Monday, March 24, 2014

Defense Shaky Again, but Reds Still Cruise

Liverpool went into this match having won 5 in a row for the first time this season. They extended their winning run to six in a row, and with both Sunderland and Tottenham visiting Anfield, it could be eight. At this point, we simply cannot just assume that Liverpool will win those matches as there have been shocking results all around the table this season. And although Liverpool are starting to win by big margins, not every win was light work. This weekend's match is a perfect example.

Yes, the score was 6-3, but lets not forget that Liverpool had trailed twice. They got off to a completely lackluster start. Not only did Liverpool allow Cardiff to be the better side in the opening stages, but they invited them to, by constantly misplacing passes and not setting the tone of the match. Cardiff's first goal was certainly coming, as was the second as Liverpool did not turn on the heat until after being down for the second time. This is not the first time that Liverpool have not been awake against the mid table teams. Swansea and Aston Villa were struggles for the Reds, and they should not get into the habit of waking up only after conceding twice. Their fellow title contenders will not be so forgiving when they visit Anfield in April.

Nonetheless, their response to Cardiff's first was excellent. They did not panic or rush. They were sharp and held the ball outside Cardiff's box. A wonderful passing play allowed Johnson to deliver a cross to Suarez, who easily finished from close range. However, once again they found themselves behind because they failed to gather momentum after the equalizer. Liverpool's response however, was once again brilliant. Once again, they did not panic. They piled the pressure on Cardiff, and Skrtel put things level again after a great cross from Coutinho. They not only turned the score around, but showed that they can assert their dominance on the game even after being pushed around. Cardiff pressured Liverpool in the first half, but Liverpool roared back. The score was level at half time, and by full time Liverpool won by three goals. Yes, they could turn the tide of the game, but like I mentioned earlier, turning the game around against the likes of City and Chelsea will be much harder. If Liverpool want to win these games, they should not be waking up as late as half time.

Speaking of playing to their best, I am not entirely convinced that the diamond shape allows them to do so.  It was a clever change to make against Southampton, but that does not mean that they have to stick with it. Liverpool are a team who love to use the wings to fuel their attack and the pace of players like Sterling allows them to use the wings to their full advantage. Playing Joe Allen and Henderson on the wide areas of the diamond does not allow Liverpool strength on the wings that they have used for most of this season. Don't get me wrong, I am a huge fan of both, but in wide positions, I prefer to see the likes of Sterling and Coutinho. Against Cardiff, Liverpool did not use the wider areas as much as they have for the majority of the season, and they struggled in the first half. There was no Sterling or Suarez making runs into wide areas to carve open Cardiff's defense. This made it a bit more difficult for Liverpool, and personally, I think that the 4-3-3 formation gets the best out of Liverpool's players, particularly involving the wings.

Another thing to note about this match is that Liverpool once again conceded three times in a single match. While their defense certainly needs to improve, what is so great about Liverpool is that they can concede three times in a single match and still win. The other side of the story is that it is becoming a need for them to score more than three to win a game. Surprisingly, their defensive difficulties have not troubled them when playing against title contenders or other top teams. The only time a team in the top seven has managed to score three against the Reds was Everton back in the first half of the season. Chelsea and City, who, especially the latter, score for fun at home, could only score twice against a Liverpool defense who were without their first choice starters due to injury. But should they defend poorly against the likes of City and Chelsea, it may end up being a long ninety minutes for the Reds.

Liverpool, last season had struggled to win when not at their best. Liverpool this season, has not only won against opposition when not at their best form, but managed to score 4 or 5 (this weekend 6) when not at their best for the full ninety. They play to their best when against top opposition, but there are numerous examples where they have slacked off against mid table or fighting relegation. Yes, they still manage to win, but this is not a habit that they should get into because eventually, they will be punished. If they can keep their focus and treat every game like a final (which they should), than the Champions League awaits them. If they can play to their fullest potential against City and Chelsea come April, than perhaps the title is theirs.


No comments:

Post a Comment