3pm ET, live in the US on NBC Sports Live Extra
Last four head-to-head:
4-0 Liverpool (h) 11.09.13
3-1 Liverpool (a) 05.12.13
4-0 Liverpool (h) 12.22.12
0-1 Fulham (h) 05.01.12
Last three matches:
Liverpool: 5-1 Arsenal (h); 1-1 West Brom (a); 4-0 Everton (h)
Fulham: 2-2 United (a); 0-1 Sheffield Utd aet (h); 0-3 Southampton (h)
Goalscorers (league):
Liverpool: Suarez 23; Sturridge 15; Gerrard 6; Sterling 6; Skrtel 4; Coutinho 2; Agger, Flanagan, Henderson, Moses, Sakho 1
Fulham: Sidwell 6; Berbatov 4; Bent, Kasami 3; Parker 2; Dejagah, Kacaniklic, Richardson, Ruiz, Senderos 1
Referee: Phil Dowd
Guess at a line-up:
Mignolet
Flanagan Skrtel Toure Cissokho
Gerrard
Henderson Coutinho
Sterling Suarez Sturridge
Aside from an unlikely return for either Agger or Johnson, both finally back in training, it's again hard to see any changes to the Liverpool XI. Joe Allen could come in for Coutinho, or even Henderson – who fractured his wrist against Arsenal – as suggested prior to Arsenal, but neither of those players deserve to be dropped on form.
Which means we're back to the "home v away form" concern for this XI and formation. What worked so well against Arsenal and Everton – conceding possession, pressing, counter-attacking – didn't work very well agains the likes of West Brom. Or Villa, for that matter, even after Liverpool altered the overly attacking first half formation.
Fulham doesn't have the midfield behemoths that West Brom had; Mulumbu and Yacob were at their club-swinging Neanderthalic best against Liverpool nine days ago. But against lesser opposition, this XI seemed caught in two minds: between pressing its attacking advantage and playing the counter-attack game that's suited them so well of late.
As Noel from Liverpool Offside wrote yesterday, Gerrard's at the center of it, outstanding against Arsenal and Everton, but not so much against Stoke, Villa, Bournemouth, or West Brom. He's been a microcosm of the team performance, trying to live in both worlds: initially sticking to the role required against Arsenal and Everton, but increasingly trying the glorious, trying to dictate play, when Liverpool have struggled to put them to the sword. Similar has been the case for Coutinho. The opposition drops back and defends deep, so Suarez and Sturridge push forward more, Gerrard and Coutinho push forward more, Henderson continues to run around because Henderson runs around, and then gaps open up, and then Liverpool does something stupid.
Needless to say, solving this issue will be the biggest concern. It's an issue that'll reoccur in the future, with trips to Cardiff, West Ham, and Palace, among others, to come. Liverpool are still trying to find that balance, a balance they've been looking for all season long. Injuries have dictated both tactics and formation for long stretches this season, and will continue to do so, but we still don't know Liverpool's best XI or best formation, no matter the opposition.
But let's not mince words. Fulham have been terrible this season, and are propping up the table for good reason. The most losses in the division. The worst goal difference in the division. The fourth fewest goals scored, with a couple more than Palace, Norwich, and Cardiff. They've conceded 55 goals in 25 matches – an average of 2.2 per game – which is 11 more than any other side.
Fulham were also one of the busiest over the January transfer window, allowing Berbatov, Brian Ruiz, Hughes, Taarabt, and Senderos to leave, bringing in Holtby (on loan), Mitroglou, Heitinga, Kvist, Dempsey, and two ex-United youngsters in Tunnicliffe and Larnell Cole.
Mitroglou didn't play against United – he *should* be fit enough to start tomorrow – but Heitinga, Kvist, and Tunnicliffe started, with Cole coming off the bench for the final 10 minutes. There's been a lot of turnover lately, and Meulensteen is unsurprisingly experimenting in the hopes of turning Fulham's season around. So, your guess is as good as mine for the Cottagers' XI tomorrow.
It'll almost certainly be some version of 4-2-3-1/4-4-1-1, as that's the formation both Meulensteen and Jol have used all season long. The back five at least seems likely to stay the same: Stekelenberg, Riether, Heitinga, Burn, Riise. Maybe Richardson drops into Riise's position, while it'd be strange to see Hangeland left out in consecutive matches, but Dan Burn was excellent against United and starting two tall, slow-ish players against Sturridge, Suarez, and Sterling seems a bad idea. Sidwell and Holtby will start in midfield, joined by either Parker or Kvist. The flanks? It could be any from Richardson, Tunnicliffe, Duff, Kasami, Kacaniklic, Dejagah, Dempsey, and Cole. Up front? Mitroglou if fit; if not, probably Bent but maybe Tankovic again.
This seems the archetypal trap game. Just as the trip to West Brom was. Just as the trip to Hull was after the encouraging 3-3 draw at Everton, just as hosting Villa was after scoring five at Stoke.
Liverpool sent out a warning to the rest of the league in those first 20 minutes against Arsenal on Saturday. But those performances don't happen often, even from the best sides in history. However, when this Liverpool becomes consistent – not hitting Saturday's heights, just able to perform week in and week out – then the rest of league will actually heed that warning.
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Meta: As with Norwich (and a couple other matches this season), I'll be working during the match. So, as with Norwich, most likely no match review. It'll be combined with Thursday's match infographic. Stupid weekday fixtures.
11 February 2014
10 February 2014
Visualized: Liverpool 5-1 Arsenal
Previous Match Infographics: West Brom (a), Everton (h), Aston Villa (h), Stoke (a), Hull (h), Chelsea (a), Manchester City (a), Cardiff (h), Tottenham (a), West Ham (h), Norwich (h), Hull City (a), Everton (a), Fulham (h), Arsenal (a), West Brom (h), Newcastle (a), Crystal Palace (h), Sunderland (a), Southampton (h), Swansea (a), Manchester United (h), Aston Villa (a), Stoke (h)
As always, match data from Stats Zone and Squawka.
This is news to no one, but Saturday's match was the Merseyside Derby played out again, even more viciously in the opening stages, with Liverpool able to kill the match as a contest 15 minutes earlier.
As against Everton, Liverpool won by scoring from early set play(s), pressing in midfield, and exploiting space on the counter with excellent long passing and blazing speed.
Unsurprisingly, Arsenal completed more passes over those first 20 minutes, but most were bogged down in midfield, unable to get past the Gerrard-Henderson-Coutinho triumvirate. The attacking third passes were nearly equal in number, but Arsenal's were in unthreatening positions. Liverpool took nine shots (an average of a shot every 2.22 minutes, which is insane), Arsenal took none. Arsenal created no chances in those first 20 minutes, Liverpool created eight: five from open play, and three from set plays. As you may remember, they scored from two of those set plays, and would have scored from the third if not for the width of the post.
Martin Skrtel's two goals were Liverpool's 7th and 8th set play goals against one of the other top seven clubs. Liverpool scored on corners against United (Sturridge), Everton (Coutinho), Everton (Gerrard), and Arsenal (Skrtel). Liverpool scored from free kicks against Everton (Sturridge), Chelsea (Skrtel), and Arsenal (Skrtel). And Liverpool (read: Suarez) also scored from a direct free kick against Everton. That's eight of 20 goals in total – 40% – in the eight matches against those six opponents. That's an egregious amount. For comparison, Liverpool scored just five set play goals against those same six opponents last season: two Suarez direct free kicks, and corners against City (Skrtel), Chelsea (Suarez), and Tottenham (Bale OG).
Of course, Liverpool only scored 17 goals in total against those six opponents last season. Otherwise known as 1.42 goals per game, taking just 0.83 points per game. It was one of last season's Liverpool's biggest failings. The scoring mark is up to 2.5 goals per game this season. And Liverpool are averaging 1.63 points per game. Twice as many points per game, and not far off twice as many goals per game.
By my count, Liverpool have now scored 18 goals from set plays, a total which doesn't include the five penalties. This differs from WhoScored as they count Liverpool's first against Fulham solely as an own goal, not an own goal and a goal from a corner. The most in a single season since 2009-10 (which is as far back as WhoScored's statistics go) was last season's Manchester United, who scored 22. With 13 games to play, Liverpool are well on their way to beating that mark.
Six of Liverpool's 13 open play chances created came from passes in their own half, by far the most this season. Two led to goals: Coutinho's indescribably perfect throughball for Sturridge, and Toure's long pass to Sterling, not counted as an assist because the winger needed two attempts to finish it off. As a remember, a Toure long pass led to Liverpool's penultimate goal against Everton as well. Another two probably should have: Coutinho to Henderson in the 67th, and Cissokho to Sterling in the 86th.
Shot quality? 12 of Liverpool's 22 shots came from prime shooting locations: the six-yard box and the center of the 18-yard box. 7 were on-target, four resulted in goals. Two more shots came from the D just outside the box, another relatively high percentage area. One goal, another shot on-target saved. Comparatively, just four of Arsenal's 11 shots came from the same prime area: three on-target, one off, and that includes a penalty. Getting a penalty was the only way Arsenal were scoring.
Incidentally, all five of Raheem Sterling's shots came from prime shooting locations, and all five were on-target. He's the first Liverpool player this season to take more than two shots and put all of them on-target in a single match. Suarez has had a handful of games where he's missed the target with just one of his three or more shots (at Tottenham, v Norwich, at Everton), while Sturridge did similar against Crystal Palace, but Sterling's the first to put every single one on goal. That bodes very well for adding the finishing touch to his quickly improving all-around game.
All of this was set up by Liverpool's ability to win possession off Arsenal through tackles and ball recoveries. Liverpool's pressing earned the headlines, leading to the third and fourth goals, but Liverpool's defending inside its own half was brilliant. 35 tackles is the most Liverpool have completed this season. And the two players who made the most – Gerrard and Coutinho – are two players you wouldn't expect to see topping the list.
A lot of credit also goes to the two fullbacks. Look at how many of Arsenal's attacking third passes went out of the flanks, and then no further. At how many take-ons died in the attacking third. It's almost as if there's a forcefield around the 18-yard box. All four defenders, all three central midfielders, and even Sterling and Suarez tracking back played their part in that. But Liverpool's fullbacks have been focused on as a weak point for some time now. Flanagan's been rightly lauded for his growth this season, but Cissokho's also improved with time. Which, I guess, shouldn't be surprising. Heavily criticized new player in unfamiliar league struggles at first, but slowly adjusts. Breaking news, quelle surprise, etc. It's still the area where Liverpool can most improve, but credit where due.
As always, match data from Stats Zone and Squawka.
This is news to no one, but Saturday's match was the Merseyside Derby played out again, even more viciously in the opening stages, with Liverpool able to kill the match as a contest 15 minutes earlier.
As against Everton, Liverpool won by scoring from early set play(s), pressing in midfield, and exploiting space on the counter with excellent long passing and blazing speed.
Unsurprisingly, Arsenal completed more passes over those first 20 minutes, but most were bogged down in midfield, unable to get past the Gerrard-Henderson-Coutinho triumvirate. The attacking third passes were nearly equal in number, but Arsenal's were in unthreatening positions. Liverpool took nine shots (an average of a shot every 2.22 minutes, which is insane), Arsenal took none. Arsenal created no chances in those first 20 minutes, Liverpool created eight: five from open play, and three from set plays. As you may remember, they scored from two of those set plays, and would have scored from the third if not for the width of the post.
Martin Skrtel's two goals were Liverpool's 7th and 8th set play goals against one of the other top seven clubs. Liverpool scored on corners against United (Sturridge), Everton (Coutinho), Everton (Gerrard), and Arsenal (Skrtel). Liverpool scored from free kicks against Everton (Sturridge), Chelsea (Skrtel), and Arsenal (Skrtel). And Liverpool (read: Suarez) also scored from a direct free kick against Everton. That's eight of 20 goals in total – 40% – in the eight matches against those six opponents. That's an egregious amount. For comparison, Liverpool scored just five set play goals against those same six opponents last season: two Suarez direct free kicks, and corners against City (Skrtel), Chelsea (Suarez), and Tottenham (Bale OG).
Of course, Liverpool only scored 17 goals in total against those six opponents last season. Otherwise known as 1.42 goals per game, taking just 0.83 points per game. It was one of last season's Liverpool's biggest failings. The scoring mark is up to 2.5 goals per game this season. And Liverpool are averaging 1.63 points per game. Twice as many points per game, and not far off twice as many goals per game.
By my count, Liverpool have now scored 18 goals from set plays, a total which doesn't include the five penalties. This differs from WhoScored as they count Liverpool's first against Fulham solely as an own goal, not an own goal and a goal from a corner. The most in a single season since 2009-10 (which is as far back as WhoScored's statistics go) was last season's Manchester United, who scored 22. With 13 games to play, Liverpool are well on their way to beating that mark.
Six of Liverpool's 13 open play chances created came from passes in their own half, by far the most this season. Two led to goals: Coutinho's indescribably perfect throughball for Sturridge, and Toure's long pass to Sterling, not counted as an assist because the winger needed two attempts to finish it off. As a remember, a Toure long pass led to Liverpool's penultimate goal against Everton as well. Another two probably should have: Coutinho to Henderson in the 67th, and Cissokho to Sterling in the 86th.
Shot quality? 12 of Liverpool's 22 shots came from prime shooting locations: the six-yard box and the center of the 18-yard box. 7 were on-target, four resulted in goals. Two more shots came from the D just outside the box, another relatively high percentage area. One goal, another shot on-target saved. Comparatively, just four of Arsenal's 11 shots came from the same prime area: three on-target, one off, and that includes a penalty. Getting a penalty was the only way Arsenal were scoring.
Incidentally, all five of Raheem Sterling's shots came from prime shooting locations, and all five were on-target. He's the first Liverpool player this season to take more than two shots and put all of them on-target in a single match. Suarez has had a handful of games where he's missed the target with just one of his three or more shots (at Tottenham, v Norwich, at Everton), while Sturridge did similar against Crystal Palace, but Sterling's the first to put every single one on goal. That bodes very well for adding the finishing touch to his quickly improving all-around game.
All of this was set up by Liverpool's ability to win possession off Arsenal through tackles and ball recoveries. Liverpool's pressing earned the headlines, leading to the third and fourth goals, but Liverpool's defending inside its own half was brilliant. 35 tackles is the most Liverpool have completed this season. And the two players who made the most – Gerrard and Coutinho – are two players you wouldn't expect to see topping the list.
A lot of credit also goes to the two fullbacks. Look at how many of Arsenal's attacking third passes went out of the flanks, and then no further. At how many take-ons died in the attacking third. It's almost as if there's a forcefield around the 18-yard box. All four defenders, all three central midfielders, and even Sterling and Suarez tracking back played their part in that. But Liverpool's fullbacks have been focused on as a weak point for some time now. Flanagan's been rightly lauded for his growth this season, but Cissokho's also improved with time. Which, I guess, shouldn't be surprising. Heavily criticized new player in unfamiliar league struggles at first, but slowly adjusts. Breaking news, quelle surprise, etc. It's still the area where Liverpool can most improve, but credit where due.
08 February 2014
Liverpool 5-1 Arsenal
Goals:
Skrtel 1' 10'
Sterling 17' 52'
Sturridge 20'
Arteta 69' (pen)
5-0 Tottenham, 4-0 Everton, 5-1 Arsenal. Hey, remember when Liverpool won just once in 12 matches against the sides that finished ahead of them in the table last season? Right. Me neither.
This was Everton all over again, even more emphatically. 5-1 flatters Arsenal. The same starting XI, if slightly different in set-up, with Sterling on the left, Suarez on the right, and Sturridge as spearhead. The same blitzkrieg start, out of sight before the opposition even settled. The same compact midfield, the same high pressing and refusal to let Arsenal settle on the ball, the same utter ruthlessness on the counter, coupled with Liverpool's continued potency on set plays.
That seems the perfect comparison. A frightening opponent, who unexpectedly got their doors fully blown off. Except, of course, Liverpool scored just once in the first 20 minutes against Madrid, swaggeringly imperious but unable to put the game out of reach until just after halftime. By the 20th minute today, Liverpool had four: a set play brace for Skrtel, and two breakneck counters finished by Sterling and Sturridge. And probably should have had six.
When Skrtel scored within 40 seconds, arguably offside when kneeing Gerrard's free kick into the net, you couldn't help but think back to Chelsea, the eerie similarity to an early set play goal against that London lot. But Liverpool didn't let you worry for long, scoring again from its second set play, a glorious free header from the same Slovakian on Gerrard's corner, arrowed into the top corner from nine yards out. 10 minutes in, and Skrtel's on a hat-trick. Is this the real life or is this just fantasy?
And that wasn't all. Szczesny denied Flanagan, Sturridge chipped wide, Suarez cannoned a brilliant half-volley off the post, and Toure somehow fouled up the ricochet rebound. At this point, last season's trip to the Emirates crept back into the memory, two goals up but succumbing to Arsenal's irrepressible final half an hour, lucky to hold on for the draw. Easy come, easy go.
But again, not today, as Liverpool's high pressing, even better than that against Everton, swiftly led to two more. Henderson stole the first from Özil, drove at Arsenal's defense before feeding Suarez, whose low cross through the six-yard box was perfectly placed for either Sterling or Sturridge to tap in; Sterling just got there first. Coutinho stepped in front of Wilshere to intercept the second and somehow split two defenders with a 40-yard throughball to put Sturridge in on goal, coolly finished around a helpless Szczesny.
That complete thrashing allowed Liverpool to cruise for the next 70 minutes, soaking up all of Arsenal's pressure and not really testing Szczesny for the rest of the first half. Liverpool had 10 shots in the opening 45 minutes, six of them on target, four of them finding the back of the net. Arsenal had one, which went out for a throw-in. That's even more impressive when you remember how Arsenal's cut Liverpool open in the last three meetings, scoring twice in all three.
And like against Everton, Liverpool added the gloss soon after halftime: another blazing transition, Toure's ball over the top releasing an onside Sterling ahead of Arsenal's broken high line, the first effort saved by Szczesny but the second easily put past the prone goalkeeper.
Despite Liverpool's contentment with the scoreline and despite Arsenal's unnecessary consolation, through Gerrard's rash tackle on Oxlade-Chamberlain – no matter the captain's maturation, he still sometimes can't help the big game adrenaline rush – Liverpool remained the more threatening. Sterling denied at the back post on yet another set play; Szczesny preventing shots from Suarez, Coutinho, and Sterling; Henderson chipping wide on yet another counter. Arteta's free kick saved by Mignolet was the only other time the Belgian was called into action, and Liverpool had the luxury of removing Sturridge, Gerrard, and Suarez for Allen, Ibe, and Aspas over the final 25 minutes.
Starting Sterling on the left, better able to track back, better able to limit the damage Sagna's capable of, worked a treat. Suarez equally put in a shift on the right, up against the less-attacking Monreal. Coutinho and Henderson's pressing, combined with the three attackers, couldn't have been better. But sometimes it's as simple as Liverpool getting the early goal thanks to their set play prowess and then not taking their foot off Arsenal's neck until they got three more. Sterling and Henderson were the standouts, Coutinho not far behind, but every Liverpool player was outstanding today. As if you can say anything else after that result.
All this, of course, begs the question as to why Liverpool couldn't do it against Hull, Villa, West Brom, etc. I'm sorry; I can't help being a pessimist and/or a jerk. But it is evidence that this team's still very much in its formative stage, despite these shellackings delivered to three opponents who've tormented Liverpool in recent years.
That shouldn't dull any of today's good feelings. Liverpool, and its fans, deserve to bask in this scoreline, especially given the voodoo Arsenal's had over Liverpool over the last seven or so years. But it should be a warning that a result on Wednesday at Fulham isn't guaranteed, no matter how well Liverpool played today or how bad Fulham's been all season long.
Skrtel 1' 10'
Sterling 17' 52'
Sturridge 20'
Arteta 69' (pen)
5-0 Tottenham, 4-0 Everton, 5-1 Arsenal. Hey, remember when Liverpool won just once in 12 matches against the sides that finished ahead of them in the table last season? Right. Me neither.
This was Everton all over again, even more emphatically. 5-1 flatters Arsenal. The same starting XI, if slightly different in set-up, with Sterling on the left, Suarez on the right, and Sturridge as spearhead. The same blitzkrieg start, out of sight before the opposition even settled. The same compact midfield, the same high pressing and refusal to let Arsenal settle on the ball, the same utter ruthlessness on the counter, coupled with Liverpool's continued potency on set plays.
Anyway. Football. I don't think I've seen an opening 20 minutes like that at Anfield since Real Madrid in 2009.
— Kristian Walsh (@Kristian_Walsh) February 8, 2014That seems the perfect comparison. A frightening opponent, who unexpectedly got their doors fully blown off. Except, of course, Liverpool scored just once in the first 20 minutes against Madrid, swaggeringly imperious but unable to put the game out of reach until just after halftime. By the 20th minute today, Liverpool had four: a set play brace for Skrtel, and two breakneck counters finished by Sterling and Sturridge. And probably should have had six.
When Skrtel scored within 40 seconds, arguably offside when kneeing Gerrard's free kick into the net, you couldn't help but think back to Chelsea, the eerie similarity to an early set play goal against that London lot. But Liverpool didn't let you worry for long, scoring again from its second set play, a glorious free header from the same Slovakian on Gerrard's corner, arrowed into the top corner from nine yards out. 10 minutes in, and Skrtel's on a hat-trick. Is this the real life or is this just fantasy?
And that wasn't all. Szczesny denied Flanagan, Sturridge chipped wide, Suarez cannoned a brilliant half-volley off the post, and Toure somehow fouled up the ricochet rebound. At this point, last season's trip to the Emirates crept back into the memory, two goals up but succumbing to Arsenal's irrepressible final half an hour, lucky to hold on for the draw. Easy come, easy go.
But again, not today, as Liverpool's high pressing, even better than that against Everton, swiftly led to two more. Henderson stole the first from Özil, drove at Arsenal's defense before feeding Suarez, whose low cross through the six-yard box was perfectly placed for either Sterling or Sturridge to tap in; Sterling just got there first. Coutinho stepped in front of Wilshere to intercept the second and somehow split two defenders with a 40-yard throughball to put Sturridge in on goal, coolly finished around a helpless Szczesny.
That complete thrashing allowed Liverpool to cruise for the next 70 minutes, soaking up all of Arsenal's pressure and not really testing Szczesny for the rest of the first half. Liverpool had 10 shots in the opening 45 minutes, six of them on target, four of them finding the back of the net. Arsenal had one, which went out for a throw-in. That's even more impressive when you remember how Arsenal's cut Liverpool open in the last three meetings, scoring twice in all three.
And like against Everton, Liverpool added the gloss soon after halftime: another blazing transition, Toure's ball over the top releasing an onside Sterling ahead of Arsenal's broken high line, the first effort saved by Szczesny but the second easily put past the prone goalkeeper.
Despite Liverpool's contentment with the scoreline and despite Arsenal's unnecessary consolation, through Gerrard's rash tackle on Oxlade-Chamberlain – no matter the captain's maturation, he still sometimes can't help the big game adrenaline rush – Liverpool remained the more threatening. Sterling denied at the back post on yet another set play; Szczesny preventing shots from Suarez, Coutinho, and Sterling; Henderson chipping wide on yet another counter. Arteta's free kick saved by Mignolet was the only other time the Belgian was called into action, and Liverpool had the luxury of removing Sturridge, Gerrard, and Suarez for Allen, Ibe, and Aspas over the final 25 minutes.
Starting Sterling on the left, better able to track back, better able to limit the damage Sagna's capable of, worked a treat. Suarez equally put in a shift on the right, up against the less-attacking Monreal. Coutinho and Henderson's pressing, combined with the three attackers, couldn't have been better. But sometimes it's as simple as Liverpool getting the early goal thanks to their set play prowess and then not taking their foot off Arsenal's neck until they got three more. Sterling and Henderson were the standouts, Coutinho not far behind, but every Liverpool player was outstanding today. As if you can say anything else after that result.
All this, of course, begs the question as to why Liverpool couldn't do it against Hull, Villa, West Brom, etc. I'm sorry; I can't help being a pessimist and/or a jerk. But it is evidence that this team's still very much in its formative stage, despite these shellackings delivered to three opponents who've tormented Liverpool in recent years.
That shouldn't dull any of today's good feelings. Liverpool, and its fans, deserve to bask in this scoreline, especially given the voodoo Arsenal's had over Liverpool over the last seven or so years. But it should be a warning that a result on Wednesday at Fulham isn't guaranteed, no matter how well Liverpool played today or how bad Fulham's been all season long.
07 February 2014
Liverpool v Arsenal 02.08.14
7:45am ET, live in the US on USA Network and NBC Sports Live Extra
Last four head-to-head:
0-2 Arsenal (a) 11.02.13
2-2 (a) 01.30.13
0-2 Arsenal (h) 09.02.12
1-2 Arsenal (h) 03.03.12
Last three matches:
Liverpool: 1-1 West Brom (a); 4-0 Everton (h); 2-0 Bournemouth (a)
Arsenal: 2-0 Palace (h); 2-2 Southampton (a); 4-0 Coventry (h)
Goalscorers (league):
Liverpool: Suarez 23; Sturridge 14; Gerrard 6; Sterling 3; Coutinho, Skrtel 2; Agger, Flanagan, Henderson, Moses, Sakho 1
Arsenal: Giroud 10; Ramsey 8; Walcott 5; Cazorla, Özil 4; Podolski, WIlshere 3; Bendtner, Mertesacker, Oxlade-Chamberlain 2; Arteta, Flamini, Gnabry, Sagna 1
Referee: Michael Oliver
Guess at a line-up:
Mignolet
Flanagan Skrtel Toure Cissokho
Gerrard
Henderson Allen
Sterling Suarez Sturridge
This match comes about a week too early.
Agger and Johnson will be back soon, maybe even by Fulham on Wednesday, but not soon enough for this fixture.
Which means there's only one potential change from the side that's started the last three league matches. Allen for Coutinho, to further solidify the midfield against one of the league's most difficult opponents.
In each of the three previous meetings between Rodgers' Liverpool and Arsenal, Arsenal have utterly dominated the center of the pitch. Bossed, controlled, commanded, dictated. Dominated. Since Rodgers became manager, two opposition players have completed more than 100 passes in a single match: Arteta in the reverse fixture this season, and Aaron Ramsey at the Emirates last season. Arteta, completing 87 of 92 in last season's Anfield meeting, is fourth-highest on the list of most opposition passes by a single player against Rodgers' Liverpool. And that's been the key factor in two 2-0 Arsenal victories, and one 2-2 draw at the Emirates, where Liverpool were at least potent enough to score twice on the counter (and were helped by a couple of Arsenal mistakes).
I expect Liverpool's plan will be very much like that which led to the 4-0 victory over Everton 10 days ago. The draws against Villa and West Brom with the same XI saw Liverpool stuck between two worlds: not defensive enough (or clever enough in defense) to prevent the opposition from nicking at least one, not attacking enough to put the game out of reach regardless of defensive solidity. However, Everton, sandwiched in between those draws, got the most out of the XI because Liverpool had a discernible strategy: defend, defend, defend, then destroy on the break through Sturridge, Suarez, and Sterling. Swamp the midfield and force the opposition to attack from out wide, where Everton weren't comfortable and Arsenal aren't quite as comfortable, let Skrtel and Toure do what they're good at: defending the six-yard box, heading away crosses and blocking long-range shots. That seems the ideal strategy tomorrow.
Maybe Coutinho will still be preferred to Allen; his work rate was brilliant in the Merseyside Derby, coupled with the eye for the killer pass so evident in Liverpool's second goal. But I suspect that Allen will get the nod, for further midfield protection, and to keep Coutinho in reserve if Liverpool need a game-changing substitution. Which, I doubt I need to remind, is something that Liverpool has lacked all season.
So much for Arsenal falling back to earth over the course of the season. They've eight wins and two draws in their last ten matches, unbeaten since December 14. But this isn't the Arsenal we've become accustomed to, having married their typical team-wide attacking nous – 14 different players have scored in the league, the most in the division – to a remarkably parsimonious defense. Only Chelsea have conceded fewer goals, 20 to Arsenal's 21, while Arsenal have more clean sheets than any other side.
Arteta and Wilshere are questionable, but most likely available; Vermaelen's doubtful, but unlikely to start even if fit; Walcott, Ramsey, and Källström are all out injured, while Flamini's suspended.
So Arsenal's most likely XI is Szczesny; Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal; Oxlade-Chambelain, Arteta; Cazorla, Özil, Podolski; Giroud. Gibbs is back from injury, but Monreal's played well in the last two matches, and seems better equipped to deal with Sterling's threat. Oxlade-Chamberlain will probably keep his place ahead of the returning Wilshere or move into the attacking line of three in place of Podolski, on the right with Cazorla switching to the left. If Oxlade-Chamberlain stays in midfield, Wenger might also go with Rosicky, adding another clever midfielder rather than the more out-and-out forward in Podolski. Podolski provides more diversity in attack, but Flanagan's game matches up well against the German's, as the young Scouser will sit deep and mark tightly, with Arsenal's fullback less likely to overlap on that side. Liverpool remain much more vulnerable on the opposite flank, where Cissokho and Toure could come up against Oxlade-Chamberlain, Özil, Cazorla, Sagna, and Giroud if he drifts in that direction. Either Sturridge or Suarez will have to do a lot of tracking back, which will further isolate the other who stays forward. And whoever the midfield help is on that side, whether Henderson or Allen, is in for a long, difficult match.
Regardless of who starts in Arsenal's attacking line of three, all three will switch positions frequently, especially Cazorla and Özil, which is something Liverpool will have to watch carefully, especially since Giroud's natural game is to drop deep to receive the ball, further congesting and confusing that section of the pitch.
There's no underestimating the importance of this fixture, for either side. Arsenal are deservedly first, eight points ahead of Liverpool in fourth, about to start a hell month of fixtures that'll see them face Liverpool twice, United, and Bayern Munich over 11 days. This is the second of Liverpool's five matches against the other top six sides over the second half of the campaign, all at Anfield, a venue where Liverpool have won 10, drawn once, and lost once this season. The first, you may remember was the 4-0 destruction of the derby rivals. Only City and Chelsea have a better home record this season, but no side has a better away record than Arsenal.
And Liverpool haven't beaten Arsenal since August 2011, haven't beaten Arsenal at Anfield since a 4-2 Champions League win in April 2008. The last league win against Arsenal at Anfield? March 2007, one month shy of seven years ago, when Crouch scored a perfect hat-trick to lead Liverpool to a 4-1 victory, crucial in pipping Arsenal to 3rd place on goal difference that season.
Whoever wins this fixture – and Arsenal have to be favorites, no matter Liverpool's home record this season – will go a long way in cementing their current league position. If either of these sides actually win this fixture. Liverpool and Arsenal have drawn eight of the 16 matches played in all competitions over the last seven seasons, which is more draws than any other fixture over than span.
Last four head-to-head:
0-2 Arsenal (a) 11.02.13
2-2 (a) 01.30.13
0-2 Arsenal (h) 09.02.12
1-2 Arsenal (h) 03.03.12
Last three matches:
Liverpool: 1-1 West Brom (a); 4-0 Everton (h); 2-0 Bournemouth (a)
Arsenal: 2-0 Palace (h); 2-2 Southampton (a); 4-0 Coventry (h)
Goalscorers (league):
Liverpool: Suarez 23; Sturridge 14; Gerrard 6; Sterling 3; Coutinho, Skrtel 2; Agger, Flanagan, Henderson, Moses, Sakho 1
Arsenal: Giroud 10; Ramsey 8; Walcott 5; Cazorla, Özil 4; Podolski, WIlshere 3; Bendtner, Mertesacker, Oxlade-Chamberlain 2; Arteta, Flamini, Gnabry, Sagna 1
Referee: Michael Oliver
Guess at a line-up:
Mignolet
Flanagan Skrtel Toure Cissokho
Gerrard
Henderson Allen
Sterling Suarez Sturridge
This match comes about a week too early.
Agger and Johnson will be back soon, maybe even by Fulham on Wednesday, but not soon enough for this fixture.
Which means there's only one potential change from the side that's started the last three league matches. Allen for Coutinho, to further solidify the midfield against one of the league's most difficult opponents.
In each of the three previous meetings between Rodgers' Liverpool and Arsenal, Arsenal have utterly dominated the center of the pitch. Bossed, controlled, commanded, dictated. Dominated. Since Rodgers became manager, two opposition players have completed more than 100 passes in a single match: Arteta in the reverse fixture this season, and Aaron Ramsey at the Emirates last season. Arteta, completing 87 of 92 in last season's Anfield meeting, is fourth-highest on the list of most opposition passes by a single player against Rodgers' Liverpool. And that's been the key factor in two 2-0 Arsenal victories, and one 2-2 draw at the Emirates, where Liverpool were at least potent enough to score twice on the counter (and were helped by a couple of Arsenal mistakes).
I expect Liverpool's plan will be very much like that which led to the 4-0 victory over Everton 10 days ago. The draws against Villa and West Brom with the same XI saw Liverpool stuck between two worlds: not defensive enough (or clever enough in defense) to prevent the opposition from nicking at least one, not attacking enough to put the game out of reach regardless of defensive solidity. However, Everton, sandwiched in between those draws, got the most out of the XI because Liverpool had a discernible strategy: defend, defend, defend, then destroy on the break through Sturridge, Suarez, and Sterling. Swamp the midfield and force the opposition to attack from out wide, where Everton weren't comfortable and Arsenal aren't quite as comfortable, let Skrtel and Toure do what they're good at: defending the six-yard box, heading away crosses and blocking long-range shots. That seems the ideal strategy tomorrow.
Maybe Coutinho will still be preferred to Allen; his work rate was brilliant in the Merseyside Derby, coupled with the eye for the killer pass so evident in Liverpool's second goal. But I suspect that Allen will get the nod, for further midfield protection, and to keep Coutinho in reserve if Liverpool need a game-changing substitution. Which, I doubt I need to remind, is something that Liverpool has lacked all season.
So much for Arsenal falling back to earth over the course of the season. They've eight wins and two draws in their last ten matches, unbeaten since December 14. But this isn't the Arsenal we've become accustomed to, having married their typical team-wide attacking nous – 14 different players have scored in the league, the most in the division – to a remarkably parsimonious defense. Only Chelsea have conceded fewer goals, 20 to Arsenal's 21, while Arsenal have more clean sheets than any other side.
Arteta and Wilshere are questionable, but most likely available; Vermaelen's doubtful, but unlikely to start even if fit; Walcott, Ramsey, and Källström are all out injured, while Flamini's suspended.
So Arsenal's most likely XI is Szczesny; Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal; Oxlade-Chambelain, Arteta; Cazorla, Özil, Podolski; Giroud. Gibbs is back from injury, but Monreal's played well in the last two matches, and seems better equipped to deal with Sterling's threat. Oxlade-Chamberlain will probably keep his place ahead of the returning Wilshere or move into the attacking line of three in place of Podolski, on the right with Cazorla switching to the left. If Oxlade-Chamberlain stays in midfield, Wenger might also go with Rosicky, adding another clever midfielder rather than the more out-and-out forward in Podolski. Podolski provides more diversity in attack, but Flanagan's game matches up well against the German's, as the young Scouser will sit deep and mark tightly, with Arsenal's fullback less likely to overlap on that side. Liverpool remain much more vulnerable on the opposite flank, where Cissokho and Toure could come up against Oxlade-Chamberlain, Özil, Cazorla, Sagna, and Giroud if he drifts in that direction. Either Sturridge or Suarez will have to do a lot of tracking back, which will further isolate the other who stays forward. And whoever the midfield help is on that side, whether Henderson or Allen, is in for a long, difficult match.
Regardless of who starts in Arsenal's attacking line of three, all three will switch positions frequently, especially Cazorla and Özil, which is something Liverpool will have to watch carefully, especially since Giroud's natural game is to drop deep to receive the ball, further congesting and confusing that section of the pitch.
There's no underestimating the importance of this fixture, for either side. Arsenal are deservedly first, eight points ahead of Liverpool in fourth, about to start a hell month of fixtures that'll see them face Liverpool twice, United, and Bayern Munich over 11 days. This is the second of Liverpool's five matches against the other top six sides over the second half of the campaign, all at Anfield, a venue where Liverpool have won 10, drawn once, and lost once this season. The first, you may remember was the 4-0 destruction of the derby rivals. Only City and Chelsea have a better home record this season, but no side has a better away record than Arsenal.
And Liverpool haven't beaten Arsenal since August 2011, haven't beaten Arsenal at Anfield since a 4-2 Champions League win in April 2008. The last league win against Arsenal at Anfield? March 2007, one month shy of seven years ago, when Crouch scored a perfect hat-trick to lead Liverpool to a 4-1 victory, crucial in pipping Arsenal to 3rd place on goal difference that season.
Whoever wins this fixture – and Arsenal have to be favorites, no matter Liverpool's home record this season – will go a long way in cementing their current league position. If either of these sides actually win this fixture. Liverpool and Arsenal have drawn eight of the 16 matches played in all competitions over the last seven seasons, which is more draws than any other fixture over than span.
03 February 2014
Visualized: Liverpool 1-1 West Brom
Previous Match Infographics: Everton (h), Aston Villa (h), Stoke (a), Hull (h), Chelsea (a), Manchester City (a), Cardiff (h), Tottenham (a), West Ham (h), Norwich (h), Hull City (a), Everton (a), Fulham (h), Arsenal (a), West Brom (h), Newcastle (a), Crystal Palace (h), Sunderland (a), Southampton (h), Swansea (a), Manchester United (h), Aston Villa (a), Stoke (h)
As always, match data from Stats Zone and Squawka.
It's just the second time that Liverpool's pass accuracy has been below 80% in consecutive matches under Rodgers, after also happening against Tottenham and at Southampton last spring. An encouraging result against one of Liverpool's direct competitors swiftly followed by an away setback. To be fair, Liverpool's results in these consecutive matches were better than last season's: 4-0 over Everton compared to a fortunate 3-2 against Tottenham; a 1-1 draw at West Brom compared to a 1-3 loss at Southampton. Liverpool have had less than 80% pass accuracy in just six matches this season and five matches last season. The only two matches where Liverpool were less accurate this season were against United (76.25%) and at Everton (75.66%)
Liverpool were especially profligate in the attacking third, completing just 57 of 101 passes, 56.4% accuracy. Which is, by far, the worst final third accuracy this season, and the second worst since Rodgers became manager; the only match where Liverpool were less accurate was that 1-3 loss at Southampton last season, completing just 53.3%. Jordan Henderson completed the most Liverpool attacking third passes. He completed 10. 10. Ten. Out of 12 in total. Six West Brom players attempted more attacking third passes than any Liverpool player. Suarez and Sturridge, so often Liverpool's saviors, completed and attempted a combined 10 of 18, which was fewer than Zoltan Gera alone.
And Liverpool subsequently put just three of their 12 shots on target, which is Liverpool's second-worst shooting accuracy of the season, after putting just one of five shots at Villa on-target in a 1-0 win. Liverpool only created five chances – another low for the season, tied with the matches at Chelsea and Villa – four in open play, and no player created more than one. Are you seeing a trend here?
Regardless of all that attacking futility (and there sure was a lot), Liverpool still should have won if not for an egregious, mind-boggling blunder from Kolo Toure.
No side has committed more defensive errors than Liverpool this season. 28 in total, and six have led to goals: four from Mignolet (against Sunderland, City, Stoke, and Villa), one from Henderson (also at Stoke), and now one from Toure. Liverpool have been "lucky" that they've only been punished for six of them; City, Tottenham, Norwich, Stoke, and United have committed fewer defensive errors than Liverpool, but have more errors leading to goals. Only 21.4% of Liverpool's errors have led to goals. 60% of Tottenham's errors have.
Liverpool have now dropped 12 points from winning positions this season: drawing 2-2 at Swansea despite a 2-1 lead, drawing 3-3 at Everton despite a 1-0 and 2-1 lead, losing 1-2 at both City and Chelsea despite a 1-0 lead, and yesterday's 1-1 draw after Sturridge's 24th minute opener. Only West Ham, with 14 pointed dropped from winning positions, have been worse in this regard. Incidentally, Liverpool started a different back four in all five of those matches. I wonder if that has anything to do with the dropped points.
We won't pretend that Liverpool could have kept the lead in all five. But had Liverpool gotten a better result in just, say, two of those five matches, fourth place could be sewn up, and Liverpool might actually be title contenders. I truly hope this season doesn't end with Liverpool looking back on these matches in regret. I'm very much afraid that it will.
12 points is the exact same amount that Liverpool had dropped from winning positions after 24 games last season, with draws against City, Everton, and Arsenal, and losses against United and Stoke. For all Liverpool's improvement in other areas, that's a depressing familiar statistic. Last season, Liverpool went on to drop just two points from winning positions in the subsequent 14 matches, in the other 2-2 draw at City.
Conversely, Liverpool have taken just four points from losing positions this season: coming back from a deficit to draw against Swansea, Newcastle, Everton, and Aston Villa. Liverpool haven't yet won a match that they've been losing in. They did that four times in the league last season: at West Ham, v Tottenham, at Villa, and at Fulham. We've suggested that Liverpool have become a more resilient side this season, but that statistic suggests otherwise.
But let's be fair to West Brom. They've taken points off of every top-seven side except City, both home and away, under both Steve Clarke and Pepe Mel. They drew at home against Arsenal, at both Chelsea and Tottenham, and in both matches against Everton, while also beating United at Old Trafford. So far, Liverpool's 4-1 home win in October is the only one of nine matches against the top seven sides decided by more than a single goal. For all of West Brom's struggles against their fellow bottom-half competitors, they've consistently upped their game against better opposition.
Yesterday, they did that with defense. Tackles, interceptions, and blocked shots. No Liverpool opponent made more interceptions than West Brom's 28 this season. No Liverpool opponent has blocked a larger proportion of shots this season than West Brom did, getting in the way of six of Liverpool's 12. The next closest games were the 4-1 win against West Ham and 1-0 win over Villa, where each side blocked 40% of Liverpool's shots. And that defensive solidity was despite an enforced change in the 41st minute thanks to Olsson's injury, with Lugano holding the back line just as firmly except for one moment where he was finally beaten by Suarez, but spectacularly saved by Foster.
As always, match data from Stats Zone and Squawka.
It's just the second time that Liverpool's pass accuracy has been below 80% in consecutive matches under Rodgers, after also happening against Tottenham and at Southampton last spring. An encouraging result against one of Liverpool's direct competitors swiftly followed by an away setback. To be fair, Liverpool's results in these consecutive matches were better than last season's: 4-0 over Everton compared to a fortunate 3-2 against Tottenham; a 1-1 draw at West Brom compared to a 1-3 loss at Southampton. Liverpool have had less than 80% pass accuracy in just six matches this season and five matches last season. The only two matches where Liverpool were less accurate this season were against United (76.25%) and at Everton (75.66%)
Liverpool were especially profligate in the attacking third, completing just 57 of 101 passes, 56.4% accuracy. Which is, by far, the worst final third accuracy this season, and the second worst since Rodgers became manager; the only match where Liverpool were less accurate was that 1-3 loss at Southampton last season, completing just 53.3%. Jordan Henderson completed the most Liverpool attacking third passes. He completed 10. 10. Ten. Out of 12 in total. Six West Brom players attempted more attacking third passes than any Liverpool player. Suarez and Sturridge, so often Liverpool's saviors, completed and attempted a combined 10 of 18, which was fewer than Zoltan Gera alone.
And Liverpool subsequently put just three of their 12 shots on target, which is Liverpool's second-worst shooting accuracy of the season, after putting just one of five shots at Villa on-target in a 1-0 win. Liverpool only created five chances – another low for the season, tied with the matches at Chelsea and Villa – four in open play, and no player created more than one. Are you seeing a trend here?
Regardless of all that attacking futility (and there sure was a lot), Liverpool still should have won if not for an egregious, mind-boggling blunder from Kolo Toure.
No side has committed more defensive errors than Liverpool this season. 28 in total, and six have led to goals: four from Mignolet (against Sunderland, City, Stoke, and Villa), one from Henderson (also at Stoke), and now one from Toure. Liverpool have been "lucky" that they've only been punished for six of them; City, Tottenham, Norwich, Stoke, and United have committed fewer defensive errors than Liverpool, but have more errors leading to goals. Only 21.4% of Liverpool's errors have led to goals. 60% of Tottenham's errors have.
Liverpool have now dropped 12 points from winning positions this season: drawing 2-2 at Swansea despite a 2-1 lead, drawing 3-3 at Everton despite a 1-0 and 2-1 lead, losing 1-2 at both City and Chelsea despite a 1-0 lead, and yesterday's 1-1 draw after Sturridge's 24th minute opener. Only West Ham, with 14 pointed dropped from winning positions, have been worse in this regard. Incidentally, Liverpool started a different back four in all five of those matches. I wonder if that has anything to do with the dropped points.
We won't pretend that Liverpool could have kept the lead in all five. But had Liverpool gotten a better result in just, say, two of those five matches, fourth place could be sewn up, and Liverpool might actually be title contenders. I truly hope this season doesn't end with Liverpool looking back on these matches in regret. I'm very much afraid that it will.
12 points is the exact same amount that Liverpool had dropped from winning positions after 24 games last season, with draws against City, Everton, and Arsenal, and losses against United and Stoke. For all Liverpool's improvement in other areas, that's a depressing familiar statistic. Last season, Liverpool went on to drop just two points from winning positions in the subsequent 14 matches, in the other 2-2 draw at City.
Conversely, Liverpool have taken just four points from losing positions this season: coming back from a deficit to draw against Swansea, Newcastle, Everton, and Aston Villa. Liverpool haven't yet won a match that they've been losing in. They did that four times in the league last season: at West Ham, v Tottenham, at Villa, and at Fulham. We've suggested that Liverpool have become a more resilient side this season, but that statistic suggests otherwise.
But let's be fair to West Brom. They've taken points off of every top-seven side except City, both home and away, under both Steve Clarke and Pepe Mel. They drew at home against Arsenal, at both Chelsea and Tottenham, and in both matches against Everton, while also beating United at Old Trafford. So far, Liverpool's 4-1 home win in October is the only one of nine matches against the top seven sides decided by more than a single goal. For all of West Brom's struggles against their fellow bottom-half competitors, they've consistently upped their game against better opposition.
Yesterday, they did that with defense. Tackles, interceptions, and blocked shots. No Liverpool opponent made more interceptions than West Brom's 28 this season. No Liverpool opponent has blocked a larger proportion of shots this season than West Brom did, getting in the way of six of Liverpool's 12. The next closest games were the 4-1 win against West Ham and 1-0 win over Villa, where each side blocked 40% of Liverpool's shots. And that defensive solidity was despite an enforced change in the 41st minute thanks to Olsson's injury, with Lugano holding the back line just as firmly except for one moment where he was finally beaten by Suarez, but spectacularly saved by Foster.
02 February 2014
Liverpool 1-1 West Brom
Goals:
Sturridge 24'
Anichebe 67'
Well, that was the inevitable derby hangover.
It honestly shouldn't have mattered. Liverpool, in control even if massively unconvincing, should have earned an insipid, uninspiring 1-0 victory after a first half moment of genius from Suarez and Sturridge at the very least. West Brom successfully swamping the middle of the pitch prevented Liverpool from threatening more, and Liverpool reverted to the second half defensive shell we saw early in the season after taking a narrow lead, unable to get a second goal when Foster brilliantly denied Suarez on the hour mark. And it looked like working, as West Brom created next to nothing from open play and Mignolet made two impressive saves on set play chances from McAuley's header and Brunt's free kick.
But no. Because this.
Sigh. As if we should be surprised that Liverpool failed to take advantage of both Tottenham and United dropping points yesterday. At least it wasn't what happened at West Brom last season, right? Or what happened against West Brom at Anfield last season for that matter.
The same Liverpool lineup as in the two previous matches, the same formation as in the Merseyside Derby. But the play, and the final result, was much more Villa than Everton. Yep, Liverpool went above and beyond in all areas of the pitch and of play because it was against their city rivals, not because the formation or tactics had finally clicked. Again, quelle surprise.
The first half was all-around ennui aside from the lone goal, starved of chances, the ball trapped in midfield. Gerrard and Skrtel defended well, Sterling was a threatening outlet out wide, but that was pretty much it.
Except for the one moment of brilliance that we've come to expect from Liverpool's strikers. It again started with Sterling, released down the right by Coutinho, charging into the box and keeping possession until Suarez overlapped, with the Uruguayan brilliantly carving out space to cross to Sturridge at the back post, somehow finding room for the left-footed pass despite five defenders between him and his strike partner. Sturridge cleverly held his run until the perfect moment, clearly just onside despite the announcers attempting to make it debatable, tapping in past a stranded Foster.
That was Liverpool's lone shot from inside the box in the first half. Liverpool, who are averaging 8.5 shots inside the box per match. That was the first sign of trouble, but until halftime, it didn't look to be an issue, with West Brom's only frightening moment a Gera shot whistling both high and wide after a giveaway in Liverpool's half. Funny how that works.
But, credit where due, West Brom were a vastly improved side after the break, pushing more men into Liverpool's half, pressing higher up the pitch, preventing Liverpool from getting the early second half goal that'd make the win certain and most likely lead to even more. And that led to the aforementioned set play chances saved by Mignolet, even if little came from open play. Those saves sandwiched the moment where Suarez should have sealed the match, released with an over the top pass, controlling around a helpless Lugano, but denied by an excellent last-ditch Foster kick save.
And then the unthinkable. Liverpool attempting to play out from the back, Mignolet passing to a marginally marked Toure. Toure, under marginal pressure, passing directly to Anichebe rather than a) Mignolet b) Gerrard c) Skrtel or d) hoofing it upfield. Anichebe couldn't have been more open, hammering in a shot from the top of the box with Mignolet scrambling to get back into position. Liverpool have made some incredibly dumb mistakes at the back since Rodgers became manager, most notably two in the two games against Manchester City last season, mistakes which also cost them two points. But today's was almost certainly the dumbest. That's some achievement. Well done, Liverpool.
And then Liverpool were on tilt. There was next to no response, only panic and damage control. Liverpool had exactly one good minute in the 25 following the equalizer, after Allen and Kelly had come on for Coutinho and Flanagan, which shifted the side into a 3-5-2. But Allen's low, off-balance shot went straight at Foster, Toure headed high and wide from a corner, and Kevin Friend ignored two potential penalties: Foster's two-footed block/tackle on Sterling – I don't know why that's legal for keepers when it'd be a red card from any other player – and a debatable handball right afterwards.
And that was about it. Otherwise, haphazard hopeful punts toward Sturridge, Suarez, and Sterling, fouls galore from both sides, a clearly tired Liverpool midfield unable to take any semblance of control. Ugh.
Liverpool remain in pole position for the final Champions League spot despite this setback. It's a better result than either earned against this opposition last season, and not very dissimilar to what West Brom earned against Everton two weeks ago. But both Liverpool's performance and result simply weren't good enough. One step forward swiftly followed by another backward. Liverpool seemingly remain in that pole position for fourth more because of others' failings than their own successes, even if there have been more than a few successes this season.
Let's just hope this provokes the sort of response which led to matches like Tuesday's derby or the other 4-0, 5-0, 4-1 humiliations dealt out earlier this season. Unfortunately, Liverpool's next match isn't against one of the minnows, but an Arsenal side that they haven't beaten since August 2011.
Sturridge 24'
Anichebe 67'
Well, that was the inevitable derby hangover.
It honestly shouldn't have mattered. Liverpool, in control even if massively unconvincing, should have earned an insipid, uninspiring 1-0 victory after a first half moment of genius from Suarez and Sturridge at the very least. West Brom successfully swamping the middle of the pitch prevented Liverpool from threatening more, and Liverpool reverted to the second half defensive shell we saw early in the season after taking a narrow lead, unable to get a second goal when Foster brilliantly denied Suarez on the hour mark. And it looked like working, as West Brom created next to nothing from open play and Mignolet made two impressive saves on set play chances from McAuley's header and Brunt's free kick.
But no. Because this.
29 - Liverpool have made more defensive errors leading to a goal/attempt than any other team in the PL this season. Problem.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 2, 2014Sigh. As if we should be surprised that Liverpool failed to take advantage of both Tottenham and United dropping points yesterday. At least it wasn't what happened at West Brom last season, right? Or what happened against West Brom at Anfield last season for that matter.
The same Liverpool lineup as in the two previous matches, the same formation as in the Merseyside Derby. But the play, and the final result, was much more Villa than Everton. Yep, Liverpool went above and beyond in all areas of the pitch and of play because it was against their city rivals, not because the formation or tactics had finally clicked. Again, quelle surprise.
The first half was all-around ennui aside from the lone goal, starved of chances, the ball trapped in midfield. Gerrard and Skrtel defended well, Sterling was a threatening outlet out wide, but that was pretty much it.
Except for the one moment of brilliance that we've come to expect from Liverpool's strikers. It again started with Sterling, released down the right by Coutinho, charging into the box and keeping possession until Suarez overlapped, with the Uruguayan brilliantly carving out space to cross to Sturridge at the back post, somehow finding room for the left-footed pass despite five defenders between him and his strike partner. Sturridge cleverly held his run until the perfect moment, clearly just onside despite the announcers attempting to make it debatable, tapping in past a stranded Foster.
That was Liverpool's lone shot from inside the box in the first half. Liverpool, who are averaging 8.5 shots inside the box per match. That was the first sign of trouble, but until halftime, it didn't look to be an issue, with West Brom's only frightening moment a Gera shot whistling both high and wide after a giveaway in Liverpool's half. Funny how that works.
But, credit where due, West Brom were a vastly improved side after the break, pushing more men into Liverpool's half, pressing higher up the pitch, preventing Liverpool from getting the early second half goal that'd make the win certain and most likely lead to even more. And that led to the aforementioned set play chances saved by Mignolet, even if little came from open play. Those saves sandwiched the moment where Suarez should have sealed the match, released with an over the top pass, controlling around a helpless Lugano, but denied by an excellent last-ditch Foster kick save.
And then the unthinkable. Liverpool attempting to play out from the back, Mignolet passing to a marginally marked Toure. Toure, under marginal pressure, passing directly to Anichebe rather than a) Mignolet b) Gerrard c) Skrtel or d) hoofing it upfield. Anichebe couldn't have been more open, hammering in a shot from the top of the box with Mignolet scrambling to get back into position. Liverpool have made some incredibly dumb mistakes at the back since Rodgers became manager, most notably two in the two games against Manchester City last season, mistakes which also cost them two points. But today's was almost certainly the dumbest. That's some achievement. Well done, Liverpool.
And then Liverpool were on tilt. There was next to no response, only panic and damage control. Liverpool had exactly one good minute in the 25 following the equalizer, after Allen and Kelly had come on for Coutinho and Flanagan, which shifted the side into a 3-5-2. But Allen's low, off-balance shot went straight at Foster, Toure headed high and wide from a corner, and Kevin Friend ignored two potential penalties: Foster's two-footed block/tackle on Sterling – I don't know why that's legal for keepers when it'd be a red card from any other player – and a debatable handball right afterwards.
And that was about it. Otherwise, haphazard hopeful punts toward Sturridge, Suarez, and Sterling, fouls galore from both sides, a clearly tired Liverpool midfield unable to take any semblance of control. Ugh.
Liverpool remain in pole position for the final Champions League spot despite this setback. It's a better result than either earned against this opposition last season, and not very dissimilar to what West Brom earned against Everton two weeks ago. But both Liverpool's performance and result simply weren't good enough. One step forward swiftly followed by another backward. Liverpool seemingly remain in that pole position for fourth more because of others' failings than their own successes, even if there have been more than a few successes this season.
Let's just hope this provokes the sort of response which led to matches like Tuesday's derby or the other 4-0, 5-0, 4-1 humiliations dealt out earlier this season. Unfortunately, Liverpool's next match isn't against one of the minnows, but an Arsenal side that they haven't beaten since August 2011.
01 February 2014
Liverpool at West Brom 02.02.14
8:30am ET, live in the US on NBC Sports
Last four head-to-head:
4-1 Liverpool (h) 10.26.13
0-2 West Brom (h) 02.11.13
2-1 Liverpool (a; League Cup) 09.26.12
0-3 West Brom (a) 08.18.12
Last three matches:
Liverpool: 4-0 Everton (h); 2-0 Bournemouth (a); 2-2 Villa (h)
West Brom: 3-4 Villa (a); 1-1 Everton (h); 0-1 Southampton (a)
Goalscorers (league):
Liverpool: Suarez 23; Sturridge 13; Gerrard 6; Sterling 3; Coutinho, Skrtel 2; Agger, Flanagan, Henderson, Moses, Sakho 1
West Brom: Berahino 4; Long 3; Amalfitano, Anelka, Brunt, McAuley, Sessegnon 2; Anichebe, Lugano, Morrison, Mulumbu, Olsson. Ridgewell, Vydra, Yacob 1
Referee: Kevin Friend
Guess at a line-up:
Mignolet
Flanagan Skrtel Toure Cissokho
Gerrard
Coutinho Henderson
Sterling Suarez Sturridge
Allen's fit, but I'm not sure that means he'll come straight back into the XI after Tuesday's emphatic derby victory.
However, tomorrow's match will require very different tactics. Liverpool, even away from home, will find counter-attacking transition opportunities limited, will see the majority of the ball, will have to break down a determined, deep defense. That might argue for a steadier, more controlled passer of the ball, but I honestly don't know who Allen replaces if he comes back into the side. Liverpool's whirling dervish, speed racer front three seems set. Coutinho's guile and killer throughballs, married with the defensive effort shown against Everton, will be key in breaking down a rigid rearguard. When Gerrard's fit, Gerrard starts. Henderson remains the only outfield player to feature in every league match this season.
The last time these two teams met, Suarez was at his most masochistic: a 55-minute hat-trick punctuated by a tasmanian devil dribble and nutmeg, then an 18-yard header. That's one way to win. That's a good way to win, actually, against any type of defense. Let's do that again.
One thing West Brom won't do is play the high line which led to Everton's destruction with Liverpool's second, third, and fourth goals on Tuesday. Lugano and Olsson will do pretty much the opposite, playing as deep as possible, protected by both Yacob and Mulumbu. I worry about West Brom's set-up, knowing they kept a clean sheet in both wins over Liverpool last season, but the Baggies have held just one opponent scoreless since the beginning of November, with a single clean sheet in the last 14 matches. Incidentally, that was also West Brom's only victory in the last 14 matches. That they gave up four goals in a helter skelter midweek loss to Aston Villa should provoke a response, should emphasize the need to be much, much more solid at the back, and should make life more difficult for Liverpool's attackers.
Pepe Mel has played 4-4-2 in both matches since becoming West Brom manager. That may change due to Anelka's injury; he was replaced by Amalfitano against Villa. But if West Brom stick with 4-4-2, it'll most likely be Foster; Reid, Lugano, Olsson, Ridgewell; Morrison, Mulumbu, Yacob, Brunt; Vydra, Anichebe, with Vydra, or possibly Berahino, as a direct replacement for Anelka. In contrast to Liverpool's ongoing casualties, Anelka and Sessegnon are West Brom's only absentees.
It's been a strange week: from the euphoric highs of the Merseyside derby to wrist-slitting when the transfer window slammed shut. Back to on-field business. Rodgers suggested that he was content with Liverpool's squad as is, that no incoming players would galvanize the current squad. We got that reaction on Tuesday, but that was a derby. This is West Brom, at West Brom: the kind of fixture that Liverpool's struggled in before, a fixture where Liverpool shit the bed last season. Tomorrow would be a good time to see more of that promised reaction.
Last four head-to-head:
4-1 Liverpool (h) 10.26.13
0-2 West Brom (h) 02.11.13
2-1 Liverpool (a; League Cup) 09.26.12
0-3 West Brom (a) 08.18.12
Last three matches:
Liverpool: 4-0 Everton (h); 2-0 Bournemouth (a); 2-2 Villa (h)
West Brom: 3-4 Villa (a); 1-1 Everton (h); 0-1 Southampton (a)
Goalscorers (league):
Liverpool: Suarez 23; Sturridge 13; Gerrard 6; Sterling 3; Coutinho, Skrtel 2; Agger, Flanagan, Henderson, Moses, Sakho 1
West Brom: Berahino 4; Long 3; Amalfitano, Anelka, Brunt, McAuley, Sessegnon 2; Anichebe, Lugano, Morrison, Mulumbu, Olsson. Ridgewell, Vydra, Yacob 1
Referee: Kevin Friend
Guess at a line-up:
Mignolet
Flanagan Skrtel Toure Cissokho
Gerrard
Coutinho Henderson
Sterling Suarez Sturridge
Allen's fit, but I'm not sure that means he'll come straight back into the XI after Tuesday's emphatic derby victory.
However, tomorrow's match will require very different tactics. Liverpool, even away from home, will find counter-attacking transition opportunities limited, will see the majority of the ball, will have to break down a determined, deep defense. That might argue for a steadier, more controlled passer of the ball, but I honestly don't know who Allen replaces if he comes back into the side. Liverpool's whirling dervish, speed racer front three seems set. Coutinho's guile and killer throughballs, married with the defensive effort shown against Everton, will be key in breaking down a rigid rearguard. When Gerrard's fit, Gerrard starts. Henderson remains the only outfield player to feature in every league match this season.
The last time these two teams met, Suarez was at his most masochistic: a 55-minute hat-trick punctuated by a tasmanian devil dribble and nutmeg, then an 18-yard header. That's one way to win. That's a good way to win, actually, against any type of defense. Let's do that again.
One thing West Brom won't do is play the high line which led to Everton's destruction with Liverpool's second, third, and fourth goals on Tuesday. Lugano and Olsson will do pretty much the opposite, playing as deep as possible, protected by both Yacob and Mulumbu. I worry about West Brom's set-up, knowing they kept a clean sheet in both wins over Liverpool last season, but the Baggies have held just one opponent scoreless since the beginning of November, with a single clean sheet in the last 14 matches. Incidentally, that was also West Brom's only victory in the last 14 matches. That they gave up four goals in a helter skelter midweek loss to Aston Villa should provoke a response, should emphasize the need to be much, much more solid at the back, and should make life more difficult for Liverpool's attackers.
Pepe Mel has played 4-4-2 in both matches since becoming West Brom manager. That may change due to Anelka's injury; he was replaced by Amalfitano against Villa. But if West Brom stick with 4-4-2, it'll most likely be Foster; Reid, Lugano, Olsson, Ridgewell; Morrison, Mulumbu, Yacob, Brunt; Vydra, Anichebe, with Vydra, or possibly Berahino, as a direct replacement for Anelka. In contrast to Liverpool's ongoing casualties, Anelka and Sessegnon are West Brom's only absentees.
It's been a strange week: from the euphoric highs of the Merseyside derby to wrist-slitting when the transfer window slammed shut. Back to on-field business. Rodgers suggested that he was content with Liverpool's squad as is, that no incoming players would galvanize the current squad. We got that reaction on Tuesday, but that was a derby. This is West Brom, at West Brom: the kind of fixture that Liverpool's struggled in before, a fixture where Liverpool shit the bed last season. Tomorrow would be a good time to see more of that promised reaction.
Liverpool's Assists 2013-14 [Infographic]
Inspired by this Bass Tuned to Red post about Liverpool's assists, I thought I'd create a graphic to highlight the results.
These stats are for all competitions, including the League and FA Cup matches so far this season.
Bass Tuned to Red highlighted the two most-noticeable statistics in his post – that Henderson assists so many of Suarez's goals, and Suarez assists so many of Sterling's – but I was also amazed at the amount of players who've set up at least one of Suarez's goals. Ten different players have assisted at least one of his 17 assisted goals: Henderson (5); Sturridge (3); Gerrard (2); Alberto, Cissokho, Coutinho, Enrique, Johnson, Sterling, Toure (1). Similar goes for Sturridge, with eight different creators for his 12 assisted goals.
Last season, Liverpool's most-frequent assist-scorer combination was Enrique to Suarez, which led to four goals. Henderson to Suarez surpassed that in mid-December.
Here are the hard numbers, again courtesy of Bass Tuned to Red:
I'll revisit this at the end of the season.
These stats are for all competitions, including the League and FA Cup matches so far this season.
Bass Tuned to Red highlighted the two most-noticeable statistics in his post – that Henderson assists so many of Suarez's goals, and Suarez assists so many of Sterling's – but I was also amazed at the amount of players who've set up at least one of Suarez's goals. Ten different players have assisted at least one of his 17 assisted goals: Henderson (5); Sturridge (3); Gerrard (2); Alberto, Cissokho, Coutinho, Enrique, Johnson, Sterling, Toure (1). Similar goes for Sturridge, with eight different creators for his 12 assisted goals.
Last season, Liverpool's most-frequent assist-scorer combination was Enrique to Suarez, which led to four goals. Henderson to Suarez surpassed that in mid-December.
Here are the hard numbers, again courtesy of Bass Tuned to Red:
I'll revisit this at the end of the season.
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