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Sitting just two points behind the table-topping Arsenal with 7 wins from their opening 11 games – including a 1-0 victory over Manchester United – Liverpool supporters are in high spirits at the moment as Brendan Rodgers continues his rebuilding of the club.
What is different to this side compared to the one that has struggled so much over recent seasons and has seen them finish outside of the Champions League places every season since they finished as runners-up to Manchester United in 2008/09. Rodgers has made changes, brought in his own faces and changed the atmosphere around the club to one that believes it can be successful again, so let’s have a look at the key reasons behind The Reds return to form under the former Swansea City manager.
First and foremost, Rodgers has built an attacking unit to rival any throughout Europe. Although a lot of goals come from the almost telepathic partnership of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge, no one can disregard Philippe Coutinho‘s impact on the side. The technically gifted midfielder has dazzled opposition with his quick feet and ability to play a killer ball since arriving at Anfield in January, taking the creative burden off Steven Gerrard and allowing the captain to focus on other areas.
It is, however, the ‘SAS’ strike partnership that has been at the forefront of Liverpool’s early season success. Many thought that the arrival of Sturridge in January would signal the end of Suarez’s spell on Merseyside, but despite his desperate attempts to leave the club in the summer, the controversial Uruguayan has come back from his suspension and found the back of the net eight times in just 6 PL appearances this season. His strike partner – Sturridge – has the same amount of goals in 11 matches and their relationship has been a breath of fresh air to English football just when we thought the idea of sticking two men up front to much success was disappearing from the game.
Liverpool’s Premier League Goalscorers This Season
It isn’t just in attacking positions where Liverpool have excelled this season. They have conceded a relatively low ten goals in the Premier League, although this may appear pretty average, it sees them sit third in the goals against column behind Tottenham and Southampton – keeping 4 clean sheets along the way.
The Top Four Least Amount Of Goals Scored
Switching to three at the back for most of the campaign has seen their defenders receive less responsibility in games and eased the pressure on them as individuals. Working as a three allows them to double up on players and still have cover if any opposition players finds his way through. This is key to Liverpool’s play; only 1 of their 11 (league high) defensive errors has led to a goal this season, showing just how key an extra man sweeping up in defence can be.
Top Five Defensive Errors In PL
Lucas Leiva shields the backline alongside the rampaging Jordan Henderson, which gives the wing-backs a license to venture forward, ensuring the team does not lose any width and offering a good balance to the side. This is evident in the 4-1 demolition of West Brom when chances came at a canter as Glen Johnson tore down the right flank with freedom because of the cover he received from Lucas.
Glen Johnson Heat Map
Finally, Rodgers has clearly brought in the same mentality he held at his previous clubs. A trademark of Barcelona’s style is to win the ball back within 7 seconds of losing possession; this prevents the opponent getting into dangerous positions and ensures you see as much possession of the ball as possible during the game.
This season only Crystal Palace have successfully completed more tackles than Liverpool, underlining the squad’s work ethic and desire to win the ball back. Lucas is again the key here, completing 35 tackles so far this season as only Joel Ward (4.2) and Aaron Ramsey (4) can better the Brazilian’s (3.9) successful tackles per game ratio.
Lucas Leiva Duels Won
Rodgers has clearly found his groove at Anfield this season, and although the Kop will want to be in the title race for as long as possible, the realistic goal for the season has to be securing Champions League football. If they can get back into the Champions League then they may be able to hold on to Suarez for at least one more season, giving them enough time and exposure to find an adequate replacement.
Whatever happens in the end with Suarez, though, Liverpool fans should be grateful that their manager – often ridiculed in his early days at the helm – is taking the club in the right direction, whilst playing some wonderful football at the same time.
