Two in, two out. We'd known about Babel exit's and Suarez's signing but today saw Torres push his way out and Andy Carroll joining for a rumored £35m. In addition, Liverpool weren't able to pry Charlie Adam from Blackpool. Combined, the outlay on Suarez and Carroll almost exactly equals what was recouped from selling Torres and Babel. Yet another window where Liverpool fails to spend significantly, I guess...
Had you told me at the beginning of the window that Liverpool would end January having replaced Torres and Babel with Suarez and Carroll, I'm not sure how I would have reacted. With time to come to terms with Torres' mercenary exit – which merited its own post – I'm happy with what Liverpool's recouped, even if they had to pay far over the odds to do so. Adding Adam to the mix would have made the day complete.
Liverpool were forced into steep prices by Torres' late demand. Carroll's price comes as the largest surprise – only seven players have cost more: the aforementioned Torres, C Ronaldo, Ibrahimovic, Kaka, Zidane, Figo, and Crespo. But you pay a premium for strikers. You pay a premium for youth. You pay a premium for a British passport. And you pay a premium in January, especially on the last day of the window.
At 22, Carroll represents both a leap of faith and investment in the future. He's about the same age as Torres, Alonso, Mascherano, and Reina were when they signed, and the first three on that list help demonstrate the resale value of a player at that age. If Carroll progresses and Liverpool were somehow forced to sell, they recoup their crazy money. If FSG are willing to pay, so be it. While £35m doesn't fit with "Moneyball ethics" on face value, that money's might be better spent in January before the UEFA Financial Fair Play requirements kick in over the summer. Plus, Liverpool needed a replacement now. The last time Kenny Dalglish broke the British record for a Geordie – Beardsley for £1.9m in 1987 – it turned out alright.
Right now, Liverpool isn't geared towards an aerially dominant striker. Gerrard, Johnson and Aurelio are good crossers, while Maxi and Kuyt have their moments, but Liverpool's best football over the last six years has come when keeping it on the floor. Buying Carroll is a deal that Roy Hodgson would love to have done: a gargantuan striker used to having long balls lumped in his direction. Carroll is more than an ox, with the clichéd good touch for a big man, but he brings talents Liverpool haven't often had.
Assuming Dalglish continues with the 4-3-3, Liverpool's best XI is probably:
Reina
Kelly Carragher Agger Johnson
Gerrard Lucas Meireles
Kuyt Carroll Suarez
That could be a frightening team. Bringing in Adam would have allowed Gerrard to be pushed forward, adding a better passer to the mix, but the above's still a tantalizing prospect. The summer's business will assuredly center on buying a winger.
Not that grand dramatic gestures are required, but today's a statement of intent from FSG. It's ambitious and almost reactionary from a group that's been exceptionally deliberative so far.
31 January 2011
On Torres' Exit
And the deal's done. No link to Liverpool's official statement, but the BBC, among others, are reporting £50m, with a rumored wage rise to £175,000 a week. Fernando Torres is confirmed as yet another football mercenary. I don't know why I was initially surprised.
Torres is a tremendous talent – he's demonstrated that time and time again at Anfield – but just urinated all over his potential legacy. He could have been a Liverpool legend, one of the greatest players in club history, and now he'll be mentioned in the same breath as Michael Owen at best. It's not like when he left Atletico, saying all the right things to fans of both clubs, which demonstrates how little regard he actually had for Liverpool. I expected better. I know I shouldn't have. I'm too old to fall for modern footballers.
At nearly 27, it's understandable that Torres isn't up for a rebuilding project. He left his boyhood club for less. And yes, Liverpool is a rebuilding project. You may have noticed the struggles over the last 18 months. The root cause of this remains Hicks, Gillett, and Purslow.
But that's not an excuse for handing in a transfer request with three days left in the January window and not an excuse for joining an aging, soulless team that Liverpool has to face in a week's time.
Torres scored 81 goals in 142 games and ran himself into the ground in the process, leading to injuries which kept him out of matches against his former club and the World Cup. And he still kept scoring despite missing so many matches – he's got nine in 23 during this horrific league campaign; only Berbatov, Tevez, Carroll and Nolan have scored more league goals this season. He's actually made more appearances in the league this season than through all of last year. That blighted campaign saw 22 league appearances. He made 24 the season before. £50m for a striker prone to muscle injuries is a lot of money.
He developed into one of the world's best strikers at Liverpool, but the club haven't won any silverware since Torres signed. It's not his fault by any means, but still a fact of life. Three of Rafa's Spanish-speaking jewels – Torres, Alonso, and Mascherano – are now gone, having made Liverpool nearly £60m in profit. Only Alonso held any silverware aloft – in his first two seasons.
Torres' exit isn't like Alonso's, or even Owen's. Alonso left time for Liverpool to find a replacement, returned to his home country, and has been wholly complementary about the club since his departure. While Owen ran down his contract until Liverpool could only get £8m + Nuñez, he at least also went abroad – and we knew it was inevitable. This Torres malarky leaves a much worse taste in the mouth. If he left next summer, he'd leave with acceptance. Shafting Liverpool during such a chaotic spell, seeing out Hodgson, Hicks and Gillett only to want away once FSG and Dalglish had brought back optimism, does that much more harm.
It's unfortunate that a player who gave us so many magical moments over the last three and a half years is leaving in such a manner. And other than the damage done by the previous owners – which he's not alone in suffering – it's his own fault. He's the one sneaking out the back door in the slim hopes of silverware at a club whose fans used to spit venomously at him. We hate you now because we loved you, and thought the feeling was mutual. Thanks for the memories, but I can't wish him well.
Torres is a tremendous talent – he's demonstrated that time and time again at Anfield – but just urinated all over his potential legacy. He could have been a Liverpool legend, one of the greatest players in club history, and now he'll be mentioned in the same breath as Michael Owen at best. It's not like when he left Atletico, saying all the right things to fans of both clubs, which demonstrates how little regard he actually had for Liverpool. I expected better. I know I shouldn't have. I'm too old to fall for modern footballers.
At nearly 27, it's understandable that Torres isn't up for a rebuilding project. He left his boyhood club for less. And yes, Liverpool is a rebuilding project. You may have noticed the struggles over the last 18 months. The root cause of this remains Hicks, Gillett, and Purslow.
But that's not an excuse for handing in a transfer request with three days left in the January window and not an excuse for joining an aging, soulless team that Liverpool has to face in a week's time.
Torres scored 81 goals in 142 games and ran himself into the ground in the process, leading to injuries which kept him out of matches against his former club and the World Cup. And he still kept scoring despite missing so many matches – he's got nine in 23 during this horrific league campaign; only Berbatov, Tevez, Carroll and Nolan have scored more league goals this season. He's actually made more appearances in the league this season than through all of last year. That blighted campaign saw 22 league appearances. He made 24 the season before. £50m for a striker prone to muscle injuries is a lot of money.
He developed into one of the world's best strikers at Liverpool, but the club haven't won any silverware since Torres signed. It's not his fault by any means, but still a fact of life. Three of Rafa's Spanish-speaking jewels – Torres, Alonso, and Mascherano – are now gone, having made Liverpool nearly £60m in profit. Only Alonso held any silverware aloft – in his first two seasons.
Torres' exit isn't like Alonso's, or even Owen's. Alonso left time for Liverpool to find a replacement, returned to his home country, and has been wholly complementary about the club since his departure. While Owen ran down his contract until Liverpool could only get £8m + Nuñez, he at least also went abroad – and we knew it was inevitable. This Torres malarky leaves a much worse taste in the mouth. If he left next summer, he'd leave with acceptance. Shafting Liverpool during such a chaotic spell, seeing out Hodgson, Hicks and Gillett only to want away once FSG and Dalglish had brought back optimism, does that much more harm.
It's unfortunate that a player who gave us so many magical moments over the last three and a half years is leaving in such a manner. And other than the damage done by the previous owners – which he's not alone in suffering – it's his own fault. He's the one sneaking out the back door in the slim hopes of silverware at a club whose fans used to spit venomously at him. We hate you now because we loved you, and thought the feeling was mutual. Thanks for the memories, but I can't wish him well.
28 January 2011
I Still Hate Transfer Windows
Only at Liverpool could a day where a fee for Luis Suarez is agreed first be dominated by news of Fernando Torres' possible exit. The last remnant of the Hicks and Gillett era is the perpetual expectation that only bad things are going to happen. It's going to take more than a few months where we've seen the return of the King and slightly improved results to wash away the preeminent feeling of paranoia.
Overnight news that Chelsea bid somewhere between £35-60m for Fernando Torres raised alarms, but was quickly refuted by the club and generally assumed to be a desperation throw of the dice. However, reports this morning that Torres wanted Liverpool to negotiate sent the Internet into an absolute frenzy. Thankfully, that's hit the back burner in the last hour. As the highly-respected Roy Hodgson said a few months back, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. I doubt this story's dead by any means, but January should be a non-starter because of the club's situation. As with Charlie Adam and Blackpool, there's no fee that'd replace the player's value at the moment. My sneaking suspicion is to get ready for another summer filled with rumor and innuendo much like the last.
Some have cheekily suggested that the rumors from Torres' camp were delivered to push FSG into making today's signing, after transfer talk had ebbed and flowed for more than a week. If that's the case, it's a frightening sign of player power. I'm not so convinced the two are linked, but still love a good conspiracy now and then.
Whether the fee for Suarez is €25m – as reported by De Telegraaf – or Suarez and Liverpool reach the incentives to push it up to €26.5m, it's still the club's record signing. It's not the €30m that Ajax initially wanted, but a substantial sum nonetheless. It's also a statement of intent from the new owners: they haven't given up on this season and will open the purse-strings when needed. Suarez certainly isn't Carlton Cole or Charles N'Zogbia. That FSG took their sweet time over firing Hodgson and completing this deal demonstrates the group's deliberation. Deliberation isn't what the fans want and can backfire, but it's often a smart way to do business.
A 24-year-old support striker with 110 goals in 154 appearances at Ajax (49 goals in all competitions last season), Suarez will probably play alongside Torres, replacing Maxi or Kuyt, in Liverpool's current 4-3-3 variant. Of course, that a goal-scoring record in the Eredivisie doesn't always translate to the Premier League (yes, I'm aware Kuyt scored 83 in 122 games for Feyenoord) will be incessantly mentioned.
Forlan rightfully took the plaudits for Uruguay's World Cup performance, but Suarez's contribution can't be understated, and not just for his genius handball. Uruguay's formation varied, but it was most often a 4-3-1-2 with Suarez and Cavani up front and Forlan in the hole. Liverpool Offside have the required YouTube clips; he's good with the ball at his feet and is quick – two attributes currently lacking in the squad – but his versatility is the attribute I'm most excited about. Unfortunately, I wrote similar about Ryan Babel. As with all signings, they must be given time to settle – the failure to do so with Aquilani is a very recent warning.
Despite having last rites performed thanks to Hicks and Gillett, despite a season-long struggle that's seen Liverpool's recent rise to seventh cause for celebration, this deal is a sign that Liverpool can still attract big-name players. Suarez has the potential to improve Liverpool immensely. And hopefully, it'll help convince current players that Liverpool will be back where they belong sooner rather than later.
Overnight news that Chelsea bid somewhere between £35-60m for Fernando Torres raised alarms, but was quickly refuted by the club and generally assumed to be a desperation throw of the dice. However, reports this morning that Torres wanted Liverpool to negotiate sent the Internet into an absolute frenzy. Thankfully, that's hit the back burner in the last hour. As the highly-respected Roy Hodgson said a few months back, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. I doubt this story's dead by any means, but January should be a non-starter because of the club's situation. As with Charlie Adam and Blackpool, there's no fee that'd replace the player's value at the moment. My sneaking suspicion is to get ready for another summer filled with rumor and innuendo much like the last.
Some have cheekily suggested that the rumors from Torres' camp were delivered to push FSG into making today's signing, after transfer talk had ebbed and flowed for more than a week. If that's the case, it's a frightening sign of player power. I'm not so convinced the two are linked, but still love a good conspiracy now and then.
Whether the fee for Suarez is €25m – as reported by De Telegraaf – or Suarez and Liverpool reach the incentives to push it up to €26.5m, it's still the club's record signing. It's not the €30m that Ajax initially wanted, but a substantial sum nonetheless. It's also a statement of intent from the new owners: they haven't given up on this season and will open the purse-strings when needed. Suarez certainly isn't Carlton Cole or Charles N'Zogbia. That FSG took their sweet time over firing Hodgson and completing this deal demonstrates the group's deliberation. Deliberation isn't what the fans want and can backfire, but it's often a smart way to do business.
A 24-year-old support striker with 110 goals in 154 appearances at Ajax (49 goals in all competitions last season), Suarez will probably play alongside Torres, replacing Maxi or Kuyt, in Liverpool's current 4-3-3 variant. Of course, that a goal-scoring record in the Eredivisie doesn't always translate to the Premier League (yes, I'm aware Kuyt scored 83 in 122 games for Feyenoord) will be incessantly mentioned.
Forlan rightfully took the plaudits for Uruguay's World Cup performance, but Suarez's contribution can't be understated, and not just for his genius handball. Uruguay's formation varied, but it was most often a 4-3-1-2 with Suarez and Cavani up front and Forlan in the hole. Liverpool Offside have the required YouTube clips; he's good with the ball at his feet and is quick – two attributes currently lacking in the squad – but his versatility is the attribute I'm most excited about. Unfortunately, I wrote similar about Ryan Babel. As with all signings, they must be given time to settle – the failure to do so with Aquilani is a very recent warning.
Despite having last rites performed thanks to Hicks and Gillett, despite a season-long struggle that's seen Liverpool's recent rise to seventh cause for celebration, this deal is a sign that Liverpool can still attract big-name players. Suarez has the potential to improve Liverpool immensely. And hopefully, it'll help convince current players that Liverpool will be back where they belong sooner rather than later.
26 January 2011
Liverpool 1-0 Fulham
Reina
Kelly Skrtel Agger Johnson
Gerrard Poulsen
Kuyt Meireles Maxi
Torres
Goals:
Pantsil (og) 52'
Far too closely-contested for comfort, especially during a nerve-wracking final 15 minutes, but still enough for a win. Fulham had enough chances to take something from the game – more than the home side – and Liverpool were clinging on by the end. It's fitting that Hodgson's old team hung on to beat Hodgson's old old team by hoofing. At the same time, Liverpool continued to improve in regards to pressing, possession and overall play until those frightening final minutes. That the deciding goal came from a comical scramble shouldn't obscure the fact that Liverpool should have been up a goal after six minutes.
The referees, specifically the linesmen, were always going to be a talking point after this week's Sky-induced controversy. Today's male linesman incorrectly raised his flag when Meireles put Torres through, with the Spaniard slotting past Stockdale. Four minutes later, the reserve keeper's heroics kept the scoreline blank, wonderfully sprawling to prevent Meireles' diving header. Taking one of those two early chances could have led to a different game, as happened when Torres scored the first half goal at Wolves. Johnson, continuing to adapt at left back, was also a frequent threat, demanding another Stockdale save after a 25th minute run and creating a close-range chance for Torres in the 33rd.
Even though Fulham hasn't won at Anfield in the last 29 matches, they've been hard to beat over the last few seasons, earning 0-0s in their last two visits. It was little surprise that the Cottagers caused problems. Reina was forced in action twice in the 29th minute, stopping Dempsey's blast before keeping Dembele's shot out, both aided by errors from Kelly and Skrtel respectively, demonstrating the back line's continued instability.
Liverpool's ability to keep possession and blunt Fulham certainly wasn't helped by Lucas' absence. For the second straight game, Poulsen didn't play badly. There's nothing wrong with his football brain or positional sense, but his complete lack of pace leaves Liverpool susceptible, and Lucas' steady head, ball retention, and tracking of runs were missed.
Seven minutes after the interval, it was Fulham punished for a succession of costly mistakes. Dempsey gave the ball away to Torres, whose deflected shot caromed off the post. Meireles charging in prompted a comedic scramble which ended with Pantsil somehow slicing a clearance out of Stockdale's hands backwards into his own net. After the calamities suffered so far this season, Liverpool's recent play deserves that fortune.
But, unable to get the crucial second, Fulham pressure pushed Liverpool back to the deep defensive line that's often been the side's downfall. Chances on the break came few and far between – most notably when Hughes somehow got back to prevent Meireles centering for Torres – and Liverpool ended the match pinned to the top of their 18-yard box, happy to hoof clear. Fulham twice threatened on corners just after the 80th minute, with Reina saving Hughes' header and Meireles shinning Hangeland's subsequent header off the line. Five minutes later, Liverpool again failed to grasp the finer points of set play defense, but Dembele couldn't finish Dempsey's flick-on from Murphy's free kick.
All that matters is that Liverpool held on. The Reds haven't kept consecutive clean sheets since beating West Brom and Birmingham in September – wins over Bolton and Chelsea were bracketed by conceding against Napoli – and haven't won consecutive league matches since those Bolton and Chelsea victories almost three months ago. While seeing Liverpool regress as the match went on isn't a positive development, it's been quite a while since hanging on in such a fashion actually worked.
Lucas' absence and ineffective performances from Liverpool's wingers led to today's problems. That Gerrard was anonymous on his return, still in a deeper CM role, again begs the question of his best position, but Meireles continued his fine form as the furthest forward of three central midfielders. Both Johnson and Kelly got forward as often as possible to add some width, with Johnson far more dangerous. The 'make-shift' left back, Meireles, and Reina all merit being named man of the match.
Five games in 17 days caught up with Liverpool and the Reds still took all three points, now up to the heady heights of 7th place. Against Wolves, Liverpool continued to improve on its performances and finally got a deserved result. Today, Liverpool didn't perform as hoped but still got the result. As United's disgustingly proven so far this season, that's all that counts. Winning often becomes habit no matter how the games are won.
Kelly Skrtel Agger Johnson
Gerrard Poulsen
Kuyt Meireles Maxi
Torres
Goals:
Pantsil (og) 52'
Far too closely-contested for comfort, especially during a nerve-wracking final 15 minutes, but still enough for a win. Fulham had enough chances to take something from the game – more than the home side – and Liverpool were clinging on by the end. It's fitting that Hodgson's old team hung on to beat Hodgson's old old team by hoofing. At the same time, Liverpool continued to improve in regards to pressing, possession and overall play until those frightening final minutes. That the deciding goal came from a comical scramble shouldn't obscure the fact that Liverpool should have been up a goal after six minutes.
The referees, specifically the linesmen, were always going to be a talking point after this week's Sky-induced controversy. Today's male linesman incorrectly raised his flag when Meireles put Torres through, with the Spaniard slotting past Stockdale. Four minutes later, the reserve keeper's heroics kept the scoreline blank, wonderfully sprawling to prevent Meireles' diving header. Taking one of those two early chances could have led to a different game, as happened when Torres scored the first half goal at Wolves. Johnson, continuing to adapt at left back, was also a frequent threat, demanding another Stockdale save after a 25th minute run and creating a close-range chance for Torres in the 33rd.
Even though Fulham hasn't won at Anfield in the last 29 matches, they've been hard to beat over the last few seasons, earning 0-0s in their last two visits. It was little surprise that the Cottagers caused problems. Reina was forced in action twice in the 29th minute, stopping Dempsey's blast before keeping Dembele's shot out, both aided by errors from Kelly and Skrtel respectively, demonstrating the back line's continued instability.
Liverpool's ability to keep possession and blunt Fulham certainly wasn't helped by Lucas' absence. For the second straight game, Poulsen didn't play badly. There's nothing wrong with his football brain or positional sense, but his complete lack of pace leaves Liverpool susceptible, and Lucas' steady head, ball retention, and tracking of runs were missed.
Seven minutes after the interval, it was Fulham punished for a succession of costly mistakes. Dempsey gave the ball away to Torres, whose deflected shot caromed off the post. Meireles charging in prompted a comedic scramble which ended with Pantsil somehow slicing a clearance out of Stockdale's hands backwards into his own net. After the calamities suffered so far this season, Liverpool's recent play deserves that fortune.
But, unable to get the crucial second, Fulham pressure pushed Liverpool back to the deep defensive line that's often been the side's downfall. Chances on the break came few and far between – most notably when Hughes somehow got back to prevent Meireles centering for Torres – and Liverpool ended the match pinned to the top of their 18-yard box, happy to hoof clear. Fulham twice threatened on corners just after the 80th minute, with Reina saving Hughes' header and Meireles shinning Hangeland's subsequent header off the line. Five minutes later, Liverpool again failed to grasp the finer points of set play defense, but Dembele couldn't finish Dempsey's flick-on from Murphy's free kick.
All that matters is that Liverpool held on. The Reds haven't kept consecutive clean sheets since beating West Brom and Birmingham in September – wins over Bolton and Chelsea were bracketed by conceding against Napoli – and haven't won consecutive league matches since those Bolton and Chelsea victories almost three months ago. While seeing Liverpool regress as the match went on isn't a positive development, it's been quite a while since hanging on in such a fashion actually worked.
Lucas' absence and ineffective performances from Liverpool's wingers led to today's problems. That Gerrard was anonymous on his return, still in a deeper CM role, again begs the question of his best position, but Meireles continued his fine form as the furthest forward of three central midfielders. Both Johnson and Kelly got forward as often as possible to add some width, with Johnson far more dangerous. The 'make-shift' left back, Meireles, and Reina all merit being named man of the match.
Five games in 17 days caught up with Liverpool and the Reds still took all three points, now up to the heady heights of 7th place. Against Wolves, Liverpool continued to improve on its performances and finally got a deserved result. Today, Liverpool didn't perform as hoped but still got the result. As United's disgustingly proven so far this season, that's all that counts. Winning often becomes habit no matter how the games are won.
25 January 2011
Liverpool v Fulham 01.26.11
3pm ET, live in the US on FSC
Last four head-to-head:
0-0 (h) 04.11.10
1-3 Fulham (a) 10.31.09
1-0 Liverpool (a) 04.04.09
0-0 (h) 11.22.08
Last three matches:
Liverpool: 3-0 Wolves (a); 2-2 Everton (h); 1-2 Blackpool (a)
Fulham: 2-0 Stoke (h); 1-1 Wigan (a); 6-2 Peterborough (h)
Goalscorers (league):
Liverpool: Torres 9; Gerrard, Kuyt 4; Maxi 3; Kyrgiakos, Meireles, Ngog 2; Babel, Cole, Johnson, Skrtel 1
Fulham: Dempsey 6; Hangeland 3; Baird, Davies, Dembele, Kamara 2; Etuhu, Gera, Hughes, Johnson, Zamora 1
Referee: Lee Probert
Guess at a line-up:
Reina
Kelly Skrtel Agger Johnson
Meireles Lucas
Kuyt Gerrard Maxi
Torres
This is Liverpool's other game in hand thanks to the winter postponements. Will Gerrard's return from suspension prompt the only change or will Dalglish rest others after three matches in a week?
The need for rotation may be moderated with Liverpool out of the FA Cup; the next match is a week later. Kuyt and Poulsen looked the most fatigued after beating Wolves, and it's safe to assume that Poulsen won't be starting. Home against Fulham is the type of game that frequently leads to calls for Kuyt's omission in favor of a "more attacking" player. Tomorrow could see Cole or possibly Pacheco take his place. Or Johnson could move up to midfield, with Aurelio at left back and Kelly keeping his place.
But after four consecutive matches, Kelly could be another rotation casualty. Honestly, I thought he'd be spelled before this. His performances have made him impossible to drop, relegating England's first-choice right back to the opposite flank, but five games in 17 days is a large ask for a 20-year-old defender with all of 17 total starts. Also, it's been a while since we've seen the supposedly-fit Aurelio.
Fulham currently sit 14th, three points and three places behind Liverpool. The Cottagers are the only side Liverpool haven't faced in the league yet this season. Unbeaten in four since a loss at Tottenham on New Year's Day, Fulham are still struggling to get over the same disease Hodgson left Liverpool with: appalling away form. Fulham are the highest-placed of five sides with only one win on their travels this season, a group that Liverpool escaped with Wednesday's victory. However, Fulham's lone road win came at Stoke in December, a site where Liverpool meekly lost 0-2. And Fulham under Hodgson were difficult opponents at Anfield, with successive 0-0s in the last two visits.
Clint Dempsey's in fine form, having scored both goals in Fulham's last match. Andrew Johnson and Moussa Dembele were both finally fit enough to start against Stoke, adding more firepower to Fulham's meager attack. Bobby Zamora remains a huge miss, still out with the broken leg suffered in September, as is Mark Schwarzer, away at the Asian Cup with Australia. Aaron Hughes and Dickson Etuhu will be late injury decisions. Captain Danny Murphy will assuredly be up for the game: a match against his former club and a chance to avenge Dear Ol' Roy.
Coming off the first win under Dalglish and the first clean sheet in the league since beating Villa at the beginning of December, building momentum is crucial. Liverpool are at home, where – even during such a calamitous season – they've actually won a few games. It's not too late to dig out of this mile-deep hole. Tottenham and fifth place are only nine points away, and two games still constitutes a winning streak.
Last four head-to-head:
0-0 (h) 04.11.10
1-3 Fulham (a) 10.31.09
1-0 Liverpool (a) 04.04.09
0-0 (h) 11.22.08
Last three matches:
Liverpool: 3-0 Wolves (a); 2-2 Everton (h); 1-2 Blackpool (a)
Fulham: 2-0 Stoke (h); 1-1 Wigan (a); 6-2 Peterborough (h)
Goalscorers (league):
Liverpool: Torres 9; Gerrard, Kuyt 4; Maxi 3; Kyrgiakos, Meireles, Ngog 2; Babel, Cole, Johnson, Skrtel 1
Fulham: Dempsey 6; Hangeland 3; Baird, Davies, Dembele, Kamara 2; Etuhu, Gera, Hughes, Johnson, Zamora 1
Referee: Lee Probert
Guess at a line-up:
Reina
Kelly Skrtel Agger Johnson
Meireles Lucas
Kuyt Gerrard Maxi
Torres
This is Liverpool's other game in hand thanks to the winter postponements. Will Gerrard's return from suspension prompt the only change or will Dalglish rest others after three matches in a week?
The need for rotation may be moderated with Liverpool out of the FA Cup; the next match is a week later. Kuyt and Poulsen looked the most fatigued after beating Wolves, and it's safe to assume that Poulsen won't be starting. Home against Fulham is the type of game that frequently leads to calls for Kuyt's omission in favor of a "more attacking" player. Tomorrow could see Cole or possibly Pacheco take his place. Or Johnson could move up to midfield, with Aurelio at left back and Kelly keeping his place.
But after four consecutive matches, Kelly could be another rotation casualty. Honestly, I thought he'd be spelled before this. His performances have made him impossible to drop, relegating England's first-choice right back to the opposite flank, but five games in 17 days is a large ask for a 20-year-old defender with all of 17 total starts. Also, it's been a while since we've seen the supposedly-fit Aurelio.
Fulham currently sit 14th, three points and three places behind Liverpool. The Cottagers are the only side Liverpool haven't faced in the league yet this season. Unbeaten in four since a loss at Tottenham on New Year's Day, Fulham are still struggling to get over the same disease Hodgson left Liverpool with: appalling away form. Fulham are the highest-placed of five sides with only one win on their travels this season, a group that Liverpool escaped with Wednesday's victory. However, Fulham's lone road win came at Stoke in December, a site where Liverpool meekly lost 0-2. And Fulham under Hodgson were difficult opponents at Anfield, with successive 0-0s in the last two visits.
Clint Dempsey's in fine form, having scored both goals in Fulham's last match. Andrew Johnson and Moussa Dembele were both finally fit enough to start against Stoke, adding more firepower to Fulham's meager attack. Bobby Zamora remains a huge miss, still out with the broken leg suffered in September, as is Mark Schwarzer, away at the Asian Cup with Australia. Aaron Hughes and Dickson Etuhu will be late injury decisions. Captain Danny Murphy will assuredly be up for the game: a match against his former club and a chance to avenge Dear Ol' Roy.
Coming off the first win under Dalglish and the first clean sheet in the league since beating Villa at the beginning of December, building momentum is crucial. Liverpool are at home, where – even during such a calamitous season – they've actually won a few games. It's not too late to dig out of this mile-deep hole. Tottenham and fifth place are only nine points away, and two games still constitutes a winning streak.
24 January 2011
Passing Makes Perfect?
Liverpool's capstone goal against Wolves, a flowing, fascinating 31-pass move hearkened the return of the one true style of football. Pass and move, it's the Liverpool groove. Dominate possession, keep it on the floor, and poke at the back line until you find an opening akin to the one which ended with Torres slamming home from six yards out.
'Move' is the key part of that mission statement. Because we saw an awful lot more passes, including successful passes, under the last manager.
In each comparison, Liverpool made more passes and had a higher success rate under Hodgson. Yet in two of the three matches, Liverpool bettered the result under Dalglish; both managers managed to lose 1-2 against Blackpool.
The least number of passes, fewest successful passes, and lowest success rate came in Liverpool's most recent match – a three-goal romp and the only victory. Each game under Dalglish has seen fewer and fewer passes attempted.
It's not news to anyone, but simply put, it's the type of passes attempted and where they were played that matters. Evidently, there's enough time to constantly hoof and play sideways passes in a 90-minute match.
In each of the earlier contests, the center of the pitch is almost wholly blue, with furious lines in front of Liverpool's 18-yard box. The derby at Goodison is by far the most formulaic: a stripe of passes in Liverpool's half, a chasm where midfielders watched the ball fly over their heads, and a stripe of passes outside the Everton box, where Liverpool aimlessly prodded before blasting an empty shot from distance. Coincidentally, that's the match where Liverpool attempted the most passes out of the six listed. Small wonder that 81% were successful. Also, small wonder that was the one match where Liverpool failed to score.
If you've seen Liverpool this season, this is all fairly obvious. I was surprised by the vast and increasing disparity in passes, and the amusing trend of fewer passes attempted in each successive match since Dalglish took the reins, but the difference in style of play (and its chances for success) are evident on first glance.
Aside from the interesting trends, it's just a reminder that there needs to be an end which justifies the means. Making lots of passes and having a high success rate are all well and good, but – and pun heavily regretted – there has to be a goal in the process.
'Move' is the key part of that mission statement. Because we saw an awful lot more passes, including successful passes, under the last manager.
In each comparison, Liverpool made more passes and had a higher success rate under Hodgson. Yet in two of the three matches, Liverpool bettered the result under Dalglish; both managers managed to lose 1-2 against Blackpool.
The least number of passes, fewest successful passes, and lowest success rate came in Liverpool's most recent match – a three-goal romp and the only victory. Each game under Dalglish has seen fewer and fewer passes attempted.
It's not news to anyone, but simply put, it's the type of passes attempted and where they were played that matters. Evidently, there's enough time to constantly hoof and play sideways passes in a 90-minute match.
In each of the earlier contests, the center of the pitch is almost wholly blue, with furious lines in front of Liverpool's 18-yard box. The derby at Goodison is by far the most formulaic: a stripe of passes in Liverpool's half, a chasm where midfielders watched the ball fly over their heads, and a stripe of passes outside the Everton box, where Liverpool aimlessly prodded before blasting an empty shot from distance. Coincidentally, that's the match where Liverpool attempted the most passes out of the six listed. Small wonder that 81% were successful. Also, small wonder that was the one match where Liverpool failed to score.
If you've seen Liverpool this season, this is all fairly obvious. I was surprised by the vast and increasing disparity in passes, and the amusing trend of fewer passes attempted in each successive match since Dalglish took the reins, but the difference in style of play (and its chances for success) are evident on first glance.
Aside from the interesting trends, it's just a reminder that there needs to be an end which justifies the means. Making lots of passes and having a high success rate are all well and good, but – and pun heavily regretted – there has to be a goal in the process.
22 January 2011
Liverpool 3-0 Wolves
Reina
Kelly Skrtel Agger Johnson
Lucas Poulsen
Kuyt Meireles Maxi
Torres
Goals:
Torres 36' 90+1'
Meireles 50'
After four games, performances finally lead to a result. A deservedly comprehensive three-goal away win, for Dalglish's first victory in his second stint as Liverpool's manager. A continuation of the pressing, shackles-off style that the King has brought back, three well-taken goals, no costly defensive mistakes, and an absolute master-class from Raul Meireles. That'll do nicely.
Today began looking more like rugby than football, as expected in a trip to Molineux. Martin Atkinson seemed content with Wolves' physicality, but was quick to show Poulsen a 4th-minute yellow, a frightening prospect for a shaky defensive midfielder. But Liverpool demonstrated its attacking intent with a clever move five minutes later: Johnson set up by Torres after taking the throw-in, putting Lucas in with a smart pass only to see Poulsen's shot from the Brazilian's cutback blocked. That's right, Christian Poulsen actually got in the box and threatened.
Torres and Meireles were at the heart of almost every good Liverpool attack, and the two nearly combined to open the scoring in the 22nd, with Torres' controlling Meireles' brilliant cross-field pass only to see his left-footed shot saved. Ten minutes later, the Spaniard's flick led to Meireles' shot from distance skittering wide of the far post. But in the 36th, the two finally provided the needed goal, with a cameo from the oft-criticized Poulsen. The Dane's throughball found Meireles just onside, played on by Zubar, bursting through and centering for a Torres tap-in.
Wolves' attempted to spark to life, hoping to catch Liverpool out, as happened in the last two games once the Reds took the lead. Reina saved Fletcher's shot from the top of the box and Milijas' point-black far post-effort before halftime. But Liverpool never looked like cheaply conceding after the interval, as happened in those seven minutes last Sunday. The away side got the desperately-crucial second goal five minutes from the restart thanks to an indescribable volley from Meireles.
We'll be hard-pressed to find a better goal this season. Berra attempted to clear an aimless free kick from Liverpool's half, heading the ball skyward. The Portuguese midfielder watched it all the way before blasting an unstoppable shot. The movement of the ball, dipping like a cut pitch, broke at least four laws of physics. As McManaman said on ESPN after the game, "The goalkeeper could have had stilts on and wouldn't have stopped that." Seconds before, Kuyt should have tallied the second when one-on-one with Hennessey from Maxi's quick pass.
From there, Liverpool were rightfully content to quash Wolves attacks and hit back on the counter. Unlike in previous games, especially under the previous manager, Liverpool rarely looked like capitulating, in control throughout. Wolves had chances, from open play and dead balls. But any mistakes, like Skrtel's giveaway when under pressure in the 66th, only led to Reina saves, in that case from Ward's vicious long-range strike. And thankfully, there were few mistakes.
Liverpool's third goal, to cap proceedings, was the perfect way to mark Dalglish's first victory and an end to the previous era: keeping possession for more than minute with one-touch passing, with more than 30 passes and every player getting a touch of the ball, ending with a quick strike when Johnson put Kuyt through, the last ditch tackle setting Torres up for his second goal. Pass and move, with a small sprig of luck on the finishing touch. It hearkened back to better days.
Liverpool had played good football in the last three games without getting a win. Today, they played their best football under Dalglish and got those deserved three points. That it comes away from Anfield is further confirmation that the times are a changin'. Confidence is up, performances are improved, and the tactics are suited to the players. The back-line is slowly becoming settled and secure. The midfield looked coherent as Meireles had his best game in a Liverpool shirt, Lucas was typically consistent and diligent, and Poulsen didn't disappoint. Kuyt and Maxi actually gave Liverpool width and looked threatening on the break despite each's respective lack of pace. And the change in Torres under the new manager is like night and day.
But it's still one win against the 19th-placed side, even if it is one of the few and far between away wins. Liverpool are still only up to 10th, and that's before every other weekend game's been played. There is still much work to be done, and confidence can be sapped in the blink of an eye by one bad play. But this is what had to happen today. Dalglish has made a difference during his short tenure and Liverpool are beginning to get what their play deserves. Today just can't be a one-off game. We've seen enough of those.
Kelly Skrtel Agger Johnson
Lucas Poulsen
Kuyt Meireles Maxi
Torres
Goals:
Torres 36' 90+1'
Meireles 50'
After four games, performances finally lead to a result. A deservedly comprehensive three-goal away win, for Dalglish's first victory in his second stint as Liverpool's manager. A continuation of the pressing, shackles-off style that the King has brought back, three well-taken goals, no costly defensive mistakes, and an absolute master-class from Raul Meireles. That'll do nicely.
Today began looking more like rugby than football, as expected in a trip to Molineux. Martin Atkinson seemed content with Wolves' physicality, but was quick to show Poulsen a 4th-minute yellow, a frightening prospect for a shaky defensive midfielder. But Liverpool demonstrated its attacking intent with a clever move five minutes later: Johnson set up by Torres after taking the throw-in, putting Lucas in with a smart pass only to see Poulsen's shot from the Brazilian's cutback blocked. That's right, Christian Poulsen actually got in the box and threatened.
Torres and Meireles were at the heart of almost every good Liverpool attack, and the two nearly combined to open the scoring in the 22nd, with Torres' controlling Meireles' brilliant cross-field pass only to see his left-footed shot saved. Ten minutes later, the Spaniard's flick led to Meireles' shot from distance skittering wide of the far post. But in the 36th, the two finally provided the needed goal, with a cameo from the oft-criticized Poulsen. The Dane's throughball found Meireles just onside, played on by Zubar, bursting through and centering for a Torres tap-in.
Wolves' attempted to spark to life, hoping to catch Liverpool out, as happened in the last two games once the Reds took the lead. Reina saved Fletcher's shot from the top of the box and Milijas' point-black far post-effort before halftime. But Liverpool never looked like cheaply conceding after the interval, as happened in those seven minutes last Sunday. The away side got the desperately-crucial second goal five minutes from the restart thanks to an indescribable volley from Meireles.
We'll be hard-pressed to find a better goal this season. Berra attempted to clear an aimless free kick from Liverpool's half, heading the ball skyward. The Portuguese midfielder watched it all the way before blasting an unstoppable shot. The movement of the ball, dipping like a cut pitch, broke at least four laws of physics. As McManaman said on ESPN after the game, "The goalkeeper could have had stilts on and wouldn't have stopped that." Seconds before, Kuyt should have tallied the second when one-on-one with Hennessey from Maxi's quick pass.
From there, Liverpool were rightfully content to quash Wolves attacks and hit back on the counter. Unlike in previous games, especially under the previous manager, Liverpool rarely looked like capitulating, in control throughout. Wolves had chances, from open play and dead balls. But any mistakes, like Skrtel's giveaway when under pressure in the 66th, only led to Reina saves, in that case from Ward's vicious long-range strike. And thankfully, there were few mistakes.
Liverpool's third goal, to cap proceedings, was the perfect way to mark Dalglish's first victory and an end to the previous era: keeping possession for more than minute with one-touch passing, with more than 30 passes and every player getting a touch of the ball, ending with a quick strike when Johnson put Kuyt through, the last ditch tackle setting Torres up for his second goal. Pass and move, with a small sprig of luck on the finishing touch. It hearkened back to better days.
Liverpool had played good football in the last three games without getting a win. Today, they played their best football under Dalglish and got those deserved three points. That it comes away from Anfield is further confirmation that the times are a changin'. Confidence is up, performances are improved, and the tactics are suited to the players. The back-line is slowly becoming settled and secure. The midfield looked coherent as Meireles had his best game in a Liverpool shirt, Lucas was typically consistent and diligent, and Poulsen didn't disappoint. Kuyt and Maxi actually gave Liverpool width and looked threatening on the break despite each's respective lack of pace. And the change in Torres under the new manager is like night and day.
But it's still one win against the 19th-placed side, even if it is one of the few and far between away wins. Liverpool are still only up to 10th, and that's before every other weekend game's been played. There is still much work to be done, and confidence can be sapped in the blink of an eye by one bad play. But this is what had to happen today. Dalglish has made a difference during his short tenure and Liverpool are beginning to get what their play deserves. Today just can't be a one-off game. We've seen enough of those.
21 January 2011
Liverpool at Wolverhampton 01.22.11
7:45am ET, live in the US on espn2
Last four head-to-head:
0-1 Wolves (h) 12.29.10
0-0 (a) 01.26.10
2-0 Liverpool (h) 12.26.09
1-0 Liverpool (h) 03.20.04
Last three matches:
Liverpool: 2-2 Everton (h); 1-2 Blackpool (a); 0-1 United (a)
Wolves: 5-0 Doncaster (h); 3-4 City (a); 2-2 Doncaster (a)
Goalscorers (league):
Liverpool: Torres 7; Gerrard, Kuyt 4; Maxi 3; Kyrgiakos, Ngog 2; Babel, Cole, Johnson, Meireles, Skrtel 1
Wolves: Ebanks-Blake, Fletcher 4; Doyle, Foley, Hunt, Jarvis, Milijas 2; Edwards, Jones, Ward, Van Damme, Zubar 1
Referee: Martin Atkinson
Guess at a line-up:
Reina
Kelly Skrtel Agger Johnson
Spearing Lucas
Kuyt Meireles Maxi
Torres
With Gerrard suspended for one more match, my best guess is the same XI which drew with Everton last Sunday. At the very least, I assume Liverpool will stick with the 4-3-3/4-2-3-1/4-1-4-1 formation instead of a potential 4-4-2 with Ngog partnering Torres. We've seen the more fluid formation in each of Dalglish's three matches.
The Daily Mirror, surprisingly, suggests an interesting possibility: Joe Cole could start his first game since Hodgson's final loss at Blackburn. I expected Cole to get chances because of Gerrard's suspension, but he hasn't featured in the two previous games. Cole survived 45 minutes with the reserves on Wednesday, proving his fitness. He could take up Gerrard's usual position behind Torres, which would allow Meireles to play deeper in his preferred role, relegating Spearing to the bench.
Playing Glen Johnson at left back continues to provoke questions, but Johnson was better against Everton than Blackpool, and Kelly's recent form has made it near impossible to leave him out. The clamor to see Johnson in midfield remains, but I'm still skeptical. I don't see the same parallel with Gareth Bale, whose close control and acceleration are far better than Johnson's, making him better suited for a more advanced position. Johnson's attacking improves as he has room to operate, charging forward from deep. I don't think he'd have anywhere near the same effect in midfield. I am admittedly curious, though.
Questions also remain about Martin Skrtel, who's suffered a mind-boggling drop in form this season. Arguably at fault for both goals conceded against Everton and Blackpool's winner, among multiple other defensive calamities, Skrtel's regression has fostered the belief that Liverpool needs another center-back. It hasn't helped that this regression parallels Carragher's extended stint on the sidelines. But Liverpool's options are limited: Kyrgiakos, who also looked shaky against Everton, and the untried Wilson are the alternatives to partner Agger. Kelly could also feature at center-back, where he spent time in the reserves, but his performances at right-back have been so promising that I doubt he'll change position in the near future. For now, I imagine Dalglish will stick with the devil he knows best until the vice-captain's fit.
I've seen few Wolves matches this season, but every one I manage to catch leaves me wondering how they're stuck in 19th, only one point off the bottom of the table. They hammered one of the many nails in Hodgson's coffin with a 1-0 win at Anfield, beat Chelsea at the beginning of the month, and surprised Manchester City in October. United needed goals after the 90th minute for victories in both the league and Carling Cup. And Wolves deserved something from a 3-4 thriller at City a week ago. But then you look at their full results and see five losses out of seven games played against sides placed 15th or lower, including two losses against 18th-placed Wigan and a loss and draw against bottom-of-the-table West Ham.
Wolves played a reasonably strong lineup mid-week in an FA Cup replay, starting Fletcher, Doyle, and Hunt among others. Hopefully, that will lead to fatigue, as happened to Liverpool against Blackpool after a tough FA Cup match at United. Joint top-scorer Ebanks-Blake is still out with a calf problem, while Kightly and Mancienne are long-term casualties and left-back Elokobi is suspended.
Yesterday, Wolves bought highly-regarded former Liverpool trainee Adam Hammill. During a week where Dalglish rightfully lauded Benitez's contribution to the Academy, Liverpool's opponents purchase one of Rafa's biggest youth mistakes. That El Zhar got chances ahead of Hammill still rankles many fans. Tomorrow may be too soon for young winger's first appearance, but a cameo would be poetically frightening. Hammill playing a crucial role would fit perfectly with this season's gruesome leitmotif.
Tomorrow could mark a first win for Dalglish and a break with the usual away day voodoo. That Liverpool needs a victory goes without saying; it's gone without saying since August. 13th place, only four points above the relegation zone and five points ahead of Wolves, with a negative goal difference, is no place to be in the middle of January.
Liverpool have deserved more than a draw and two losses from their performances since Dalglish took the reins. Now they need to start turning performances into results.
Last four head-to-head:
0-1 Wolves (h) 12.29.10
0-0 (a) 01.26.10
2-0 Liverpool (h) 12.26.09
1-0 Liverpool (h) 03.20.04
Last three matches:
Liverpool: 2-2 Everton (h); 1-2 Blackpool (a); 0-1 United (a)
Wolves: 5-0 Doncaster (h); 3-4 City (a); 2-2 Doncaster (a)
Goalscorers (league):
Liverpool: Torres 7; Gerrard, Kuyt 4; Maxi 3; Kyrgiakos, Ngog 2; Babel, Cole, Johnson, Meireles, Skrtel 1
Wolves: Ebanks-Blake, Fletcher 4; Doyle, Foley, Hunt, Jarvis, Milijas 2; Edwards, Jones, Ward, Van Damme, Zubar 1
Referee: Martin Atkinson
Guess at a line-up:
Reina
Kelly Skrtel Agger Johnson
Spearing Lucas
Kuyt Meireles Maxi
Torres
With Gerrard suspended for one more match, my best guess is the same XI which drew with Everton last Sunday. At the very least, I assume Liverpool will stick with the 4-3-3/4-2-3-1/4-1-4-1 formation instead of a potential 4-4-2 with Ngog partnering Torres. We've seen the more fluid formation in each of Dalglish's three matches.
The Daily Mirror, surprisingly, suggests an interesting possibility: Joe Cole could start his first game since Hodgson's final loss at Blackburn. I expected Cole to get chances because of Gerrard's suspension, but he hasn't featured in the two previous games. Cole survived 45 minutes with the reserves on Wednesday, proving his fitness. He could take up Gerrard's usual position behind Torres, which would allow Meireles to play deeper in his preferred role, relegating Spearing to the bench.
Playing Glen Johnson at left back continues to provoke questions, but Johnson was better against Everton than Blackpool, and Kelly's recent form has made it near impossible to leave him out. The clamor to see Johnson in midfield remains, but I'm still skeptical. I don't see the same parallel with Gareth Bale, whose close control and acceleration are far better than Johnson's, making him better suited for a more advanced position. Johnson's attacking improves as he has room to operate, charging forward from deep. I don't think he'd have anywhere near the same effect in midfield. I am admittedly curious, though.
Questions also remain about Martin Skrtel, who's suffered a mind-boggling drop in form this season. Arguably at fault for both goals conceded against Everton and Blackpool's winner, among multiple other defensive calamities, Skrtel's regression has fostered the belief that Liverpool needs another center-back. It hasn't helped that this regression parallels Carragher's extended stint on the sidelines. But Liverpool's options are limited: Kyrgiakos, who also looked shaky against Everton, and the untried Wilson are the alternatives to partner Agger. Kelly could also feature at center-back, where he spent time in the reserves, but his performances at right-back have been so promising that I doubt he'll change position in the near future. For now, I imagine Dalglish will stick with the devil he knows best until the vice-captain's fit.
I've seen few Wolves matches this season, but every one I manage to catch leaves me wondering how they're stuck in 19th, only one point off the bottom of the table. They hammered one of the many nails in Hodgson's coffin with a 1-0 win at Anfield, beat Chelsea at the beginning of the month, and surprised Manchester City in October. United needed goals after the 90th minute for victories in both the league and Carling Cup. And Wolves deserved something from a 3-4 thriller at City a week ago. But then you look at their full results and see five losses out of seven games played against sides placed 15th or lower, including two losses against 18th-placed Wigan and a loss and draw against bottom-of-the-table West Ham.
Wolves played a reasonably strong lineup mid-week in an FA Cup replay, starting Fletcher, Doyle, and Hunt among others. Hopefully, that will lead to fatigue, as happened to Liverpool against Blackpool after a tough FA Cup match at United. Joint top-scorer Ebanks-Blake is still out with a calf problem, while Kightly and Mancienne are long-term casualties and left-back Elokobi is suspended.
Yesterday, Wolves bought highly-regarded former Liverpool trainee Adam Hammill. During a week where Dalglish rightfully lauded Benitez's contribution to the Academy, Liverpool's opponents purchase one of Rafa's biggest youth mistakes. That El Zhar got chances ahead of Hammill still rankles many fans. Tomorrow may be too soon for young winger's first appearance, but a cameo would be poetically frightening. Hammill playing a crucial role would fit perfectly with this season's gruesome leitmotif.
Tomorrow could mark a first win for Dalglish and a break with the usual away day voodoo. That Liverpool needs a victory goes without saying; it's gone without saying since August. 13th place, only four points above the relegation zone and five points ahead of Wolves, with a negative goal difference, is no place to be in the middle of January.
Liverpool have deserved more than a draw and two losses from their performances since Dalglish took the reins. Now they need to start turning performances into results.
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