Reds knocked League 2 outfit out of the FA Cup, and we’ve drawn Bolton at home in the next round…
1) We’d be absolutely crazy not to buy a keeper this January…
It’s just an absolute necessity, isn’t it? Simon Mignolet could yet again have done better with the corner that saw us concede. Surely we have never before conceded this many many goals from set-pieces in a single season. It’s absurd, and it needs fixing, or all the conversations about formations, new forwards, and everything else are obsolete. This needs fixing. Sharp. The Belgian did actually make one especially terrific save, but he needs some genuine competition for the no.1 jersey, at the very least.
2) Coutinho is going to be absolutely vital in Adam Lallana’s absence…
While Steven Gerrard scored the goals that won us the game, Coutinho was the best player on the pitch against AFC Wimbledon. His ability to beat midfielders and defenders, and find space all across the final third will be crucial considering the in-form Lallana is out for a month. With Raheem Sterling being used in a striking role (or will he be now?) Coutinho’s ability to create in an advanced midfield position will be the fulcrum of our attack during January.
3) Mamadou Sakho is easily our best central defender right now, and it was an error of Brendan Rodgers to consider him otherwise early on this season…
The Frenchman’s our best defender, and he proves it most times he steps on the field. He’s ungainly, but his passes find their targets, he’s unbelievable in the air, and he’s far less of a positional liability than Martin Skrtel and the currently injured Dejan Lovren. He should walk into our side right now, and the fact he was replaced by the error-prone Croatian at the start of the campaign was a mistake. Let’s hope Rodgers can see that.
4) We don’t suit Rickie Lambert’s style of play, and Rickie Lambert doesn’t suit ours…
Fielding Lambert up top is a contradiction. The Englishman needs some aerial service, some diagonal balls, and midfield runners looking for his knockdowns, but he doesn’t get it. And in return, we need someone making clever runs, somebody working the channels, somebody willing to take on a defender – and perhaps most importantly – someone with a bit of pace. He works hard, and it’s not nice having to criticise a boyhood Liverpool fan; but it’s clear that our ability to play quick, intricate football is damaged when he’s fielded.
5) Despite the fact he’s leaving, Steven Gerrard is as hungry as ever to succeed for Liverpool…
Our captain knew by New Year that he wasn’t going to sign a new deal with us, and since then – he’s bagged four goals in two games. Used in a more advanced midfield position, Gerrard rolled back the years to bomb into the box and score with his head early on, before dispatching a trademark free-kick late on to win the game. If anything, the fact he knows his time at Liverpool is running out could make his will to succeed even greater.
