The opening month of the English Premier League has gone just as quickly as it arrived. Despite ending August with a poor result Liverpool have accumulated a sufficient number of points, although the performances have been a little off compared to expectations.
The Reds recorded two victories, the first coming against Stoke City at Britannia Stadium, and then again at Anfield versus AFC Bournemouth. The results dwindled from here, however, their showing against Arsenal at the Emirates was perhaps their strongest. But in a stark contrast, Rodgers’ men were outplayed and humiliated when West Ham United came to visit Merseyside.
First Four Games
It was a tight and tense 1-0 victory for Liverpool on the opening weekend, but in the end the result is all that matters. In terms of their performance, it can be summed up in a single word – rusty. The Reds held 53% of possession and only managed eight shots, three of which tested Jack Butland. The stand out had to be Philippe Coutinho, not only because he scored a late winner, but due to the fact he was everything the team had when on the front foot.
It was a similar story when the Cherries travelled to Anfield, and if it was not for some dodgy refereeing and a touch of fortune, the Reds may have stumbled against the newly promoted outfit. Eddie Howe’s side provided a much sterner test for Liverpool’s backline and Dejan Lovren struggled especially, however, another terrific display from Coutinho and new arrival James Milner carried them through. Christian Benteke netting his first competitive goal for the club was also a huge burden off the Belgian’s shoulders.
The Gunners were the first big hurdle, and although the result only yielded a point for Liverpool, the majority of fans were pleased with the output. Rodgers’ team threw caution to the wind in the opening-half and dominated the proceedings, which forced Petr Cech into a goalkeeping masterclass to deny Coutinho twice and Benteke from point blank. The second-half was disappointing from an attacking perspective as Arsenal took charge, but on the flip side, the Reds defence was resilient and relentless.
The less said about the most recent match is probably for the better. Liverpool got their tactics wrong, lacked intensity and looked overcooked from the first whistle. Perhaps the result was what Rodgers and his side needed, just to knock out any complacency that may have started to creep in. Although the Merseysiders got plenty wrong, there was one glaring positive, and that was the pressing. Through the first three fixtures the Reds barely rushed their opposition, however, West Ham were not given any room to breathe in the midfield, thanks to the tireless running of Coutinho, Milner, Emre Can and Roberto Firmino. Too bad the rest looked like Sunday league.
Transfer Window
The end of August also marks the closure of the transfer window, a period in which Liverpool acted swiftly and managed to capture all of their targets, none more so than Benteke. Along with the former Aston Villa forward, Rodgers and his recruitment staff stole Firmino from under the noses of Europe’s elite, and made several smart signings headed by Milner, who arrived on a free from Manchester City. Fellow Englishmen – Danny Ings, Joe Gomez and Nathaniel Clyne have bolstered the squad, while Adam Bogdan stepped in to keep Simon Mignolet on his toes. The Reds also bought a few youngsters in Taiwo Awoniyi and highly rated Brazilian Allan.
Obviously, the hope was for Benteke and Firmino to hit the ground running and rekindle the flame that Luis Suarez sparked a couple seasons ago. Although the Belgian found the scoresheet in his second game, he looked as though he is was still adjusting to life on Merseyside, whereas the Brazilian winger is yet to be given enough game time. The top performers have been Clyne and Milner, the pair have been rock solid in every match and have transitioned into the team smoothly, while Gomez has also been better than most. Ings has barely featured and Bogdan has not played a single minute.
Key Player
There should be no surprises that Coutinho has been Liverpool’s best. The Brazilian has directed everything when moving forward and has improved both his shooting and defence. The 23-year-old has had 18 shots on goal and recorded 113 passes, 70% of which were completed in the opposition’s territory.
From a defensive point of view, he has been involved in 40 challenges, which is quite staggering considering his role is to create goals. Despite all of the individual plaudits, Coutinho’s link-up play with Benteke has shown glimpses of excellence and continual development as the games roll through.
Unfortunately, the Reds will be without their South American maestro when Liverpool visit arch rivals Manchester United. However, there are excessive reports hinting that Daniel Sturridge may be healthy for that clash, which means only 90 minutes separate the return of this exciting combination.
What has gone wrong?
It is a tough one to single out where Liverpool have gone wrong, many would point to Lovren’s presence in the backline and considering the Croatian’s efforts against West Ham, there is plenty of evidence to back that up. Others would highlight the final third, and question why the Reds have only scored three goals and lacked ideas going forward.
These are symptoms that the team is struggling with some fluency and communication, which stems from the abundance of fresh faces that have entered this season, plus the absence of captain Jordan Henderson, who was injured during Bournemouth match.
Offensively the play breaks down because the midfield get caught in two minds. Do I play the long ball over the top, or feed it along the deck? Liverpool move it crisply around the back and through the middle, but once they hit the danger area there is a hesitation due to the team’s unfamiliarity with Benteke. The same problem pops-up defensively, the Reds will look comfortable for the most part, until a moment of uncertainty is created due to the new partnerships being forged with Clyne and Gomez.
There is not a whole lot wrong with Liverpool at the moment, if we exclude the mishap against the Hammers. Over time things should eventually gel and blossom.
Where to improve?
There is one key area that Rodgers needs to work on, and it is the transition from midfield to attack. Like previously mentioned, Liverpool break down when there indecision about whether to play it long or short to Benteke. The good thing is the Belgian can provide both options at a quality level.
The Reds need to find an even balance of the two, if they do too much of one or the other, it will become extremely one dimensional and in turn very predictable for any opposition. If the ball is played long, the likes of Coutinho, Firmino and either Adam Lallana or Jordan Ibe need to surround the big Belgian, supported by deep runs from the midfield. 90% of th time, Benteke has been victorious in flight, but that is useless if he cannot feed runners.
When the ball is played short the same thing needs to occur, however, rather than close runs off the ball, the same gaggle of players need to be in a position to receive the ball and then offload it with as minimal touches as possible. The runs need to be made from the likes of Clyne and Gomez down either flank, this will stretch the opposition and set up an opportunity for a cross further down the track.
Upcoming Matches
The next game for Liverpool is the one fans circle on their calendars, for better or worse, the trip to Old Trafford for a date with the nemesis, Manchester United. No doubt that will be a massive eye opener and a platform for the Reds to catapult their campaign.
Following on from that juggernaut fixture is a meeting with Norwich City, a team the Merseysiders have traumatised in recent years. Although, that was with Suarez and a firing Sturridge, two things Liverpool do not have at the moment.
Another tricky match-up is Benteke’s first game against his old club Aston Villa, luckily it is at Anfield so any hostility should be drowned out by thousands of home supporters. Finally, to kick-off October is the Merseyside Derby, and the first of the season will be played at Goodison Park. It is always a fierce battle, and considering Everton have made a jaggered start to their Premier League campaign, there will be endless sub-plots to take notice of throughout.
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Liverpool started the season shaky and eventually cracked, there is plenty of areas for Rodgers to tinker and improve, although there has been an equal amount of positives. Coutinho has undoubtedly been the best asset thus far, whereas Milner, Clyne and Gomez have provided bundles of bang for their buck. Based on form, this side are projected to challenge for a Europa League positon, as you would expect the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal to come good, but that too can be applied to Liverpool in spades.
Grade – B –
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