I am much overdue on posting as I have now relocated to our fine capital, so no doubt you will be hearing more about us. The rolling site makeover continues and the new logo is nearly all set to go...
The turn of the year has seen some very curious results, and indeed shifts in momentum, that once seemed impossible; certainly at the start of the season. In this post I focus on one such shift.
Back in September, six weeks into the season, I wrote about the struggles of Liverpool and how one of two things would happen;
'Brendan Rogers will be sacked; Liverpool will drop to the Championship. If this happens, (unthinkable I know) John Henry will take his ball and leave. Liverpool will be left with a mountainous pile of debt and with their sponsors, Standard Chartered in a precarious financial position, Liverpool could become the next Leeds United'
Given their plight, It was not such a far-fetched prediction. But I must congratulate Liverpool and in turn eat humble pie as they really have turned things around. So what are the reasons for said upturn in fortunes?..
We need to begin up top; Luiz Suarez has turned from Profligate to Prolific in the space of 3 months. In the opening 5 games, The uruguayan scored only 2 goals, as the Reds failed to win a single game, and lose 3 of 5. Since then, the turnaround has been astonishing and it is in no small part to Suarez. Back in the same article I wrote, I highlighted the next 6 games as vital:
Stoke (h)
Reading (h)
Everton (a)
Newcastle (h)
Chelsea (a)
In those 6 games, Liverpool went unbeaten, but further more only lost one game in the next nine; Thats 15 games played and only one loss, to Spurs at White Hart Lane. More importantly, after such a terrible start, they have won 10 out 15 games, scoring at least three in 40 percent of games. Luis Suarez scored a hattrick against an adapting Norwich City, drew with Stoke, but helped the Merseysiders beat Reading, draw with the Toffees, Magpies and Blues. He scored in each of the final 3 games of the run, also assisting at Carrow Road and Goodison.
Suarez has scored 4 goals over the festive period and now has alloted 15 Premier League goals this season, eclipsing his efforts last season already. It is fairly simple to these eyes that chances he was missing in the past, he is now converting, but also he is creating more chances for his team mates. When Suarez plays, Liverpool are likely to win. And in a league where wins count for so much, that is priceless.
One could point to the midfield for Liverpool's rejuvenation. Steven Gerrard is back to form and when he ticks, so do they. Liverpool's talismanic captain has either scored or assisted in the last 6 games, of which the Reds have won all six. Gerrards vision and drive is such a big factor in the team, as was witnessed in last nights game at Anfield; his aerial pass to Suarez for the third goal was akin to one from his heyday. Now Lucas has returned to full fitness, Liverpool have a more dynamic central partnership and can also not be overlooked, that since his return to the squad - bench or starting 11 - Liverpool have not dropped a single point.
Liverpool's wide players are proving to be just as influential. Downing has hinted at form for quite a while and against Fulham in the 4 nil victory he showed glimpses of what he is able to do, with a goal and an assist. I am not even suggesting that he is now a good player, but after waiting an entire year to notch an assist - let alone managing to score - he could be an important player for the remainder of the season. On the other side of the midfield, Raheem Sterling is now really now starting to uproot trees. The former QPR academy player has come on leaps and bounds and has 2 goals and 5 assists to his name. The youngster has the pace of a young Michael Owen, but also the composure of the likes of a Robbie Fowler. Sterling has freed up space ahead of him and is a very real reason, why Suarez has scored so many goals. His second of the season will be fascinating to monitor
Liverpool's improvement in defense has been a revelation. They now have a real unit and a sense of understanding each others presence and where necessary, to cover runs ahead of the play. I wrote last season about how much Liverpool missed Daniel Agger, or more particularly, how much Martin Skrtel did. When these two are at the back, infront of the slightly erratic Peipa Reina, it gives all parties a huge boost, knowing each others ability that they have, when playing to their very best. For Aggers' ability are just a crucial at both ends of the pitch; 2 goals but 8 clean sheets. Its a big return.
The player I have kept my widest eye on has been Jose Enrique. Since battling injury and Andre Wisdom for a place in the team, Enrique has really got his head down. Not unlike in a Samson and Delilah way, since he has shaved his head, he seems more professional and determined. In the game versus Wigan he was utilised on the left of a front three and notched his first Liverpool goal, an assist and a clean sheet in a man of the match performance. In the next two games, versus Swansea and Spurs he was given the same role but wasnt as successful despite being looking a real threat whenever he ventured into the 18 yard box. What's most interesting, is since the Southampton game, where he re-assumed his role as left back, it seemed as though he had learned more about his defensive duties; His role up top looks to have made him a more complete player.On the opposite side of defence, Glen Johnson finally looks to have come of age as a defender. He looks stronger and more confident on the ball. Johnson has always been touted as a right winger than a right back; He already has a goal and three assists to his name. Just like with England though, he is often the last line of defence making crucial tackles. He has 9 clean sheets.
Just like in my previous article I am gonna look at the next 6 fixtures for the Reds:
Man Utd (a)
Norwich (h)
Arsenal (a)
Man City (a)
West Brom (h)
Swansea (h)
Without a shadow of a doubt 4 of 6 games are tough assignments, but particularly the big guns ALL away. Realistic target? well Arsenal away is tough to call. Liverpool will look for revenge against a very jekyll and hyde Gunners, Utd away I cant see anything but a home win, but I can see City struggling against them. Swansea at home will always be difficult but ultimately winnable as is West Brom, Norwich also
So the next 3 away games are monumental for Liverpool's season, but with a front line of Sterling Suarez and now Sturridge, Liverpool hav the pace to scare a lot of teams, and seemingly the defence to hold steady. Once the game at the Etihad has ended, we will know more about this side and whether this New Liverpool are just a flash in the pan....
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