Five things that we learned from Liverpool’s draw with Basel…
Liverpool were held to a 1-1 draw with Basel on Tuesday evening as our Champions League fate was sealed, here are five things that we learned from the game:
It’s the Europa League for Liverpool
There was no repeat of that magical night at Anfield in 2004, when Liverpool came from behind to beat Olympiacos 3-1. Steven Gerrard was at the heart of another late revival for the Reds’ but could not secure the victory needed to send us into the Champions League knockout stages. We will instead be facing up to the prospect of playing in the Europa League after Christmas. The winner’s of the competition receive a place in the Champions League next season, and that should be motivation enough for us to go all out for success.
Liverpool’s youngsters still have a lot to learn
Lazar Markovic’s red card put a huge dent in Liverpool’s hopes of defeating Basel. The Serbian impressed after coming on at half-time, before catching his marker with a stray arm and earning his marching orders. His dismissal was harsh to say the least, but it showed his nativity. When you raise your arm, you’re always going to risk getting into trouble. What he did was unnecessary, and his teammates paid the price.
Brendan Rodgers got his tactics wrong
Why Rodgers played Joe Allen, Lucas Leiva and Jordan Henderson from the start, while Adam Lallana and Philippe Coutinho were left on the bench in a must-win game is anyone’s guess. Liverpool were simply not at the races in the first-half, and had given themselves a mountain to climb by the time the second-half response came. Rodgers got his tactics and his team wrong, and on such a big night that cannot be considered acceptable.
Steven Gerrard is still a star
Liverpool’s captain scored a brilliant free-kick, and almost single-handedly helped the Reds over the line. Gerrard put everything he had into the game, and his teammates could do with taking inspiration from their skipper. The 34-year-old might not be able to play every game any more, but he is still crucial to how Liverpool play, and the last few weeks have proved why the Reds are better with him in the team.
Daniel Sturridge is going to be under a lot of pressure
Rickie Lambert was withdrawn at half-time, and Liverpool played the entire second-half without a recognized striker. The absence of Daniel Sturridge through injury has become more and more noticeable as Liverpool’s problems in front of goal continue to mount. When Sturridge does eventually return to full fitness, he will be under intense pressure to deliver from the get go, and help the Reds improve their current performances.