12:30pm ET, live in the US on NBC Sports
Last four head-to-head:
0-1 Southampton (h) 09.21.13
1-3 Southampton (a) 03.16.13
1-0 Liverpool (h) 12.01.12
0-2 Southampton (a) 01.22.05
Last three matches:
Liverpool: 4-3 Swansea (h); 1-2 Arsenal (a); 3-2 Fulham (a)
Southampton: 1-3 West Ham (a); 0-1 Sunderland (a); 1-0 Hull (a)
Goalscorers (league):
Liverpool: Suarez 23; Sturridge 18; Gerrard 7; Sterling 6; Skrtel 4; Coutinho, Henderson 3; Agger, Flanagan, Moses, Sakho 1
Southampton: Rodriguez 10; Lambert 8; Lallana 7; Fonte, Osvaldo 3; Davis, Lovren 2; Ramirez, Schneiderlin, Yoshida 1
Referee: Lee Probert
Guess at a line-up:
Mignolet
Flanagan Skrtel Agger Johnson
Gerrard
Henderson Coutinho
Suarez Sturridge Sterling
If at first it doesn't succeed...? How about if it kind of succeeds?
Once again, it's hard to foresee any changes to Liverpool's XI. Maybe in where they line up, but not who lines up; either fullback can play on either side, the front three could play in almost any of the three positions. Allen was brilliant as a substitute against Swansea, but I still can't see him replacing Henderson, Coutinho, or Sterling in the starting XI.
The question, as it's been for the last month, is how Liverpool's tactics (read: Liverpool's midfield) fare against the opposition. And, of course, whether or not Liverpool's defense will do something stupid. But more so the first question.
Away from home, against a side with the ability to dominate possession, you'd think that Liverpool's midfield would be better, would be less exposed, than against the likes of Stoke, Villa, West Brom, or Swansea. The front three can press, along with either Henderson or Coutinho, the rest of the midfield and defense can play compact and soak up pressure, looking to spring the ever-potent counter-attack rather than feeling the need to take the game to their opponents. However, Southampton's ability to press could throw this off-balance. Gerrard, Coutinho, and (to a lesser extent) Henderson probably won't have the time and space to pick apart the opposition during quick transitions, not like they did against Arsenal or Everton. Southampton's pressing has unbalanced Liverpool's in the last two meetings, which have both ended in two Liverpool losses.
Liverpool have scored 13 goals in the last four league matches, and none of them have come from Luis Suarez, who's currently going through his longest "drought" of the season. Southampton is the only team in the Premier League that Luis Suarez has never scored against. This seems relevant. Someone make sure Luis is aware of this prior to kick-off.
Southampton are currently ninth, locked with Newcastle in a nearly meaningless battle for eighth. Neither will drop enough points to fall into the bottom half of the table, and it seems almost certain that neither will gain enough points to challenge Everton or United for seventh. And Southampton's last three results somewhat support the notion of cruise control: a narrow victory over Hull, a narrow loss at Sunderland in the FA Cup, and a 1-3 loss at West Ham last weekend, demolished by Kevin Nolan et al after Yoshida opened the scoring from a set play. But that certainly doesn't mean Southampton don't have anything to play for. Especially when facing Liverpool, a side they've beaten in the last two meetings.
With Lovren and Ramirez back from extended absences, Southampton's only injury concern is Victor Wanyama, who'll be subject to a late fitness test. But there's a fairly good chance he wouldn't be playing anyway. Like Brendan Rodgers, Pochettino has had a settled XI over the last month, with Lovren likely to be the only player to alter the squad. Boruc; Chambers, Fonte, Lovren, Shaw; Cork, Schneiderlin; Davis, Lallana, Rodriguez; Lambert. Clyne could start instead of Chambers, Ward-Prowse or Ramirez instead of Davis, but those (along with Wanyama) seem the only possible variations.
Liverpool have been held scoreless in just two league matches this season: an 0-2 loss at Arsenal, and the 0-1 loss to tomorrow's opponent at Anfield in September. Only West Ham, Chelsea, and Arsenal have kept more clean sheets than Southampton this season.
Southampton have handled Brendan Rodgers' Liverpool better than any other side, limiting them to two goals in the last three matches, winning twice under Pochettino and narrowly losing once under Adkins. At times, the two appear mirror images: heavy pressing; intelligent, ball-controlling passing; counter-attack and set play goals. Southampton have done it better than Liverpool the last two times they've faced off.
For the last few months, we've said that this is a different Liverpool. A more resilient Liverpool, a more potent Liverpool. Tomorrow would be a good time to again demonstrate that.
28 February 2014
24 February 2014
Visualized: Liverpool 4-3 Swansea
Previous Match Infographics: Fulham (a), Arsenal (h), West Brom (a), Everton (h), Aston Villa (h), Stoke (a), Hull (h), Chelsea (a), Manchester City (a), Cardiff (h), Tottenham (a), West Ham (h), Norwich (h), Hull City (a), Everton (a), Fulham (h), Arsenal (a), West Brom (h), Newcastle (a), Crystal Palace (h), Sunderland (a), Southampton (h), Swansea (a), Manchester United (h), Aston Villa (a), Stoke (h)
As always, match data from Stats Zone and Squawka.
Yesterday was 14th time Liverpool have scored three or more goals in a league match this season. That happened 12 times last season, and just seven in 2011-12. And there are still 11 matches to go. Liverpool's record when they scored three or more? 13 wins, one draw.
Liverpool have taken an awful lot of points because of their goal-scoring prowess. They've already tallied 70 goals this season, more than any other club in the league. They're one shy of last season's total, and have already surpassed 2011-12's tally by 23 goals. Averaging 2.59 goals per game, they're on pace for 98 or 99 this season.
Liverpool could score just eight goals over the rest of the season (note: I highly recommend not doing this), and it'd still be Liverpool's highest-scoring campaign in the last 26 seasons, going all the way back to 1987-88, where Liverpool under Dalglish scored 87 and won the league by nine points. And that was a 40-game season. You have to go back to 1963-64, when Liverpool won its first league title under Bill Shankly, for the last time the side scored 90 or more in the league. And that was a 42-game season.
Chelsea holds the record for most goals in a Premier League season with 103, set in 2009-10. When they won the league with 86 points. Of course, they only conceded 32 goals that campaign. Liverpool have already let in 35.
Yesterday was the 11th time Liverpool have conceded at least two in a league match. Liverpool's record when they concede at least two? Three wins, four draws, four losses. The wins came at Stoke, at Fulham, and yesterday against Swansea. The draws were the 2-2 at Swansea, 2-2 at Newcastle, 3-3 at Everton, and 2-2 against Villa. And the losses were 0-2 at Arsenal, 1-3 at Hull, 1-2 at City, and 1-2 at Chelsea.
It's a lot easier to overcome conceding two or more goals against the Swanseas and Stokes of the world. For every 5-1 against Arsenal, 5-0 at Tottenham, 4-0 against Everton, there are those 0-2, 1-2, 1-2 setbacks.
Nine of the 11 matches where Liverpool conceded two or more were away from Anfield. Liverpool's remaining away matches? Southampton, United, Cardiff, West Ham, Norwich, and Palace. There are a lot of sides Liverpool will expect to beat in there, but there are more than a few opportunities to drop points if Liverpool continue conceding avoidable goals.
But back to yesterday's match. Which followed the pattern of a fair few Liverpool matches already this season. Liverpool are very good going forward, but Liverpool also have problems in midfield when they're too open – especially against sides that they're expected to take the game to – and Liverpool have an unsettled and mistake-prone defense.
Swansea's three goals highlighted both problems. The first saw Liverpool's missing midfield: Swansea allowed to pass and run through the center before pushing the ball out wide, both Henderson and Gerrard failing to mark Shelvey, allowing a dangerous player the time and space to kill them. But, to be fair, Liverpool did almost the exact same thing to Swansea just three minutes earlier.
Both the second and third goals aptly demonstrated Liverpool's flaws in defense, especially on set plays, and just how unlucky that defense has been at times this season. On other days, Skrtel isn't whistled for a petulant little kick at Shelvey after winning the tackle. On other days, Skrtel's deflection off of Bony's header doesn't end up in the back of the net. On other days, Sterling doesn't slip when offered the opportunity to transition to attack, allowing Dyer free range to cross. And on other days, Skrtel's desire to give opposition strikers a hug isn't punished.
Yesterday's Match of the Day had a Liverpool 'lowlights' reel, which was amusing, but seemed to need a different soundtrack.
Luck and errors, luck and errors. If it seems like I'm writing about that every week, it's because I pretty much am.
The second and third goals conceded yesterday also demonstrate the dangers of bringing back players from long-term injuries, with Johnson losing Bony on the set play, and out-of-position on the third, unable to defend Dyer because he wasn't expecting Sterling to stumble. Neither was necessarily responsible for Liverpool's concession, but neither helped. Still, you'd expect – or, more accurately, you'd hope – those errors are erased with match practice.
But Liverpool fixed itself around the hour mark. More accurately, Rodgers fixed Liverpool by bringing on Joe Allen.
I highlighted his performance in yesterday's match review, but it bears repeating. In 32 minutes, Allen completed 18 of 19 passes, made five tackles (of six attempted), seven ball recoveries, one interception, two successful dribbles, and created one chance. It was pretty impressive.
Liverpool, finally with some shape in midfield, defended far better, and the majority of that time was with Swansea chasing yet another equalizer.
Allen won five of those 16 tackles after coming on, nearly a full third. And while he only made one of the eight interceptions after the 58th minute, Liverpool's interceptions mostly were higher up the pitch rather than just outside their own box, preventing Swansea from getting into more dangerous positions.
Despite playing more attacking third passes in the final 32 minutes compared to the 58 before, Swansea created just two chances, compared to the eight which came before Allen's entrance.
But that seemed more a Band-Aid than a solution. Liverpool still have problems, are still trying to find a balance, in both defense and midfield. The goal-scoring pace is keeping Liverpool amongst the Champions League places and near the top of the table, but until the other two areas are improved, Liverpool won't come close to its full potential. As has been written for more than a few weeks now.
As always, match data from Stats Zone and Squawka.
Yesterday was 14th time Liverpool have scored three or more goals in a league match this season. That happened 12 times last season, and just seven in 2011-12. And there are still 11 matches to go. Liverpool's record when they scored three or more? 13 wins, one draw.
Liverpool have taken an awful lot of points because of their goal-scoring prowess. They've already tallied 70 goals this season, more than any other club in the league. They're one shy of last season's total, and have already surpassed 2011-12's tally by 23 goals. Averaging 2.59 goals per game, they're on pace for 98 or 99 this season.
Liverpool could score just eight goals over the rest of the season (note: I highly recommend not doing this), and it'd still be Liverpool's highest-scoring campaign in the last 26 seasons, going all the way back to 1987-88, where Liverpool under Dalglish scored 87 and won the league by nine points. And that was a 40-game season. You have to go back to 1963-64, when Liverpool won its first league title under Bill Shankly, for the last time the side scored 90 or more in the league. And that was a 42-game season.
Chelsea holds the record for most goals in a Premier League season with 103, set in 2009-10. When they won the league with 86 points. Of course, they only conceded 32 goals that campaign. Liverpool have already let in 35.
Yesterday was the 11th time Liverpool have conceded at least two in a league match. Liverpool's record when they concede at least two? Three wins, four draws, four losses. The wins came at Stoke, at Fulham, and yesterday against Swansea. The draws were the 2-2 at Swansea, 2-2 at Newcastle, 3-3 at Everton, and 2-2 against Villa. And the losses were 0-2 at Arsenal, 1-3 at Hull, 1-2 at City, and 1-2 at Chelsea.
It's a lot easier to overcome conceding two or more goals against the Swanseas and Stokes of the world. For every 5-1 against Arsenal, 5-0 at Tottenham, 4-0 against Everton, there are those 0-2, 1-2, 1-2 setbacks.
Nine of the 11 matches where Liverpool conceded two or more were away from Anfield. Liverpool's remaining away matches? Southampton, United, Cardiff, West Ham, Norwich, and Palace. There are a lot of sides Liverpool will expect to beat in there, but there are more than a few opportunities to drop points if Liverpool continue conceding avoidable goals.
But back to yesterday's match. Which followed the pattern of a fair few Liverpool matches already this season. Liverpool are very good going forward, but Liverpool also have problems in midfield when they're too open – especially against sides that they're expected to take the game to – and Liverpool have an unsettled and mistake-prone defense.
Swansea's three goals highlighted both problems. The first saw Liverpool's missing midfield: Swansea allowed to pass and run through the center before pushing the ball out wide, both Henderson and Gerrard failing to mark Shelvey, allowing a dangerous player the time and space to kill them. But, to be fair, Liverpool did almost the exact same thing to Swansea just three minutes earlier.
Both the second and third goals aptly demonstrated Liverpool's flaws in defense, especially on set plays, and just how unlucky that defense has been at times this season. On other days, Skrtel isn't whistled for a petulant little kick at Shelvey after winning the tackle. On other days, Skrtel's deflection off of Bony's header doesn't end up in the back of the net. On other days, Sterling doesn't slip when offered the opportunity to transition to attack, allowing Dyer free range to cross. And on other days, Skrtel's desire to give opposition strikers a hug isn't punished.
Yesterday's Match of the Day had a Liverpool 'lowlights' reel, which was amusing, but seemed to need a different soundtrack.
Luck and errors, luck and errors. If it seems like I'm writing about that every week, it's because I pretty much am.
The second and third goals conceded yesterday also demonstrate the dangers of bringing back players from long-term injuries, with Johnson losing Bony on the set play, and out-of-position on the third, unable to defend Dyer because he wasn't expecting Sterling to stumble. Neither was necessarily responsible for Liverpool's concession, but neither helped. Still, you'd expect – or, more accurately, you'd hope – those errors are erased with match practice.
But Liverpool fixed itself around the hour mark. More accurately, Rodgers fixed Liverpool by bringing on Joe Allen.
I highlighted his performance in yesterday's match review, but it bears repeating. In 32 minutes, Allen completed 18 of 19 passes, made five tackles (of six attempted), seven ball recoveries, one interception, two successful dribbles, and created one chance. It was pretty impressive.
Liverpool, finally with some shape in midfield, defended far better, and the majority of that time was with Swansea chasing yet another equalizer.
Allen won five of those 16 tackles after coming on, nearly a full third. And while he only made one of the eight interceptions after the 58th minute, Liverpool's interceptions mostly were higher up the pitch rather than just outside their own box, preventing Swansea from getting into more dangerous positions.
Despite playing more attacking third passes in the final 32 minutes compared to the 58 before, Swansea created just two chances, compared to the eight which came before Allen's entrance.
But that seemed more a Band-Aid than a solution. Liverpool still have problems, are still trying to find a balance, in both defense and midfield. The goal-scoring pace is keeping Liverpool amongst the Champions League places and near the top of the table, but until the other two areas are improved, Liverpool won't come close to its full potential. As has been written for more than a few weeks now.
23 February 2014
Liverpool 4-3 Swansea
Goals:
Sturridge 3' 36'
Henderson 20' 74'
Shelvey 23'
Bony 27' 48' (pen)
So many of Liverpool's matches this season have taken your breath away. Some of them – 5-0 Tottenham, 4-0 Everton, 5-1 Arsenal – delightfully so. But some of them – 3-3 Everton, 5-3 Stoke, 3-2 Fulham, and today's – have been nerve-wracking, vomit-inducing hot messes.
Evidently, Swansea didn't get the memo. When Liverpool go up 2-0 in the first 20 minutes at Anfield, you're supposed to fall to pieces, roll over and let Liverpool have its way with you. Liverpool had the lead within three minutes, Sterling's Coutinho-like throughball perfectly placed for Sturridge's run, rounding the keeper before the finish into the open net. He's now scored in eight consecutive league matches, for his 17th goal of the season. He's pretty good at this football thing.
Swansea's response should have demonstrated that this wouldn't be as easy as Everton or Arsenal, finding space in Liverpool's midfield and down Liverpool's left, Dyer against the returning Glen Johnson, but Liverpool soon had a second. This time, Sturridge turned provider, creating space on the right flank before cutting inside and setting up a wide open Henderson, the shot hit with aplomb. You'd expect that'd be game over, given the majority of what we've seen at Anfield this season. You'd be wrong.
Of course, Shelvey was the epicenter of Swansea's first two goals, scored within four minutes. The first was a brilliant strike, nearly a carbon copy of the Henderson one which preceded it: Dyer finding space down Liverpool's left, cutting in, and teeing up the midfielder at the top of the box, the shot unstoppably placed. And then Shelvey won the debatable free kick for the second, unsurprisingly conceded by Skrtel, evidently for kicking out after the center-back won the ball. Bony easily eluded Johnson's marking, but his header was either going off-target or was going to be saved by Mignolet before deflecting off Skrtel. The striker was given credit, but it might well go down as Skrtel's third own goal of the season. Yes, third. That's depressingly impressive.
Like against Villa, West Brom, and Fulham, this midfield didn't quite work in matchess where Liverpool expect to see a lot of the ball. It's been fantastic against Everton and Arsenal, compact but ready to press, keeping its shape in Liverpool half, smartly picking and choosing when to take its opportunities to attack. It's been less so in those aforementioned games, with Coutinho, Henderson, and Gerrard all trying to join the attack, leaving far too many gaps at the back. Gaps which further expose Liverpool's already earthquake-shaky defense.
But, because Liverpool often just won't be denied in front of goal, they were soon back in front. Suarez, still unable to find his shooting boots, demonstrated just how important he can be even when he isn't scoring, working space down the left before delivering an indescribably perfect cross for Sturridge, in between Williams and Taylor, to head home. It was a cross sent in to the exact centimeter, hit just hard enough to rise over Williams and still find Sturridge without giving Taylor even a chance at stopping it.
Of course, Swansea continued to threaten Liverpool's negligible, negligent defense for the rest of the half: Bony denied by Mignolet's fingertips, Rangel's free header from a corner wide, Dyer dragging his shot off-target, Agger's brilliant last-ditch block after Coutinho was dispossessed. But Liverpool made it to halftime without conceding again. Okay. Deep breaths. Regroup. Solidify. Get an early fourth, kill the game.
Ha. Hahahahahaha.
Swansea were level within three minutes of the restart, scoring with its first attack. It appeared Liverpool had the situation under control. Sterling had swept up, Johnson was there to cover. Nope. The Invisible Anfield Turf Monster rose up and grabbed Sterling's ankles, after Johnson had already started to go forward. Dyer snuck in, picked up possession, and crossed towards Bony, marked by both Agger and Skrtel. But Agger was there to make the clearing header. In position and everything, with the header sent clear of the box. Pity that Skrtel decided to bear hug Bony, and Mike Jones decided that he's gotten away with enough of that nonsense this season. Penalty. Bony steps up. Goal.
And back to square one all over again. A couple of chances for Suarez, but still not taken, still struggling with his shooting, as he has since scoring the fourth against Everton. And it's getting worse. Swansea continuing to threaten when given the chance: a de Guzman free kick just wide, then the same player denied by Mignolet four minutes later.
Thankfully, Rodgers had seen enough, bringing on Allen for Sterling, a move which shifted Coutinho out wide. Liverpool's midfield was immediately, noticeably better. Swansea stopped getting so many chances. Liverpool started having a lot more possession. And it seemed a matter of time before the fourth, as long as Suarez could find the target. First, Sturridge chipped just high and wide, then had a shot fantastically blocked by Williams, but the next four openings fell to the Uruguayan. Off-target, no penalty, off-target, blocked.
But on that last opening, the block fell perfectly for Henderson's run forward, taking it in stride, his first effort saved by Vorm but the second chance unstoppable from a yard out. Sometimes, it's better to be lucky than good, and even better to be lucky and good. It was Henderson's second brace for the club, following his domineering performance at Newcastle last season, and you could see what it meant to him, screaming in euphoric relief.
Okay. You've got 15 or so minutes. Just don't do anything stupid. And for the most part, Liverpool didn't, aside from one frightening moment where were nearly got yet another Skrtel own goal, as Johnson's attempted, wayward clearance hit him in the chest, but fortunately ricocheted straight to Mignolet. It's wasn't the best defensive shell. It was, because it's Liverpool, incredibly stressful. But it was good enough, as the best chance of the final 10 minutes fell to Gerrard, hammered and deflected onto the post. Because it's not a Liverpool game if Liverpool don't hit the woodwork, evidently.
Jordan Henderson will get the plaudits for his two goals, and rightfully so, as will Sturridge for his brace. Sturridge's scoring run is beyond words, especially since it's come when Suarez can't score for love or money or love and money. Suarez and Sterling's assists were pretty damn gorgeous. But Joe Allen's man of the match. He completely changed proceedings. 18 of 19 passes, 5/6 tackles, 2/2 dribbles, 7 ball recoveries, 1 chance created, 1 interception. Before Allen, Liverpool's midfield was more open than a pervert's trenchcoat. After Allen, it was thankfully tied shut. Before Allen, Swansea took 11 shots and created eight chances in 56 minutes. After Allen, they took three shots and created two chances.
Liverpool's defense, on the other hand, was the opposite of man of the match. Agger and Johnson, to be fair, played like they're both returning from injury because both were returning from injury. Flanagan was mostly okay. Toure, replacing Agger in the 63rd minute, did enough, even if he causes similar pangs of fear as Martin Skrtel. And Skrtel was a walking catastrophe, to blame for some of it, deeply unlucky for some of it. Regardless – and I think we've said this before – Liverpool's defense really needs to get better. Soon would be nice.
Because Liverpool can't keep winning games 5-3, 3-2, 4-3. As much fun as Liverpool's attack is, as much fun as these games are for the neutral, it really doesn't seem sustainable. And my heart can't take Liverpool continuing to win 5-3. 3-2, and 4-3 games.
Sturridge 3' 36'
Henderson 20' 74'
Shelvey 23'
Bony 27' 48' (pen)
So many of Liverpool's matches this season have taken your breath away. Some of them – 5-0 Tottenham, 4-0 Everton, 5-1 Arsenal – delightfully so. But some of them – 3-3 Everton, 5-3 Stoke, 3-2 Fulham, and today's – have been nerve-wracking, vomit-inducing hot messes.
Evidently, Swansea didn't get the memo. When Liverpool go up 2-0 in the first 20 minutes at Anfield, you're supposed to fall to pieces, roll over and let Liverpool have its way with you. Liverpool had the lead within three minutes, Sterling's Coutinho-like throughball perfectly placed for Sturridge's run, rounding the keeper before the finish into the open net. He's now scored in eight consecutive league matches, for his 17th goal of the season. He's pretty good at this football thing.
Swansea's response should have demonstrated that this wouldn't be as easy as Everton or Arsenal, finding space in Liverpool's midfield and down Liverpool's left, Dyer against the returning Glen Johnson, but Liverpool soon had a second. This time, Sturridge turned provider, creating space on the right flank before cutting inside and setting up a wide open Henderson, the shot hit with aplomb. You'd expect that'd be game over, given the majority of what we've seen at Anfield this season. You'd be wrong.
Of course, Shelvey was the epicenter of Swansea's first two goals, scored within four minutes. The first was a brilliant strike, nearly a carbon copy of the Henderson one which preceded it: Dyer finding space down Liverpool's left, cutting in, and teeing up the midfielder at the top of the box, the shot unstoppably placed. And then Shelvey won the debatable free kick for the second, unsurprisingly conceded by Skrtel, evidently for kicking out after the center-back won the ball. Bony easily eluded Johnson's marking, but his header was either going off-target or was going to be saved by Mignolet before deflecting off Skrtel. The striker was given credit, but it might well go down as Skrtel's third own goal of the season. Yes, third. That's depressingly impressive.
Like against Villa, West Brom, and Fulham, this midfield didn't quite work in matchess where Liverpool expect to see a lot of the ball. It's been fantastic against Everton and Arsenal, compact but ready to press, keeping its shape in Liverpool half, smartly picking and choosing when to take its opportunities to attack. It's been less so in those aforementioned games, with Coutinho, Henderson, and Gerrard all trying to join the attack, leaving far too many gaps at the back. Gaps which further expose Liverpool's already earthquake-shaky defense.
But, because Liverpool often just won't be denied in front of goal, they were soon back in front. Suarez, still unable to find his shooting boots, demonstrated just how important he can be even when he isn't scoring, working space down the left before delivering an indescribably perfect cross for Sturridge, in between Williams and Taylor, to head home. It was a cross sent in to the exact centimeter, hit just hard enough to rise over Williams and still find Sturridge without giving Taylor even a chance at stopping it.
Of course, Swansea continued to threaten Liverpool's negligible, negligent defense for the rest of the half: Bony denied by Mignolet's fingertips, Rangel's free header from a corner wide, Dyer dragging his shot off-target, Agger's brilliant last-ditch block after Coutinho was dispossessed. But Liverpool made it to halftime without conceding again. Okay. Deep breaths. Regroup. Solidify. Get an early fourth, kill the game.
Ha. Hahahahahaha.
Swansea were level within three minutes of the restart, scoring with its first attack. It appeared Liverpool had the situation under control. Sterling had swept up, Johnson was there to cover. Nope. The Invisible Anfield Turf Monster rose up and grabbed Sterling's ankles, after Johnson had already started to go forward. Dyer snuck in, picked up possession, and crossed towards Bony, marked by both Agger and Skrtel. But Agger was there to make the clearing header. In position and everything, with the header sent clear of the box. Pity that Skrtel decided to bear hug Bony, and Mike Jones decided that he's gotten away with enough of that nonsense this season. Penalty. Bony steps up. Goal.
And back to square one all over again. A couple of chances for Suarez, but still not taken, still struggling with his shooting, as he has since scoring the fourth against Everton. And it's getting worse. Swansea continuing to threaten when given the chance: a de Guzman free kick just wide, then the same player denied by Mignolet four minutes later.
Thankfully, Rodgers had seen enough, bringing on Allen for Sterling, a move which shifted Coutinho out wide. Liverpool's midfield was immediately, noticeably better. Swansea stopped getting so many chances. Liverpool started having a lot more possession. And it seemed a matter of time before the fourth, as long as Suarez could find the target. First, Sturridge chipped just high and wide, then had a shot fantastically blocked by Williams, but the next four openings fell to the Uruguayan. Off-target, no penalty, off-target, blocked.
But on that last opening, the block fell perfectly for Henderson's run forward, taking it in stride, his first effort saved by Vorm but the second chance unstoppable from a yard out. Sometimes, it's better to be lucky than good, and even better to be lucky and good. It was Henderson's second brace for the club, following his domineering performance at Newcastle last season, and you could see what it meant to him, screaming in euphoric relief.
Okay. You've got 15 or so minutes. Just don't do anything stupid. And for the most part, Liverpool didn't, aside from one frightening moment where were nearly got yet another Skrtel own goal, as Johnson's attempted, wayward clearance hit him in the chest, but fortunately ricocheted straight to Mignolet. It's wasn't the best defensive shell. It was, because it's Liverpool, incredibly stressful. But it was good enough, as the best chance of the final 10 minutes fell to Gerrard, hammered and deflected onto the post. Because it's not a Liverpool game if Liverpool don't hit the woodwork, evidently.
Jordan Henderson will get the plaudits for his two goals, and rightfully so, as will Sturridge for his brace. Sturridge's scoring run is beyond words, especially since it's come when Suarez can't score for love or money or love and money. Suarez and Sterling's assists were pretty damn gorgeous. But Joe Allen's man of the match. He completely changed proceedings. 18 of 19 passes, 5/6 tackles, 2/2 dribbles, 7 ball recoveries, 1 chance created, 1 interception. Before Allen, Liverpool's midfield was more open than a pervert's trenchcoat. After Allen, it was thankfully tied shut. Before Allen, Swansea took 11 shots and created eight chances in 56 minutes. After Allen, they took three shots and created two chances.
Liverpool's defense, on the other hand, was the opposite of man of the match. Agger and Johnson, to be fair, played like they're both returning from injury because both were returning from injury. Flanagan was mostly okay. Toure, replacing Agger in the 63rd minute, did enough, even if he causes similar pangs of fear as Martin Skrtel. And Skrtel was a walking catastrophe, to blame for some of it, deeply unlucky for some of it. Regardless – and I think we've said this before – Liverpool's defense really needs to get better. Soon would be nice.
Because Liverpool can't keep winning games 5-3, 3-2, 4-3. As much fun as Liverpool's attack is, as much fun as these games are for the neutral, it really doesn't seem sustainable. And my heart can't take Liverpool continuing to win 5-3. 3-2, and 4-3 games.
22 February 2014
Liverpool v Swansea 02.23.14
8:30am ET, live in the US on NBC Sports
Last four head-to-head:
2-2 (a) 09.16.13
5-0 Liverpool (h) 02.17.13
0-0 (a) 11.25.12
1-3 Swansea (a; League Cup) 10.31.12
Last three matches:
Liverpool: 1-2 Arsenal (a); 3-2 Fulham (a); 5-1 Arsenal (h)
Swansea: 0-0 Napoli (h); 1-3 Everton (a); 1-1 Stoke (h)
Goalscorers (league):
Liverpool: Suarez 23; Sturridge 16; Gerrard 7; Sterling 6; Skrtel 4; Coutinho 3; Agger, Flanagan, Henderson, Moses, Sakho 1
Swansea: Bony 8; Dyer 5; Shelvey 4; Chico 3; B Davies, Michu 2; de Guzman, Hernandez, Lamah, Routledge 1
Referee: Mike "Beachball" Jones
Guess at a line-up:
Mignolet
Johnson Skrtel Agger Flanagan
Gerrard
Henderson Coutinho
Suarez Sturridge Sterling
Liverpool have a defense again! I think. I hope. This is still Liverpool and defense we're talking about.
But yes, Agger's back, Johnson back. Sakho and Lucas aren't far off, Enrique's had further complications, but those two's return to the starting XI should make a massive difference, especially if we get pre-injury Glen Johnson, not struggling-with-injury Glen Johnson.
And, as usual, those will probably be the only chances to Liverpool's XI. Henderson should reclaim his place from Allen after the FA Cup loss, in midfield with Gerrard and Coutinho, and with Suarez, Sturridge, and Sterling in some alignment up front. And those forwards will most likely be rather cranky after being shut out at Arsenal.
Swansea haven't won away from home in the league since November 23, at Fulham, with four losses and three draws on their travels since. They've scored just nine goals away from home in 13 matches; only Palace, Cardiff, and Norwich have tallied fewer. Which fits into the narrative of their four previous matches against Liverpool. Last season, Swansea exposed Liverpool 1-3 in the League Cup meeting at the Britannia and stifled Liverpool 0-0 in the league. Earlier this season, Swansea dominated Liverpool, one of the best opposition performances against Rodgers' side this season, and would have won if not for Jonjo Shelvey's charity. But when Swansea came to Anfield last season, Swansea were throttled – utterly, utterly throttled – lucky to lose 0-5, even though, yes, they were almost wholly focused on their upcoming League Cup final.
Jonjo Shelvey, for better and worse, was the star of the previous meeting. Everything was so very Jonjo, for both Swansea and Liverpool, playing a key part in all four goals. All that was missing to make it a flawless Jonjo match was a red card. Of course, I'd rather he didn't play, despite his fondness for foolishness, as I'm always terrified of what former Liverpool players will do. So it also seems worth pointing out that David Ngog will be on the bench, his lone appearance for Swansea a substitute cameo in Laudrup's last match.
Michu looks doubtful to return from his extended ankle injury, as does Pozuelo, while Dyer and Hernandez are questionable after picking up knocks in the Europa League. Which means Swansea's XI will be something like Vorm; Rangel, Chico, Williams, Davies; Britton, Shelvey; Dyer, Hernandez, Routledge; Bony. If Hernandez is unavailable, Shelvey will play ahead of Britton and Cañas in midfield. If Dyer's unavailable, Lamah will probably start on the flank, or Hernandez with the aforementioned midfield.
Swansea were impressive against Napoli on Thursday, grinding out a 0-0 draw against Benitez's full-strength XI. But that's also Benitez in an away European match, happy to wear out and stifle the opposition on their ground, and win the tie on his own. Ideally, that performance will have drained Swansea, while Liverpool have had a week to recover since facing Arsenal. And that Europa League performance was Swansea in a nutshell: strong in possession, able to battle with almost any opponent, but all-too-blunt in from of goal. 69% possession, 21 shots, but zero goals.
Not only is Liverpool's home form superb, but Swansea's style of play should help Liverpool, allowing the away side a modicum of unthreatening possession before slicing them open through quick transitions. And this is very much a match that Liverpool need to win, not only to keep pace with the three sides ahead of them in the table, but to maintain the distance between the two sides chasing them for a Champions League place.
Last four head-to-head:
2-2 (a) 09.16.13
5-0 Liverpool (h) 02.17.13
0-0 (a) 11.25.12
1-3 Swansea (a; League Cup) 10.31.12
Last three matches:
Liverpool: 1-2 Arsenal (a); 3-2 Fulham (a); 5-1 Arsenal (h)
Swansea: 0-0 Napoli (h); 1-3 Everton (a); 1-1 Stoke (h)
Goalscorers (league):
Liverpool: Suarez 23; Sturridge 16; Gerrard 7; Sterling 6; Skrtel 4; Coutinho 3; Agger, Flanagan, Henderson, Moses, Sakho 1
Swansea: Bony 8; Dyer 5; Shelvey 4; Chico 3; B Davies, Michu 2; de Guzman, Hernandez, Lamah, Routledge 1
Referee: Mike "Beachball" Jones
Guess at a line-up:
Mignolet
Johnson Skrtel Agger Flanagan
Gerrard
Henderson Coutinho
Suarez Sturridge Sterling
Liverpool have a defense again! I think. I hope. This is still Liverpool and defense we're talking about.
But yes, Agger's back, Johnson back. Sakho and Lucas aren't far off, Enrique's had further complications, but those two's return to the starting XI should make a massive difference, especially if we get pre-injury Glen Johnson, not struggling-with-injury Glen Johnson.
And, as usual, those will probably be the only chances to Liverpool's XI. Henderson should reclaim his place from Allen after the FA Cup loss, in midfield with Gerrard and Coutinho, and with Suarez, Sturridge, and Sterling in some alignment up front. And those forwards will most likely be rather cranky after being shut out at Arsenal.
Swansea haven't won away from home in the league since November 23, at Fulham, with four losses and three draws on their travels since. They've scored just nine goals away from home in 13 matches; only Palace, Cardiff, and Norwich have tallied fewer. Which fits into the narrative of their four previous matches against Liverpool. Last season, Swansea exposed Liverpool 1-3 in the League Cup meeting at the Britannia and stifled Liverpool 0-0 in the league. Earlier this season, Swansea dominated Liverpool, one of the best opposition performances against Rodgers' side this season, and would have won if not for Jonjo Shelvey's charity. But when Swansea came to Anfield last season, Swansea were throttled – utterly, utterly throttled – lucky to lose 0-5, even though, yes, they were almost wholly focused on their upcoming League Cup final.
Jonjo Shelvey, for better and worse, was the star of the previous meeting. Everything was so very Jonjo, for both Swansea and Liverpool, playing a key part in all four goals. All that was missing to make it a flawless Jonjo match was a red card. Of course, I'd rather he didn't play, despite his fondness for foolishness, as I'm always terrified of what former Liverpool players will do. So it also seems worth pointing out that David Ngog will be on the bench, his lone appearance for Swansea a substitute cameo in Laudrup's last match.
Michu looks doubtful to return from his extended ankle injury, as does Pozuelo, while Dyer and Hernandez are questionable after picking up knocks in the Europa League. Which means Swansea's XI will be something like Vorm; Rangel, Chico, Williams, Davies; Britton, Shelvey; Dyer, Hernandez, Routledge; Bony. If Hernandez is unavailable, Shelvey will play ahead of Britton and Cañas in midfield. If Dyer's unavailable, Lamah will probably start on the flank, or Hernandez with the aforementioned midfield.
Swansea were impressive against Napoli on Thursday, grinding out a 0-0 draw against Benitez's full-strength XI. But that's also Benitez in an away European match, happy to wear out and stifle the opposition on their ground, and win the tie on his own. Ideally, that performance will have drained Swansea, while Liverpool have had a week to recover since facing Arsenal. And that Europa League performance was Swansea in a nutshell: strong in possession, able to battle with almost any opponent, but all-too-blunt in from of goal. 69% possession, 21 shots, but zero goals.
Not only is Liverpool's home form superb, but Swansea's style of play should help Liverpool, allowing the away side a modicum of unthreatening possession before slicing them open through quick transitions. And this is very much a match that Liverpool need to win, not only to keep pace with the three sides ahead of them in the table, but to maintain the distance between the two sides chasing them for a Champions League place.
19 February 2014
Coutinho v Arsenal [Animated Chalkboard]
Consider this an experiment. I wanted to A) see what chalkboards looked like when animated step-by-step and B) remind myself how to make animated GIFs in Photoshop. So, a couple of days back, I asked "Coutinho v Arsenal or Suarez at Tottenham?" on Twitter, without context. Off the top of my head, those seemed to be the most worthwhile to animate: two of Liverpool's best individual performances, against two very good sides, and more complete all-around performances: something more than just 80 different passes (no offense to Liverpool's central midfielders). Coutinho v Arsenal won by a handful of votes.
So here we are. I'm not fully convinced of its usefulness – at least, its usefulness compared to the time it took to create, although any in the future won't be as arduous given that I now know how to create these – but I hope you enjoy.
If you'd prefer, here's the file as a YouTube video. The aspect ratio is a bit nutty, but it's legible at both regular size and in full-screen. If you'd like to pause at certain moments, etc.
Also, for thoroughness' sake, here's a table of all the incidents included, linked rather than embedded because it's massively long.
As with the match infographics, this would have been next to impossible if not for Squawka and StatsZone's chalkboards.
16 February 2014
Liverpool 1-2 Arsenal
Goals:
Oxlade-Chamberlain 16'
Podolski 47'
Gerrard 59' (pen)
If Liverpool score on one, if not both, of its early chances, this ends very differently. But Daniel Sturridge did not score in either the 2nd or 5th minute, both times needing to take the shot with his weaker right foot, the first saved by Fabianski, the second hit into the side-netting.
For the next hour or so, Arsenal mostly did to Liverpool what Liverpool did to Arsenal eight days ago. Obviously, without the sadistic ruthlessness in front of goal, partly due to Liverpool's defending, partly due to Arsenal's weaknesses up front. But after getting a goal of their own, a slightly fortunate rebound falling to Oxlade-Chamberlain after Liverpool failed to clear a free kick, they were able to sit deeper, absorb and stifle Liverpool's attack, and attempt to expose the away side on the break.
Liverpool failed to test Fabianski between the 5th and 43rd minutes, smothered by Arsenal after entering Arsenal's half, pressed well by Arsenal's front four players. Liverpool desperately missed its own high pressing, a big feature of the last meeting, and yes, Liverpool desperately missed Jordan Henderson. And yes, Howard Webb was his very own sideshow in the first half, handing out yellows with little rhyme or reason, and only giving yellow for what was a red card-worthy tackle by Monreal. But England's Best Referee™ wasn't the reason Liverpool lost. At least not until the second half.
And the second half started in almost the exact same manner. Suarez denied by a wonderful Fabianski save, then Arsenal immediately storm down the field, a lightning attack through Oxlade-Chambelain's speed, Podolski hammering in the winger's cutback.
Instead of cementing the result, Arsenal's second only catalyzed Liverpool, exacerbated by bringing on Henderson for Cissokho, shifting Flanagan to left-back and Sterling to right-back. But Liverpool had gotten themselves back into the game before the substitution. Suarez fired a blistering warning shot just over Fabianski's goal, then won a deserved penalty when tripped by Podolski in the box. I know, right? Howard Webb, Liverpool penalty. We should have known to enjoy it while it lasted.
Gerrard stepped up, sending Fabianski the wrong way. It was probably Fabianski's only mistake of the game, as three minutes later, Arsenal's keeper saved the match. Sturridge put through by Coutinho's delicious throughball, finally on his preferred left foot, but somehow denied by the Pole's sprawling right leg.
At that point, it looked a matter of time before Liverpool leveled matters. And they should have had the chance in the 65th minute when Suarez was blatantly felled by Oxlade-Chamberlain after seeing his free kick cannon off the wall. You could see Webb's thought process from a mile away. "Shit, I've just given him a penalty. I can't give him another one just three minutes later. I'll just pretend it didn't happen. You're the best, Howard."
Sigh. To be fair, Webb was atrocious for both sides. He should have sent Gerrard off for a second yellow in the 75th. I'm sure he thought that it all worked out brilliantly. I have banged this drum time and time again, and I detest devoting this much space in a match review to the referee, but it's unavoidable. Referees need to call the incident, not the situation. Liverpool should have had a second penalty. Liverpool should have spent the last 15 minutes down to 10 men, with Gerrard suspended for next weekend's match against Swansea. Howard Webb is almost always the worst offender in this regard. And somehow he's considered the country's best referee. The mind boggles.
After the non-penalty, the game became stretched, with chances increasingly fewer and farther between. Liverpool had three shots on target, two from Suarez, one from Coutinho, but all three were straight at Fabianski. Cazorla, on as a substitute, could have settled the match, but airmailed his shot from the top of the box. Liverpool's best opportunity, unsurprisingly, came from an 86th minute set play, but Agger headed Gerrard's free kick narrowly wide. And yes, Webb could have given yet another penalty as Fabianski punched Agger straight in the head after the Dane got to the ball first. He didn't even contemplate doing so, with the final seven minutes all sound and fury signifying nothing until Webb's whistle finally blew.
Surprisingly enough, most of today's complaints (besides those about the referee, obviously) are about Liverpool's attack. It had to happen sometime; just 'one of those days' for both Sturridge and Suarez. It hasn't happened often. Liverpool's midfield was decent in the first half, and very good in the second half after Henderson came on. Gerrard, along with Sterling, was one of Liverpool's best players: his movement and positioning good, his range of passing in open play spectacular. And it was more than encouraging to see Sterling just as impressive at right-back as he's been as a wide attacker. Liverpool's defense was unlucky on the first goal, and ripped asunder by an excellent counter on the second. No defense was stopping that goal. Agger's return clearly improved the side despite two goals conceded, with everyone seemingly far calmer at the back. Yes, Arsenal's starting XI was weaker, but there was a vast difference between today's performance and Liverpool's last visit to the Emirates.
Liverpool can feel aggrieved, and take heart from how they played in the second half. Arsenal can have the extra match, hopefully matches. I wouldn't trade today for last Saturday in a million years.
On another day, on most days, Sturridge finishes one, if not more, of his three excellent chances. On another day, that rebound doesn't fall straight to Oxlade-Chamberlain, giving Arsenal a lucky lead they'd never relent. On another day, this match has another referee. So be it.
All focus returns to the league. Where it should be. Liverpool have 12 matches to seal the needed fourth place finish, if not improving on it.
Oxlade-Chamberlain 16'
Podolski 47'
Gerrard 59' (pen)
If Liverpool score on one, if not both, of its early chances, this ends very differently. But Daniel Sturridge did not score in either the 2nd or 5th minute, both times needing to take the shot with his weaker right foot, the first saved by Fabianski, the second hit into the side-netting.
For the next hour or so, Arsenal mostly did to Liverpool what Liverpool did to Arsenal eight days ago. Obviously, without the sadistic ruthlessness in front of goal, partly due to Liverpool's defending, partly due to Arsenal's weaknesses up front. But after getting a goal of their own, a slightly fortunate rebound falling to Oxlade-Chamberlain after Liverpool failed to clear a free kick, they were able to sit deeper, absorb and stifle Liverpool's attack, and attempt to expose the away side on the break.
Liverpool failed to test Fabianski between the 5th and 43rd minutes, smothered by Arsenal after entering Arsenal's half, pressed well by Arsenal's front four players. Liverpool desperately missed its own high pressing, a big feature of the last meeting, and yes, Liverpool desperately missed Jordan Henderson. And yes, Howard Webb was his very own sideshow in the first half, handing out yellows with little rhyme or reason, and only giving yellow for what was a red card-worthy tackle by Monreal. But England's Best Referee™ wasn't the reason Liverpool lost. At least not until the second half.
And the second half started in almost the exact same manner. Suarez denied by a wonderful Fabianski save, then Arsenal immediately storm down the field, a lightning attack through Oxlade-Chambelain's speed, Podolski hammering in the winger's cutback.
Instead of cementing the result, Arsenal's second only catalyzed Liverpool, exacerbated by bringing on Henderson for Cissokho, shifting Flanagan to left-back and Sterling to right-back. But Liverpool had gotten themselves back into the game before the substitution. Suarez fired a blistering warning shot just over Fabianski's goal, then won a deserved penalty when tripped by Podolski in the box. I know, right? Howard Webb, Liverpool penalty. We should have known to enjoy it while it lasted.
Gerrard stepped up, sending Fabianski the wrong way. It was probably Fabianski's only mistake of the game, as three minutes later, Arsenal's keeper saved the match. Sturridge put through by Coutinho's delicious throughball, finally on his preferred left foot, but somehow denied by the Pole's sprawling right leg.
At that point, it looked a matter of time before Liverpool leveled matters. And they should have had the chance in the 65th minute when Suarez was blatantly felled by Oxlade-Chamberlain after seeing his free kick cannon off the wall. You could see Webb's thought process from a mile away. "Shit, I've just given him a penalty. I can't give him another one just three minutes later. I'll just pretend it didn't happen. You're the best, Howard."
Sigh. To be fair, Webb was atrocious for both sides. He should have sent Gerrard off for a second yellow in the 75th. I'm sure he thought that it all worked out brilliantly. I have banged this drum time and time again, and I detest devoting this much space in a match review to the referee, but it's unavoidable. Referees need to call the incident, not the situation. Liverpool should have had a second penalty. Liverpool should have spent the last 15 minutes down to 10 men, with Gerrard suspended for next weekend's match against Swansea. Howard Webb is almost always the worst offender in this regard. And somehow he's considered the country's best referee. The mind boggles.
After the non-penalty, the game became stretched, with chances increasingly fewer and farther between. Liverpool had three shots on target, two from Suarez, one from Coutinho, but all three were straight at Fabianski. Cazorla, on as a substitute, could have settled the match, but airmailed his shot from the top of the box. Liverpool's best opportunity, unsurprisingly, came from an 86th minute set play, but Agger headed Gerrard's free kick narrowly wide. And yes, Webb could have given yet another penalty as Fabianski punched Agger straight in the head after the Dane got to the ball first. He didn't even contemplate doing so, with the final seven minutes all sound and fury signifying nothing until Webb's whistle finally blew.
Surprisingly enough, most of today's complaints (besides those about the referee, obviously) are about Liverpool's attack. It had to happen sometime; just 'one of those days' for both Sturridge and Suarez. It hasn't happened often. Liverpool's midfield was decent in the first half, and very good in the second half after Henderson came on. Gerrard, along with Sterling, was one of Liverpool's best players: his movement and positioning good, his range of passing in open play spectacular. And it was more than encouraging to see Sterling just as impressive at right-back as he's been as a wide attacker. Liverpool's defense was unlucky on the first goal, and ripped asunder by an excellent counter on the second. No defense was stopping that goal. Agger's return clearly improved the side despite two goals conceded, with everyone seemingly far calmer at the back. Yes, Arsenal's starting XI was weaker, but there was a vast difference between today's performance and Liverpool's last visit to the Emirates.
Liverpool can feel aggrieved, and take heart from how they played in the second half. Arsenal can have the extra match, hopefully matches. I wouldn't trade today for last Saturday in a million years.
On another day, on most days, Sturridge finishes one, if not more, of his three excellent chances. On another day, that rebound doesn't fall straight to Oxlade-Chamberlain, giving Arsenal a lucky lead they'd never relent. On another day, this match has another referee. So be it.
All focus returns to the league. Where it should be. Liverpool have 12 matches to seal the needed fourth place finish, if not improving on it.
15 February 2014
Liverpool at Arsenal 02.16.14
11am ET, live in the US on Fox Sports 2
Last four head-to-head:
5-1 Arsenal (h) 02.08.14
0-2 Arsenal (a) 11.02.13
2-2 (a) 01.30.13
0-2 Arsenal (h) 09.02.12
Last three matches:
Liverpool: 3-2 Fulham (a); 5-1 Arsenal (h); 1-1 West Brom (a)
Arsenal: 0-0 United (h); 1-5 Liverpool (a); 2-0 Palace (h)
Goalscorers (all competitions):
Liverpool: Suarez 23; Sturridge 19; Gerrard 7; Sterling 6; Skrtel 4; Coutinho 3; Henderson, Moses 2; Agger, Aspas, Flanagan, Sakho 1
Arsenal: Giroud 14; Ramsey 13; Cazorla, Walcott 6; Özil, Podolski, Wilshere 5; Arteta, Bendtner, Mertesacker, Oxlade-Chamberlain 2; Eisfeld, Flamini, Gibbs, Gnabry, Rosicky, Sagna 1
Referee: Howard Webb
Guess at a line-up:
Mignolet
Flanagan Skrtel Agger Cissokho
Gerrard
Coutinho Allen
Sterling Suarez Sturridge
Oh, hey, I remember Arsenal.
Rodgers remembers Arsenal, declaring that he'll start a full-strength squad. With a week until Liverpool's next match, I guess that makes sense.
This seemingly means that Liverpool will change three players at most from the XI which has started the last four matches. It's too soon for Glen Johnson, but Agger will come in for Kolo Toure. Brad Jones has started both previous FA Cup ties. And Allen, healthy again, could replace either Henderson or Coutinho, the former seemingly more likely as he's dealing with a fractured wrist. Otherwise, Suarez, Sturridge, Gerrard, Sterling, Skrtel. All again. Almost certainly.
I'm sure Arsenal remembers Liverpool as well. And Arsenal at the Emirates are a much different prospect than Arsenal at Anfield, at least this season. But most of this is due to Liverpool's home form, a vastly superior side in front of its own fans. In theory, Liverpool's desire to press and play on the counter-attack fits into facing a top side away from home. As it did against Tottenham. But not so much against Chelsea or City. And kind of, sort at Everton, scoring three, but also conceding three. As usual, it'll depend on both Liverpool's ability to take an early lead and finish its chances, and then not making any soul-killing mistakes at the back.
Arsenal seem more likely to make changes than Liverpool, due to face Bayern Munich in the Champions League midweek, but like Liverpool, there probably won't be all that many. At the least, Fabianski's started both FA Cup ties so far, while I suspect Özil will be dropped after his last experience against Liverpool. Giroud and Wilshere also both seem candidates for rest with the midweek tie looming. Flamini is now back from suspension, but Cazorla has picked up an injury, and Walcott, Ramsey, Vermaelen, Källström, and Diaby are still out. Which means their XI will probably look something like Fabianski; Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs; Flamini, Arteta; Gnabry, Rosicky, Podolski; Bendtner. Which is still quite a decent side, a side that's assuredly capable of punishing Liverpool.
I'll be honest. I couldn't give a toss about the FA Cup. All that matters this season is the league; the domestic cups seem an unwanted distraction. But Rodgers apparently doesn't feel that way, and the players probably don't feel that way. Momentum and confidence may be intangible, unprovable concepts, but Liverpool will want to ensure that they maintain both.
Liverpool will want to prove that last weekend wasn't an aberration. Arsenal will want to prove that it was.
Last four head-to-head:
5-1 Arsenal (h) 02.08.14
0-2 Arsenal (a) 11.02.13
2-2 (a) 01.30.13
0-2 Arsenal (h) 09.02.12
Last three matches:
Liverpool: 3-2 Fulham (a); 5-1 Arsenal (h); 1-1 West Brom (a)
Arsenal: 0-0 United (h); 1-5 Liverpool (a); 2-0 Palace (h)
Goalscorers (all competitions):
Liverpool: Suarez 23; Sturridge 19; Gerrard 7; Sterling 6; Skrtel 4; Coutinho 3; Henderson, Moses 2; Agger, Aspas, Flanagan, Sakho 1
Arsenal: Giroud 14; Ramsey 13; Cazorla, Walcott 6; Özil, Podolski, Wilshere 5; Arteta, Bendtner, Mertesacker, Oxlade-Chamberlain 2; Eisfeld, Flamini, Gibbs, Gnabry, Rosicky, Sagna 1
Referee: Howard Webb
Guess at a line-up:
Mignolet
Flanagan Skrtel Agger Cissokho
Gerrard
Coutinho Allen
Sterling Suarez Sturridge
Oh, hey, I remember Arsenal.
Rodgers remembers Arsenal, declaring that he'll start a full-strength squad. With a week until Liverpool's next match, I guess that makes sense.
This seemingly means that Liverpool will change three players at most from the XI which has started the last four matches. It's too soon for Glen Johnson, but Agger will come in for Kolo Toure. Brad Jones has started both previous FA Cup ties. And Allen, healthy again, could replace either Henderson or Coutinho, the former seemingly more likely as he's dealing with a fractured wrist. Otherwise, Suarez, Sturridge, Gerrard, Sterling, Skrtel. All again. Almost certainly.
I'm sure Arsenal remembers Liverpool as well. And Arsenal at the Emirates are a much different prospect than Arsenal at Anfield, at least this season. But most of this is due to Liverpool's home form, a vastly superior side in front of its own fans. In theory, Liverpool's desire to press and play on the counter-attack fits into facing a top side away from home. As it did against Tottenham. But not so much against Chelsea or City. And kind of, sort at Everton, scoring three, but also conceding three. As usual, it'll depend on both Liverpool's ability to take an early lead and finish its chances, and then not making any soul-killing mistakes at the back.
Arsenal seem more likely to make changes than Liverpool, due to face Bayern Munich in the Champions League midweek, but like Liverpool, there probably won't be all that many. At the least, Fabianski's started both FA Cup ties so far, while I suspect Özil will be dropped after his last experience against Liverpool. Giroud and Wilshere also both seem candidates for rest with the midweek tie looming. Flamini is now back from suspension, but Cazorla has picked up an injury, and Walcott, Ramsey, Vermaelen, Källström, and Diaby are still out. Which means their XI will probably look something like Fabianski; Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs; Flamini, Arteta; Gnabry, Rosicky, Podolski; Bendtner. Which is still quite a decent side, a side that's assuredly capable of punishing Liverpool.
I'll be honest. I couldn't give a toss about the FA Cup. All that matters this season is the league; the domestic cups seem an unwanted distraction. But Rodgers apparently doesn't feel that way, and the players probably don't feel that way. Momentum and confidence may be intangible, unprovable concepts, but Liverpool will want to ensure that they maintain both.
Liverpool will want to prove that last weekend wasn't an aberration. Arsenal will want to prove that it was.
13 February 2014
Visualized: Liverpool 3-2 Fulham
Previous Match Infographics: Arsenal (h), West Brom (a), Everton (h), Aston Villa (h), Stoke (a), Hull (h), Chelsea (a), Manchester City (a), Cardiff (h), Tottenham (a), West Ham (h), Norwich (h), Hull City (a), Everton (a), Fulham (h), Arsenal (a), West Brom (h), Newcastle (a), Crystal Palace (h), Sunderland (a), Southampton (h), Swansea (a), Manchester United (h), Aston Villa (a), Stoke (h)
As always, match data from Stats Zone and Squawka.
FYI: Here's the formation diagram usually included in match reviews, for thoroughness' sake.
The last time Liverpool scored an injury time winner? April 10, 2012: Andy Carroll at Blackburn. Yesterday's was the first of Brendan Rodgers' Liverpool tenure. Yes, Gerrard tallied a penalty to win 3-2 against Tottenham last March, but that was in the 82nd minute. Yes, Liverpool scored in the dying seconds against Chelsea last season and Everton this season to earn draws. But this was the first injury time winner in a very, very long time. And it could hardly have come at a better time.
It was in this fixture last season that Liverpool last came back from a deficit to win, going down 1-0 to Berbatov's 33rd minute strike before Sturridge's hat-trick. The last time Liverpool came back from two separate deficits to win? A 3-2 win at Bolton in August 2009, again overhauling an 0-1 and 1-2 deficit to get all three points thanks to Gerrard's late goal. That was 54 months ago. That was 175 league matches ago. That was a lifetime ago.
Luis Suarez is human after all. He put his first two shots on target yesterday, then failed to do so with the next six. He hasn't scored since his nail-in-the-coffin goal against Everton, 310 minutes ago. That's an epoch for Suarez. It's only his second-longest league drought since Rodgers became manager, failing to score in 479 minutes of league football between November 17 and December 22nd last season. And it's not for lack of trying.
Suarez has taken 16 shots since his last goal. Only 4 have been on-target: two yesterday, one against both Arsenal and West Brom. 25% shooting accuracy. After the Everton match, his accuracy for the season was 51.0%. I guess some regression was inevitable. Still, his range hasn't been far off: woodwork blasts against both Arsenal and Fulham, a handful of shots only narrowly off-target. And he's tallied assists against both West Brom and Arsenal, for Sturridge and Sterling, unselfish when his own shooting wasn't coming off. Yesterday saw Suarez as selfishly wasteful and frustrated as we've seen in a while, trying to single-handedly force something, with at least two shots coming when other players were in better positions.
But then there's Daniel Sturridge to pick up the slack. Sturridge has scored in all eight matches since returning from injury.
John Aldridge scored in 10 consecutive league matches between May and October 1987, spanning the two seasons, but Sturridge's eight in all competitions ties Aldridge in 1988-89 and Dick Forshaw, who did it in 1924. That's some heady company. Since joining the club, Sturridge has scored 30 goals and tallied seven assists in 37 matches. His record is 26 goals and six assists in 32 league matches. He's 24. Liverpool paid Chelsea £12m for him. Over the same span, Chelsea's strike force – Torres, Ba, and Eto'o – have scored 28 goals in all competitions, and just 10 in the league. It might be Liverpool's best transfer business in decades, and yes, I'm well aware than Suarez is now worth 3-5 times what Liverpool paid for him.
One disconcerting feature yesterday was that Liverpool failed to create a single chance from set plays. The only marginally threatening dead ball situation came from Suarez's direct free kick in the 51st minute, whistling wide of the far post – a shot from a speculative position at best – despite five corners and three free kicks in the attacking third. Liverpool have created 42 set play chances this season, and that doesn't include the direct free kicks that have ended in the back of the net. The only other matches where Liverpool failed to create a set play chance were at Stoke (scored five anyway), at Tottenham (scored five anyway), at Hull (Gerrard scored from a direct free kick), at Arsenal (Arsenal controlled all facets of the game), and at Villa (where Liverpool took just five shots). Funny how those were all away from Anfield. Set plays have often either sent Liverpool on their way (see: 5-1 Arsenal), or rescued Liverpool from what might have been a bad situation (see: 3-3 Everton). They certainly could have used them yesterday, as Liverpool still displayed the frightening tendencies we've seen away from Anfield with this XI, especially in the first 30 minutes.
Yes, Liverpool completed 399 more passes than Fulham. That's the biggest gap since beating Norwich 5-0 13 months ago, the second-biggest gap of Rodgers' tenure. Only 3-1 v Cardiff and 4-0 v Fulham (this season, and 5-2 at Norwich last season come close. Lewis Holtby completed more passes than any other Fulham player: 32. Every Liverpool outfield starter completed more than that. That hasn't happened under Rodgers' tenure either. But we've long since learned that passing and possession frequently don't necessarily lead to Liverpool best performances or results. See: Everton (h) and Arsenal (h), as you may remember, among others.
175 completed passes, 227 attempted, came in the attacking third. Liverpool have surpassed that total just three times under Rodgers: in the reverse fixture, utterly demolishing Fulham at Anfield; this season's 2-2 draw at Newcastle, with Newcastle down a man for more than half the match; and in the 1-3 loss to Aston Villa last season. Yesterday's match reminded me much more of the latter two rather than the first. It's absolutely progress that those two matches ended 1-3 and 2-2, while yesterday's ended 3-2.
But the pattern of play wasn't surprising, especially after Fulham got an early goal. Fulham were always going to defend deep – even if it wasn't as deep as against United, when they were away from home – and Liverpool were always going to monopolize possession. And the pattern was made even more dramatic by needing to chase the game. Needlessly needing to chase the game.
Yet again, I can't avoid mentioning, defensive errors. Yes, again. Liverpool have now committed 31 defensive errors this season – an average of 1.15 per match – with eight errors leading to goals. Arsenal have committed 26 defensive errors, Norwich 22; no other side has more than 20. 14 different players have committed at least one error: Mignolet (5); Gerrard (4); Toure, Skrtel, Henderson (3); Agger, Enrique, Sakho, Sturridge (2); Luis Alberto, Johnson, Suarez, Moses, and Lucas (1). Flanagan and Cissokho are the only defenders yet to commit at least one.
Those errors have cost Liverpool five points. From a draw to a loss at City, and leading to draws rather than wins against Villa and West Brom. Five points. I hesitate to remind that Liverpool are currently four points behind the league leaders. And it's "just" five points; errors against Sunderland, Stoke, and Fulham didn't ultimately change the result thanks to Liverpool's firepower in attack.
Almost regardless of where Liverpool finish this season – hate to be the bearer of bad news, guys, but I still don't think the title's happening – I'm fairly certain we're going to look back and rue those mistakes, wondering what might have been if not for injuries, idiocy, and a lack of defensive depth.
As always, match data from Stats Zone and Squawka.
FYI: Here's the formation diagram usually included in match reviews, for thoroughness' sake.
The last time Liverpool scored an injury time winner? April 10, 2012: Andy Carroll at Blackburn. Yesterday's was the first of Brendan Rodgers' Liverpool tenure. Yes, Gerrard tallied a penalty to win 3-2 against Tottenham last March, but that was in the 82nd minute. Yes, Liverpool scored in the dying seconds against Chelsea last season and Everton this season to earn draws. But this was the first injury time winner in a very, very long time. And it could hardly have come at a better time.
It was in this fixture last season that Liverpool last came back from a deficit to win, going down 1-0 to Berbatov's 33rd minute strike before Sturridge's hat-trick. The last time Liverpool came back from two separate deficits to win? A 3-2 win at Bolton in August 2009, again overhauling an 0-1 and 1-2 deficit to get all three points thanks to Gerrard's late goal. That was 54 months ago. That was 175 league matches ago. That was a lifetime ago.
Luis Suarez is human after all. He put his first two shots on target yesterday, then failed to do so with the next six. He hasn't scored since his nail-in-the-coffin goal against Everton, 310 minutes ago. That's an epoch for Suarez. It's only his second-longest league drought since Rodgers became manager, failing to score in 479 minutes of league football between November 17 and December 22nd last season. And it's not for lack of trying.
Suarez has taken 16 shots since his last goal. Only 4 have been on-target: two yesterday, one against both Arsenal and West Brom. 25% shooting accuracy. After the Everton match, his accuracy for the season was 51.0%. I guess some regression was inevitable. Still, his range hasn't been far off: woodwork blasts against both Arsenal and Fulham, a handful of shots only narrowly off-target. And he's tallied assists against both West Brom and Arsenal, for Sturridge and Sterling, unselfish when his own shooting wasn't coming off. Yesterday saw Suarez as selfishly wasteful and frustrated as we've seen in a while, trying to single-handedly force something, with at least two shots coming when other players were in better positions.
But then there's Daniel Sturridge to pick up the slack. Sturridge has scored in all eight matches since returning from injury.
Tonight, @D_Sturridge tied the #LFC club record by scoring in his 8th consecutive game in all competitions (confirmed by @LFChistory!)
— Dan Kennett (@DanKennett) February 12, 2014John Aldridge scored in 10 consecutive league matches between May and October 1987, spanning the two seasons, but Sturridge's eight in all competitions ties Aldridge in 1988-89 and Dick Forshaw, who did it in 1924. That's some heady company. Since joining the club, Sturridge has scored 30 goals and tallied seven assists in 37 matches. His record is 26 goals and six assists in 32 league matches. He's 24. Liverpool paid Chelsea £12m for him. Over the same span, Chelsea's strike force – Torres, Ba, and Eto'o – have scored 28 goals in all competitions, and just 10 in the league. It might be Liverpool's best transfer business in decades, and yes, I'm well aware than Suarez is now worth 3-5 times what Liverpool paid for him.
One disconcerting feature yesterday was that Liverpool failed to create a single chance from set plays. The only marginally threatening dead ball situation came from Suarez's direct free kick in the 51st minute, whistling wide of the far post – a shot from a speculative position at best – despite five corners and three free kicks in the attacking third. Liverpool have created 42 set play chances this season, and that doesn't include the direct free kicks that have ended in the back of the net. The only other matches where Liverpool failed to create a set play chance were at Stoke (scored five anyway), at Tottenham (scored five anyway), at Hull (Gerrard scored from a direct free kick), at Arsenal (Arsenal controlled all facets of the game), and at Villa (where Liverpool took just five shots). Funny how those were all away from Anfield. Set plays have often either sent Liverpool on their way (see: 5-1 Arsenal), or rescued Liverpool from what might have been a bad situation (see: 3-3 Everton). They certainly could have used them yesterday, as Liverpool still displayed the frightening tendencies we've seen away from Anfield with this XI, especially in the first 30 minutes.
Yes, Liverpool completed 399 more passes than Fulham. That's the biggest gap since beating Norwich 5-0 13 months ago, the second-biggest gap of Rodgers' tenure. Only 3-1 v Cardiff and 4-0 v Fulham (this season, and 5-2 at Norwich last season come close. Lewis Holtby completed more passes than any other Fulham player: 32. Every Liverpool outfield starter completed more than that. That hasn't happened under Rodgers' tenure either. But we've long since learned that passing and possession frequently don't necessarily lead to Liverpool best performances or results. See: Everton (h) and Arsenal (h), as you may remember, among others.
175 completed passes, 227 attempted, came in the attacking third. Liverpool have surpassed that total just three times under Rodgers: in the reverse fixture, utterly demolishing Fulham at Anfield; this season's 2-2 draw at Newcastle, with Newcastle down a man for more than half the match; and in the 1-3 loss to Aston Villa last season. Yesterday's match reminded me much more of the latter two rather than the first. It's absolutely progress that those two matches ended 1-3 and 2-2, while yesterday's ended 3-2.
But the pattern of play wasn't surprising, especially after Fulham got an early goal. Fulham were always going to defend deep – even if it wasn't as deep as against United, when they were away from home – and Liverpool were always going to monopolize possession. And the pattern was made even more dramatic by needing to chase the game. Needlessly needing to chase the game.
Yet again, I can't avoid mentioning, defensive errors. Yes, again. Liverpool have now committed 31 defensive errors this season – an average of 1.15 per match – with eight errors leading to goals. Arsenal have committed 26 defensive errors, Norwich 22; no other side has more than 20. 14 different players have committed at least one error: Mignolet (5); Gerrard (4); Toure, Skrtel, Henderson (3); Agger, Enrique, Sakho, Sturridge (2); Luis Alberto, Johnson, Suarez, Moses, and Lucas (1). Flanagan and Cissokho are the only defenders yet to commit at least one.
Those errors have cost Liverpool five points. From a draw to a loss at City, and leading to draws rather than wins against Villa and West Brom. Five points. I hesitate to remind that Liverpool are currently four points behind the league leaders. And it's "just" five points; errors against Sunderland, Stoke, and Fulham didn't ultimately change the result thanks to Liverpool's firepower in attack.
Almost regardless of where Liverpool finish this season – hate to be the bearer of bad news, guys, but I still don't think the title's happening – I'm fairly certain we're going to look back and rue those mistakes, wondering what might have been if not for injuries, idiocy, and a lack of defensive depth.
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