(Sunday 9th August, 2014)
It wasn’t that long ago that Stoke new boy and ex Liverpool defender Glen Johnson could seemingly score wonder goals from all areas of the pitch. But that touch has seemed to have totally disserted him now and he was left to rue a missed chance from eight yards out as a wonder strike from Philippe Countinho in the 86th minute saw Liverpool avenge their 6-1 drubbing on the last game of last season to Mark Hughes’ side.
Last season saw Liverpool’s forwards misfiring throughout their campaign as they struggled to fill the void of the departure of Luis Suarez to Barcelona and the injury to striking partner Daniel Sturridge. Whilst many have questioned the temperament of Italian Mario Balotelli and the reasons for bringing him to Anfield in the first place, alongside a proven goal scorer in Rickie Lambert (now at West Bromwich Albion) who was given little or no game time, it’s got to worth asking the question of whether more blame shouldn’t be left at the door of manager Brendan Rodgers for the lack of goals last season in terms of the way his Liverpool side is set up to attack. New signing Christian Benteke would certainly have benefited from seeing attacking balls played over into the box where the Belgian striker thrives in much the same way Andy Carroll did at Newcastle and when fully fit at West Ham. But Rodgers seeming need to continually play the ball on the ground didn’t do Carroll any favours as he offloaded the Geordie at a huge loss and could well end up meaning fans don’t see the best of new signing Benteke unless Liverpool change their style of play to accommodate their new signing more. Ultimately Rodgers refusal to change his style was to the detriment of his Liverpool team last season as they struggled for goals which saw departing skipper Steven Gerrard finishing as top scorer. Failure to do so in this with Sturridge still awaiting a return to full fitness could ultimately cost Rodgers his job I feel.
In a game as dull as the United – Spurs one the day before Liverpool fans will be hoping to see far more from their side in the upcoming weeks but the three points will go a long way to avenging last season’s final day crushing defeat.
Two nil & we f**ked it up 