Liverpool 1 – 1 Norwich [Match Analysis]
It’s not the result I was expecting but having said that I was pleased with the level of performance as we showed a good attacking display especially with 30 shots on goal. But I feel we lacked a ruthless streak in front of goal and it has been our downfall for results in recent weeks. I wouldn’t say we should panic as the team have been creating plenty of chances so it’s only a matter of time the chances are converted into goals.
Luis Suarez was fantastic again playing with such flair and sublime ability on the ball but it was simply not his day in front of goal. But he deserves credit for his strong mentality of remaining upbeat and continuing to mount shots on goal. However I just hope we’re not over reliant on El Pistolero as he’s simply world class and has been invaluable ever since he arrived at the club. But we have more strength and quality in our striking department now so hopefully the team can cope if he was ever unavailable. It was good to see Craig Bellamy start the game as he provides great play in the wing but personally I would like to see him playing more centrally as a striker instead of a side midfielder as he offers more threat to goal. I can’t emphasise how happy I am to see Steven G back in action as the midfield looks more balanced and controlled with his presence. Plus he adds the creative spark I feel the team has lacked since the departure of Raul Meireles.
But overall it’s great to see the team progressing and continuing to maintain a high level of performances. It’s only a matter of time we claim our next win in the league but before that we have a tough Carling Cup match against Stoke which I’m sure we’ll be fully prepared for.
Rangers 1 – 0 Liverpool [Match Analysis]
Its very cliché to say ‘it’s only a friendly’ but I have to say losing the match was disappointing especially in the fashion that we conceded the goal. It could have been dealt with a lot better and I believe we need to improve our defending in set plays as we’ve conceded our last two goals from corners in as many matches. But the team produced some good moments especially in the second half but we lacked a killer instinct in front of goal and service from wide areas needs to improve. Looking at the squad I feel we lack natural width on the right side of midfield and this needs to be priority in the January window to add more creativity into the team.
On the whole it was good to see players, who haven’t featured much in the first team, receive some match time and be in contention for a starting position in the next fixture which is against Norwich.
Liverpool 1 – 1 Man United [Match/Player Analysis]
Kenny Dalglish spoke after the game and expressed how disappointed the team was with the result which goes to show how far Liverpool have come and the progression we are making as a club. It was also a special occasion for the Phenom Lebron James to witness his first match at Anfield and he couldn’t have chosen a better game.
Liverpool started the match in fantastic fashion playing with great fluency and it was refreshing to see the team play with such a high tempo throughout the whole game. This match proved that Liverpool mean business this season and we should never be written off so early in the season as we’re making great progress and continuing to improve as a team. Also the Premier League should realise that Man United are not invincible and were very fortunate to claim a point.
Luis Suarez was magnificent in the game, torturing the United defence with his mobility and leaving players for dead with his trickery. But the allegation of racism from Patricia Evra overshadowed his fantastic performance and this topic became the main talking point after the match. I personally don’t believe there was any racism on Luis Suarez’s part and it seems bizarre that the allegations were made a day after the match and quiet frankly I can’t remember seeing a reaction on the pitch when this so called ‘incident’ occurred. I believe the club have every right to fight these false allegations as it affects the club’s image and also the player who will wrongly be tagged as a racist.
It was great to see captain fantastic Steven Gerrard back in action after his long lay off and its evident that he’s been solely missed. Let’s just hope he stays fit and continues to be the driving force of the team as he will be the defiant factor of Liverpool finishing in the top 4. I was also impressed with the impact of Jordan Henderson coming off the bench showing great attacking instinct getting into good positions around the box and was so close to clinching the winner. I was literally off my seat and on the verge of celebrating when his shot was saved by De Gea. I still can’t believe it wasn’t a goal. But I think this role from the bench would suit Henderson due to the return of Stevie G but more importantly I feel he’s carrying huge pressure on his shoulders due to his price tag and it has affected his performances in recent weeks. Therefore I believe it’s vital that he’s slowly bed him into the team so he can continue his development but at his own pace.
To conclude I’m slightly disappointed not to claim the three points but on the other hand very pleased with the performance and I hope it continues. YNWA.
Lebron James In Liverpool (Pics)
Liverpool FC stars take the 188BET Skills Challenge (Video)
Players competing include Stuart Downing, Martin Skrtel, Jordan Henderson and Jonjo Shelvey. Plus a brief cameo from Andy Carroll.
Paul Dalglish Presents The New Liverpool Winning Styles (Video)
King Kenny would have been proud of that move!
What if Hodgson Stayed as Liverpool Manager? (Video)
