Liverpool finally ended their run of home draws with a deserved 1-0 victory over QPR on Saturday. After dominating their opponents for the entirety of the first half, the Reds eventually opened the scoring on 47 minutes when Luis Suarez headed home a cross from Charlie Adam. They could and should have scored more, but it was a win nonetheless and a welcome relief after similar recent displays at Anfield had ended in frustration.
Unfortunately, it was once again a case of Kenny Dalglish’s side being wasteful in front of goal, although they were not punished for it this time. Liverpool had 21 attempts on goal, 15 on target, but Suarez’s effort was the only one to beat Radek Cerny in the visitors’ net. To be fair, yet again an opposing goalkeeper had an inspired game in front of the Anfield faithful, as Cerny followed in the footsteps of Ruddy, Vorm and Hart.
But while they have problems going forward, the Reds are looking very secure at the back. One goal was always likely to be enough given the fine defensive displays of recent weeks. Liverpool have conceded fewer goals than any other team in the Premier League, letting in just 13 from their 15 games so far. Their closest challengers are Manchester City, who despite their many millions of pounds have conceded two goals more.
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Such has been the fine form of Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel at the back that Anfield stalwart Jamie Carragher cannot break back into the team currently. Originally Agger and Skrtel were paired together due to an injury to the vice-captain, but now it appears they have become first choice. With Sebastian Coates also waiting in reserve, and having looked highly impressive in the League Cup, Liverpool have an embarrassment of riches at the back.
Glen Johnson is being pushed all the way for a first-team spot by Martin Kelly, while Jose Enrique looks to be one of the signings of the season so far. With Fabio Aurelio also in reserve, and Pepe Reina as reliable as ever in net, save for an uncharacteristic error against Fulham, there certainly is no need for reinforcements to the defence in January.
There will come a time when Liverpool need the likes of Carroll, Kuyt and Downing to really start firing in the goals in the league. But for now, at least they have the knowledge that more often than not, one goal could be enough to secure victory. Dalglish has formed a fine defence, currently stronger than any other in the division – now he just needs to sort out the other end!
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Now all we need in January is a tricky right winger and a goal poacher!
People seem to forget that Steve Clarke masterminded Chelsea’s defence when they won back to back titles. He is doing it again here as Liverpool where he was brought in as a defensive coach. YNWA. KK
There will come a time when Liverpool
need the likes of Carroll, Kuyt and
Downing to really start firing in the goals
in the league.
Carroll won’t do anything till he decides to stop being a lazy slob. Downing was never a consistent goal scoring winger, something every great team requires. And I have been a supporter of Kuyt in the past, just seems to be that this season his passing has become sloppy.
It must be nice for Dalglish to know that he can always put Kelly at right back and have Johnson move up to right mid. He’s never shy about getting into the box and trying to make good things happen. As for poachers we already have two in Maxi and Bellamy, plus they both tend to fit well with Enrique’s movement on the left.