Liverpool 1-0 Manchester United (Sturridge 3')
Tactical Roundup
I predicted at the start of the game that we'd set up in a 4-2-3-1. What I got wrong was how we set up with the three behind the striker. I had assumed that we'd have Henderson left, Coutinho central, and Aspas down the right, but we instead went with Aspas central, Coutinho on the left once again and Henderson on the right.
I think overall it worked pretty well. I thought that wth Aspas on the right, we wouldn't have much joy down that side. Instead, Henderson's work rate and physical play caused Evra tons of problems and really opened that side up for us. Coutinho was able to get a good amount of space out wide, but didn't get enough touches to really take hold of the game.
Defensively, we have great shape. It's very surprising for me to see it because it was our biggest weakness last term. Today (and indeed all season thus far) we've played a pretty deep line and absorbed pressure extremely well. For me it was more reminiscent of Chelsea under Mourinho or us under Rafa than last year under Brendan or Barcelona or Swansea's style of play. When we lost the ball, we dropped back into a 4-4-1-1. United only had any real success through the wings, and when they played up the wings, our shape looked like this:
The team clearly shifted over, and most importantly the far side winger (Henderson here) dropped into midfield to give us numbers. They couldn't get the ball back to central midfield because they had no forward progress there and they had no real options on the wings either. Essentially, we stifled their attack with compact team shape and numbers in defense.
Ebb and Flow
Over the past few weeks, I've grown accustomed to nearly having a heart attack in the second half of Liverpool games. Today, of course, was no different. We started the first half on a very good foot with a goal. It was well deserved; despite the fact that it was only a half chance and it was from a set piece, we bossed the first 15 minutes to the extent that I didn't think Manchester United would get into the game before half time. Ultimately they gained a little ground prior to half time, but we kept passing the ball very well and frustrated them to the extent that they had three yellow cards right in the lead-up to half time.
After half time they dominated us, there's no two ways about it. They won second balls, had possession, and dictated the game. I don't think this is necessarily a negative thing, though. Sure, we should be dominating games. But if Rodgers thinks the best way to win is to stay compact and eke it out, that's okay. It worked.
One nil to the Liverpool
Seems we've picked up a habit of eking out one nil victories, eh? Personally, I don't mind them at all. One more and we'll have to start Arsenal's old chant "One Nil to the Liverpool!"
There are some negatives here, though. For all the excitement and… well.. points we get for winning, it does show that we don't put games away. At this point, I would point out that a good team would take advantage of that and get a goal back, but I guess today's evidence goes to the contrary. Still, we need to be scoring a few more goals in order to prevent dropping points on those freak goals that happen every once in a while. Suarez' return should help this cause, and prevent a large number of cardiac arrests among Liverpool supporters.
Player Notes
My man of the match is Glen Johnson. He left injured with time left to go, but he completely dominated the right side today. Finishing up with three tackles, two interceptions, and two blocked shots is a very good day for a fullback whom most criticize for his defending. Additionally, he took on his man six times and beat him on four of those occasions. Compare that to Stewart Downing! He completely nullified their attack down the right side along with help from Henderson.
Giving Glen a run for his money were Gerrard, Lucas, Henderson, Sturridge, and Skrtel. They all had fantastic games. Henderson's work rate really closed down the pitch for Manchester United and prevented them from dictating play in the first half. In the second half, his omnipresence prevented United from doing anything terribly dangerous with their possession. Gerrard was magnificent as always but had four very good tackles today. His discipline, along with Lucas', defines our current style of play. The two of them are great at shielding the back four and they dominate midfield. Lucas for his part had 5 tackles and did a good job, but conceded two fouls in dangerous areas and another in United's half. He needs to be careful of where he's fouling. His distribution was very good.
Skrtel had a great game. He did let Welbeck past him a bit too easy early in the match but Johnson blocked it so no harm no foul. The rest of the match he was brilliant: he closed down Van Persie so excellently that the striker blew up at him around half time. I know he's just about gone, but he's great at man marking and he's very good in the current style we're playing where we absorb pressure. That's how he made his mark for us initially in 2008-2009.
It feels harsh to leave Sturridge out of my MOTM voting after a third consecutive winner. Aside from his goal, though, he wasn't all that dangerous. His hold up play is good and he's very quick, but he didn't look like scoring another. Still, and without a doubt the hero of this match. His performance is all the more impressive given he wasn't 100% fit for it. Hopefully we can keep reaping the rewards of his talents.
Coutinho, Aspas, and Sterling were all a bit off today. Coutinho was left on the wing and really didn't have his chance to influence the game. He wasn't poor by any stretch, but he just wasn't involved. Sterling came on and was put up against the only type of defender that will consistently better him. Valencia can match him for pace but has so much more power. Sterling can't really outrun him and won't be able to hold him off the ball. I'm still yet to be convinced by Iago Aspas. I know he's only in his first season here, but he shows all the hallmarks of a foreign player. He's lightweight and gets pushed off the ball very easily by English defenders. His first touch often goes just a bit too far and he loses the ball. Again, not a poor performance, but he'll take a while to adjust to this league.
