Liverpool FC overcame a gritty Wolves side at Anfield to end their run of two successive defeats in the BPL. So here’s what I think won Liverpool FC the game.
First Five Minutes: Memories of Spurs
Liverpool FC were slow off the blocks for this one, once again. The game could have turned out very differently if Wolves had scored first, but that is a very big COULD. Wolves retained possession for the first 5 minutes and it was indeed worrying at times, but Liverpool eventually managed to stifle out the threat.
The First Half
But apart from those slightly worrying first five minutes at Anfield, it was Liverpool FC that kept most of the ball throughout the first half. Liverpool had the better of the chances and raced to a 2-0 lead prior to half time.
Suarez’s quick thinking and sheer speed in turning his defender proved to be a menace throughout the course of the game and trickery on the ball allowed him to get him a shot on goal and, my word did he lash it into the net well. It was a striker’s finish, a classy shot pass the keeper, albeit at near post.
Downing, he played like our third forward in the first half. Linked up brilliantly with Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez to offer them support play on the right flank.
Henderson was really isolated out there today. Perhaps because he didn’t see much of the ball? But nonetheless, he was almost lost against Wolves, but if you look at the stats, his distribution of the ball was actually pretty good.
The Second Half
The second half’s introduction of Steven Fletcher was important. It was key because he managed to grab Wolves’ lifeline early on in the second half.
Wolves fought harder in the second half in search of that equalizer and that produced really entertaining end-to-end football in the second half. None of the players out there could even get a breather with the rapid pace of the attacks. But one thing that Liverpool missed a trick on was in tactical responsiveness.
It’s been the case for the past few weeks now, and the problem is getting glaringly bigger. You have a 2-1 lead, you’re losing the midfield, why wait until 70+ minutes before you make your first change? My as well you sort that problem out earlier rather than later. On Suarez’s substitution, I agree with Kenny Dalglish all the way.
He’s become such a key part to this set-up that Dalglish can’t afford to have him injured. It was a good switch, one great player for another swapping. Why not Carroll? Because he looked impressive in this game, because he needs that extra game time. It will only be a matter of time before he gets his chances in front of goal.
I’ve spoken about this in my post-match thoughts post, but I’ll say it again here if you guys missed it. Steven Gerrard was really sharp on the ball against Wolves yesterday. His first bit of action in fact so him losing the ball, although he did in fact chase the player down and earn his team a throw in.
But you would seriously wonder how crazy us Liverpool fans might have gotten should he have scored with that volley. Him coming on already made the crowd so electric!
As seen on Two Liverpool Fans
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