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Overawed by their performance last weekend against the Canaries (Norwich), Liverpool went down to Udinese at home 3 goals to 2, suffering their 4th loss of the season. After a near flawless performance against Norwich and having got the finishing touch, which they were lacking for most part of the last season and even now, the game against Udinese was expected to be an easy one. Liverpool went in as clear favourites owing to the brand of football they have played this season – tiki-taka, introduced by their new young manager – and having finally ended their horror in front of goal. Another important factor that can change the outcome of a game is the crowd support and playing at home gives you an undue advantage, especially when you play in front of the Kop, but then Liverpool have fared pretty poorly at what they call a ‘fortress’, Anfield.
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Liverpool went ahead in the 23rd minute through a Jonjo Shelvey header when he got at the end of a Stewart Downing cross; a rare assist by the Englishman. Liverpool were in control of the game for most periods, dominating possession and goal scoring chances. As has been the story so far for Liverpool, they gave away cheap goals, losing concentration and handing possession to the opposition. Udinese scored 3 second half goals, the first scored by Di Natale when Johnson gave away the ball, the second via a Coates own goal and the 3rd by a Pasquale screamer. Luis Suarez came on late in the second half and scored a cracker of a free kick to make the score 3-2 and give the home side a glimmer of hope, but failed. As has been the problem, Liverpool has been dominating games, still losing due to the fact that they seem to lose concentration, give away loose balls and sleep while in defense and not to forget the horror they are having in front of goal.
Owing to all this, there are some lessons this game has taught Liverpool:
1) Value the Red Jersey: Liverpool seem to give it away easy. The major reason for this which shows is the lack of passion; there has to be a value for what you are wearing, no tom, dick or harry can wear this, though we have had some ordinary signings to be honest.
2) Don’t Lose Focus: Liverpool have been starting games pretty well, dominating possession, holding the ball and creating chances, but seem to give it away somewhere near the second half; loss of concentration seems to be the most prominent reason. This seemed to have happened against Arsenal and even Sunderland to an extent.
3) Be clinical in front of goal: Liverpool created numerous chances to score last season, ending up hitting the woodwork record number of times and same has been the story so far. They have created plenty of chances, but failed to be clinical enough to score; the cutting edge in the final 3rd is lacking.
A Bill Shankly quote that comes to mind and the players must be reminded too; “If you’re not sure what to do with the ball, just pop it in the net and we’ll discuss your options afterwards.”
4) Don’t play lazy or casual: The major reason for the loss against Udinese has to be this. In the second half, players seem to be lazy and tired and gave away ball easily, without willing to win it again. So was the case against City when a lazy back pass by Skrtel gifted Man city an equalizer and 1 point.
5) Work on their Defense: One of the highlights for Liverpool last season has been a low point this time around. Liverpool have had too many defensive lapses and have gifted far too many goals, which you cannot do if you are to finish anywhere near the top 4.
6) Buy some quality players: Now that the summer transfer window is all but over and Liverpool failing to scalp any big name, they must start planning now as to who will be their January targets and try bringing in some quality. Liverpool bought Borini in the window, but to be honest, he’s nowhere near being world class and doesn’t seem to fit in well yet; I am praying I am wrong on this. A world class forward; a goal poacher, a winger and considering the injuries we have had to our defenders, a defender won’t do any harm,especially a left back should be bought on priority.
7) Give chances to young players till January: Liverpool must keep giving their young players a run which will attract more youngsters to join the academy and with the financial fair play in action, it’s going to come in handy.
8) Gerrard should be the focal point: Liverpool must understand the value of their talismanic skipper Gerrard and should build their game around him. Play the game, the way Gerrard can be utilized maximum.
As our anthem says, “Walk on with hope in your heart”, and here’s hoping Liverpool don’t get too carried away with their 5-2 win against Norwich and stay focused; introspect, work on their mistakes, buy players and finish in the Top 4.
YNWA…Come on you REDS…!!
