Finally, a win to blog about!
For a fan, there was considerable symmetry in terms of the emotion felt over the results of the last three winless games and this one. The results against Sevilla, Burnley and Leicester (EFL Cup) felt incredibly frustrating as we put in very kinetic performances and were in control the vast majority of the time, yet failed to come away with maximum points. Conversely, this game was sweetly satisfying because we were noticeably less in control for more of the game - particularly in the last 10 minutes of the first half and and for long stretches of the second - having acceded to the Leicester style of play – high balls, long clearances, almost panicked passing – yet we came away with a win, and saved a penalty to boot.
In this context, it is not totally wrong for the media to play up the “lucky” angle, as I would also think that Klopp is probably less than satisfied with the performance. It was not exactly a "lucky" win, but it was certainly not the kind of dominance and confidence that we have seen in many of the games so far this season. But it’s satisfying that for once this season we don’t have to be playing at near 100% or completely outplaying the other side to get a win. The fact that we laboured under dodgy refereeing and “robust” (to put it charitably) physicality from the Leicester side is the extra shot of gin to my tonic.
In that regard, while the refereeing was really questionable, what was actually aggravating for a fan was that it was lopsided. While we didn’t concede a penalty through Can’s handball (which looked more like ball to arm), it only cancels out one of the many dodgy decisions that went their way: Vardy's blatant dive in the 45th minute, which earned Matip a yellow and eventually led to the first Leicester goal; Okazaki's pulling of Mignolet in the penalty box (which likely prevented him from reaching a corner) while he was offside, then coming from an offside position to nick the ball into the net; awarding a penalty to Leicester when Mignolet floored Vardy in the box even though the keeper was first to the ball and touched it. (Okazaki’s 40th minute effort was correctly ruled offside as Maguire was offside when he received the ball and crossed it.) It still has to be said that the account is deep in the deficit; more so if the season as a whole is considered.
While I think Mignolet deserves credit for the penalty save and for several good stops (particularly in the first half), this performance encapsulates the reasons why he makes fans nervous. The penalty decision, while incorrectly given, should never have materialised in the first place: most keepers would probably slide in to claim the ball with their hands, and while he may also have floored Vardy in that situation, penalties are hardly ever given when the keeper is able to claim the ball decisively. He is also likely to be quicker to the ball than when he tried to kick it. Furthermore, that poor attempted clearance (though he did touch the ball) is a reminder that one of his weaknesses is his kicking. Same with his attempt to take the ball round Vardy in the first half, which gave Okazaki the opportunity to shoot at an open goal. Yet, while he may not be a de Gea or Courtois, his ball stopping ability has helped Pool considerably over the years, and today (with the penalty save) is a case in point.
Lovren, while not conspicuously at fault for the goals, again demonstrates why fans have issues with him. The early Leicester chance in the 5th minute resulted in Mignolet saving from Vardy, but Lovren, nearest to the keeper, was guilty of ball watching as the ball flew into the air and Mahrez went for a volley that fortunately looped over the goal. Similarly, in the 44th minute, Leicester attempt to play the ball out of their area, and Lovren does a good job intercepting the ball to Mahrez. But, possibly giddy with excitement at doing so and being in such an advanced position, and despite no Leicester player being close to him or moving towards him, he then attempts to bend the ball to Salah in the box with the outside of his right foot, which of course fell woefully short. Even a creative midfield type would probably have some hesitancy about trying a ball like that. One felt the fanbase collectively groaning loudly at that point.
These are decent players but sometimes one feels that they could do with trying to keep things simple and getting the basics right, rather than over-complicate things. The spotlight burns brighter when you already have a target on your back.
Still, these negatives and the generally wild nature of the game were offset by quite a few positives. Coutinho’s return to form is one, as he refrained from pointless shots and demonstrated lethal effectiveness when the opportunity arose. His reaction to the goal seemed cathartic for him, which hopefully puts him in a better place for the rest of the season.
Sturridge also had a good return, getting an assist and being somewhat unlucky not to get on the scoresheet himself. Many have been skeptical that he would return to his best, but hopefully this is a sign that he’s edging closer. He seems to be returning to the form that he displayed towards the end of last season: more confidence in his body, leading to better movement and positioning. One hopes that he’s just ironing out his shooting – that seems to be the last piece of the puzzle.
Henderson also put in a great shift, and appears to be on the way to returning to his best form from the last season. The goal helped, and it has to be said that it took composure to place the ball between the keeper and defender that were in his way, rather than just blasting it goalwards. (One wishes that the rest of the team did more of that in the second half than merely launching the ball forward.)
In particular, an uptick in Hendo's form may be key for the team. More than any other player, he represents a crucial part of the team's spine, knitting the defence and offense, with his stamina and physicality important elements of what made the team tick during the first half of last season. Emre Can has fantastic ability but tends to be mercurial and somewhat less conscientious defensively. Gini Wijnaldum puts in the miles but appears even less consistent. An increasingly influential and consistent Hendo could be the key to ensuring that LFC puts in more measured, controlled performances, rather than the see-sawing kickabout that we witnessed for long stretches today.
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