Five things we learned from today’s draw, including why there are positives to take…
Liverpool face a replay against Blackburn Rovers after holding the Reds to a 0-0 draw at Anfield.
Despite something of a disappointing result, there was still plenty to learn from the fixture, with some positives to take.
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Here are five things we learned from this afternoon’s game:
5) Raheem Sterling is more effective in a central role
The versatile youngster was surprisingly asked to play in a left wing-back role today, and while he didn’t do anything overly wrong, he didn’t offer anywhere near as much as he does in a central role. Sterling has been hugely effective both as a central striker and as an attacking midfielder so far this season, but Blackburn were able to concentrate their marking on the left flank, rather than having to deal with him flitting around freely in the centre.
4) Simon Mignolet can be relied on to make the big saves
The Belgian had a quiet day, but was called upon to make one big save. His one handed side from Alex Baptiste’s header was a huge moment in the game, and one that effectively earned the Reds a replay. There were plenty of other positives from a ninth clean sheet since the turn of the year. Liverpool dealt well with the injury to Martin Skrtel, while they likes of Glen Johnson and Dejan Lovren impressed despite their many critics.
3) We shouldn’t underestimate the job Joe Allen does
Emre Can has been excellent over the last three months, but such a huge amount of game time seemed to have caught up on him today. Joe Allen is another Liverpool player who has been criticised in the past, but he’s been performing well in recent games, and was sorely missed. Both Allen and Lucas are adept at playing the holding midfield role, but Can has looked more comfortable when playing in the back or even on the flank.
2) Championship teams are capable of causing plenty of problems
Only two teams have prevented from Liverpool scoring in 2015 – Bolton Wanderers and Blackburn Rovers. The Championship teams are not to be underestimated, especially when players such as Rudy Gestede are lurking up front. We are going to have more and more teams that come and park the bus against us, and we need to be more adept at breaking those teams down. And yes, we know that’s easier said than done!
1) We’re still the favourites to go through to the semi-final
Liverpool remain firm favourites to progress to the FA Cup semi-final, and that should not be forgotten amidst the disappointment of failing to progress today. Blackburn are going to have to come out of their shell at some point, particularly in front of a home crowd, and we should be ready to hit them on the break as a result. A number of players, including captain Steven Gerrard, should also be back in time for the replay.
