SUNDERLAND away then. The away. The worst away possible after the Leicester debacle. My problem with the Leicester draw that felt like a defeat is that it made this game something Liverpool needed something from — and my problem with that was that it was Sunderland. Ugly Sunderland.
Then it was easy. As easy as a 0-1 can be allowing for a mad moment hitting the bar. It seemed easy, but Liverpool were also just good.
A thought experiment — put this performance in another season and you sing from 60, cheer the lads home, wait for the inevitable three points and/or second goal. It wasn’t consummate, but it was very competent front to back.
We missed the start. Got in after 20. And so missed the penalty appeal and the ninth-minute goal. I asked Martin Fitzgerald about the goal and he supplied the following description:
“Markovic ran a bit down the right. The ball somehow got to Gerrard and then somehow got to Markovic. Not sure you’d call any of this passing, it all happens very quickly and no one seems in control of anything. Markovic then pokes it in from a few yards out.”
Good work there. Markovic pokes it around the legs of the goalkeeper, Costel Pantilimon. Andy Heaton had pointed out that was where he is vulnerable. Good work there, too.
Sunderland’s performance was so out of character. We have to discuss the opponents and it is handy to have one of theirs on hand. Steve Goldsmith from the Wise Men Say podcast dropped me a text about their lot who were nowhere near as hard as we expected: “Flattest and most limited we’ve looked all season. And we’ve lost 8-0 in one game. Gutted that Billy Jones was left out when our attacking fullbacks are so important in this system. I think the fact we were 100 per cent better once we were reduced to 10 shows that we played with some sort of irrational fear beforehand.
“Once Bridcutt wasn’t there, we suddenly accepted that we didn’t have to move the ball through his area of the pitch and were better for it. The fact that Danny Graham and Mikael Mandron came on as subs only seem to highlight the thinness of our squad more than we all realised. Then there’s the theory that Gus is trying to make a point to his owner. PS – planes turn faster than Jodi Gomez!”
God it was cold. Cold and blowy. I wouldn’t fancy it. As Steve said Liverpool did and Sunderland didn’t. Skrtel and Sakho won their battles brilliantly and played their football well. Real deal stuff; Sakho’s distribution was terrific. Moreno did a solid job.
Henderson had a game of two halves, one of them very progressive and the other very (perhaps too?) solid. The 25 minutes I saw of Gerrard was good — the shape suited him going both ways.
Emre Can — the man of a million positions — does well in the run up to the sending off. Another thing Martin Fitzgerald said to me at half time was that Liverpool should spend the second half running at Sunderland as they would get a man sent off. We’ll gloss over Lovren. Coutinho and Markovic are men of a million possibilities, constantly creating space and taking players out of the game.
Grande vitória, obrigado por tudo !!!
Great win , thanks for everything !!!— Lucas Leiva (@LucasLeiva87) January 10, 2015
Any notion Lucas is getting off is crackers as far as I’m concerned. Firstly, because he’s been very good, very useful and this was his best performance in weeks and secondly because, well, buy goals. If Lucas goes Liverpool need a midfielder when they should just be concentrating on goals. Buy goals. Buy goals isn’t trite. It’s chances created. Liverpool should have gone in three up. Any doubt we had second half, any balls thumping bars should have been beyond doubt given the first half showing. Breaks in the second half should have counted for something. Have goals, more goals and something that could be competent week in week out could go beyond competent quickly.
We’re on one defeat in 12 now. Not enough wins in there. Not enough goals.
A conversation for another day. Perhaps when warmer. Instead, let’s enjoy the Liverpool win and the fact they seemed to enjoy it too. A gang of lads there, working for one another. That’s always good to see.
Finishing this up in a car of five men playing Let It Go from Frozen singing at the top of their voices. And then Always On My Mind by the Pet Shop Boys (the definitive version).
Three points. The Reds. Well in one and all. A good day had.
Let’s enjoy the Liverpool win! As if on here.
I think more importantly than 1 defeat in 12 is 5 wins and 2 draws since our last defeat. We’ve turned a corner. The defence looks better, Mignolet, despite some bizarre moments in the last few weeks is improving, the midfield looks creative now we’re not playing Lambert or Balotelli (and backed up today in the last half hour) and we’ve got Sturridge to return soon. I’m not ruling 4th place out. No way.
Well I’m enjoying it. 10 from 12 while only hitting our straps against Swansea really. Yes, I’ll settle for that.
Hopefully goals come with Sturridge’s return so I don’t expect a striker to come in any time soon. Still feel our priority has to be an experienced keeper. As things stand Brad Jones is still our back up to Mignolet. Frightening, truly frightening.
Don’t remember if it was discussed on TAW or somewhere else, but Laz may fit the idea of replacing a mad player like Suarez with someone similarly mad. I really can’t wait to see what this kid can do once he gets a couple of good performances under his belt and his confidence starts to rise. TAW has mentioned Liverpool needing players who go into games having other ideas, well that player today was Markovic.
Agree with pretty much everything, Neil. You didn’t make enough of that Markovic effort though. The best goal that wasn’t since Suarez’s volley against Arsenal. Reminded me of a Van Persie goal against Charlton.
Can was good as well and looks frightening driving at people in that yellow. Imagine being a Sunderland player and seeing that hurtling towards you. Lucas was excellently Lucas on the sly. Arguably his best Lucasy game since his big injuries.
Everyone other than Borini (who my da was convinced was being that shit on purpose) was decent to really good. Even Balotelli looked lively. Lovren was just sort of there which I’ll take at this point.
You can probably say this for most games this season but with a top forward we’re out of sight by half time. Another theme of the season is refs consistently getting big calls wrong week to week. The standard of officiating this season has been atrocious. There isn’t one ref I trust to get most of the big decisions right.
I agree with your da – was convinced Borini was looking to get sent off in the first half.
Reckless (and feckless)!
Hold on, gents. I have to disagree about Borini. Did he score? No. He moved dynamically, though, and provided a real alternative to Sterling. When he wasn’t able to get a clean shot, he didn’t waste the ball; he looked for his teammates and allowed the play to continue. And was it not from his feet, whilst under great duress, that the assist for Markovic’s goal came?
I’ll go so far as to say we waited too late to try this out with Borini, and that a 3-4-2-1 with Coutinho and Sterling supporting the lone striker, Markovic at RWB, and Can in the Liberated LCB Position (as I’ll call it) is a terrific scheme.
Agree with your first paragraph mate. I made the same point at half time to my Borini hating mates. It’s pathetic to say he was useless. His movement was partly responsible for Coutinho, Gerrard and Lazar finding space along the edge of the box. He’s not our man going forward but it’s ridiculous to say he was awful.
He had the odd decent moment to be fair: he found Stevie when Stevie snatched at a left footed shot not realising he had more time and space. I wouldn’t classify myself as a ‘hater’ of Borini at all Robin, but I was struggling to defend him yesterday and I’m someone who thought he’d make a good squad player who could contribute after his Sunderland exploits last season.
That said I’ll have to disagree on his performance, particularly on account of his ‘dynamic’ movement, Phoebus. There were some not so hot touches (although not Lambert-in-Wimbledon’s-build-up-to-their-corner-they-got-a-goal-from bad) but just the aimless charging around diving in on people like an idiot was driving me round the bend.
His two yellows against Arsenal were the actions of a thick fucker. I get that he’s frustrated with his lack of playing time but throwing balls about and giving daft fouls away isn’t gonna fool Rodgers. He’d be better focusing that frustration into playing a smarter game which I thought he’d be more than capable of. He’s never going to be quick, strong or maybe even technically great enough for our standard so he has to be more intelligent and that’s what’s most disappointing because I thought he had that in him. He a taking of a corner from being a complete Aspas-sized write off.
For an example of how to work dead hard without looking like a headless chicken he should be watching loads of Dirk Kuyt. Dirk’s basically a big cult figure now for big goals and pressure penalties (which Borini did loads of last year on his loan) as well as nous and work rate which covered up any deficiencies some fans saw in his game. He was a big favourite of Benitez like Borini can be to Rodgers if he improves. Borini can play wide and centrally just like Kuyt as well, which is the type of flexibility Rodgers likes and could see him get more games if he can get his act together.
I think the point for me is, he’s not a Liverpool player, he won’t be a Liverpool player much longer and he’s absolutely not in our plans going forward. We all know that. I think the fans should just respect the effort he’s putting in despite the fact that he’s not wanted and get off his back. Let him leave with some respect.
I cried tears of joy when Markovic feigned injury in the 92nd minute to kill time – we’ve been waiting for this underhand shit for years.
All played well bar Borini who is just nothingness. Teleport Sturridge and Sterling into that team and we win 0-4.
Good signs. The second half was pretty rank, but good signs.
“That’s Shaolin Soccer!” said my missus, on seeing the mad Markovic volley.
Impressive missus you have there, Mr. Chance (from the US as the UK doesn’t add periods/full-stops to titles).
Think the “soccer” bit was the biggest giveaway
Haha, I’m afraid you’re both wrong. Ex-pat Brit in France with Japanese wife.
But I have indeed used an uncharacteristic full-stop there (can’t remember why). And the “soccer” in “Shaolin Soccer”… well, it’s a film title — she knows that football is football! Enjoy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kV1Xw2Qk36I
I think there’s plenty of reasons for optimism. Against the wombles and again today, two matches that might have scared/intimidated many of our continental players and they all manned up. The first half was terrific. I loved seeing the Markovich shot against the bar and the pass by Can to Borini. I also loved watching Coutinho. I’ve transferred all my affection from Suarez to Coutinho. If only he could shoot!
Agree with Neil that we need goals. The game should have been dead and buried by half time. At the risk of sounding more desperate than I am, I thought I saw signs of Balotelli trying to link up, rather than just picking up the ball and finding an angle to shoot from. (Dunno who I’m trying to kid — the jig’s up for the lad)
A stipulation needs to be added to Coutinho’s contract, wherein he needs to stay an extra hour after each practice, just for shooting. He had Pantilimon dead to rights, frozen like a deer in headlights, with that abrupt turn and sudden shot of his. Even if his leg strength never improves, he simply has to improve his accuracy. He has missed too many such chances such as today’s.
when liverpool win we all win
Great first 45 – as good and controlling as I’ve seen us this season and apart from a period of 10 minutes after the sending off I wasn’t ever nervous. And as for that volley from Markovich…cheeses of nazareth! One of those that was probably better to watch on TV as you couldn’t even see the fella coming until he was airborne and smacking it….and I agree, best woodwork strike since Suarez v Arsenal – I think my head would have exploded if it had hit the bar and gone in!
Borini looked an angry man for a lot of that game – and guaranteed a substitution with that early booking. Needs to be smarter on the pitch. This year’s Brendan requires control and I thought it was a matter of time before he got sent off – he seems to only be able to play full tilt, leaving the foot in here and there when he presses or ineffective and off the pace. Shame for the lad – in between those things there’s a goalscorer lurking.
Sturridge & Sterling gives you 2 or 3 more goals in that game. Deffo.
Thought Lucas ran midfield today and unlike Henderson played some quality forward passes. Curious then that Mr Rodgers specifically said that Lucas wouldn’t be going out on loan .This seemed to imply that if the pice is right he will be sold
Which could mean one of the following :- 1 , we’re strapped for cash / ffp dictates sales ; 2 , we don’t need him and can cope without him ; 3, we need the money for new players eg €6 quoted to end the Origi loan.
I think we will be much better prepared for life without S G next season than some are predicting and his early announcement should help us plan for that . We won’t miss him as much as we’ve missed Suarez this season . Hopefully Brendan will keep faith with his young players and continue with the rebooting of last season’s pressing game. There is a good young squad emerging which , with a few additions , should challenge next season. It will be interesting to see how the squad develops and weither Lucas is part of it.
I can’t help thinking sometimes that Brendan doesn’t actually watch the match.
He’s got charts,analyses,heat maps,fitness data,transfer values,media coaching.
He doesn’t’ need to.
He’s a very modern manager!
I want to know how good he is at chess. In fact I’d like to watch him play chess against Rafa. But then that’s not really what you’re talking about.
Just saw this on Twitter. Thought it was worth sharing. I’m amazed.
Liverpool’s form in the Premier League this season:
When Lucas Leiva has played: WLWWWDDWWDW
When Lucas Leiva hasn’t played: LWLDWDLLLL
He’s going to be sold. We’ve identified an exciting young winger who has played three games as a sub in Serie A as a replacement. Okay, he’s currently injured, but he’s an ‘outstanding guy.’
I’m also amazed – purely at the seemingly clarity of it.
I have a lot of time for Rodgers but surely he must have this knowledge to hand. Maybe he passes it off as coincidence but seems cut and dry!
Having said all that it looks like we have turned the proverbial corner and with spurs losing and either or both s’hampton & utd dropping points tomorrow it is not a bad weekend.
Fingers crossed for stoke!
I’m not. He makes a difference. I’d be interested in Sakho’s stats too.
Not surprised in the slightest. Can’t believe he would be sold, not when he is holding down a starting spot and has been the reason we have got a grip of this season again.
Aww go on I’ll say it – Henderson should never have been made vice-Kapitan, and there should be no talk that he will be Kapitan come next year – Lucas is the natural VC, Lucas is the natural choice for Kapitan. He’s come through fire for Liverpool time and again. He proves his class year after year and yet never do you see a moan or a funky look to the dugout during a game when say a subbing takes place he doesnt agree with.
Lucas is the man to take this club forward with integrity, grit and strength.
(I am not subsidised by Lucas or any member of his family)
Lucas’ message sounds ominously like ‘goodbye’. I have always been am admirer of Lucas; he showed incredible self- belief ( not arrogance) in the face of some appalling fan behaviour, and was desperately unlucky to sustain serious injuries when he seemed to be established as a valued player and a fine club man. One BBC commentator said Lucas is quite possibly the nicest man in football. He must be tired of being touted as being for sale or trade or loan. If I were Lucas I’d move on, because I wouldn’t trust Rodgers.
Lucas would be a star in Serie A, where he hopefully wouldn’t be expected to cover for toe people.
Agree with Kevin that Lucas seems to be on his way whether now or in the summer.
Either way, I don’t think he’d make a better captain than Henderson.
Henderson is not worthy of the captaincy.
An honest toiler who is more workmanlike than inspirational.
Anyone noticed that he is becoming much more mouthy and petulant towards refs when a decision/foul is called against him?? Feel he is mouthing himself into a booking every game now.
Instructions from Rodgers?
Well pleased for Markovic yesterday.
He’s been doing that for well over a year so I’d say no. Who would you like to see as captain?
Lucas is a warrior, he’s up for every game and give everything. He personifies the character that every Liverpool player should have. If Rodgers gets rid of him I can only conclude that he is determined to remove all vestiges of the Rafa regime – those players who bought into the man and his ideas. Pepe, Agger and now Lucas. Unless he has a truly top player, much superior to Lucas then there is absolutely no logic in Lucas leaving the club. He replaced Pepe and Agger with far inferior players so I don’t hold much hope for an improvement. Fabian Delph is touted – dear me!
Good player Delph. Be good for us. According to The Mirror he’s a tough tackler and very mobile. Don’t like the way the press are touting him as Steven Gerrards replacement. We’d get him for a couple a mill more than Assaidi’s gonna go for so I think I’ll look at him as his replacement, then we can all be pleased.
Stopped reading after ‘According to the Mirror” ;)
This ^^^^
Sorry Robin,
It was this I was totally agreeing with.
Sorry Robin can’t agree that Delph is an upgrade on Lucas.
As for Henderson being captain material, that frightens me but if he is the Boss’s man then I suppose that’s what we are going to get but it’s a poor choice for me.