LIVERPOOL reverted to type following the recent home defeat to Southampton. As has been the case for the past few seasons, when the club has started to develop some momentum an unexpected loss has not only punctured the sails of the Liverpool ship, it has also popped the swelling optimism that had started to take hold at Anfield.
The mere mention of European football was enough to sink Liverpool last season with bullish statements preceding poor defeats. This season, Brendan Rodgers has not allowed himself to proclaim the success that he might bring but like last season, when a result would have laid down a marker, the team failed to provide.
The absence of the two most creative players in the Liverpool team in Suarez and Coutinho is not enough to justify the limp efforts by the reds on Saturday. Although Southampton have improved upon the team that meted out a punishing defeat to the reds at St Mary’s last year, the truth is that Liverpool should have been able to give the Saints a test on Saturday.
A lack of menace and a lack of ingenuity was enough to give Southampton an untroubled day at the office. The worst part was that Liverpool conspired to concede from a corner despite lining up with four centre-halves in the side. Align to that the lack of desire shown by any player except Kolo Toure and it added up to a debilitating game to endure.
But football is nothing if not a game which offers redemption. There is always the next game to look forward to be it with hope or trepidation and the Capitol One Cup match is one which offers both in equal measure and not just for Liverpool.
After a smashing by rivals Manchester City, David Moyes’ side will take to the field with their own demons to slay. A backlash is the minimum that the club expects but with the added incentive of knocking a rival out of a cup competition much more is at stake in this match than usual in an early League Cup fixture.
With both teams failing to inspire at the weekend, there is the chance for Liverpool to bring back some of the feel good factor which was lost and for Manchester United they can not only make amends for a derby day defeat but also rectify the humbling that they suffered at Anfield just a few weeks ago.
There is not much that Liverpool fans enjoy more than a victory at Old Trafford and with no European football, Brendan Rodgers must be all too aware that this is a competition which offers him a genuine chance of silverware. The opportunity to repair the damage and restore some pride to fans who have been bereft following Saturday’s defeat will act as an additional motivation to the team.
The best news for Liverpool is that the pressure is focused firmly on Moyes’ shoulders. Playing at home they are the team expected to progress and with his short tenure already suffering some questioning a second defeat to fierce rivals is something that they cannot contemplate.
With that in mind, Liverpool should play without fear. A gutsy showing is the only thing demanded in this match but the rewards for victory are vast. Liverpool can heap more disappointment on their rivals, book a place in the next round of the cup as well as make up for a poor showing on Saturday. Making Moyes squirm a little more would also offer satisfaction to fans who resented the ‘people’s club’ jibe at Liverpool.
Of course, the build up has been dominated by the possible return of Suarez to the first team and he has a knack of taking the headlines in these types of fixtures. It would be a foolish man who bet against him doing the same on Wednesday night, though whether it is for the right reasons is anyone’s guess. But with all the talk of redemption, he is perhaps the one who needs it the most. Should he prove to be the catalyst to an Old Trafford victory, then his reputation and the team’s belief may well start to be restored.
Live4Liverpool is recruiting columnists. For further info contact the site editor at live4liverpool@snack-media.com
Follow us on Twitter here: @live4Liverpool and ‘Like’ us on Facebook
Winning at old Trafford will be good. But Rogers must shape up and stop experimenting with the line ups.
Winning against southampton was very important. If we want CL football we must win at least 14 home games this season. No good winning against Man U and lose to soton or Cardiff etc. My maths say, 14×3=42 points at home. Plus 10 on board and we have a platform to try and get the 70 plus points needed.
Every home game is a cup final for us. Southampton was unacceptable. Today, could bring my smile back.
Saying that, Moyes in charge of Man U, must be given time. A very long time 😉