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What do Liverpool have to do sometimes to get the goal?
We had 28 shots on goal. This even comprises of 11 shots on target. I guess some credit must be given to Reading keeper Alex McCarthy, who pulled out some saves which were flat out ridiculous, but it must be noted how disappointing our passing and finishing were in the final third.
Daniel Sturridge is a culprit of missing fantastic chances served on a plate by the likes of Luis Suarez and Coutinho, and he put them straight at the goalkeeper or just wide. But the good news is that at least we know it is the tiny details left before we can consistently put balls into the back of the net.
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We’ve shown that we can dominate play. Liverpool have shown that there are less concentration lapses in defence even with Jose Enrique moving up high and Lucas playing the unfamiliar left back position at various occasions. It is just the finishing that really needs working on. Coutinho looks eager to impress and had some decent looks in on goal.
On Europe
The draw means that Liverpool have made their chase for a Europa League spot doubly hard now, especially with Merseyside rivals Everton defeating QPR 2-0. But I guess we might have to make do without it for next season.
But I’ve said it in an article I wrote in The Anfield Roar, (great Liverpool fanzine, you guys should actually check it out) and I’ll say it again. Like Rodgers, I believe that Liverpool would be better off focusing on a good Premier League placing next season rather than be off in Romania playing a Europa League Round of 32 away leg. It might be better just to get into a good position for fighting for a Champions League spot – a competition which a club like Liverpool FC really need to be in to remain a competitive club.
On our best player today
It is difficult to pick a best player. It was a collective team effort in producing the chances – the taking of them not quite so. For me, it was always between Steven Gerrard and Pepe Reina, but I think that for today, the best Liverpool player was Pepe Reina. He provided two vital stops when the Reds needed him – despite being a spectator for much of the 90 minutes – and managed to stop Liverpool from dropping all 3 points.
On the team
Honestly, I believe that our starting XI is the strongest – tactically – team that Brendan Rodgers could have possibly put out there. Downing’s been doing well lately, but I reckon Henderson is a very economical passer that can really make an impact with his forward running.
But what I think that should have Liverpool worried is the fact that a 35 year old centre back retiring at the end of the season is keeping out two perfectly fit defenders approaching their prime. One does wonder whether Rodgers will be forced to go into the market for a central defender, because by the looks of things, he does really need to.
