Five things that we learned from Liverpool’s victory over Stoke City…
Liverpool defeated Stoke City 1-0 on Saturday afternoon, here are five things that we learned from the victory:
Mignolet has Liverpool future
Simon Mignolet bounced back with an exceptional performance today, having drawn much criticism during the week for his run of under-par displays. The Belgian was out quickly to stop Mame Biram Diouf mid-way through the second-half, and made a truly world class save to deny Bojan late on, as the Reds hang on to their win. There are still elements of his game that need improving, but he proved today that he’s far from a lost cause.
Rodgers has lost faith in Lovren
There were very few raised eyebrows when Kolo Toure started the mid-week Champions League draw against Ludogorets on Wednesday, but many supporters will have been surprised, albeit pleasantly, that the Ivorian kept his place for the Stoke clash today. It’s a worrying sign for £20m summer signing Dejan Lovren, who was effectively left on the bench in favour of a player that couldn’t get near the squad during the second-half of last season, let alone the team.
Lucas need to be a first team regular
The Brazilian midfielder was vital today, sitting in front of the back four and really helping neutralise the threat of Stoke’s attacking minded players. He’s the only player in the Reds squad that is content with sticking to his position, winning tackles and breaking up attacks. He is far more suited to the role that a Steven Gerrard or a Jordan Henderson, because they are better used playing further forward. Lucas isn’t restricted by the position, he thrives in it, and needs to be a regular starter rather than a transfer target for mid-table Serie A clubs.
The players are fully behind Rodgers
The effort and commitment from Liverpool’s squad today proved exactly why Brendan Rodgers deserves more time in his role as manager. A manager’s position only truly becomes untenable when he loses the dressing room. While the players are still performing, or at least giving 100%, then Rodgers has the capabilities to turn the Reds season around. Things looked fairly dire in the first-half as the team’s lack of confidence showed, but Rodgers and co were able to turn it around and secure the vital result.
Glen Johnson is commited to the cause
He might still attract criticism from a large percentage of the Liverpool fans, but no one can deny Glen Johnson’s commitment to the cause when he stuck his head among the Stoke City boots to nod home the Reds winner five minutes from time today. For Johnson, whose contract expires at the end of the season, it would be easy to ease off under the pressure of supporters and pundits calling for him to be taken out of the team, but he did anything but today, and should at least be credited for that.