With the new season upon us, expectation was understandably high with it being Klopp's first full season in charge.
It started in a typically Liverpool-fashioned way, with what could of been an easy win over Arsenal being turned into a nail biting end for reds fans both at the emirates and watching from home.
Liverpool went 1-0 after Alberto Moreno had gone missing, leaving Theo Walcott to coolly slot past Mignolet atoning for his penalty miss just a few minutes earlier - which was also the result of Alberto Moreno and his 'unique' style of defending, also known as Moreno's inability to keep calm under pressure, stay in position and not go in with a reckless and needless tackle in the box.
Atoning for this, Liverpool found themselves level thanks to Phil Coutinho and his calm, cool finishing. Just before half time which is just want Klopp and the reds would of wanted. Not long after the restart Lallana added to the tally making it 2-1. Reds fans didn't have much time to digest Lallana's goal before Coutinho added another making it 3-1. By 63, Liverpool looked to be cruising as new signing, Mane, made it 4-1. But Liverpool weren't going to miss the opportunity to make it a typical Liverpool performance - as calamitous defending mixed with Arsenals desire to get something from the game meant goals from Calum Chambers and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain made it 4-3 to the reds. The last 15 minutes were nerve wracking to say the least but Liverpool managed to walk away with the 3 points.
The second game up was Burnley, in the second of 3 consecutive away games whilst Liverpool waited for their new main stand to be completed.
Having not watched this game myself due to other commitments, I can't really comment on the performance of the reds. One thing is for sure though, losing 2-0 is certainly something Klopp did not want. Its looking like Liverpool's notoriously leaky defence is striking again, much to fans dismay.
Wanting to put Burnley behind them, Liverpool went to put on a spirited display against Tottenham Hotpsurs. Watching the game, you could see that Liverpool were starting to click and on the counter, they would be dangerous this season with their pace and the players they have at their disposal. Going 1-0 up through the little magician Coutinho, it seemed like Liverpool could be on course to record their second win in 3 games. It wasn't to be however, as missed chances and a leaky defence caused them to draw down at White Hart Lane.
A win, a draw and a loss from our first 3 games - all away - isn't too bad when you stand back and take a look at it. Especially when you take into account that we have played both Arsenal and Tottenham, who are two of our main rivals for a top four spot this season.
On the downside though, you have to look at the fact that we are still leaking goals - 6 goals in 3 games is really poor for Liverpool and we shouldn't be letting in as many as this. Whether the return to action of the likes of Loris Karius, Lucas Leiva and Emre Can after injuries will help with this is yet to be seen. Either way something needs to be done about this because Liverpool can not be looking to finish in the top 4 if they are unable to keep clean sheets and see games out against the arguably lesser sides, along with the games against the bigger hitters.
With Liverpool you never know what you are going to get, one thing is for sure though - this season is looking like another emotional roller-coaster for all reds.
Tuesday, 6 September 2016
Saturday, 22 August 2015
Neglected
This blog has been neglected of late due to changing jobs, appointments and holidays.
Apologies.
It will be back up to date in the next few weeks!!!
Apologies.
It will be back up to date in the next few weeks!!!
Thursday, 16 October 2014
A look at what's happened in the Prem after Tottenham
So, when Liverpool played Tottenham and won 3-0 you would of thought that it would become the catalyst that would kick start their season...but that wasn't to be the case.
Liverpool 0 - 1 Aston Villa
This will definitely not go down as a game to remember for Liverpool fans and players alike. Liverpool just never got going quick enough unfortunately.
Aston Villa deserved the win - maybe if you based it on the second Liverpool could of deserved a point but definitely not the 3. They did try to break down a very stubborn Villa defence but it just never happened, they just couldn't get it together in the final third.
None of the Liverpool players looked themselves in all honesty and the coherence and understanding from last season seemed to have all but disappeared - surely loosing Suarez couldn't have meant it wasn't going to work like it did last season? We still have the bulk of the players who helped Suarez and Liverpool look so good last season, so why wasn't it working now?
Maybe the team needed time to gel, maybe it would click in the next few games - whatever it took, it was going to have to happen quickly with Liverpool's games coming thick and fast.
West Ham 3 - 1 Liverpool
The less said about this game the better to be honest.
Liverpool did begin quite slow as they did against Villa, conceding an early goal like they did the week before.
The reds did try to get back into the game but ended up going two down even after their efforts. Even Balotteli pulling back a goal couldn't inspire the reds to get at least one point from the game, in fact it was quite the opposite - with West Ham taking advantage of slack defending and getting a third.
Liverpool 1 - 1 Everton
The Derby came around pretty quickly this season and was a chance for the reds to redeem themselves, gaining 3 points in the process - but it weren't to be.
Liverpool got of to a better, quicker start at Anfield this time much to the delight of the fans. The atmosphere at the game was like that of last season, the game the reds were playing was helping as well.
The only problem with this game was the lack of goals, until Balotteli caused Baines to give away a free kick which Steven Gerrard converted into the first goal of the game sending the reds wild and giving hope that they could get 3 points - as their captain fantastic had helped them out yet again.
But the 3 points weren't to be.
Everton equalised at the death with what can only be described as a wonder goal from the opposing captain and that was that, another 2 points dropped at home.
Liverpool 2 -1 West Brom
This was game was seen by many as Liverpool's chance to grab 3 points and start climbing back up the Premier League table after what can only be described as an uncharacteristically rocky start from last years title challengers.
The game started at a better pace than we'd seen in previous games, which ended in Liverpool's favour as new boy Adam Lallana smacked in his first reds goal after a nice little one-two with vice-captain Jordan Henderson.
It went downhill after half-time as the referee gave a penalty in what was arguably one of the worst refereeing decisions in the game. With the contact clearly outside the box, it was no wonder Liverpool fans were left reeling at the decision.
As soon as Berahino converted the penalty, it seemed to kick Liverpool into gear and they pulled together eventually getting there reward. With Sterling being brought down in the box, many expected Liverpool to wait for a penalty decision, even the West Brom players looked like they switched off but not Sterling, who got back up still in possession of the ball and in passing the ball to Henderson gave the midfielder the chance to get him on the score sheet which he did - then reeled off celebrating with the passion we've come to know and love from our new vice-captain.
The reds managed to keep going until the final whistle without conceding again - now they just have to keep it up after another disruptive international break.
Liverpool 0 - 1 Aston Villa
This will definitely not go down as a game to remember for Liverpool fans and players alike. Liverpool just never got going quick enough unfortunately.
Aston Villa deserved the win - maybe if you based it on the second Liverpool could of deserved a point but definitely not the 3. They did try to break down a very stubborn Villa defence but it just never happened, they just couldn't get it together in the final third.
None of the Liverpool players looked themselves in all honesty and the coherence and understanding from last season seemed to have all but disappeared - surely loosing Suarez couldn't have meant it wasn't going to work like it did last season? We still have the bulk of the players who helped Suarez and Liverpool look so good last season, so why wasn't it working now?
Maybe the team needed time to gel, maybe it would click in the next few games - whatever it took, it was going to have to happen quickly with Liverpool's games coming thick and fast.
West Ham 3 - 1 Liverpool
The less said about this game the better to be honest.
Liverpool did begin quite slow as they did against Villa, conceding an early goal like they did the week before.
The reds did try to get back into the game but ended up going two down even after their efforts. Even Balotteli pulling back a goal couldn't inspire the reds to get at least one point from the game, in fact it was quite the opposite - with West Ham taking advantage of slack defending and getting a third.
Liverpool 1 - 1 Everton
The Derby came around pretty quickly this season and was a chance for the reds to redeem themselves, gaining 3 points in the process - but it weren't to be.
Liverpool got of to a better, quicker start at Anfield this time much to the delight of the fans. The atmosphere at the game was like that of last season, the game the reds were playing was helping as well.
The only problem with this game was the lack of goals, until Balotteli caused Baines to give away a free kick which Steven Gerrard converted into the first goal of the game sending the reds wild and giving hope that they could get 3 points - as their captain fantastic had helped them out yet again.
But the 3 points weren't to be.
Everton equalised at the death with what can only be described as a wonder goal from the opposing captain and that was that, another 2 points dropped at home.
Liverpool 2 -1 West Brom
This was game was seen by many as Liverpool's chance to grab 3 points and start climbing back up the Premier League table after what can only be described as an uncharacteristically rocky start from last years title challengers.
The game started at a better pace than we'd seen in previous games, which ended in Liverpool's favour as new boy Adam Lallana smacked in his first reds goal after a nice little one-two with vice-captain Jordan Henderson.
It went downhill after half-time as the referee gave a penalty in what was arguably one of the worst refereeing decisions in the game. With the contact clearly outside the box, it was no wonder Liverpool fans were left reeling at the decision.
As soon as Berahino converted the penalty, it seemed to kick Liverpool into gear and they pulled together eventually getting there reward. With Sterling being brought down in the box, many expected Liverpool to wait for a penalty decision, even the West Brom players looked like they switched off but not Sterling, who got back up still in possession of the ball and in passing the ball to Henderson gave the midfielder the chance to get him on the score sheet which he did - then reeled off celebrating with the passion we've come to know and love from our new vice-captain.
The reds managed to keep going until the final whistle without conceding again - now they just have to keep it up after another disruptive international break.
Tuesday, 9 September 2014
The new season is underway!
With the new season now 3 matches in, what have we learnt about our new look Liverpool FC so far?
Liverpool v Southampton - Anfield 17.8.14 (2-1)
The season opener is always a big deal, especially if it is at Anfield and this game did not disappoint.
In all honesty, from going the game Southampton were a little unlucky not to come away with a point after their performance in the second half.
Liverpool pretty much dominated the first half, having a lot of the possession and creating some good chances. It was a fantastic defence slicing pass from Jordan Henderson to put Raheem Sterling through on goal that eventually broke the deadlock and sent Anfield into an uproar.
When the second half kicked off it was safe to say fans may have been mistaken for thinking the Liverpool of old had returned. Their slow and sloppy start cost them, when Southampton equalised not long after the restart.
Liverpool's defence then has a shaky few minutes and had to weather a storm from Southampton who seemed determined to throw everything at Liverpool and show that them losing key players in the summer along with their manager hadn't affected them.
But in the end Liverpool prevailed and thanks to Daniel Sturridge they managed to win 2-1 and get their first 3 points on the board.
It was all too clear to see though, that Liverpool's defence wasn't yet completely free of the errors that cost them so dearly last season.
Manchester City v Liverpool - Ethiad 25.8.14 (3-1)
This is most probably a match Liverpool fans will want to forget.
After a bright first 40 minutes - Liverpool just crumbled and let City in. Admittedly it wasn't just the defence to blame but they certainly didn't help matters. New boy Alberto Moreno was at fault but was rightly given a little leeway considering it was his first game in English football and he wasn't used to the fast pace of the Premier League.
In the end 3 goals probably flattered Manchester City because they weren't at their best even when we had most certainly pressed the self destruct button. Our defence just cracked under the pressure - Glen Johnson coming out as a major offender like he has done in the past 2 seasons with us.
A late consolation own goal wasn't enough to lift us, although it would of been better if it was Rickie Lambert's debut goal for Liverpool as it was first thought to be.
3 injuries to Moreno, Skrtel and Johnson all wrapped up a pretty terrible night for the reds - they were going to have to do something special at Tottenham to make up for this.
Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool - White Hart Lane 31.8.14 (0-3)
This was exactly the response Liverpool fans were looking for from their team.
With Glen Johnson and Martin Skrtel ruled out of this match, Alberto Moreno was passed fit and others were given their chance to show what they can do.
After a shaky start, Dejan Lovren and Mamadou Sakho sorted themselves out and looked like they were really working very well together - with Lovren even showing his leadership qualities and organising like he had been a Liverpool player for several years.
Liverpool were on the front foot from the start and got into their passing game straight away although it was quite clear that most people were more bothered about waiting for Mario Balotteli to be a bad influence on the team - which was why it was so good that he had a fantastic game, worked hard and was actually a team player. He silenced everyone and could of scored a hattrick if he was more match fit.
The first goal from Raheem Sterling was a little bit of good finishing mixed with a great bit of team work from Jordan Henderson and Daniel Sturridge.
Our second goal, a penalty from Captain Fantastic Steven Gerrard really set the reds up and seemed to add more fire to their performance as the kept going forward and playing their brilliant passing game.
That's not to say Tottenham didn't have their chances, but Simon Mignolet and the rest of the team managed to nullify any threat that their attacks had.
Moreno's wonderful run and perfect goal topped off a fantastic game for the reds and added another 3 points to their total.
It's just a shame an international break came so soon and has stopped the Premier Leagues momentum along with injuring Daniel Sturridge too.
Liverpool v Southampton - Anfield 17.8.14 (2-1)
The season opener is always a big deal, especially if it is at Anfield and this game did not disappoint.
In all honesty, from going the game Southampton were a little unlucky not to come away with a point after their performance in the second half.
Liverpool pretty much dominated the first half, having a lot of the possession and creating some good chances. It was a fantastic defence slicing pass from Jordan Henderson to put Raheem Sterling through on goal that eventually broke the deadlock and sent Anfield into an uproar.
When the second half kicked off it was safe to say fans may have been mistaken for thinking the Liverpool of old had returned. Their slow and sloppy start cost them, when Southampton equalised not long after the restart.
Liverpool's defence then has a shaky few minutes and had to weather a storm from Southampton who seemed determined to throw everything at Liverpool and show that them losing key players in the summer along with their manager hadn't affected them.
But in the end Liverpool prevailed and thanks to Daniel Sturridge they managed to win 2-1 and get their first 3 points on the board.
It was all too clear to see though, that Liverpool's defence wasn't yet completely free of the errors that cost them so dearly last season.
Manchester City v Liverpool - Ethiad 25.8.14 (3-1)
This is most probably a match Liverpool fans will want to forget.
After a bright first 40 minutes - Liverpool just crumbled and let City in. Admittedly it wasn't just the defence to blame but they certainly didn't help matters. New boy Alberto Moreno was at fault but was rightly given a little leeway considering it was his first game in English football and he wasn't used to the fast pace of the Premier League.
In the end 3 goals probably flattered Manchester City because they weren't at their best even when we had most certainly pressed the self destruct button. Our defence just cracked under the pressure - Glen Johnson coming out as a major offender like he has done in the past 2 seasons with us.
A late consolation own goal wasn't enough to lift us, although it would of been better if it was Rickie Lambert's debut goal for Liverpool as it was first thought to be.
3 injuries to Moreno, Skrtel and Johnson all wrapped up a pretty terrible night for the reds - they were going to have to do something special at Tottenham to make up for this.
Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool - White Hart Lane 31.8.14 (0-3)
This was exactly the response Liverpool fans were looking for from their team.
With Glen Johnson and Martin Skrtel ruled out of this match, Alberto Moreno was passed fit and others were given their chance to show what they can do.
After a shaky start, Dejan Lovren and Mamadou Sakho sorted themselves out and looked like they were really working very well together - with Lovren even showing his leadership qualities and organising like he had been a Liverpool player for several years.
Liverpool were on the front foot from the start and got into their passing game straight away although it was quite clear that most people were more bothered about waiting for Mario Balotteli to be a bad influence on the team - which was why it was so good that he had a fantastic game, worked hard and was actually a team player. He silenced everyone and could of scored a hattrick if he was more match fit.
The first goal from Raheem Sterling was a little bit of good finishing mixed with a great bit of team work from Jordan Henderson and Daniel Sturridge.
Our second goal, a penalty from Captain Fantastic Steven Gerrard really set the reds up and seemed to add more fire to their performance as the kept going forward and playing their brilliant passing game.
That's not to say Tottenham didn't have their chances, but Simon Mignolet and the rest of the team managed to nullify any threat that their attacks had.
Moreno's wonderful run and perfect goal topped off a fantastic game for the reds and added another 3 points to their total.
It's just a shame an international break came so soon and has stopped the Premier Leagues momentum along with injuring Daniel Sturridge too.
Thursday, 24 July 2014
New Season awaits
As the season gets closer, I will be posting more and more on this blog so keep an eye out!
Tuesday, 4 March 2014
Liverpool's December: Part Three - Liverpool v Cardiff City
Liverpool's third game in a hectic December came in the form of the much troubled Cardiff City.
Even though their opponents were struggling a little on and off the field, Liverpool could not afford to take this game lightly at all - concentration, focus and winning were what Liverpool needed to keep in mind.
And boy did they do that!
Last season, these were the sort of games that the Reds would either be losing or only taking a point from but in this game we saw that Liverpool had definitely begun to learn that these were the types of game that they needed to be taking 3 points away from - especially at Anfield.
What has been key for Liverpool this season is starting the games quickly and brightly, which is what they did here. They started off with a fast pace and didn't let up, giving Cardiff minimal chances and a lot to think about. Early goals have also helped out the Reds this season and 25 minutes in Luis Suarez put the Reds ahead and then off they went.
Liverpool played their game beautifully, passing and moving, keeping the tempo and intensity up all whilst showing the other teams in the Premier League that Anfield was once again becoming somewhere that would not be easy for you to come and play - especially if Liverpool were on top form!
By half time Raheem Sterling and Luis Suarez had brought the scoreline up to 3-0, leaving there to be only one question during the second half....could they score any more?
The answer to that was to be a no, but not through lack of chances. It was through good goalkeeping and defending by Cardiff along with Liverpool being guilty of not putting away a few goals they should of done.
The game continued pretty much the same in the 2nd half with Liverpool having plenty of possession and chances but it was to be Cardiff who got a goal pulling it back to 3-1 and giving Cardiff a little something to go back to South Wales with.
The game ended 3-1 and was pretty good to watch for both sets of supporters because even though they lost, Cardiff City gave as good as they got.
Cardiff fans also got support from unlikely allies, when Liverpool fans joined in to back up under-fire Cardiff boss Malakay Mckay although in the end it didn't help as their owner decided to replace Malakay with a new manager not long after.
If there was one thing this game showed it was that Liverpool fans did have hope when it came to games that could potentially be banana skins and when it came to their top 4 hopes and dreams.
Even though their opponents were struggling a little on and off the field, Liverpool could not afford to take this game lightly at all - concentration, focus and winning were what Liverpool needed to keep in mind.
And boy did they do that!
Last season, these were the sort of games that the Reds would either be losing or only taking a point from but in this game we saw that Liverpool had definitely begun to learn that these were the types of game that they needed to be taking 3 points away from - especially at Anfield.
What has been key for Liverpool this season is starting the games quickly and brightly, which is what they did here. They started off with a fast pace and didn't let up, giving Cardiff minimal chances and a lot to think about. Early goals have also helped out the Reds this season and 25 minutes in Luis Suarez put the Reds ahead and then off they went.
Liverpool played their game beautifully, passing and moving, keeping the tempo and intensity up all whilst showing the other teams in the Premier League that Anfield was once again becoming somewhere that would not be easy for you to come and play - especially if Liverpool were on top form!
By half time Raheem Sterling and Luis Suarez had brought the scoreline up to 3-0, leaving there to be only one question during the second half....could they score any more?
The answer to that was to be a no, but not through lack of chances. It was through good goalkeeping and defending by Cardiff along with Liverpool being guilty of not putting away a few goals they should of done.
The game continued pretty much the same in the 2nd half with Liverpool having plenty of possession and chances but it was to be Cardiff who got a goal pulling it back to 3-1 and giving Cardiff a little something to go back to South Wales with.
The game ended 3-1 and was pretty good to watch for both sets of supporters because even though they lost, Cardiff City gave as good as they got.
Cardiff fans also got support from unlikely allies, when Liverpool fans joined in to back up under-fire Cardiff boss Malakay Mckay although in the end it didn't help as their owner decided to replace Malakay with a new manager not long after.
If there was one thing this game showed it was that Liverpool fans did have hope when it came to games that could potentially be banana skins and when it came to their top 4 hopes and dreams.
Apologies
Apologies for lack of updates.
I have them all written its just I couldn't publish them due to lack of internet.
Will post everything tonight and then it will be back to normal.
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