Liverpool FC – Weekly Review
It’s that time again where we take a look at the last week and the standout events at Liverpool FC. Where the recent optimism has been brought somewhat back into perspective, more injuries and progress in the Europe League. The good, the bad and the ugly at the world’s favourite football club.
They say good things come in three’s and this is true for Liverpool this week. To start with the team’s progression to the last 32 of the Europa League. The Reds secured their passage into Monday’s draw courtesy of a 0-0 away draw with Swiss side FC Sion. An uneventful match to be fair but the positives must be the advancing by winning the group and a clean sheet in what can be described as a professional performance from Jürgen Klopp’s men. In fairness, as much as the achievement brings muted celebration, one cannot overlook the fact that this is a feat Brendan Rodgers failed to manage in his tenure at the club so fans could and should be positive.
Another positive from last night is also the full debut for young full back Brad Smith. The 21 year-old showed good attacking knowledge and quality in his distribution. Particularly with his crossing. The Australian international must surely be considered as a suitable deputy for Alberto Moreno and the longer the team remains in the competition, as well as the Capital One and FA cups, then this will only prove a blessing. Not just for the team but also in terms of finances as it saves the manager going into the transfer market to purchase a speculative alternative. Add to that, the continued return to fitness of captain Jordan Henderson and this makes up our trio of ‘good’s’ for discussion.
The bad has got to be the weekend’s loss to Newcastle. In a thoroughly dour display the Reds fell to a Martin Skrtel own goal, and a late Georgino Wijnaldum effort. Effectively bringing an end to the recent up turn in fortunes following impressive away wins at Manchester City and Southampton. A welcome reality check, in my opinion. Sunday’s visit of West Bromwich Albion will prove a worthy test of the team’s mentality as Tony Pulis will fancy his chances against this inconsistent Liverpool side. The worst thing about the result, is that Newcastle will likely get trounced at White Hart Lane on Sunday when they take on Tottenham.
To add insult to injury, well… injury to injury, we come on to the ugly event of the week. This has got to be the latest fitness setback to Daniel Sturridge. A hamstring problem picked up in the defeat to Newcastle, although unsurprising, will come as a blow to Liverpool fans. Just when there seemed to be some light at the end of the tunnel, it appears to be a train no less!
I’m beginning to wonder if there is actually more behind the constant issues with the England international. Following a scan the injury is not as bad as first feared according to Sky Sports, and he could be back in a fortnight apparently. This being the case, one would expect him to provide a continued option for Klopp as the team challenges in four competitions. Should another injury occur within a week or two of his expected return, then there is obviously something else going on behind the scenes.
Perhaps personal? I would’t want to speculate but the mind boggles. It’s natural that after his hip operation toward the end of last season and subsequent rehabilitation there may be one or two niggling injuries, but not continual problems like this. It could indeed be the problem has never been his hip but rather in his head. Whatever and wherever it is, it’s a cause for concern. I wouldn’t want to see Sturridge on the transfer list. I’m optimistic that his problems, be they physical or psychological can be sorted and when they are, there’s no better striker around.
An eventful week is ending on a positive note. Advancing in the Europa League, A (expected) closer return from injury for Sturridge and the emergence of a home-grown left-back with genuine potential to become a quality player and save the club a (no small) fortune in the process. And of course, a chance to put recent wrongs right on Sunday when the side welcomes Pulis’s West Baggies side to Anfield.
This won’t be an easy game – what game is these days? Nonetheless, if Liverpool want to live up to the expectation set by their recent results, then nothing less than a win will do. Overcoming a struggling side is a basic requirement for those wishing to be “there or thereabouts” (to coin a phrase) come May.
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