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Stats and analysis: Opening day delight for Reds

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LFC goalFOR the first time in four seasons (since 08/09) Liverpool won a game on the opening day, by beating Stoke City 1-0 in the first match of 2013/2014 season.

Simon Mignolet, Kolo Toure and Iago Aspas all made their debuts for the club.

Thanks to @eplindex for the following formation statistic graph which highlights how the starting 11 performed.

Key for Formations1 Liverpool 1 Stoke 0 | Stats in a formation Info graphic!

Liverpool Formation Stats Vs Stoke Liverpool 1 Stoke 0 | Stats in a formation Info graphic!

Daniel Sturridge – positive game play

Sturridge continued his good form from last season by getting the winning goal on 37 minutes after good work from Iago Aspas. He unleashed an unstoppable effort from 25 yards which whistled beyond Begovic and nestled into the bottom corner.

As you can see from the diagram below Daniel was involved in most of our attacking play. 1 goal 6 shots, 3 of which were on target.

Aspas – good solid debut

I was impressed with Aspas and his debut and @BassTunedToRed summed it up perfectly:

“Good debut for Aspas. An assist, 5 chances created (averaging 3 is v. good), 2 shots (1 on target), 2 tackles and an interception #lfc.”

The signs are very promising and hopefully it will continue.

Final Thoughts

While Liverpool were the more dominant team (Begovic made 10 saves throughout the match) as the match drew closer to the final whistle they looked nervous as Stoke went forward, which was evident when the penalty was awarded for handball.

Mignolet, the first ever keeper to save a penalty on his debut, looked on-edge at times, especially with crosses and when the ball is at his feet. But credit where it is due – 5 saves and a penalty save will do his confidence the world of good.

Kolo Toure (the Kop are already have a song for him- don’t worry I won’t sing it for you all) was unlucky not to score with his header which hit the crossbar, had a promising start to his Anfield career. Looking at the information graphic he won 44% of his aerial duels more than any other player and 75% of his ground duels.

His presence will be vital when the Reds visit Paul Lambert’s Aston Villa on Saturday. Hopefully he can handle Christian Benteke.

Again Coutinho tried to weave his magic by creating 6 opportunities 1 which was clear cut. The Stoke team did not know how to handle him and it showed with the free-kicks Stoke gave away. Even Nzonsi tried to grab Coutinho around the neck which went amiss by Martin Atkinson.

Coutinho, Henderson and Jose Enrique all missed clear cut chances which may have put the game to bed but they were positive signs considering the way Stoke play football.

Overall a promising start from Rodgers’ men and it was vital that three points are on the board, hopefully they can continue the flowing attacking play when the team play Aston Villa this Saturday.

Follow me on Twitter @MRSSG
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I am a lifelong Liverpool supporter from Huyton Liverpool just like Stevie G and go all over the world supporting my team I go the games in my wheelchair as I suffer from Cerebral Palsy however that does not stop me having a ball cheering on the World’s Best Team.
I write a weekly column talking about various topics whether that is tactical analysis of matches, opinion pieces, looking through the archives of previous matches, former players and current articles on Brendan and the first team.
It is great being part of the first class writing team at Live4liverpool.com and bucking the trend in being the first woman to write for the site.
Follow me on Twitter @MRSSG to keep up to date with my articles. Y.N.W.A

15 comments

  • Nader says:

    Can’t agree more Katie, beating the villans on Sturday will certainly boost things up especially with the Red Devils coming to Anfield next!
    Nader Alawadi LFC lover from
    Kuwait

  • ALONGE OLASODE TOSIN says:

    we must do everything to sign this playerWILLIAN pls BR sign him he’s too good in midfield.

  • Smartt says:

    We nid to get dat willian who can also cause grt havoc at defenders. So that pressure wont be too much on cout nd sturrg to win games.

  • Alex fergie says:

    As long as the ref remain the same Liverpool won’t progress that much. Prepare to see Chelsea, arsenal, city and Tottenham suffer bad referring.

  • akash says:

    a good start but we really need SUAREZ and his CREATIVENESS!!!!

  • bj says:

    It wasa a very good performance from d players n I’d luv to give lucas a thumb up.

  • Carl says:

    Still do not have the fire power like the other top clubs.

  • Liam says:

    Excellent analysis

  • november 5 says:

    dats gud bt we nid willian

  • allaboutanfield says:

    Great article. Aspas and Kolo both did well. I am sure that as times go by Aspas will be familiar with Liverpool and BPL . I am looking forward for him to start scoring soon . Simon did ok. Only I hope that the penalty he saved will not get to his head. There will be tougher games coming our way . As long as our lads can keep clean sheets Iwill be happy.

  • Raam says:

    Great article Katie. On the other hand not saying this because Spurs beat us for his signature but cant see anything special about this Willian guy. His game statistics not so impressive. Not a regular goal scorer. Maybe at previous club he was but at Anzhi nothing to shout about. But AVB is doing exactly what KD did when FSG granted him funds. Buy blindly. He is after every possible player available that we look into. Soon Spurs will be congested with overpaid overated players. Wont be suprised if some end up same like Dempsey,G.Siggurdson,Parker. All went there with high hopes and end up on bench or swept out like dirt.

  • kate says:

    thank you raam for your comment

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