Liverpool 2, Stoke City 0: Catastrophe and the Cure

By: Ed | February 2nd, 2011

SOCCER-ENGLAND/

Liverpool get a terrific team performance and beat Stoke 2-0.

Well that felt good, didn’t it?

We knew coming in that Liverpool were going to have to put in an all-around performance today, seeing as Stoke are one of the more challenging and relentless sides in the Premier League. We knew that there was going to be plenty of discussion about how Liverpool would fare after Monday’s comings and goings. We knew that, while it wasn’t necessarily decided today, the new-look Liverpool’s future sort of kicked off today.

That new look was really the only topic of conversation in the build-up—not necessarily who was here and who wasn’t, but more so wondering aloud how the hell Liverpool were going to line up with a starting eleven that included six defenders and five midfielders. The trust in Kenny Dalglish never wavered, but the selection more than piqued my curiosity.

You could tell early in the first half that the squad were coming to grips with the different approach, even if, as Noel pointed out in the matchday thread, they weren’t tasked with any responsibilities completely foreign to them both collectively and individually. Sorting it all out proved to be the most challenging, as Martin Kelly and Glen Johnson hamstrung themselves a bit in a quasi-wingback role, the midfield four of Steven Gerrard, Fabio Aurelio, Lucas, and Raul Meireles each did a bit of roaming, and Dirk Kuyt familiarized himself with an old role.

There were a few isolated chances before everything started to come together, and a Sotirios Kyrgiakos’ header from a Steven Gerrard corner that had to be cleared off the line was the most notable. It didn’t exactly signal Liverpool’s intent, but around the half-hour mark the squad started to flex some of their influence. Kuyt’s hold-up play and distribution started to pay off, and the best chance of the half came after he played Martin Kelly down the right side deep in Stoke’s area. Kelly’s cross found Glen Johnson in front of goal at point-blank range, and were it not for Asmir Begovic’s fantastic reaction save, Liverpool would have had their opener.

The last fifteen or so minutes of the first half saw Liverpool flow forward in numbers, with Daniel Agger, Martin Skrtel, and Sotirios Kyrgiakos all pressing near the halfway line. That midfield four took their turns racing into the box, led by both Steven Gerrard and Raul Meireles, and they were stabilized by Lucas and Aurelio a bit deeper. The halftime whistle came at a perfect time for Stoke, as it truly seemed like a matter of time before Liverpool scored. Kenny Dalglish’s tactical adjustments had started to pay off, and Liverpool were well and truly the better side.

They more or less continued into the second half, and they quickly had the opener. Steven Gerrard’s free kick knocked around into the area, and after Kyrgiakos knocked it off Robert Huth the ball fell into open space in the Stoke penalty area for an onrushing Raul Meireles. The Greek did well to stay out of the way, and Meireles crashed home with his left foot to give Liverpool the lead. It was the midfielder’s third goal in four Premier League matches and more than deserved for Liverpool’s growing dominance over the first 47 minutes of the match.

Credit to Tony Pulis and Stoke after that goal, as they made changes and started to exert their influence on the match. It never really resulted in sustained pressure, though, and the visitors only forced Pepe Reina into one save on the night.

That chance came after the debut and goal of Luis Suarez, who came on to much fanfare and adulation from Liverpool supporters in the 63rd minute. The opening touches were, as expected, a bit nervy, but he gradually started to set himself apart as he found his feet. His(?) goal came as a result of an instinctual break and an absolutely dynamite ball from Dirk Kuyt, and while it wasn’t the prettiest of efforts, you figure he’s got to be credited with it. Rounded Begovic and scuffed it on goal, and Andy Wilkinson couldn’t clear, and it was rapture at Anfield. The goal was made even better by the shots of Andy Carroll and Damien Comolli celebrating in the stands, with the former grinning from ear to ear and the latter high-fiving anyone in sight.

From there it was somewhat of a formality, which is something Liverpool haven’t had much of a chance to experience this season. The aforementioned save from Pepe Reina was really the only event of note after Suarez broke his duck, and it was Liverpool’s third straight Premier League, the first time this season they’ve achieved such a feat.

I don’t know that enough can be said about the changes made by Kenny Dalglish and the side’s willingness to adapt. Three at the back was a move clearly tailored to the opposition, and it proved to be genius. Stoke were neutered for most of the match, stymied at nearly every turn by a resurgent Sotirios Kyrgiakos, a steadied Martin Skrtel, and the top-class Daniel Agger.

They weren’t alone, though, as Liverpool both defended and got forward as a unit. The early inconsistencies gave way to a fluid, confident performance, and Liverpool continued their recent progress. Lucas again deserves picking out for the usual reasons, but I was also plenty impressed with the performance of Dirk Kuyt up top and Steven Gerrard and Raul Meireles in the midfield. Kuyt showed more than enough strength and guile as the lone forward man, and the partnership of Gerrard and Meireles has the potential to give the opposition fits. That Luis Suarez scored on his debut only sweetens an already terrific night.

In the end, I think it’s safe to say that we got exactly what we had hoped for from Liverpool. They never showed panic or doubt despite the events of the past week, and they’ve continued the revolution of recent weeks. It’s almost impossible to compare this Liverpool with the one we saw months ago; there’s passion, commitment, and a feeling that there’s only more to come.

Hope you all were able to enjoy the match today—no doubt this weekend is going to get a little nutty, so for now let’s just enjoy the result.

Some Related Liverpool Posts:

Category: Match Recaps, Miscellaneous, Premier League

« Matchday: Liverpool v. Stoke City | Home | Three. Six. One. »

Jesse Rai

Just to see the King's face light up with that infectious ear-to-ear grin whenever we score is amazing.. like winding back the clock to headier days.. YNWA
Mike

His bright orange kicks make him easy to follow on the pitch. Meireles? Stevie and Lucas? Harlem Globetrotters baby. Pew pew!
RedDownUnda

Only saw part of the second half before I had to attend the steam shovel this am, but looking forward to the whole shebang tonight. From what I saw, I thought Kuyt was back to somewhere near his best. The guy has always put in, is a freaking Trojan and never gives up running; but he just needed to get it together quality wise. I know there are better, flashier guys on the park, but I have always loved his commitment to the cause. And like so many, he's improved no end under KK.

And it's nice to see something other than one-plan-one-way footy. I'm not qualified to pull all the options apart with any kind of credibility, but this seems a whole lot better now Kenny has changed the shape, removed the hoof at the back, and has us pressing from the front. And bugger me if the boys on the park actually believe they're going to win.

Noice.
justin

It's impossible not to feel thrilled with the natural enthusiasm and megawatt smile that was on Suarez's face last night. It's almost like goosebumps.

If Kuyt was able to excell in the Centre Forward role like yesterday, then one can only imagine how much more effective things might be if Caroll was in his place. Nonetheless, Kuyt was tremendous and very clever at the way he went about his work.

Very exciting times for LFC. We even went out to press and attack from the get go, very unlike times in Benitez's reign when we had lots of possession but never really pushed even after any lead.

Very very impressed with Kenny's improvisation on the formations as well, we no longer play a fixed shape but one that is fluid enough to suit the strength of the entire team. Well done lads!
digitalgonzo

Yeah, agreed. Kenny's tactical approach to the match really set the scene for the result. Good to see Aurellio back in the mix. The genuine excitement from the team (and on the touchline and in the stands) when the goal was scored shows what our club is really about.
justin

Now if we can just push on on Sunday and show the world whose team is truly on the up and which is in decline !
Red2death

Leaves one wondering what-if we didn't have Hodgson for the first 20 games. Would we be challenging for the title now?
Ryan

My thoughts exactly. But, If we were higher on the table, we might not have lost Torres. Which could of meant no Carroll or Suarez. I for one am all for the 2 new guys, after seeing Torres' lack of form the past year. But they still have a lot to prove.
Yann

It might have meant no Carroll but Suarez was already lined up before Torres revealed himself.
Ibra

Suarez off of a 7 game ban hasn't played in a while (2 months?), not trained at all with his new team, new country, running around after transfer, and likely other factors as well, looked understandably nervous. In the context of things he did well.

Agger back to life after Hodgson nearly buried him, was brilliant all game and won the free kick that led to the goal.

Formation was clearly offensive from the get go, don't think it was set up to neutralize stoke although it may have killed two bird with one stone, just working with what he had as Suarez not ready to start and Carroll injured.

"It’s almost impossible to compare this Liverpool with the one we saw months ago; there’s passion, commitment, and a feeling that there’s only more to come." Indeed their is no comparison, and yet a detailed comparison is exactly what needs to be done, so that never again...
Wouldn't compare it to Rafa's LFC either.

Only negative is it seems like we are going through a bit of an identity crisis at 1-0 up. After we took the lead against fulham and today the players look uncertain and tentative.
Joel

Lucas is really growing into CM, covering runs, linking up play, and bursting forward when needed. He had three or four really excellent long range passes, the two that stood out most to me were the one from RCM to Johnson on the left touchline, and a great one from deep LCM to pick out a run from Shelvey down the right. Not that Lucas hasn't played well this year or the last, but his confidence level is rapidly rising to match his ability level. He looks every bit an all around CM, on the cusp of breaking into the world class echelon. I've been saying it for two years, but he is going to star at the 2014 World Cup.

Can really only echo Ed's comments on the team- great team performance, everyone putting in the effort and showing like they want to play for the shirt. Team movement is 1000% better than it has been under Roy and last year under Rafa.

As far as Suarez, he's very lively, very intelligent, and very skillful. Looks every bit a top class number 7. I really fear for defensive lines going up against him and Carroll paired together. Having to deal with a big, physical presence, while also worrying about Suarez darting about and ghosting in behind the line. The future looks bright.
Gdv06

I agree that today's match left me with an amazing feeling. I'm not sure if a 5-4-1 is something that Kenny plans on using in the future, but it certainly was a brilliant and effective move against an opposition that is notorious for launching long balls. Our CD's have looked a little bit shaky against opposition that takes that sort of approach, and I think it was a great tactical move by Kenny, to calm everyone's nerves during errant long balls, by creating a security blanket of 3 defenders who are all strong heading the ball. I was surprised by how fluid the back 5 looked--watching Agger and Skyrtel (sometimes) roam forward was exciting to watch, especially because Agger looks so comfortable on the ball.

I honestly wouldn't mind using that formation in the future, especially against an opposition like Stoke, but the one player who looked out of sorts for me was Kelly. I wouldn't mind seeing him occupy one of the positions that Skyrtel-Agger-Soto had, because I think he'd be comfortable in the center, and moving forward sporadically as they did. But, I didn't see him adding a whole lot of width, which is an essential part of playing a wing back in a 5-4-1. I think it would be interesting to see Aurelio play in Kelly's position and Johnson to return to the right where he's more comfortable. I think that the cover of 3 center halves would benefit both Aurelio and Johnson as they maraud forward, and they would nicely compliment our attack.

Overall, great performance. Kudos to Suarez for making a dream debut in front of the Kop. Welcome to LFC!
tifoso471

that felt good.
Katie

"Tears of joy after a Suarez brace," indeed!
Yann

There you go Katie, now you can enjoy the intoxication of both the win and alcohol content in your favourite lubricant.
Rosco

Lets just hope its your ex he reduces to tears come Sunday.
Dj-Chutfield

I think Sunday's game will be the first in 12 months that I am actually looking forward to instead of dreading and watching with one eye closed, bracing for impact. Walk on, Reds!
Justin

This is actually kind of interesting. In FIFA 11 UT I like to play a 4-3-3 and spread play out to the wings for crosses into the box where I usually have RVP ready to take a header or either one of my wingers (Andrey Arshavin and Valencia incidentally) will end up on the ball to smash it home or lay it off to my midfield of Stevie G, Fabregas, and Essien. I find this to be a very effective form of attack and playing the wings in FIFA 11 can get just about any loser a win as long as the ball into the box is accurate. My sentiments are shared by many others who I play against and I see a lot of the 4-3-3 formation in online play. What has seemed to emerge in response to this is a lot of teams switching to a 3-5-2 or similar variant. What this tends to provide is another CB in the box to deal with those pesky balls into the box where a far post cross normally has your winger/striker matched against a retreating full-back for an easy header. The tactics make sense, and I understand using a FIFA 11 analogy is a bit removed and silly, but alas, when you play that game as much as I do, it's the most immediate example that comes to mind.

In this game, we all expected the same ol' from Stoke: lots of set pieces and long diagonal balls into the box for Carew to head down for some tap ins or lay offs to on-rushing midfielders. Our 3-5-2 variant helped us make sure that no matter which CB's shoulder Carew was trying to play on he was going to face additionally pressure from Agger, Skrtel, or Soto. I loved the 'soul-steal'ing comment from earlier. Carrew looked impotent. That's why the switch to 4-3-3 by Pulis had me a little nervy because both Kelly and Johnson had to do very little defending up until that point and if they remained as high up the pitch as they were (Kelly was completely out of the camera for much of the second half, even when Stoke possessed the ball in our half), Stoke effectively had a 3 v 3 against our CBs.

Another point on our CBs: you mention the various midfielders surging forward into the box, but what about Soto, Agger, and Skrtel—I'm pretty sure each of them took turns bombing forward. Skrtel sent a shot wide. Soto had a great header get picked off the line. And Agger's buccaneering run led to the free kick that opened our scoring. Give the lads some offensive credit too!
Ed

Yeah, I got sidetracked when I started talking about the midfielders moving forward and never came back to the defenders. I was raving about them all day on Twitter, mostly for the things that you mention. Had some concerns earlier about how they'd get back, but they were terrific.
Justin

No worries, I was only half following twitter. I usually go back to it after the games, so my bad there.
Adam

The freedom Dalglish gave his players today, can only benefit their confidence. Both Agger and Skrtel got forward through the middle, and with Gerrard popping up all over, gave Stoke problems. Looking forward to the big game on Sunday. And if by that you thought I meant the SuperBowl, get lost.
Katie

I'm going to make it an all-day affair, hopefully drinking the whole way so as to make it bearable.
Justin

LOLz, I've got no dogs in that race. The Pats got knocked out by the effing Jets. FML.
John

To hear anfield rocking after the second brought tears to my eyes. Did you see how scared Stoke looked? THEY LOOKED LIKE THEY WANTED TO BE ANYWHERE ELSE BUT ANFIELD.

ha-HA!