Liverpool FC v AFC Bournemouth – Post match Opinion
A Christian Benteke goal on 26 minutes was enough to seal a needlessly hard fought victory for Liverpool over Eddy Howe’s newly promoted Bournemouth side at Anfield last night. Again it wasn’t the prettiest of games, but in this case, a win certainly is a win.
Bournemouth started brightly and Tommy Elphick had a goal ruled out for foul play early on as Brendan Rodgers’ side weathered the early storm. Against expectations, the manager retained the starting line up that secured victory last time out against Stoke and expressed caution against the underdogs with Jordan Henderson and James Milner in a central midfield pair. The back four of Joe Gomez, Dejan Lovren, Martin Skrtel and Nathaniel Clyne.
The attacking forward line of Christian Benteke, supported by Jordan Ibe, Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana were virtually non-existent for the opening 20 minutes although as the half wore on, the hosts steadily gained some momentum. Coutinho again was the stand out performer constantly probing and asking questions of the visiting defence with some intelligent play.
Some of the football played by Liverpool in the latter stages of this first half was impressive with Benteke, Coutinho, Henderson and Gomez all showing glimpses of what we can expect from this Liverpool side. Plenty of movement, their expansive and imaginative football pointed toward an unhappy night to come for the visitors. Jordan Henderson went close with a first time shot from a cleverly taken corner, his shot shaving paint from the crossbar.
The hosts took the lead somewhat controversially when Coutinho, having been in an offside position from a free kick, attempted to contact the ball. Having missed, Benteke was on hand to tap in at the far post past a helpless Artur Boruc. A perfect example of yet more “cocking around” with the offside rule – as ex- Manchester United stalwart turned TV pundit, Gary Neville put it – resulting only in confusion among the officials and players alike.
The second half started much as the first with the visitors taking the game to the hosts. Unlike the first half though, it kind of stayed that way. Liverpool content to play a patient game in front of resolute opponents. Worryingly, Jordan Henderson left the field on 52 minutes with a foot injury. Benteke went close to doubling his tally late on when he inexplicably prodded a certain chance over the bar from point-blank range. Despite plenty of possession, Boutnemouth rarely troubled Simon Mignolet. Emre Can, Henderson’s replacement continued where he left of last week showing poet and guile in his preferred central role.
Callum Wilson and Matt Ritchie were the main threats for the visitors. The latter having a shot graze the top of the bar but overall the home defence stood firm during a pretty strong second half showing from Bournemouth. Their manager Eddy Howe, besides being disappointed with a couple of dubious refereeing decisions can take a lot of positives from his teams performance. His diplomacy in “seeking private feedback” from the officials instead of, like some, making a song and dance about it should be admired.
So, one goal, two dodgy decisions changing the game and another three points in the bag for Brendan Rodgers and his men. Not a bad nights work. In terms of the Liverpool performance, this was somewhat of a “let-off” if the truth be known. Thankfully the team came away with a clean sheet which is vital at this point in the season. The side still has a LOT of work still to do in my opinion to convince onlookers that this team will do what it says on the tin. Having said that there were some positives.
Benteke is now off the mark for his new club. Joe Gomez has taken to the left back berth like the proverbial duck to water and Coutinho is growing with every game. He simply gets better and better. Clyne at left back is what the side has been crying out for, for the last three seasons at least and Lovren continues to improve whilst still looking a little ropey it must be said. Sterner test are yet to come. Notably next week.
If Rodgers is to continue the early promise the improvements need to be made in time for next week. Currently, the side lacks a bit of cohesion and new starters needing “time to gel” is an excuse which will probably run out next Monday at 20:00 in north London.
In order to get anything from the Emirates, socks need to be pulled up and the players need to turn up. Equally, we need to see Lallana replaced by Emre Can in the event that Henderson remains injured or at the very least, the ex-Southampton man replaced by Roberto Firmino.
Next stop, Arsenal away. May three points be with you.
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