Liverpool Comeback Complete: Significant Win for The Reds

West Ham United vs Liverpool Match Report

Liverpool have scored 19 Premier League goals this season; 10 goals have come from one source, that source being Luis Suarez. 

With Suarez suspended, Brendan Rodgers has the task of taking his team to Sam Allardyce’s West Ham United without 53% of his fire power. 

To replace Suarez, the young Liverpool boss decided to play attacking midfielder Jonjo Shelvey in the “False number 9” position that Suarez usually occupies. 

Prior to the game, Rodgers stated: “There's no doubt that if you are missing Luis Suarez, you are missing a world class striker. Any team would miss Luis but we have got Jonjo who can play in that role. He's an attack-minded player and we have worked that way before”. 

Jonjo Shelvey was indeed the only change to the side which beat Southampton at Anfield one week earlier, with the Reds lining up in their familiar 4-3-3 formation. 

To cover up for the loss of an identified striker, Brendan Rodgers would rely on the quick forward movement into the West Ham penalty area as Sterling and Downing would cut inside while Glen Johnson and Jose Enrique stretching the Hammers through their forward movement down the touch line. 

Lucas continues his return from injury with his second consecutive Premier League start as the enforcer in midfield supported by Steven Gerrard while Allen played the advanced role in a three-man midfield. 

Westham United, on the other hand, buoyed by their impressive 3-1 win at home to Chelsea, restored the dominant Mohammad Diame to midfield in place of James Tomkins while Matt Taylor also returned to the starting line-up in place of Gary O’Neill with Carlton Cole spearheading their attack. 

Liverpool started the game brightly with most of the pressure coming from the right-hand side as Glen Johnson, supported by Downing’s movement, pushed forward to produce a corner in the very first minute of this encounter. The marauding right back continued to be Liverpool’s main outlet and in the 10th minute, Johnson picked up Gerrad’s pass on the right wing before cutting inside past Jarvis and rifled a screamer to the top left corner of Jussi Jaaskelainen’s goal to give Liverpool a deserved early lead. 

The Anfield outfit continued to dominate the game until an injury to Jose Enrique in the 27th minute imposed a change on Brendan Rodgers’ team with Joe Cole coming on for the injured Spaniard. Stewart Downing moved from right wing to left back. 

West Ham’s marauder woke to life a few minutes later as Diame started to impose his will on Liverpool’s midfield with the Hammers now pushing further forward and in the 35th minute West Ham launched a counter attack which lead to Guy Demel shooting into Joe Allen’s flailing arm inside the penalty area and a penalty was awarded. Mark Noble duly slotting home past Pepe Reina. 

The Hammers kicked into higher gear after the goal with the Reds going to sleep. Joe Allen continued his drop in form while Steven Gerrard looks a shadow of his old self. Diame, meanwhile, maintained his domineering presence in midfield. 

While Jarvis struggled defensively against Glen Johnson, he improved massively as the Hammers controlled possession and it was through a right footed cross by the Englishman that West Ham took the lead after Steven Gerrard nodded the cross past his own goalkeeper. 

2 West Ham goals in 7 minutes. Brendan Rodgers was not best pleased to say the least. 

After the introduction of Joe Cole, Liverpool failed to stretch the Hammers’ defense and Rodgers looked to counter that after half-time by switching Sterling and Cole with the 17 year old England international now positioned on the right wing. 

Sam Allardyce also had a switch of his own with Guy Demel going off at half time to be replaced by left back George McCartney to enforce West Ham’s left hand side against Glen Johnson’s offensive runs. 

West Ham began the second half on the front foot lead by the ever-impressive Mohamad Diame with the Liverpool midfield continuously struggling to deal with the physical presence of the Senegalese international. 

Liverpool failed to create much in the second half as Allardyce’s men pressured the Reds high up the pitch thus preventing Rodgers’ boys to build from the back. 

Rodgers brought on the improving Jordan Henderson for Lucas. Another 70 minutes now under the belt of the returning Brazilian will go a long way in restoring both confidence and fitness. 

Joe Allen was moved to play the holding midfield role while Jordan Henderson pushed forward down the right wing. Joe Cole was again moved to the right hand side with the freedom to roam and support Jonjo Shelvey while Sterling hugged the left wing. 

It was a game which was meant to be decided by injuries and substitutions though. 

Mohamad Diame, leading another attack down the West Ham right flank, agonizingly pulled his hamstring and was lifted off the pitch on a stretcher. James Tomkins his replacement. 

The changes made by Rodgers and the injury to Diame produced an immediate impact as the pendulum swung back in favor of the away side. 

Within two minutes, Sterling received the ball on the left wing and cut inside before passing to Shelvey who laid the ball back to Raheem Sterling who in turn spread a perfect through-pass to the mobile Joe Cole and the previous West Ham man made no mistake in placing the a left-footed shot into the net. 

Two Liverpool goals by two former West Ham players. Both showed class by not celebrating against their former club. 

Energized by the goal, the Reds took control of the game and it was through the right side that Liverpool took the lead yet again. This time, Glen Johnson passed the ball to Henderson who used the space behind McCartney to produce a low cross which Shelvey attacked and produced a touch enough to loop over Jaaskelainen. Turnaround complete! 

Sam Allardyce brought on another striker in the shape of Modibo Maiga in place of Mathew Taylor while Liverpool’s boss introduced Sebastian Coates in place of the tiring Joe Allen. Brendan Rodgers now switching the formation to 5-3-2 in order to try and seal the game. 

Liverpool successfully held on to score their second away win this season. 

This win is a very significant for this young Liverpool team. It is a sign of the progress that they are making under Brendan Rodgers. It is a sign that they can score goals without the influential Luis Suarez. This is a Liverpool team with character and this is the first time they have turned a game around this season. 

An ecstatic Rodgers stated: “I think you saw today the quality in the team and equally the fight in the team and that was very pleasing.” 

Rodgers added: "We're just trying to build momentum. We had a difficult opening fixture list and when you couple that with trying to play a certain way of football, it was always going to be difficult. But certainly over the last few weeks we have progressed - let's just see how we finish. We're making steady progress in climbing the league and that's important for us. It's a very tight league this season. We've supposedly had an unbelievably bad season up until now, so once we really hit form we'll be alright." 

A baffled Sam Allardyce bemoaned this “bizarre” game: "I wouldn't have expected five goals today. Liverpool don't concede many but also, at the other end, they don't score many. And then they've lost Suarez, who has scored more than 50% of their goals. You wouldn't expect us to concede three and you wouldn't expect two old West Ham players to score two goals." 

At the end, this game was not about the missing Luis Suarez but was about the Liverpool players who had a history with West Ham United (Jonjo Shelvey trained as a youngster with the Hammers). Liverpool are a mere four points away from the coveted Champions League spots now and with several “winnable” games coming up in December accompanied by their improved form and the returning Lucas Liverpool can look to a positive end of a long 2012.

He Walks Alone: Rafa takes over Chelsea Reigns

“We don’t need to give away stupid plastic flags to our fans to wave, our supporters are always there with their hearts and that is all we need. It’s the passion of the fans that helps us to win matches, not flags. Chelsea fans lack passion.” 

The above quote was made by Rafael Benitez back in 2007, praising his Liverpool supporters at the time – the supporters with the “stupid plastic flags” belong to Chelsea, Rafa’s new club. 

When Rafa left Liverpool in June 2010, few could have imagined seeing the Spanish tactician taking over Chelsea a couple of years later. 

Since his appointment as Valencia head coach in the summer of 2001, Rafa built a very impressive CV by winning two La Liga titles with Los Che in 2002 and 2004 thus breaking the Real Madrid and Barcelona dominion of Spanish football. Rafa’s Valencia did not stop there and claimed a famous double by winning the UEFA CUP trophy by beating Marseille in the final. 

Despite the success of the 2003-2004 campaign, Benitez had a public fallout with Valencia’s Director of Football, Jesús García Pitarch, over control of new signings with Rafa famously stating “I was hoping for a sofa and they've brought me a lamp”. The dispute led to Rafa quitting the Spanish Champions in July 2004. 

Liverpool came calling only a few days after Rafa’s departure from Valencia and Benitez excited by the history of the English club and the potential behind this sleeping giant could simply say no to such an opportunity. 

On the 16th of June 2004, Benitez was confirmed as the new manager for Liverpool football club. During his first press conference as Liverpool manager the Spaniard stated: "It is like a dream to be here. I am very, very proud to be joining one of the most important clubs in the world in one of the best leagues in the world - and I want to win." 

At Liverpool, Benitez continued to establish himself as one of the top coaches in world football by claiming the UEFA Champions League trophy in the summer of 2005 by beating AC Milan on penalties in the final after being 3-0 down at half time. This was followed by another penalty shootout win in the 2006 FA Cup final with the match again ending in 3-3 after extra time. 

Rafa continued to produce the magic in Europe after leading Liverpool to another Champions League final in 2007; this time falling to AC Milan in the last hurdle. 

After the Champions League final in 2007, Benitez was at it again as he publically criticized Liverpool’s new American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett due to the lack of financial support regarding transfers. He said: "I am angry and frustrated. I am working with the Americans but you have to explain the crucial time is NOW. Do they understand that? I'm not sure. 

"You can say, 'It's OK, we will be there', but if we don't spend the money quickly, forget it. I spoke to the owners on Wednesday night and I'll speak to them this weekend but we are moving too slowly. They don't understand when and how to make our move." 

The American owners responded to Rafa’s public attack by signing (on debt) Fernando Torres, Ryan Babel, Yossi Benayoun, Lucas Leiva and Andriy Voronin. 

Despite a solid start to the 2007-2008 season with Rafa’s Reds leading the Premier League for the first time during the Spaniard’s tenure, further public fallouts with Hicks and Gillett followed with the American owners contacting Jurgen Klinsmann to take over from Benitez. Liverpool supporters backed their manager as they marched outside Anfield demanding that Rafa stays on. Benitez survived to see out the season with Liverpool finishing forth while reaching yet another Champions League semifinal. 

The strained relationship between Rafa and the American owners continued at the start of the 2008–2009 season but on-field results were not affected as a Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres inspired Liverpool pushed Manchester United throughout the Premier League season before finally ending the season in 2nd place with a record 86 points, four points behind Man Utd. Liverpool’s season featured historic wins at Old Trafford (4-1) and at home to Real Madrid (4-0) while also ending Chelsea’s 86 game undefeated home record. The Reds played attractive attacking football with the club scoring the highest number of goals in the Premier League with 77 goals while racking up over 100 goals in all competitions. 

The season however featured more of Rafa’s public displays as he criticized Sir Alex Ferguson’s impact on refereeing decisions, an episode which is famously titled “Rafa’s Rant”. Benitez also continued to use the media in his disputes with Hicks and Gillett as he demanded a new contract as well as more control on transfers. 

Liverpool’s final season under Benitez was far from memorable with the club finishing the season in 7th position while also being eliminated from the group stages of the Champions League. Rafa left the club by mutual consent on June 3rd 2010. 

Much like his departure from Valencia, another major club came calling; this time in the shape of Italian giants and Champions League title holders Internationale Milano. Benitez accepted. 

Inter enjoyed a very successful two seasons under the stewardship of Rafa’s arch rival Jose Mourinho. The player’s loyalty to “The Special One” accompanied by a lack in transfer funds would make this challenge the Spaniard’s toughest to date. 

After enduring a difficult start to the season in Italy, Rafa lead the Nerazzurri to the Fifa Club World Cup Championship in Abu Dhabi. Benitez once again returned to the media to put pressure on the club owners: "There are three possibilities for the club," said Benítez after the game. "One, 100 per cent support for the coach and buy four or five players to build a stronger team with competition among the players to be able to carry on winning matches and trophies. Two, carry on like this without a project, without planning, and go ahead with one person to blame, for the whole season. The third is to speak to my agent to reach an agreement if there is not this support. Simple." 

Inter president, Massimo Moratti, would not succumb to the pressure:”Maybe I was not very satisfied, regardless of the statements (from Benitez), up to the success in the Club World Cup, but then after the statements of the coach I no longer had any desire or patience to get on with it.” 

Rafa was sacked by Inter on the 23rd of December 2010. 

Since then the Spaniard has struggled in finding a new club – Rafa was a proven tactician but he also became a notorious trouble maker to the higher echelons at club football. 

Which brings us to Chelsea... 

Put yourself in Rafa’s shoes for a moment… 

Chelsea are the perfect opportunity for Rafa to redeem himself… 

A Mourinho influenced team…Check 

A strong squad able to compete in the Premier League and in Europe…Check 

A difficult owner which would allow Rafa to display his new found diplomatic skills…Check 

If this goes well, even on interim basis, this would get Rafa back in the hunt for the big coaching vacancies in Europe. The rewards are far too many for Benitez to simply reject this chance. 

Benitez knows he will not obtain the support of Chelsea’s fan-base but that is not what he is concerned with. Rafa has been waiting for an opportunity like this and when it finally came calling, the brave Spaniard would not say no. 

The Blues faithful have been vociferous in their criticism of Rafa’s appointment booing the Spaniard once he made his way out of the tunnel in his Chelsea debut against Man City. Chelsea supporters greeted Rafa by singing:”Rafa Benitez, you're not welcome here". 

The home support meanwhile, continued to showcase their dismay at the firing of club legend Roberto Di Matteo by applauding the Italian during the 16th minute (Di Matteo’s shirt number while at Chelsea) of the encounter with the Premier League champions. 

Rafa did what Rafa does best. He organized his team and minimized Man City’s offensive attempts to give his Chelsea teams a respectable draw against the champions while keeping their first clean sheet in 10 games. 

Chelsea supporters were not best pleased – and neither was Abramovich (is he ever). 

Despite Geoff Shreeves’ attempts to highlight the lack of support Benitez received from Chelsea fans, Rafa showcased his diplomatic skills by simply shrugging it off: “"Really pleased. For me, it was a challenge. I'd had a lot of offers but I'd been waiting for a club like this to challenge for trophies. I was really pleased. I thought it might be difficult, but it was the same things, same routines, just different faces." 

"The first impression is that, against a very good team, we were quite good in defence; a clean sheet for the first time since September. That's quite positive. In terms of the things we were trying to do in training, the movement in defense, it was good. 

"In terms of attacking and possession, it was difficult. The team had 46% possession against Juventus and conceded three times. This time, we had about the same but didn't concede. We have to find a balance." 

Rafa’s Chelsea (I can’t believe I’m typing that) were once again too defensive in their second game at the Bridge with yet another stalemate against Fulham. Rafa may well have to thank his ex-player Riise for the clean sheet as the Norwegian wasted a glorious opportunity to win the game for Martin Jol’s side. 

An honest Benitez stated after the match: “"Everybody here is disappointed at the end," he explained. "We have to give credit to Fulham who worked very hard, but these are the games we have to win. You cannot be satisfied when you haven't won these games." 

As expected, the English media began to doubt Rafa’s position at Chelsea two games into his tenure. With Abramovich though, a couple of disappointing games might be enough for a sack (just ask Di Matteo). 

Chelsea’s latest performance under Benitez, an away defeat to West Ham, shows much is required to rectify the problem – and with Abramovich we now know that things need to change quickly. The Blues have looked far too predictable so far with the creative free players shackled by their defensive responsibilities. 

Benitez must find the balance between attack and defense. Rafa must also look to get the best out of fellow Spaniard Fernando Torres who looks like a ghost of the frightening striker he used to be when he was under Benitez at Liverpool. 

Rafa knows that he needs to start winning and keep winning – not just to gain the trust of the Stamford Bridge faithful but more importantly to prove his credentials as a top manager once again.

Unplayable Suarez not enough to break down the Magpies

Liverpool vs Newcastle United Match Report

They are two clubs going through a period of transition and the match at Anfield was penciled to be an indicator for how Liverpool and Newcastle would fare as the season progressed. The Magpies are ahead with regards to their transition plans and are aiming to challenge for the coveted forth spot in the Premier League this season while the Reds are still adapting to the methods of their progressive young manager Brendan Rodgers and would settle for a top six finish while they lay foundations for the future. 

Newcastle arrived at Merseyside with 18 long years without a win weighing heavily on Alan Pardew and his players. Pardew has been bullish in his match preview claiming that his team is good enough to snatch three points from the Reds. 

Liverpool on the other hand are slowly building momentum with the Anfield club undefeated in the last 4 league games racking up 8 points of a possible 12 in the process. 

This would also be a very special game for one Steven Gerrard who would make his 600th appearance in the famous red shirt. The Liverpool captain who led the club to the historic Champions League triumph in 2005 is guaranteed eternal legendary status amongst the Anfield faithful for his commitment and achievements throughout the “barren” years. 

Brendan Rodgers stuck with the starting 11 who played at Everton in the club’s last Premier League encounter with Pepe Reina and Glen Johnson still injured. Pardew on the other hand, rang the changes by deploying a 4-5-1 formation with Vurnon Anita at Right Back, James Perch in Defensive Midfield and Papisse Cisse cutting in from the left wing as Demba Ba led the line. 

The match would turn into a typical Liverpool performance at Anfield as the Reds dominat ed possession with Luis Suarez at the hub of everything positive while Sterling continued to grow in stature and importance despite his young age. Jose Enrique produced one of his better performances this season as he constantly overlapped down the left wing but could not offer the same impact as Glen Johnson. 

But once again, Liverpool failed to turn their possession into goal mouth action and were punished by a slick counter attack down Newcastle’s right flank with Hatem Ben Arfa dribbling past Enrique and Sterling before crossing to Yohan Cabaye who controlled the ball beautifully before rifling the shot into the opposite corner past Brad Jones. 

That shot was Newcastle’s first and only shot in the first half. 

The second half started similar to the first with the Reds pushing forward without significant danger to Krul’s goal. Rodgers decided to bring on Jonjo Shelvey in place of the tiring Nuri Sahin who started the game brightly as the advanced midfielder but faded as the match progressed. 

After a couple of miscued passes by both sides, the ball fell to Jose Enrique’s feet who produced an accurate long range pass to Luis Suarez. What the Uruguayan did next is simply miraculous. Suarez controlled the ball off his shoulder, then off his chest before rounding Tim Krul and coolly slotting into the empty net. 

Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool scoring via route one. 

Liverpool’s number 7 is enjoying his most prolific spell in a red shirt having scored 10 goals so far this season in all competitions, 7 of those goals in the Premier League. 

The goal resulted in an immediate shift in the energy around Anfield with the players brimming with confidence and purpose. 

Within minutes of the first goal, Luis Suarez picked up the ball on the right wing, darting past Coloccini before squaring the ball to Jonjo Shelvey who couldn’t apply the finishing touch. Suarez was at it again minutes later as he set up Raheem Sterling but the youngster took an extra touch which allowed Steven Taylor to block the shot with a sliding tackle. 

Suarez ran circles around the Newcastle captain and at the end Coloccini lost his cool and tackled Suarez with his studs showing. The referee and his assistant were unanimous in decision and a strait red card was branded. 

Liverpool continued to push after the magpies were reduced to 10 men with Shelvey heading straight at Krul from a Stewart Downing cross from the left wing. Luis Suarez almost produced the last telling touch of the game with a deflected free kick which bounced over the Newcastle bar. 

A Liverpool winner was not be. 

Rodgers was generous in his assessment: "I thought our performance was outstanding. In the first half our possession and intensity was relentless, we had some chances but we just switched off before half-time.” 

"I'm really pleased about how our game is developing. The patience in our game.” Rodgers continued. “It's important we move the ball quickly through the lines, which we're doing. And importantly we're creating chances while playing this way.” 

Liverpool are certainly improving under the Northern Irishman but “Outstanding” might not be the most appropriate adjective to describe their performance against Newcastle. 

In his latest interviews, Brendan Rodgers is repeatedly mentioning the “two or three” attacking players the club needs to improve the squad. He maintained that stance in his post match interview by stating: “That's five draws now in 10 leagues games, and of those draws we should have won at least three. Once we can turn those draws into wins by converting the chances... But that's about players, the type of players you need. If we can get that over the next couple of windows it bodes really well for us.” 

"It gives us great hope going forward that once we get that profile of player in it's going to finish off a lot of great work from us." 

Liverpool continue to recreate their “pass and move” identity under Rodgers but are yet to iron out a few repeated flaws. The Reds are still looking vulnerable on the counter attack, especially down the left wing. They are failing to make use of the large number of set piece plays they are gaining throughout the game. And crucially, the midfielders are not breaking forward properly and are leaving Suarez isolated upfront. Finally, Liverpool are far too reliant on Luis Suarez. 

The Reds are still a work in progress but in Suarez they have a someone who might drag them up the table until Rodgers gets the reinforcements he desires.

Defense a Liability once again for Liverpool

Liverpool vs Udinese Match Report

When Jose Mourinho first joined Chelsea in the summer of 2004, the self proclaimed “Special One” based his tactics on a rock solid defensive base. Rafa Benitez did the same when he joined Liverpool during the same year. Fabio Capello won the Liga based on defensive solidity as well. All three managers won titles within their first year at their respective clubs. 

Successful teams are built over a reliable defensive core with the clean sheet statistics a key indicator of how good the club’s season has been. This is simple mathematics really. If you can maintain a clean sheet and nick a single goal on the other end then congratulations, you win the game and three valuable points are secured. If you keep a clean sheet but couldn’t score against your opponent then tough luck but at least you have earned a draw and a single point to show for it. 

Now let’s look at more number from Mourinho’s first season at Chelsea (2004 – 2005): 

• Clean Sheets: 25
• Number of wins from games with Clean Sheets: 22
• Draws: 3
• Success Rate: 88%
• Number of “1-0” Wins: 11 

Mourinho’s Chelsea notched up 69 points from games where they didn’t concede. Chelsea also managed 39 points from games were they scored a single goal or less (11 Wins and 6 Draws). 

After Liverpool failed to replace Andy Carroll during the summer transfer window and with the club having just two senior strikers the clean sheet statistic became of high importance to the Reds as scoring goals might prove to be difficult while the players adapt to the Rodgers’ blueprint. 

Brendan’s team continues to play the kind of attractive pass-and-move football that is synonymous with the club’s identity but Brendan’s Reds are struggling to win games which they dominate. The root cause of the club’s demise so far this season is those two words again “Clean Sheets”. 

Let’s look at some stats here: 

• Number of Clean Sheets so far this Season (Premier League): 0
• Number of Clean Sheets so far this Season (Europa League): 1 
• Average number of Goals conceded (Premier League): 2 
• Average number of Goals conceded (Europa League): 1.1 

For a club that is thin with regards to the striking department, the Liverpool defense is not helping here at all. 

In the Premier League the club did not have the easiest of starts with Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal already visiting Anfield while the club also endured a tricky trip to Sunderland’s Stadium of Light but the still the evident lack of defensive solidity has to be considered very alarming. 

The Europa League encounter against a counter attacking team in Udinese was always going to present Rodgers’ Reds with a few challenges. 

Liverpool have conceded the majority of their goals after losing possession in the opposition half and that statistic would have brought a smile to Guidolin’s face. 

The game started with Liverpool dominating the first half but without creating enough goal mouth activity with Udinese attempting a few attacks of their own before Jonjo Shelvey deservedly put the Reds ahead after a one-two with Stuart Downing. Shelvey picked out Downing on the right wing before the England International whipped in a teasing cross which Shelvey headed into the net. 

Guidolin decided to change things at half time by introducing Andrea Lazzari. The substitution had an instant impact. Lazzari dispossessed Glen Johnson and instigated a quick move with Roberto Pereyra and Antonio Di Natalie which the 35 year old veteran finished by stroking the ball past Pepe Reina. 

Liverpool’s performance dropped after conceding that goal which Rodgers looked to rectify by bringing on Luis Suarez and Steven Gerrard. The substitutions though, failed to inspire and a lack of concentration by the Reds aided the Italian side to score two goals in three minutes with Sebastian Coates (own goal) and Pasquale the culprits. 

Liverpool responded minutes later with Luis Suarez scoring a fierce free kick but despite a spirited finish the Reds could not muster the goal they needed to save the match. 

Liverpool’s 13 match unbeaten run came to an end as Brendan Rodgers suffered his third defeat at Anfield this season. 

The Liverpool boss gave a very honest assessment of his team’s performance after the game: 

"It was very frustrating," he said. "It was a game where we were much the better side but lost our concentration at the beginning of the second half. I thought we'd moved on from that, to be honest.” 

“We were so loose at the beginning of the second half it was frightening.” Rodgers continued. "Our concentration was very poor and before we knew it we were 3-1 down. I thought we were lazy. Lazy in our play, loose and sloppy. We didn't do what I call the dirty bit: we didn't track runners. ” 

Liverpool completed 691 passes compared to Udinese’s 173. The Reds enjoyed a 78% possession in the first half and 75% possession throughout the match but their defensive frailties rendered these statistics useless. 

“You can't keep having to score two, three and five goals to win games” a disappointed Rodgers admitted. “Defensively, as a group, we need to be better.” 

Brendan Rodgers is slowly but surely imprinting his squad with his preferred football philosophy which is based on patient build up play and dominating possession. The Liverpool manager must now dedicate to transitioning when the team loses the ball and overall defensive positioning. 

Everything is gloomy for Brendan’s men though! Luis Suarez is currently enjoying his most prolific period since joining the Reds scoring 5 goals in the last 4 games with Jonjo Shelvey and the impressive Jack Robinson also having solid games while Downing notched a rare assist in a Red shirt. 

Under Rodgers, Liverpool are ever improving but if the Reds fortunes are to turn over the course of the season then that all important clean sheet statistic must improve drastically.

Rodger’s Reds Up & running

Norwich City vs Liverpool Football Club Match Review

Brendan Rodgers must have thought the Premier League’s Fixture Computer has a personal grudge against him after handing Liverpool a series of tough fixtures within the first few weeks of the new season. Before the Norwich game, Liverpool played 5 games in the English Premiership including matches against defending champions Manchester City, top four mainstays Arsenal and arch rivals Manchester United. Baptism of fire for Rodgers indeed! 

It was the same kind of fixtures that ultimately had a huge impact on Roy Hodgson’s tenure as Reds’ boss with the current England manager failing to recover from the slow start his team endured. 

But there is a huge difference between Hodgson and Rodgers – the Northern Irishman has the full backing of the Anfield support and he uses the pass and move philosophy that has always defined this great club. 

Many would be disappointed with the results that Liverpool have accumulated so far – 2 points from a possible 15 prior to the Norwich game is very grim reading but upon taking a closer look we notice an ever improving side who are constantly learning the ways of their young philosopher. Liverpool have looked dominant so far this apart from two second half performances against West Bromwich Albion and Arsenal. 

Football is a results oriented business and the start the Reds had under Rodgers made the away game against Norwich a must-win game. 

While previous managers would have buckled under the pressure of a must-win fixture by relying on an older “secure” lineup, Rodgers stuck to his faith in the youth by handling 18 year old Suso his first premier league start on the right wing ahead of Stuart Downing while Andre Wisdom, 19 years, was handed his debut in the right back position. 

Liverpool once again lined up in a 4-3-3 formation based on keeping possession and looking for penetrative runs and passes when the opportunity rises. 

Rodgers’ Reds started brightly with the urgency of the occasion pumping through their veins and within 67 seconds Luis Suarez scored Liverpool’s opener after good work by Glen Johnson from the left back position presented Suarez with the opportunity to create space before rifling a shot into the lower left corner of John Ruddy’s goal. 

An early goal – exactly what Liverpool needed! 

The first half continued with Liverpool dominating possession as the midfielders in Red dictated the play with Sahin and Gerrard interchanging in the advanced midfield role while the immaculate Joe Allen protected the back four from his defensive midfield position. 

Nuri Sahin is proving to be a very astute signing for Brendan Rodgers. The Turkish international never seems to be in need to run or sprint; he strolls and jogs around the pitch but has the positional sense to be at the right place at exactly the right time assisting in defensive and attacking duties. 

Up front, Suso and Suarez showed good chemistry on many occasions with the tricky Spaniard cutting inside from the right wing to support Liverpool’s attack. Raheem Sterling continued his development with a mature performance on the left hand side. 

Glen Johnson continues to impress whether deployed on the left or right fullback position. With Andre Wisdom deputizing for the injured Martin Kelly at right back, Johnson put in another impressive shift bombing forward at every given opportunity. 

Suarez was beyond doubt the man of the occasion tormenting the Norwich defense throughout with Leon Barnett suffering from insomnia since Saturday afternoon. Barnett should have been penalized for an elbow on Suarez inside the Norwich penalty box which match referee Mike Jones deemed fair – adding fuel to the comments made by Rodgers regarding his team’s unfair treatment from Premier League referees this season. 

Suarez would then get the opportunity to double his team’s tally when he was left one-on-one against John Ruddy but the Uruguay striker miscued his shot wide. Liverpool’s number seven quickly recovered from that missed opportunity to dispossess Michael Turner and release a shot off the outside of his right foot which would find its way to Ruddy’s low left corner of the goal once again. 

Liverpool dominated the first half and for once this season they had the goals to show for it. 

Norwich manager Chris Hughton seemed to have pumped his players at half time with Norwich creating an excellent opportunity inside the first minute of the second half with Robert Snodgrass missing a glorious opportunity from two yards after some good work by Andrew Surman. 

Norwich continued to push forward early in the second half without creating significant danger to Reina’s goal. Liverpool on the other hand started to use the pace of their forwards and hit Norwich on the counter attack and it was through a counter attack lead by Raheem Sterling that Liverpool put the game beyond the Canaries. Sterling picked up the ball inside Liverpool’s half and ran 30 yards towards the Norwich penalty area before feeding Suarez who would dribble easily past the hapless Turner and pass the ball to onrushing Nuri Sahin to score his third goal in two games. 

Norwich 0 – 3 Liverpool! 

Rodgers could finally offer a smile during a Premier League game as the elusive three points seem finally secured. The Liverpool fans celebrated while the Carrow Road faithful were looking at the clock now hoping for the game to just finish. 

The horror show for Norwich fans was meant to continue with Luis Suarez scoring his second hat-trick in as many visits to Carrow Road. Suarez received the ball from Sahin outside the Norwich penalty area before firing a curler which dipped before settling in the bottom right corner of the Norwich net. The Uruguayan made that look too easy. 

The Liverpool manager described the striker’s performance as “master class”. “It was a special day for him and for the team” said Rodgers. 

But for all of Liverpool’s impressive performance, they encountered two familiar problems that have haunted them so far this season. The first being the inconsistent form of Pepe Reina, who after a solid first half performance which included two good saves, fumbled a direct shot from Russell Martin with Steve Morison scoring from the rebound. The second issue is Liverpool’s vulnerability on the counter attack after losing possession in advanced areas – this time Grant Holt took his chance to score Norwich’s second. 

In between the Norwich goals, Raheem Sterling, now operating on the right after the introduction of Oussama Assaidi, setup Steven Gerrard for his second goal in two Premier League matches after his shot deflected off Barnett and into the net. 

Liverpool fully deserved the three points after dominating possession throughout the contest with 69%. But, for the first time this season, the Reds have added two crucial elements for the Brendan Rodgers blue print namely Penetration and Clinical Finishing. The unpredictable movement of Liverpool’s front three assisted by the advancing Gerrard and Sahin proved too much for Norwich whose midfield was outnumbered and simply outclassed on several occasions. 

The Brendan Rodgers project at Liverpool is well underway then but is still a work in progress. With an average of 2 goals conceded per game, the Reds’ defense is leaving the attack with a lot to do to simply avoid defeat. Balance between attack and defense still seems to be elusive with Liverpool’s vulnerability once losing possession a culprit in most goals conceded so far this season. 

Brendan Rodgers would not worry about that over the next few days now that his first three points as Liverpool manager in the bag.

Liverpool Summer Review 2012

A summer of change has been concluded at Liverpool with a young manager replacing an outgoing legend, four new faces added to the first team squad while no less than seven regular squad members making way leaving the club with a thread bare strike force. Calling this summer “Revolutionary” certainly seems fitting. 

This summer was always going to be a nightmare for FSG considering the cash spent last season and the subsequent league position – something drastic needed to happen if results were to change on and off the pitch. Since King Kenny took over one the 8th of January 2011, Liverpool’s American owners have sanctioned a spending spree of nearly 115 million pounds in the hope of bringing the club to its rightful place amongst Europe’s elite. Results on the pitch didn’t match the ambitions shown by the owners with Liverpool finishing in a lowly 8th spot. 

So FSG had a series of dilemmas on their hands? The first being the legend Kenny Dalglish – do they keep a manager who failed to get the best out of his signings and couldn’t imprint an identity on his team? Hiring King Kenny was always going to be an unwise move because if it didn’t work out and FSG were forced to wield the axe then they would lose the support of a large percentage of the Kop. 

And so, in the offices of Boston, John Henry and Tom Werner had a financial conundrum to look into while potentially risk the wrath of the Anfield faithful. 

Kenny’s Departure

The writing became pretty much on the wall on the 12th of April with the departure of Damien Comolli and you could feel it was only a matter of time before King Kenny would be shown the door as well. The American owners certainly decided to do what they believed is the best solution and credit must be given where credit is due – they showed they have guts to take tough decisions. 

A few days after the season was concluded, King Kenny would leave the club for the final time despite winning the Carling Cup and reaching the FA Cup final. Ian Ayre stated the following at the time of the sacking: "If you don't believe the results are right and feel 37 points off the champions and 17 points off Champions League pace is a long distance you have to make a change.” 

"Our job now is to identify and recruit the right person to take this club forward and build on the strong foundations put in place during the last 18 months," said principal owner John Henry. 

Step in Mr. Brendan Rodgers

So, the manager search commences with reports concluding that the club is looking for a young football philosopher who would implement a well defined football strategy that would shape the future of the club over the coming years. 

Several names were mentioned including high profile targets such as former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola, Dortmund savior Jurgen Klopp while and Danish legend Michael Laudrup. 

FSG certainly took their time during the screening process and at the end there were only 2 confirmed targets – the first was Wigan manager Roberto Martinez who was famously pictured walking besides John Henry in the streets of Miami and the second was Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers. 

At one point by the end of May, it seemed a forlorn conclusion that Roberto Martinez would take over the reins at Anfield only for Brendan Rodgers to rise as the number one candidate after a long meeting with John Henry and Tom Werner in the United States where Rodgers revealed a 180 page dossier on how he sees the club going forward – FSG were impressed and indeed convinced that the Northern Irishman was the man for the job. 

On the 1st of June 2012, Brendan Rodgers was confirmed as the new man in charge of bringing the glory days back to Anfield road. 

John Henry described the new Liverpool boss as “Inspirational” and commended the structured approach that Brendan implements and it is that thorough philosophy that Liverpool would need to maintain if success under Rodgers is to be achieved. 

“I started (the dossier) over 15 years ago, and it’s something I’ve been piecing together for many years since,” said Rodgers. 

“Then, when I became a manager, I put it into a format with a philosophy and ­methodology. I’ve added to it throughout and when I came to Liverpool, I presented it to the owners. 

“It’s a document on the culture, philosophy and game plan going forward. It’s a model, a short cut to how I work, the kind of players I want tactically and the personality traits of players.” 

Transfer Window:

Full squad assessment began but four major obstacles would weigh heavily on Rodgers throughout the summer: 

1. Inflated Wages: Since buying LFC in October 2010, John Henry spoke of his bemusement at the massive wage bill at the club when compared to the value of the players to the squad. A squad overhaul over the summer was always going to be top priority with the elder members departing the club in the shape of Dirk Kuyt, Maxi Rodriguez and Craig Bellamy while underperforming players were also pushed out as Charlie Adam, Jay Spearing, Nathan Eccelston and Alberto Aquilani joining pastures new. Andy Carroll was deemed surplus to requirements as he doesn’t fit the Rodgers’ football philosophy. 

2. Limited Transfer Budget: FSG simply could not sanction a spending spree similar to summer of 2011 and so they enforced a sell-to-buy approach throughout the summer. 

3. Lack of scouting department: Liverpool had undergone a series of changes with regards to the scouting department after the departure of Damien Comolli. The club agreed deals with Man City duo Dave Fallows and Barry Hunter but they would not be allowed to take on their new roles before the transfer window closes and thus Rodgers was running a one man show throughout the summer. 

4. Euro 2012 and Olympics: Liverpool had 9 players representing their nations at Euro 2012 while 3 further players joined their Olympic squads for London 2012. This would prevent Brendan Rodgers from assessing his squad thoroughly until before early August. The European Championships and the Olympics also forced the transfer window to remain slow until mid August. 

With the lack of a scouting team to support the new Liverpool boss, he targeted players which he has worked with earlier. First was the failed attempt to sign Gylfi Sigurdsson who Rodgers coached at Swansea – the Iceland international opted to join Tottenham instead. This was followed by the successful acquisition of Italian international striker Fabio Borini from AS Roma – another player who played for Rodgers at Swansea. The Swansea connection would not end there as the Liverpool boss lured Joe Allen to LFC for 15 million pounds. Moroccan Oussama Assaidi was next – a winger who Rodgers scouted through his team at Swansea. Brendan Rodgers continued to strengthen the midfield with the loan signing of former Bundesliga player of the year Nuri Sahin from Real Madrid. 

A great summer so far with regards to transfers right? 

Well, not quite! 

One day before the transfer window closes, Liverpool announce the departure of Andy Carroll on loan to West Ham with Rodgers stating: "It is very simple. The club has made a monumental investment in big Andy. At the moment he is not playing. He made it very clear he wanted to play games and this is his last chance to do that”. The Liverpool manager also confirmed he is very confident the club would sign a replacement or else Carroll would not be allowed to leave. 

The transfer window deadline day came and went with Liverpool failing to sign a single player who would fill the void left by England’s number 9. 

Brendan Rodgers was honest in his assessment of the failings on transfer deadline day: “I was very confident I had a deal sewn up but it has gone and I can’t do anything about it. There’s no point me crying about it or wishing we had or hadn’t done this or that.” 

The failure to bring any additions to the striker department leaves the club with only 2 senior strikers. Moreover, with the departure of Carroll, Liverpool do not seem to possess the players to try out a plan B or spring any tactical surprises. 

But, let’s be fair with our assessment here – the club has bought very well throughout the summer and signings of Joe Allen and Nuri Sahin look inspired. Borini has the attributes to become a world class striker while Assaidi’s nominal fee allows the club to nurture his talents quietly without the pressures of a big fee. 

The lack of further signings also forces Rodgers to look into the LFC youth team who have been making huge strides over the past few seasons under Rodolfo Borrell and Pep Segura. With Raheem Sterling already making an impact on the first team, Rodgers is expected to give first team opportunities to the likes of Suso, new signing Samed Yesil, and the forgotten Dani Pacheco amongst others. 

The Season so Far:

Liverpool’s season started earlier than usual with the Europa League ties against FC Gomel of Belarus with the English club winning 4-0 on aggregate. 

The feel good factor created with the arrival of Liverpool’s new manager quickly evaporated after the harsh 3-0 defeat away to West Brom. This was followed by a nervous display at Hearts in the Europa League. 

The game against reigning Premier League champions Manchester City brought a lot of positives as the Reds dominated the game with Vincent Kompany stating that this was the toughest game for city since joining the club. Liverpool’s midfield bossed the game and if it wasn’t for a moment of madness by Martin Skrtel then Rodgers’ boys would have gained all 3 points. 

The return leg against hearts was frustrating to say the least with the Reds needing a late goal from Luis Suarez to ensure qualification with Liverpool’s defense once again failing to keep a clean sheet. 

Rodgers decided to field several first team members in the game versus Hearts and that decision backfired as the senior members gave a performance to forget against a much improved Arsenal side who claimed a deserved 2-0 win away at Anfield. Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez looked jaded all match long while Pepe Reina continued his alarming slump in form. 

The two weeks off during the international break were a much needed break for Rodgers and his backroom team as they analyzed the flaws that have hindered their team so far. 

Liverpool’s most recent performance away to Sunderland produced the Reds’ first goal from open play while the midfield bossed the game against a tough opponent. Sadly, once again the defense leaked a very avoidable goal with Reina once again involved in a misguided decision. 

Tactics:

The formation and the style of play that Rodgers demands, requires meticulous preparation and practice. The players will need time to take the new philosophy on board and the late arrival of key players from the international tournaments is not helping. 

The injury to Lucas has also been a major blow for Rodgers as he is now forced to pull Joe Allen into the holding midfielder role thus reducing Allen’s forward influence. 

The first few games of the season featured ferocious pressing up the pitch with Liverpool dominating possession. The Reds are not creating enough goal scoring opportunities though and once again their strikers have failed to hit the target when an opportunity does arise. 

Raheem Sterling has been a revelation for Brendan Rodgers so far this season making the left wing position his own. 

The first few games under Rodgers remind me of the first few months under Rafa Benitez who had a clearly defined strategy based on pressing high up the pitch and was trying the players to see who would fit most into what he was trying to implement. 

That experimentation was evident in Liverpool’s last game against Sunderland as Borini was shifted from the right wing role into the center forward position with Sterling moved to the right and Luis Suarez on the left. Suarez is yet to impress in his Liverpool career when leading the line on his own. With the lack of striking options and Borini’s slow start to his Liverpool career, goals are proving to be scarce for the Reds once again this season. 

In midfield, Joe Allen has been inspirational in the deep lying midfielder role while Gerrard is struggling to get to grips with what Rodgers requires. Gerrard and Shelvey traded positions in the last game against Sunderland with the England captain asked to play the deeper role with Shelvey placed higher up the pitch. 

The Reds are yet to transition well once losing possession as the defense looks increasingly vulnerable when a pass is miscued high up the pitch especially when both full backs are acquiring the attacking wing positions. Moreover, as good as Joe Allen has been this season, we can still notice the lack of defensive positioning that Lucas would take for example. 

The goal scored by Sunderland is a perfect example of a counter attack down the Liverpool’s left wing side with Johnson out of place and Joe Allen failing to close that space in time. 

Pepe Reina should also hold his hand high as his lunge was far too soon and he could have made Steven Fletcher’s work far more difficult had he been more patient. 

The form of Liverpool’s senior players has been a cause of concern for Rodgers this season with Gerrard looking out of sorts while Luis Suarez continues to take awkward decisions in front of goal. The decision to lob the Arsenal keeper after being put clean through on target was highly regrettable. Pepe Reina meanwhile continues his slump and Liverpool must surely consider signing a replacement. 

Tactically, the Reds have lined up as follows: 

Starting Formation:

Liverpool's Starting Formation

In Attack:

Liverpool's Attacking Positioning

 

In Defense: 

Liverpool's Defensive Positioning

Expectations:

Brendan Rodgers must be given enough time to implement his philosophy on the team and the club as a whole. 

John Henry has protected the Liverpool manager from unreasonable expectations by claiming that Champions League football is the target by 2015. 

I expect Liverpool to improve as the season progresses and hopefully the club will maintain a top 8 position come January. With the addition of a dependable striker and perhaps another addition then the club can certainly push on until the end of the season. 

But until January, I expect the youth to take a more prominent role within the first team squad and this will lead to an exciting unpredictability to Liverpool’s results. 

For the Liverpool fans out there, enjoy each game as it comes, remain patient and give Rodgers time. Champions League certainly seems out of reach this season so manage your expectations and take this season for what it is – a season of transition.

Old Habits Die Hard

I have been staring at an empty word document for over two hours as I try to gather all my thoughts related to the Euro 2012 quarter final match between England and Italy. So, here goes nothing… 

Prior to the tournament, I had my reservations, worries and doubts about Roy Hodgson and his preferred football model having suffered the full effects of Roy’s ‘realism’ during a 6 month stint at Liverpool Football Club where he dragged the Reds into the relegation places. 

Throughout the group stage of Euro 2012 I began to see the advantages of hiring Roy as England successfully grinded out results against France & Ukraine while also managing to end the Swedish Hoodoo as the Three Lions beat Ibrahimovich’s boys 3-2 in a thrilling encounter. The result was unthinkable with England topping Group D ahead of France with 7 points. Only Germany earned more points than England during the group stages. Impressive stuff indeed. 

Here is a link to my analysis of England’s best game of the Group stages versus Sweden which shows the many positives offered by Roy Hodgson’s approach: 

http://thefeedreview.blogspot.com/2012/06/hodgsons-england-my-humble-pie.html

As a reward for topping their group, England must now face the mighty Azzuri who England have beaten only once in official football throughout their history. Daunting task awaits! 

Prandelli’s Italy has been a joy to watch for all the tacticians out there as the young coach toyed with different formations, line-ups and player roles as per the opposition strengths and weaknesses. This has helped create an aura of unpredictability around the Azzuri. England’s tactics, on the other hand, were very predictable with the 4-4-1-1 formation a common factor in all of England’s Euro 2012 games accompanied by two deep banks of four shielding Joe Hart’s goal. Therefore, the game was always going to be about how well Prandelli can alter his tactics to trouble the English and obtain the all-important win. 

The Azzuri began the game with a 4-1-3-2 formation which Prandelli trusted during the Euro 2012 qualifying phase. This was also the same formation deployed against Ireland in Italy’s sole win in the group stages. Prandelli relied on the width provided by his two attacking full backs Abate and Balzaretti to stretch the play while Andrea Pirlo was given full license to dictate the play from a deep lying position. The compact diamond shaped midfield included Machisio, De Rossi and the advanced Montolivo ensured that England was out-numbered in center midfield. If England were to have any chance of winning the game then success on their wings became crucial. 

The game featured the most enthralling first half of the whole tournament with both teams creating goal bound chance within the first 10 minutes first through a superb long-range effort by Italy’s De Rossi followed by a break from England’s right hand side which resulted in a wonder save by Gianluigi Buffon from a Glen Johnson snapped shot. The first half continued to be an open affair with England dominating the opening exchanges before Italy took control from the 20th minute onwards. Still, chances were created on both ends and England fans must have felt a sense of satisfaction for the attacking intent showed during the opening 45 minutes. 

All positivity however vanished with the start of the second half. Hodgson’s fear antics taking over as England dropped deeper and deeper with every passing minute. England’s attacking intent evaporated into thin air after the introduction of Andy Carroll and Theo Walcott in place of the tireless Danny Welbeck and the disappointing Milner. 

Smelling blood, Prandelli responded by replacing the tiring De Rossi with AC Milan’s Nocerino. The young tactician then ordered the front three of the midfield diamond (Nocerino, Marchisio & Montolivo) to form a very compact unit thus choking out England’s center midfielders Scott Parker and Steven Gerrard. Pirlo, on the other hand, was given full license to dominate the play through a free role. 

What seemed to be an aggressive move by England turned into a nightmare as hoof-ball tactics were deployed. To make matters worse, Rooney was asked to drop even further to chase the inspired Andrea Pirlo. As expected, long balls from Joe Hart to Andy Carroll became a common factor for England’s ‘attack’ and as predicted England’s number 9 dominated in the air as he flicked one ball after the other – the problem though was the total lack of support from England’s deep midfield (Rooney included). 

The game turned worse for the Three Lions (more like three pussy cats) as fatigue took over the England players with Steven Gerrard requiring thigh massage during every stoppage. Italy created one goal bound opportunity after the other with Lady Luck fully embracing the England White as Joe Hart and co removed one dangerous opportunity after the other. 

The match had over-time written all over it as England successfully kept the Azzuri at bay to score the first 0-0 score line of the tournament thus far. 

The tiring Italy continued to push forward with limited success while England continued to look like playing with a player (or two) sent-off. 

England seemed determined to take the game into penalties! A brief lesson in history is of importance at this point: 

- England have NEVER won a penalty shootout in a World Cup tournament 

- England have won just one penalty shootout in their entire European Championship history 

- England were eliminated after a penalty shootout in 5 out of their last 10 international tournaments (Italia 90, Euro 96, France 98, Euro 2004, Germany 2006) 

- England were facing perennial penalty champions Italy 

Still, Roy decided to take the game into penalties; Lady Luck’s patience with Hodgson and his troops waned soon thereafter and the inevitable happened. England once again lose on penalties with the awful Ashley Young rocketing his shot into the cross bar while Ashley Cole couldn’t even afford to look at Buffon’s goal before firing a very weak penalty. Italy got what they fully deserved. 

There is no shame losing to the Azzuri but the matter in which Hodgson managed the game was disgraceful. Now, now, I know what you’re saying! I am an avid Liverpool fan so I have my beef with Roy but let’s look at numbers now shall we: 

- Joe Hart completed more passes (45) than any other England player in the game against Italy. 

- England goalkeeper Joe Hart had 85 touches vs Italy, more than any other goalkeeper in the history of the Euros. 

- Joe Hart made more saves than any other goalkeeper at Euro 2012. A total of 19 saves. (optastats) 

- Most common pass pattern by England: Joe Hart to Andy Carroll! 18 times. 

But wait, here’s more: 

- Andrea Pirlo had 155 touches against England, the second most a player ever had in a European Championship game. 

- England made only 15 passes in 15 minutes in the 2nd period of extra-time. 

- England completed a total of 364 passes throughout the 120 minutes compared to Italy’s 837. 

- England had 9 shots on goal compared to Italy’s 36. 

Not convinced yet that Roy had a hand in this? (taken from fourfourtwo.com)

Take a look at how Steven Gerrard fared against Andrea Pirlo in Extra time. Yes that’s right, Steven Gerrard who has 3 assists in 3 games during the group stages actually gave ONE correct pass for 30 minutes of extra time. 

The fact that Pirlo was allowed this much room is criminal – this after all is not a young unknown talent that Roy didn’t know about. This is the same Andrea Pirlo who lead Italy to the World Cup Triumph in 2006. Andrea Pirlo completed 131 passes compared to 67 completed by Steven Gerrard and Scott Parker together (taken from bbc.com). 

I am not trying to take anything away from the imperious Pirlo but a better tactician should have been able to identify this threat and deal with it accordingly. 

My biggest worry is that England are already a long way behind the likes of Spain, Germany and Italy; all who have endorsed attacking football in their recent tournaments. England on the other hand decided to use tactics pre Alf Ramsey. 

When Hodgson was appointed, I had my worries and God I hate that I was proven right. Roy must change and adapt to the talents England possess. I do not expect England to win every trophy they compete in but I do expect England to play football.

EURO 2012 - Dutch Misery

What a Euro 2012 it has been so far, we have witnessed the decimation of Holland’s latest golden generation, the breaking of two eternal looking records as England finally beat Sweden in an official football match which was followed by Spain finally defeating France in official international football as well. This tournament is also yet to witness any 0-0 score line and has been a major improvement on the international championships we have witnessed over the past decade.

If anything, Euro 2012 seems like a final cry from the current European Championships format to maintain the current structure instead of moving to the proposed 24 team format starting from 2016.

Over my next few blog posts I will be reviewing the main talking points that we have seen so far at Euro 2012.

Let’s begin.

Holland: 

We were always going to start with the Netherlands now weren’t we! 

I have read a lot of articles blaming the demise of the Dutch on the oversized egos of players such as Sneijder, Van Persie, Van Der Vaart, Van Bommel etc but make no mistake about it, the blame falls at the feet of non-other than Bert Van Marwijk whose squad selection looked very exciting to me at first as it included upcoming talents such as Kevin Strootman and the lively Luciano Narsingh. The squad was also balanced as it contained a good blend of older heads that featured for Holland during their successful run to the World Cup final in 2010.

But, even at first glance, you could notice a huge gap in quality when it comes to that Dutch defense and thus the need to maintain possession and control over football matches becomes crucial for Holland to succeed.

Fast forward to Holland’s first game against Denmark who, with all due respect, are the weakest team in a group of death which included the likes of Germany and Portugal.

Van Marwijk’s first team selection surprised many as he once again decided to start with 34 year old captain and son-in-law Mark Van Bommel but the main talking points was the inclusion of Van Persie ahead of the record breaking Klaas Jan Huntelaar who scored 12 games during the Netherlands’ successful Euro 2012 qualifying campaign. Now before you bring up Van Persie’s successful season at Arsenal, I believe they both should have started with Huntelaar in the central striker role while RVP would start out from the left before cutting inside to support Holland’s attack.

To raise more eye brows, Van Marwijk decided to start with Wesley Sneijder and Ibrahim Afellay who both had forgettable seasons at their respective clubs. Rafael Van Der Vaart was dropped.

And finally came the selection of the inexperienced Jetro Willems who regardless how highly rated he might be, must never be thrown into the deep end especially when we consider the lack of quality in the supporting defenders Joris Mathijsen, Ron Vlaar etc. Again, before you start highlighting the lack of Dutch talent at Left Back, I would like to mention the name of AC Milan’s Urby Emanuelson who had a very decent season for his club and has the versatility to play in more than position. Van Marwijk decided that Emanuelson was not even good enough for the squad all together.

So, where were we? Ah yes, Holland’s first game against Denmark.

The Dutch started the game brightly and dominated possession for long periods of the game although they failed to create enough goal scoring opportunities. Denmark, on the other hand, made full use of a fast counterattack compounded by very feeble defending from Holland’s back four to score the only goal of the game.

It could be fair to say that Netherlands did not deserve to lose against the Danes but they never came to close to winning either. One game down and Holland already face immediate elimination as they prepare to face top contenders Germany knowing that at least a draw is necessary.

In comes the second game, Van Marwijk sticks to his selection process with the exception of a single change as Mathijsen replaced the internationally poor Ron Vlaar. The Germans being Germans identified the weakness on Holland’s left side providing Jetro Willems a nightmare of a match as Muller, Ozil and Schweinsteiger took turns in tormenting the poor 18 year old. Germany also took the game out of Holland’s hands completely by dominating possession for long periods of the match with the Dutch reverting to counter attacking football for much of the first half. The German dominance paid off as the ruthless Mario Gomez netted 2 goals in quick succession. Facing elimination, Van Marwijk was forced to ring the changes bringing on Huntelaar for the invisible Ibrahim Afellay and Rafael Van der Vaart for the inept Van Bommel and if we’re being honest not much changed anyway. Germany continued to impose their will and eventually the 2-1 score line was very flattering to the Dutch who lacked the passion and the belief to turn things around.

Playing Van der Vaart in a deep center midfield role was never going to work against Khedira and Schweinsteiger as once again Van Marwijk brings forth another questionable decision. Why not use your full squad? Why not select adequate replacements? If you do not believe in Strootman why take him to begin with? Why start with a clearly unfit duo in Sneijder & Afellay? Why not give Narsingh a chance?

Ah yes, I can hear rumbles of ‘But he needed to win the game and naturally he needed an attacking presence in Midfield like Van der Vaart!’

Let me remind you of one famous Champions League final between AC Milan and Liverpool Football Club. Liverpool was 3-0 down at half time and in order to turn the game around, Benitez introduced a defensive midfielder in Didi Hamann as the foundation for an attacking team, he solidified the defense to build a stable attack. Van Marwijk did the exact opposite thus surrendering the midfield to the mighty Germans.

The third game against Portugal was no more than academic with Van Marwijk starting with the same eleven that finished the game against the Germans. The Dutch started brightly and scored early on with a long range drive from Rafael van der Vaart. The Dutch mood turned sour soon though as Ronaldo produced one of his better performances in a Portugal jersey and equalized before half-time. Once again, the morale of this Holland side slumped with a lack of mental strength and leadership evident. Portugal grew into the game with every passing minute and eventually got the three points they deserved.

The Netherlands was eliminated without gaining a single point, scoring only two goals from outside the box, zero goals from inside the penalty area. Holland’s golden generation which included Arjen Robben, Robin van Persie, Wesley Sneijder seem to be heading into their twilight zone fast while the upcoming talent were deprived of an opportunity to gain valuable experience throughout this tournament. The Dutch will always produce exciting attacking talent and make no mistake about it, younger blood will be introduced starting with the FIFA World Cup 2014 qualifiers in September with the likes of Strootman, Narsingh, Ola John and Leroy Fer playing a key role but what worries me is the lack of talent coming through on the defensive side.

Finally, I wanted to highlight Bert Van Marwijk’s criminal man management of the poor Jetro Willems throughout Euro 2012. Not only was the youngster thrown to the wolves from the first game, he received no defensive support what so ever from Afellay and was finally substituted as fallen figure against Portugal. This kind of man management can turn a rising star into a distant memory.

One thing is for certain, it is back to the drawing board for the KNVB and some very tough decisions must be made very soon.

Hodgson’s England & My Humble Pie

Heading into Euro 2012, I had a very bleak outlook on the future of the Three Lions under the tutelage of Roy Hodgson who was appointed by The FA ahead of fan and media favorite Harry Redknapp. Hodgson is an honest man with a lot of experience in international tournaments having lead the likes of Switzerland to the world cup in 1994 but what Hodgson lacks is the swagger of modern football as his tactical focus is based on a very rigid two banks of four who are happy to sit deep, protect their keeper and allow possession to the opposition.

And as an avid Liverpool fan, Roy Hodgson was the epitome of the anti-Liverpool manager historically due to his cautious tactics, bizarre interviews and most of all he was hired by the two cancers Hicks & Gillett.

In club football, Hodgson’s tactics lead to enhancing the fortunes of the smaller clubs with due respect as he is idolized amongst the fans of Fulham and most recently West Bromwich Albion. But for the Fulhams, Malmos and WBAs you have the Blackburn, Inter Milan and Liverpool. Hodgson averaged 43% of the available points which to clubs like Fulham again with respect would be happy with while fans of Liverpool and a star-studded Blackburn Rovers simply dreaded. With regards to knock-out football, Roy led his mean to trophies in Scandinavia while also taking both Inter Milan and Fulham to the UEFA Cup Winners Cup final and The Europa League finals respectively.

Now, where were we, oh yeah back to the Euros!

Hodgson’s squad selection, while controversial, actually made a lot of sense. He had to deal with the Rio Ferdinand issue, the Wayne Rooney suspension but Roy presented a pleasing squad with emphasis on youth with the likes of Oxlade-Chamberlain making the final cut.

What’s more impressive were the recruitment of his backroom staff with his trusted right hand man at Fulham Ray Lewington and the very inspired acquisition of Gary Neville who seems a very important figure in England training. The results on the training pitch were evident as an aura of calmness and relaxation surrounded the England camp which is a stark contrast of the energy that surrounded England in the not so distant tournaments.

On the pitch, England’s two friendlies against Norway and Switzerland revealed Hodgson’s cautious tactics with slight improvement in the second half vs Switzerland at Wembley.

Fast forward to the first game at Euro 2012 against a France side that have been doing some rebuilding of their own, very steadily since the debacle in South Africa. Laurent Blanc lead his Le Bleu to a staggering 21 unbeaten run before the tournament dispatching Fabio Capello’s England at Wembley in 2011.

During that first game, the famous two banks of four were apparent throughout the 90 minutes with England choking out any space that France required for their creative players to make an impact. England’s full backs were asked to stay back and avoid any forays into offensive territories thus restricting Ribery and Nasri to casual attempts of dribble and cross while mostly simply passing the ball back to Cabaye, Alou Diarra and the retreating Benzema. England’s defensive tactics surely worked and you have to hand it to Hodgson, he realized that a compact side was necessary against a superior France side and England obtained the one point they yearned for and fully deserved.

Hodgson’s tactics though successful, caused more concern regarding England’s attacking intent specially that the team sat far too deep for long periods of the game, the two attacking figures of Ashley Cole and Glen Johnson were invisible while James Milner played more of a defensive winger role than an attacking one.

England had to face their bogey team next. England have never beaten Sweden in official football and have only scored their first friendly victory over the Swedes last year since 1968. This was going to be no easy feat for the English.

Rumors spread before the game that Roy has decided to start with the dominant Andy Carroll in place of Oxlade-Chamberlain with Ashley Young moving to the left wing side. Could this be a sign of a more attacking England? I certainly hoped so.

Playing the aerially imposing Carroll makes a lot of sense considering what Shevchenko achieved against Mellberg and co using his heading abilities during Sweden’s opening game vs co-hosts the Ukraine. England started brightly; Ashley Cole and Glen Johnson were given license to move forward with Steven Gerrard and the tireless Scott Parker shielding the England defense with a much disciplined display. England’s attacking intent was there for all to see through a dominant first half where the Three Lions dominated possession and restricting Sweden to a few counter attacks.

The theory regarding Sweden’s weakness to headers became once again a proven fact with big Andy Carroll powering in a text book header from inside the penalty area. With that goal, England finish the first half with a 1-0 lead.

Whatever Sweden coach, Erik Hamren, said to his players at half time seemed to have worked as Ibrahimovich and co pushed forward and equalized within 3 minutes from the restart before taking the lead a few minutes later.

Hodgson to his credit took a gamble by taking off the inept James Milner and bringing on Theo Waclott. This decision would prove to be a masterstroke. After Walcott’s introduction the game changed completely with England’s rigid system disintegrating as Young and Walcott pushed on from the wings with England’s full backs pushing even further. The England pressure succeeded in breaking down the Sweden defense through a fierce shot from outside the box by the inspired substitute Theo Walcott.

Theo did not stop there though, producing his best performance in an England shirt since his hat trick away to Croatia. His pace continued to trouble the Sweden left side of defense and through an incisive breakaway Walcott dribbled into the Swedish penalty box before laying the perfect pass to the very impressive Danny Welbeck to back heel it magically beyond the goal line.

This England side showed the same level of calmness even when they went a goal down and the team has a lovely vibe of confidence around them. There were no over-the-top celebrations after the final whistle; to this England side, breaking the Swedish curse was just another result.

Roy started the game with attacking intent and adapted when England fell behind. Nobody could and should ask for more.

Roy’s next task will now be expectations management and deciding who to drop to accommodate the returning Wayne Rooney.

I expected a series of low scoring England games with a bore feel to them – Roy has proved me wrong. I expected England to score no more than 1 goal per game and again Roy has proven me wrong.

I will gladly have my humble pie now. Oh God it has never felt this good to be so wrong.