Reina
Arbeloa Skrtel Carragher Aurelio
Kuyt Alonso Gerrard Benayoun
Torres Keane
Goals:
Kuyt 118’
These games are not doing my heart any good. Four games into the season, and the earliest goal Liverpool’s scored has come in the 83rd minute. And Kuyt striking the winner after suffering a ton of stick makes it even sweeter.
Liverpool should have been ready for Standard’s tactics. Liege were content to let the home side have more possession, but did an excellent job pressing the ball whenever Liverpool neared the final third, and looked to counter attack swiftly once they regained possession.
And each time they attacked they looked threatening. Once again, Liverpool owes Pepe Reina a huge debt of gratitude, coming up with two huge saves in the first half. First, he narrowly kept a bolt from the blue by Mbokani out in the 7th minute, and in the 18th, had to make another incredible stop on Fellaini’s effort when the defense was at sea.
For all the possession Liverpool had, Standard had the better chances, especially in the first half. In addition to the two saves Reina had to make, the right back Camazzato's audacious half-volley in the 35th didn't miss by much. Meanwhile, Liverpool rarely tested Espinoza, often unable to get shots on goal under pressure from the defense.
The away side were content to sit deeper in the second half, but were as resolute in defense. Attackers were often crowded out, Liverpool wasn’t getting enough width (or decent crosses) from Kuyt, Benayoun, Babel (who replaced Yossi in the 61st) or the fullbacks, and chances were still at a premium, with the best coming when Torres was able to run at the defense, only to see his shot deflected harmlessly towards the keeper in the 62nd.
Mention must be made of Liege’s central defenders, Onyewu and Sarr. Onyewu was outstanding in the air and both were able to keep Torres and Keane quiet for long stretches. They ate up crosses when Liverpool attempted to go wide, although far too often Liverpool tried to play through a congested middle where Liege didn’t give attackers an inch of space. However, there wasn’t a player in white that had a poor game. Liege had little to lose, and played tremendously in what had to be a huge match for most of the players.
And with Liverpool struggling, there was always the chance to be hit on the counter, especially as the home side got more desperate. In the 90th minute, Liege almost snatched it, with a cross from nowhere narrowly headed wide by Decamargo.
Extra time was more of the same, but Liverpool continued to press, and started to make headway after the break. In the 109th, Liverpool finally got a shot on target when Arbeloa’s screamer from the right channel was well saved. 4 minutes later, Liverpool should have had a cast-iron penalty when El Zhar (who came on for Keane in the 83rd) was clearly tripped by Onyewu in the box. However, the referee, who had been good to that point and had an excellent vantage point, played on.
Penalties seemed certain until Babel (who had failed to make an impact and gave the ball away cheaply far too often) sent an inch-perfect cross in from the left that Kuyt volleyed home at the far post. Once again, Liverpool underperforms, only to pull a rabbit out of the hat in the dying moments.
I can’t remember the last time Liverpool won so many late games in a row. I was impressed by the amount of games where Liverpool scored in the final 15 minutes last season. Winning three out of the first four and scoring all those winners after the 83rd minute is jaw-dropping.
But as written in the run-up, the team’s good fortune cannot last. Hopefully the addition of Riera will add decent width to the side, but I’m far happier about the return of Mascherano. Lucas will help as well, but Mascherano’s defense allows Gerrard to play further up the pitch, where he should be far more influential in attack. The captain’s sat far too deep in Masch’s absence, although he hasn’t been helped by the thigh strain.
In addition, hopefully, this will stop some of the needless Kuyt bashing. Some of the criticism is deserved; he’s not an ideal winger, and in games where Liverpool’s consistently on the attack, his deficiencies show (in contrast to games against more attack-oriented sides, where Liverpool needs to press opposition fullbacks and hassle like Standard did today). But he’s also a big game player, puts in 110%, and scores goals in Europe (7 last season). Even after 120 minutes, he was running the pitch from end-to-end, defending corners and counter-attacks before getting on the end of Babel’s cross.
Now Liverpool can take their eyes off of Europe and focus on the league form. With the full squad finally back and a few days left in the transfer window, we need to start seeing some overall improvement.
Showing posts with label Standard de Liege. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Standard de Liege. Show all posts
27 August 2008
26 August 2008
Liverpool v Standard de Liege 08.27.08
3:05pm Eastern Time. Once again, I think US viewers are stuck looking for streams if they don't have lfc.tv's e-season ticket.
0-0 on aggregate.
Last 3 matches:
Liverpool: 2-1 Boro (h); 1-0 Sunderland (a); 0-0 Standard (a)
Standard: 3-0 KVC Westerlo (h); 3-1 Dender (a); 0-0 Liverpool (h)
Referee: Massimo Busacca (SUI)
Guess at a squad:
Reina
Arbeloa Carragher Skrtel Dossena
Kuyt Gerrard Alonso Benayoun
Keane Torres
Benitez has ruled out both Lucas and Mascherano, with this game coming too soon after their return from the Olympics, but hopes they’ll be back for Sunday. So unless Babel starts, I doubt we’ll see any changes from the team that beat Boro. Babel always seems more likely to come off the bench, but I wouldn’t be too surprised to see him in place of Benayoun after the last couple of games.
The Olympics and Rafa’s slimming of the squad have led to a lot less rotation (much to the media’s chagrin, I’m sure). Skrtel, Hyypia and Agger have split time partnering Carragher, and Plessis started the first two matches in place of Gerrard and Alonso respectively, but that’s it. Plessis hasn’t seen time since the first half against Sunderland, and Gerrard starting this time around (having only come off the bench because of a thigh strain in the last leg) will hopefully make a major difference.
If Hyypia’s fully fit (he picked up a hamstring injury at Sunderland, but in the same interview, Benitez said everyone’s available), I think there’s a good chance he’ll start. Even at his age, he’s imperious in the air, which Liverpool needs if the previous meeting set any precedent. Hopefully that would lead to Carragher moving to right back, which I admittedly have been suggesting more and more, but I think we’ll have to wait on that debate.
Standard has won their last two games by a 6-1 margin, and Mbokani, the danger-man in the last meeting (along with Fellaini), scored four of those goals. American defender Oguchi Onyewu should return after serving a suspension, as should Jovanovic, who was left out because of a possible transfer move to PSV that has seemingly fallen through. The last leg showed that the Belgians are no minnows, and Benitez says this is the toughest team Liverpool’s faced in the qualifiers since he became manager. These inclusions should make Liege even better.
It’ll certainly be a different game as it’s at Anfield, but that doesn’t assure victory. Two wins and a draw with the performances in the past three games is a fantastic return, but Liverpool can’t keep relying on guts and luck.
A fluke goal leading to a score draw would mean an exit from the competition, and Liverpool would miss out on the lucrative group stage at a time when money’s tight. I hate that it’s this way, but there’s a reason pretty much everything written about this game mentions Champions League revenue.
It’s not really possible for Liverpool to play as badly as they did in Liege. Yes, there hasn’t been enough progress over the last two matches, but there has been some. Little by little we’re seeing more moments where Torres and Keane click, which is no small matter. And yes, Fortress Anfield on a European night has been a massive advantage in the past.
But stranger things have happened, and it only takes a moment of brilliance or luck to decide a match. This certain match has a greater impact on the rest of the season, and Liverpool’s fortunes as a whole, than most.
0-0 on aggregate.
Last 3 matches:
Liverpool: 2-1 Boro (h); 1-0 Sunderland (a); 0-0 Standard (a)
Standard: 3-0 KVC Westerlo (h); 3-1 Dender (a); 0-0 Liverpool (h)
Referee: Massimo Busacca (SUI)
Guess at a squad:
Reina
Arbeloa Carragher Skrtel Dossena
Kuyt Gerrard Alonso Benayoun
Keane Torres
Benitez has ruled out both Lucas and Mascherano, with this game coming too soon after their return from the Olympics, but hopes they’ll be back for Sunday. So unless Babel starts, I doubt we’ll see any changes from the team that beat Boro. Babel always seems more likely to come off the bench, but I wouldn’t be too surprised to see him in place of Benayoun after the last couple of games.
The Olympics and Rafa’s slimming of the squad have led to a lot less rotation (much to the media’s chagrin, I’m sure). Skrtel, Hyypia and Agger have split time partnering Carragher, and Plessis started the first two matches in place of Gerrard and Alonso respectively, but that’s it. Plessis hasn’t seen time since the first half against Sunderland, and Gerrard starting this time around (having only come off the bench because of a thigh strain in the last leg) will hopefully make a major difference.
If Hyypia’s fully fit (he picked up a hamstring injury at Sunderland, but in the same interview, Benitez said everyone’s available), I think there’s a good chance he’ll start. Even at his age, he’s imperious in the air, which Liverpool needs if the previous meeting set any precedent. Hopefully that would lead to Carragher moving to right back, which I admittedly have been suggesting more and more, but I think we’ll have to wait on that debate.
Standard has won their last two games by a 6-1 margin, and Mbokani, the danger-man in the last meeting (along with Fellaini), scored four of those goals. American defender Oguchi Onyewu should return after serving a suspension, as should Jovanovic, who was left out because of a possible transfer move to PSV that has seemingly fallen through. The last leg showed that the Belgians are no minnows, and Benitez says this is the toughest team Liverpool’s faced in the qualifiers since he became manager. These inclusions should make Liege even better.
It’ll certainly be a different game as it’s at Anfield, but that doesn’t assure victory. Two wins and a draw with the performances in the past three games is a fantastic return, but Liverpool can’t keep relying on guts and luck.
A fluke goal leading to a score draw would mean an exit from the competition, and Liverpool would miss out on the lucrative group stage at a time when money’s tight. I hate that it’s this way, but there’s a reason pretty much everything written about this game mentions Champions League revenue.
It’s not really possible for Liverpool to play as badly as they did in Liege. Yes, there hasn’t been enough progress over the last two matches, but there has been some. Little by little we’re seeing more moments where Torres and Keane click, which is no small matter. And yes, Fortress Anfield on a European night has been a massive advantage in the past.
But stranger things have happened, and it only takes a moment of brilliance or luck to decide a match. This certain match has a greater impact on the rest of the season, and Liverpool’s fortunes as a whole, than most.
13 August 2008
Liverpool 0-0 Standard de Liege
Reina
Arbeloa Carragher Agger Dossena
Alonso Plessis
Kuyt Keane Benayoun
Torres
Let’s hope it can’t go anywhere but up.
I understand it’s the first competitive game of the season. I understand Gerrard was out, that it was Keane and Dossena’s first game, that Plessis is still a youngster, and that Agger is like a new signing. I understand it’s away against a team that won their league last season and is amped up because they’re aggrieved they’re matched up with Liverpool.
But that was the worst performance since last season’s abortion at Anfield against Marseille, a performance I preferred to never see again.
Liverpool can consider themselves lucky they weren’t behind within 12 minutes. In the 7th, Fellaini’s header from a free kick hit the bar and spun backwards on the line, allowing Reina to palm it away at the last second. In the 11th, Dossena was unfairly judged to have handled in the box (it was clearly outside it and arguably incidental, having rolled up off his leg), but Reina saved Dante’s poor penalty.
From there, it was a catalogue of errors and poor displays, although Standard rarely threatened as they did early on. The midfield was congested, Alonso and Plessis were losing out to Defour and DeCamargo, and neither Dossena nor Arbeloa provided the needed width in attack from fullback. It resulted in long balls forward from Carra, Agger, Plessis and Xabi when Liverpool actually had possession, which is clearly the way to take advantage of Torres and Keane’s individual strengths. Liverpool’s best, and probably only “chance” in the first 45 came on Alonso’s speculative free kick from about 35 yards out 37 minutes in.
It didn’t get any better after the break. I don’t remember Torres getting a shot off until somewhere around the hour mark, and again, Liverpool’s best chance was probably from a free kick, when Gerrard didn’t miss the top left corner by much in the 72nd. The captain and Nabil El Zhar came on off the bench (in the 68th for Keane and the 83rd for Kuyt respectively), but it didn’t do much to change matters.
I’m not trying to take credit away from Standard. Aside from getting a goal, they did exactly what they wanted to. They had a game plan, hassled and harried well, and showed why they were angry to be paired with Liverpool in qualification. The midfield was excellent, putting Liverpool’s to shame, and Fellaini was the standout, making excellent runs into the box (and getting headers). And the defense rarely gave Liverpool time and space or either Torres or Keane a sniff of the ball.
At times, Liverpool played in a 4-2-3-1, at others a 4-4-1-1, but Keane was usually behind Torres trying to link play and he didn’t have the space to operate. Liverpool just couldn’t get anything going in attack. Again, some to that was because of Standard’s play, but Liverpool was also sloppy and uncohesive. What’s most frustrating was the long-ball after long-ball, which was a strategy that failed more than it succeeded even when Crouch was in the line-up.
It’s almost easier to list the players who didn’t disappoint rather than those who did. But I was most unhappy with Dossena, Kuyt and Alonso. I understand it was the Italian’s debut (and that Skrtel frightened on his against Havant), but defensive errors combined with not much going forward wasn’t pleasing to see. This was also a game that all the Kuyt-bashers can point to. He was erratic on the right and frequently lost possession. My lone defense is that he tracked back well and cut off a potential break nicely a couple of times, but admittedly that’s not enough of an excuse.
Finally, it was a return to the ‘bad old days’ for Alonso. What I wrote over the summer still stands – he’s a classy player that can bring a ton to the team – but today he was happy to try and ping those long passes even when it wasn’t working, was rash in the tackle (picking up a needless yellow in the 26th), and Liverpool was pushed around in the center of midfield.
0-0 isn’t the end of the world, and it’s almost less frustrating when it’s ‘not a bad result,’ as opposed to when a team simply parks the bus in front of goal and Liverpool go away empty-handed despite something like 25 shots. But now the team needs a win at Anfield. A score draw, let alone a loss, would mean a drop down to the UEFA Cup, and all the financial repercussions that come with it.
I don't need to say that a repeat performance against Sunderland on Saturday would be unacceptable.
Arbeloa Carragher Agger Dossena
Alonso Plessis
Kuyt Keane Benayoun
Torres
Let’s hope it can’t go anywhere but up.
I understand it’s the first competitive game of the season. I understand Gerrard was out, that it was Keane and Dossena’s first game, that Plessis is still a youngster, and that Agger is like a new signing. I understand it’s away against a team that won their league last season and is amped up because they’re aggrieved they’re matched up with Liverpool.
But that was the worst performance since last season’s abortion at Anfield against Marseille, a performance I preferred to never see again.
Liverpool can consider themselves lucky they weren’t behind within 12 minutes. In the 7th, Fellaini’s header from a free kick hit the bar and spun backwards on the line, allowing Reina to palm it away at the last second. In the 11th, Dossena was unfairly judged to have handled in the box (it was clearly outside it and arguably incidental, having rolled up off his leg), but Reina saved Dante’s poor penalty.
From there, it was a catalogue of errors and poor displays, although Standard rarely threatened as they did early on. The midfield was congested, Alonso and Plessis were losing out to Defour and DeCamargo, and neither Dossena nor Arbeloa provided the needed width in attack from fullback. It resulted in long balls forward from Carra, Agger, Plessis and Xabi when Liverpool actually had possession, which is clearly the way to take advantage of Torres and Keane’s individual strengths. Liverpool’s best, and probably only “chance” in the first 45 came on Alonso’s speculative free kick from about 35 yards out 37 minutes in.
It didn’t get any better after the break. I don’t remember Torres getting a shot off until somewhere around the hour mark, and again, Liverpool’s best chance was probably from a free kick, when Gerrard didn’t miss the top left corner by much in the 72nd. The captain and Nabil El Zhar came on off the bench (in the 68th for Keane and the 83rd for Kuyt respectively), but it didn’t do much to change matters.
I’m not trying to take credit away from Standard. Aside from getting a goal, they did exactly what they wanted to. They had a game plan, hassled and harried well, and showed why they were angry to be paired with Liverpool in qualification. The midfield was excellent, putting Liverpool’s to shame, and Fellaini was the standout, making excellent runs into the box (and getting headers). And the defense rarely gave Liverpool time and space or either Torres or Keane a sniff of the ball.
At times, Liverpool played in a 4-2-3-1, at others a 4-4-1-1, but Keane was usually behind Torres trying to link play and he didn’t have the space to operate. Liverpool just couldn’t get anything going in attack. Again, some to that was because of Standard’s play, but Liverpool was also sloppy and uncohesive. What’s most frustrating was the long-ball after long-ball, which was a strategy that failed more than it succeeded even when Crouch was in the line-up.
It’s almost easier to list the players who didn’t disappoint rather than those who did. But I was most unhappy with Dossena, Kuyt and Alonso. I understand it was the Italian’s debut (and that Skrtel frightened on his against Havant), but defensive errors combined with not much going forward wasn’t pleasing to see. This was also a game that all the Kuyt-bashers can point to. He was erratic on the right and frequently lost possession. My lone defense is that he tracked back well and cut off a potential break nicely a couple of times, but admittedly that’s not enough of an excuse.
Finally, it was a return to the ‘bad old days’ for Alonso. What I wrote over the summer still stands – he’s a classy player that can bring a ton to the team – but today he was happy to try and ping those long passes even when it wasn’t working, was rash in the tackle (picking up a needless yellow in the 26th), and Liverpool was pushed around in the center of midfield.
0-0 isn’t the end of the world, and it’s almost less frustrating when it’s ‘not a bad result,’ as opposed to when a team simply parks the bus in front of goal and Liverpool go away empty-handed despite something like 25 shots. But now the team needs a win at Anfield. A score draw, let alone a loss, would mean a drop down to the UEFA Cup, and all the financial repercussions that come with it.
I don't need to say that a repeat performance against Sunderland on Saturday would be unacceptable.
12 August 2008
Liverpool at Standard de Liege 08.13.08
3pm Eastern Time. As far as I can tell, it’s not on TV in the States. Last year, the 3rd round of CL qualifying was on GolTV, but they’re showing the Bayern Munich friendly tomorrow.
Referee: Tom Henning Ovrebo (NOR)
As YNWA.tv writes, this is weird, as Overbo was in charge of the friendly at Vålerenga last week.
Guess at a squad:
Reina
Arbeloa Carragher Agger Dossena
Alonso Plessis
Kuyt Keane Benayoun
Torres
While Gerrard is with the team, and wouldn’t be ruled out of contention until late today or tomorrow, I’d be very surprised if he started. It’s way too early in the season to be risking Stevie, even if it is just a thigh strain.
Aside from a debate over Plessis versus Spearing, I expect to see the same team that started against Lazio on Friday.
With Gerrard injured and Lucas, Mascherano and Babel at the Olympics, Liverpool is short in central midfield. In the few preseason games I saw, Spearing was more impressive, but I think Plessis is still more likely to start given that he’s got more first-team experience.
And even considering the never-ending Gareth Barry farce, I’ve got no problem with cup-tying Alonso. But if Gerrard’s fit, Alonso may well be kept out for that reason, just in case. Sigh.
The only other twist I can think of would be Darby for Arbeloa, with the young right-back another who stood out in preseason, but that’s probably a bridge too far. Skrtel, Degen and Aurelio are the only players definitely ruled out.
I’m still not sure if this line-up is a 4-4-2 or a 4-2-3-1, especially if Gerrard’s not in the picture. But I guess that’s the beauty of it. In theory, the front four, even the front six at times, should be able to attack from any position. Preseason sets no precedent either, as Liverpool played 4-4-2 in every preseason match last season as far as I can remember.
Standard beat Anderlecht 3-1 in the Belgian Supercup over the weekend. They won their league last year with only one loss. Serbian striker Milan Jovanovic was the league's player of the year last season, while Marouane Fellaini and Steven Defour are both highly-rated Belgian youngsters. Defour is Standard’s captain even though he’s only 20, while the team flew Fellaini back from the Olympics to be available for this match. Zaire striker Dieumerci Mbokani was even compared to Didier Drogba in the Liverpool Echo a few days ago. And readers on this side of the pond will recognize Oguchi Onyewu, who went back to Liege after an unsuccessful stint with the Geordies in 2007.
It goes without saying that an away goal is crucial. Yes, Liverpool’s proven they can beat anyone at Anfield if it comes to that, but anything can happen in the Champions League, especially when it’s the first competitive game of the season. Winning tomorrow would not only make qualification for the money-spinning group stage that much more likely, but would also set the team up well for the first Premiership match at Sunderland on Saturday.
Referee: Tom Henning Ovrebo (NOR)
As YNWA.tv writes, this is weird, as Overbo was in charge of the friendly at Vålerenga last week.
Guess at a squad:
Reina
Arbeloa Carragher Agger Dossena
Alonso Plessis
Kuyt Keane Benayoun
Torres
While Gerrard is with the team, and wouldn’t be ruled out of contention until late today or tomorrow, I’d be very surprised if he started. It’s way too early in the season to be risking Stevie, even if it is just a thigh strain.
Aside from a debate over Plessis versus Spearing, I expect to see the same team that started against Lazio on Friday.
With Gerrard injured and Lucas, Mascherano and Babel at the Olympics, Liverpool is short in central midfield. In the few preseason games I saw, Spearing was more impressive, but I think Plessis is still more likely to start given that he’s got more first-team experience.
And even considering the never-ending Gareth Barry farce, I’ve got no problem with cup-tying Alonso. But if Gerrard’s fit, Alonso may well be kept out for that reason, just in case. Sigh.
The only other twist I can think of would be Darby for Arbeloa, with the young right-back another who stood out in preseason, but that’s probably a bridge too far. Skrtel, Degen and Aurelio are the only players definitely ruled out.
I’m still not sure if this line-up is a 4-4-2 or a 4-2-3-1, especially if Gerrard’s not in the picture. But I guess that’s the beauty of it. In theory, the front four, even the front six at times, should be able to attack from any position. Preseason sets no precedent either, as Liverpool played 4-4-2 in every preseason match last season as far as I can remember.
Standard beat Anderlecht 3-1 in the Belgian Supercup over the weekend. They won their league last year with only one loss. Serbian striker Milan Jovanovic was the league's player of the year last season, while Marouane Fellaini and Steven Defour are both highly-rated Belgian youngsters. Defour is Standard’s captain even though he’s only 20, while the team flew Fellaini back from the Olympics to be available for this match. Zaire striker Dieumerci Mbokani was even compared to Didier Drogba in the Liverpool Echo a few days ago. And readers on this side of the pond will recognize Oguchi Onyewu, who went back to Liege after an unsuccessful stint with the Geordies in 2007.
It goes without saying that an away goal is crucial. Yes, Liverpool’s proven they can beat anyone at Anfield if it comes to that, but anything can happen in the Champions League, especially when it’s the first competitive game of the season. Winning tomorrow would not only make qualification for the money-spinning group stage that much more likely, but would also set the team up well for the first Premiership match at Sunderland on Saturday.
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