Winning Is All That Matters
Liverpool scraped past Premier League newcomers Bournemouth on Monday night thanks to a first-half Christian Benteke goal. The Premier League new boys were no push overs as many Liverpool supporters turning up for their favourites’ first home game of the season anticipated.
In fact Liverpool were extremely grateful for referee Craig Pawson getting the game’s two major decisions wrong. Bournemouth’s Tommy Elphick headed past Simon Mignolet from a corner early in the first-half but his effort was harshly ruled out for apparently fouling Dejan Lovren.
But to rub salt into the wound Liverpool’s winning goal by Benteke was allowed to stand despite Philippe Coutinho clearly being in an offside position and attempting to make contact with the ball prior to Benteke netting.
Two wins out of two games to start the season is the most important thing for Liverpool despite the Reds struggling to find their best form but two clean sheets is encouraging after much criticism of their defence during the last couple of seasons.
Brendan Rodgers deciding to play a back four is making Liverpool look more solid defensively but the new signings of Clyne and Gomez are playing a massive part in the defensive improvement with their natural defensive play and pace helping their two centre halves.
The disappointing thing for Liverpool supporters has been the lack of attacking play despite the talented players included their eleven. Coutinho is the one player that is creating chances for the Reds and Benteke has the look of being a great signing and his first Anfield goal will only help his confidence.
It is still early in the season and tougher tests will come and next week will be Liverpool’s first real examination at Arsenal but you would expect Liverpool to improve with their attacking play with each passing game as their new players begin to gel.
However Liverpool play this season the most important thing is finding a way to win and in the first two games they have did that so we shouldn’t be too critical.