The Kopite View

QPR 0-3 Liverpool Match Report

Liverpool travelled to London for their last match of 2012 hoping to bounce back with a win after their poor performance and result at Stoke on Boxing Day. It has been a rollercoaster of season for the men from Anfield, so a win at QPR would set them up nicely for the New Year. QPR have struggled this season, but their form has picked up recently under new manager Harry Redknapp and Liverpool would know to expect a tough match.

The Team

Brendan Rodgers made a few changes to the side that lost at Stoke, with Sterling, Henderson and Joe Allen returning to the side, with Suso, Lucas and Shelvey dropping to the bench.  The full team read as, Reina, Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Enrique, Sterling, Downing, Allen, Gerrard, Henderson and Suarez, who was passed fit, although nursing a swollen ankle.

The Match

Brendan Rodgers wasn’t in attendance for the match at Loftus Road due to illness and was sent to his sick bed to prevent the chance of his illness spreading through the camp.

Rodgers must have felt a bit better with the way his team started the match as they took the game to the hosts. Suarez forced a save in the third minute when he shot from distance after rounding his man.

Then in the 10^th minute Liverpool took the lead after a good passing move resulting in Henderson finding Suarez 30 yards out, the striker mesmerised Clint Hill before placing the ball into the bottom corner.

Six minutes later the advantage was doubled when Suarez slalomed into the box and crossed for Raheem Sterling. The ball was cleared into the Uruguayan’s path and he again proved himself clinical, increasing his tally for the season to 16 in all competitions.

Liverpool were in the mood now and QPR couldn’t cope with their passing and movement as they tried to hang on. But Liverpool scored a third courtesy of Daniel Agger heading a cross from Gerrard into the net after a short corner with Downing.

Gerrard and Henderson had chances to add to the score, but QPR managed to hang on until half-time.

The second period began in the same way as the first, Suarez testing Julio Cesar, this time with a left-foot whack from just inside the area.

But that was where the similarities ended. QPR were now displaying resolve, and Armand Traore almost instigated a goal when he flashed the ball across the six-yard box. Jamie Mackie just couldn’t extend his foot far enough.

Liverpool found it more difficult in the second half to create chances with QPR reverting to three centre backs which made it more difficult for Liverpool to create chances. But although QPR had more possession in the second half, Liverpool were always comfortable and held on for a very good away win to end the year. The only disappointment was an injury to Enrique limping off in the second half.

Summary

Rodgers had to make changes after the poor performance at Stoke and it was good to see Henderson, Sterling and Joe Allen returning to the side. A great start to the match, similar to the Fulham match with the brilliantly taken early Suarez goal. Liverpool just kicked on from there and to get a second goal so quickly really helped Liverpool to show their quality as QPR couldn’t cope with the movement and Liverpool should have scored more, although Agger finished the match as a contest with a third. The second half Liverpool took their foot off the gas, and QPR did play better, without threatening and Liverpool strolled through the second half for a comfortable 3-0 win. Luis Suarez was once again the best player on the park and scored two brilliant goals to cap his performance. Gerrard was also impressive in midfield and has looked more like his old self in recent games. A good performance and very important win for Liverpool to bounce back from the Stoke defeat.

Honeymoon Over For Rodgers

Liverpool lost again on Boxing Day for their 6^th league defeat of the season. It has been a very inconsistent season for the Reds, but everyone connected with the Anfield club realise that this is a season of transition, with a new young manager at the helm.

Brendan Rodgers has been given the backing from the supporters and the owners, which is important, and his passing style of play has impressed the supporters along with his introduction of many young players into the first team. Brendan Rodgers is also media friendly, as his post-match interviews have proved, along with his starring role in the behind the scenes documentary “Being Liverpool”. Rodgers’ relationship with the media has been very encouraging after previous manager, Kenny Dalglish’s frosty and awkward relationship with the media.

But for the first time since Rodgers took over in the summer, there has been some grumblings of unrest from the Anfield faithful, probably, triggered by the way Liverpool lost to Stoke the other night and not just by the defeat itself. It looked like a re-run of the Aston Villa defeat, not so long ago, apart from the fact that Liverpool never led in the Villa match. In both matches Liverpool’s defence looked vulnerable and a lack of creation in the final third never caused the opposition defenders too much trouble. But the lack of passion and commitment to get back into these matches caused the biggest concern. Gerrard and Suarez looked like the only two players willing to give their all for the club in the face of defeat and that is what is not good enough for Liverpool supporters.

Liverpool lost many experienced players in the summer who did a good job for the club over the years, and when you look at who Rodgers has brought in to improve the team, well, I’m not sure they are better, Assaidi, Yesil and Sahin can’t get a game, ok Borini has been unfortunate with injury, but in his short spell he has only contributed one goal and struggled with the pace of the Premiership. Even big money signing Joe Allen is struggling to get a game recently since Lucas returned from injury. So his transfer record is not impressing so far, and hopefully he can change that in January.

Brendan Rodgers has tried to implement a “Barcelona” style into his Liverpool side, but although Liverpool have played good football many times throughout the season, he doesn’t have the players “Barcelona” have and in defence especially his style doesn’t work. I don’t know how many times this season Liverpool have lost goals from trying to pass in their defensive third. Against Stoke it was getting embarrassing as Stoke hustled Liverpool into mistake after mistake. Liverpool’s defenders are not comfortable enough in possession to play this way and the sooner Rodgers realises the better for Liverpool. Recent stats have shown that Liverpool pass mostly in their defensive third, and it wouldn’t surprise me if Reina gets the most touches with all the back passes he receives. I’m not saying Liverpool should play long ball tactics but you have to be versatile and be able to play different styles, depending on who you are playing against and if the preferred style is not working then be willing to change.

Patience has been granted to Rodgers throughout this inconsistent first season, but football is a results driven business and he must find that consistency or face being under pressure from the supporters, but more importantly from the trigger happy American owners.

I don’t think there is a need to panic yet and I think Brendan Rodgers should get at least this whole season, hopefully longer to prove himself. But he has to show the supporters and the owners that the club is progressing in the right direction and for the first time many Liverpool supporters are wondering if that is happening.

Stoke 3-1 Liverpool Match Report

Liverpool faced a tough Boxing Day fixture away to Stoke who are undefeated at home this season and on a good run of form. Liverpool have had an inconsistent season, but were buoyed by their biggest win of the season at the weekend when they defeated Fulham 4-0 in their final match at Anfield of 2012, and go in to the fixture with confidence.

The Team

Brendan Rodgers kept faith in the side that defeated Fulham at the weekend for the visit to Stoke, so Raheem Sterling and Joe Allen had to be content with a place on the bench for the second match in a row.  The eleven that started were Reina, Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Enrique, Suso, Gerrard, Lucas, Downing, Shelvey and Suarez.

The Match

Liverpool got off to a flying start in the first minute when Suarez was tugged down by Shawcross in the penalty box, referee Howard Webb awarded Liverpool their first penalty in 31 games. Steven Gerrard made no mistake from the spot to give Liverpool the perfect start.

The lead was short lived, when Walters beat Reina after a slip by Martin Skrtel. Worse was to come for Liverpool, when they fell behind 6 minutes later, when Jones headed in from a Cameron corner kick.

Liverpool looked stunned by the quick reversal in the score, and tried to respond. Downing carved out an opening for Gerrard on the edge of the box, but his shot was just wide of the post. Then Suarez exchanged passes with Downing before shooting over the crossbar.

Reina did well to keep the visitors from falling further behind when he raced out to deny Etherington who had found acres of space inside the Liverpool penalty area.

Liverpool’s hopes of a comeback in the second half were dashed in only 3 minutes after the re-start when Jones flicked the ball into the path of Walters who chested the ball down before brilliantly volleying past the helpless Reina.

Liverpool tried to respond to the deficit with endeavour with Suarez looking the most likely and Gerrard trying his instrumental best, but Stoke looked comfortable and organised in defence. Gerrard brought out a fine save from Begovic from an effort from the edge of the box in one of Liverpool’s best efforts of the second half, but the damage was done and Stoke ran out worthy winners in a disappointing result for Liverpool.

Summary

I wasn’t surprised that Rodgers kept the same team that defeated Fulham after that impressive performance. But Stoke are not Fulham and I thought we were a bit small in stature to compete with Stoke’s physical approach, the likes of Lucas, Suso and Downing are a bit lightweight and I would have rather seen Henderson in the midfield and Coates in to bolster the defence against the Stoke aerial threat. I think the team were probably shocked to be awarded a penalty as it’s been so long. But after the great start it was so disappointing to lose the lead so soon and to get the stuffing knocked out of us right at the start of the second half was a big disappointment as the game turned into a carbon copy of the Villa match the other week. Enrique didn’t have one of his best games, but he gave everything for the cause. Suarez was once again our main threat but he needs more support against disciplined defences like Stoke. Gerrard played his guts out trying to drag Liverpool back into the game, but he had little help from his troops other than from Suarez. Worrying to see Agger and Skrtel once again being bullied from a couple of average strikers in the form of Walters and Jones, just similar to their inability to handle Benteke against Villa. I can’t understand how Shelvey remained on the park for the full 90 minutes, he was woeful, no effort and gave possession away at every opportunity. It was so disappointing to see the lack of fight against a team that was hungrier than Liverpool and only Enrique, Gerrard and Suarez looked up for the battle.

Have A Merry Red Christmas

I am a forty something Liverpool supporter who has supported the Reds for over thirty years. I am blessed with a lovely wife and three beautiful children, my oldest child is severely autistic and can’t speak and my father took a massive stroke the day after Liverpool lifted the Carling Cup at Wembley. My dad is now confined to a wheel chair and has to live in a nursing home as my mother would not be fit enough to care for him at home. Liverpool Football Club keeps me sane in all my trouble and strife.

When I was young Christmas was all about getting toys and getting the latest Liverpool strip to re-enact my heroes out on the street. But nowadays it is all about seeing my kids getting the presents they always wanted. I don’t look for presents now, I look for three points on Boxing Day for the Reds. I am just digesting my Christmas dinner as I write this article. I have really enjoyed this Christmas day with all my kids happy with their presents, and great news that the Justice Collective’s Hillsborough charity single is this year’s Christmas number one.

Christmas is the time for the mid-term report of how Liverpool’s season is going, and this season has been a season of transition after the sacking of King Kenny in the summer and the arrival of Brendan Rodgers to the Anfield hot seat. Rodgers has inherited a difficult task to bring Liverpool back to the “Glory Days” that they miss so much. The new manager’s task has been even more difficult with an inexperienced squad that lacks in numbers. Liverpool’s form has been very inconsistent so far this season, hence their league position, but there has also been many positives, for example the introduction of youngsters like Wisdom, Suso and Raheem Sterling have excited the Anfield faithful this season as the youngsters have stepped up a level to become regulars in the first team this season. Luis Suarez has been unplayable and scored many goals as Liverpool’s only recognised striker as he has thrived on this added responsibility with Liverpool’s lack of striking options. Liverpool have played some great stuff this season, but failure to take their chances has been a recurring problem for the Reds. But the fact that Liverpool are not too far away from a top fourth place is encouraging and with the recent news that Daniel Sturridge should be joining soon and the hope of more signings in the January transfer window, then the second half of the season looks extremely promising.

Steven Gerrard has struggled this season, but he looked more like his old self when playing alongside the industrious Lucas at the weekend. Enrique’s recent form has also been encouraging after struggling in the early part of the season. The much maligned Stewart Downing looked a different player on Saturday against Fulham as he netted his first Premiership goal since joining Liverpool and if he can perform like this on a consistent basis then he could still have a big future at Anfield. Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel’s form has been once again impressive just like last season, and Glen Johnson has been tremendous at both, left back or right back. Joe Allen started the season very well, but in recent weeks he has struggled a bit, but he still looks a great addition to the squad and is used to working with Rodgers at Swansea.

I am really looking forward to the second half of the season and I think Brendan Rodgers has us going in the right direction. I always feel honoured to be part of this big Red family and I wish all my fellow Liverpool supporters a brilliant Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Liverpool 4-0 Fulham Match Report

Liverpool has not seen many victories at Anfield this calendar year so they were hoping to sign off their last game of 2012 with a win against Fulham. Liverpool were on a decent run of form until last week’s poor performance and result at home to Aston Villa, which brought their run to an abrupt halt. Possibly a good opponent for Liverpool to play after that poor result last week, as Fulham do struggle away from home, although Fulham won this corresponding fixture last season 1-0 courtesy of a Martin Skrtel own goal.

The Team

Brendan Rodgers tweaked his side a little from the team that lost to Aston Villa. The fit again Enrique came back into the side at left back and young Suso was also given a start. Joe Allen and Raheem Sterling were given a rest ahead of the busy festive period of fixtures. Reina kept goal behind Johnson at right back and Skrtel and Agger in the middle of defence with Enrique on the left. The midfield was Suso on the left, with Downing in his more familiar role on the right of midfield with Lucas and Gerrard in the middle of midfield with Shelvey supporting lone the striker Suarez.

The Match

Liverpool got the perfect start to the match in only eight minutes when a Gerrard corner was superbly volleyed into the net by Martin Skrtel giving the home side an early lead. Downing came close to doubling Liverpool’s lead but he shot wide after cutting in from the right and shooting with his favoured left foot.

Liverpool continued their dominant play and continued to create chances and should have doubled their lead in the 25^th minute, but Agger contrived to miss from 3 yards out as he slid in to get on the end of a deflected Suarez effort.

The second goal eventually came when the impressive Downing played a beautifully weighted reverse pass behind the Fulham defence to Gerrard who turned and shot first time low into the net.

Within six minutes of the second half Liverpool ended the match as a contest when Downing smashed a screamer of a third goal after combining with Gerrard once again. It was the much maligned Downing’s first Premiership goal since joining Liverpool.

Liverpool looked a confident side now and continued to create chances, Suarez created a chance for Shelvey but his effort was deflected wide for a corner.  Next the dangerous Downing cut inside from the right before hitting another rocket just missing the top right hand corner.

Suarez put the icing on the cake, tapping in from an Enrique cut back in stoppage time. This was the first time this season that Liverpool had scored four times at Anfield.

The Summary

Great to see Enrique and Suso starting and I felt Sterling and Allen had been struggling a little in recent matches and a rest might do them good. Liverpool got the perfect start with Skrtel’s great strike and Liverpool have struggled all season to score early in matches and what a difference it makes, they just kicked on from there showing great confidence, although the second took a while to come. It was brilliant to see Gerrard get a goal as he has not scored as often as usual this season. Gerrard was superb in midfield alongside the industrious Lucas as he sprayed passes all over the park like an American football quarterback. I don’t know what Brendan Rodgers said to Downing before the game but he looked a different player wide on the right, as he looked to run and attack former Red Riise at every opportunity. Downing scored a tremendous goal and what a pass for Gerrard’s goal, it will be interesting to see if he can continue this form in the coming weeks. Suarez got his reward for his industry with a late goal ending his short barren spell. A much needed win and performance from Liverpool and many positives to take from the match, although Fulham were very poor and Liverpool will face much bigger tests in the future, starting at Stoke on Boxing Day.

Liverpool Must Strengthen In January

Liverpool are currently sitting in 12^th position in the league and 20 points behind leaders Manchester United and at the moment seem a long way off being where they want to be. OK, so this is a season of transition for Liverpool and patience is the key to long term improvement. But for a club like Liverpool being in such a lowly position in December has to be a concern.

The American owners backed former manager Kenny Dalglish with a lot of money to make Liverpool challengers once again. Dalglish took the club back to Wembley three times in one season and won their first trophy for a number of years, but Liverpool’s lowly league position was not good enough for the Americans and even a “Legend” like Dalglish had to be sacrificed.

Dalglish built a strong squad mixed with a good mix of youth and experience, but many of his signings struggled in their first season. Experienced players like Stewart Downing and Charlie Adam struggled to find their form at Anfield and youngsters with big price tags like Andy Carroll and Jordan Henderson also struggled, but Dalglish and his signings should have been given more time, especially after success in the Cup competitions.

Brendan Rodgers has now taken charge at Anfield and he has a massive job on his hands. The former Swansea manager lost a lot of experience before the new season started, with Maxi, Kuyt, Bellamy, Aurelio and Adam all leaving for pastures new with Spearing and Carroll going out on loan. Rodgers brought in Sahin on loan from Real Madrid along with Fabio Borini and Joe Allen from his former club, youngsters Assaidi and Yesil have also been added to a threadbare squad.

Maybe the American owners wanted to cut the wage bill at Liverpool by letting such players like Kuyt, Maxi and Adam leave, but to let them go and not replace them looks a big mistake and the debacle at the end of the transfer window has really hurt the team, although Liverpool have been very fortunate with the form of Luis Suarez. But can he keep that going for the whole season ?

It has been great to see youngsters like Sterling, Suso and Andre Wisdom come through this season, but it is really because Brendan Rodgers has not really had any other option but to play some kids. A couple of years ago Dalglish did the same when he took over, with Flanagan, Robinson, Kelly, Spearing and Shelvey featuring a lot, until he could add to his squad in the summer. So hopefully this January Rodgers can do the same and be backed by the owners to strengthen the squad.

The youngsters have been tremendous this season, but it is a big ask for them to play week in week out at the highest level. This season’s inconsistent results have been frustrating, but the style of play Rodgers has his team playing has the Liverpool supporters’ backing, when, not so long ago Roy Hodgson wasn’t so lucky.

Liverpool are only seven point short of a top four place at present and still within striking distance, but everybody needs to be pulling in the same direction and the owners need to back Brendan Rodgers with money to bring new players in this January. The summer is too far away and investment in the squad is needed now. But whatever happens in January time must be given to Brendan Rodgers as too many managers have come and gone in recent years.

Liverpool 1-3 Aston Villa Match Report

Liverpool returned to Anfield after a rare week’s rest in preparation for the visit of Aston Villa, who had a great away win against the in-form Norwich City in the Capital One Cup  at Carrow Road on Wednesday night to progress to the last four of the competition. Liverpool have been on a good run of form recently with 3 wins in a week, two wins in the league and the win in Italy that secured qualification to the knock-out stages of the Europa League, prior to this week’s preparation.

The Team

Brendan Rodgers replaced the injured Enrique with Downing at left back with the rest of the defence unchanged with Reina, Johnson, Skrtel and Agger keeping their places. The midfield meant Shelvey played on the left with Sterling on the right and Lucas, Allen and Gerrard in the middle with Suarez returning to lead the line after his one match suspension.

The Match

Liverpool started the match well with Gerrard having a chance early on and Shelvey being denied from a terrific tackle after superb work from Suarez. Former Villa man Downing also went close with a long range effort.

Liverpool were the dominant side with Villa’s defence bending but not breaking under Liverpool’s pressure. But in the 29^th minute the visitors stunned Anfield when a short pass from Holman to Benteke on the edge of the area allowed the big striker to shoot in off the post and past the helpless Reina after his defenders gave Benteke too much time and space.

The goal was totally against the run of play but the lead was doubled 5 minutes before the break when a clever move between Weimann and Benteke resulted in Weimann firing past Reina and leaving Liverpool with a mountain to climb in the second half.

Shelvey was replaced by last week’s hero Cole for the second half, but was guilty of losing possession to Benteke after being put under pressure from a Joe Allen pass. Benteke sliced through the middle of Liverpool’s defence before placing the ball past the exposed Reina to make it 3-0 to the visitors.

Liverpool had a big shout for a penalty prior to Villa’s third goal when Agger had his shirt grabbed as he waited for a cross but as always for Liverpool the referee wasn’t interested in the offence.

Liverpool tried to get back into the match as they pushed Villa back but the visitors made it very difficult getting men behind the ball and defending very deep.

Gerrard managed to head a consolation goal from a long range Johnson effort, but it was too little too late in a disappointing result and performance from the Anfield men.

Summary

Still can’t understand why Downing gets played as a left back, he never will be. Good start from Liverpool but failure to capitalise on dominance once again punished in an ever so familiar theme. Liverpool’s defence was as poor as it’s been for some time and struggled to cope with the impressive Benteke.  Don’t think we will ever get another penalty after the latest big shout when Agger was man-handled. Liverpool have to win these kind of fixtures and this defeat is a big blow when things were looking up. Liverpool never really looked like making a comeback as we lacked imagination and guile offensively and I was surprised we managed a consolation. Got to beat Fulham next week or big concerns for the new year.

Udinese 0-1 Liverpool Match Report

Liverpool travelled to Italy in their final group match in the Europa League knowing a win would guarantee qualification to the knock out stages of the competition. Liverpool were only a couple of minutes from qualifying in their last match at home to Young Boys at Anfield but a late strike from Zverotic prevented them from sealing the win. Udinese proved a difficult opponent at Anfield earlier in the competition with a 3-2 win at Anfield and with the Italians playing at home Liverpool knew it would be a very difficult night.

The Team

Brendan Rodgers had no option but to take a strong squad to Italy to achieve qualification. His plans of resting some of his regulars were scuppered with that late goal at Anfield against Young Boys, so only Gerrard, Agger and the fit again Lucas were the only players that didn’t travel who started last Saturday against Southampton.

Reina started in goal, with Johnson, Skrtel, Carragher and Enrique in defence in front of him. Downing and Suso started wide in midfield with Sahin, Joe Allen and Jordan Henderson in the middle of midfield with Suarez playing as the lone striker.

The Match

Udinese used some rough tactics to unsettle Liverpool in the opening exchanges, and Sahin had to be replaced after only 12 minutes by Shelvey with blood streaming from his nose.  Reina had to be lively to tip over Pereyra’s deft chip.

Liverpool gradually came into the game and the momentum swung when Downing’s corner ended up at the feet of Henderson via a Suarez header and a Suso lay-off and the midfielder shot past former Liverpool keeper Padelli to give Liverpool the lead.

The much maligned Henderson grew in confidence with his goal and Liverpool almost doubled their lead in the 28^th minute when Johnson tapped the ball into the net, but his effort was ruled offside.

Udinese started to struggle against the movement of the visitors and Suarez went close twice before half-time, first with a drive that flashed past the post and then from an overhead kick that Padelli did well to tip over.

Liverpool started the second half looking for a second goal that would give them some breathing space, and Suso should have obliged after being sent clear by Suarez after he broke through the middle of the Italian defence, but Suso skewed his effort well off target.

Next, Suarez blasted over from 18 yards. But Liverpool’s missed chances almost proved costly when Ranegie met a Pasquale corner kick with his head, but his effort skimmed the bar.

Suarez and Henderson were denied by two brilliant saves from Padelli as a second goal proved elusive, but it looked as if it wouldn’t matter when Pasquale was sent off for a second yellow card with only 10 minutes to go. But Liverpool were almost put out of the competition with the last kick of the game when substitute Di Natale burst into the box, but his volleyed effort shaved Reina’s cross bar and Liverpool breathed a huge sigh of relief.

Summary

Rodgers fielded a strong side as he couldn’t take any chances, and I thought Skrtel and Carragher were superb in defence to keep the clean sheet that was required to progress. So pleased for Henderson to be the hero with his first goal of the season and his goal gave him confidence to produce a very good performance. A very good away performance from Liverpool,  who received some tough challenges from Udinese. Liverpool passed the ball really well and created some good chances, but failure to take the chances almost proved costly with Di Natale’s late effort. A deserved win and European football to look forward to in the New Year.

The Lucas Effect

Saturday’s return of Lucas to the Liverpool team was like a new signing for the Anfield side. He has been out so long to the detriment of the team, that most people forgot what he adds to the side, but after Saturday’s performance we quickly remembered. Lucas slotted into the side with ease as if he’s been playing regularly. To come back into the team and play the way he did with only 60 minutes of under 21 football under his belt was quite amazing , but also an example of his attitude and work ethic to get back playing again.

I’ll be perfectly honest in telling you that I wasn’t a Lucas fan when Rafa played him quite a lot in his younger years, and I thought he would never make it in Liverpool’s midfield. But the transition in his game over the last couple of years is quite remarkable and I would have to say that he is the most improved player in the Liverpool squad over that period.

I would even hasten to add that I think he plays that role in front of the defence better than any other player in the Premier League and his return is massive for Liverpool. In only one game you could see the difference Lucas made to the style of Liverpool’s play, for probably the first time this season Liverpool were getting men in the opposition penalty area when attacking, players from midfield were flooding into the box awaiting a pass or cross. Liverpool only scored one goal on Saturday, but the chances created were really encouraging and it was only down to poor finishing and good defending and goal keeping that prevented Liverpool scoring more goals.

The attacking difference was down to the inclusion of Lucas in midfield. He reads the game so well in that position in front of the defence and breaks up opposition attacks and never seems to give the ball away when in possession. His return to the midfield has freed up players like Joe Allen and Steven Gerrard of their defensive responsibilities and on Saturday you could see they were playing much higher up the park and giving the lone striker Luis Suarez much more support.

Lucas is a vital cog in Brendan Rodgers’ machine and up until now he has been deprived of the Brazilian’s importance. So hopefully his injury troubles are behind him and he can improve his match fitness with regular games.

Lucas gives Liverpool’s midfield a far more attacking threat with his role to release other midfielders, but his protection of the defence is also an area where he highlights his importance to the team. He senses danger and always seems to break up a dangerous attack or get a foot in to rob an opponent of possession. In the last couple of years Lucas has developed strength to his game and his tackling has improved along with reduction of free-kicks that he was guilty of conceding. His maturity, confidence and improvement in his all round game will give Liverpool a big chance to finish in the top four at the end of the season. Manchester City and United are way ahead of the chasing pack, but Chelsea and Arsenal are having big problems at the moment and I don’t think Spurs will keep their recent good run going, and West Brom and Everton will struggle with injuries and I expect them to fall back a bit. So with Liverpool still within touching distance of the top four and with January moving ever nearer with the hope of adding personnel in the striking department on top of the return of Lucas, I think 2013 could be a good year for the Reds.