Liverpool FC 2-2 Sunderland AFC – Same old same old
Liverpool threw away a two goal lead with less than 10 minutes remaining, to take only a point against Sunderland at Anfield yesterday. Goals from Adam Johnson and veteran Jermain Defoe were enough to cancel out goals from Roberto Firmino and Adam Lallana.
Jürgen Klopp was unable to attend due to being hospitalised with Appendicitis before the game. Had he not been admitted earlier, he inevitably would have on this showing. Such performances would give anyone a heart scare. Maybe he’d have left after 77 minutes like a quarter of the watching supporters did, in protest of the increase in ticket prices. The highest price now being £77. The rise on the basis of providing “…Something for everyone…”, according to Chief Executive Ian Ayre in a recent interview. As his nose grew…
The Liverpool line up contained one surprise – on merit in my opinion – Joe Allen given a start in place of Lucas Leiva, along side Emre Can and Jordan Henderson in midfield. Behind them the defence of Nathaniel Clyne, Mamadou Sakho, Dejan Lovren (who was replaced by Kolo Touré after 12 minutes due to injury), and Alberto Moreno protecting Simon Mignolet between the sticks. The attacking duties falling to James Milner, Roberto Firmino and Adam Lallana. The substitute bench contained the welcome surprise of one Daniel Sturridge among them. A largely familiar line up, and by the end of 90 minutes, a largely familiar outcome.
Liverpool started brightly with Moreno and Milner linking well on the left flank. The most notable opportunity fell to Firmino who’s left foot effort from 25 yards flew just over the bar. Moreno also went close with a couple of chances as the hosts looked for an early advantage. Unfortunately, they had no such luck. This was compounded by the loss of Joe Allen to injury, Ironically during, first half injury time.
The second half was better although it should be noted that this was probably Liverpool’s most impressive display of football for weeks. crisp passing, good movement in front of goal. They also mixed up their crosses much more. Not simply approximate lofted efforts into the box, but also some direct, drilled low crosses into the area around the penalty spot. A nightmare location for defenders.
The hosts duly took the lead on the hour. Firmino nodded past the helpless Vito Mannone at the far post as he connected to Milner’s pinpoint cross from the left. 1-0 up and deservedly so for the lion share of possession – and quality possession at that. The hosts continued to press. Substitute Jordan Ibe came close with a shot from the edge of the Sunderland box. The young south Londoner still unable to break his Anfield goal-duck.
Liverpool extended their lead on 70 minutes. Man of the match Firmino after some exquisite work on the left, fed Lallana with a low cross into the heart of the Sunderland box. The number 20 slotting home to extend the hosts’ lead. 2-0 and cruising. One would think a team with genuine top-four credentials would at this point, “shut up shop” and see the game out. One would argue on this performance, Klopp’s team are not a top-four side. Over the remaining 10 minutes of the game, Klopp’s team would indeed confirm, that they are not.
Sunderland equalised in the 82nd minute after Liverpool conceded a soft free kick near their goal area. Johnson was able to convert the equally softly taken free kick, to bobble beneath Mignolet at his near post. Shocking stuff! A recurring act of naively that dogs this Liverpool team? A direct consequence of having defenders who lack concentration at times when it is needed most? I prefer to think this is simply down to fatigue. Not poor conditioning. Just knackered. The previous five games in thirteen days leading up to this fixture have certainly taken their toll. Thus the wheels began to wobble.
In the penultimate minute of the game, the wheels finally, fell off. Ex-England international Defoe used his strength (and experience) to hold off the attentions of Sakho, to turn and drill home a quality strike past the unsighted Mignolet. 2-2 and the players looking on shellshocked. Luckily for 10,000 of the 40,000 home spectators, they’d already left by this time. Probably hearing of the kick in the teeth on the radio in the car, a ping on their mobile phones or likely, a gloating Everton fan.
Pep Lijnders was understandably disappointed with the result, but found some positives nonetheless. What else could he have done in the face of the watching millions around the globe? Privately I’m sure one could add “bitterly” to the adjective.
Liverpool now rest in ninth place in the Barclays Premier League having thrown away a perfectly good two points yesterday. Five points off Manchester United in fifth who play Chelsea this afternoon. A draw for them would leave Liverpool in even more need of putting a run of (winning) results together if they wish to materialise their European dream.
Next up, time for the youngsters to see if they can progress the club into the fifth round of the FA Cup. As things stand, the Capital One and FA Cups will be the only hope for Liverpool to qualify for European competition next season. You’d have to be brave or stupid to bet on them doing well enough in the league.
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