25th October – Liverpool Vs Manchester United (Premiership)
As 2009 turned into Winter, Liverpool fans received an early Christmas present, as they witnessed their beloved football team rediscover their cutting edge while collecting all 3 points against their arch rivals from down the East Lancs. Road.
For a team low in confidence, lacking guidance from the management, and on course for the worst losing streak since the 1950s, Liverpool were superior in all departments, making Mr Ferguson’s men appear ordinary. Lucas and Mascherano convincing won the battle in midfield, while Carragher and Agger defended like titans, providing a solid, watertight defence.
Agger’s inclusion adds a different dimension to the Liverpool defence, as he’s able to bring the ball into the midfield, leaving Liverpool’s captain for the day to concentrate on stifling creativity from Rooney, Berbatov and the rest of the limited Mancunian goal threat.
Liverpool were thankful that Fernando Torres had made enough of recovery from his abductor injury to take his place in the starting IX, which Rafa only decided on while on the coach to Anfield. Talk about big decisions for a big game.
El Nino’s overwhelming strength and desire as his won his duel with Rio Ferdinand leading to the opener, epitomised the determination and will to win that was integral to Liverpool’s victory. The no.9 had the confidence to score with a high, ferocious shot, at Van Der Sar’s near post, when most strikers would have opted to shoot across the Dutchmen, but then Torres isn’t most strikers.
All this from an 80% Torres, I look forward to seeing the other 20%. In the 27 months Torres has had such a huge impact on Merseyside in the past 27 months, giving the players and fans a huge lift, while frightening opposition defenders to equal measure.
Torres was so focussed at the weekend, not rising to the tough, late, cynical tackling from Vidic, remaining calm throughout, despite the fixture having such implications on the season at this early stage.
Liverpool’s most consist performer of 2009, Yossi Benayoun, was responsible for the sublimely weighted ball that provided Torres with the opportunity to turn Ferdinand’s cheeks crimson. Despite losing his berth in the team on many occasions, he’s shown determination and a positive attitude when called upon from the bench with significant performances when a goal, or that little bit of magic is needed.
It just frustrating that we can’t do this every week, and if three points are not collected at Craven Cottage at the weekend, in a game that on paper is an easier proposition, then all this hard work will have been undone. But let’s just revel in this victory for a few more days.
Tuesday, 27 October 2009
Saturday, 24 October 2009
Confidence to grow against Fergie
20th October Liverpool Vs Lyon (Europe)
Confidence is an essential quality in footballers, allowing them to perform to, and beyond, their abilities. It provides individuals with belief and endeavour, but can be lost quickly, due to a dip in form, poor performances or unfortunate results.
The manner with which Lyon snatched all 3 points on Tuesday was at best demoralizing. The confidence of the players is as low as it’s been under Rafa since the half-time whistle in the Ataturk stadium 4 years and 5 months ago.
Against a well organised French outfit, Liverpool were unable to react to Gonalons equaliser, while Delgado’s injury time winner rubbed salt into the wounds of already troubled individuals. Lyon fed off Liverpool haphazard display, growing in confidence and enjoying the majority of the play.
What’s frustrating about Tuesday’s game was that we looked genuinely dangerous for spells. The early departure of Gerrard was untimely, but Aurelio, who has his critics, gave a competent performance, making the telling cross for Benayoun’s calmly taken opener. Chances followed after the Israelian’s goals, with both Ngog and Aurelio unlucky to not extend the lead to 2 goals before the half-time oranges.
Solitary goal leads in Europe are precarious and as the game continued Lyon exert their dominance on proceedings, with their two second half substitutions scoring both goals. There’s been little appreciation of Puel’s tactical awareness, as the post match focus highlighted on the booing from the home fans that greeted Vorinin’s arrival, and ignored the astute substitutions that produced the second goals for Lyon.
Further calls for Rafa to do the honest thing in requesting his p45 and departing L4 are mentioned continually, but such claims would be detrimental to the club at a critical time of the season.
Benitez has previously shown he is the man to guide Liverpool through a crisis. Istanbul; the FA final; imperative Champions League group stage victories against Besiktas, Porto and Marseille; and late victories last season against Man City, Wigan and Everton to name but three, are shinning examples of Benitez capacity to remain calm under pressure, coherently rely instructions to his team and display a fighting mentality, which has enabled Liverpool Football Club to succeed in the face of adversity in the past.
As the first team squad are the midst of their worst record for 22 years, eyes turn to the arrival of a typically smug Manchester United and their red nosed leader, Mr Ferguson. Inflicting pain and heartbreak on their rivals at such an early time in the season will have had Fergie wringing his hands together in the style of Mr Burns from the Simpsons. I have the full confidence that Benitez will convey his messages to his players as he previously done for crunch games, and that the players will respond with a determined, resolute and victorious performance.
Confidence is an essential quality in footballers, allowing them to perform to, and beyond, their abilities. It provides individuals with belief and endeavour, but can be lost quickly, due to a dip in form, poor performances or unfortunate results.
The manner with which Lyon snatched all 3 points on Tuesday was at best demoralizing. The confidence of the players is as low as it’s been under Rafa since the half-time whistle in the Ataturk stadium 4 years and 5 months ago.
Against a well organised French outfit, Liverpool were unable to react to Gonalons equaliser, while Delgado’s injury time winner rubbed salt into the wounds of already troubled individuals. Lyon fed off Liverpool haphazard display, growing in confidence and enjoying the majority of the play.
What’s frustrating about Tuesday’s game was that we looked genuinely dangerous for spells. The early departure of Gerrard was untimely, but Aurelio, who has his critics, gave a competent performance, making the telling cross for Benayoun’s calmly taken opener. Chances followed after the Israelian’s goals, with both Ngog and Aurelio unlucky to not extend the lead to 2 goals before the half-time oranges.
Solitary goal leads in Europe are precarious and as the game continued Lyon exert their dominance on proceedings, with their two second half substitutions scoring both goals. There’s been little appreciation of Puel’s tactical awareness, as the post match focus highlighted on the booing from the home fans that greeted Vorinin’s arrival, and ignored the astute substitutions that produced the second goals for Lyon.
Further calls for Rafa to do the honest thing in requesting his p45 and departing L4 are mentioned continually, but such claims would be detrimental to the club at a critical time of the season.
Benitez has previously shown he is the man to guide Liverpool through a crisis. Istanbul; the FA final; imperative Champions League group stage victories against Besiktas, Porto and Marseille; and late victories last season against Man City, Wigan and Everton to name but three, are shinning examples of Benitez capacity to remain calm under pressure, coherently rely instructions to his team and display a fighting mentality, which has enabled Liverpool Football Club to succeed in the face of adversity in the past.
As the first team squad are the midst of their worst record for 22 years, eyes turn to the arrival of a typically smug Manchester United and their red nosed leader, Mr Ferguson. Inflicting pain and heartbreak on their rivals at such an early time in the season will have had Fergie wringing his hands together in the style of Mr Burns from the Simpsons. I have the full confidence that Benitez will convey his messages to his players as he previously done for crunch games, and that the players will respond with a determined, resolute and victorious performance.
Monday, 19 October 2009
Championship hopes bent and deflated
17th October - Sunderland Vs Liverpool (Premiership)
On the weekend that Liverpool’s two most notable absentees, Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, were named among UEFA’s 30 nominees for the Ballon d’Or, it was fitting for a big red balloon to play a telling factor at the Stadium of Light.
Any team stifled of the presence, creativity and goal-threat of Gerrard and Torres is going to suffer. Add to those missing individuals an unfamiliar formation; a unimaginative midfield of inexperience; a lack of belief; poor individual performances; and an idiotic ‘fan’ who decided to fist a beach ball into Pepe Renia’s penalty area, and Rafa’s men left the North-East feeling deflated and being convincingly defeated.
We were second best against the Black Cats, as Jones’ strength and ball retention, combined with Bent’s pace and movement induced confusion and hesitancy in Liverpool’s 3 centre-halves. Cattermole and Cana displayed a feverish work ethic, running the show in midfield as Spearing and Lucas failed to impress Benitez ahead of the crunch midweek game against Lyon and the visit of Manchester United next weekend; a fixture that requires no added spice or significance.
What did disgust and surprise me was a Liverpool ‘fan’ on a post match radio programme claiming now is the time for Benitez to be sacked. Three consecutive defeats is not an envious position for any manager to be in, but to call for his firing is banal and shows a complete lack of respect. Benitez has transformed the club into a feared team on the continent, bought world-class players, cemented the team as a top four outfit, and guided the club to last season’s nail biting championship climax, Liverpool’s first 2nd place spot since 2002.
Benitez was correct in his post match analysis, stating that the players, and not a fortunate shot from Sunderland’s no.11, were the reason for the defeat. I think Rafa acknowledges that the formation was detrimental to the team’s performance. For all his tireless running, Kuyt is never going to lead the line like Torres does, while the full-backs were unusually poor, and Craig Gordon’s gloves were rarely required, as the attacking threat from the visitors asked many questions.
Benitez’s decision to replace Insua, whose solid attacking performances have been a joy to watch this season, with Aurelio, was questionable and the Brazilian’s final ball was poor. In defence of Aurelio, the Liverpool full-backs were not granted space to exploit Sunderland, which is testament to the methods employed by Steve Bruce in organising his team, even if his ability to choose man of the match performance is wayward.
What worries me is that the team has required a response after a poor performance in Europe, and the defeat to title rivals a fortnight ago. The game against Chelsea was a better performance, but at the weekend efforts were simply not good enough. Players were clearly low in confidence, and against in-form, buoyant opposition, a fighting mentality and organised unit was required.
Ex-Referees have argued that Bent’s goal should not have stood, but Rafa’s comments concerning the lack of desire from his team was admirable. We did not convert chances, and Sunderland asked questions of an unorganised defence and were unfortunate to not win by more. If a late David Ngog chance had gone in Sunderland would have collected 2 points in two games against title chasing sides, when 6 points were deserved in total.
We can only look to Tuesday’s game, ensuring the ship is settled, as thoughts turn towards Europe and qualification from the group stage of the Champions League, a 100% record Benitez will be looking to protect for the sixth consecutive season.
On the weekend that Liverpool’s two most notable absentees, Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, were named among UEFA’s 30 nominees for the Ballon d’Or, it was fitting for a big red balloon to play a telling factor at the Stadium of Light.
Any team stifled of the presence, creativity and goal-threat of Gerrard and Torres is going to suffer. Add to those missing individuals an unfamiliar formation; a unimaginative midfield of inexperience; a lack of belief; poor individual performances; and an idiotic ‘fan’ who decided to fist a beach ball into Pepe Renia’s penalty area, and Rafa’s men left the North-East feeling deflated and being convincingly defeated.
We were second best against the Black Cats, as Jones’ strength and ball retention, combined with Bent’s pace and movement induced confusion and hesitancy in Liverpool’s 3 centre-halves. Cattermole and Cana displayed a feverish work ethic, running the show in midfield as Spearing and Lucas failed to impress Benitez ahead of the crunch midweek game against Lyon and the visit of Manchester United next weekend; a fixture that requires no added spice or significance.
What did disgust and surprise me was a Liverpool ‘fan’ on a post match radio programme claiming now is the time for Benitez to be sacked. Three consecutive defeats is not an envious position for any manager to be in, but to call for his firing is banal and shows a complete lack of respect. Benitez has transformed the club into a feared team on the continent, bought world-class players, cemented the team as a top four outfit, and guided the club to last season’s nail biting championship climax, Liverpool’s first 2nd place spot since 2002.
Benitez was correct in his post match analysis, stating that the players, and not a fortunate shot from Sunderland’s no.11, were the reason for the defeat. I think Rafa acknowledges that the formation was detrimental to the team’s performance. For all his tireless running, Kuyt is never going to lead the line like Torres does, while the full-backs were unusually poor, and Craig Gordon’s gloves were rarely required, as the attacking threat from the visitors asked many questions.
Benitez’s decision to replace Insua, whose solid attacking performances have been a joy to watch this season, with Aurelio, was questionable and the Brazilian’s final ball was poor. In defence of Aurelio, the Liverpool full-backs were not granted space to exploit Sunderland, which is testament to the methods employed by Steve Bruce in organising his team, even if his ability to choose man of the match performance is wayward.
What worries me is that the team has required a response after a poor performance in Europe, and the defeat to title rivals a fortnight ago. The game against Chelsea was a better performance, but at the weekend efforts were simply not good enough. Players were clearly low in confidence, and against in-form, buoyant opposition, a fighting mentality and organised unit was required.
Ex-Referees have argued that Bent’s goal should not have stood, but Rafa’s comments concerning the lack of desire from his team was admirable. We did not convert chances, and Sunderland asked questions of an unorganised defence and were unfortunate to not win by more. If a late David Ngog chance had gone in Sunderland would have collected 2 points in two games against title chasing sides, when 6 points were deserved in total.
We can only look to Tuesday’s game, ensuring the ship is settled, as thoughts turn towards Europe and qualification from the group stage of the Champions League, a 100% record Benitez will be looking to protect for the sixth consecutive season.
Chelsea Nic all 3 points
October 4th - Chelsea Vs Liverpool (Premiership)
Away days at Stamford Bridge are never simple assignments for travelling teams, and while Liverpool may feel unlucky coming away from West London pointless, Chelsea’s clinical play was key to their victory.
Pre-match talk centred on how the Liverpool defence would respond to midweek lapses in Europe. Mascherano’s selection provided the hounding, harassing element to Liverpool’s midfield; stifling opponents’ creativity, while allowing others to impact on the game in Chelsea’s final third. The Liverpool midfield battled well, showing character and tenacity to compete well with Chelsea, as Lucas focussed on the game, and kept Lampard et al with little possession.
The Argentinean was doing a sufficient job until losing possession on the hour, when easy passes were available, which presented Chelsea with the opportunity to break. Drogba’s strength gave his the time and space to find his strike partner Anelka, who converted easily, and at one nil down Liverpool’s task was all the more challenging.
Terry was winning his duel with Torres, bullying El Nino, not allowing the Spaniard the space which he has exploited so well in previous games this season. Unwanted frustration began to creep into Torres’ performance, which as a Liverpool fan you don’t want to see. This may seem harsh, but Torres would be much more proactive if he refrained from such antics, maintaining discipline and channelling his efforts into harrowing defenders with his blistering pace and deadly finishing abilities.
In stark contrast, Chelsea’s strike-force was far more productive then the visitors. Anelka and Drogba have complemented one another well under Ancelotti; something previous Chelsea managers had struggled with, and increased their combined league total to 9 goals following today’s performance. This could work out to be the final missing piece in Chelsea’s championship winning season.
The difference between the sides was Chelsea’s ability in ruthlessly converting their chances, as Benayoun was unfortunate late on and Gerrard was foiled by a fine save from Hilario, the stand-in Chelsea keeper. An injury time winner sealed the points for the home team, as Drogba once again displayed his aggressive and strength, and Malouda gladly scored from close range. We didn’t have lady luck on our side, hopefully by mid May luck will be more equally dispersed; injury time will have been balanced out amongst all top flight teams, and tight games like this will go Liverpool’s way.
Wednesday, 7 October 2009
Heart break in Florence
29th September - Lyon Vs Liverpool (Europe)
A lacklustre Liverpool performance was punished by Cesare Prandelli’s Fiorentina; as Liverpool’s Champions League campaign suffered a set back.
Rafael Benitez’s men lacked innovation and unison, as two first half goals from Stevan Jovetic were enough to inflict the Merseyside outfit with their first lose in Europe this season.
Lyon’s convincing destruction of Debrecen creates a 3 point gap at the top of Group E, placing huge importance on their visit to Anfield in 3 weeks.
Liverpool were simply not good enough, losing the battle in midfield, as the men from Florence took their chances, defending as a solid unit and retaining possession well.
Liverpool started brightly enough as Dirk Kuyt and Yossi Benayoun had chances to score. However, as the home side grew in confidence they took the lead by beating Liverpool’s offside trap, allowing Jovetic to race through on goal, finishing with ease.
Just 5 minutes later and the shaken Liverpool defence slipped further behind. Juan Vargas flashed a powerful cross into the box, with Jovetic the first to react, and doubling his team’s lead in the process.
Despite a wayward 45 minutes, Benitez’ half-time hairdryer treatment seemed to work, as his team began the second half positively. After good work on the left Benayoun cut inside to test Sebastian Frey, while Lucas found space in the box but could only head a cross over Frey’s bar.
Liverpool, who are renowned for making thrilling comebacks under the leadership of Rafa, were unable to score in the second half. This leaves Benitez with much to ponder and analysis ahead of a busy fixture list with crucial games throughout October.
After so much adulation and praise following a free scoring vein of form, it was disappointing to see Fernando Torres involve himself in some petulant altercations in Tuscany.
I have mentioned before on this blog the difficulties El Nino faces when playing as a lone striker. Such difficulties are heightened when facing organised units in tough European encounters, but his quick-tempered attitude can be detrimental to his game and it’s important this is not a recurrent factor, as he has shown what an important match winning player he is for Liverpool.
Liverpool lacked intensity and tenacity, allowing the Italians freedom with possession, with ample time to pass and dictate play. Benitez was rightly critical of his players for lacking the appropriate mentality, but I am of the opinion that the central midfield partnership of Lucas and Aurelio was a contributing factor leading to our opening 45 minute demise.
When I saw the team line-up I was expecting Aurelio to play down the left, with Gerrard supporting Lucas in midfield. It was unfortunate that Javier Mascherano had a hamstring niggle, as he would have set an example with resilient tackling, determined back- four protection, while instilling confidence in the players around him.
Mascherano wouldn’t have allowed Fiorentina’s midfield the time and space to pass and move with consummate ease, while it’s likely he would have closed down Zanetti before he made the telling pass that created the first goal.
It is important to not dwell excessively on one result. This was a tricky away European fixture; one individual game, missing a vital player in Mascherano whose ideally suited for this type of game.
Liverpool need to show their bounce back ability, reverting back to the approach that led to them beginning the Premiership campaign with 23 goals in 7 games.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)