Despite Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Arsenal, Brendan Rodgers appears to now be looking up at the top of the table, rather than over his shoulders at fellow contenders for fourth.
In his post-match press conference at the Emirates Stadium, Rodgers spoke of “playing catch-up” to the league leaders from North London, who’s win took them 5 points clear of Chelsea and the Reds.
“(Arsenal) are winning the race,” he is quoted on ESPN as saying. “These 10 games we’ve all played, people talk about it being early, but you don’t get them back.
“You don’t get to play them again so you’ve got to claim the points.
“At the moment we’re on 20 points and they’re on 25.
“The great thing is there’s lots of time left to gain those points back, but at this moment in time they are high in confidence, playing well and they will be pleased with the win.”
In the build-up to the game, Rodgers had continued to discuss a top-four finish as Liverpool’s target this season.
“After 10 games there’s always a good assessment of where you can go,” Rodgers continued. “(And) I think we’ve had a terrific start.
“So for us to be where we are, that’s where we want to be, we’ve shown that we’re going to have a fighting chance.”
Finally, Rodgers reminded journalists and fans that the project at Liverpool will take time without major investment, but showed his gratitude to the club’s owners, Fenway Sports Group.
He added, “We know we’re trying to build something here in the depth of our squad, and the nature of our game.
“Look at Chelsea’s squad, at Arsenal’s squad even with the players who are out, and look at Manchester City’s.
“Without a major investment that just takes a bit of time.
“I can only be positive with what I’ve got, because they’ve given me everything.”
Has Rodgers changed his attentions to a title race? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Despite Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Arsenal, Brendan Rodgers appears to now be looking up at the top of the table, rather than over his shoulders at fellow contenders for fourth.
In his post-match press conference at the Emirates Stadium, Rodgers spoke of “playing catch-up” to the league leaders from North London, who’s win took them 5 points clear of Chelsea and the Reds.
“(Arsenal) are winning the race,” he is quoted on ESPN as saying. “These 10 games we’ve all played, people talk about it being early, but you don’t get them back.
“You don’t get to play them again so you’ve got to claim the points.
“At the moment we’re on 20 points and they’re on 25.
“The great thing is there’s lots of time left to gain those points back, but at this moment in time they are high in confidence, playing well and they will be pleased with the win.”
In the build-up to the game, Rodgers had continued to discuss a top-four finish as Liverpool’s target this season.
“After 10 games there’s always a good assessment of where you can go,” Rodgers continued. “(And) I think we’ve had a terrific start.
“So for us to be where we are, that’s where we want to be, we’ve shown that we’re going to have a fighting chance.”
Finally, Rodgers reminded journalists and fans that the project at Liverpool will take time without major investment, but showed his gratitude to the club’s owners, Fenway Sports Group.
He added, “We know we’re trying to build something here in the depth of our squad, and the nature of our game.
“Look at Chelsea’s squad, at Arsenal’s squad even with the players who are out, and look at Manchester City’s.
“Without a major investment that just takes a bit of time.
“I can only be positive with what I’ve got, because they’ve given me everything.”
Has Rodgers changed his attentions to a title race? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Rebecca Parry examines Jordan Henderson’s new role in the team, pressed further up, and asks whether he is ready for the responsibilities it requires.
Jordan Henderson’s half chance at The Emirates on Saturday was a reminder that his new role is still unpredictable and new to him.
As he charged past the Arsenal midfield and defence, there was an almost anticipation in his demeanour that he was going to be dispossessed or blocked. After coming into the penalty area, all of the hard work for getting into that position was wasted, as a vunerable and unbalanced shot trickled into the hands of Sczesny. Although it was a good chance that failed to materialise, this didn’t seem as disappointing as it should have been, but as something that could be worked on.
The new role that Jordan has taken over from Steven Gerrard has proven that there will have to be time for him to slot into it effectively, but so far this season, he’s starting to show why we were willing to pay £20m for him. As everyone knows, the fairytale of Steven Gerrard’s Liverpool career can’t go on forever, and although he’s quietly yet effectively done his job these first 10 games, it’s becoming increasingly apparent that he’s going to have to choose those select moments when he plans to power forward beyond the midfield. Steven has admitted this himself, saying how although he’s not slowing down just yet, but prolonging his career means that the bursting runs forward won’t be as frequent. And as Jordan has now cemented his place as a regular in Brendan Rodgers’ team, it’s got to be him to take the baton.
Henderson’s energy and stamina is undoubtedly what puts him in prime position to take this role on; coming from the midfield and giving Suarez and Sturridge the support from behind, the whole attack can then push on to make an impact. It’s unusual if we ever see Jordan fizzle out of a game in terms of chasing lost balls and putting pressure on the opposition defence, and the amount of ground he covers is extremely admirable.
Ferguson’s recent comments on Jordan’s gait were reacted to as very random. Aside from the fact that this was the ex-United manager’s own autobiography, you could say that Henderson really hasn’t impacted his career in any way. This does point to the idea that he was a keen target for United in the past. Does analysing the way he runs may really make it a lesser blow for not capturing him as a young prospect?
A refreshing memory that comes to mind with Jordan Henderson is from the win against Manchester United this season. With a few seconds of stoppage time remaining, the midfielder charged down the United defence into the corner and managed to win a throw-in on the right hand side, confirming the three points. Watching on from The Kop, it was great to see Jordan turn around and let out an almighty shout of victory to the fans in the Main Stand. A celebration and emotion like this just for the win of a throw, is an indication of how much making a name for himself in this team actually means to him.
A lot was said about the high price tag for a young and mostly inexperienced player at the top level at the time. However, when predicting the team sheet for Liverpool every weekend, he is expected to start, and that in itself is something that highlights how far he’s come. Obviously, he’s not 100% the perfect player, but it’s the first signs that he can keep up a consistent run of form as he develops into (as Rafa would say…) a key player for us.
Rebecca Parry examines Jordan Henderson’s new role in the team, pressed further up, and asks whether he is ready for the responsibilities it requires.
Jordan Henderson’s half chance at The Emirates on Saturday was a reminder that his new role is still unpredictable and new to him.
As he charged past the Arsenal midfield and defence, there was an almost anticipation in his demeanour that he was going to be dispossessed or blocked. After coming into the penalty area, all of the hard work for getting into that position was wasted, as a vunerable and unbalanced shot trickled into the hands of Sczesny. Although it was a good chance that failed to materialise, this didn’t seem as disappointing as it should have been, but as something that could be worked on.
The new role that Jordan has taken over from Steven Gerrard has proven that there will have to be time for him to slot into it effectively, but so far this season, he’s starting to show why we were willing to pay £20m for him. As everyone knows, the fairytale of Steven Gerrard’s Liverpool career can’t go on forever, and although he’s quietly yet effectively done his job these first 10 games, it’s becoming increasingly apparent that he’s going to have to choose those select moments when he plans to power forward beyond the midfield. Steven has admitted this himself, saying how although he’s not slowing down just yet, but prolonging his career means that the bursting runs forward won’t be as frequent. And as Jordan has now cemented his place as a regular in Brendan Rodgers’ team, it’s got to be him to take the baton.
Henderson’s energy and stamina is undoubtedly what puts him in prime position to take this role on; coming from the midfield and giving Suarez and Sturridge the support from behind, the whole attack can then push on to make an impact. It’s unusual if we ever see Jordan fizzle out of a game in terms of chasing lost balls and putting pressure on the opposition defence, and the amount of ground he covers is extremely admirable.
Ferguson’s recent comments on Jordan’s gait were reacted to as very random. Aside from the fact that this was the ex-United manager’s own autobiography, you could say that Henderson really hasn’t impacted his career in any way. This does point to the idea that he was a keen target for United in the past. Does analysing the way he runs may really make it a lesser blow for not capturing him as a young prospect?
A refreshing memory that comes to mind with Jordan Henderson is from the win against Manchester United this season. With a few seconds of stoppage time remaining, the midfielder charged down the United defence into the corner and managed to win a throw-in on the right hand side, confirming the three points. Watching on from The Kop, it was great to see Jordan turn around and let out an almighty shout of victory to the fans in the Main Stand. A celebration and emotion like this just for the win of a throw, is an indication of how much making a name for himself in this team actually means to him.
A lot was said about the high price tag for a young and mostly inexperienced player at the top level at the time. However, when predicting the team sheet for Liverpool every weekend, he is expected to start, and that in itself is something that highlights how far he’s come. Obviously, he’s not 100% the perfect player, but it’s the first signs that he can keep up a consistent run of form as he develops into (as Rafa would say…) a key player for us.
Luis Suarez says he is happy at Liverpool and hasn’t heard anything about any interest from Real Madrid.
Last week, a rather laughable report from The Daily Star, claimed the Spanish side would look to sign Suarez in January.
Suarez says he knows “Absolutely nothing at all” when asked by Uruguayan radio station Sport 890 of Real’s supposed interest.
Suarez said:
“In the team we are all really excited, looking forward and looking forward to a good season.
“The Premier League is the best league there is. The stadiums, the atmosphere and the fans make football here so entertaining.”
As explained here, it would be a waste of time Real, Arsenal or anyone else bidding for Suarez as The Reds would clearly not entertain any bid for their star striker.
Luis Suarez says he is happy at Liverpool and hasn’t heard anything about any interest from Real Madrid.
Last week, a rather laughable report from The Daily Star, claimed the Spanish side would look to sign Suarez in January.
Suarez says he knows “Absolutely nothing at all” when asked by Uruguayan radio station Sport 890 of Real’s supposed interest.
Suarez said:
“In the team we are all really excited, looking forward and looking forward to a good season.
“The Premier League is the best league there is. The stadiums, the atmosphere and the fans make football here so entertaining.”
As explained here, it would be a waste of time Real, Arsenal or anyone else bidding for Suarez as The Reds would clearly not entertain any bid for their star striker.
Philippe Coutinho returned to action after over a month out when he came on as a half-time substitute in Liverpool’s 2-0 defeat at Arsenal on Saturday.
The 21-year-old Brazilian replaced Aly Cissokho to help bolster Liverpool’s attacking options, but despite some moments of promise, Liverpool failed to break through the Gunners’ resolute defence.
It was Coutinho’s first appearances since suffering a should injury against Swansea City back in September, and whilst he troubled Arsenal, his passes looked somewhat rusty.
Brendan Rodgers spoke to the club’s official website after the defeat in North London and explained why he introduced Coutinho to the game.
“To get even 45 minutes out of him was good because he only got clearance on his shoulder on Tuesday,” he said.
“So there’s no way he could have been able to play more than the length of time that he did.
“The system that we have been playing has worked really well and I think in every system you can get exposed, and in the system that we play that can happen on the sides.
“In parts of the first half, I wasn’t so happy because they had good possession and were able to exploit us in that area – hence the reason why we made the change.”
Take a look at the individual highlights video above and let us know your thoughts on Coutinho’s comeback performance in the comments below.
Philippe Coutinho returned to action after over a month out when he came on as a half-time substitute in Liverpool’s 2-0 defeat at Arsenal on Saturday.
The 21-year-old Brazilian replaced Aly Cissokho to help bolster Liverpool’s attacking options, but despite some moments of promise, Liverpool failed to break through the Gunners’ resolute defence.
It was Coutinho’s first appearances since suffering a should injury against Swansea City back in September, and whilst he troubled Arsenal, his passes looked somewhat rusty.
Brendan Rodgers spoke to the club’s official website after the defeat in North London and explained why he introduced Coutinho to the game.
“To get even 45 minutes out of him was good because he only got clearance on his shoulder on Tuesday,” he said.
“So there’s no way he could have been able to play more than the length of time that he did.
“The system that we have been playing has worked really well and I think in every system you can get exposed, and in the system that we play that can happen on the sides.
“In parts of the first half, I wasn’t so happy because they had good possession and were able to exploit us in that area – hence the reason why we made the change.”
Take a look at the individual highlights video above and let us know your thoughts on Coutinho’s comeback performance in the comments below.
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