ESPN Soccernet - Correspondents - Liverpool- What a nice change that was

Posted by Kevin Brodie on 01/25/2011

Finally. Finally not just a win but an away win and a pretty convincing one at that. Liverpool were not perfect and at the start of the second half we were under pressure but my goodness we were 10 times better then against Wolves at Anfield. They team actually looked like they wanted to pass the ball up the field rather then boot it up the pitch.

Dalglish has improved the style of play and the tactics. It seems that the shackles are off the midfielders, with all of them beyond Torres at some point during the game. We would not have seen this under the rigid 4-4-2 formation that our previous manager kept going with. It was great to have Agger back in the middle of the defence. I think that if stayed on in the second half in the derby we would have won at a canter (and if the ref opened his eyes).

No one shined more than Lucas and Miereles in the middle of the park with Torres also working hard for the team, as Kenny pointed out. Lucas has been our player of the season so far. Anyone who doesn't think so has not been watching us and/or gets their LFC information from the same people who thought Rafa did a poor job. He was great again. Of course, Miereless had his best game for LFC with a cracker of a second goal and fine pass for the first and his work rate was fantastic. Our third goal was a 30 pass move, spoiled by Kuyt at the end, but for once the ball broke well for us and Torres finished it off. I still don’t' think Johnson is a left back but I'm pleased Kelly is keeping his place.

Kenny has spoken sense in every press conference and he wants to get back to the Liverpool way and thank goodness for that.

A quick note, just so everyone knows I do complain about the ref when we win but Atkinson on Saturday was terrible, again. Every time Torres went to ground he turned a blind eye. Lucas would move towards one of their players and it was a foul. The guy does not like Torres and Liverpool. He is awful.

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Comments

Posted by Andreas,Sweden on 01/25/2011

Fully agree about this whole post. Especially the Atkinson part of it. He seemed to think Torres was trying to get Stearman off his game when even a 2 year old could see(or at least understand) that it was the opposite happening. Credits to Pool for not letting the ref disrupt their game. Things are looking brighter and the new owners is smart in my opinion to not be giving Ajax their demanded fee for Suarez. They are not in a position to do it at the moment and if we starter splashing cash around we would soon be the new City which always pays huge over-price. YNWA

Posted by yunus on 01/25/2011

Good Article, I still maintain and believe that we should get rid of Kuyt instead of Babel.every game i watched with Kuyt in the team he spoils the moves when the team plays a passing game and puts our defense under pressure , Kuyt will loses possession either through his clumsiness or kick the ball against opposition,he may be the hardworker in the team but if he does not score goals than he does not bring any value, Rafa bought hinm as a striker.

Posted by marcus on 01/25/2011

I totally agree that Liverpool played a lot better this time around. I think Dalglish will have a headache with Gerrard now available. Where would he be played? If you ask me, I think he should leave Miereles in his present role and put Gerrard in the middle to dictate the pace of the game.

Posted by wanstez on 01/25/2011

Finally. Finally not just a win but away win and a pretty convincing one at that. Liverpool were not perfect and at the starting of the second half were under pressure but my god we were 10 times better then against Wolves at home. They team actually looked like they wanted to pass the ball up the field rather then boot it up the pitch.

Daglish has improved the style of play and the tactics. It seems that the shackles are off the midfielders, with all of them beyond Torres at some point duirng the gafme, which you would have not have seen under that rigid 442 formation that our previous manger kept going with. It was great to have Agger back in the middle of the defense. I think if he would not have come off ill in the second half in the derby we would have won in a canter (and if the ref would have opened his eyes).

Posted by Dre on 01/25/2011

We need a left back, if we're trying to get N'zogbia from Wigan, why not try and pry their leftback Figureoa away as well, that would be 2 good left footed signings for LFC, strengthen the midfield and back line for a reasonalbe sum of money. Then we would only need a another EPL ready center back, and that would be enough for LFC to secure at the very least a Europa league spot for next season. ( Richard Dunne, Huth, Shawcross, Upson, Cahill, Hangeland ) would all fit the bill. Leave the marquee signing for the summer transfer market, when we can get better value for money. Suarez is good, but too slow to have the impact in the EPL he has had in Holland and at WC 2010. By the way WC 2010 was beyond amazing if you got to see live in the stadiums, can't wait for Brazil 2014.

Posted by Mike on 01/25/2011

I agree, they look like they want to overcome again, instead of "great, we're ahead! So when we blow this lead then..." Good to see Agger back in, since Skrtel's having an atrocious season, good lord. I love Martin Kelly, and am still not convinced with Johnson on the left. On one hand, the kid is a total liability on defense at right back, so now that's been neutralized, but now they're missing his awesome forward movement, which is why they bought him. To me, I say play Aurelio at left, and Glen at right wing instead of Kuyt. Also, why in God's name does Jonjo Shelvey keep coming in as sub? He must be laying down some beautiful work in training, because all he did was miss a wide open breakaway... Am I just hating?

Posted by K. Roberts on 01/25/2011

I agree with most of your comments... but you've got to quit flogging how "great" Lucas is. I agree he had a good game. Player of the season?? No way.

Lucas shows potential... he's got skills, he's smart... but he disappears from one game to the next. He was HORRENDOUS against Newcastle. The goal by Andy Carroll at the end of the game... with Lucas gesturing to everyone around him but not making any challenge himself is typical of the Brazillian.
If Dalglish can instill a work ethic and focus in him and he can be COMMITTED for 90+ minutes a game, I'll share your enthusiasm for Lucas. Until then, he's a player whom I see potential in... who bails out of too many tackles. And you could stack him up right there with a bunch of other under achievers.

Lastly, so glad the manager is sticking with Martin Kelly - a true defender with pace and total committment. Love that guy!

Posted by Brad on 01/25/2011

I couldnt agree more. Liverpool played with a passion and had heart in that match. Working hard and playing with passion is key to winning on the road in the Premiership. It's easy to get amped up at Anfield in front of 90% Red fans.. In my eyes Torres has worked hard from start to finish ever since King Kenny took over. I know from my eyes it seems as if all of the men on the pitch play with the desire needed to get good results. Torres is still world class. But even having tons of class doesnt mean he can do it alone. He has had the support needed the score goals and it has paid off with the last result. Liverpool still needs another pure goal scorer that can assist Torres and draw some markers away from him. Hopefully the Saurez thing goes through. He'd be the perfect roll player who has the class to score as he's proved along side Forlan at Uruguay. Let's get up this table lads. I think Kenny is a good fit for the long term. It takes more than just strategy. They fight for him!

Posted by Ben Haraseb on 01/26/2011

looking forward to much improved performance from the team this time. i hope they will do well and win todays game against Fullham.

Posted by gregory okoth on 01/27/2011

I totally agree with all the comments that have been made.Rafa was a great manager but the problem was always the interference of the co owners who left.After yesterdays win i think that we are surely moving up the table but we need to do some signings to see us through the rest of the season.One we need another defender to compliment what daniel agger is doing coz as at now he is the only central defender who is worth wearing the red shirt all the rest in my opinion are big jokers.Again i do not know why babel was not given a chance because to me he is a much better player who can really change games for us.Any one knows the reason

Posted by daine winkley on 01/27/2011

liverpool sud sign.philipp lahm.marko marin.luis suarez.hamsik.naldo. tom huddlestone.lucho gonzalez.taye taiwo

Posted by WJ on 01/28/2011

A great away win and YES, 2 win in a row now (after the Fulham game). Agree with some of the comments up there .. Agger holds a very important role now while Carragher still sidelines. Skertel?? I wish our vice captain could come back as soon as possible then the Center Back is perfect! Johnson on the left and Kelly on the right? I don't see any problem here. First, at least better then the Roy's left back (no question about that). Aurelio?? I still prefer Johnson though and at least he can run at the opposite defenders .. Kelly - no doubt - the next Jamie Carragher. Lucas "player of the season" NO WAY - yeah, same opinion as the K.Roberts up there. But i must say he played better, less error or mistake then the previous seasons. Didn't conceded much of those un-necessary free kick outside the box. I watched Gerrard return against the Fulham, supprisingly is Meireles played the Advanced Midfield role?! Gerrard as the holding midfield? Works well ! YNWA ~

Posted by BB on 01/28/2011

Why don't you post more often than 1 every 2 weeks?

Posted by DANIAL on 01/30/2011

As a Liverpool supporter since 1975, Im a bit disappointed but still remain an avid supporter forever. I hope all the player will remain the same throughout the seasons for at least 5 years to get them gel together as a unit. If they play with the same players week in week out, then it will be stronger than before. Unless injuries or suspension, then a replacement is needed. Those who are not playing will always be active with the reserve side so they are good for the first team. Player like David Ngog are not good enough for the first team yet. We need to have a solid defence and in order to do that, they have to play together as a unit as long as it can be except for injuries or suspension. Hope Gerard can focus well and guide the rest to be more a team work players. They have to play more frequent together so they be more familiar with the way they play each others. This season is more of getting together as a unit and will be more focus when next season coming.

Posted by Ben on 01/30/2011

what are situations that will put Liverpool into CL? Winning europa, top 4 in EPL.... could run it through in your next post?

Posted by bob on 02/01/2011

Chelsea took ur boy

Posted by Greg Hudson on 02/02/2011

I agree with the notion that Lucas has been the man of the season as of yet. He rarely scores but he always gives 100% and he moves the ball about the pitch beautifully and has a great understanding of the team dynamics and how to change his play to optimize the team productivity.

Posted by anan on 02/02/2011

Lucas - for me a nasty player ever Liverpool had - only 1 reason for that, he will tackle opponent just in front of D box so that the opponent do not get a penalty. Look, how smart is this player!!!

Posted by Thai liverpool fan on 02/06/2011

Actually , i want to see new bigname center back. Like Samie Hypia in the past.It maybe a
little hard but Cara, U know his pace is down to
age.i hope to see one in the future.Good luck
on this sunday.

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