In addition, the fluidity of the formation to allow freedom of expression has allowed the Reds to score many more goals away from home, limiting pressure on the defence to keep clean sheets. This freedom has been limited depending on the opposition. Against Chelsea and Arsenal, although still in evidence, fluidity was restricted and a far more rigid formation and organisation was put in place. Against others however, the Reds have been more open, leading to greater chances to score, and to encouraging victories such as against Wolves and Sunderland.
This freedom of expression has led to a weight being lifted in the mind of some of the players. Rather than worrying too much about their positions, and keeping organisation, the freedom to pass and move has encouraged the players to come out of their shells. Under both Rafa in his last year, and certainly under Roy earlier in the season, the distinct lack of freedom was evident, and as Aldo says, they went into every away match fearing what the opposition may do, rather than thinking on the lines of what their own team should be doing.
Confidence on the player’s part has certainly contributed to the upturn in form away from home as a run of results can do wonders to a team’s style of play. But the question has to be asked, how was this confidence developed? It was developed because Dalglish and Clarke gave the players the right tools to go out and perform. I again expect them to perform against Fulham tonight, although it will be a tricky game against Mark Hughes’s in form side. A tight game it will be but unlike in the last two seasons, I firmly believe that Kenny’s Reds will be the ones coming out on top.
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