Reality Check For Reds
Liverpool supporters turned up at Anfield on Saturday expecting nothing less than a win and a few goals as well after an impressive performance on Monday night at Arsenal.
The 0-0 draw at the Emirates was a test that Liverpool stood up to and a home match against West Ham was food for thought for the thousands of Liverpool supporters turning up at Anfield, after all, the Hammers hadn’t won here for 52 years.
But the unthinkable happened, and never looked in doubt after the visitors took an early lead in the 3rd minute before doubling their lead before half-time. Coutinho’s sending off early in the second half ended any hopes of a comeback and a late third goal for West Ham was thoroughly deserved.
But this result and performance was a reality check for Liverpool after an encouraging start to the season but this defeat will burst the over-confident bubble.
Liverpool’s defence was all over the place and West Ham looked capable of scoring with every attack. Despite having the insurance of Lucas and Can in the middle of midfield.
The defence’s performance was all the more surprising after taking the plaudits from an impressive performance on Monday night but Gomez looked cumbersome and like a player playing out of position with his poor attacking play down the left.
Lovren and Skrtel looked like they were starring in a Laurel and Hardy film with their comedy defensive capers with Lovren taking the starring role with his 40 yard shots, and step-overs.
Milner gave his usual endeavour but his lack of quality was frustrating. Liverpool’s midfield never looked like creating anything with their square passing and lack of width with only Gomez and Clyne offering any, and both are more comfortable defending.
Coutinho was a frustrated figure trying to find space to weave his magic but with no movement around him his frustration boiled over leading to him taking an early bath.
Benteke was isolated all game and although many modern managers like to play a lone striker I like to see Liverpool play with two strikers at Anfield.
Liverpool’s players looked like they didn’t have a clue and Brendan Rodgers must have to answer to that with their dis-jointed play that lacked tempo or cohesion.
Once again Rodgers made changes too late or strange. When chasing the game at 2-0 at half-time Rodgers took off a strong attack minded Can for a left-back Moreno and left a defensive midfielder Lucas on who gives nothing in attack.
Lovren was having a nightmare and should have been taken off after making the mistake that led to West Ham’s second goal for Sakho.
Rodgers brought on Ings as a second striker far too late and with Liverpool crying out for a wide man all game he gave Ibe a meagre ten minutes to change the game.
With all the bad points there was nothing to take positive out of the defeat against West Ham other than a two week break until the next game against Manchester United.
Hopefully this was just a bad day at the office and hopefully not a true reflection on the team we have this season.