Well, I think it is fair to say that it was not the most comfortable of starts for Liverpool against Southampton, but we did get the job done. The three points are in the bag. And if we can still pick up three points when we did not play well, then I look forward to the results when our Redman do start clicking.
That being said, I was concerned about two aspects of our match. The first is what I saw as a lack of passion. The Southampton midfield looked far more eager and aggressive when it came to the fifty/fifty balls, and nine times out of ten, it was either Wanyama or Tadic emerging with the ball (apart from the Henderson incident that set up Sterlings’ goal). My second concern is that we looked a little tired. Perhaps it was the pre-season travelling that our players have not overcome yet, but we seemed far slower than we should.
I also think we all now appreciate what Suarez had brought to Liverpool, as it was lacking on Sunday. That insane arrogance of seeing that your teammates are not at their best, so you put your head down and just take on the opposition. That confidence of trying something that other players wouldn’t. I kept waiting for Sterling or Sturridge to just take a run at the Southampton defence, but instead they kept turning back. It became all too predictable, and we missed that Suarez-esh unpredictability up front.
But on the positive side, Sterling’s finish showed how much he has matured, Lovren looked immense at the back and Manquillo had a solid start to his career at Anfield.
But our first major test of the season comes this Monday, when we travel to Manchester to take on City. Manchester City beat Newcastle in their first match, but it was far from comfortable. The 2-0 score line, a little deceiving. Newcastle had the chances to take something away from the match until Aguero produced the killer blow in the end. A shocking statistic is that Newcastle did not have a single shot on target in the match despite getting in good positions to do so. The heartache of last year should give us that extra spark of passion we will need if we want to come away from this match with a result.
For me, our starting eleven should be Mignolet, Manquillo, Skrtel, Lovern and a debut for Moreno. Then in front of the back four Gerrard and Lucas. And on the Lucas note, I thought it was a little harsh the criticism the Brazilian received after the match, because I thought he did his job reasonably well. He made a few interceptions and interrupted their play, though he did fall away in the second half. In front of them, I would like to see Coutinho, Henderson and Sterling playing just behind Sturridge. Coutinho disappointed me against Southampton, but I back his quality enough to give him another starting place. I am hoping Marcovic and Lallana are approaching full fitness to get a place on the bench as I would love to see them in a Liverpool shirt, sooner rather than later.
And as to my prediction…as a Liverpool supporter, I don’t doubt that we will win. But as a punter, I will stay away from making a prediction on this match…just as I have stayed away from mentioning Ballotelli as yet.
And our competitors…
After watching the Chelsea – Burnley match, I can see why Chelsea are favourites to win the league this season. Arsene Wenger is a fool for not signing up Cesc Fabregas. The Spaniard looked a step of class better than any player on the pitch. This weekend, they host newly promoted Leicester, and I see three points for Chelsea in this match. Everton then welcome Arsenal to Goodison Park, and I believe the Gunners will leave with a bloody nose here and no points. Harry then takes his QPR team to his former employers, Tottenham and I think he may actually get something here. And lastly United travel to Sunderland. A poor penalty decision hindered Sunderland on match day one, but playing away from the pressure of Old Trafford may be in Van Gaals’ favour. A tough one to call, but the Scouse in me will be looking for the upset. Sunderland to win or to draw.
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