JUST as Liverpool FC have lost every time they appear to have turned a corner, they have also recorded a victory when another bad result would spell intense criticism and condemnation.
The pattern continued when Liverpool overturned a one goal deficit to record a 2-1 win at the home of Premier League strugglers Aston Villa.
Despite a bright start, Liverpool conceded the first big chance of the game on 15 minutes. Matthew Lowton’s wicked low cross from the right hand side found Gabriel Agbonlahor with the goal at his mercy, but his first time shot went straight at Pepe Reina.
Christian Benteke caused all manner of problems during the corresponding league fixture at Anfield, and Liverpool quickly lost control of the powerful forward in this game. A goal for him looked likely, and it duly arrived on 31 minutes.
Liverpool haven’t been convincing in their handling of high balls for some time now, and Ashley Westwood’s old fashioned alehouse punt straight down the throat of the Reds’ back-line done the trick on this occasion. Agbonlahor half controlled the ball before it fell to Benteke, who fired a fine right footed half-volley past Pepe Reina.
The away side responded well however. First, Steven Gerrard had a shot smothered by Brad Guzan from six yards, just minutes after Villa’s opener. Secondly, Luis Suarez failed to convert a one-on-one opportunity on 40 minutes, and finally, Steven Gerrard had a long range effort saved acrobatically by Brad Guzan.
A stirring half-time team talk and a quick second-half response was required in order to reverse Liverpool’s fortunes. We will never know for sure what words Brendan Rodgers used during the interval but we do know a quick response was well and truly delivered by his players.
On 47 minutes, Philippe Coutinho – whose incredible vision has already been highlighted on a previous match report – received the ball in a tight spot on the left-hand side. He picked out a lovely right footed through ball (the words ‘through’ and ‘ball’ will probably be used in close proximity to the Brazilian’s name throughout his career) and executed it to perfection. A grateful Jordan Henderson – who had made a lung busting run straight through the heart of Villa’s defence – received the pass, took aim, and dinked a right footed effort over Brad Guzan.
The kind of finish that any seasoned striker would be proud of. It is always surprising how many players fail to use the ‘chip’ option when through on goal – fair play to Henderson then, who continues to grow in confidence.
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Liverpool went for the jugular and should have taken the lead on two separate occasions just after their leveller. Coutinho missed a glaring opportunity a few minutes later, when he aimed a right footed placed shot agonisingly wide, whilst Glen Johnson had a long range shot deflected onto the post.
One of those days perhaps? Thankfully not.
On the hour, Luis Suarez received the ball on the touchline and twisted beyond a diving Nathan Baker – the turn was too quick for him to deal with and he went right through the Uruguayan. Lee Mason blew his whistle immediately.
That’s five parties already this season. Perhaps it’s time for another song?
Steven Gerrard – who performed fantastically throughout – slotted his penalty into the bottom left-hand corner.
Gerrard has always amazed Liverpool fans with the all-round nature of his game. And it was his ‘defensive header’ that effectively secured Liverpool a win here. Christian Benteke – inevitably – met an in-swinging corner and his header looked destined for goal; but Gerrard arched his neck around the ball miraculously and headed it to safety.
Apart from that, Liverpool looked solid and cruised to another victory.
If ever a game typified Liverpool’s play over the last few months, this was it.
Dynamic and threatening going forward; cumbersome and nervy in defence.
The need for a top class centre-half – especially with the impending retirement of Jamie Carragher – was made perfectly clear to those who may still be doubting the requirement. Too many chances were conceded here.
The trouble with modern day Liverpool is that there is always one missing piece of the jigsaw. Every time the easy corner pieces are accumulated and the difficult middle parts put together, one elusive segment goes missing from the box.
Not that we should dwell too much on the negatives however. Jordan Henderson continues to improve, Steven Gerrard appears to be maintaining his impeccable standards despite heading towards his mid-30s, and Luis Suarez continues to prove that he is the best player in the Premier League.
L4L Man of the Match: Luis Suarez. It’s a touch embarrassing the amount of times he has been Liverpool’s best player this season. In truth though, he is often the best player on show even once taking into account the opposition. A constant thorn in the Villains’ side.
Follow me on Twitter: @antonyjlfc
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