Philippe Countinho’s wonder strike at the weekend was the difference between a vital away win and another drab and unconvincing start to the season.
Liverpool weren’t great but we can’t read too much into early season performances. It’s the result that matters until the rhythm comes in September.
And the top teams manage to grind results out when they are playing badly, precisely because they have worldies like Coutinho.
Enough of the clichés already..of the debutants Nathaniel Clyne looked high quality, as expected, and Roberto Firmino zipped about in his cameo.
We think that Bournemouth at home is the perfect opportunity to give him his first start for Liverpool. Hopefully that will happen, with Adam Lallana making way.
The defence was admirable against Stoke and hopefully Martin Skrtel is finding top form again. Gomez was also decent at left back and should keep his place.
Having watched Bournemouth play Villa, they were unlucky not to take something from the game. They created good chances which were squandered – perhaps a lack of cutting edge will be their undoing this season.
But they do look as if they will play without fear this season and really enjoy themselves whatever the results.
Liverpool beware..but the Merseyside outfit should have way too much power at Anfield and make it two wins from two on Monday evening (Kick Off 20:00 local time).
Here’s our best XI. Liverpool fans: Thoughts please.
The view of the Anfield pitch from the Anfield Road Upper Stand.
Steven
Aug 11, 2015 at 9:55 pm
Henderson and Milner battled to take control of the midfield against stoke and it wasn’t until emre can came on that allowed Milner to wander further up the pitch and get involved in the attacking play. milner cannot be expected to play as our cdm and be as effective as he can potentially be.. i would prefer to see a 4321 with can sitting in front of the defence allowing hendo and milner to push further forward. with coutinho and firmino supporting benteke
monty
Aug 11, 2015 at 10:42 pm
I agree with your comments Steven. Ibe was effective but I would sacrifice him for Can and play the formation you suggest. bring Ibe on in the second half.
francis
Aug 12, 2015 at 12:50 am
Comment:you’re on point
LT
Aug 12, 2015 at 4:55 am
When firmino is fully fit (and up until Studge is available) that will be the best possible line-up. But I suspect firmino will need a couple more 2nd half introductions to get up to speed in personal fitness and to acclimatise. Until then Ibe starting wide right will be required; Ibe should be a lot more effective against newly promoted Bournemouth than against the more adept Stoke team.
Emmanuel
Aug 12, 2015 at 4:55 pm
Comment: That is the right analysis! I hope that is taken by BR.
Alfred Nat
Aug 11, 2015 at 11:11 pm
I also agree wit u in totality #steven. For now that is our best formation.
dbugs
Aug 11, 2015 at 11:12 pm
yes I gree with your comments steven ibe not good enough
AKOWUAH
Aug 12, 2015 at 1:19 am
Mignolet
Clyne Skrtel. Lovren. Gomez
Can
Hendo. Milner
Firminho. Benteke. Coutinho
I think 4-1-2-3 wl be the best if we really want to score more and defend well too
Benteke was almost not effective when he was left alone upfront
AKOWUAH
Aug 12, 2015 at 1:21 am
Mignolet
Clyne Skrtel. Lovren. Gomez
Can
Hendo. Milner
Firminho. Benteke. Coutinho
I think 4-1-2-3 wl be the best if we really want to score more and defend well too
Benteke was almost not effective when he was left alone upfront .
john
Aug 12, 2015 at 1:31 am
no need for a cdm at home against bournemouth.
Kalifa
Aug 12, 2015 at 2:06 am
yes I agreed with you Stevie, Gomez out Moreno in
koke
Aug 12, 2015 at 2:51 am
Comment:moreno can do wonders I tell yu …I wld prefer lalana than ibe..
Steve Gallagher
Aug 12, 2015 at 3:02 am
Steven has it right but need to give Moreno a go
Mark
Aug 12, 2015 at 10:30 am
Can in for Henderson would give a better balance to the midfield
seun
Aug 12, 2015 at 1:08 pm
Comment:clyne skrtel lovren Moreno, ( Moreno is a beta ataka Dan Gomez). Can , Milner, Hendo , coutinho (diamond 4). then Balotelli and Benteke. ( I feel we should give Mario a chance as he seems to have something to offer). mignolet in goal.
Fernando
Aug 12, 2015 at 3:55 pm
Comment: i agree give mario n fair crack he deservs it and i cant understand since when in the history of lfc football club have players been made to train on there own whats up with this isolation stuff these players have all been professional respectfull of our club if u dnt want them just sell but thats not how we do things look at sterling was totaly disrespectfull yet was apart of our preseason team and where is he now i get it brendan has double standards cause it seems our british players cant do no wrong and his job is to win favour with the lfc supporters not the english media but if he not getting it right before january then he needs to be isolated ynwa
Manuel Akowuah
Aug 12, 2015 at 6:03 pm
Comment:think the 4-4-2 wll be work when sturridge return to partner benteke….and coutinho and firmino supporting them…
emmanuel
Aug 12, 2015 at 6:50 pm
Comment:Rodgers is just a gambler. I’ve is not good enough to start a game. just coz he is British is not enough to make him start a game. Gomez is good but moreno is a better alternative. Rodgers will b sacked before February if he doesn’t get his formation right.why sign moreno for that much and then bench him if its not gambling which is going on.just disappointed in that coaching team.
Mangai
Aug 12, 2015 at 7:46 pm
Br is just for british players and that is all, making players to train alone is not a liverpool fc habit take that back Rodgers
Carl
Aug 12, 2015 at 9:37 pm
Comment:we will soon leave the club for the British. how on earth would u keep Allen and tink of selling Lucas? is he serious at all?
Mikyelect
Aug 15, 2015 at 2:06 pm
Comment:Rogers is not serious @ Carl bcos i don’t tink a reasonable manger will try to get rid of Lucas n keep Allen