Liverpool seized the opportunity to climb the ladder as they kept a clean sheet and saw their star striker return to score the goal that cemented a crucial win. A brilliant defensive and attacking performance in the second half gave fans and their on looking captain much to celebrate as Liverpool leap-frogged West Ham to claim seventh place. Dynamism, vigour and passion pushed the team on as West Ham caused no real trouble for the reinvigorated Simon Mignolet.
Coutinho Conjury
My man of the match was brilliant today, feeding balls into the hungry attack and causing menace. He has become a real leader in Liverpool’s attacking line. His love of cutting inside and dribbling past players was evident as he dominated midfield and made things happen. Claiming two assists brilliantly weighted for the two Liverpool goals he was absolutely vital to our result today. A special talent.
Attack, Attack, Attack
An abundance of attacking threat was on display today, the Liverpool midfield and front three combined fluidly to create a lot of chances. Sterling’s goal to get the Reds off to a winning start was a combination of different passes, excellent vision and perseverance. Rodgers’ starting line-up was a statement of intent and it paid off. We are beginning to understand why Rodgers gave Sterling time off, he is refreshed and was able to bear the responsibility of playing the role of striker convincingly. The Liverpool of last season is emerging and with every game their confidence grows. The road to further progress means more shots need to be converted into goals but chance creation is becoming increasingly effortless among the young starters.
Defence Gratifying
Simon Mignolet must feel somewhat vindicated. The keeper played with assurance and commanded his space exceptionally well today. Making some brilliant clearances from set pieces and regaining his ability to make credible split second decisions Mignolet deserves recognition for his performances that have kept the Reds in important games.
Skrtel and Sakho each had a superb game today. Skrtel boasted a 91% pass success rate, among the top three in the whole game. Sakho was immense, winning his aerial duels and combining well with Henderson and Skrtel to keep West Ham at bay. Sakho saw lots of the ball today and showed great composure and confidence to keep the play flowing and soak up any pressure from the opposition.
Another boost for the team was seeing Ibe come on and make brilliant runs down the right hand side. His buoyancy was uplifting and he looks to be a great prospect for Liverpool.
Anfield of dreams for Sturridge
Daniel Sturridge’s return will end the long trail of ‘what ifs’ stemming back five months. It took the striker just nine minutes to fire past Adrian from a Coutinho pass, sending the crowd both in the stadium and at home into a frenzy. His long overdue return has given Liverpool’s pursuit of a top four place real impetus; a breath of fresh air.
What next for Liverpool?
Judging by today’s performance Liverpool’s mechanics are working well; the defence is tight, midfield has regained the pace and intensity of last season and now a proven striker returns. A place in the top four awaits if Liverpool can keep this momentum and go about collecting three points in the same professional manner they did today.