Liverpool got their season onto a winning start against the
Saints with the SAS on show (No, not that one), however it wasn’t a smooth ride
as many would’ve hoped for.
Alas the Barclays Premier League season began for the
previous season runners up; Liverpool, who look to go one place further than
last year; that too without the best striker in the world, Luis Suarez. The
first opposition of the season was Southampton who themselves enjoyed a
fabulous season under Mauricio Pochettino and with top players such as Adam
Lallana, Jay Rodriguez and Rickie Lambert eventually finishing a highly
respected 8th place. However Pochettino left for Tottenham Hotspur
and the majority of Southampton’s best players from last season have left,
three of whom have signed for Liverpool (Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert and Dejan
Lovren). Southampton are significantly weaker from last season but now with
experienced Ronald Koeman at the helm and new signings set to be made they look
to replicate last season’s wonders.
Ronald Koeman’s last visit to Anfield was a defeat for
Liverpool in a Champions League Knockout stage clash with Benfica in 2006.
Moreover Southampton won the three points at Anfield thanks to a Dejan Lovren
header set up by Adam Lallana, both Liverpool players now. If that was to go by,
then Southampton were on their way to another win with the omens by their side.
But Liverpool has shown how much of a fortress Anfield is in the last couple of
years.
Despite Liverpool signing three big signings of Southampton
only Dejan Lovren started as Adam Lallana was out injured and Lambert was on
the bench. For Southampton they have also made some signings such as Fraser
Forster, Pelle and Tadic who all started.
The game got underway at a vibrant Anfield and it was
Liverpool back from where they left of last season in dominant possession.
Although it wasn’t the fast flowing the fans were used to last season.
Eventually a goal came at the 23rd minute, Jordan Henderson
pressurizes the Saints midfield to win the ball, a trait he excels at, and
finds a running Raheem Sterling with a pinpoint Gerrard-esque pass. Sterling
then finished with accuracy and composure beating the unit, Fraser Forster.
Liverpool slacked soon after when it was Southampton asking the questions. Victor
Wanyama and teenager James Ward-Prowse were exceptional in the midfield where his
dipping free kick from quite a distance was tipped over by Simon Mignolet. Soon
after Morgan Schneiderlin, another class Southampton player looking for the exit,
had his shot also tipped by the Belgium Mignolet. Frustration grew heavily
among the Anfield faithful when the away fans were singing their anthem, “When
the Saints go marching in” whilst the rest of Anfield was silent.
The second half commenced and Liverpool weren’t at their
best yet again, a similar feat to last season where Liverpool performed exceptionally
in the first half but not in the second. It showed when the Saints equalized
through Nathaniel Clyne. A great run from the full-back wasn’t seen by any Liverpool
player particularly Lucas but was seen by Tadic who’s backheel found Clyne to
then smash it into the back of the net. Mignolet had no chance. The team from
the south thought they could go on to grab the winner and it almost arrived
too. A great passing sequence reached Steven Davis to finish but instead of
going for power he went for placement providing keeper practice for Mignolet and
the chance went begging. Liverpool
needed to change something fast and that’s what they did; Rickie Lambert came
on to fulfil his childhood dream, a debut for Liverpool FC. Rodgers changed the
formation into a diamond with two up front. Not only did the formation change
but the chances were being created for Liverpool with a goal finally coming for
the Reds. Attack, attack, attack was the call and Southampton couldn’t clear. 10
minutes from time Sterling’s header landed to Sturridge who with the slightest
of touch beat Forster. Liverpool was in the lead and Anfield woke up yet again.
Southampton were not going to give up so easily,
Schneiderlin blasted the ball towards goal but it hit the crossbar and debutant
Shane Long couldn’t finish off the rebound. Last year Simon Mignolet was the
hero on the opening day with his penalty save vs. Stoke, this was just as good.
Replays showed that it was Simon Mignolet fingers that saved Schneiderlin’s
drive and the ball landed outside the line.
Liverpool managed to survive and gain the massive 3 points.
This game was a real exasperating game for all but Liverpool began to play like
Liverpool which is a real positive even with some quality players out of the
team. Southampton deserved at least a point from this game with their performance
but the Premier League is never a forgiving league. The season is up and
running for the runners up, can they go one better from last season? We shall
see; 37 cup finals to go with a trip to the Etihad next on the agenda.
MAN OF THE MATCH: Dejan Lovren was brilliant at the back and
is the perfect player Liverpool need, today showed his class despite the jeers
from the away fans. However although he was a strong contender for MOTM other
players such as Manquillo and Henderson also impressed. But it was Raheem
Sterling who won the award; he put in a real shift for Liverpool today and
looks like he will be an important player for Liverpool in the season ahead.
And to sum up his game he got a goal and an assist.
Verdict on squad: Glen Johnson wasn’t that bad today but he wasn’t
good either, I believe he needs to be replaced by someone at LB and that man is
our new signing Alberto Moreno. Javier Manquillo played well but his lack of experienced
showed. Lucas Leiva I believe missed his chance to impress Rodgers. Lucas did
his job in intercepting tackles and finding passes, but he often was ball
watching with a prime example coming from Southampton’s goal. Emre Can could
replace Lucas in that position; with his physicality I believe he can fit in
perfectly in the Premier League. Liverpool needs to sign a top striker within
the next two weeks then they are set to go again.
