Starting off a campaign with 6 points from 2 matches and 2 clean sheets only helps in building confidence in the squad – also factor in the scenario that we have secured 2 wins without really clicking in either game. Grinding out a result without giving in your best is something that the coaching staff and team should be happy about as once player combinations start clicking and players get used to each other’s rhythm, it will only get better.
In terms of the defence, we look more solid at the back – Clyne is looking the real deal at right back, which if we were to have an honest expectation, we already knew. He has pace, good distribution and does not get beaten often. His good upper body strength allows him to shepherd well as well as giving Mignolet the room to collect and switch play across the defense. Mignolet has had little to do in the 2 league matches to date, but he does worry me on crosses. He flapped on a couple of occasions against Bournemouth but as mentioned earlier, delivered a clean sheet. Skrtel played well but yet again, caught on national television trying to change shirts with an opposition player at a corner only matter of time before a penalty is given – referees watch sky TV like we do. Lovren had a couple of shaky moments but still did ok, more comfortable in possession than Sakho, and I am sure Rodgers will continue with the 2 centre backs next week as well.
The young left back Gomez looks so well composed and comfortable on the ball and not overawed at all at being thrown straight into the first team. Sometimes, Gomez’s reaction of having to check inside gives away an indication that he being played out of position. Currently, he does not offer much as an attacking left back, but he can defend well, and his rival for the left back slot, Moreno has struggled off late in defensive situations. Against Bournemouth, when Moreno came on, he clearly showed what his strengths are – overlapping and getting into the final third, and looked extremely sharp. It’s a decision for Rodgers to make but I fully expect Gomez to start in the next match away to Arsenal.
In midfield, we still look shaky. There is no flow of possession and I still think Henderson and Milner are better getting ahead of the ball. I would prefer them to be slightly advanced of a Can or dare I say a Lucas (unlikely if rumors are true). It is still early days but I am still unconvinced if Milner’s best position is central midfield; It seems to me he does his best work for Liverpool in wider areas when can run on with the ball, but it’s still early days to pass a verdict there. Lallana seemed to be the third midfielder but I sincerely do not think that it’s his best position. I believe he is better just off a striker, or in a wider, and flatter, midfield role. He seems to be the scapegoat at moment with some fans but I think he is doing a lot of groundwork with tracking the opposition in defensive positions; So he may not shine like some others, but is doing a decent job for the team.
Ibe was played in a wide left role to give Gomez some protection – we had a situation where both the wide players on the left are not left footed, and kept checking back inside. They switched Ibe to the right in the second half, which was countered cleverly by Bournemouth manager Eddie Howie by bringing Ritchie over onto Gomez’s side – who looked dangerous on a few occasions. I think this was one of the reasons Moreno was brought on – to double up on Ritchie, who then drifted back over onto the other side. He was far more dangerous down their right when he was able to cut in on his stronger left foot, and almost scored when he drifted in once in the second half.
In attack, Benteke and Coutinho were sharp, and linked up well which is very promising this early into the season. Benteke showed real endeavor to make runs into the channels; something which he rather not famous for. His attitude was very good and made correct use of his pace and power to get on to balls where he was second favourite. It is the kind of appetite I’d like to see from Liverpool’s front-man.
Philippe Coutinho, at the moment is Liverpool’s most dangerous player by some distance. He gets into great positions and is hard to pick up, long may it continue. I was very happy when Benteke got the goal – as well as a bit surprised when the goal stood as Coutinho made a definite move towards the ball in an offside position. In terms of Bournemouth’s disallowed effort, it was definitely a push off and contact on Lovren, which sometimes you get and sometimes you do not. We were lucky as the decision went our way on this occasion.
Liverpool only had 2 shots on target, some of this was down to some last ditch blocks by Bournemouth players, but we should not neglect some of the poor finishing by Benteke, Coutinho, Lallana and Milner in particular. There is a lot for Liverpool to work on, and Monday will be a bigger test as we take on Arsenal at the Emirates. But as mentioned at start of this piece – 2 clean sheets and 2 wins from 2; confidence should be high. Bring on the gunners!
