10am ET, live in the US on NBC Sports Live Extra
Last four head-to-head:
0-1 Villa (h) 09.13.14
2-2 (h) 1.18.14
1-0 Liverpool (a) 08.24.13
2-1 Liverpool (a) 03.31.13
Last three matches:
Liverpool: 1-0 Sunderland (a); 2-1 Wimbledon (a); 2-2 Leicester (h)
Villa: 0-1 Leicester (a); 1-0 Blackpool (h); 0-0 Palace (h)
Goalscorers (league):
Liverpool: Gerrard 5; Lallana, Own Goal, Sterling 4; Coutinho, Henderson, Moreno 2; Can, Johnson, Lambert, Markovic, Skrtel, Sturridge 1
Villa: Agbonlahor, Weimann 3; Benteke 2; Clark, Cole, Hutton 1
Referee: Mark Clattenburg
Guess at a line-up:
Mignolet
Can Skrtel Sakho
Markovic Henderson Lucas Moreno
Coutinho Sterling
Borini
With Sterling back from his winter break and with Gerrard and Lallana injured (even though both are training, the latter much sooner than expected), Liverpool's line-up seems easy to predict. The same XI as against Sunderland, but with Sterling in place of Gerrard.
Liverpool's injury woes are finally easing. Gerrard and Lallana shouldn't be out for long. Sturridge is also back in training, if seemingly still a couple of weeks away. Even Johnson and Lovren are back, although I'd much rather prefer than Liverpool stick with the defense they've deployed recently.
The only other alternative is to bring Manquillo or Johnson (now that he's fit as well) in at right wing-back, shifting Markovic into one of the attacking midfielder slots, and using Sterling as the main striker rather than Borini. Maybe Balotelli or Lambert start up top rather than Borini, but I doubt it. Even if Borini was disappointing in front of goal, he was vastly more creative than the other two had been, is more mobile, and pressed better as well.
And that above XI, aside from the one change, played reasonably well at Sunderland. Sure, Liverpool's shooting was terrible and Sunderland gave Liverpool a few too many frights despite a man-disadvantage in the second half, but Liverpool were at least reasonably creative in the first half and reasonably secure in the second, and that remains progress for this Liverpool.
Tomorrow, they'll be facing a side that plays similarly – happy to concede possession, resilient in defense, low-shooting and low-scoring but still dangerous on the counter – but has given Liverpool loads more problems in the past.
Aston Villa are winless in the league since December 7, drawing three and losing three since, scoring just one goal (in a 1-1 draw against United) in those six matches. Three 0-1 losses, two 0-0 draws, one 1-1 draw. There aren't many goals in Aston Villa matches, for either side.
Since a 1-2 loss to Tottenham on November 2, Villa haven't conceded more than once in a single match. 11 league matches: seven matches where they conceded one goal, four clean sheets. That's terrifying when Liverpool are involved, a side who usually struggle to score on good days against bad defenses and always have the potential to stupidly concede.
No side has scored fewer goals than Villa, 11, and the second-worst, Sunderland, has seven more goals. Only Hull has taken fewer shots and created fewer chances, only Stoke has a worst shooting accuracy. But similar was true prior to the 1-3 loss to Villa in December 2012, a match where Liverpool had its third-highest possession totals since Rodgers became manager, played the most attacking third passes since Rodgers became manger, and took the third-most shots in a match since Rodgers became manager. And conceded three goals on counter-attacks. And only scored because of a fortunate deflection in the 87th minute with the game long since lost.
No matter Villa's scoring woes, no matter Villa's dire league form, they're still the same Aston Villa which have frustrated Liverpool in every match since Rodgers became manager. 1-3 loss, 2-1 win, 1-0 win, 2-2 draw, 0-1 loss. A deep, resilient defense and Agbonlahor, Weimann, and Benteke on the counter, although recently signed Carlos Gil could make his first appearance in place of Weimann in attack.
That set-up will assuredly be the case tomorrow, with a probable XI of Guzan; Hutton, Okore, Baker, Cissokho; Cleverley, Westwood, Delph; Weimann, Benteke, Agbonlahor. Gil could replace Weimann, Carlos Sanchez could replace Cleverley, but the tactics will remain the same. This will be Delph's first match back after a three-match ban. Villa will be missing three important central defenders – Vlaar and Senderos through injury, Clark through suspension – which could work in Liverpool's favor, but probably won't, because Liverpool. As usual, I'm terrified of Agbonlahor, who seemingly lives for punishing Liverpool, but at least the majority of his punishing usually comes at Anfield.
If Liverpool can replicate and improve on its performance against Sunderland, Liverpool should win tomorrow. If only it were that simple. But Liverpool need to perform tomorrow. Not only do Liverpool desperately need results, any results, but tomorrow marks the end of Liverpool's "easy" festive season. The previous four matches were against the 17th, 9th, 20th, and 16th-placed sides. The next four in the league will be against the 7th, 12th (but still a Merseyside Derby), 6th, and 3rd, with League Cup semifinals against Chelsea and an FA Cup match against Bolton thrown in for good measure. Yikes.
Starting tomorrow, the next six weeks will decide whether the few positives of the last few weeks were a fluke or the beginning of something better.
16 January 2015
15 January 2015
Goals Scored, Conceded, and Points per Game under Rodgers
Since I was curious, thought I'd put together a chart showing Liverpool's goals scored, goals conceded, and points per match since Rodgers became manager. I'm using a rolling six-match average to help weed out freak results.
I wish I hadn't.
Click on the image to open full-size in a new window. *spooky voice* If you dare…
Liverpool have rarely been consistently secure at the back; aside from the stretch to finish 2012-13 and to begin 2013-14, Liverpool's goals conceded totals are fairly static. Throughout Rodgers' tenure, it's all about the goals Liverpool score.
There's not much else to be said. Liverpool have slightly improved over the last few matches, evident in both style of play and results, but the first half of the season was the worst stretch during Rodgers' tenure. To be fair, the decline started with the loss to Chelsea last season, a loss which cost Liverpool the title, but – as I'm sure you remember – things continued to get worse from the beginning of this campaign.
If you're curious, here's a quick season total comparison:
And here's a Google spreadsheet with all the data.
I wish I hadn't.
Click on the image to open full-size in a new window. *spooky voice* If you dare…
Liverpool have rarely been consistently secure at the back; aside from the stretch to finish 2012-13 and to begin 2013-14, Liverpool's goals conceded totals are fairly static. Throughout Rodgers' tenure, it's all about the goals Liverpool score.
There's not much else to be said. Liverpool have slightly improved over the last few matches, evident in both style of play and results, but the first half of the season was the worst stretch during Rodgers' tenure. To be fair, the decline started with the loss to Chelsea last season, a loss which cost Liverpool the title, but – as I'm sure you remember – things continued to get worse from the beginning of this campaign.
If you're curious, here's a quick season total comparison:
And here's a Google spreadsheet with all the data.
12 January 2015
Visualized: Liverpool 1-0 Sunderland
Previous Match Infographics: Leicester (h), Swansea (h), Burnley (a), Arsenal (h), Manchester United (a), Basel (h), Sunderland (h), Leicester (a), Stoke (h), Ludogorets (a), Crystal Palace (a), Chelsea (h), Real Madrid (a), Newcastle (a), Hull (h), Real Madrid (h), QPR (a), West Brom (h), Basel (a), Everton (h), West Ham (a), Ludogorets (h), Aston Villa (h), Tottenham (a), Manchester City (a), Southampton (h)
As always, match data from Stats Zone, except shot location from Squawka and average player position from ESPN FC.
Liverpool have held its opponents to five or fewer shots six times since Rodgers became manager: three times in 2012-13 (5-0 Norwich, 0-2 West Brom, 5-0 Swansea), once in 2013-14 (4-0 Fulham), and now twice in 2014-15 (the other was 0-1 Villa). Previously, Liverpool had either won at a canter or lost pathetically.
But yesterday was different. Yesterday, Liverpool scored early and kept shooting (except for that embarrassing 15-minute spell just after Bridcutt's red card), but never found the needed second to blow the game open.
Liverpool at least continued to shut down Sunderland. Admittedly, Sunderland are not good up front – they only took seven shots in the reserve fixture – but this Liverpool side hasn't been good at limiting shots or goals very often either, allowing 16, 11, and 16 in the previous three games against Burnley, Swansea, and Leicester. Saturday saw a second successive clean sheet away from home – the first time that's happened since Southampton and United last March. Liverpool have committed just one Opta-defined defensive error in the last five matches: Sakho's giveaway leading to Bony's chance against Swansea. By hook, by crook, and by crossbar, Liverpool held on when Sunderland's threatening spell finally happened.
But there are still obvious issues at the other end of the pitch. Yet again, I can't help but talk about Liverpool's shooting. 21 shots, but just four on-target. 19%. No player with more than one shot on-target. And 19% is only the fifth-worst of the season, behind Villa (5.6%), Palace (8.3%), Sunderland at home (13.3%), and Stoke (18.8%).
Liverpool's lowest shot accuracy in a match last season? 20%, at Aston Villa, when Liverpool took just five shots. Liverpool were only under 30% three other times: the 4-1 win over West Ham, the 3-1 win over Cardiff, and the 1-1 draw at West Brom, which was arguably Liverpool's worst performance of the season.
It's even worse than 2012-13, when Liverpool shot worse than 20% in just three matches: 0-3 at West Brom, 2-2 against City, and 1-0 against Stoke – three of the first seven matches of the campaign.
Shot accuracy obviously isn't the end-all, be-all – Liverpool shot better than 45% in losses at West Ham, Newcastle, and United this season – but it is, by far, the biggest difference between this season and last. But that's what happens when you go from Suarez and Sturridge to Sterling, Balotelli, Lambert, and Borini.
At least Liverpool were in position to take 21 shots, just the fourth time that's happened this season, and the first time it's happened away from home (24 v Everton, 27 v Arsenal, and 21 v Swansea).
Liverpool's striker created the most chances in the side, for only the third time this season (Sterling was joint-top with three against Leicester, and led the side with four at United), and that's despite going off in the 67th minute. Borini did not do anywhere near enough in front of goal, spurning his one opportunity when put through by Can, but at least he was creative. And his assist for Markovic's goal was his first assist for Liverpool.
As against Swansea, Lucas and Henderson looked a much more viable (and mobile!) midfield than any other pairing we've seen this season.
Sunderland saw a lot of the ball, but their possession was mainly limited to the four defenders; Vergini, O'Shea, Brown, and van Aanholt were responsible for 55% of Sunderland's completed passes. Nine of Liverpool's 26 successful tackles came in Sunderland's half, which is both the most and highest percentage away from home this season.
Six corners and five free kicks in Liverpool's half led to just two Sunderland shots: Larsson's easy long-range effort held by Mignolet (Sunderland's only shot on-target), and Gomez's swiftly blocked effort in second half injury time.
Despite the narrow scoreline, Liverpool did a lot of good things. No mistakes, clean sheet, an above average amount of shots. Limiting the amount of opposition opportunities and, aside from that 15-minute stretch after the red card, dictating play and setting the tempo. And all of that happened away from home, probably the best away performance since the 3-0 win at Tottenham. Of course, the only other alternatives are the 3-1 win at Leicester, where Leicester were simply terrible, and the 0-3 loss at United. Yeah, it hasn't been a good season away from Anfield.
So that's progress. But until Liverpool are able to consistently convert opportunities when they actually create opportunities, the matches will remain frustrating and frightening at best, and infuriating, regrettable and costly at worst.
As always, match data from Stats Zone, except shot location from Squawka and average player position from ESPN FC.
Liverpool have held its opponents to five or fewer shots six times since Rodgers became manager: three times in 2012-13 (5-0 Norwich, 0-2 West Brom, 5-0 Swansea), once in 2013-14 (4-0 Fulham), and now twice in 2014-15 (the other was 0-1 Villa). Previously, Liverpool had either won at a canter or lost pathetically.
But yesterday was different. Yesterday, Liverpool scored early and kept shooting (except for that embarrassing 15-minute spell just after Bridcutt's red card), but never found the needed second to blow the game open.
Liverpool at least continued to shut down Sunderland. Admittedly, Sunderland are not good up front – they only took seven shots in the reserve fixture – but this Liverpool side hasn't been good at limiting shots or goals very often either, allowing 16, 11, and 16 in the previous three games against Burnley, Swansea, and Leicester. Saturday saw a second successive clean sheet away from home – the first time that's happened since Southampton and United last March. Liverpool have committed just one Opta-defined defensive error in the last five matches: Sakho's giveaway leading to Bony's chance against Swansea. By hook, by crook, and by crossbar, Liverpool held on when Sunderland's threatening spell finally happened.
But there are still obvious issues at the other end of the pitch. Yet again, I can't help but talk about Liverpool's shooting. 21 shots, but just four on-target. 19%. No player with more than one shot on-target. And 19% is only the fifth-worst of the season, behind Villa (5.6%), Palace (8.3%), Sunderland at home (13.3%), and Stoke (18.8%).
Liverpool's lowest shot accuracy in a match last season? 20%, at Aston Villa, when Liverpool took just five shots. Liverpool were only under 30% three other times: the 4-1 win over West Ham, the 3-1 win over Cardiff, and the 1-1 draw at West Brom, which was arguably Liverpool's worst performance of the season.
It's even worse than 2012-13, when Liverpool shot worse than 20% in just three matches: 0-3 at West Brom, 2-2 against City, and 1-0 against Stoke – three of the first seven matches of the campaign.
Shot accuracy obviously isn't the end-all, be-all – Liverpool shot better than 45% in losses at West Ham, Newcastle, and United this season – but it is, by far, the biggest difference between this season and last. But that's what happens when you go from Suarez and Sturridge to Sterling, Balotelli, Lambert, and Borini.
At least Liverpool were in position to take 21 shots, just the fourth time that's happened this season, and the first time it's happened away from home (24 v Everton, 27 v Arsenal, and 21 v Swansea).
Liverpool's striker created the most chances in the side, for only the third time this season (Sterling was joint-top with three against Leicester, and led the side with four at United), and that's despite going off in the 67th minute. Borini did not do anywhere near enough in front of goal, spurning his one opportunity when put through by Can, but at least he was creative. And his assist for Markovic's goal was his first assist for Liverpool.
As against Swansea, Lucas and Henderson looked a much more viable (and mobile!) midfield than any other pairing we've seen this season.
Sunderland saw a lot of the ball, but their possession was mainly limited to the four defenders; Vergini, O'Shea, Brown, and van Aanholt were responsible for 55% of Sunderland's completed passes. Nine of Liverpool's 26 successful tackles came in Sunderland's half, which is both the most and highest percentage away from home this season.
Six corners and five free kicks in Liverpool's half led to just two Sunderland shots: Larsson's easy long-range effort held by Mignolet (Sunderland's only shot on-target), and Gomez's swiftly blocked effort in second half injury time.
Despite the narrow scoreline, Liverpool did a lot of good things. No mistakes, clean sheet, an above average amount of shots. Limiting the amount of opposition opportunities and, aside from that 15-minute stretch after the red card, dictating play and setting the tempo. And all of that happened away from home, probably the best away performance since the 3-0 win at Tottenham. Of course, the only other alternatives are the 3-1 win at Leicester, where Leicester were simply terrible, and the 0-3 loss at United. Yeah, it hasn't been a good season away from Anfield.
So that's progress. But until Liverpool are able to consistently convert opportunities when they actually create opportunities, the matches will remain frustrating and frightening at best, and infuriating, regrettable and costly at worst.
10 January 2015
Liverpool 1-0 Sunderland
Goals:
Markovic 8'
Liverpool can never do things the easy way.
Liverpool were very good in the first half, and it was unfathomable that the half ended 1-0. Well, unfathomable if Liverpool weren't Liverpool and we weren't used to this Liverpool.
Markovic should have won a clear-cut penalty in the 3rd minute. Gerrard had a wicked wide free kick tipped over in the 29th minute. From the resulting corner, Markovic's half-volley rebound cannoned off the woodwork and goalkeeper. Borini rounded the keeper following Can's long ball in the 44th but could only shoot into the side-netting from a narrow angle. Coutinho and Gerrard had half-chances but either mis-kicked or tamely shot wide.
Meanwhile, Sunderland took just one first half shot: a 30-yard free kick from Larsson sent straight at Mignolet.
But no matter how well Liverpool had played, you just knew the second half would be different. It'd see Sunderland attack, it'd see Liverpool sit deeper, and it'd see Liverpool come under threat. It'd evoke memories of the 1-1 horror show which started the 2011-12 campaign. And even though Bridcutt picked up a second yellow in the 49th minute, that's exactly what happened.
It did not help that Lovren replaced Gerrard at halftime, withdrawn as a precaution because of a tight hamstring, Can first switching to attacking midfielder, then right wing-back a few minutes later. I do not know why it wasn't Manquillo, with Markovic shifting to attacking midfielder (as he eventually did). My only guess is that Rodgers hasn't given up on Lovren, even though everyone else has, and is looking for any way to return him to the side. All I know is that it went about as well as you could expect.
Sunderland should have been level five minutes after the sending off, when Johnson, in acres of space, pinged a speculative shot from distance off the crossbar — just like Markovic's in the first half — hit Mignolet, and was somehow cleared behind. I'll churlishly note that the shot came from Liverpool's inside right channel. You know, where Dejan Lovren was playing.
To be fair, that was Sunderland's only threatening opportunity until late. They took just five shots all match, and three came well after the 80th minute. The away side were mostly untroubled in the final 20 minutes, after Balotelli replaced Borini, until injury time. But Sunderland had too much possession, too many set plays, for a side a man down, after Liverpool had been so impressive in the first half. We'd seen Liverpool stupidly relinquish a lead despite being "dominant" far too often this season. It only takes one moment, a moment like Johnson's 54th minute shot.
But Liverpool didn't give them many moments after the 54th-minute fright, and Sunderland couldn't take the few they did.
As influential as Coutinho and Markovic were in the first half, Lucas was in the second half. More of his tackles and clearances came in the opening 45 minutes, but his protection of the back three, work rate, and positioning were vastly more needed with Liverpool under pressure. It's amazing what he can do with a) fresh legs after five days off and b) Henderson as protection. It's utterly insane that we're seeing rumors of a January departure given the state and balance of Liverpool's squad.
But even though it should have been better, it could have been worse. Liverpool got all three points, Liverpool kept a clean sheet. By hook or by crook, by luck or talent.
Liverpool's +16 shot differential was the second-best of the season (behind +20 in the 2-2 draw against Arsenal), and only the second time Liverpool reached that margin away from home under Brendan Rodgers (outshooting Palace 26-10 in last season's 3-3). Liverpool just, you know, still need to get more of those shots on target.
And it's consecutive 1-0 away wins in the league for the first time since 1976 (beating Leicester and Sunderland, coincidentally). Sure, Liverpool have won consecutive away matches an awful lot since then, even kept consecutive away clean sheets an awful lot since then (the last being 3-0 wins at Southampton and United last spring), but the ability to see out close, contentious, frightening games is a good ability to have. And it's an ability that Liverpool need to demonstrate on a consistent basis.
Markovic 8'
Liverpool can never do things the easy way.
Liverpool were very good in the first half, and it was unfathomable that the half ended 1-0. Well, unfathomable if Liverpool weren't Liverpool and we weren't used to this Liverpool.
Markovic should have won a clear-cut penalty in the 3rd minute. Gerrard had a wicked wide free kick tipped over in the 29th minute. From the resulting corner, Markovic's half-volley rebound cannoned off the woodwork and goalkeeper. Borini rounded the keeper following Can's long ball in the 44th but could only shoot into the side-netting from a narrow angle. Coutinho and Gerrard had half-chances but either mis-kicked or tamely shot wide.
Meanwhile, Sunderland took just one first half shot: a 30-yard free kick from Larsson sent straight at Mignolet.
But no matter how well Liverpool had played, you just knew the second half would be different. It'd see Sunderland attack, it'd see Liverpool sit deeper, and it'd see Liverpool come under threat. It'd evoke memories of the 1-1 horror show which started the 2011-12 campaign. And even though Bridcutt picked up a second yellow in the 49th minute, that's exactly what happened.
It did not help that Lovren replaced Gerrard at halftime, withdrawn as a precaution because of a tight hamstring, Can first switching to attacking midfielder, then right wing-back a few minutes later. I do not know why it wasn't Manquillo, with Markovic shifting to attacking midfielder (as he eventually did). My only guess is that Rodgers hasn't given up on Lovren, even though everyone else has, and is looking for any way to return him to the side. All I know is that it went about as well as you could expect.
Sunderland should have been level five minutes after the sending off, when Johnson, in acres of space, pinged a speculative shot from distance off the crossbar — just like Markovic's in the first half — hit Mignolet, and was somehow cleared behind. I'll churlishly note that the shot came from Liverpool's inside right channel. You know, where Dejan Lovren was playing.
To be fair, that was Sunderland's only threatening opportunity until late. They took just five shots all match, and three came well after the 80th minute. The away side were mostly untroubled in the final 20 minutes, after Balotelli replaced Borini, until injury time. But Sunderland had too much possession, too many set plays, for a side a man down, after Liverpool had been so impressive in the first half. We'd seen Liverpool stupidly relinquish a lead despite being "dominant" far too often this season. It only takes one moment, a moment like Johnson's 54th minute shot.
But Liverpool didn't give them many moments after the 54th-minute fright, and Sunderland couldn't take the few they did.
As influential as Coutinho and Markovic were in the first half, Lucas was in the second half. More of his tackles and clearances came in the opening 45 minutes, but his protection of the back three, work rate, and positioning were vastly more needed with Liverpool under pressure. It's amazing what he can do with a) fresh legs after five days off and b) Henderson as protection. It's utterly insane that we're seeing rumors of a January departure given the state and balance of Liverpool's squad.
But even though it should have been better, it could have been worse. Liverpool got all three points, Liverpool kept a clean sheet. By hook or by crook, by luck or talent.
Liverpool's +16 shot differential was the second-best of the season (behind +20 in the 2-2 draw against Arsenal), and only the second time Liverpool reached that margin away from home under Brendan Rodgers (outshooting Palace 26-10 in last season's 3-3). Liverpool just, you know, still need to get more of those shots on target.
And it's consecutive 1-0 away wins in the league for the first time since 1976 (beating Leicester and Sunderland, coincidentally). Sure, Liverpool have won consecutive away matches an awful lot since then, even kept consecutive away clean sheets an awful lot since then (the last being 3-0 wins at Southampton and United last spring), but the ability to see out close, contentious, frightening games is a good ability to have. And it's an ability that Liverpool need to demonstrate on a consistent basis.
09 January 2015
Liverpool at Sunderland 01.10.15
7:45am ET, live in the US on NBC Sports
Last four head-to-head:
0-0 (h) 12.06.14
2-1 Liverpool (h) 03.26.14
3-1 Liverpool (a) 09.29.13
3-0 Liverpool (h) 01.02.13
Last three matches:
Liverpool: 2-1 Wimbledon (a); 2-2 Leicester (h); 4-1 Swansea (h)
Sunderland: 1-0 Leeds (h); 2-3 City (a); 0-0 Villa (a)
Goalscorers (league):
Liverpool: Gerrard 5; Lallana, Own Goal, Sterling 4; Coutinho, Henderson, Moreno 2; Can, Johnson, Lambert, Skrtel, Sturridge 1
Sunderland: Fletcher, Johnson 4; Gomez, Larsson, Rodwell, Wickham 2; Cattermole 1
Referee: Craig Pawson
Guess at a line-up:
Mignolet
Can Skrtel Sakho
Manquillo Henderson Lucas Moreno
Gerrard Coutinho
Sterling
For once, Liverpool's lineup seems to write itself.
Sterling will undoubtedly return to the lineup as the striker.
Toure's now at the African Cup of Nations while Johnson's still injured and Lovren's still Lovren, so the back three has to be Can, Skrtel, and Sakho.
Lallana's calf injury seemingly ensures Gerrard will start further forward, as against Wimbledon. Which ensures Henderson will partner Lucas. Which ensures Manquillo will be needed at wing-back.
The one spot up for grabs is left wing-back, either Moreno or Markovic. Markovic is seemingly more useful against a packed defense, but Markovic could also be crucial as a game-changing sub off the bench, able to add pace at either wing-back or in attack when sides begin to tire.
There are a couple of alternatives. Bring in Balotelli or Lambert, use Sterling as an attacking midfielder, and either drop Gerrard into midfield or drop Gerrard entirely. Or maybe Rodgers changes the formation, reverting to a diamond or a 3-4-1-2 rather than a 3-4-2-1. But both of those alternatives seem very unlikely.
Over the last couple of months, Sunderland have become draw specialists. Six of their last 10 league matches have ended with honors even, four of those at 0-0, including the last time these two sides met. Sunderland have kept six clean sheets since the beginning of November, which is one more than Liverpool have kept all season (all competitions).
Rodwell, Cattermole, Reveillere, Mannone, and Ricky Alvarez are all doubtful, while Seba Coates is ineligible due to the terms of his loan. If all those players don't feature, Sunderland's XI should be Pantilimon; Vergini, O'Shea, Brown, Jones; Bridcutt; Buckley, Larsson, Gomez, Johnson; Wickham. Which is nearly the exact lineup as in the reverse fixture, except for Buckley in place of Altidore and Jones in place of Reveillere. Cattermole and/or Rodwell are the only ones who'd seem certain to start if available. Both usually play as the deepest midfielder in Sunderland's 4-1-4-1, but both are capable of playing in either Gomez or Larsson's spot further forward as well.
Sunderland's primary philosophy is to keep it tight at the back and be difficult to beat. Any goals scored are a bonus. That's not the best way to face Liverpool. As Leicester demonstrated, as Wimbledon demonstrated, as many, many others have demonstrated, the best way to face Liverpool is to attack Liverpool.
Sunderland, at home, will probably do some attacking. More than in the last meeting, at least, where their entire attack consisted of Wickham throwing himself to the ground in the box and looking hopefully at the referee. And Sunderland demonstrated they're capable of attacking if given the chance, coming back from a two-goal deficit at City before losing 2-3. Still, I expect that this will look more like Liverpool's previous matches against Burnley, Stoke, and, yes, Sunderland.
Which presents a different, if nearly equally difficult challenge: cutting through a packed defense determined to deny space and block shots, a tactic which has often frustrated Liverpool this season. The template for that remains Liverpool's 4-1 win over Swansea, where clever movement, pace, and ball retention eventually led to broken lines, defensive mistakes, and four Liverpool goals.
But, for now, that match remains the exception rather than the rule.
Last four head-to-head:
0-0 (h) 12.06.14
2-1 Liverpool (h) 03.26.14
3-1 Liverpool (a) 09.29.13
3-0 Liverpool (h) 01.02.13
Last three matches:
Liverpool: 2-1 Wimbledon (a); 2-2 Leicester (h); 4-1 Swansea (h)
Sunderland: 1-0 Leeds (h); 2-3 City (a); 0-0 Villa (a)
Goalscorers (league):
Liverpool: Gerrard 5; Lallana, Own Goal, Sterling 4; Coutinho, Henderson, Moreno 2; Can, Johnson, Lambert, Skrtel, Sturridge 1
Sunderland: Fletcher, Johnson 4; Gomez, Larsson, Rodwell, Wickham 2; Cattermole 1
Referee: Craig Pawson
Guess at a line-up:
Mignolet
Can Skrtel Sakho
Manquillo Henderson Lucas Moreno
Gerrard Coutinho
Sterling
For once, Liverpool's lineup seems to write itself.
Sterling will undoubtedly return to the lineup as the striker.
Toure's now at the African Cup of Nations while Johnson's still injured and Lovren's still Lovren, so the back three has to be Can, Skrtel, and Sakho.
Lallana's calf injury seemingly ensures Gerrard will start further forward, as against Wimbledon. Which ensures Henderson will partner Lucas. Which ensures Manquillo will be needed at wing-back.
The one spot up for grabs is left wing-back, either Moreno or Markovic. Markovic is seemingly more useful against a packed defense, but Markovic could also be crucial as a game-changing sub off the bench, able to add pace at either wing-back or in attack when sides begin to tire.
There are a couple of alternatives. Bring in Balotelli or Lambert, use Sterling as an attacking midfielder, and either drop Gerrard into midfield or drop Gerrard entirely. Or maybe Rodgers changes the formation, reverting to a diamond or a 3-4-1-2 rather than a 3-4-2-1. But both of those alternatives seem very unlikely.
Over the last couple of months, Sunderland have become draw specialists. Six of their last 10 league matches have ended with honors even, four of those at 0-0, including the last time these two sides met. Sunderland have kept six clean sheets since the beginning of November, which is one more than Liverpool have kept all season (all competitions).
Rodwell, Cattermole, Reveillere, Mannone, and Ricky Alvarez are all doubtful, while Seba Coates is ineligible due to the terms of his loan. If all those players don't feature, Sunderland's XI should be Pantilimon; Vergini, O'Shea, Brown, Jones; Bridcutt; Buckley, Larsson, Gomez, Johnson; Wickham. Which is nearly the exact lineup as in the reverse fixture, except for Buckley in place of Altidore and Jones in place of Reveillere. Cattermole and/or Rodwell are the only ones who'd seem certain to start if available. Both usually play as the deepest midfielder in Sunderland's 4-1-4-1, but both are capable of playing in either Gomez or Larsson's spot further forward as well.
Sunderland's primary philosophy is to keep it tight at the back and be difficult to beat. Any goals scored are a bonus. That's not the best way to face Liverpool. As Leicester demonstrated, as Wimbledon demonstrated, as many, many others have demonstrated, the best way to face Liverpool is to attack Liverpool.
Sunderland, at home, will probably do some attacking. More than in the last meeting, at least, where their entire attack consisted of Wickham throwing himself to the ground in the box and looking hopefully at the referee. And Sunderland demonstrated they're capable of attacking if given the chance, coming back from a two-goal deficit at City before losing 2-3. Still, I expect that this will look more like Liverpool's previous matches against Burnley, Stoke, and, yes, Sunderland.
Which presents a different, if nearly equally difficult challenge: cutting through a packed defense determined to deny space and block shots, a tactic which has often frustrated Liverpool this season. The template for that remains Liverpool's 4-1 win over Swansea, where clever movement, pace, and ball retention eventually led to broken lines, defensive mistakes, and four Liverpool goals.
But, for now, that match remains the exception rather than the rule.
04 January 2015
Liverpool at AFC Wimbledon 01.05.15
3pm ET, live in the US on Fox Sports 1
Previous Rounds:
Liverpool: n/a
Wimbledon: 1-0 Wycombe (a); 3-1 York (h); 1-1 York (a)
Last three matches:
Liverpool: 2-2 Leicester (h); 4-1 Swansea (h); 1-0 Burnley (a)
Wimbledon: 4-1 Exeter (h); 2-0 Portsmouth (a); 0-1 Mansfield (h)
Goalscorers (all):
Liverpool: Gerrard 7; Sterling 6; Lallana 4; Henderson 3; Balotelli, Coutinho, Lambert, Moreno 2; Can, Johnson, Lovren, Rossiter, Skrtel, Sturridge, Suso 1
Wimbledon: Tubbs 15; Akinfenwa 9; Azeez, Rigg 5; Barrett, Francomb, Smith 2; Frampton, Fuller, Goodman, Sainte-Luce, Sutherland 1
Referee: Jon Moss
Guess at a line-up:
Mignolet
Manquillo Skrtel Lovren Moreno
Rossiter Allen
Suso Markovic Borini
Balotelli
I have absolutely no idea how Liverpool will line up or who Liverpool will line up with.
Rodgers rarely takes cup competitions lightly. The FA Cup is a meaningful competition and – not to get overly and wrongly sentimental – one that Gerrard will want to win in his final season.
But Liverpool have to rest players. A lot of first team players. The league schedule demands it, the semifinals of the League Cup demands it, the state of the squad demands it.
And if Liverpool rest the likes of Sterling, Lallana, Coutinho, and Henderson – among others – I doubt that Liverpool will be able to stick with the 3-4-2-1 we've seen of late. They don't have the bodies up front, they don't have the bodies at the back.
So I'm shoe-horning an almost entirely new XI into the formation which seems most suitable for those players.
Make no mistake. I'm very much guessing in regards to both XI and formation and I'm probably wrong. Rodgers could well start in the 3-4-2-1, start a majority of first-teamers with only one or two rested (*looks hopefully at Sterling*), and I wouldn't be surprised. Or Rodgers could start the majority of the above XI, but replace Borini or Suso with Can and revert to the 3-4-2-1. Although I don't think that front three – specifically Balotelli and Borini – are suited to the 3-4-2-1 we've seen.
Long story short, I assuming Lallana's still injured and please rest Sterling. The rest? *Shrugs* Sterling's only 148 minutes from already reaching last season's total. He's a month removed from turning 20. You're going to burn him out. It's a question of when, not if. Otherwise, the staff knows much more than we do.
There's no "Previous head-to-head meetings" blurb in the above lists because AFC Wimbledon is not the old Wimbledon FC. AFC Wimbledon doesn't have Wimbledon FC's history, MK Dons doesn't have Wimbledon FC's history. That club – the club which memorably upset Liverpool in the final of this competition in 1988 – doesn't exist anymore.
That said, AFC Wimbledon is still Wimbledon FC. The club which shocked Liverpool in the 1988 FA Cup Final. They'll know it. Liverpool will know it. And they'll want to do it again.
I can't tell you anything about AFC Wimbledon's style or players. If they line up as they've lined up in recent matches, it'll be 4-4-2, it'll be Shea; Fuller, Goodman, Barrett, Kennedy; Francomb, Bulman, Pell, Rigg; Azeez, Tubbs. Given all the pre-match press (for example, this), I suspect Adebayp Akinfenwa will start with Tubbs up front, having missed the last two games (well, missing one and used as a late substitute in the most recent) through injury.
They're currently 12th in League Two, having won promotion from the Conference last season, but having also won four of their last five games, including three of four in the league. They're right in the middle of the division in both goals scored and conceded. They are a mid-table League Two side in every sense of the word, and Liverpool should be able to beat them, no matter XI, no matter form, no matter that the match is at Wimbledon rather than Anfield.
But we said similar before Northampton in 2010-11. Similar before Oldham in 2012-13. It's the FA Cup and Anything Can Happen™. And it's up to Liverpool, whether staffed by out-of-favor players or the first-choice XI, to ensure it doesn't.
Previous Rounds:
Liverpool: n/a
Wimbledon: 1-0 Wycombe (a); 3-1 York (h); 1-1 York (a)
Last three matches:
Liverpool: 2-2 Leicester (h); 4-1 Swansea (h); 1-0 Burnley (a)
Wimbledon: 4-1 Exeter (h); 2-0 Portsmouth (a); 0-1 Mansfield (h)
Goalscorers (all):
Liverpool: Gerrard 7; Sterling 6; Lallana 4; Henderson 3; Balotelli, Coutinho, Lambert, Moreno 2; Can, Johnson, Lovren, Rossiter, Skrtel, Sturridge, Suso 1
Wimbledon: Tubbs 15; Akinfenwa 9; Azeez, Rigg 5; Barrett, Francomb, Smith 2; Frampton, Fuller, Goodman, Sainte-Luce, Sutherland 1
Referee: Jon Moss
Guess at a line-up:
Mignolet
Manquillo Skrtel Lovren Moreno
Rossiter Allen
Suso Markovic Borini
Balotelli
I have absolutely no idea how Liverpool will line up or who Liverpool will line up with.
Rodgers rarely takes cup competitions lightly. The FA Cup is a meaningful competition and – not to get overly and wrongly sentimental – one that Gerrard will want to win in his final season.
But Liverpool have to rest players. A lot of first team players. The league schedule demands it, the semifinals of the League Cup demands it, the state of the squad demands it.
And if Liverpool rest the likes of Sterling, Lallana, Coutinho, and Henderson – among others – I doubt that Liverpool will be able to stick with the 3-4-2-1 we've seen of late. They don't have the bodies up front, they don't have the bodies at the back.
So I'm shoe-horning an almost entirely new XI into the formation which seems most suitable for those players.
Make no mistake. I'm very much guessing in regards to both XI and formation and I'm probably wrong. Rodgers could well start in the 3-4-2-1, start a majority of first-teamers with only one or two rested (*looks hopefully at Sterling*), and I wouldn't be surprised. Or Rodgers could start the majority of the above XI, but replace Borini or Suso with Can and revert to the 3-4-2-1. Although I don't think that front three – specifically Balotelli and Borini – are suited to the 3-4-2-1 we've seen.
Long story short, I assuming Lallana's still injured and please rest Sterling. The rest? *Shrugs* Sterling's only 148 minutes from already reaching last season's total. He's a month removed from turning 20. You're going to burn him out. It's a question of when, not if. Otherwise, the staff knows much more than we do.
There's no "Previous head-to-head meetings" blurb in the above lists because AFC Wimbledon is not the old Wimbledon FC. AFC Wimbledon doesn't have Wimbledon FC's history, MK Dons doesn't have Wimbledon FC's history. That club – the club which memorably upset Liverpool in the final of this competition in 1988 – doesn't exist anymore.
That said, AFC Wimbledon is still Wimbledon FC. The club which shocked Liverpool in the 1988 FA Cup Final. They'll know it. Liverpool will know it. And they'll want to do it again.
I can't tell you anything about AFC Wimbledon's style or players. If they line up as they've lined up in recent matches, it'll be 4-4-2, it'll be Shea; Fuller, Goodman, Barrett, Kennedy; Francomb, Bulman, Pell, Rigg; Azeez, Tubbs. Given all the pre-match press (for example, this), I suspect Adebayp Akinfenwa will start with Tubbs up front, having missed the last two games (well, missing one and used as a late substitute in the most recent) through injury.
They're currently 12th in League Two, having won promotion from the Conference last season, but having also won four of their last five games, including three of four in the league. They're right in the middle of the division in both goals scored and conceded. They are a mid-table League Two side in every sense of the word, and Liverpool should be able to beat them, no matter XI, no matter form, no matter that the match is at Wimbledon rather than Anfield.
But we said similar before Northampton in 2010-11. Similar before Oldham in 2012-13. It's the FA Cup and Anything Can Happen™. And it's up to Liverpool, whether staffed by out-of-favor players or the first-choice XI, to ensure it doesn't.
02 January 2015
Visualized: Liverpool 2-2 Leicester
Previous Match Infographics: Swansea (h), Burnley (a), Arsenal (h), Manchester United (a), Basel (h), Sunderland (h), Leicester (a), Stoke (h), Ludogorets (a), Crystal Palace (a), Chelsea (h), Real Madrid (a), Newcastle (a), Hull (h), Real Madrid (h), QPR (a), West Brom (h), Basel (a), Everton (h), West Ham (a), Ludogorets (h), Aston Villa (h), Tottenham (a), Manchester City (a), Southampton (h)
As always, match data from Stats Zone, except shot location from Squawka and average player position from ESPN FC.
In isolation, I'd like to think that was just "one of those days."
A fatigued side at the end of the festive period, just as Chelsea, Arsenal, United, West Ham, and Swansea were yesterday. Fatigue which saw the side struggle to create concrete chances or hit the target with their few decent efforts. Fatigue which saw the side unable to press as they did against Swansea. Fatigue which saw the side able to keep possession fairly easy once gaining a foothold but unable to do much with it, lucky to get two penalties to establish a lead. Fatigue which let the opposition take the early initiative, even if Liverpool went unpunished for it, and fatigue which saw the side take its foot off the gas with a 2-0 lead in the second half, leading to those two goals conceded in quick succession. It wasn't individual mistakes or systemic failings which led to Leicester's goals, but defensive malaise out wide, in central midfield, and from the center-backs. That's still bad, but easier to fix than the usual issues.
Which still doesn't make it any easier to swallow. Two points dropped against the bottom side are still two points dropped against the bottom side, points which Liverpool very much need. But these things happen.
Unfortunately, a lot of those failings are traits we've seen before. Which makes it harder to write off as a one-off following Monday's excellent performance. It makes Monday look like the fluke rather than yesterday.
Everyone's focused on the news of Gerrard's departure at the end of the season, and it feels callous to pile on by criticizing yesterday's performance. But Liverpool's midfield was at the heart of Liverpool's failings. Pass accuracy below both's usual average (84.3% for Gerrard, 82.6% for Lucas). Gerrard and Lucas combining for just three tackles, successful with just 33% of their attempted tackles (2/5 for Lucas, 1/4 for Gerrard). 2 interceptions for Lucas, none for Gerrard. Both missing from both of Leicester's goals. Just two chances created by Gerrard (and none from Lucas): one from open play, one from a set play. Henderson created four by himself on Monday, while Lucas also created two.
It was a far cry from what we saw out of the Henderson-Lucas pairing against Swansea, made worse because moving Henderson from midfield made him vastly less effective as well.
But Liverpool had other issues, as is usual for Liverpool.
Liverpool couldn't put an open play shot on target until the 66th minute. From 52.3% shot accuracy against Swansea to 33.3% yesterday (and without the two penalties, it's 25%). And Liverpool had the same issues in the reverse fixture. Just 11 shots taken, and the only three on-target were the three goals.
Skrtel's nowhere near the quickest, but Toure's even slower, with Liverpool's defensive line deeper than it's been in the last few home games. And that deeper line contributed to the acres of space that Leicester exploited with their goals, obviously not helped by the midfield's lack of pace.
Liverpool's substitutions were the opposite of helpful, especially the first one, the enforced one. Lallana going off was a blow in an of itself – he remains one of Liverpool's only consistent performers this season – but it was also incredibly surprising to see Borini preferred to Markovic, especially considering Borini's performance against Arsenal. But it's not as if Markovic did much after entering 17 minutes later. And I honestly forgot Lambert came on until collecting the stats.
Liverpool need to ensure that we look back and think it, "yep, just one of those days." There are nine days until the next league match, plenty of time for the side to recover and rebound. Yes, there's an FA Cup tie on Monday, but that XI should be radically different than we've seen in the league of late.
This is certainly a setback, but Arsenal, West Ham, and United's results means that Liverpool didn't lose much ground in their attempt to get back in the European places (even if Tottenham's certainly didn't help). And Liverpool's schedule for the next month, at least in the league, remains conducive to picking up points.
But that opportunity to climb up the table won't last long. Especially if yesterday's performance remains par for the course.
As always, match data from Stats Zone, except shot location from Squawka and average player position from ESPN FC.
In isolation, I'd like to think that was just "one of those days."
A fatigued side at the end of the festive period, just as Chelsea, Arsenal, United, West Ham, and Swansea were yesterday. Fatigue which saw the side struggle to create concrete chances or hit the target with their few decent efforts. Fatigue which saw the side unable to press as they did against Swansea. Fatigue which saw the side able to keep possession fairly easy once gaining a foothold but unable to do much with it, lucky to get two penalties to establish a lead. Fatigue which let the opposition take the early initiative, even if Liverpool went unpunished for it, and fatigue which saw the side take its foot off the gas with a 2-0 lead in the second half, leading to those two goals conceded in quick succession. It wasn't individual mistakes or systemic failings which led to Leicester's goals, but defensive malaise out wide, in central midfield, and from the center-backs. That's still bad, but easier to fix than the usual issues.
Which still doesn't make it any easier to swallow. Two points dropped against the bottom side are still two points dropped against the bottom side, points which Liverpool very much need. But these things happen.
Unfortunately, a lot of those failings are traits we've seen before. Which makes it harder to write off as a one-off following Monday's excellent performance. It makes Monday look like the fluke rather than yesterday.
Everyone's focused on the news of Gerrard's departure at the end of the season, and it feels callous to pile on by criticizing yesterday's performance. But Liverpool's midfield was at the heart of Liverpool's failings. Pass accuracy below both's usual average (84.3% for Gerrard, 82.6% for Lucas). Gerrard and Lucas combining for just three tackles, successful with just 33% of their attempted tackles (2/5 for Lucas, 1/4 for Gerrard). 2 interceptions for Lucas, none for Gerrard. Both missing from both of Leicester's goals. Just two chances created by Gerrard (and none from Lucas): one from open play, one from a set play. Henderson created four by himself on Monday, while Lucas also created two.
It was a far cry from what we saw out of the Henderson-Lucas pairing against Swansea, made worse because moving Henderson from midfield made him vastly less effective as well.
But Liverpool had other issues, as is usual for Liverpool.
Liverpool couldn't put an open play shot on target until the 66th minute. From 52.3% shot accuracy against Swansea to 33.3% yesterday (and without the two penalties, it's 25%). And Liverpool had the same issues in the reverse fixture. Just 11 shots taken, and the only three on-target were the three goals.
Skrtel's nowhere near the quickest, but Toure's even slower, with Liverpool's defensive line deeper than it's been in the last few home games. And that deeper line contributed to the acres of space that Leicester exploited with their goals, obviously not helped by the midfield's lack of pace.
Liverpool's substitutions were the opposite of helpful, especially the first one, the enforced one. Lallana going off was a blow in an of itself – he remains one of Liverpool's only consistent performers this season – but it was also incredibly surprising to see Borini preferred to Markovic, especially considering Borini's performance against Arsenal. But it's not as if Markovic did much after entering 17 minutes later. And I honestly forgot Lambert came on until collecting the stats.
Liverpool need to ensure that we look back and think it, "yep, just one of those days." There are nine days until the next league match, plenty of time for the side to recover and rebound. Yes, there's an FA Cup tie on Monday, but that XI should be radically different than we've seen in the league of late.
This is certainly a setback, but Arsenal, West Ham, and United's results means that Liverpool didn't lose much ground in their attempt to get back in the European places (even if Tottenham's certainly didn't help). And Liverpool's schedule for the next month, at least in the league, remains conducive to picking up points.
But that opportunity to climb up the table won't last long. Especially if yesterday's performance remains par for the course.
01 January 2015
Liverpool 2-2 Leicester
Goals:
Gerrard 17' (pen) 40' (pen)
Nugent 58'
Schlupp 60'
Embarrassing. Meet the new Liverpool, the same as the old Liverpool. Welcome to 2015.
I cannot believe Liverpool followed up Monday's performance with that.
Liverpool weren't good, but Leicester and Mike Jones had contrived to hand Liverpool the win. Liverpool handed it right back. The worst part of it all is that Leicester fully deserve the point.
A 2-0 halftime lead at home against the bottom club should finish an easy win, no matter how bad Liverpool have been this season. Leicester frightened early, taking the game to Liverpool – as every opponent should – with Mahrez hitting the post and firing over from 12 yards. But two first half handball penalties – the first clearly not a penalty, the second deserved – put Liverpool in control.
There was none of the penetration we saw against Swansea, there was little of the pressing which disjointed Swansea and forced mistakes, but Liverpool were in control. Liverpool kept the ball, Liverpool kept Leicester from threatening after those two early efforts. That's one of the main benefits of the 3-4-2-1 formation. That should have been enough.
It's hard to look past the changes from Monday's XI. Gerrard and Lucas were decent against Arsenal, less so but at least acceptable against Bournemouth and Burnley. Gerrard and Lucas were bad today. Both a step slow; that's just where Gerrard is at this stage of his career, and Lucas was never the quickest, especially when starting his fifth match in 15 days.
Both Leicester goals were excellently taken, but blame for both lies primarily in midfield: Leicester allowed way too much time and space to pass around and through Liverpool before a ball over the top found Vardy, chested down for Nugent, hammered into the net. Two minutes later, Mahrez running through the middle, with neither Gerrard nor Lucas getting near, before setting up an open Schlupp just outside the box, with all the time and space to arrow past Mignolet.
Both incidents stemmed from Liverpool's complete lack of control in the second half. They'd had the control in the first half. But, with a two-goal lead, Liverpool attempted to sit deeper, giving Leicester the opportunity to take full advantages of Liverpool's weaknesses. This is not last season's Liverpool; this season's Liverpool often fail when trying to shell and counter, and it happened yet again.
So the problem is two-fold. Liverpool's need to bring Gerrard back into what was a much better performing side and Rodgers' desire to play for the counter despite Liverpool's problems in defense.
And Liverpool certainly weren't helped by an injury to Lallana just before Leicester's goals, the tricky midfielder replaced by Borini, with Sterling shifting into Lallana's position. Lallana's both more creative and better able to track back and, unlike Sterling, Borini's not running in behind anyone despite Liverpool often playing long passes.
Liverpool tried to come back, tried to reclaim the advantage. Markovic replaced Lucas, switching the side to 4-2-3-1, then Lambert replaced Moreno. But from Leicester's second goal until the 86th minute, Liverpool's best two chances were blocked by Liverpool players: Markovic in the way of Borini's effort, Borini in the way of Coutinho's. As demonstrated in the reverse fixture, Leicester are more than capable of blocking shots, Liverpool didn't need to help them. The final flurry saw a third possible penalty ignored (Morgan's shove on Borini), Henderson one-on-one with Hamer but denied, Markovic heading wide from 12 yards, and Gerrard skying an effort following a corner. All decent chances, all spoiled by terrible finishing.
Unlike Monday, Liverpool's shooting simply wasn't good enough. That it took 66 minutes for Liverpool to register an open play shot on-target summarizes just how impotent they were, both before and after Leicester's goals.
So maybe Monday was a fluke. Liverpool won't be that cohesive in every match, Liverpool won't put more than 50% of its shots on-target in every match, Liverpool's fragility and intermittent mistakes won't go unpunished in every match.
Or maybe the festive schedule finally caught up with Liverpool, and they'll be better with more rest and more players available. That the bench featured seven players who either weren't with Liverpool or didn't make a first team appearance for the club last season shows how shallow today's squad was.
Or maybe Monday demonstrated that it's finally time to stop hoping a Gerrard-Lucas midfield will finally come good.
Gerrard 17' (pen) 40' (pen)
Nugent 58'
Schlupp 60'
Embarrassing. Meet the new Liverpool, the same as the old Liverpool. Welcome to 2015.
I cannot believe Liverpool followed up Monday's performance with that.
Liverpool weren't good, but Leicester and Mike Jones had contrived to hand Liverpool the win. Liverpool handed it right back. The worst part of it all is that Leicester fully deserve the point.
A 2-0 halftime lead at home against the bottom club should finish an easy win, no matter how bad Liverpool have been this season. Leicester frightened early, taking the game to Liverpool – as every opponent should – with Mahrez hitting the post and firing over from 12 yards. But two first half handball penalties – the first clearly not a penalty, the second deserved – put Liverpool in control.
There was none of the penetration we saw against Swansea, there was little of the pressing which disjointed Swansea and forced mistakes, but Liverpool were in control. Liverpool kept the ball, Liverpool kept Leicester from threatening after those two early efforts. That's one of the main benefits of the 3-4-2-1 formation. That should have been enough.
It's hard to look past the changes from Monday's XI. Gerrard and Lucas were decent against Arsenal, less so but at least acceptable against Bournemouth and Burnley. Gerrard and Lucas were bad today. Both a step slow; that's just where Gerrard is at this stage of his career, and Lucas was never the quickest, especially when starting his fifth match in 15 days.
Both Leicester goals were excellently taken, but blame for both lies primarily in midfield: Leicester allowed way too much time and space to pass around and through Liverpool before a ball over the top found Vardy, chested down for Nugent, hammered into the net. Two minutes later, Mahrez running through the middle, with neither Gerrard nor Lucas getting near, before setting up an open Schlupp just outside the box, with all the time and space to arrow past Mignolet.
Both incidents stemmed from Liverpool's complete lack of control in the second half. They'd had the control in the first half. But, with a two-goal lead, Liverpool attempted to sit deeper, giving Leicester the opportunity to take full advantages of Liverpool's weaknesses. This is not last season's Liverpool; this season's Liverpool often fail when trying to shell and counter, and it happened yet again.
So the problem is two-fold. Liverpool's need to bring Gerrard back into what was a much better performing side and Rodgers' desire to play for the counter despite Liverpool's problems in defense.
And Liverpool certainly weren't helped by an injury to Lallana just before Leicester's goals, the tricky midfielder replaced by Borini, with Sterling shifting into Lallana's position. Lallana's both more creative and better able to track back and, unlike Sterling, Borini's not running in behind anyone despite Liverpool often playing long passes.
Liverpool tried to come back, tried to reclaim the advantage. Markovic replaced Lucas, switching the side to 4-2-3-1, then Lambert replaced Moreno. But from Leicester's second goal until the 86th minute, Liverpool's best two chances were blocked by Liverpool players: Markovic in the way of Borini's effort, Borini in the way of Coutinho's. As demonstrated in the reverse fixture, Leicester are more than capable of blocking shots, Liverpool didn't need to help them. The final flurry saw a third possible penalty ignored (Morgan's shove on Borini), Henderson one-on-one with Hamer but denied, Markovic heading wide from 12 yards, and Gerrard skying an effort following a corner. All decent chances, all spoiled by terrible finishing.
Unlike Monday, Liverpool's shooting simply wasn't good enough. That it took 66 minutes for Liverpool to register an open play shot on-target summarizes just how impotent they were, both before and after Leicester's goals.
So maybe Monday was a fluke. Liverpool won't be that cohesive in every match, Liverpool won't put more than 50% of its shots on-target in every match, Liverpool's fragility and intermittent mistakes won't go unpunished in every match.
Or maybe the festive schedule finally caught up with Liverpool, and they'll be better with more rest and more players available. That the bench featured seven players who either weren't with Liverpool or didn't make a first team appearance for the club last season shows how shallow today's squad was.
Or maybe Monday demonstrated that it's finally time to stop hoping a Gerrard-Lucas midfield will finally come good.
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