My take on Liverpool's problem is that when we attack we allow the opposition to get 10 men behind the ball too easily. Last season we had tons of possession, most of which was in front of the opposition midfield. If you look at the way the majority of goals are scored in any football match, they occur as a result of someone finding space. The way Liverpool played last season and also yesterday, creates very little space in the opposition half. When we attacked, everything looks very congested but when Albion attacked there was loads of space even when we had 11 men.
Another thing I've noticed about Liverpool is that there is very rarely any space behind the opposition back four. They are always camped on the edge of the penalty area making space hard to come by. As a result, our attacking play looks hasty and there appears to be no real plan as to how to break these defences down. The only plan we have is basically to give the ball to Suarez and see if he can create something.
I am no tactician, however based on the above views if I were Brendan Rodgers, I'd do the following two things:
First, we need to work on speeding up attacks when we win the ball back. The opposition midfield is thinking about attacking and are all pushing forward creating lots of space in front and behind their own defenders. The moment we win the ball back our attacking players should all be busting a gut to get forward as this is a rare moment in which they have space to work with when attacking, however obviously this needs to be super fast as the opposition will get bodies behind the ball very quickly. Speed is vital and currently I think we are too slow and frankly lazy when we win the ball back. We seem content at just having the ball, when I think we should be looking to score from breakdowns of possession.
Secondly, I think having two out and out wingers either side of Suarez would create much more space. They'll spread the back four a bit more giving Suarez and also Gerrard more space in the centre of the pitch. Also having width in a counter attack is vital because you can't just run straight down the middle of the pitch and expect to score. The space is always out wide in a counter because normally the full backs have gone forward.
So to sum up I think the problem is that we don't create enough space when attacking caused by the fact we move the ball too slowly through the midfield. And the solution is to speed up the passing especially after winning the ball back and also to play with two genuine wingers with pace. Couple that with a bit more team spirit (which was definitely lacking yesterday) and I think we'd see some improvements.
I'm not sure I've explained this very well but I hope you understand what I'm getting at and lastly, do you agree?
The Problem?
posted on 19/8/12
This is the same problem confronted by Arsenal, Man City and United at every home game (and most away).
Agree 100% with the first point, but this relies largely on the decision making of players. A player must look up, see the players ahead busting a gut to get forward, and decide whether a counter-attack is on or not.
On the second I agree that you have to attack with width to make the pitch big, therefore affording your players in the centre with more time and space.
But I strongly disagree that you need two wingers to do this, in fact, I think it's predictable and easy to stop. Play with one winger on one side of the pitch, and on the other have someone cutting inside, with an attacking full-back providing width on that flank. Or, let the forward players provide width early in the attack, but then they can tuck inside when the full back gallop forward on the flanks.
Meh, its not an easy question to answer though, even Guardiola had huge problems with how to get the right balance of width and central- penetration in his last year in charge...
posted on 19/8/12
some valid points,but the 1st game always brings shock results even shankley got beat 1st game,its new team and it needs to click,i think rodgers will get right sooner rather than later. iam still optimistic.dispite the non liverpool fans doom and gloom.
posted on 19/8/12
Good post, analysis totally lacking in the hysteria I've read elsewhere. One game, only one game played and doom and gloom surround us. BR has called for patience (what will the response be if we lose next Sunday to th PL Champions?) and he should be given time. Xmas will be the earliest date by which valued judgements can be made on players, management, team etc. some of the tripe I've read in the last 21 hours defy belief. Get behind our manager and club, please. jimmmyTheRed
posted on 19/8/12
Great article.
Its the main reason why Suarez doesn't get enough goals in my view
posted on 19/8/12
Arsenal, Man City and United do have to deal with the same problem as us. However city have enough quality to break down the opposition. man united score a massive majority of their goals as a result of wing play which backs up my point that two out and out wingers can break down an opposition defence. arsenal for some reason just seem more fluid on the ball when attacking. I think this is wenger at his best and i believe rodgers can do the same with us but it will take time.
posted on 19/8/12
I agree with all of your points made and the other comments above - this is a very good article. Such a shame that it has so few comments compared to the mass hysteria being spouted everywhere else.