This inspired change was the difference for Rodgers’ LFC
IT is often said that managers sink or swim by their substitutions. In the game against Zenit St Petersburg, which seems to be a game I frequently return to during these articles, Brendan Rodgers was widely criticised for the substitutions he made throughout the game. Particularly the double substitution made within a few seconds of us going 3-1 up. These changes didn’t have the desired impact and if anything they stymied what was at that moment in time a very threatening momentum.
However, as much as we can question the changes, I don’t think anyone would question the reasoning behind the subs. They were bold and attacking, designed to try and kick on and win us the game. Ultimately, they didn’t work.
However, I’d like to take this opportunity to praise Rodgers for the substitution he made against Tottenham on Sunday. A lot of eyebrows were raised when Joe Allen’s number appeared on the board. Not so much a surprise to see Coutinho leave the pitch, as the little Brazilian looked tired and had quietened down in the second half after an industrious first 45 minutes.
It wasn’t the change that I had envisaged either. Whilst we were clearly in need of a central midfielder to get on the pitch, I thought it would be the harassing presence of Jordan Henderson who would get the nod. His form has been good and he would give the Spurs central midfield something to think about.
I personally thought that change was key to the slow burning shift in momentum that eventually saw us go on to win the game. Whilst we were on the grateful recipients of two enormously poor pieces of defending from Spurs (the penalty tackle was particularly hilarious) we had started to shift ourselves onto the front foot.
Spurs’ plan had worked really well actually. After going 1-0 down they dropped Bale deeper into midfield (which worked out well for him as he was able to launch attacks and get on the ball deeper, that is if he didn’t choose to fall to the floor clutching his face) and began to outnumber our two deeper lying players. Additionally, they used the fact that Verthongen is very comfortable on the ball and he was coming into midfield regularly as well, meaning that we were getting overrun frequently.
Joe Allen is a measured, composed player. He doesn’t spray passes 40 yards and he doesn’t charge around the midfield like a rhinoceros. I like him myself as he is an intelligent player, but he’s not everyone’s cup of tea as they want to see midfielders be more active. What is a very much underappreciated facet of Allen’s play though is his reading of the game.
After his introduction on Sunday, I honestly lost count of the number of times Allen dispossessed Spurs in midfield. We obviously needed the extra man in there and Allen was superb when he came on. He broke up attacks, he kept the composure and the tempo calm once we were gifted our equaliser and he linked up well with the three forwards until we went into our shell and decided to defend our lead – and who can blame us?
This isn’t about analysing Allen, who as I say I thought was excellent, it’s about the substitution. Most people wanted Henderson (that was the change I would have made) but Rodgers went with Allen and is totally justified in doing so. I’m not saying it exonerates the mistakes made against Zenit, but it just goes to address the balance.
And what a win again – we owed Spurs a result after some appalling fortune against them in recent years and it’s 3 points we must now use to continue our recent momentum into the latter weeks of the season.
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March 13th, 2013
Spurs fans think they comfortably controlled the game, liverpool did all of that against city and united and came away with 2 points in 4 games. Weve had our fairshare of mistakes (skrtel and carragher back pass against city and zenit) the latter of which cost us a place in europa league. At the end of the day these mistakes are what make you *on the day.
Besides, the truth is suarez scored first and coutinho had a legit penalty appeal that went unnoticed even before you equalised following a cross from 40yards typical stoke-esque headed goal.
Regarding Allen, hes better suited for some games than others and on this occasion he did well.
March 13th, 2013
Allen is better suited for the welsh premier league
March 14th, 2013
We could have blooded Suso or given Shelvey more games instead of wasting a whole season playing Allen, total waste of time and money.
March 13th, 2013
I can’t believe my eyes !!!!
Did I just see a total idiot on here comparing Joe Allen to Xavi. ?????
Lol Lolo lol lol lol
What a plonker !!! Only a total dimwit would compare Allen to Xavi
March 13th, 2013
Rodgers did
March 13th, 2013
I new fickle age of blaming the manager for all wrond doings !! Agreed Allen is sub par at liverpool at the present moment, but the lad looks to have a smart head on his shoulders and in a years time of playing will possibly pull a lucas off. In saying that Hendo would have done a better job just in having a bit more of a physical presence.
March 13th, 2013
LOL. Allen might well pull Lucas off
March 14th, 2013
lol
March 14th, 2013
The manager is responsible for signings, tactics, motivation, coaching etc so exactly who else’s fault is it ya numpty.
March 14th, 2013
Inspired substitute ? No. Get real
March 14th, 2013
Liverpool were 2nd best & lucky to get anything out the game.
March 14th, 2013
This is excatly why i don’t post my opinion for these losers! Biaches!!!! Go and manage Liverpool and win us something then pleeeeeeeeaaaaseeeee!
March 14th, 2013
Good . It sounds like your opinion would be as dumb as that comment
March 15th, 2013
Ill say ” Modern present fans are so fickle its depressing.” Most people usually underrate Joe Allen’s contribution. But the gaffer was spot on. He needed calmness on the ball not hardwork. He needed Liverpool to keep the ball safe and who better than Allen?
March 15th, 2013
You dumb Muppet ! Anyone is better than Allen. Absolutely anyone