All too often we have seen our side go down in spite of being the better side – an issue to exclusive to this season. Furthermore, West Ham’s physical approach is normally the style that diminishes Liverpool’s passing and probing nature.
It took a moment of magic from Glenn Johnson to open the scoring for Liverpool; an extraordinary drive that found the top left-hand corner. West Ham then equalized through an unjustly awarded a penalty, and took the lead from Steven Gerrard’s first ever Premier League own goal. It was late in the second half when Joe Cole equalized after some neat passing from Liverpool, and Collins turned in a Jordan Henderson cross for Liverpool’s winner.
We got three points in a fashion that we haven’t in a while. Liverpool, much like in the 2-1 loss to Tottenham, were truly in a never-say-die mentality. Despite being the better side in the opening minutes, and being on the receiving end of a controversial penalty as well as conceding an own goal, we never looked like we were willing to accept defeat.
The team did not for a second forgo our possession philosophy and resort to percentage football in the eye of losing. Liverpool continued to close down West Ham, recycle possession and attempt to play through them.
Joe Cole’s goal was typical of our system of creating chances. In this game, and the season as a whole, we have gotten ourselves into great positions in front of goals but just haven’t taken these chances. Cole’s goal shows that we can get goals through the meanest defences with our philosophy.
Patience and the willingness to win appear to be sinking in to the players. Finally our heads do not drop after going behind – something we saw often last season.
The players also seem to have a lot of faith in our philosophy, constantly looking for the short option and watching movements of forwards for through passes.
Stewart Downing appears to be starting to gain confidence and is performing his role as a left-back admirably. Whilst Glen Johnson did have a superb time going forward, it has to be said that he did not neutralize Matt Jarvis’ crosses effectively. Skrtel and Agger were typically brilliant.
Rodgers’ substitutions were very good once again; Joe Cole, whilst still highly unfit, still has his touches and technique. Henderson was good on the cross for the winner. Rodgers shows a great appreciation of player styles and seems to know exactly what he wants from players as individuals.
This is very assuring. This win puts us in good confidence and spirit to get some wins and make our serge up the table. We are finally in the top half of the league, and a mere four points off fourth.
Come on you Reds!
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