15.8.11

Anfield Talk: Disappointing Start

Hello!

Liverpool first game of the season against Sunderland ended with 1-1. I'm quite disappointed with the result, so do majority of Liverpool fans out there. We were brilliant in the first half and for some reasons we let the opponent dominate the second half.

Suarez heads the first goal

I was very excited with the starting line-up. Enrique made his debut on the left side of defense with only one training session with the squad in hand. Dalglish surprisingly chose young Flanagan on the right side of defense instead of Kelly. Besides Enrique, Downing, Adam & Henderson made their debut as well. Suarez & Carroll started up-front left Kuyt on the bench. It was a good line-up without our inspirational captain, Gerrard.

Like I said before, we were brilliant in the first half. 3 points look good for us during half-time. We lost our focus in the second half and Sunderland managed to snatch a goal (nice goal though). I'm livid with the referee in this game. First, Richardson should have been sent off after taking down Suarez (pic 1). The other one, Carroll's goal should have stood because he didn't push Ferdinand at all (pic 2)! All four new players played well. Adam showed what we have been missing since Alonso left; creative long passes, quick short passes, total support in midfield, good defensive play in centre. Downing as expected showed his class. He almost score a wonderful goal and could have been goal of the month maybe.He passed 3 players before unleashed sweet strike, but hit the bar. Phewww! Henderson & Enrique did well.

1. That should have been a red card.
Last man & clear goal scoring opportunity.

2. That's not a foul! He's merely puts his hand on defender's body.

As I said in the last post, Liverpool could concede at least a goal and they did. There was no surprise when we conceded that goal with the way Sunderland played and controlled the second half. We are always have trouble in defending crosses and set pieces. This time, Sunderland took advantage of Flanagan careless defending. No one tried to block the cross and young Flanagan forgot to check his man (pic 3). But, I don't get mad with him. He is young (18 years old) and have little experience. He will learn from that mistake.

3. Flanagan (red circle) should have marked Larsson (blue circle)

All in all, we didn't play that well. In my opinion, we should have not lose this kind of game if we want to finish in top 4. But, it's the first game of the season. Give some time to the players to gel and we will be stronger as the season continues. Next game is away at Emirates versus Arsenal. My early prediction is Liverpool can win that game. Arsenal have their own problem and don't look so strong. I watched their game against Newcastle and I believe we can beat them.

That's it my write on beloved Liverpool for now. Thanks for reading. Ciao!

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