take it one step at a time and let’s see how we get on!!!
DeleteTwo things BR did that impress me most:
Deletea) The way he responded to Tim Sherwood story of nerve
b) The post match interview yesterday.
We have 18 points to navigate our path to the illusive 19. Keep up the faith!!!!!!!!!!!!
looks that way, but we got certain obstacles to get over yet, until the final whistle blows, lets keep going.
DeleteIts started to feel real, but this is a good feeling, lets not jump the gun, one game at a time, lets just play our game, if its going to happen it will.
Great performance and win yesterday although Spurs were very, very ordinary. Big Caz’s revenge to negotiate next Sunday at West Ham. City and the Chavs have tough tests against Southampton and Stoke respectively so if we can hold our nerve against Big Sam’s hoof ball we might just extend our lead.
DeleteIt was convincing, with Spurs being reduced to speculative pot shots from distance. It’s especially gratifying to think of Gylfi Sigurdsson, Erikson and Vertonghen all once on our radar, must have looked on and realised that Champions League qualification was no longer part of their agenda… sweet!
DeleteAlthough I must say Erikson looked good.
But enough of them, next West Ham with minds focussed and hands firmly on the tiller.
Just a reminder that Carol scored (2) yesterday.
DeleteWest Ham are just the sort of team that we don’t like playing against, they get men behind the ball and launch it direct to a big unit. I think this one will be a big test, if we win this I’ll be over the moon..
DeleteIf we are competing to Win the title, than be it, if that what it takes, we will be tested and thrown everything at us, our defending against Spurs the best I seen for a long time, its getting close.
DeleteNo he scored just one and clumsily assisted the reflected goal.
DeleteWill very much be a test for us against West Ham. The other good thing about the result against Spurs is that we were able to keep a clean sheet again, so despite scoring four goals, we had some space to give Lucas a well needed run out – even Victor had a few minutes on the pitch.
DeleteGiven that we are likely to be defending quite a few aerial balls into the box on Sunday would anyone be tempted to get Sahko back in there? Dan and Marty have been doing great recently but winning defensive headers is neither’s strong suit.
DeleteI like the fact we’ve kept the same back four for a few games now, Migs looks slightly more assured knowing who will be in front of him. I don’t expect BR will make a change but if were leading by the odd goal heading into the last 15 minutes and facing Big Sam’s blitz football I’m sure Sakho will be summoned to add a bit of security.
DeleteThe ball can only cross into the area if the see the ball to do so. If the fire power of Liverpool starve them of the ball – I can see Carroll running around like heads chicken.
Deleteno doubt the Pony be up for this game! something to prove.
DeleteNot mentioning the general SG rested to avoid the yellow card going to the Man City game. We have the pony hair man Andy and Stuart Downing all will be fired up for this game. I can only see one outcome though that is Liverpool win!
DeleteI have one Chelsea fan who want to bet any amount because he believes Chelsea will beat us at Anfield.
I feel emotional just even thinking about that title. Imagine...... :-)
DeleteI don't want to think about it. Bad enough thinking about West Ham! :-)
DeleteI repeat that Stevie G should retire at the end of the season with the final piece of his trophy cabinet a title winning medal around his neck.
ReplyDeleteIt would be nice from SG to hang his boots (after he gets he medal) but I think he can mentor some new faces next season. Isn't Ryan Giggs still playing?
DeleteNo I disagree David. Ibrimovic the Swedish guy of PSG is going to be 33 this year, and he still banging in goals. Will you he should be drop because he is old? I will line up with you if you say, they should reduce the number games he plays and be use very spearing if we get a player that will get into his shoe.
DeleteI listened to the interview this morning in sky sport with the Phil Thompson – he said that the pressure is not on Liverpool because that was not our target this season. Absolute reverse physchology!!!!
I agree with Edet! Gerrard would be a fantastic mentor to a young upcoming midfielder that can eventually lead the team forward - Henderson has so far shown he has the capabilities to be a very good candidate to lead us forward and I truly believe that Shelvey should have been given more time to become that play driving us forward from midfield.
DeleteDedlfc - Maybe it would have been better if Shelvey’s deal to Swansea was a loan deal rather than permanent. I’d get him back in a shot as I think he has so many different dimensions to his game, and the one who can add drive, commitment, as well as ability on the ball. I think Henderson would be the first to acknowledge the impact of playing alongside Stevie has had on his performances. I get the impression that Stevie has been coaching him on the pitch. If we qualify for the Champions League, I’m sure Stevie would want to be part of it, in fact we would need him.
DeleteSG definitely for Champions League.
DeleteUtter nonsense to say we would need him – no one player is bigger than this football club.
DeleteOnce Gerrard has retired there will be another player that will step up to the plate and show why we will always produce great players.
Then why don’t we just get rid of him now, as you suggested. Its not about a player being bigger than the club, its simply saying that we have an asset at the club that could offer experience in the Champions League on the field especially as this is unknown territory to our coaching staff. Someone mentioned to me recently that they noticed that Gerrard’s captaincy has changed – in other words, since Carraghers’ absence he’s released the mute button. He seems to be more directive – issuing orders, glaring looks, etc when he feels its appropriate. How would you replace this experience, leadership and skills?
DeleteI was very critical of Gerrard at the start of the season, thought his legs had gone and he was a passenger in too many games. However now he’s playing a deeper role, has Henderson to do his running, his influence on games has grown. There was a time with Lucas out our midfield would have been overrun in games, not anymore. Champs League will suit Gerrard in this new role, no need for him to hang up his boots just yet.
DeleteI think everyone does their share in terms of defending now which is all part of the philosphy.
DeleteI’m off tomorrow, so I’ll weigh in today with the controversial call that we should rest Stevie tomorrow so that he avoids a ban and is available against City. I’d go –
ReplyDeleteMing
Glenda Skrtel Agger Flanno
Hendo Lucas Allen
Sterling Sturridge Suarez
I think we just have to carry on as normal and rely on others to step up if needed. It would be a huge blow not to have him but if we are going to win the league, these are the types of challenges that will come up. We faced Man City without him earlier in the season and deserved to win. Will be interesting to hear what dedlfc has to say about this – probably want Stevie rested till the end of the season.
DeleteWhy not compromise? Play him for 45 mins.
DeleteI think that tactically swapping Stevie for Lucas could be a good move too, we’re going to need energy in there to mop up a lot of second balls and I think Lucas is more likely to cover more ground putting out fires. Also they are likely to defend deep and in numbers so Stevie’s trademark raking cross field balls and long range passing are are likely to be less effective. Don’t get me wrong I’d have Stevie on the bench in case things were going south but I’d start without him and see how we get on.
DeleteOn the contrary I back your statement that if we are going to win the title this season he should play and show the required discipline to avoid a yellow card as he has done in the previous few games.
DeleteI think that we should also start with Gerrard to try and get a 2-0 or 3-0 lead then again substitute him for Lucas.
DeleteIt is a massive dilemma because I believe with our strongest side we will cause any team all sorts of problems especially with the world class Gerrard able to provide those pinpoint passes but with Lucas in the side that is not in his locker he is more a sideways passer.
It's a psychological thing as well - WHU would think that they would have an advantage if SG doesn't play.
DeleteCan I ask what is all fuss about SG playing or not playing? Is he injured or is it because he is a card away from suspension? Forget it, he will be fine and we will have the luxury of replacing him with Sakho once we are 2:0 or 3:0 up.
DeleteExactly right. There's no point suddenly getting strategic and saying what if... should he get a red card that the way the cookie crumbles. The reason we are where we are is because we've had the courage of our convinctions and there no point second guessing ourselves now. I understand the Gerrard call, but what Lucas cannot give is the surety in possession and experience, but hopefully if he is called upon whether it's tomorrow or against Man City he proves it's his time!
DeleteHopefully we'll get off to a fast start and have the game wrapped up as Edet says which we are obviously good enough to do. They have Andy, but just as sure as night follows day they'll be worried about our speed and movement. Obviously, given we've only a few games left and can see the prize at the end of the tunnel we start to look at the things that can trip us up. During our last trip there we were costing and but for Diami's hamstring we'd never won the game... but as the song goes.... ♬ "that was then and this is now..."
Let's go in with our "head held up high and don't be afraid
DeleteJust to remind all concerned we are playing on Sunday not tomorrow.
Deletewe come this far, by playing good football, we have to be flexible, we are not a one dimension team, if SG plays or not, play Lucas, if he crumbles than we can think of bring on SG on, no prob la mo
ReplyDeleteThrowing one out there along the lines of Baz's Lucas v Gerrard question should we stay with the centre-back pairing particularly after their fine display against Spurs (and stay with a winning team and just let them worry about us) or should Brendan bring in Sakho to look to combat the aerial threat of AC.
ReplyDeleteStick with the same team all day long.
DeleteI truly believe Sterling will terrorise West Ham with his pace.
We should stick with the same back four, regardless of Andy’s potential dominance in the air. Although we’ve had the occasional blip in recent weeks, we have kept some clean bed linen. I would definitely play Sterling, but Couthino as well might be pushing it. I might be tempted to go with Joe.
DeleteI make that 13 players.
DeleteLate coming to this debate as don't have access to emails in new job...i'd def be tempted by bringing sakho in but think he stay pretty much the same with one possible change in midfield and can def see sense in that....
DeleteAlready starting to feel nervous about tomorrow...just want to go into the city game with title destination in our hands...
Knocked off our perch today. Only temporarily I trust!
DeleteDid anyone see the following report about Aspas...?
ReplyDelete"Striker Iago Aspas, 26, admits he is desperate to leave Liverpool when the transfer window opens at the end of the season after finding it difficult to break into the first-team following his £7m switch from Celta Vigo last summer.
He might as well go now and we’ll sort out what we need to sort out after that. No point us fostering negativeity.
DeleteBR’s response should be “Clear out your belongs immediately or I’ll dispose of it for you”.
Deleteor "Ok – show me what you can do, in the youth team!
or "Ok, don’t worry about buying out all of your contract, just give me £7.
:-)
DeleteOr we can use your waste disposal company “Biffa” waste of space!!! :-)
More room for Borini... ;-)
DeleteYou wish. The guy will hang on and have the EPL winning medal under his belt or CV.
DeleteToo bad he just did not do himself the favour.
One minute Sami Hyppia he's looking like a future boss of LFC and the next he's out of work. Just shows how quick football can change and how true the old adage "one game at a time" is...!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/apr/05/sami-hyypia-sacked-bayer-leverkusen-manager
That's sad.
Delete