Can
Liverpool be going into the next season’s Champions League with the sort of
performances they have given against Hull? This question was lingering around
Anfield corridors when Liverpool were frustrated by a Hull side. In addition
the Hull goal-keeper who had a match of his life-time, it was the absence of
cutting edge that made task easy for Steve Bruce side as they gone back happily
with a point.
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At-last a clean sheet
While
Mario Balotelli was again at the centre of limelight due to the number of chances
he missed, Liverpool defensive demons were put to rest on Saturday as it was a
first solid performance since the end of August by the Liverpool new-look back
four. Even though Hull are regarded as minnows in the League, still keeping in
mind Liverpool’s defensive record against the likes of QPR, Aston Villa and
West Brom, a clean sheet at least for Simon Mignolet was a positive note for
the Reds.
Also Read: What to do with Mario Balotelli.
When
Liverpool started this season Brendan Rodgers reiterated his desire of winning
a trophy in addition to finish in the top four. While the latter claim looks set
to be under the electronic microscope, Capital One cup is the most realistic
chance for a Liverpool side that is looking for Silverware since the end of
2011-12 season.
Back to back defeats in the Champions League have hung
Liverpool’s chances of progressing in the competition right in balance.
And
now with teams like Arsenal and Manchester United being out of the competition
while both Chelsea and Manchester City playing their second fiddle teams in the
domestic cup, Liverpool should go for the throne if they have to provide their
players a way-out from the ongoing criticism of late.
When
Swansea put two past their opponents on Saturday with Wilfried Bony the pick of
the performers of the week, painful memories of him linking with Liverpool in
the summer might have crossed some Liverpool minds seeing how Balotelli
floundered a tap in in injury time to deny Liverpool a winner.
And
now with Bony coming to Anfield and on the back of several strong performances
for club and country, he might show the Anfield boardroom staff just what they
missed out on during the Transfer Window. And with none of the three Liverpool
attackers have a goal to their name so far in the Premier League, a Wilfred
Bony goal will be mourned, to say the least.
Swansea
play the Liverpool, or in other words, Liverpool adapted the Swansea style of
passing by acquiring Brendan Rodgers. So apart from last season when Liverpool
were on song, matches against Swansea have always been tight. And with similar
tactics on the pitch by both Swansea and Liverpool, it might serve as a
frustrating fixture for the Reds.
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