Another day and another dollar and Brendan Rodgers lives to fight another day.
Excellent performances by Milner and Lucas were overshadowed the brilliance of Daniel Sturridge which proved to be the difference in a game where the England striker should have had a hat-trick, providing the cutting edge we’ve been missing so far this season.
Without the injured Benteke, Henderson and Firmino, Rodgers chose to pair the inform Ings with his talisman Sturridge and started Emre Can again in defence. Mignolet and Sakho returned after missing the skin of the teeth Capital One victory over Carlisle.
Liverpool started in stunning fashion fashion going one-nil up inside two minutes with a goal by James Milner against his former club. The midfielder collected a pass inside from Coutinho and on the swivel hit a superb left-footed volley past the sprawling Brad Guzan.
It was just the start to quell the nerves.
Liverpool’s proceeding to dominate the next twenty minutes, pressing and harrying far up the pitch, so much so that Villa were pressed back on edge of their area. Milner seemingly given a more free role was popping all over the pitch revelling in the opportunity of a less restricted role.
The dominance in possession failed to give Liverpool anymore clear cut chances in the half and it was Villa who almost gained parity. Can covering back carelessly knocked the ball into the path of Gestede, who fortunately for the defender slashed wildly shooting wide of the post.
Minutes into the second-half Danny Ings, playing in a slightly wider berth to make room for Sturridge, chased back fully 40 yards to dispossess Gestede showing the type of passion Liverpool will need alongside the brilliance of Sturridge and Coutinho.
Milner almost struck a second driving onto a Moreno pass before seeing his left-footed shot brilliantly saved by Guzan with Clyne’s follow-up shot brilliantly blocked.
Sturridge then lit up the stadium for a brilliantly worked goal. Playing a one-two with the Milner, the ex-Man City man lifted the ball back into Sturridge’s path for him to drive his volley into the corner of the net – a great goal in creation and clinical in the way it was taken.
The common factor in Brendan Rodgers years at Anfield is the inability to keep clean sheets and this was no different. Alan Hutton powered through inside the area to the by-line tracked by Lucas, cut the ball back for a grateful Gestede to put his side back in the game.
Brendan Rodgers will be doing a prayer tonight hoping Daniel Sturridge remains fit for the rest of the season because quite simply the striker guarantees goals.
Sturridge is not just a striker he’s an excellent footballer able to link and build an understanding with good players like Milner as in his first goal and Coutinho on his second.
Drifting out left Sturridge found Coutinho, the impish Brazilian flicked the ball backed into his path with Sturridge ghosting in literally passing the ball into the corner of the net round Lescott with measured brilliance. It was the goal of an artist.
The nature of Villa’s next goal will worry Rodgers and supporters alike. The ball travelled from almost the touch line to the centre of the Liverpool area where Gestede towered powerfully above Sakho to head into the net, leaving Sakho sprawled on the ground. Micah Richards almost repeated the dose rising above Sakho to head just over.
Daniel Sturridge lack of fitness cost him a hat-trick. He ran out of legs unable to break free of the attention of Micah Richards who blocked his shot and then saw his his right-footed shot in the area well saved by Gurzan diving low to left.
Four minutes into injury time Sturridge was replaced by Joe Allen to a standing ovation.
Man of the match: Daniel Sturridge – His finishes oozed class and were the difference. Two very different goals a volley and a shot guided into the corner with a precision that sets apart the top class finishers.
Critical eye: Lcas Leiva was immense making and winning 11 tackles. It says something that Brendan Rodgers wanted to rid himself of the Brazilian international, but in saying that if Liverpool only possessed a player who also controlled the tempo in that position in would create a new dimension in our play.James Milner had his best game yet thriving in a more free role in which his link play with Sturridge and Coutinho led to two of the three goals.
The defence is worrying in central positions and Can as part of the three doesn’t work. Rodgers needs to trust Skrtel and Sakho in a back two or move to an authentic centre-half Gomez, particularly in the absence of Lovren.
I would like to to see Liverpool go to a back four and release Can in midfield as he potentially possesses the power and creative abilities to control the game in behind Coutinho.
Liverpool: 22 Mignolet, 23 Can, 37 Skrtel, 17 Sakho, 2 Clyne, 7 Milner, 21 Lucas, 17 Moreno, , 10 Coutinho, 28 Ings, 15 Sturridge (Allen – 94 mins)
Subs: 4 K Toure, 12 Gomez, 20 Lallana, 24 Allen, 27 Origi, 33 Ibe, 34 Bodgan
Referee: Jonathan Moss
Attendance: 44,228
Saturday, 26 September 2015
Liverpool 1 Carlisle 1: Liverpool win 3-2 on penalties
It’s a sign of the times that Carlisle tenth in League Two can come to Anfield with belief and come close to humbling Liverpool at one football’s greatest theatres.
The pitiful display has literally brought Brendan Rodgers tenure as Liverpool manager to ahead. Embarrassingly, the 47 shots in 120 minutes his team desperately sprayed at goal Uzi style barely threatened Carlisle keeper Gillespie.
Make no mistake Liverpool were desperate lacking creativity, pace and incision.
If two players sum up the predicament we now find ourselves in it’s Dejan Lovren and Danny Ings.
Nobody likes to see any player stretchered off, but, Lovren was as he has been through out his short Liverpool career inept. Bastien Hery literally sidled up to Lovren and sauntered by without even as much a challenge from the Croatian international before delivering the killer pass for Derek Asamaoh to equalise. It was poor, poor in the extreme and given what has gone before he was lucky to stay on the pitch after half-time.
In the present climate Danny Ings is the opposite end of the spectrum. He makes the most of every minute he is on the pitch chasing down every ball, running down the channels and looks the one Liverpool player who would die for the cause and it was no surprise to see him get on the end of Adam Lallana’s cross for the opening goal.
Overall, Liverpool lacked quality and appeared disjointed. Emre Can deserves a run in midfield, but Rodgers ineptitude in the transfer market has seen him shunted between defence and attack too many times to warrant any continuity and I believe he suffering for it although his coolly taken chipped penalty showed he is a player who has an enormous amount of self-belief.
We’ve seen the scenario play itself out over the last couple of seasons whereby expected to breeze through cup games against a lowly rated opponent, Liverpool have struggled.
This game was no different. Rodgers squad is without a midfielder with a consistent goal scoring record to back up his strike force. His side generally fails to create chances in the opposing area, hence the plethora of shots from distance against Carlisle with Liverpool struggling to get in behind. Jordon Ibe, the only recognised winger in the squad, replaced Clyne, fails to deliver quality crosses which is something he needs to work, especially if Liverpool want to Benteke’s strengths when he’s available.
Make no mistake, Liverpool were lucky and owe their appearance in the next round to Bournemouth to Bodgan’s exploits in the penalty shoot out. The big goalkeeper caught well as opposed Mignolet preference to punch and it will interesting to see if he faces Villa after Mignolet’s mistake against Norwich.
Brendan Rodgers time at Liverpool is hanging by a thread and his decision to send out Gary McAllister for media interviews speak volumes of a man under pressure.
Man of the Match: Danny Ings – Showed intent and deservedly scored latching onto the type of Lallana cross that we have failed to consistently deliver for Benteke.
Has put himself in the window as the strike partner for Daniel Sturridge ahead of Origi who looks short of the required standard at this stage.
Critical eye: Once again Liverpool lack of a creative output and defence frailties have led to Rodgers putting square pegs in round holes.
Nathan Clyne is an attacking full-back rather than wing-back and is being asked to be the supply-line on the right side because of the deficiencies in the squad and Emre Can again starting in defence when he is the only available midfielder able to keep the side moving with his passing and ability on the ball.
One wonders why Jordan Rossiter didn’t start the game, with his ability to get round the field and support the forwards, but the starting line-up suggests Rodgers knows he cannot take any chances in any competition with his job on the line. In that regard not picking Sakho after his decent performance against Norwich was questionable in the search for continuity with a backline shown of confidence.
Long-term Injuries to Lovren, Henderson and Firminho may have one benefit in forcing Rodgers to settle on a starting eleven with very little room for manoeuvre.
The pitiful display has literally brought Brendan Rodgers tenure as Liverpool manager to ahead. Embarrassingly, the 47 shots in 120 minutes his team desperately sprayed at goal Uzi style barely threatened Carlisle keeper Gillespie.
Make no mistake Liverpool were desperate lacking creativity, pace and incision.
If two players sum up the predicament we now find ourselves in it’s Dejan Lovren and Danny Ings.
Nobody likes to see any player stretchered off, but, Lovren was as he has been through out his short Liverpool career inept. Bastien Hery literally sidled up to Lovren and sauntered by without even as much a challenge from the Croatian international before delivering the killer pass for Derek Asamaoh to equalise. It was poor, poor in the extreme and given what has gone before he was lucky to stay on the pitch after half-time.
In the present climate Danny Ings is the opposite end of the spectrum. He makes the most of every minute he is on the pitch chasing down every ball, running down the channels and looks the one Liverpool player who would die for the cause and it was no surprise to see him get on the end of Adam Lallana’s cross for the opening goal.
Overall, Liverpool lacked quality and appeared disjointed. Emre Can deserves a run in midfield, but Rodgers ineptitude in the transfer market has seen him shunted between defence and attack too many times to warrant any continuity and I believe he suffering for it although his coolly taken chipped penalty showed he is a player who has an enormous amount of self-belief.
We’ve seen the scenario play itself out over the last couple of seasons whereby expected to breeze through cup games against a lowly rated opponent, Liverpool have struggled.
This game was no different. Rodgers squad is without a midfielder with a consistent goal scoring record to back up his strike force. His side generally fails to create chances in the opposing area, hence the plethora of shots from distance against Carlisle with Liverpool struggling to get in behind. Jordon Ibe, the only recognised winger in the squad, replaced Clyne, fails to deliver quality crosses which is something he needs to work, especially if Liverpool want to Benteke’s strengths when he’s available.
Make no mistake, Liverpool were lucky and owe their appearance in the next round to Bournemouth to Bodgan’s exploits in the penalty shoot out. The big goalkeeper caught well as opposed Mignolet preference to punch and it will interesting to see if he faces Villa after Mignolet’s mistake against Norwich.
Brendan Rodgers time at Liverpool is hanging by a thread and his decision to send out Gary McAllister for media interviews speak volumes of a man under pressure.
Man of the Match: Danny Ings – Showed intent and deservedly scored latching onto the type of Lallana cross that we have failed to consistently deliver for Benteke.
Has put himself in the window as the strike partner for Daniel Sturridge ahead of Origi who looks short of the required standard at this stage.
Critical eye: Once again Liverpool lack of a creative output and defence frailties have led to Rodgers putting square pegs in round holes.
Nathan Clyne is an attacking full-back rather than wing-back and is being asked to be the supply-line on the right side because of the deficiencies in the squad and Emre Can again starting in defence when he is the only available midfielder able to keep the side moving with his passing and ability on the ball.
One wonders why Jordan Rossiter didn’t start the game, with his ability to get round the field and support the forwards, but the starting line-up suggests Rodgers knows he cannot take any chances in any competition with his job on the line. In that regard not picking Sakho after his decent performance against Norwich was questionable in the search for continuity with a backline shown of confidence.
Long-term Injuries to Lovren, Henderson and Firminho may have one benefit in forcing Rodgers to settle on a starting eleven with very little room for manoeuvre.
Sunday, 20 September 2015
Liverpool 1 Norwich 1: Ordinary Liverpool continue to struggle
The buzz started emanating at least a couple of days before that long-term injured Daniel Sturridge was back. Brendan Rodgers wanted to be judged when all his key pieces were back on board, but bad luck struck in the last training session with captain Jordan Henderson suffering a catastrophic metatarsal injury which put him out for at least two months.
Sturridge inclusion seemed a measure of Rodgers desperation to find the quality to break his team out its deep malaise. A manager under pressure.
If there was trepidation tinged with excitement at Sturridge’s return, I felt disbelief in Rodgers picking Emre Can in a back three with Lucas in the holding role. Gomez made way for Moreno and Sakho for the maligned Lovren.
We struggled in the first twenty minutes to get to grips with a free-flowing Norwich looking to break at every opportunity. Milner and Lucas struggled centrally and with Coutinho unable to get away from his markers the creativity levels left the much vaunted attack living of scraps. That being said, Milner after some fantastic work by Moreno down the left should have put us ahead with both sides of the goal to slot the ball into he shot blocked.
Sturridge looked relatively sharp looking at every opportunity to link play and combine with his strike partner.
The England striker will be disappointed not to have scored after being put through by Milner. His curling effort was easily pushed away by the diving Ruddy. Coutinho also saw a header end-up the wrong side of the near post.
Moreno impressive throughout again managed to find Milner driving through the middle. The midfielder played for a one-two with Benteke whose return was a tad out reach. It was to be Benteke’s last meaningful contribution before being replaced by Danny Ings at the break after feeling a tight hamstring.
Early in the second half came the moment which makes one wonder if Brendan Rodgers will ever work out how to work with Benteke.
Liverpool pressed forcing a mistake and Moreno’s beautifully weighted floated pass found Ings who chested the ball into his stride on his left to slide under Ruddy. It was a superb finish to get him underway.
The former Burnley striker is more adept at playing the road runner role that Benteke.
Minutes later the striker almost found Sturridge when his cross from the right was cut out at the last.
Simon Mignolet as he his wont brought Norwich back into the game when his indecisive punch was controlled superbly and flicked passed the hapless keeper by Martin. If ever there was proof positive that Mignolet is not top class this was it. His mistake killed any momentum stone dead and hopefully this will be his final season at Anfield.
One can not question his shot stopping abilities and he pulled off a fantastic reaction save from Jarvis minutes later.
It would be churlish to say Norwich didn’t deserve their point as they more than played their part, but Liverpool had the clearest chance in the match with Coutinho streaking away one on one with Ruddy and instead of looking to be clinical tried and failed to be too cute seeing his shot well saved by the onrushing keeper.
Liverpool had a half chance through Ings after some magical work by Lallana, but that was as good as it got from a workmanlike and unimpressive home team.
Man of the Match: Danny Ings – provided a focal point upfront with Daniel Sturridge searching for sharpness and fitness. Took his goal brilliantly and never looked like missing.
Critical eye: Yet another poor performance by Rodgers minions and one is already asking whether he has the acumen to get the best out of Benteke.
It could well be that if Rodgers is to save his job an Ings/Sturridge partnership may just be the answer to his problems. Ings running down the channels suddenly gave those behind him an opportunity to find a willing running ahead as he looked to stretch the play.
Moreno was excellent as good as I’ve seen him in a Liverpool shirt, with his incisive runs and ability to pick out his man on the run, especially with subtle chipped pass for the goal.
Coutinho until late in the second-half failed to get rid of his man to man marker, but the worrying fact is that Liverpool have very little creative options behind him and Rodgers must trust Can in the engine room or in the holding role. In the holding role it would provide him with the opportunity to unleash his range of passes and in the absence of Henderson move Lallana into a central berth partnering the disappointing Milner with Rossiter to come on in support.
Sakho did enough to suggest he deserves a long run it the side and hopefully make Lovren a thing of the past.
Liverpool: 22 Mignolet, 23 Can, 37 Skrtel, 17 Sakho, 2 Clyne, 7 Milner, 21 Lucas (Firmino –72 mins), 18 Moreno, 10 Coutino, 15 Sturridge (Lallana – 63 mins), 9 Benteke (Ings – 45 mins)
Subs: 6 Lovren, 11 Firmino, 12 Gomez, 20 Lallana, 28 Ings, 33 Ibe, 34 Bogdan
Referee: Anthony Taylor
Attendance: 44,072
Sturridge inclusion seemed a measure of Rodgers desperation to find the quality to break his team out its deep malaise. A manager under pressure.
If there was trepidation tinged with excitement at Sturridge’s return, I felt disbelief in Rodgers picking Emre Can in a back three with Lucas in the holding role. Gomez made way for Moreno and Sakho for the maligned Lovren.
We struggled in the first twenty minutes to get to grips with a free-flowing Norwich looking to break at every opportunity. Milner and Lucas struggled centrally and with Coutinho unable to get away from his markers the creativity levels left the much vaunted attack living of scraps. That being said, Milner after some fantastic work by Moreno down the left should have put us ahead with both sides of the goal to slot the ball into he shot blocked.
Sturridge looked relatively sharp looking at every opportunity to link play and combine with his strike partner.
The England striker will be disappointed not to have scored after being put through by Milner. His curling effort was easily pushed away by the diving Ruddy. Coutinho also saw a header end-up the wrong side of the near post.
Moreno impressive throughout again managed to find Milner driving through the middle. The midfielder played for a one-two with Benteke whose return was a tad out reach. It was to be Benteke’s last meaningful contribution before being replaced by Danny Ings at the break after feeling a tight hamstring.
Early in the second half came the moment which makes one wonder if Brendan Rodgers will ever work out how to work with Benteke.
Liverpool pressed forcing a mistake and Moreno’s beautifully weighted floated pass found Ings who chested the ball into his stride on his left to slide under Ruddy. It was a superb finish to get him underway.
The former Burnley striker is more adept at playing the road runner role that Benteke.
Minutes later the striker almost found Sturridge when his cross from the right was cut out at the last.
Simon Mignolet as he his wont brought Norwich back into the game when his indecisive punch was controlled superbly and flicked passed the hapless keeper by Martin. If ever there was proof positive that Mignolet is not top class this was it. His mistake killed any momentum stone dead and hopefully this will be his final season at Anfield.
One can not question his shot stopping abilities and he pulled off a fantastic reaction save from Jarvis minutes later.
It would be churlish to say Norwich didn’t deserve their point as they more than played their part, but Liverpool had the clearest chance in the match with Coutinho streaking away one on one with Ruddy and instead of looking to be clinical tried and failed to be too cute seeing his shot well saved by the onrushing keeper.
Liverpool had a half chance through Ings after some magical work by Lallana, but that was as good as it got from a workmanlike and unimpressive home team.
Man of the Match: Danny Ings – provided a focal point upfront with Daniel Sturridge searching for sharpness and fitness. Took his goal brilliantly and never looked like missing.
Critical eye: Yet another poor performance by Rodgers minions and one is already asking whether he has the acumen to get the best out of Benteke.
It could well be that if Rodgers is to save his job an Ings/Sturridge partnership may just be the answer to his problems. Ings running down the channels suddenly gave those behind him an opportunity to find a willing running ahead as he looked to stretch the play.
Moreno was excellent as good as I’ve seen him in a Liverpool shirt, with his incisive runs and ability to pick out his man on the run, especially with subtle chipped pass for the goal.
Coutinho until late in the second-half failed to get rid of his man to man marker, but the worrying fact is that Liverpool have very little creative options behind him and Rodgers must trust Can in the engine room or in the holding role. In the holding role it would provide him with the opportunity to unleash his range of passes and in the absence of Henderson move Lallana into a central berth partnering the disappointing Milner with Rossiter to come on in support.
Sakho did enough to suggest he deserves a long run it the side and hopefully make Lovren a thing of the past.
Liverpool: 22 Mignolet, 23 Can, 37 Skrtel, 17 Sakho, 2 Clyne, 7 Milner, 21 Lucas (Firmino –72 mins), 18 Moreno, 10 Coutino, 15 Sturridge (Lallana – 63 mins), 9 Benteke (Ings – 45 mins)
Subs: 6 Lovren, 11 Firmino, 12 Gomez, 20 Lallana, 28 Ings, 33 Ibe, 34 Bogdan
Referee: Anthony Taylor
Attendance: 44,072
Friday, 18 September 2015
Sakho and Coutinho standout performances in decent draw – Bordeaux 1 Liverpool 1
Pre-match thoughts:
With the expected changes
in the team – I really
was not sure what to expect from the team put out by our manager. Although I
thought Firmino would have made the starting line up to give him more
confidence.
We just want to see a
performance from the B teamers to put pressure on the so-called first teamers – if they
could look threatening and dynamic in front of goal all the better for us
moving forward.
The captain's arm band looks great on Sakho
hopefully it gives him confidence to perform well despite him being snubbed for
a player not as good as him.
We start the game with three centre backs with our
manager reverting to the formation that served him well for parts of last
season.
Very encouraging start to the game and also very
good to see Alberto Moreno back playing as a conventional left back.
Coutinho with a chance at the top of the box! He just
pulls the effort just wide, but we look better in the opening couple of minutes.
Can tries to do his best Benteke scissor kick
impression, but Benteke he sure isn't and hits it weakly right at the keeper.
A defensive lapse then nearly helps the hosts break
the deadlock on the counter attack we look dangerous going forward...and
dangerous going backward as per usual.
Bordeaux have had the better of the chances so far
in this segment of the game.
Good linkup and run by Moreno and Origi. Unfortunately
Origi was offside. He missed the target by hitting his shot wide as well even
though he should have scored.
Toure then gets injured just before halftime clashing
for an aerial ball with Mignolet hitting Mignolet’s knee with his thigh and
then trying to run off the injury but failing to do so.
With Toure coming off after failing to recover from the injury this gave us a chance to give
our young Spanish defensive midfielder Pedro Chirivella a debut run out.
Can now reluctantly moves to the back line under
our manager’s instructions, Chirivella to the middle. Toure had been caught out
several times for pace, so maybe this isn't the worst thing that could have
happened.
The best chance of the first half comes on the stroke
of halftime when Coutinho strikes the post again for the umpteenth time in this
season – he is going to be given back his old nickname the Carpenter because he
is good at woodwork!
Half-time thoughts: The teams enter the dressing
rooms all square at nil-nil. It wasn't a bad first half from us, but we are
slightly lucky to be on level terms. Bordeaux had the better chances, with
several through balls catching out Gomez and Can especially.
Coutinho provided the best chances for us, his
first shot narrowly pulled wide, and his second blistering shot coming back off
the woodwork. Rossiter looking pretty good in the center of the park, but he's
been rash with a couple tackles and needs to be careful if he doesn't want to
pick up a booking or two.
Good opening few minutes of possession to start the
half for Liverpool. Leads to nothing, but still, passes to each other! Keeping
the ball! It’s a very good habit to start! Well done!
Free bullet header by Bordeaux off a corner at the
near post and we are definitely living dangerously. If they get a result
tonight, it'll be the result of a good deal of luck. A few minutes later
Bordeaux miss a point blank chance.
Lallana finally gets his goal! He's been dangerous
several times so far tonight. Makes a brilliant turn, a beats a couple of
defenders in the box, and puts it away in the far corner with aplomb! Very
classy finish and goes to show what he has in his locker. Against all odds (and
the run of play) we are in front!
 | |
| Lallana scores a vital away goal vs Bordeaux |
Ings replaces Origi, who has been largely isolated
throughout the night on an even worse scale than Benteke has been so far this
season.
Ings nearly makes an instant impact with a great
first touch to put himself through on goal. Unfortunately the shot wasn't
enough to beat the Bordeaux keeper. It’s
a miss we would go on to rue as up the other end the panic of our two other
defenders alongside Sakho caused an equaliser.
We conceded in the 80th minute, because of
hesistancy by Gomez and a poor header by Can . A good bit of trickery left both
defenders completely befuddled, and now we're level at 1-1.
 |
| Jussie equalises vs Liverpool |
Despite the pressure in the last ten minutes Sakho
led his troops to a respectable draw but we are just disappointed after looking
like we had secured the vital three points, we couldn’t come home from France
with the confidence boosting win.
Man of the Match – Mamadou Sakho
First game of the season and did not put a foot
wrong – showed our manager with the added maturity of being captain that he is
a reliable defender, won all his aerial battles and was very tidy in
possession. He needs to be reinstated to the first team straightaway as he is
our best defender.
Full-time thoughts: Despite the low scoreline, it
certainly wasn't a boring affair tonight. Lots of attacking play from both
sides, and the draw is probably a fair result. Great return to action from Lallana who grew into the game as time went on
and his goal was well deserved. Coutinho deserved more from his effort from
range, but showed some good link up play in and around the box with Lallana. It
must be said, a decent showing from the youngsters, especially midfielders Rossiter,
Chirivella and Brannagan who can each be proud of their first performances in
Europe as LFC players. Ibe and Origi did not make a big enough impact on this
game and need to get better.
BORDEAUX (4-4-2): Carrasso: Gajic (Guilbert
86mins), Pablo, Pallios, Poundje: Saviet, Chantome, Khazri (Jussie 69mins),
Maurice-Belay: Crivelli, Rolan
Unused subs: Prior (GK), Traore, Kiesse
Thelin, Poko, Juisse, Yambere, Guilbert
Goals: Jussie 81 mins
Booked: Chantome
LIVERPOOL (4-2-3-1): Mignolet: Gomez, Toure (Chirivella 27mins), Sakho, Moreno: Rossiter
(Branagan 76mins), Can: Ibe, Coutinho, Lallana: Origi (Ings 73mins).
Unused subs: Bogdan (GK), Firmino, Randall,
Cleary
Goals: Lallana 65 mins
Booked: Toure
Referee: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain)
Att: 35,328
Goalscorer
Lallana’s post match comments
Before the match we might have taken a
point, but we're disappointed. They scored with five or 10 minutes to go.
"A couple of the young lads did
really well, Pedro Chirivella when he came on and Jordan Rossiter were
brilliant.
"It's a positive performance. We've
lost our last two Premier League games and need to get back to winning ways
now.
"We've got a tough game on Sunday
against Norwich, so we need another good performance and have to make sure we
win.
"It's a point away from home. We
need to win our next game in the league and in this competition and then things
will look much better."
Our manager’s comments
“I was more satifisfied and encouraged
by the performance. We had so many young
players in the team.
Saturday, 12 September 2015
Man United 3 Liverpool 1: Rodgers sets Liverpool up for a beating
An East-Lancs Derby without the towering figures of the injured Rooney and Steven Gerrard now in sunnier climbs. Rodgers without his creative mainstay Philippe Coutinho (suspended) and captain Jordan Henderson still out injured started with a 4-4-3 formation with Lucas sitting in front of the back four.
Liverpool seemed intent on lapping up the pressure allowing Man United to come on to them. The casualness was bourn out by Mignolet casually bowling the ball out into the back of the retreating Mata and was lucky the Fellaini’s chip sailed harmlessly into the stands rather than into the back of the net. The centre-halfs and Lucas looked panicked stricken on the ball, as their lackadaisical nature set the tone for as poor first half hour as we are likely to see.
Man United as with Liverpool playing a target man upfront, both sides lacked the breaking midfield players of bygone years and a cutting edge in the last third. The game seemed bereft OF the magic Man City fans are taking tor granted at the moment.
One has to feeL for Benteke, pound for pound the best striker of his type in the League, but Brendan Rodgers has yet to fathom out how to service his striker and is fast running out of time.
It was obvious Rodgers brought his side to play against a less than dominant Man United to avoid the defeat after the loss to West Ham. Is he running scared, who knows?
Man United looked a more balanced unit with Young replacing the disappointing Depay at the break.
Unbelievably from a dubious free-kick, Liverpool switched off allowing the free-kick to be rolled across the area for Daley Blind to sweep the ball home from the edge of the area. That one goal showed the lack of leadership in a Liverpool team where experience is of a premium.
De Gea almost inadvertently brought Liverpool back into the game when his tepid pass out found Can, who in turn sent Clyne breaking in the area from the right. The full-back found Firmino running inside him only to see the Brazilian’s cross for the waiting Benteke hooked away by Smalling in front of the goal-line.
Liverpool stung into response saw Ings volley palmed round the post by de Gea, The ever decreasing fan club of Lovren will have been dismayed to see the defender brushed off the ball by Fellaini after failing to attack a long ball hit over the top.
Minutes later Liverpool came close again after Skrtel headed on a Milner corner deflecting off Ings only for Danny Blind to knock the ball off the line with Firmino on his heels, not reacting quick enough as he mis-controlled the ball before seeing it squirm wide of the post.
It was to be Firmino’s last real moment in the match as he was replaced by Jordon Ibe. Firmino still looks to be off the pace and Rodgers may need to continue his Premiership education on a more gradual basis for him to get used to the physicality and speed of the English game.
Any chance of getting back on parity was blown after the inexperience Gomez lunged in on the waiting Herrera giving away a penalty, which the Bilbao native dispatched from the spot with a flourish of his talented right foot high up into the roof of the net.
With Liverpool finally getting forward a string of half chances ensued.
Milner delivered the first real cross of any quality for Benteke over the last two games only for Belgian to head wide of the near post. Jordan Ibe looking bright cut in from the right before hitting a powerful left footed drive which de Gea easily pushed around the post.
Jordan Ibe again on the right then chipped the ball in from the right which Blind could only head to the right for penalty area. Christian Benteke unleashed a stunning overhead kick leaving David de Gea no chance as the ball flashed beyond him.
As is the Liverpool way over the last two games any hope was snuffed out by poor defending. Martial on for the ineffective Mata, picked the ball up in the left hand channel and drove for the area with Skrtel back pedalling like Bradley Wiggins in reverse, cut inside between the centre-half and Clyne to tuck his shot into the corner like a seasoned veteran and distinguish any hopes of a comeback.
Man of the Match: Christian Benteke – Lived on scraps throughout which makes his goal an even more phenomenal effort as his chances throughout the season have been as rare as a cross from a Liverpool winger.
Already one feels sorry for Daniel Ings. The statistics will say two appearances, but Brendan Rodgers use of the striker says a lot about his mind set and surely Origi or Ibe would have been a better fit for what was expected?
Critical eye: Rodgers is running out of time and it’s not because we are losing, it’s more the way we are losing. Against West Ham we were out paced and out powered. Today, we came to up against a side who were also struggling, had very little pace and creativity, yet Rodgers set us up to draw, not even to nick a win which was disappointing.
The squad is lacking in experience and leadership yet Emre Can and Jordon Ibe are important members of the squad and worryingly are the only two of their types available to the manager. Rodgers is looking for both to provide creativity from central midfield and on the wings respectively, when their experience says their optimum levels will fluctuate when we badly need consistency and reliability to push forward.
Rodgers is managing as if expressing his attacking beliefs has become a problem. He needs to find away of supplying Benteke and having sent out on loan all his young wide men including Markovic this may be a problem. His position of strength is his strikers and instead of having Ings languishing out on the left he needs to bring him in closer to Benteke as an authentic two upfront or else his time as Liverpool manager may just becoming to end sooner rather than later with Sturridge still weeks away from full fitness.
Liverpool: 22 Mignolet, 2 Clyne, 37 Skrtel, 6 Lovren, 12 Gomez, 7 Milner, 21 Lucas (Moreno – 88 mins), 23 Can, 11 Firmino (Ibe – 65 mins), 9 Benteke, 28 Ings (Origi – 74 mins)
Substitute: 4 K Toure, 17 Sakho, 18 Moreno, 27 Moreno, 27 Origi, 33 Ibe, 34 Bogdan, 46 Rossiter
Referee: Michael Oliver
Attendance: 75,347
Liverpool seemed intent on lapping up the pressure allowing Man United to come on to them. The casualness was bourn out by Mignolet casually bowling the ball out into the back of the retreating Mata and was lucky the Fellaini’s chip sailed harmlessly into the stands rather than into the back of the net. The centre-halfs and Lucas looked panicked stricken on the ball, as their lackadaisical nature set the tone for as poor first half hour as we are likely to see.
Man United as with Liverpool playing a target man upfront, both sides lacked the breaking midfield players of bygone years and a cutting edge in the last third. The game seemed bereft OF the magic Man City fans are taking tor granted at the moment.
One has to feeL for Benteke, pound for pound the best striker of his type in the League, but Brendan Rodgers has yet to fathom out how to service his striker and is fast running out of time.
It was obvious Rodgers brought his side to play against a less than dominant Man United to avoid the defeat after the loss to West Ham. Is he running scared, who knows?
Man United looked a more balanced unit with Young replacing the disappointing Depay at the break.
Unbelievably from a dubious free-kick, Liverpool switched off allowing the free-kick to be rolled across the area for Daley Blind to sweep the ball home from the edge of the area. That one goal showed the lack of leadership in a Liverpool team where experience is of a premium.
De Gea almost inadvertently brought Liverpool back into the game when his tepid pass out found Can, who in turn sent Clyne breaking in the area from the right. The full-back found Firmino running inside him only to see the Brazilian’s cross for the waiting Benteke hooked away by Smalling in front of the goal-line.
Liverpool stung into response saw Ings volley palmed round the post by de Gea, The ever decreasing fan club of Lovren will have been dismayed to see the defender brushed off the ball by Fellaini after failing to attack a long ball hit over the top.
Minutes later Liverpool came close again after Skrtel headed on a Milner corner deflecting off Ings only for Danny Blind to knock the ball off the line with Firmino on his heels, not reacting quick enough as he mis-controlled the ball before seeing it squirm wide of the post.
It was to be Firmino’s last real moment in the match as he was replaced by Jordon Ibe. Firmino still looks to be off the pace and Rodgers may need to continue his Premiership education on a more gradual basis for him to get used to the physicality and speed of the English game.
Any chance of getting back on parity was blown after the inexperience Gomez lunged in on the waiting Herrera giving away a penalty, which the Bilbao native dispatched from the spot with a flourish of his talented right foot high up into the roof of the net.
With Liverpool finally getting forward a string of half chances ensued.
Milner delivered the first real cross of any quality for Benteke over the last two games only for Belgian to head wide of the near post. Jordan Ibe looking bright cut in from the right before hitting a powerful left footed drive which de Gea easily pushed around the post.
Jordan Ibe again on the right then chipped the ball in from the right which Blind could only head to the right for penalty area. Christian Benteke unleashed a stunning overhead kick leaving David de Gea no chance as the ball flashed beyond him.
As is the Liverpool way over the last two games any hope was snuffed out by poor defending. Martial on for the ineffective Mata, picked the ball up in the left hand channel and drove for the area with Skrtel back pedalling like Bradley Wiggins in reverse, cut inside between the centre-half and Clyne to tuck his shot into the corner like a seasoned veteran and distinguish any hopes of a comeback.
Man of the Match: Christian Benteke – Lived on scraps throughout which makes his goal an even more phenomenal effort as his chances throughout the season have been as rare as a cross from a Liverpool winger.
Already one feels sorry for Daniel Ings. The statistics will say two appearances, but Brendan Rodgers use of the striker says a lot about his mind set and surely Origi or Ibe would have been a better fit for what was expected?
Critical eye: Rodgers is running out of time and it’s not because we are losing, it’s more the way we are losing. Against West Ham we were out paced and out powered. Today, we came to up against a side who were also struggling, had very little pace and creativity, yet Rodgers set us up to draw, not even to nick a win which was disappointing.
The squad is lacking in experience and leadership yet Emre Can and Jordon Ibe are important members of the squad and worryingly are the only two of their types available to the manager. Rodgers is looking for both to provide creativity from central midfield and on the wings respectively, when their experience says their optimum levels will fluctuate when we badly need consistency and reliability to push forward.
Rodgers is managing as if expressing his attacking beliefs has become a problem. He needs to find away of supplying Benteke and having sent out on loan all his young wide men including Markovic this may be a problem. His position of strength is his strikers and instead of having Ings languishing out on the left he needs to bring him in closer to Benteke as an authentic two upfront or else his time as Liverpool manager may just becoming to end sooner rather than later with Sturridge still weeks away from full fitness.
Liverpool: 22 Mignolet, 2 Clyne, 37 Skrtel, 6 Lovren, 12 Gomez, 7 Milner, 21 Lucas (Moreno – 88 mins), 23 Can, 11 Firmino (Ibe – 65 mins), 9 Benteke, 28 Ings (Origi – 74 mins)
Substitute: 4 K Toure, 17 Sakho, 18 Moreno, 27 Moreno, 27 Origi, 33 Ibe, 34 Bogdan, 46 Rossiter
Referee: Michael Oliver
Attendance: 75,347
Sunday, 6 September 2015
Is Brendan Rodgers out of his depth?
I sometimes wonder whether Brendan Rodgers is one of those managers who flatters to deceive.
Was the 2013-2014 season all about a team driven by the undoubted world class talent and passion of Luis Suarez, embellished by the natural goal scoring talents of Daniel Sturridge with Raheem Sterling flourishing by playing alongside stellar talents?
No one who witnessed the destruction of Arsenal at Anfield cannot say that Rodgers football philosophy was not evident. Pace, power, verve and passion it was all there and the shame is that we did not go on to win the title because it may just have hastened a new era and brand of football.
That being said, when push came to shove Rodgers weaknesses as a manager came to the fore.
One nil down to Chelsea needing to show composure with most of the match still ahead of his team, but the one dimensional nature of his team was shown up by Mourinho.
The key problem through out Rodger’s reign is his side’s inability to defend both in open play and set pieces. It’s no coincidence that we have trouble dealing with the pace and power of Crystal Palace because pace and power coming back at this Liverpool team seems to be be our Kryptonite.
His comments after the recent loss to West Ham game were a case in point. The comments like the performance were nondescript, “We're disappointed with the result. We came into the game with a motivation to win but we give away a poor goal and you have to give credit to West Ham.”
There was a lack of inspiration both from the players and from the sideline.
Rodgers admitted it was his decision to dismiss coaches Pascoe and Marsh in the summer. He said, “… I felt I just needed to change the dynamic within that side of it, and obviously in terms of players, you’re always looking to improve.”
But, just as in many of our losing matches last season once we fell behind there was nothing in terms of inspiration or decision making to get us to arrive at the change of dynamic Rodgers referred too.
Two-nil down to West Ham at half-time with two International strikers on the bench there was a chance to switch formations by either pairing Origi with his international colleague or Ings up top, but it appeared the coaching staff had caught the bug of indecision from their predecessors.
It’s easy to over react, after all Chelsea have lost twice, Arsenal and Man United once each with Spurs amassing just three points after four games. But the lack of anything to write home about in the performance has led to a wave of realism (or pessimism) from Liverpool supporters and the feeling that the Man United game is already a watershed in our season.
Is their there a future for Brendan Rodgers?
Seeing his body language after the West Ham game suggest he knows that the end is very close should the next few results go against us.
No centre-midfield schemer, left-back or left winger brought in. Is Brendan out of his depth? As a Liverpool supporter I truly hope not, because if he does well in the next few games it means my club will have some much needed positive vibes around it, but I know of many who would rather he moved on.
Was the 2013-2014 season all about a team driven by the undoubted world class talent and passion of Luis Suarez, embellished by the natural goal scoring talents of Daniel Sturridge with Raheem Sterling flourishing by playing alongside stellar talents?
No one who witnessed the destruction of Arsenal at Anfield cannot say that Rodgers football philosophy was not evident. Pace, power, verve and passion it was all there and the shame is that we did not go on to win the title because it may just have hastened a new era and brand of football.
That being said, when push came to shove Rodgers weaknesses as a manager came to the fore.
One nil down to Chelsea needing to show composure with most of the match still ahead of his team, but the one dimensional nature of his team was shown up by Mourinho.
The key problem through out Rodger’s reign is his side’s inability to defend both in open play and set pieces. It’s no coincidence that we have trouble dealing with the pace and power of Crystal Palace because pace and power coming back at this Liverpool team seems to be be our Kryptonite.
His comments after the recent loss to West Ham game were a case in point. The comments like the performance were nondescript, “We're disappointed with the result. We came into the game with a motivation to win but we give away a poor goal and you have to give credit to West Ham.”
There was a lack of inspiration both from the players and from the sideline.
Rodgers admitted it was his decision to dismiss coaches Pascoe and Marsh in the summer. He said, “… I felt I just needed to change the dynamic within that side of it, and obviously in terms of players, you’re always looking to improve.”
But, just as in many of our losing matches last season once we fell behind there was nothing in terms of inspiration or decision making to get us to arrive at the change of dynamic Rodgers referred too.
Two-nil down to West Ham at half-time with two International strikers on the bench there was a chance to switch formations by either pairing Origi with his international colleague or Ings up top, but it appeared the coaching staff had caught the bug of indecision from their predecessors.
It’s easy to over react, after all Chelsea have lost twice, Arsenal and Man United once each with Spurs amassing just three points after four games. But the lack of anything to write home about in the performance has led to a wave of realism (or pessimism) from Liverpool supporters and the feeling that the Man United game is already a watershed in our season.
Is their there a future for Brendan Rodgers?
Seeing his body language after the West Ham game suggest he knows that the end is very close should the next few results go against us.
No centre-midfield schemer, left-back or left winger brought in. Is Brendan out of his depth? As a Liverpool supporter I truly hope not, because if he does well in the next few games it means my club will have some much needed positive vibes around it, but I know of many who would rather he moved on.
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