A Liverpool Fan's Thoughts on the Departure of Luis Suarez

photo by Hamed Saber	via PhotoRee

Scott sends off Luis Suarez with an appropriate mixture of emotions, at least for a scouser:

So it's finally official: Luis Suarez is going to Barcelona, ending 2.5 years of on-field brilliance and mystifying moments of lunacy. Concluding how to feel about this transfer requires a serious mental inventory, such was our emotional investment. On the one hand, there is no doubt that Suarez is one of the main factors in Liverpool's return to Premier League relevance. It would be hard to find a fiercer competitor and, if all his teammates' comments are to be believed, a more committed team player (when not wanting away, of course). He is a player who raises the level of both play and expectations of everyone around him. And he should rightly be considered, as a snapshot in time, among the absolute best in the game right now, to be mentioned in the same breath as Messi and Ronaldo.

Then there is the significant monetary investment in the troublesome Uruguayan. Setting aside the 35 million-ish paid to Ajax, there is the PR sunk cost of dealing with Evra Part 1 (the comment), Evra Part 2 (the handshake that wasn't) and then the Ivanovic Bite. That we now have to distinguish which bite, never mind the Eredivisie counterpart, speaks volumes about the further spinning of the PR machine that would be required. Not to mention the sheer emotional and psychological toll expended (and yet to be expended) by players, coaches and fans alike during each of his past and future bans.

To Liverpool's great credit, there was no circling of the wagons this time around. Fool me once, fool me twice, fool me thrice... (it defies cliche).  I know I was. First there was seeing the uniquely talented forward around his family and hearing his teammates wax on about his attitude and work ethic. Then, most importantly, we observed concrete, significant progress of his rehabilitation in the English Premiere League - nary a moment of lunacy all year, calmer demeanor on the field even during trying times and, to the immense pleasure of any American proselytizing for the sport in the US, a reduction of diving to near zero level.

By all accounts the narrative was fulfilling its own prophesy - that of the underprivileged, angry youth who escaped his humble beginnings to be with his beloved and play his beloved sport in ever-higher arenas. Significant lapses of decorum marred his way and, sure, it took the polemic prodigy a few more raps on the wrist to finally learn his lesson. But a settled year at the Liverpool club who patiently stood by their admittedly flawed star, a new long-term contract and statements by all about the mutual contentment of the evolving situation and prospects for the future - surely, this Merseyside cautionary tale would find its Hollywood ending.

Unfortunately, it was the wrong type of Hollywood that emerged - one of addiction and relapse. Forgive me the rough edges of this analogy, but there were glaring similarities to Suarez' World Cup cameo. After a year of clean living in the hard knocks but mostly stay-on-your-feet world of English soccer, Luis was surrounded by the environment of catty, diving soccer that international soccer can be. Away from the Liverpudlian support group, the Uruguayan simply relapsed into his old ways, shattering all the rehabilitation he had achieved in his record season with that bite and hardening the hearts of those who really thought he had gotten past it all.

Too Soon But Thickening: Liverpool 3 - Southampton 0

Scott is enjoying himself, almost as much as this guy here:

Still too soon for title talk, but the win over Southampton at St. Mary's bode well indeed. Not that the score line accurately reflected the run of play. For most of the first half it was the home side who was firmly on the front foot forcing clearances and saves aplenty from the scrambling Reds. Only a fortuitous bounce to Luis Suarez, who promptly put his mini-drought behind him by cooly finishing into the side netting, allowed the one goal margin at half time. 

The second half started much as the first with high pressing by the Saints causing many of us to grab our rosaries and mumble in the general direction of Liverpool's beleaguered back line. Then, as if to renew faith in a higher power, who clearly has time to take in a match or two over the weekend, Suarez found the recently-entered Raheem Sterling who passed into the goal and restored breathing to Liverpudlians while simultaneously knocking the air out of the valiant home team. 

A Little Defensive: Thoughts on Liverpool

After another narrow victory, Scott has time to gather his thoughts:

o Now having scored more goals than any other Premier League team (albeit Manchester City have a game in hand), Liverpool carelessly careened to another 3 points last Sunday at Anfield by surviving an all-out shoot-out with Swansea by the whopping score of 4-3.  Twice surrendering the lead after blazing ahead 2-0, the watchword going forward will be “defense.”  As in, “please, any defense whatsoever.” 

 

o Simon Mignolet is reported to have lamented the team’s defensive performance and one has to wonder whether he included himself in that assessment. The Belgian, so unflappable at the beginning of the season, mostly just flaps at crosses now.  When he is not miscommunicating with defenders as to who will clear.  Fortunately, he’s an excellent shot-stopper and communication with defenders should be a relatively easy thing to improve.  And without belaboring the point or repeating too much the blogosphere chatter, we really need some Grade-A defenders.  Or at least need the ones we have to play like they are Grade-A.

 

o We are now at 4 games in a row without a goal from Luis Suarez, double the number of games he had previously gone this season without a goal (and then, only once).  Yet the Uruguayan continues to influence every game with his industry, racking up assists and creating spaces for his teammates.  NBC needs a sharp rebuke for erroneously informing us several times that Suarez’ assist in the match was his 9^th of the season, tying him for the lead in that metric. In fact, Suarez is way ahead of the pack with 17 assists on the season compared to the second highest which is 11 (Wayne Rooney).

 

o The only thing that troubled me with Suarez’ performance was that, unlike in previous games where an unlucky post or a brilliant save denied him a goal, on Sunday it was a lack of concentration at the critical time leading to a miskick.  Let us hope that was a one-game thing.

 

Going to Extremes: Liverpool 3 - Fulham 2

photo by Grant Neufeld	via PhotoRee

In which another last gasp goal secures three more points for Scott's team....: 

"Polar Opposites" is the only way to describe Liverpool's last two games. At one extreme, we have the 5-1 thrashing of Arsenal last Sunday at Anfield. While at the other we have the nail-biting, sofa pounding, face-in-hands frustration that was only relieved by an incredibly fortuitous penalty, converted with aplomb by the timeless Steven Gerrard.  Many are already asking if such a win away at lowly Fulham is a sign that the Reds are finally ready to start winning the close ones instead of drawing against the likes of West Brom. For me, it is too early for such speculation, out loud at least. But there is something to the question.

Yet another howler by poor Kolo Toure, slicing an unpressured clearance into his own goal, gifted the home side the lead within 10 minutes and it wasn't until Gerrard's sublime through ball was bounced off the post and in by Daniel Sturridge that Liverpool leveled.  Unfortunately, a second half lack of communication among Simon Mignolet, Jon Flanagan and Martin Skrtl, resulting in a hapless clearance attempt by the Slovak, gifted yet another lead via a Darren Bent tap in.

That's when determination, skill and Lady Luck sided with the Reds. With the ball almost continuously in the home side's half from then on, Philippe Coutinho cut in from the right and found the cure for his erratic shooting - a deflection.   Then, when nearly all hope was lost in the 90th minute, a defensive blunder by Fulham sent Gerrard to the spot and he did well to beat the diving Stockdale who had guessed correctly. A hard-earned, lucky 3 points.

Meanwhile, back at Anfield a few days earlier, Liverpool looked a different team against a high-pressing Arsenal side that conceded 4 times in the opening 20 minutes. Boy I hope everybody continues to try the high defensive line...

Martin Skrtl and Raheem Sterling each bagged a brace while Sturridge continued to add to his tally also before a woeful tackle attempt by Gerrard led to a consolation penalty.

This was complete domination due to the skill, intensity and tempo that Liverpool relentlessly thrust upon the discombobulated Arsenal squad. Such was the disruption in their midfield ranks that Ozil was literally spun around and sat down by the lively Jordan Henderson before the notching his assist.  The former Sunderland player has come of age, forcing me to retract my disparaging remarks from last year.

Coming Alive: Liverpool 2 - Bournemouth 0 in the FA Cup

photo by wanderinghome	via PhotoRee

Scott still believes in the Magic of the Cup:

 

Thank goodness this weekend's Liverpool contest was an FA Cup game against Championship side Bournemouth and not a Premier League game against anyone, let alone any of the Top 7.  To say Liverpool started poorly and with no pep is to say a corpse is a little off-color and languid.  The Reds (actually wearing white, perhaps befitting the metaphorical pallor) were comprehensively bossed by the lively Bournemouth squad for the first 20 minutes.  Unable to keep possession, constantly chasing the ball and errant passes were only a few of their misdeeds.  Clearly this was due to the fact that Brendan Rodgers was resting many key players for this week’s Merseyside derby.  Actually, no, because there was a lineup featuring Gerrard and Suarez and Sturridge and Coutinho and Skrtl and Henderson…  OK, so Brad Jones was in goal.  But he’s not the one committing any of the aforementioned grievances, even if he did do some fumbling of his own.

Fortunately, in the 26^th minute, Victor Moses emerged from the shadowy recesses where he has been hiding, when not underperforming on the pitch.  His deft touch to settle Luis Suarez’ pass was so sublime I found myself rewinding several times and calling the kids in to watch.  His finish was less than perfect, and lacked much power, but was effective nonetheless and provided just the thing to take the edge off for the visitors.

 

Limp Liverpool: Aston Villa 2 - Liverpool 2

A downbeat Scott takes stock after a point that may or may not have been earned by a dive:

After winning at the Britannia last weekend, Liverpool, despite the presence of owner John Henry, came out so sluggishly against Aston Villa that they very deservedly fell behind 2-0 in short order.  Perhaps not fully recovered from the tough 5-3 win over Stoke City (or perhaps already looking forward to the Merseyside derby), there was not a red shirt on the pitch with any material pep.  Last week it was Gerrard lying deep, Henderson a little lost, Coutinho helpless in front of goal, Sturridge triumphant in return and Suarez sublime.  Against Aston Villa, Gerrard still started deep, Henderson began to feel his way, Coutinho was helpless everywhere and was rightly substituted at half-time, Sturridge scored again but failed to link as effectively with the much-more-human Suarez.

In fact, Suarez was so human that he, sadly, fell back into his diving ways.  Brad Guzan had come out bravely and went to ground but pulled back his arms as the Uruguayan rounded him.  To the extent there was any contact, it was minimal but Suarez went down nonetheless and the referee, way behind the action because of the lightning-quick counter, will have to be excused for giving the penalty.  At full speed, even the TV viewers’ perspective seemed to show a foul.  But in slow motion I was convinced that it was not a penalty and that Suarez had dived.  That Gerrard stepped up and scored the equalizer as a result made me think back to the “Old Suarez” who purposely batted a ball away from goal with his hands to help Uruguay overcome Ghana in the World Cup.  While I hope and pray that this was an aberration and not a backslide, I said before that the only way to judge if Suarez had truly changed was to observe his behavior when things weren’t going his way.  He failed his first test.

Stepping down from my moral soapbox, at least Liverpool managed a point, although it is very difficult to feel relieved about getting a point at home to Aston Villa.  Still, 2-0 down and playing worse than bad, we live to fight another day.

2-1 Times 2: Thoughts on Liverpool's Shaky Run of Form

photo by [3/4 of zer0]	via PhotoRee

 

Scott has some excuses thoughts on Liverpool's last two horrific losses games:

 

Top of the league at Christmas and now 5^th and 6 points from the top before New Year’s Eve.  How could this have happened?  Well, like most things in life, it is no single thing but rather a combination of factors:

1)      Liverpool squandered chances.  In the first game against Manchester City, Liverpool played at least as well as the home team and likely deserved a point for their pressing, creativity and determination.  But too many chances went begging and such opportunities must be seized when playing against the likes of Manchester City or Chelsea.  While there were not as many chances against Chelsea, failing to convert certainly played a role.

 

2)      Mignolet had a bad day against Manchester City.  I think on almost any other day, Simon does not let Negredo’s weak shot dribble in.  But dribble in it did.

 

3)      The competition was excellent.  To be fair, it wasn’t all down to Liverpool not executing.  Manchester City created scores of opportunities also, while Chelsea were relentless in their high pressing and quick strikes.  Plus, the darker blues were aggressively defensive (overly so at times) when they needed to be.

 

4)      The referees were bad in the Manchester City game.  I’m not saying Liverpool lost both games because of poor decisions, but nobody would win the argument that those decisions did not have an enormous impact on the game.  In the first game, the standout error was the blatant miscue that saw the assistant referee flag Raheem Sterling offside when he was several feet onside.  Despite Brendan Rodgers’ comments regarding Lee Mason’s proximity to Manchester (with which I disagree), the fault is clearly the assistant referee’s.  And this is not one of those “could go either way” things.  He was way onside and was through on goal with acres of space and only Joe Hart ahead.

5)      The referees were bad in the Chelsea game.  Jose Mourinho can throw all the tantrums he likes and accuse Liverpool of all manner of theatrics, but the simple fact is that Samuel Eto’o’s (hmmm, the possessive looks a little redundant there) challenge on Jordan Henderson likely would have drawn a red if it were later in the game.  It’s pretty amazing it didn’t even get a yellow.  A game against a 10-man Chelsea squad would have been a very different game indeed.  Especially given that Eto’o scored later.  And, if he had at least gotten a yellow, when he did deliberately trip Suarez later, he should have gotten a second yellow and been out.  Instead, no foul was called there either.  To be fair, that was a tough call because Suarez didn’t have the ball and Howard Webb would have had to give a penalty if he called it.  But, from the replays, there was no doubt it was a foul and that it was deliberate.  And the fact that Suarez was mugged by John Terry in the six-yard box with no call was also nearly criminal.  And all this against a Chelsea team that was the beneficiary of a phantom penalty call against West Brom.

An Early Christmas for Liverpool Fans

All Scott wants for Christmas is a title:

Against Cardiff City this past weekend, two more glorious goals and one assist are further evidence of Luis Suarez’ unmatched form in the league.  His first goal was an incredible volley while his second was an amazing, curling shot from outside the 18.  Jordan Henderson was the provider for both, with the second coming via a cheeky back heel.  For me, however, the most telling moment of the night, and cause for ongoing optimism, was the unselfish squared ball Suarez made to Raheem Sterling when he only had the ‘keeper to beat.  Sterling had only to side foot into the net but a player in form like Suarez would be expected to, and excused for, taking the shot himself.  That he chose to supply his teammate with an easier shot speaks volumes.

An otherwise dominant performance was Mutch marred by incredibly poor marking from another set-piece.  I’m no tactician but one defender marking two forwards doesn’t seem like a good strategy, and Jordan Mutch was obliged.  Yet another game without a cleansheet.  One has to wonder if those mental mistakes might come back to haunt in a tighter game.  Like, say, against Manchester City on Boxing Day or against Chelsea soon after.

Coming of Age: Some Thoughts on Luis Suarez

"Coming of Age"
Photo by National Library of Ireland on Flickr

Thoughts from our Liverpool-loving Correspondent Scott, so naturally just a bit biased:

Has Luis Suarez’ behavior turned a corner? Maybe. He has certainly dialed down the antics and I have not seen him dive for quite some time (while others in the league continue to flop). Sure, he’s not afraid to sully his uniform if slightly tripped in a favorable position. But that will always be a part of the game – and one could argue that the slight trip was the result of the skill and dexterity that caused the defender to slightly blunder. In the end, maybe Mrs. Suarez’ reported strong input with her husband has come to good effect. As a Liverpool fan and a more-than-occasional defender of our beloved sport, I certainly hope so.

Still, the skeptic in me looks at the success the Uruguayan has been having in terms of goals and wins. It’s always easier to be a good sport when things are going your way. After all, he didn’t chomp on Branislov Ivanovic after netting a hat-trick. The true test of Suarez’ “new” character will be when he is, eventually and inevitably, stifled and frustrated by successive defenses.

Comments on a Complete Performance: Liverpool 5 - Tottenham Hotspur 0

Photo by Tim Geers on Flickr

Scott is enraptured:

A "complete performance" is how Brendan Rodgers described Liverpool's effort away at Tottenham last Sunday; and I couldn't agree more.  It wasn't just the 5-0 scoreline, even if a first clean sheet in five games weren't reason enough to cheer.   It was the tenacious and unrelenting pressing of the ball.  It was the pugnacious tackling and swarming defending.  It was the creative passing and running that sliced and diced.  It was the stunningly stubborn will to play the ball out of the back.  And, it was a certain Uruguayan with the captain's armband who contributed a mere 2 goals and 3 assists.

To say Luis Suarez is on fire of late is to describe Sofia Vergara as merely pretty.  He ignites the players around him, and will continue to earn the respect of more and more players, fans and coaches as he continues to mind his manners and not dive.  I'm not even convinced he embellished Paulinho's cleat to the chest, which clearly deserved a red card because you could see that the Brazilian purposely contorted his leg to impede Suarez who was on his way past.  Only 11 games removed from his suspension for preschool antics and there he is sporting the captain's arm-band, playing with integrity and having only accumulated 1 yellow card so far in the season. Rodgers has managed him brilliantly and I may exhale yet.  By the way, 2 goals and 3 assists go a long way toward helping people forget a wide open net you missed.

But while Suarez was clearly the leading man, the supporting cast was a veritable Reservoir Dogs of character actors.  Young John Flanagan (because that's what the commentators are required to call him, it seems) has been a revelation both defensively and going forward.  And how about a first Premier League goal for the young lad?  It was taken brilliantly on the half-volley before it careened in off the cross bar for the third, and traditionally decisive, goal.

Where's the Plan? Some Brief Thoughts on the Premier League Season

Photo by Martin on Flickr

Ed has been reading up on all the action:

 

The BPL seems tumultuous this year, but is it?  The top four are Arsenal, Chelsea, City, Liverpool – not exactly an impoverished bunch.  Behind them is Everton, a dark horse but certainly one that’s inhabited this position before, and then Spurs.  Thus the only real surprise is United way down in 9^th behind Newcastle, who just beat them, and Southampton, who have been playing very will this year but are still only a point up on the Red Devils.
 

Which makes me wonder what is worse for Moyes: All the losses at United, or is it Martinez making his Everton team look as good as or better than the league leading Gunners?  Everton definitely has more talent than Moyes had – Barkley is a year wiser and seems one of the best midfielders in the BPL at times – and Lukaku is a fairly recent addition.  But still, the style of Everton even without Leighton Baines makes United look lost in the early 1990s.  Plus Martinez’s additions such as McCarthy and Deulofeu, seem far better than the $28MM Felaini that can barely get time in a weak United midfield.  So query, did Sir Alex fail his club in his last act?  Was he blinded by a Scottish bias?  Only time will tell, but right now it would be hard to believe the United board might not be thinking they just made a terrible mistake.

 

 

Meanwhile, over in Spurs-land, AVB has guided the Spurs to two somewhat rocky wins over Fulham and then Sunderland, two basement dwellers.  At least these were wins, as there should be no shame in beating the teams you are supposed to beat.  However, the service to the center remains poor, and AVB seems to still be trying to figure out his best center and wing combinations.  Personally, I would try Paulinho and Sandro behind Dembele, but it turns out AVB doesn’t care what I think.  Regardless, Spurs seem miles apart from the Everton and Arsenal teams that battled it out last weekend.  They have difficulty connecting passes and have no rhythm to their attack.  Not sure what the plans is yet, and less sure it will work.

Simply Sublime: Liverpool 5 - Norwich City 1

Photo by Rebecca Dubell on Flickr

Scott's been in 7th Heaven since Wednesday:

Sipping a pricey (for me anyway) Pinot Noir that was purchased for Thanksgiving dinner but, ultimately, deemed above the collective appreciation level of the quaffing family and friends in attendance (snobbery, I know), I settled down for a comfortable viewing of the Liverpool v Norwich match. And despite the final result, the first 10 minutes were anything but comfortable as the visitors had the more and better chances with both teams surrendering sloppily.  Fear of a Hull City hangover gripped as tightly as I my glass of oenophile pleasure.

Fortunately, the stemware was given a reprieve as Liverpool began to work more into the game around the 15th minute and then Luis Suarez started his nearly-one-man show in the 16th minute with a déjà vu shot from just inside midfield that caught poor Ruddy out yet again.

Despite Norwich working around as if they were the home team near the 20th minute, Liverpool stepped up the pressure with Philippe Coutinho harassing incessantly.  This led to Suarez' second of the game, this time from a deftly finished shot off a corner.  Might this be a third hat-trick against poor Norwich who have been made the Uruguayan's collective bitch?  That question is answered a mere 6 minutes later when an effort of sheer brilliance completes said hat-trick.  The scoop around the defender was sublime, as was the patience to wait the half-second longer needed for the next defender to think he was going to cut back, before he half-volleyed a rocket into the side netting.  The announcer was absolutely gushing about Suarez' brilliance, and deservedly so.

A Complete Game: Liverpool 4 - Fulham 0

Photo by Stevesworldofphotos on Flickr

Which made Correspondent Scott a happy man for the International Break:

While they didn't score as many goals in the second half as they did in the first, Liverpool's 4-0 drubbing of Fulham at Anfield on Saturday was their most complete game yet this season.  With Liverpool boy Austin Powers (nay, Mike Myers) in attendance, the Reds positively exploded with offensive firepower after the first 20 minutes and kept the Cottagers pinned back for the rest of the game.  It's really a wonder they didn't score more in the second half after leading 3-0 at the interval.

The own goal that opened the flood gates was a direct result of the quality of Steven Gerrard's delivery of the free kick.  The captain may have his detractors (even I have risked blasphemy to point out his shortcomings when necessary) but he has resurged as an experienced force each week, now with a lengthy run of healthy play.

Soon after, despite all the pressing, Liverpool's second goal came from another set piece - this time a corner.  How about that Martin Skrtl?  Emphatically powering home his header, the Slovak has found new life after his previous relegation to the bench.

The all-out siege on Fulham's goal continued until the halftime whistle and produced another fine goal when Jordan Henderson deftly weighted  his pass for the indomitable Luis Suarez to slip past the onrushing 'keeper.  Such was the euphoria and momentum that the Reds barely protested when the referee waved off the tepid appeals for a penalty when Kieran Richardson clearly handled the ball.

Smiles at Anfield

Photo by Seanbjack on Flickr

At least for Scott and those of his ilk, that is:

It was all smiles at Anfield on Saturday as Luis Suarez put on an AP-Level finishing clinic and, thereby, allowed Liverpool to exorcize the West Bromwich Albion demon that has terrorized the Reds at home of late. This time it was Steve Clark's men running scared as the toothy Uruguayan first 'megged his way to goal before powering his second with his head from -- get this -- outside the penalty area. To complete his pre-Halloween (hat)trick, the unstoppable striker glanced a perfect freekick from Steven Gerrard. Not wanting to be bereft of candy himself, Daniel Sturridge first pounded a side foot shot (how does he get that power?) off the crossbar before sublimely chipping the 'keeper from traffic to make it four for the home side, much to the cacophonous delight of the sea of red crooning about accompanied ambulations.

Alas, the near-perfect performance (overlooking a few missed opportunities and defensive miscues) was ruined by a most dubious foul called, not by the referee but, rather, a seemingly over-reaching linesman. That softest of penalty calls allowed Morrison to drill home the visitors' only goal. But the aforementioned glance and chip managed to restore at least a sizable degree of elation, if not the perfection that would have added another 8 points to my fantasy score.

Nevertheless, herewith, in copy-cat fashion, are my incontrovertible player rankings:

Lucas - excellent tracking back for important defensive touches and winning balls in midfield. Added the needed muscle in midfield. 7.5

Suarez - Simply masterful. The summer want-away has packed away any lingering disappointment or resentment by putting his head down and emerging as the best forward in the BPL again. Three glorious goals and an afternoon handful for West Brom's defense. 9.0

Henderson - a tireless, eager puppy but exuberance gets the best of him at times. Too many of his passes don't find their intended recipient. 6.0

Johnson - left at 62 minutes to a deserved hero's salute. Consistently dangerous with driving and dishing. We hope his knock is not too serious because the side is noticeably better with him in it. Still, he needs to fully regain his touch, which abandoned him at times. 7.0

Mignolet - not too much to do until the waning minutes when a few key stops preserved the score line. He did look calm with the ball at his feet, despite flapping at a few free kicks early on. 6.5

Toure - Was solid when he needed to be but lost the ball going forward too often and was a bit too cheeky at times, when the simple ball would have fared better. 6.0

Cissokho - seemed to be blamed for the penalty, undeservedly, but otherwise solid, breaking up plays and gamely carousing the left side. 6.5

SAS (Sturridge and Suarez)

It's early days, but Scott likes what he sees:

SAS - Sturridge and Suarez. Really?  Let’s hope it lasts longer than Beniffer.

As much as I dislike cute acronyms (unless I make them up), you have to admit that SAS, after only a few games together, have the look of a duo that can strike fear into the hearts of EPL teams for as long as they decide to stay together.  Kudos again must be given to Brendan Rodgers for going with a formation that allows the two most in-form strikers in the league to occupy the field at the same time.  Maybe it’s too early to jump on the SAS bandwagon but I have the reins gripped tightly in both hands as I whoop and holler something along the lines of “giddy-up.” 

Steven Gerrard scoring from the penalty spot against Crystal Palace last weekend seemed merely an afterthought to the sumptuous link-up play between SAS that resulted in 2 goals, one each, between minutes 13 and 16.  That Liverpool coasted after arriving at a 3-0 lead is something that must be remedied – especially given that the Reds have turned their noses up at second halves this season much like my son does to cold broccoli – it would be good to get after it but they would rather not.  You would think that the fact they are second in the table instead of first is only due to not scoring another goal in any of several second halves, would be enough to finally crunch some cold cruciferous cabbage cousin.

Hope

Photo by Pol Sifter

As a long-time Spurs fan, one thing Ed has in abundance is hope:

At the end of the day, neither Spurs nor Chelsea should be happy about their 1 - 1 draw this past weekend. Spurs shouldn't be pleased because they missed several other good opportunities to win, including Gylfi Sigurdsson's close call near the end of the game. But more importantly, Spurs looked very second-tier in the second half and were happy just to hang on. As I said prior, this game was big for Spurs because they needed to show they could beat teams like Chelsea, not merely pull out a draw at home. They must somehow aim and reach higher or I fear even fourth place all be tougher to land than might seem the case right now.

As for Chelsea, they allowed themselves to be dominated for a half of the game by a side that should be substantially below them. Sure, they pulled out a draw and looked the better team in the second half, but if they were that much better why should they be satisfied with a draw?  If Chelsea are intent on winning the league -- which they are -- a draw at Spurs just shouldn't be enough.

By the way, it was me (and AVB) who questioned Gylfi's spot in the lineup. The last few weeks he has showed me to be completely wrong and has been a creative and goalscoring force from the left. Moussa Dembele also looked the part against Chelsea beating no less than 8 players off the dribble. Paulinho, however, looked less than impressive. Similarly Roberto Soldado, who just hasn't shown much of anything since joining Spurs. We can only hope he improves as Spurs need a finisher who, well, finishes!

# # #

Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge were fun to watch this weekend with their quick but purposeful play. Sturridge has always had the athletic ability, but now he seems very sure of himself. This confident keeps him from rush decisions, and as of now he always looks to have time on the ball. Suarez has picked up his jail break frantic style. He's an impossible player to like, but he is definitely dangerous.

Perhaps most interesting about Liverpool is that they don't even try to play the tiki-taka style that Rodgers used at Swansea. With Steven Gerrard as a holder that's frankly impossible. Stevie G is the kind of the long cross field one touch pass. He's not going to keep swiveling and moving it backwards and sideways. But Kudo's to Rodgers in not forcing something that isn't there. The tiki-taka style is more than half personnel; Liverpool don't have those kind of players, but the kind they do have are pretty good.

# # #

Last year as Manchester United ran the table we used to joke that they were a mid-table team without Van Persie. Well, Van Persie has cooled and, predictably, gotten injured, and United looks very much the mid-table team. David Moyes was criticized on this site for stating that they don't have enough top-tier players to win the Champions League. I suspect the Special One wouldn't be criticized for saying the same thing. Plus, Moyes is right. The mystery at United isn't so much why they fell to 12th place as it is why so many formerly elite players look so mediocre these days. What exactly happened to Nani and Antonio Valencia? Even Ashley Young looks bad these days. In fact, only Wayne Rooney and RVP appear to be top tier talent. That should be enough to win a lot of games in the BPL -- presuming RVP isn't hurt -- but won't be enough to win in Europe.

5 Thoughts on Liverpool

Photo by Stephen S.

Scott has been studying up on the Reds:

o Back near the top of the table in second place after 6 games or, as I like to call it, 16% of the season, Liverpool fans everywhere are cautiously, one-by-one, allowing themselves to believe.  Chelsea, Tottenham and City, I believe, have stronger talent and Arsenal have won 5 on the trot.  But after a trio of 1-0 wins to begin the season, with a healthy Daniel Sturridge and a temporarily-sane Luis Suarez, Reds fans everywhere are praying for goals to continue raining for Liverpool. 

o My omission of United from the above was not accidental.  If memory serves, I was the only one among my illustrious colleagues who predicted that the Red Devils of Manchester would finish outside of the top 4.  84% of the season has yet to be played but, in case things change, I need to point out my prescience now.  Of course, I also picked Arsenal to finish 6^th….

o Ahh, the Sturridge/Suarez combination - two of the best strikers in the league, at their prime, both in form and, thus far, unselfish in their mutual play.  Let’s hope my smile doesn’t turn to grimace upon a future Suarez meltdown.  Perhaps child number two, to whom he dedicated his goals on Sunday via a non-regulation undershirt, has pushed the Uruguayan finally over the edge to maturity.  In any case, he better maintain the current chumminess with his striker partner who plattered up both of his goals.

Hangin' On: Manchester United 1 - Liverpool 0 -- Player Ratings

Manchester United outlasted a determined Liverpool side that gave as good as it got on Wednesday night, hanging on for a slim 1-0 victory in a third round Capitol One Cup match played at Old Trafford. Handed an early second half lead by a superb piece of footwork that saw Javjer Hernandez turn in Wayne Rooney's cross, United bent but ultimately did not break as the game wore on. Although the victory may not have answered all of the questions swirling around the club's new manager, David Moyes, a victory over the Red Devil's greatest historical rival will have relieved some of the immediate pressure which had built up after the Manchester derby. 

Herewith, our ratings of the players' individual performances in a very hard-fought contest:

De Gea: Came out strong to deny Suarez in the first half, but otherwise had precious little work to do before the break.  Superb distribution almost led to a United counterattack near the hour mark, and the Spaniard used every bit of his lightning quick reflexes to deny Victor Moses' second half header. 8.0

Rafael: Added an attacking element on the right flank that the Red Devils have been missing of late, but was forced to focus on defensive duties as Liverpool chased the game in the second half. 7.0

Evans: Trouble dealing with Daniel Sturridge's speed, a misjudged header and getting a couple of clearances caught in his feet showed the toll of accumulated rust.  Not bad, but far from his best. 6.0

Smalling: Very composed performance in his customary role of central defender. But for one giveaway, difficult to find fault. Man of the Match for our money. 8.5

Buttner: Good headed clearance to deny Sturridge in the first half and generally played better defense than given credit for by his critics. Late giveaways showed he's still learning on the job. 6.5

Nani: Showed more creativity in the first ten minutes of the game than United has seen from the wing all season long.  Flubbed a linkup with Kagawa near the hour mark, and appeared to be trying too hard in the second half. A mixed bag. 7.0

Good Riddance

Even Liverpool fans have a limit, at least according to Scott:

Belatedly, I have thrown in the towel on Luis Suarez. The “one-more-year” drum I have been banging all summer is now nothing more than a cacophonous, regretful waste of time. Despite previously waxing awkwardly poetic on the flawed man and hoping he would stay to see Liverpool secure Champions League play, I now say hold out for £50M then use the proceeds judiciously. 

For me, it is not just that Suarez has now publicly commented in the English press that he wants away. Rather, it is the different tune he is singing now that Arsenal have made their ardent affections known. Before, it was the prying British media, who dared not to give him a pass on his outrageous behavior, that was driving him from England. But when that ridiculous assessment of his situation was followed by contract disclosure to Arsenal by somebody (£40M and 1 pound? Really?), it now has nothing to do with the media. Now, with an EPL rival calling, it is all about Champions League play, prying media aside.

Maybe Arsenal is Suarez' only realistic Champions League landing place and, with an elite player's normal peak playing years limited as they are, maybe it is his best move.  Still, it smacks of hypocrisy.

Deep (but Mediocre)

photo by JennyHuang	via PhotoRee

 

 

It's not like Ed to make snap judgments and all, but check out the last paragraph -- a highly uninformed opinion!:

 

o Watching the USA B-team paste the El Salvador B-team was enjoyable. Well, the US team did have 'A' players such as Landon Donovan and a few others, but still it's nice to see. I think unlike years gone by, the US actually has some depth. Granted, the teams they are playing in the Gold Cup are poor, but what better way to handle that then to absolutely crush them?

 

Players that impressed me from the roster included Mix Diskerud and Joe Corona. Both were good on the ball, though Corona was the better of the two. Obviously Donovan and Eddie Johnson appeared to be athletes of a completely different level, but it was still nice to see Klinsmann get time for the next team and have them perform. While this is just a small part of what he will ultimately be judged on, it's hard not to be happy with the direction of the US program right now. I must admit I had my concerns (and still do) when I heard (and continue to hear) that tactics aren't something he has worked on. But to a large extent personnel is policy as can be seen by the adjustment against El Salvador to spread them out with Eddie Johnson, a player that I had yet to see much from on the international stage.

o How much did PSG pay for Cavani? $84MM?? The amount seems outlandish until you consider how much we've been paying these families in the Middle East over the years. Well, it still seems outlandish. If it does anything it may actually slow down the exchange of top tier players as everyone thinks they should get that amount now. Was he worth it? Not unless he gets them a Champions League victory.