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Football News: Liverpool v Huddersfield Match Review - A Liverpool Perspective

Liverpool v Huddersfield Match Review - A Liverpool Perspective
Image from: gogetitinsure.com

Liverpool v Huddersfield Town

 

There is not a lot to say about this game, Huddersfield just sat deep and tried to hang on while hoping for a chance to hit on the break, but Liverpool were more cautious than usual giving no chances for a quick counter. That caution by Liverpool led to a very boring game in the first half, the only thing of note that happened was the penalty award. Correct decision to give the penalty though it is very rare you see them given. Surprise to see Salah mess it up but it had no effect on the final result.

Second half was much better, with much more attacking intent from Liverpool, though still a fair bit of caution. Once Liverpool had the lead, the game was over, it was only a matter of how many more would be scored, as Huddersfield could not get enough of the ball to trouble Liverpool. They only had one shot in the 90 minutes.

It has to be pointed out, unlike last weekend when Spurs put Liverpool under pressure and tested the defence, Huddersfield barely touched the ball and when they did they kept turning over possession. They were so poor that it makes it very difficult to judge the players' performances. The defence, in particular, had little to worry them in the whole 90 minutes.

 

Klopp - took a big chance standing by Mignolet and Lovren, though neither decision mattered, as Lovren got injured in the warm up and had to be replaced by Klavan in the starting line-up, and Mignolet never had a shot on target to save. It was clear that he went for a much less attacking approach than normal, with a surprising tweak to the system.

Usually it is a back 4 with no protection for the defence, this time it was still a back four when defending and a back three when in possession. Gomez held back at all times, while Moreno was given his usual freedom to attack. Henderson was shackled in the first half, spending it on top or alongside the back three. In the second half he played with much more freedom, instead of constantly standing on the toes of the centre backs.

The tactics were much more suited to the players we had out, though it was not tested at all defensively. Against a side with more attacking intent, it should help protect the defensive line from being exposed, though Henderson does need to learn not to stay quite so deep to allow options for the pass.

 

Mignolet - not sure why he was in the team, this was the perfect opportunity to change things after his awful performances. He had nothing to do for most of the game.

 

Gomez - sitting deep for 90 minutes against a team that did not attack means there is nothing to judge his performance on.

 

Matip - had nothing to do defensively and made a couple of forward runs which he should have achieved more from. Should have done better with a chance from a corner as well.

 

Klavan - had to step in late after Lovren was injured in the warm up and he will not have many better games to step into. Little to do defensively.

 

Moreno - the system allowed him much more freedom and he did his best to use it effectively. Put in a couple of good crosses. There was little space to operate in for him for most of the game as they were so deep.

 

Milner - apart from the sulk when the penalty was taken, he did little of note. He always tries but he tries to do too much for my liking, there is no thought behind his runs. Sometimes I wish he would just drop back in behind the play and let someone else use the space. At least his set pieces were better though.

 

Henderson - spent the first half standing on the centre backs toes achieving nothing other than getting in the way. Second half he played with more freedom and was much better.

 

Wijnaldum - seems to only turn up for home games. Once again he was much improved for a home game and scored.

 

Salah - his worst game so far, he had no space to run into at all, no time to really influence the game plus he missed a penalty. However it was not a poor performance, just not as good as he has been since arriving.

 

Firmino - won a penalty and scored but it was not one of his best days mainly operating from the left. Decent enough, but not at his best.

 

Sturridge - still looks nowhere near his best. He did score his 100th club goal but his overall game was not particularly good. In particular Klopp was having to scream at him to move over to the side whenever one of the two wide forwards drifted in field and the play broke down. Sturridge needs to be more aware.

 

Subs:

Oxlade-Chamberlain - arrived in the 66th minute, in place of Firmino, and was fairly impressive. He was bright and gave his all.

Can - replaced Sturridge in the 74th minute and offered more of a physical presence in midfield but did little of note.

Solanke - was brought on for Salah in the 81st minute with the game drifting off into oblivion and was bright and tried hard but the game was over and he achieved little.

Written by Tris Burke October 29 2017 10:06:02