Liverpool FC: Post Villa Observations

Article by Lee Beevor

With my club Chelsea playing on Sunday, I took the opportunity to cast my eye over the three clubs who in my opinion, are our rivals for this year’s Premier League. After flicking between City and Arsenal, who eventually cruised to home victories, I settled down to watch Liverpool host Aston Villa. At the same time, it seemed an ideal moment to take some notes and pen a follow-up to my article of a fortnight ago, “Why Liverpool could win the League”.

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I thoroughly enjoyed the game, as I have tended to do so whenever I’ve had a chance to watch Liverpool this season. Brendan Rogers has them playing some lovely football and at times going forward they look as good as any. Rogers clearly learnt plenty from Mourinho in terms of motivating his personnel, as they are brimming with confidence. This did not waiver for a second, despite giving Villa a two goal advantage and their subsequent comeback was fully deserved.

That they did not go on to win will be a disappointment and does add pressure on them to take maximum points against their direct rivals to stay in touch. Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City must travel to Anfield, giving the Reds the possibility to close the significant, but not yet insurmountable gap. Perhaps more importantly however are the home games against Tottenham and Everton, who in all likelihood stand between them and the final Champions League position. If they can secure this, Luis Suarez may agree to extend his stay at the club for at least another year.

Suarez did not score against Villa, but was involved in everything created by Liverpool. His combination with Henderson and Sturridge for their first goal was delightful. Once again he showed the less pleasant side of his game with a dive to win a penalty for the equaliser. Nevertheless, his overall value to this team is immeasurable, as he provides their spark. It is absolutely vital for the future of the club that they achieve this fourth place finish and keep him, as he is irreplaceable.

Away from their talisman, I was impressed too by the midfield. In the heart, there was their captain Steven Gerrard. Nowadays he acts almost as a conductor, dictating with his range of passing and giving the team shape with his positional awareness. His energy levels appear as strong as ever, as I witnessed a brace of strong tackles and a trademark surging run, both in stoppage time at the end of the match. I’m sure he will call time on his international career after the World Cup, but on this evidence, he has plenty left to offer both his club and country. Alongside Gerrard was the impressive Henderson. He seems to grow in stature every time I see him and his sumptuous back heel assist was my highlight of the match. Henderson, Sterling and Sturridge form the core of a young vibrant team, who could challenge for honours in the coming years.

Defensively, they are still suffering with injuries and this is the area that will in all probability, prevent them from keeping up with the relentless trio above them. Toure and Skrtel are reasonable back-ups, but Agger and Sakho would surely be the preferred pairing. However, the weakest link in the back five has to be the keeper. I agreed that Reina needed to be replaced, as he was starting to become a little error prone. However, I was not sure Mignolet was the answer, an opinion that solidified after his Liverpool debut. For me his penalty save did not obscure a nervous performance, with an inability to command his area. This weakness was in evidence again against Villa, as his poor judgement was responsible for Benteke’s goal.

Unfortunately for Liverpool, defences win championships. For this reason, I do not feel they will be able to overhaul Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal. On the plus side, I saw enough today to suggest they can hold off the challenges of Everton and Tottenham. If they can do so, keep Suarez and strengthen again in the summer, maybe 2015 could be the year Liverpool wins the League!

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