A disappointing game see the Reds lose 1-0 against West Bromich Albion as Hodgson's returns to Anfield to lead the Albion into their first win at Anfield in a long long time!
A return for Reina after his 3 match ban welcomes him to a home as the Kops number one stopper. Kenny has kept Gerrard out of this game so this game sees Henderson filling in for the skipper. Starting XI start for Maxi and Kuyt while the usual back four and front two stay the same.
Liverpool Line-up: Reina, Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Enrique,Kuyt Henderson, Spearing, Rodriguez, Carroll, Suarez.
West Brom Line-up: Foster, Jones, McAuley, Olsson, Ridgewell, Brunt, Dorrans, Mulumbu, Thomas, Odemwingie.
Hodgson returns after a poor start to the season last year as Manager and he faces up against his replacement.
From the beginning a brilliant bright start from Liverpool, but a lack of finishing was, more to the point, non-existent.
Brilliant few chances from Carroll, Henderson catching the crossbar (after winning Bet188's crossbar challenge I'm not surprised), Suarez tearing through the defence but unable to get the final touch. Shots from Spearing and Henderson throughout the game, lovely set-ups from Johnson and Kuyt but still unable to capitalise.
Towards the end of the match, desperation fell over Anfield's Army as long balls were just being chucked into the area. Frustration could be seen in all the Liverpool players as they become more aggressive towards the WBA players than the game.
West Brom Albion deserve a lot of credit for disrupting the offence of Liverpool, while the fault falls for Johnson as a poor clearance drops to Odemwingie who calmly gained control to pop the ball passed Reina who was off balance. Olsson kept on top of Suarez, and did well but Suarez flared up with many missed call from the referee.
Not too impressve from Liverpool as the ball just would not get in the back of the net even with Ben Foster spilling the ball every single time he made a save. The counter attacks were slow as they spent too much time trying to wait for the rest of the team for support. The midfielders were not moving ahead fast enough to support the strike force, give West Brom plenty of time to fall back and regroup and hold their defence line.
Suarez did well to get passed them but not enough communication between the players left the team unable to get their passes down dropping their passing success rate by approx. 15% within the last 15mins.
Finishing.
Liverpool's problem. A problem that is quite essential to winning a game wouldn't you say? Today's game saw exactly how Liverpool play in the final third as they take far too much time being hesitant and nervous with the ball. The players are getting some brilliant balls in, but they player in the box are too easily manipulated by oppositions defence. Carroll's not moving about to lose his player to gain an advantage, as much as he can hold his ground, he isn't so capable against two.
Suarez has had a shot with every single part of his body but not one single shot has hit the net.
West Brom's defence were tight and able to deal with a lot of the attacks as Liverpool were unable to gain cohesive momentum of attack. Crosses from Kuyt proved useful at many times but it really isn't the role he shows his full potential.
With the Skipper out, Kuyt should have been played in the centre playing support role to Suarez and Carroll. His ability to run through the pitch with great speed makes him ideal for attacking and providing down the centre. Henderson played well however having him in the centre does not suit how he has developed in the team. Thus a switch between Kuyt and Henderson would have been more advantageous.
Maxi's lack of games has him on unfamiliar grounds as he wasn't at his best but still showed strength when attacking and providing for the Uruguayan.
(ever noticed Maxi and Tevez has that bottom lip thing going on? :-p)
Suarez was able to start some great runs in some very tight spots but again the finish was never around. Time and time again, the players are too muddled to know what is going on in the final third.
Bellamy soon came on for Kuyt, instead of changing tactics, he simply replaced the player. Wise in a sense but also a folly of a plan. Bellamy did well to make plenty of crosses but with a worn out centre attack, it was hard to see anyone getting a touch of the ball.
Fouls began to creep in with Skrtel getting frustrated with Long.
At the moment Liverpool need to focus on keeping their heads up and moving forward, trying to attack with who they have and move about and create some space for themselves.
Hodgson's style has always been a defensive play, having all four defenders as far back as they can afford to be; The midfielder's fall back into defensive position rather than attacking the player with the ball keeping a solid defensive structure which worked well against Liverpool as they were far too slow with the counter attacks and general movement.
So really Liverpool needed more from Spearing and Henderson attacking and moving forward, pressing the defence to force them out of position, dragging them across to the sides and opening up some space in the centre for Carroll and Suarez. Instead, Suarez has had to do it all himself a lot of the time.
The crossings, as well placed as they were, they were far too slow allowing the defence to tighten back up.
Player missed was definitely Gerrard, without him in the centre giving accurate through-balls for Suarez and Kuyt, this became a difficult game. Spearing spoke recently of stepping up his game and he has done well in this game but still needs to focus his shots more as he is blasting them far over the bar each time but doing well.
Henderson, individually has ability but not in a team, too many times has he played a terrible pass into a player who was surrounded.
Disappointing finish for the Reds but a brilliant performance, as Kenny has been saying, it is a team in the making and the frame work can be seen, the structure is coming together but the finishing touches are still needed.
Next game Liverpool travel to Carrow Road to try and take back a win after a draw at Anfield earlier in the season. With this loss, a win is a necessity if they wish to stay in the top half of the table.
Liverpool come to an end of a season with an extremely difficult run of matches.
Fulham (H), Chelsea (FA Cup Final), Chelsea (PL) (H), Swansea (A).
Fulham have been in form with a lot of goals from Dempsey while the final for the FA Cup could see Liverpool playing European football despite their current position. Chelsea are in form after a win against the Mighty Spanish Barcelona and a final game against Swansea who have only lost to 3 teams at home.
With the Form the Red's are in, potential to a late outbreak of beauty that was seen last season is possible but a lot of work needs to be done.
Showing posts with label LiverpoolFC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label LiverpoolFC. Show all posts
Sunday, 22 April 2012
Saturday, 7 April 2012
Liverpool and Villa End their losing streak with 1-1...
Not quite what they were expecting but Liverpool finally end their losing streak with a draw against a very well disciplined defence from Villa.
The Line-Up
Doni starts for his debut in goal, the Brazilian should show some real ability and a good one to test against Villa as Mcleish sets up Heskey to return to Anfield and the new appointed captain with Petrov's absence, Gabby Agbonlahor.
In the back with Kelly and Johnson still out, Flanagan continues his first team appearance for the club. Liverpool sees the return of Daniel Agger on the bench with Carragher and Skrtel in the Centre of defence and the ever so offensive Enrique on the left.
Midfield we have Shelvey, Henderson, Gerrard and Downing. Shelvey is given another chance to play hopefully to show his worth while Henderson... well we'll see whether he's figured out what he's doing.
Curious to see as Maxi is again, yet to be used with his experience and ability to play well with Kuyt and Gerrard is brushed aside.
Up front we had the ever threatening Suarez and the return on Kuyt. Rumours of Kuyt have appeared as it seems he has been looking at his stay at Anfield as a big doubt since the arrival of Carroll, Suarez, Adam and Henderson, he hasn't really ahd the chance to play as often even though he was such a central piece of Anfield's pick-up last season.
The frustration is understandable since his ability to play great football is always seen but not always used this season.
The Game!
What can we possibly say? A start that should have been a great run of goals from Liverpool but Villa were not about to let anything go without a fight. Kuyt was the first to really have a chance but his 5 yard shot saw him blast it over the roof.
After a shot on target saw Doni work to slap away the ball, Bannan was the one to collect and a lay-off to Herd sees him take a brilliantly struck shot that curved away from Doni. A brilliant shot and there really wasn't anything Doni could do, though the question stands as to why Herd was able to get into so much space?
Following there were plenty to shout about as Villa continued their assault but Liverpool were reacting and countering extremely well, until the final third where the problem was a lot more apparent than their previous games.
A few penalty calls not given, and a terrible run of calls from the referee for both sides but more so for Liverpool (due to the amount of possession).
Second half Kenny must have said something as the team came back to life and the need for a win came back and saw plenty more shots but still nothing to land in the back of the net. Given was given a lot more work to do and with a high possession percentage of 70%, surely something would have happened!
Shelvey was taken off after a game that saw his performance seem too hesitant, for Bellamy, Downing was off for Carroll which didn't make much sense as he was doing exceedingly well compared to Henderson, although Henderson has had much more shots on target.
Enrique was taken off for the return of Agger as he held down Enriques position.
Flanagan played a much more positive role than his previous games and showed a real growth in his ability but still has a little bit of hesitant up against 2 or more players; a bit of nervousness if anything.
With all four strikers up forward, a goal was imminent but it still took too much time but a cross in from Gerrard met Agger who's header whacked the bar and into the face of Suarez who knocked it into the roof.
The late equalised riled up the kop and the team to continue pushing forward but with Villa happy with a draw, time was continuously wasted with injuries and substitutes.
Carroll had a chance to score but his header went over. Gerrard had taken a cracker of a shot but Given's was able to parry it away.
In the end, a draw was all that Liverpool were able to muster.
Analysis
A good game but there were so many issues with the refereeing on both teams. Two penalty calls were not given as Suarez sees Herd handle the ball but the referee was not convinced, it was a bit of a desperate attempt to keep Suarez at bay and it worked but not great judgement by Michael Oliver. Second saw Kuyt also claiming a handball but it was not to be. A simulation from Suarez was given as Oliver showed him the yellow card, replays clearly shows he was stood on. Second was for new fella Carruthers who was also stood on but was given a card for simulation so a poor refereed game for both sides. Disappointing referee, don't you think it's time for replays to be used to keep the game fair?
Other wise the game wasn't too bad but it took far too long for Liverpool to really make something of it.
Kuyt showed his hard-work ethics while Gerrard showed us all just why he's the skipper while Downing played a decent game, providing many balls but maybe his accuracy needs sharpening. Henderson attacked a lot more but still to really show structure or understanding of the players around him. Shelvey was far too defensive and seemed to give the ball away too much. Flanagan had done well but Villa saw him as a target to attack and aimed down the left hand side to try and take on the kid but his determination showed and really put up a fight.
Suarez moved in and out getting and holding the ball well but little support in the centre made it difficult.
Doni did really well for his first game, besides the goal as that goal really was impossible for him to save. No problems here with his performance at all and happy for him to play the next few games.
Main issue up front seemed to be the lack of movement. Kuyt was playing extremely wide and not really holding the centre as much. Suarez was always surrounded by 2 defenders at all times making it hard for him to run through. As much as he moves and makes space, no one is there to drop into it and attack the ball.
With the lack of movement, no space is opened which saw why the Villa defence didn't have to move and were able to stay in their positions to deter any attack.
Towards the end of the second half, this became even more apparent. Both Suarez and Carroll in the centre, Suarez moves across Carroll who holds the 2-3 defenders yet Bellamy still aimed for the tall fella rather than playing Suarez who was moving into an open space.
Suarez seemed to know how to play up front but the midfielders, Shelvey and Henderson don't seem to push forward to draw out the defenders and give themselves as option.
Gerrard was holding outside the box and occasionally pushing forward.
The midfielder they needed was Maxi.
He proved his worth at the end of the season where he was constantly in the box but furthest away to collect the spilled balls and taking cracking shots but always dropping into space to attack. An absolute shame he isn't being played.
The Reds weren't able to take away a win but managed to at least break their losing streak. Anfield still cries for a win. With only 5 wins at home, the once named Fortress seems to have lowered to a moat and a town hall. Rebuilding is necessary and looking at the bigger picture, Dalglish is yet to find someone to replace the spot once held by Alonso. Since his departure, Liverpool's attack has yet to have a real impact in a game and even more so, the experiment of players, mixture of pairings are causing the team to really breakdown. Henderson really wasn't the answer but with any player that has lasted until now, they all took time. There was a time where Skrtel was criticised, now a solid choice for centre back. Lucas, once booed every game, now a prized player who has been out for a while and we miss him. Although time is not what is given to Kenny at the moment with the need to bring more than just a trophies, a fourth position.
In a time where teams are buying their way to the top, the right player needs to brought over to the team and a player that wants to play for the team. At the moment, I feel we were too hasty with the purchase of players over the Summer.
But this game has shown that Liverpool still have fight in them and there is still time to prove their worth and true ability.
A game to watch is definitely the F.A. Cup Semi-Finals against Everton who are still in form after a tough away game against an inform home team at Norwich.
Lets see what the Reds can come up with.
The Line-Up
Doni starts for his debut in goal, the Brazilian should show some real ability and a good one to test against Villa as Mcleish sets up Heskey to return to Anfield and the new appointed captain with Petrov's absence, Gabby Agbonlahor.
In the back with Kelly and Johnson still out, Flanagan continues his first team appearance for the club. Liverpool sees the return of Daniel Agger on the bench with Carragher and Skrtel in the Centre of defence and the ever so offensive Enrique on the left.
Midfield we have Shelvey, Henderson, Gerrard and Downing. Shelvey is given another chance to play hopefully to show his worth while Henderson... well we'll see whether he's figured out what he's doing.
Curious to see as Maxi is again, yet to be used with his experience and ability to play well with Kuyt and Gerrard is brushed aside.
Up front we had the ever threatening Suarez and the return on Kuyt. Rumours of Kuyt have appeared as it seems he has been looking at his stay at Anfield as a big doubt since the arrival of Carroll, Suarez, Adam and Henderson, he hasn't really ahd the chance to play as often even though he was such a central piece of Anfield's pick-up last season.
The frustration is understandable since his ability to play great football is always seen but not always used this season.
The Game!
What can we possibly say? A start that should have been a great run of goals from Liverpool but Villa were not about to let anything go without a fight. Kuyt was the first to really have a chance but his 5 yard shot saw him blast it over the roof.
After a shot on target saw Doni work to slap away the ball, Bannan was the one to collect and a lay-off to Herd sees him take a brilliantly struck shot that curved away from Doni. A brilliant shot and there really wasn't anything Doni could do, though the question stands as to why Herd was able to get into so much space?
Following there were plenty to shout about as Villa continued their assault but Liverpool were reacting and countering extremely well, until the final third where the problem was a lot more apparent than their previous games.
A few penalty calls not given, and a terrible run of calls from the referee for both sides but more so for Liverpool (due to the amount of possession).
Second half Kenny must have said something as the team came back to life and the need for a win came back and saw plenty more shots but still nothing to land in the back of the net. Given was given a lot more work to do and with a high possession percentage of 70%, surely something would have happened!
Shelvey was taken off after a game that saw his performance seem too hesitant, for Bellamy, Downing was off for Carroll which didn't make much sense as he was doing exceedingly well compared to Henderson, although Henderson has had much more shots on target.
Enrique was taken off for the return of Agger as he held down Enriques position.
Flanagan played a much more positive role than his previous games and showed a real growth in his ability but still has a little bit of hesitant up against 2 or more players; a bit of nervousness if anything.
With all four strikers up forward, a goal was imminent but it still took too much time but a cross in from Gerrard met Agger who's header whacked the bar and into the face of Suarez who knocked it into the roof.
The late equalised riled up the kop and the team to continue pushing forward but with Villa happy with a draw, time was continuously wasted with injuries and substitutes.
Carroll had a chance to score but his header went over. Gerrard had taken a cracker of a shot but Given's was able to parry it away.
In the end, a draw was all that Liverpool were able to muster.
Analysis
A good game but there were so many issues with the refereeing on both teams. Two penalty calls were not given as Suarez sees Herd handle the ball but the referee was not convinced, it was a bit of a desperate attempt to keep Suarez at bay and it worked but not great judgement by Michael Oliver. Second saw Kuyt also claiming a handball but it was not to be. A simulation from Suarez was given as Oliver showed him the yellow card, replays clearly shows he was stood on. Second was for new fella Carruthers who was also stood on but was given a card for simulation so a poor refereed game for both sides. Disappointing referee, don't you think it's time for replays to be used to keep the game fair?
Other wise the game wasn't too bad but it took far too long for Liverpool to really make something of it.
Kuyt showed his hard-work ethics while Gerrard showed us all just why he's the skipper while Downing played a decent game, providing many balls but maybe his accuracy needs sharpening. Henderson attacked a lot more but still to really show structure or understanding of the players around him. Shelvey was far too defensive and seemed to give the ball away too much. Flanagan had done well but Villa saw him as a target to attack and aimed down the left hand side to try and take on the kid but his determination showed and really put up a fight.
Suarez moved in and out getting and holding the ball well but little support in the centre made it difficult.
Doni did really well for his first game, besides the goal as that goal really was impossible for him to save. No problems here with his performance at all and happy for him to play the next few games.
Main issue up front seemed to be the lack of movement. Kuyt was playing extremely wide and not really holding the centre as much. Suarez was always surrounded by 2 defenders at all times making it hard for him to run through. As much as he moves and makes space, no one is there to drop into it and attack the ball.
With the lack of movement, no space is opened which saw why the Villa defence didn't have to move and were able to stay in their positions to deter any attack.
Towards the end of the second half, this became even more apparent. Both Suarez and Carroll in the centre, Suarez moves across Carroll who holds the 2-3 defenders yet Bellamy still aimed for the tall fella rather than playing Suarez who was moving into an open space.
Suarez seemed to know how to play up front but the midfielders, Shelvey and Henderson don't seem to push forward to draw out the defenders and give themselves as option.
Gerrard was holding outside the box and occasionally pushing forward.
The midfielder they needed was Maxi.
He proved his worth at the end of the season where he was constantly in the box but furthest away to collect the spilled balls and taking cracking shots but always dropping into space to attack. An absolute shame he isn't being played.
The Reds weren't able to take away a win but managed to at least break their losing streak. Anfield still cries for a win. With only 5 wins at home, the once named Fortress seems to have lowered to a moat and a town hall. Rebuilding is necessary and looking at the bigger picture, Dalglish is yet to find someone to replace the spot once held by Alonso. Since his departure, Liverpool's attack has yet to have a real impact in a game and even more so, the experiment of players, mixture of pairings are causing the team to really breakdown. Henderson really wasn't the answer but with any player that has lasted until now, they all took time. There was a time where Skrtel was criticised, now a solid choice for centre back. Lucas, once booed every game, now a prized player who has been out for a while and we miss him. Although time is not what is given to Kenny at the moment with the need to bring more than just a trophies, a fourth position.
In a time where teams are buying their way to the top, the right player needs to brought over to the team and a player that wants to play for the team. At the moment, I feel we were too hasty with the purchase of players over the Summer.
But this game has shown that Liverpool still have fight in them and there is still time to prove their worth and true ability.
A game to watch is definitely the F.A. Cup Semi-Finals against Everton who are still in form after a tough away game against an inform home team at Norwich.
Lets see what the Reds can come up with.
Tuesday, 3 April 2012
A Long Reign Needs Time for King Kenny
A lot of talk about how Carroll has been playing and his game at his return to St James Park, this particular game shows exactly what he is doing. Nothing special.
When he was at Newcastle, he seemed to show such potential but since his move to Anfield, there has been little to no improvement. He has shown he can move, but only when he wants to and not when he needs to.
He's always expecting the ball to come to his feet rather than moving forward for the ball which, when you watch the games, Liverpool's players are always playing the ball forward or at least trying to. The midfield are always looking for Carroll but he doesn't seem to be able to be seen up front. He has skill but he's not showing it.
I feel he's acting like a spoilt brat at times and maybe the money has gone to his head and expecting everyone to play around him. He's also not adapting to situations well either and seems to stick to what he knows and let others around him manipulate his game. which brings me to his mental strength.
I don't think he really has any when he's on the pitch. His reaction time is particularly slow and his dive was a dive no matter how you look at it, which was unnecessary as he had a chance to score in the previous game as he came almost one-on-one with the keeper.
Instead of showing what Newcastle were missing, he showed exactly what they got rid of and a brilliant investment for them to bring Ba and Cisse in.
It seems we went to replace Torres with another Torres, who was at the time, not able to meet the back of the net. However Torres has actually picked up after scoring away in the Champions and again in the Premier League, he seems to be back in form. We all hoped that would be true of Carroll. Is he expecting to let us give him more time??
Yes Torres was always going to come back and everyone at Liverpool knew he would but with Carroll, we expected more but are our expectations being misplaced?
There is still time for him to redeem himself however if he is expecting to stay in the starting XI, he really does need to pick up his game, quit the whining on the pitch, move and meet the back of the net like he use to.
Suarez is ever causing trouble up front but goals are lacking. Having hit the wood works 7 times, but not scoring as many; the eight match ban seems to have taken it's toll but unlike Carroll, Suarez has games to his name and some beautiful goals at that.
I can see Suarez doing well next year and possibly scoring 20 odd goals if he keeps going at it the way he always has and with the right support behind him and along side him, he will definitely do well.
Kenny really needs to sort out who to play, obviously without his usual XI which now includes Reina out, things could get difficult but changing the Manager really isn't the solution.
Alex Ferguson is currently topping the table, and he took 6 years to build a team to win a cup and since then he has continuously done so winning cup after cup after cup.
Kenny is looking at the long run, like every Brilliant Scottish Manager, he is looking at bringing a team that will be able to play for years not just months and to do that we may need to have see these set backs.
Hopefully the higher-ups will see the bigger picture and see if Kenny still has the ability to go as far as he once did as player and as manager.
YNWA
Sunday, 1 April 2012
6 out of 8, will it be 8 out of 10 reds?
Another miserable day for the reds as we see them lose 2-0 against the MAgpies with a lot of controversy.
Today's Line up saw the absence of Kelly, Johnson and Agger out one would suspect Kenny to play a defence line which best fit but with the only option of Flanagan on the right, and the usual suspects for the other three.
Midfield sees Gerrard in line with Spearing who will have to play a defensive role to support the young one in the back; Shelvey also comes in with Maxi and Kuyt STILL on the bench.
Up front, Kenny had stuck all three forwards to try and get some goals but seems wishful thinking as we see in the game.
In the first 15 minutes, Liverpool were dominants making some good chances but as of late, not finishing well. With the defence so weakened by the lack of experience of the four working together, it looked like the Magpies exposed the weakness and attacked Flanagan with their own strike force of Cisse. I do not blame Flanagan, I thought he did well but Cisse's ability to open up space was brilliant. Flanagan's lack of experience was his downfall for his errors.
After that first 15-16 minutes Cisse was able to score after breaking away from his man and cross one into the far corner.
After that, it all went downhill for Liverpool.
Carrolls chance for a goal as he went one on one with the keeper (with 2 defenders just on his tail) but instead of taking a shot, he dives and was given a yellow card and it was a poor dive at that.
Simpsons Handball was covered by Carroll for the referee to see and the linesman's line of sight would suggest it was behind the woodwork and out of his view so a penalty was not rewarded. Also a red card would have had to be given for a handball on the goal line.
The defence line held on well but cracks could be seen and the Toons spotted them and really made the backline work.
Second half saw the cracks appear as Cisse slips behind Flanagan, and you could see the young one constantly turning his head checking where he was except for the last few crucial moments where he let Cisse drop further away into space and net a second. Although controversy strikes again as Cisse was technically offside for his goal as no contact was made from the pass while he was still in an offside position.
Towards the end, Dalglish makes sustitutions of Bellamy, Carroll and Shelvey for Henderson, Kuyt and Downing. besides the Bellamy exchange, that should have been the line up for the team from the beginning.
Toons continued to push forward and a late challenge from Perch saw the frustration in Reina's eyes explode as he aims it at Perch. An apparent head-butt which was rather over-dramatised saw Reina see more Red than the shirts around him as he goes off. With all substitutes used up, Enrique was forced to fill his boots and gloves.
Personally, an extremely odd formation to have Shelvey, I can see why Kenny would play him, he is an excellent player but to provide for those players you also need a player who can cover the distance well and still support the front line. This is where Kuyt excels and should have been played from the start.
A harsh game for Flanagan to fill in for and now with Reina out for 3 games, pending an appeal from Liverpool for the Red card, Doni will be faced with the next few games which would see him appear for the Semi-Finals at Wembley where Liverpool's poor form are to face Merseyside Rivals Everton who are currently in form after 3 successive wins in a row in the league since the derby misery.
With that loss, it also sees Everton go above Liverpool and stay above Liverpool. Can they bounce back? with the Semi-Finals and 7 league games left, will the Reds be able to redeem themselves from this flop?
Excellent game to win for the Magpies, as Ben Arfa played some beautiful football, Ba providing a lot more than scoring but doing it all so well. Cisse, well with two goals, it's hard to say anything but good stuff as we see him score goals after goals since his arrival at St. James' Park.
Liverpool really need to push hard and the formation needs tightening up, glad to see Bellamy, Suarez and Carroll al out but the midfield was wrong, defence there wasn't much choice but they did well to keep it at 2-0 but that is still not acceptable as this season is Liverpool's worse season for conceding goals and so far only wolves have done worse in the number of losses since January.
Although the back was not great, then they should really look at the attacking formation. Take out Spearing and focus on the attack and keeping possession. Downing and Kuyt would have been a better pair to have. It wasn't as if the back needed help, it was the front that needed support and with Flanagan focusing on his defensive role as he should, for a junior player to come up against an International, there is a big gap, so trying to attack should not have been an option for him but to focus on his main role and allow Enrique to push.
Despite his performance today, Flanagan is doing well, he had a tough game to play and to defend a team who have been strong at home is a poor game to judge a young player like himself in. He will become a brilliant winger and Kenny giving him these games is good for him but it will put more pressure on him as well to fill in the boots of Johnson and Kelly.
We shall see what Doni is capable as he has yet to make a debut for Liverpool but we shall see first hand what he is made of soon enough.
Corinthians, Santos and Cruzeiro. Then he moved to AS Roma where he played along side Aquilani and former Red, John Arne Riise. He has plenty of experience and I'm sure will be another class Keeper for the Reds. May even see him challenge Reina for first Team Stopper position.
Today's Line up saw the absence of Kelly, Johnson and Agger out one would suspect Kenny to play a defence line which best fit but with the only option of Flanagan on the right, and the usual suspects for the other three.
Midfield sees Gerrard in line with Spearing who will have to play a defensive role to support the young one in the back; Shelvey also comes in with Maxi and Kuyt STILL on the bench.
Up front, Kenny had stuck all three forwards to try and get some goals but seems wishful thinking as we see in the game.
In the first 15 minutes, Liverpool were dominants making some good chances but as of late, not finishing well. With the defence so weakened by the lack of experience of the four working together, it looked like the Magpies exposed the weakness and attacked Flanagan with their own strike force of Cisse. I do not blame Flanagan, I thought he did well but Cisse's ability to open up space was brilliant. Flanagan's lack of experience was his downfall for his errors.
After that first 15-16 minutes Cisse was able to score after breaking away from his man and cross one into the far corner.
After that, it all went downhill for Liverpool.
Carrolls chance for a goal as he went one on one with the keeper (with 2 defenders just on his tail) but instead of taking a shot, he dives and was given a yellow card and it was a poor dive at that.
Simpsons Handball was covered by Carroll for the referee to see and the linesman's line of sight would suggest it was behind the woodwork and out of his view so a penalty was not rewarded. Also a red card would have had to be given for a handball on the goal line.
The defence line held on well but cracks could be seen and the Toons spotted them and really made the backline work.
Second half saw the cracks appear as Cisse slips behind Flanagan, and you could see the young one constantly turning his head checking where he was except for the last few crucial moments where he let Cisse drop further away into space and net a second. Although controversy strikes again as Cisse was technically offside for his goal as no contact was made from the pass while he was still in an offside position.
Towards the end, Dalglish makes sustitutions of Bellamy, Carroll and Shelvey for Henderson, Kuyt and Downing. besides the Bellamy exchange, that should have been the line up for the team from the beginning.
Toons continued to push forward and a late challenge from Perch saw the frustration in Reina's eyes explode as he aims it at Perch. An apparent head-butt which was rather over-dramatised saw Reina see more Red than the shirts around him as he goes off. With all substitutes used up, Enrique was forced to fill his boots and gloves.
Personally, an extremely odd formation to have Shelvey, I can see why Kenny would play him, he is an excellent player but to provide for those players you also need a player who can cover the distance well and still support the front line. This is where Kuyt excels and should have been played from the start.
A harsh game for Flanagan to fill in for and now with Reina out for 3 games, pending an appeal from Liverpool for the Red card, Doni will be faced with the next few games which would see him appear for the Semi-Finals at Wembley where Liverpool's poor form are to face Merseyside Rivals Everton who are currently in form after 3 successive wins in a row in the league since the derby misery.
With that loss, it also sees Everton go above Liverpool and stay above Liverpool. Can they bounce back? with the Semi-Finals and 7 league games left, will the Reds be able to redeem themselves from this flop?
Excellent game to win for the Magpies, as Ben Arfa played some beautiful football, Ba providing a lot more than scoring but doing it all so well. Cisse, well with two goals, it's hard to say anything but good stuff as we see him score goals after goals since his arrival at St. James' Park.
Liverpool really need to push hard and the formation needs tightening up, glad to see Bellamy, Suarez and Carroll al out but the midfield was wrong, defence there wasn't much choice but they did well to keep it at 2-0 but that is still not acceptable as this season is Liverpool's worse season for conceding goals and so far only wolves have done worse in the number of losses since January.
Although the back was not great, then they should really look at the attacking formation. Take out Spearing and focus on the attack and keeping possession. Downing and Kuyt would have been a better pair to have. It wasn't as if the back needed help, it was the front that needed support and with Flanagan focusing on his defensive role as he should, for a junior player to come up against an International, there is a big gap, so trying to attack should not have been an option for him but to focus on his main role and allow Enrique to push.
Despite his performance today, Flanagan is doing well, he had a tough game to play and to defend a team who have been strong at home is a poor game to judge a young player like himself in. He will become a brilliant winger and Kenny giving him these games is good for him but it will put more pressure on him as well to fill in the boots of Johnson and Kelly.
We shall see what Doni is capable as he has yet to make a debut for Liverpool but we shall see first hand what he is made of soon enough.
Corinthians, Santos and Cruzeiro. Then he moved to AS Roma where he played along side Aquilani and former Red, John Arne Riise. He has plenty of experience and I'm sure will be another class Keeper for the Reds. May even see him challenge Reina for first Team Stopper position.
Tuesday, 27 March 2012
Merseyside Derby Semi-Final
Well after a terrible performance from the Sunderland side, Everton go through to Wembley for a Merseyside Derby Semi-Final.
After the first half goal from Jelavic, set up by Magaye, Sunderland were hopes were still in sight to at least level but it was the Toffees that pushed forward and made more chances. Sunderland seemed to wane in and out of the game as they gave the ball away far too many times. There was a lack of fire in the way they played. It didn't seem like Sunderland wanted to win.
A second half substitution of Kyrgiakos off for Vaughan was meant to be a sign of more offensive power but it was Vaughan who ended up netting for the Blues as he turned in a shot from Jelavic.
Vaughan tried to clear it with his left only for him to knock it into his right foot which sweeped across to knock it into his own net.
In the other game, Tottenham won 3-1 against Bolton. After the first was abandoned with the collapse of Muamba.
So the Semi-Finals for the FA-Cup is as follows:
Tottenham vs. Chelsea
Liverpool vs. Everton
Everton may have played more Semi's than most teams but results have not been great for them, although the last time Liverpool played the Toffees in a Semi final, Liverpool were forced into a repeat after a 2-2 draw in the first leg only for Liverpool to win the second with a magnificant 3-0 finish back in 1977. Liverpool have already beaten their Derby Rivals twice this season getting the double after the first was won with a goal from Suarez and Carroll, while the Anfield game saw Gerrard score a hat-trick in for a 3-0 win not too long ago.
With the game played at Wembley, will this be the game to see at Liverpool make it their second trip to Wembley having won the Carling Cup.
Dalglish has already spoken of the change in his game philosophy as the last two games saw Liverpool lose against bottom of the table clubs QPR and Wigan.
The introduction of the younger plays has shown potential in the Melwood Academy, hopefuls such as Sterling, Robinson, Flanagan, all of which hope to be the next Gerrard or Carragher.
It has been a while since such brilliant starlets have come out of Melwood, is this the start of a group of new legs to help carry Liverpool into the future.
Newcastle play host to Liverpool as they hope to creep closer to finishing in a position that reflects their true abilities. Against a very strong side that has been a real thorn in all the top teams sides, the Magpies are looking at stealing fifth from the top teams.
Bellamy is still out along with Agger. But with a weeks rest before the game, we'll see what the Reds can really do.
Thursday, 22 March 2012
I Hate My Gut Feeling
I've said this before, and I'll say it again. Never underestimate a team fighting against relegation. I had a bad feeling about this game, a gut feeling if you will, with QPR having home advantage. It turns out I was right to worry, after QPR fought back from 2-0 to steal three points in added time 3-2.
The first performance made the worries subside for a little while. Liverpool gaining much of the possession with nifty footwork and quick one-touch passing that cut through the QPR defence. Great style, but no substance at the final third with Liverpool unable to finish in the first half. Despite corner after corner, nobody was able to get their head on the ball. Seven corners in the first fifteen minutes should lead to one goal in any match from the Premiership.
There were certainly plus-points. Downing was a threat with a chance on the left side that went just wide. The teamwork by Downing, Gerrard and Suarez saw numerous chances created for Suarez, who on another day would have added to his goal tally. Once again however, it was poor finishing that let the team down.
In the second half it began much the same, with Liverpool controlling the match. With Coates on for an injured Kelly, it brought an unlikely debut goal that will certainly challenge for goal of the month. A corner led to a shot deflecting off a QPR player saw the sub take a step, prepare and perform a side bicycle kick into the top of the net.
Kuyt would then double the tally with a barrage of attacks on the QPR goal. Suarez rattling the post, shortly followed by Henderson forcing a save from Kenny, before Kuyt poaching on the rebound with a typical two-yard finish from the Dutchman.
QPR's men were able to hold onto their stamina by defending extremely well and with their strike force, doing little as Liverpool held onto most of the possession in the first half. In the second half however, QPR became the hungry pack of wolves that needed goals to keep their hopes alive in staying in the Premier League and as soon as Mackie was brought on, the fans got behind them and all hell broke loose.
Joey Barton, an ill-faired player at QPR, as it seemed at Loftus Road tonight, was soon replaced by Mackie who acted as an impact sub and what an impact he made. As soon as he came on, not only the fans but the players were suddenly rejuvenated and life came back to the Hoops ground and they began attacking harder and faster against a Liverpool side that seemed to be out of steam.
Reorganising from Mark Hughes saw QPR receiving a corner and the most was made from it as Derry squeezed in-between Carragher and Henderson, to knock the ball in to the top left-hand corner.
Another onslaught came as QPR rushed to grab hold of the ball, with a Liverpool side playing too cautiously which became their downfall. QPR's men were able to win a corner, and yet again, Liverpool's defence was all over the play allowing Cisse to score while receiving a cramp at the same time.
A slip up from Enrique while trying to clear a ball, after stunning game from the defender, allowed Mackie to go one on one with the the Liverpool Stopper and put away the game.
Liverpool's efforts were all but stopped by the QPR's solid defence as the Kop Army were unable to continue their vicious attacks and beautiful play. The stamina of the team ran out half way through the game with a last push for the second goal got them back. However with no strength in their legs, the Liverpool side fell apart, mentally and physically.
Mistakes were made in the Liverpool defence which started off in the season as a brilliant line of men. Skrtel's mistake of positioning allowed Cisse to move around him to get the second. The communication between Henderson and Carragher was off allowing Derry to connect on the corner kick.
Corners seem to have been a flaw in Liverpool's games as of late, with the number of chances at Wembley and this one shows the work that needs to be done both defensively and offensively.
A well earned win for QPR and a disappointing game from some beautifully played football by Liverpool but there is proof of better passing throughout the team, better communication however there is still no fine finishes.
People seem to have different views on Carroll coming on for Suarez, very little would have been done had Suarez came on as he was not on defensive duties.
However had Carroll been on sooner in the game, there could have been a different score line. As much as I do criticise Carroll, his role in the box is still important for corners. He acts as not just a target for the kicker but also a distraction for the other players available in the box. He takes the attention off the other players, Skrtel, Kuyt and Coates/Kelly would have had a better chance on those balls had they had other people in the box who were able to get their heads on it.
Coates can happily say, his goal goes down as goal of the month by far, it is a shame it did not accompany a win but there is something even Alan Hansen wouldn't be able to say he could do.
A bright young star in the making and having worked along side Suarez, a beautiful team up is sure to come just around the corner.
All is not lost for Liverpool, as it is being the only team who has picked up any silverware. The title race is still between the Mancunians with City trailing by one, the Manchester derby will be the deciding match so only 1 team will be able to take home a cup as both were taken out of the Europa League. The only team left with a chance are those in the FA Cup and Chelsea who have a chance still in the Champions League.
They are up for some tough competition as the chance of a Merseyside Derby becomes possible, the Toffees will want revenge over the Derby double for the Reds but we shouldn't rule out Sunderland who have already beaten Liverpool at the Stadium of Light and held the Reds to a one-all draw at Anfield, they will be wanting to win against both Merseyside's to prove their ability.
With this defeat, Liverpool's hopes of getting 4th place seems shattered as even Newcastle are now 5 points ahead, Swansea just on their tail with 3 point difference. Liverpool have got to step up their game if they want to stay in the top half of the league in a respectable position.
The first performance made the worries subside for a little while. Liverpool gaining much of the possession with nifty footwork and quick one-touch passing that cut through the QPR defence. Great style, but no substance at the final third with Liverpool unable to finish in the first half. Despite corner after corner, nobody was able to get their head on the ball. Seven corners in the first fifteen minutes should lead to one goal in any match from the Premiership.
There were certainly plus-points. Downing was a threat with a chance on the left side that went just wide. The teamwork by Downing, Gerrard and Suarez saw numerous chances created for Suarez, who on another day would have added to his goal tally. Once again however, it was poor finishing that let the team down.
In the second half it began much the same, with Liverpool controlling the match. With Coates on for an injured Kelly, it brought an unlikely debut goal that will certainly challenge for goal of the month. A corner led to a shot deflecting off a QPR player saw the sub take a step, prepare and perform a side bicycle kick into the top of the net.
Kuyt would then double the tally with a barrage of attacks on the QPR goal. Suarez rattling the post, shortly followed by Henderson forcing a save from Kenny, before Kuyt poaching on the rebound with a typical two-yard finish from the Dutchman.
QPR's men were able to hold onto their stamina by defending extremely well and with their strike force, doing little as Liverpool held onto most of the possession in the first half. In the second half however, QPR became the hungry pack of wolves that needed goals to keep their hopes alive in staying in the Premier League and as soon as Mackie was brought on, the fans got behind them and all hell broke loose.
Joey Barton, an ill-faired player at QPR, as it seemed at Loftus Road tonight, was soon replaced by Mackie who acted as an impact sub and what an impact he made. As soon as he came on, not only the fans but the players were suddenly rejuvenated and life came back to the Hoops ground and they began attacking harder and faster against a Liverpool side that seemed to be out of steam.
Reorganising from Mark Hughes saw QPR receiving a corner and the most was made from it as Derry squeezed in-between Carragher and Henderson, to knock the ball in to the top left-hand corner.
Another onslaught came as QPR rushed to grab hold of the ball, with a Liverpool side playing too cautiously which became their downfall. QPR's men were able to win a corner, and yet again, Liverpool's defence was all over the play allowing Cisse to score while receiving a cramp at the same time.
A slip up from Enrique while trying to clear a ball, after stunning game from the defender, allowed Mackie to go one on one with the the Liverpool Stopper and put away the game.
Liverpool's efforts were all but stopped by the QPR's solid defence as the Kop Army were unable to continue their vicious attacks and beautiful play. The stamina of the team ran out half way through the game with a last push for the second goal got them back. However with no strength in their legs, the Liverpool side fell apart, mentally and physically.
Mistakes were made in the Liverpool defence which started off in the season as a brilliant line of men. Skrtel's mistake of positioning allowed Cisse to move around him to get the second. The communication between Henderson and Carragher was off allowing Derry to connect on the corner kick.
Corners seem to have been a flaw in Liverpool's games as of late, with the number of chances at Wembley and this one shows the work that needs to be done both defensively and offensively.
A well earned win for QPR and a disappointing game from some beautifully played football by Liverpool but there is proof of better passing throughout the team, better communication however there is still no fine finishes.
People seem to have different views on Carroll coming on for Suarez, very little would have been done had Suarez came on as he was not on defensive duties.
However had Carroll been on sooner in the game, there could have been a different score line. As much as I do criticise Carroll, his role in the box is still important for corners. He acts as not just a target for the kicker but also a distraction for the other players available in the box. He takes the attention off the other players, Skrtel, Kuyt and Coates/Kelly would have had a better chance on those balls had they had other people in the box who were able to get their heads on it.
Coates can happily say, his goal goes down as goal of the month by far, it is a shame it did not accompany a win but there is something even Alan Hansen wouldn't be able to say he could do.
A bright young star in the making and having worked along side Suarez, a beautiful team up is sure to come just around the corner.
All is not lost for Liverpool, as it is being the only team who has picked up any silverware. The title race is still between the Mancunians with City trailing by one, the Manchester derby will be the deciding match so only 1 team will be able to take home a cup as both were taken out of the Europa League. The only team left with a chance are those in the FA Cup and Chelsea who have a chance still in the Champions League.
They are up for some tough competition as the chance of a Merseyside Derby becomes possible, the Toffees will want revenge over the Derby double for the Reds but we shouldn't rule out Sunderland who have already beaten Liverpool at the Stadium of Light and held the Reds to a one-all draw at Anfield, they will be wanting to win against both Merseyside's to prove their ability.
With this defeat, Liverpool's hopes of getting 4th place seems shattered as even Newcastle are now 5 points ahead, Swansea just on their tail with 3 point difference. Liverpool have got to step up their game if they want to stay in the top half of the league in a respectable position.
Sunday, 26 February 2012
Karling Kop for King Kenny's Knights
Well I said this in my last blog, not to underestimate them and they put up such a fight. A truly brilliant game to go in the history books. However Liverpool managed to once again, find the hardest route to walk and did it in typical style. Having only ever lost 2 penalty shoot outs in a cup game the expectations were high for Liverpool to do well and they did indeed but just about on the skin of their teeth.
From the beginning Liverpool seemed to show more strength but having possession was one thing, actually making use of that possession is another.
Watching the game you just can't help but see, there were a lot of hesitation and lack of confidence in taking chances and the number of attempts against the number of on target shots; you would have believed it was a sign of desperation and not a sign of genuine intellectual play.
Yes Liverpool had put plenty of pressure, yes they had plenty of possession, but what they did with that possession was not as expected. I still don't think Carroll was really in the game and Henderson had a shocking game and should have been taken off much earlier for either Bellamy or Kuyt who would have been able to pick up loose balls from Carroll.
Now I don't want to focus on Carroll too much as there has been a lot of talk about him but my main concerns with him are:
Simply put, Carroll needs to find his feet... Literally and show his feet are as good as his head, or else he's just another player who loved the money than the game.
Sometimes I feel people fear to doubt Kenny Dalglish but with this way of play, I really don't think it is working. I can understand what he's trying to do, combining Suarez and Carroll, but it doesn't work when only half the combination is working while the other half is still figuring things out. Each game seems to be a struggle, especially with the big games. Bring back Maxi, Kuyt; Henderson really needs to improve his overall game and get Bellamy back on along side Suarez because they are a terror for defenders if they were to play together up front. Bellamy has shown his intelligence to seek out opportune moments and take advantage of them and Suarez has just been a threat from day one.
Kuyt was definitely an Impact Sub, but he is so much more than that and he has proven it in the past. He is a capable player, a man who runs and runs and runs. He came on and immediately changed the tone along with Bellamy of course but he has such stamina, that he would out last any of the players on the pitch and I think he would have been essential, especially on a game of this magnitude, you needed players who have played high pressured games. The man is an international player who has played so much more high profile and extremely pressured games than some of the others that he really should have had a starting position over Henderson.
But as they all say, a win is a win but Cardiff were definitely a team not to be underestimated. They played hard and played with real passion giving everyone a game to remember. Miller having some chances go by and Gestede got into some good positions to become a real threat. Heaton played a game and a half with some brilliant saves as well as a good save from Gerrard's Penalty.
Cardiff's defence were absolutely solid having only random weak moments but the level of concentration was brilliant, their formation was strong, however I thought Liverpool's defence in comparison left too many open gaps letting Cardiff to slip through too easily and it showed with every chance Cardiff had, Miller or Mason were able to make a run through the defence and pick up the ball and considering the amount of chances they actually had, were they to have more, I'm sure they would have walked away with the Cup.
Hopefully after reviewing this game, Kenny makes the right changes.
My Man of the Match would have to go to Steward Downing. The player showed real pace, real fight and brilliant footwork. His crosses were well received on the other end and his general movement was excellent. There were many players that could easily walk away with the Man of the Match but I'd have to give it to Steward Downing.
A brilliant steal from Villa, who's fans weren't too fond of him, why I have no idea.
From the beginning Liverpool seemed to show more strength but having possession was one thing, actually making use of that possession is another.
Watching the game you just can't help but see, there were a lot of hesitation and lack of confidence in taking chances and the number of attempts against the number of on target shots; you would have believed it was a sign of desperation and not a sign of genuine intellectual play.
Yes Liverpool had put plenty of pressure, yes they had plenty of possession, but what they did with that possession was not as expected. I still don't think Carroll was really in the game and Henderson had a shocking game and should have been taken off much earlier for either Bellamy or Kuyt who would have been able to pick up loose balls from Carroll.
Now I don't want to focus on Carroll too much as there has been a lot of talk about him but my main concerns with him are:
- His attitude. Throughout the season we have seen his attitude towards fouls and such and as a central forward, sitting on the floor whining to the referee and linesman about why he's not getting a free kick while the ball is still in-play is both pathetic and stupid. Number of times he is fouled instead of getting up and carrying on; he sits on the floor pointing at the players, pointing at the referee and complaining. I know some of you maybe thinking, ell Suarez does it too, actually no, he doesn't he complains once the balls out of play as do and should most players.
- His positioning. Particularly in this game, he's not moving, he's solidifying himself into a position and using his strength to hopefully, and yes I stress hopefully, overpowering the opposition and creating something when he should be using it as a back-up to his other skills. There's a difference to playing to your strengths and just using your strengths. He spends too much time alloying himself to be surrounded by players making it impossible for him to really make anything happen. Now this is not to say he is a bad player, absolutely not. I just don't think the rest of the team fits his style of play. Liverpool have a whole host of players who are better with the ball on the ground, and suddenly we have to change the entire style to suit a single player which I find is a mistake at this stage. He definitely needs to work on his movement, and his stamina as it seems to wane after just 45mins. A central forward is meant to be flexible in their abilities, strong in their own court but still have skill in other fields too. When he was at Newcastle, he showed that he was capable but it seems like there is just too much focus on him using his head and not his feet at Liverpool.
- his hair...: I do't like it...
Simply put, Carroll needs to find his feet... Literally and show his feet are as good as his head, or else he's just another player who loved the money than the game.
Sometimes I feel people fear to doubt Kenny Dalglish but with this way of play, I really don't think it is working. I can understand what he's trying to do, combining Suarez and Carroll, but it doesn't work when only half the combination is working while the other half is still figuring things out. Each game seems to be a struggle, especially with the big games. Bring back Maxi, Kuyt; Henderson really needs to improve his overall game and get Bellamy back on along side Suarez because they are a terror for defenders if they were to play together up front. Bellamy has shown his intelligence to seek out opportune moments and take advantage of them and Suarez has just been a threat from day one.
Kuyt was definitely an Impact Sub, but he is so much more than that and he has proven it in the past. He is a capable player, a man who runs and runs and runs. He came on and immediately changed the tone along with Bellamy of course but he has such stamina, that he would out last any of the players on the pitch and I think he would have been essential, especially on a game of this magnitude, you needed players who have played high pressured games. The man is an international player who has played so much more high profile and extremely pressured games than some of the others that he really should have had a starting position over Henderson.
But as they all say, a win is a win but Cardiff were definitely a team not to be underestimated. They played hard and played with real passion giving everyone a game to remember. Miller having some chances go by and Gestede got into some good positions to become a real threat. Heaton played a game and a half with some brilliant saves as well as a good save from Gerrard's Penalty.
Cardiff's defence were absolutely solid having only random weak moments but the level of concentration was brilliant, their formation was strong, however I thought Liverpool's defence in comparison left too many open gaps letting Cardiff to slip through too easily and it showed with every chance Cardiff had, Miller or Mason were able to make a run through the defence and pick up the ball and considering the amount of chances they actually had, were they to have more, I'm sure they would have walked away with the Cup.
Hopefully after reviewing this game, Kenny makes the right changes.
My Man of the Match would have to go to Steward Downing. The player showed real pace, real fight and brilliant footwork. His crosses were well received on the other end and his general movement was excellent. There were many players that could easily walk away with the Man of the Match but I'd have to give it to Steward Downing.
A brilliant steal from Villa, who's fans weren't too fond of him, why I have no idea.
Monday, 20 February 2012
New Blog, New Page, New Workings
Welcome to the first of many updates of Liverpool FC as we follow them through the ups and downs of the season.
Well we all know what happened last night, as Liverpool took on Brighton&Hove Albion and winning emphatically 6-1 with Brighton not helping themselves too much.
But this was something that was needed by Liverpool's team, with the previous results against the likes of Spurs where Kenny's Knights were unable to break the walls of London and to go to Old Trafford on such harsh circumstances, these games were difficult and it has been a difficult few weeks for Liverpool. But it seems the light is shining over Anfield, as well as a full moon...
With Suarez, Carroll and Gerrard having their first start together, it seemed fitting to have a game against a side that was doing well with 10 games without a loss, for them to be tested. Brighton were not a weak team and as many top-flight teams will know, sometimes the lower league teams can pull a surprise but this time was not one of those moments.
With Bellamy and Agger out due to injuries Carragher was back in the starting line up along side Skrtel who has had a brilliant season so far with a goal to his name in the FA Cup and a goal in the Premier League is doing more than just well.
With the next game against Stoke, Kenny will have a tough decision ahead him as to picking a team with everyone performing extremely well. Johnson and Adam having the highest successive pass rate in the Brighton game, both in the high 90%'s while Carroll is gelling better with the team.
One of the new threats comes from the precision of Gerrard and Suarez. History has shown Gerrard's ability to link up with players fast but having only played a few games together, they have shown some serious strength against any defence and with the possible inclusion of the fast paced Bellamy, that would be an attack force to be afraid of.
With the Merseyside Derby put on hold, we shall see Everton at a later date that is yet to be confirmed.
But let us look towards the next game, as Liverpool play at Wembley for the first time in many years but not to say we have not been there!!! Against a side that was tipped to have joined the Premier League last season but were narrowly beaten by their Welsh counter-part Swansea, Cardiff City look to take on the Reds as they join us on our trip to London for a showdown for the silverware.
Cardiff are no side to be taken lightly as with their latest performance; they have not been at their best but with any cup game, a team can change over night.
Cardiff currently 4th in the Championship League have not had the best spell of games however you can never underestimate a team that is in their lowest, as desperation and anger of defeat runs through their mind, determination grows and pushes each player to the limit. Teams have fallen to the might of a recovering team and Liverpool should never take them lightly as they managed to get this far for a reason.
From what I've seen of Cardiff City, they are having trouble in a few areas that need to be exploited, their defences have moments of weaknesses where concentration disappears and a team is able to slip passed them. With times like these, it is the faster pace players that will be needed with the likes of Suarez, Bellamy and Kuyt. So here are my Starting XI
Reina, Enrique, Skrtel, Agger, Johnson, Gerrard, Adam, Shelvey, Kuyt, Carroll, Bellamy.
Seem like a Peculiar mix? Well yes, with the usual four in theback and the ever reliable Reina in Goal, it is the midfield that needs working on. Gerrard as the Skipper will always be the centre-piece of any Squad but it is the players around him. With Lucas out I would use Shelvey, a player who has come up through the ranks and proven himself not just at Liverpool, but at Blackpool, Charlton and Arsenal during his younger years. His defensive abilities has proven effective and his stamina to attack and defend can be seen as a worthy replacement for the Defensive Brazilian. Adam with his proven ability to get hold of the ball and get it to the players he wants to makes him a strong player to have to keep and control the ball in the middle of the pitch. Kuyt's role would be supporting forwards on their attack especially with his undying will to chase a ball down regardless of the possibility of success. This will help Bellamy charge through the players and slip in behind the defence with Carroll also providing strength and height as a form of attack.
Carroll's other strength that people seem to forget is his ability to provide for the team, having assisted in many goals as of late. He may not have scored as many as everyone would hope but he's causing a calamity with the chances he provides for Bellamy and Suarez.
I would only play Suarez to replace Kuyt should the worse happen, and bring Carragher on to replace Shelvey for a more permanent Defence as we park the Red Wall of Anfield in front of the goal. As formidable as Kuyt is, Suarez has better ability with attacking against a wall of men; his agility will work better.
Players Forgotten - It seems some players have disappeared into the background so lets bring them back into the light.
Maxi Rodriguez - A man who score 2 hat-tricks towards the end of last season, a man that was always there to pick up the rebounds and smash one home seems to lose out to Henderson and Downing for a spot on the team. Is this a mistake?
Not in my eyes, for a player such as himself, he has the ability to control the midfield but also support the forwards on a well organised attack but what he currently lacks is the crossing ability that Downing and Henderson can provide for the taller fella Carroll. Maxi has shown his ability to work well along side Kuyt and his style suits Bellamy and Suarez much more but with Kenny's hope to have Carroll as the front man shows his ability is not needed as much as others maybe. This is not to say he is an unneeded player, far from it, his playing style to mix well with so many players makes him extremely useful and deadly when linking up with the rest of the team on an attack and this is something we need to have on the bench, someone who can spur on an attack.
At the moment, I believe the team needs to focus harder on finishing, and taking more chances.
As of late the game has seen us hesitate and play too safe, players staying back and not supporting Carroll up front. Leaving him there on his own is a poor choice to make, especially when playing against the likes of Manchester United or Tottenham Hotspur.
If we are to play as we did against Brighton, with that much positivity, that much confidence and strength, we have the chance to take back our rightful spot at 4th and to set our targets for the title next season.
So let's see what happens in the coming as we take on Cardiff City at Wembley.
See you all next week.
YNWA
ANDY
LAI
Well we all know what happened last night, as Liverpool took on Brighton&Hove Albion and winning emphatically 6-1 with Brighton not helping themselves too much.
But this was something that was needed by Liverpool's team, with the previous results against the likes of Spurs where Kenny's Knights were unable to break the walls of London and to go to Old Trafford on such harsh circumstances, these games were difficult and it has been a difficult few weeks for Liverpool. But it seems the light is shining over Anfield, as well as a full moon...
With Suarez, Carroll and Gerrard having their first start together, it seemed fitting to have a game against a side that was doing well with 10 games without a loss, for them to be tested. Brighton were not a weak team and as many top-flight teams will know, sometimes the lower league teams can pull a surprise but this time was not one of those moments.
With Bellamy and Agger out due to injuries Carragher was back in the starting line up along side Skrtel who has had a brilliant season so far with a goal to his name in the FA Cup and a goal in the Premier League is doing more than just well.
With the next game against Stoke, Kenny will have a tough decision ahead him as to picking a team with everyone performing extremely well. Johnson and Adam having the highest successive pass rate in the Brighton game, both in the high 90%'s while Carroll is gelling better with the team.
One of the new threats comes from the precision of Gerrard and Suarez. History has shown Gerrard's ability to link up with players fast but having only played a few games together, they have shown some serious strength against any defence and with the possible inclusion of the fast paced Bellamy, that would be an attack force to be afraid of.
With the Merseyside Derby put on hold, we shall see Everton at a later date that is yet to be confirmed.
But let us look towards the next game, as Liverpool play at Wembley for the first time in many years but not to say we have not been there!!! Against a side that was tipped to have joined the Premier League last season but were narrowly beaten by their Welsh counter-part Swansea, Cardiff City look to take on the Reds as they join us on our trip to London for a showdown for the silverware.
Cardiff are no side to be taken lightly as with their latest performance; they have not been at their best but with any cup game, a team can change over night.
Cardiff currently 4th in the Championship League have not had the best spell of games however you can never underestimate a team that is in their lowest, as desperation and anger of defeat runs through their mind, determination grows and pushes each player to the limit. Teams have fallen to the might of a recovering team and Liverpool should never take them lightly as they managed to get this far for a reason.
From what I've seen of Cardiff City, they are having trouble in a few areas that need to be exploited, their defences have moments of weaknesses where concentration disappears and a team is able to slip passed them. With times like these, it is the faster pace players that will be needed with the likes of Suarez, Bellamy and Kuyt. So here are my Starting XI
Reina, Enrique, Skrtel, Agger, Johnson, Gerrard, Adam, Shelvey, Kuyt, Carroll, Bellamy.
Seem like a Peculiar mix? Well yes, with the usual four in theback and the ever reliable Reina in Goal, it is the midfield that needs working on. Gerrard as the Skipper will always be the centre-piece of any Squad but it is the players around him. With Lucas out I would use Shelvey, a player who has come up through the ranks and proven himself not just at Liverpool, but at Blackpool, Charlton and Arsenal during his younger years. His defensive abilities has proven effective and his stamina to attack and defend can be seen as a worthy replacement for the Defensive Brazilian. Adam with his proven ability to get hold of the ball and get it to the players he wants to makes him a strong player to have to keep and control the ball in the middle of the pitch. Kuyt's role would be supporting forwards on their attack especially with his undying will to chase a ball down regardless of the possibility of success. This will help Bellamy charge through the players and slip in behind the defence with Carroll also providing strength and height as a form of attack.
Carroll's other strength that people seem to forget is his ability to provide for the team, having assisted in many goals as of late. He may not have scored as many as everyone would hope but he's causing a calamity with the chances he provides for Bellamy and Suarez.
I would only play Suarez to replace Kuyt should the worse happen, and bring Carragher on to replace Shelvey for a more permanent Defence as we park the Red Wall of Anfield in front of the goal. As formidable as Kuyt is, Suarez has better ability with attacking against a wall of men; his agility will work better.
Players Forgotten - It seems some players have disappeared into the background so lets bring them back into the light.
Maxi Rodriguez - A man who score 2 hat-tricks towards the end of last season, a man that was always there to pick up the rebounds and smash one home seems to lose out to Henderson and Downing for a spot on the team. Is this a mistake?
Not in my eyes, for a player such as himself, he has the ability to control the midfield but also support the forwards on a well organised attack but what he currently lacks is the crossing ability that Downing and Henderson can provide for the taller fella Carroll. Maxi has shown his ability to work well along side Kuyt and his style suits Bellamy and Suarez much more but with Kenny's hope to have Carroll as the front man shows his ability is not needed as much as others maybe. This is not to say he is an unneeded player, far from it, his playing style to mix well with so many players makes him extremely useful and deadly when linking up with the rest of the team on an attack and this is something we need to have on the bench, someone who can spur on an attack.
At the moment, I believe the team needs to focus harder on finishing, and taking more chances.
As of late the game has seen us hesitate and play too safe, players staying back and not supporting Carroll up front. Leaving him there on his own is a poor choice to make, especially when playing against the likes of Manchester United or Tottenham Hotspur.
If we are to play as we did against Brighton, with that much positivity, that much confidence and strength, we have the chance to take back our rightful spot at 4th and to set our targets for the title next season.
So let's see what happens in the coming as we take on Cardiff City at Wembley.
See you all next week.
YNWA
ANDY
LAI
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