The Kopite View

Reality Check For Reds

Liverpool supporters turned up at Anfield on Saturday expecting nothing less than a win and a few goals as well after an impressive performance on Monday night at Arsenal and a decent start to the season.

The 0-0 draw at the Emirates was a test that Liverpool stood up to and a home match against West Ham was food for thought for the thousands of Liverpool supporters turning up at Anfield, after all, the Hammers hadn’t won here for 52 years.

But the unthinkable happened, and never looked in doubt after the visitors took an early lead in the 3^rd minute before doubling their lead before half-time. Coutinho’s sending off early in the second half ended any hopes of a comeback and a late third goal for West Ham was thoroughly deserved.

But this result and performance was a reality check for Liverpool after an encouraging start to the season but this defeat will burst the bubble of confidence.

Liverpool’s defence was all over the place and West Ham looked capable of scoring with every attack. Despite having the insurance of Lucas and Can in the middle of midfield to protect them.

The defence’s performance was all the more surprising after taking the plaudits from an impressive performance on Monday night but Gomez looked cumbersome and like a player playing out of position with his poor attacking play down the left.

Lovren and Skrtel looked like they were starring in a Laurel and Hardy film with their comedy defensive capers with Lovren taking the starring role with his 40 yard shots, and step-overs, not to mention his comedy highlight of the game that gifted West Ham a second goal.

Milner gave his usual endeavour but his lack of quality was frustrating and worrying. Liverpool’s midfield never looked like creating anything with their square passing and lack of width with only Gomez and Clyne offering any, and both are more comfortable defending.

Coutinho was a frustrated figure trying to find space to weave his magic but with no movement around him his frustration boiled over leading to him taking an early bath.

Benteke was isolated all game and although many modern managers like to play a lone striker I like to see Liverpool play with two strikers at Anfield.

Liverpool’s players looked like they didn’t have a clue and Brendan Rodgers must have to answer to that with their dis-jointed play that lacked tempo or cohesion.

Once again Rodgers made changes too late or strange. When chasing the game at 2-0 at half-time Rodgers took off a strong attack minded Can for a left-back Moreno and left a defensive midfielder Lucas on who gives nothing in attack.

Lovren was having a nightmare and should have been taken off after making the mistake that led to West Ham’s second goal for Sakho.

Rodgers brought on Ings as a second striker far too late and with Liverpool crying out for a wide man all game he gave Ibe a meagre ten minutes to change the game.

With all the bad points there was nothing to take positive out of the defeat against West Ham other than a two week break until the next game against Manchester United.

Hopefully this was just a bad day at the office and hopefully not a true reflection on the team we have this season.

Reds Defence Pass Tough Test

Liverpool travelled to London for their toughest test of this young season so far against an Arsenal team that many regard as title challengers this season. Brendan Rodgers men passed the test with flying colours in a pulsating scoreless draw that kept Liverpool’s record of not conceding a goal this season intact.

In a proverbial game of two halves it was Liverpool who had the better of the first half as the visitors took the game to the hosts and caused Arsenal’s makeshift defence no end of problems as Arsene Wenger was left to thank his goalkeeper Petr Cech for keeping his team in the game that ultimately resulted in the former Chelsea keeper earning the man of the match award.

Benteke was denied by a miraculous save by Cech and Coutinho was twice denied with the woodwork in the first half. Although Liverpool were the dominant team in the first half Arsenal had a goal chalked off when Ramsey thought he had put the hosts’ ahead in a tight decision.

But it was no surprise to see Arsenal improve in the second half and they put Liverpool under tremendous pressure at times in the second half with Mignolet making some good saves to keep the Reds in the game. Arsenal’s best chance saw Sanchez strike the outside of Mignolet’s post but Liverpool’s defence stood up to some intense pressure from Wenger’s men.

In the past Liverpool would have conceded under this kind of pressure but Rodgers has his team playing as a formidable defensive unit with every player knowing their responsibility.

Gomez and Clyne were superb under pressure against the pace on the flanks that Arsenal possess and Skrtel and Lovren were rocks in the heart of Liverpool’s defence as they seem to be forming an impressive partnership together with every passing game.

Lucas was vital in Liverpool’s midfield and he showed how important he is in difficult away games. Milner never stopped running and his experience was vital and Emre Can played well and tried to burst forward when possible knowing the ever reliable Lucas was behind him.

Coutinho was his mesmerising self and was so unlucky not to score and Firmino worked hard and showed signs of quality that Liverpool supporters can expect to see on a regular basis when he is fully match fit.

What a difference it is to see Liverpool with an attacking threat in Benteke as the big forward was unplayable at times in the first half and must have wondered how he never scored as Cech pulled off that wonder save.

It feels strange to be happy with a point at Arsenal after missing so many chances in the first half but we were hanging on a bit in the second half and we could easily have lost the game but for some superb defending.

Liverpool Need To Be Solid Tonight

Liverpool face their first major test of the new season at the Emirates tonight against Arsenal. Despite picking up maximum points from their first two games of the season the Reds are struggling to find their best form.

Arsenal away is always one of the toughest Premier League fixtures of the season and Liverpool will have to be strong defensively, which in fairness to Brendan Rodgers side, they have been so far this season and yet to concede a goal.

But Arsene Wenger’s side will provide a tougher test tonight and Liverpool will need to be solid. An injury concern to captain Jordan Henderson is a major worry for Rodgers and there have been rumours today that Adam Lallana is also injured and could be out for a few weeks.

If both players are unavailable then Rodgers will be forced into making changes and I would like to see him keep his back four of Clyne, Skrtel, Lovren and Gomez but play Can in front of Clyne to give him more protection than Ibe would and Moreno on the left to help Gomez out because Arsenal are always dangerous down the flanks.

I would play Lucas with Milner in the middle because the former Man City star’s industry will compliment the Brazilian’s reading of the game and Lucas is great at breaking opposition attacks up despite his lack of pace.

I would like to see Coutinho play in behind Benteke with the hope that the pace of Can, Milner and Moreno on the left can provide support when Liverpool are attacking.

I think it’s a really tough game to start Firmino although I’m looking forward to seeing him start soon and Saturday’s home game against West Ham would be ideal.

I’d take a draw tonight but a win would give us a great start to the season that not many people predicted.

Time Running Out For Liverpool’s Big Money Signing

There has been much criticism over Adam Lallana’s performances since joining Liverpool last summer and after spending £25 million on the former Southampton player the criticism is justified.

In fairness to Lallana an injury in pre-season last year didn’t help his start to life at Anfield but after playing a starring role in an impressive Southampton side Liverpool supporters have been expecting more for the money spent by the club.

Lallana certainly has ability but he is finding it difficult to fit into Brendan Rodgers’ side and although it is still very early into the new season Lallana is still struggling to impress despite starting both of Liverpool’s first two Premier League games of the season.

I honestly think Lallana is too slow and lightweight for Liverpool and he slows the play by taking too many touches. I also think he is running out of time nail down a regular place in Liverpool’s midfield with Brendan Rodgers keen to start new big money signing Firmino when he reaches full match fitness.

Daniel Sturridge is another player that is close to returning after injury and Lallana could find himself out of the team when they return.

Is Money Enough To Keep Sakho At Anfield ?

The news that Liverpool are reportedly offering Mamadou Sakho a new long-term contract is encouraging news for Liverpool supporters after concerns that he could be on his way out of Anfield after losing his place to Dejan Lovren in Liverpool’s defence.

Many supporters including myself regard Sakho as the better defender and are currently disappointed to see the French international left out for Lovren who had a disappointing first season at Anfield.

But Brendan Rodgers is obviously keen to give Lovren another chance after spending a lot of money to bring him to Anfield last summer and has chosen to start the Croatian with Martin Skrtel at the heart of Liverpool’s defence for the first two games of the season.

In fairness to Lovren he has played well in the two Premier League victories Liverpool have recorded this season without conceding a goal.

Lovren deserves to keep his place in the team and Sakho will just have to stay patient until he gets his chance.

Reports have suggested that Roma and Bayer Leverkusen have been showing an interest in Sakho and this offer of an improved contract for Sakho may well be an attempt to fend of competition.

It is believed Sakho will increase his wages from £75,000-a-week to £100,000-a-week but I don’t think money will be the defender’s priority.

Sakho will want to know that he has the chance of playing regularly in Liverpool’s defence to improve his chances of featuring for his country.

With Kolo Toure the only other experienced centre-back at the club Liverpool can’t afford to lose Sakho.

Hopefully Sakho will accept the new deal and wait his chance to get back into Liverpool’s defence because he is better than Lovren.

Rodgers Must Bring In A DM Before Selling Lucas

Lucas Leiva took a long time to win me over regarding being good enough to play for Liverpool, but over time he has with his determined attitude and his improvement as a defensive midfielder. But unfortunately the Brazilian has been unlucky sustaining a couple of serious injuries in recent years when playing some of his best football for the Reds.

The injuries have left him a yard slower and I don’t think he will ever get back to the level he was at before injuries curtailed his progress, but it is disappointing to hear that Brendan Rodgers is making Lucas surplus to requirements and looking to offload the Brazilian before the transfer window shuts.

Rodgers should be bringing in another defensive midfielder to the club before releasing Lucas because he is the only natural DM we have at the club. Henderson, Milner, Allen and Can are options Rodgers will use in the defensive midfield role but none have the discipline to read the game and break things up like Lucas and Rodgers will be making a big mistake if he doesn’t sign a player that is an upgrade on Lucas before the transfer window shuts.

Worries Over Ibe 

Jordon Ibe is a talented player with a lot to offer Liverpool but he has a lot to learn and supporters and more importantly manager Brendan Rodgers must be patient with his development.

Ibe had an impressive pre-season for the Reds and his performances merited him with a start in Liverpool’s first Premier League game of the season away to Stoke.

The Liverpool youngster had a quiet game in the win over Stoke but it was good to see Rodgers keep faith with Ibe for the 1-0 home win over Bournemouth on Monday night.

But once again Ibe struggled to make an impact as Liverpool in general found it difficult to create chances against an enthusiastic Bournemouth side.

Playing down the left side didn’t help Ibe’s game as he looks far more suited to playing on the right but he needs a run in the side and I fear his two quiet performances could see him left out for the Liverpool’s next match.

It doesn’t help Ibe’s chances that the next game is a really tough fixture away to Arsenal and it wouldn’t surprise me to see him left out, maybe in favour of Firmino, who as a big money signing has yet to start a league game yet.

Liverpool spent a lot of money in the summer and every manager feels he needs to justify his spending by giving his signings more chances than a kid that has progressed through the youth system, and Ibe is the easy option to drop out in favour of others.

I just hope that Ibe doesn’t become another promising youngster at Liverpool that doesn’t get the chance to make it Anfield.