Muka hadapan kebanyakan news paper omputih menceritakan kehebatan LIVERPOOL ..da...

Muka hadapan kebanyakan news paper omputih menceritakan kehebatan LIVERPOOL ..dan target untuk beradavdi top 4....









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Joe Allen says Liverpool have recovered from the loss of Luis Suarez

Joe Allen says the Liverpool players thought they might have to endure a 'difficult patch' at the start of the season

Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen thinks the club’s impressive recent form shows they have recovered from the sale of Luis Suarez.

The Uruguayan forward teamed up with Daniel Sturridge in attack last season and the prolific duo almost fired Liverpool to the Premier League title.

However, Suarez joined Barcelona last summer and, with Sturridge struggling with injuries, the Reds made a stuttering start to the current season.

However, they have been in fine form since December and Sunday’s 2-0 win at Southampton was their seventh success in a 10-game unbeaten run which has taken them to within two points of fourth place.

And Allen says Liverpool may now be even stronger than they were last season.

"At the start of the year we talked about how losing Suarez was going to have an affect but now we have overcome that," he said.

"It took us a little bit of time to overcome that, because the injury problems we had were not ideal.

"We are certainly back up to that level and, if anything, with the different system we play this season we might even have taken a step forward.”

Allen accepts that the team deserved criticism for some of their displays earlier in the campaign but says they were always confident that better times were on the way.

"I don't think it was unfair,” he said. “There were no hiding places and we were not delivering as players.

"There were no excuses from us. We knew there might be a difficult patch early in the season and that probably went on longer than we hoped and expected.

"At the same time, we always knew we would come through it, and I think that was the biggest sign we would be where we are at this stage."

As well as being in the thick of the race for a Champions League place, the Reds are through to the FA Cup quarter-finals and will be in Besiktas on Thursday looking to secure a place in the last 16 of the Europa League, having won the first leg 1-0.

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Liverpool have now recovered from loss of Luis Suarez – Allen

Liverpool have at last adapted to life without Luis Suarez, with Joe Allen going as far as to suggest Brendan Rodgers‘ side may even be better now.

After coming so close to capturing the Premier League crown last term, things looked like they were unravelling in the wake of the Uruguayan’s Anfield exit. Suarez’s move to Barcelona was compounded by injuries to, amongst others, Daniel Sturridge, and what proved a difficult transition for many summer recruits, leading pressure to mount on Rodgers.

Since December, though, the Reds have improved markedly and on Sunday moved within two points of the top four, thanks to a seventh win during a 10-match unbeaten run in the Premier League.

“At the start of the year we talked about how losing Suarez was going to have an affect but now we have overcome that,” Liverpool midfielder Allen said, following the latest victory at Southampton. “It took us a little bit of time to overcome that because the injury problems we had were not ideal.

“We are certainly back up to that level and if anything with the different system we play this season we might even have taken a step forward.

“Sometimes (criticism) gets taken out of hand but I don’t think it was unfair. There was no hiding places and we were not delivering as players.

“There was no excuse from us. We knew there might be a difficult patch early in the season and that probably went on longer than we hoped and expected.

“At the same time we always knew we would come through it and I think that was the biggest sign we would be where we are at this stage.”

As well as the league, Liverpool are through to the FA Cup quarter-finals and travel to Besiktas on Thursday looking to secure safe progress to the Europa League last-16.

Allen says everyone at the club is “digging deep” to cope with their three-pronged attack, epitomised by the resilience showed in winning 2-0 at Saints on Sunday.

The St Mary’s encounter was not without its controversy, though, as referee Kevin Friend waved away three strong, first-half penalty appeals from the hosts. Dejan Lovren handled after Filip Djuricic twice went down in the box, first under pressure from Emre Can and then Allen’s challenge.

“If I am being honest I didn’t get contact on the ball, which was disappointing because I felt I could get it but missed it,” the latter said. “I didn’t really take him down either so it is one of them where my heart was in my mouth a little bit but at the same time I can see why it wasn’t given.”

Those incidents along with others at the weekend led to widespread discussion about the merits of video technology – something Southampton captain Jose Fonte would back.

Asked if he would support the introduction of such the measure, the Portuguese centre-back said: “Yeah, I think so, I think it would be a good solution.

“It’s one of those days. Nothing went our way. We kept trying, we kept working hard. “They got a great goal really early on and then we put the pressure on them, and we just didn’t have any luck today, either with decisions or in the game itself.”

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Joe Allen of Liverpool says the Reds have recovered from the loss of Luis Suarez to Barcelona

Joe Allen says the Liverpool players thought they might have to endure a 'difficult patch' at the start of the season

Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen thinks the club’s impressive recent form shows they have recovered from the sale of Luis Suarez.

The Uruguayan forward teamed up with Daniel Sturridge in attack last season and the prolific duo almost fired Liverpool to the Premier League title.

However, Suarez joined Barcelona last summer and, with Sturridge struggling with injuries, the Reds made a stuttering start to the current season.

However, they have been in fine form since December and Sunday’s 2-0 win at Southampton was their seventh success in a 10-game unbeaten run which has taken them to within two points of fourth place.

And Allen says Liverpool may now be even stronger than they were last season.

"At the start of the year we talked about how losing Suarez was going to have an affect but now we have overcome that," he said.

"It took us a little bit of time to overcome that, because the injury problems we had were not ideal.

"We are certainly back up to that level and, if anything, with the different system we play this season we might even have taken a step forward.”

Allen accepts that the team deserved criticism for some of their displays earlier in the campaign but says they were always confident that better times were on the way.

"I don't think it was unfair,” he said. “There were no hiding places and we were not delivering as players.

"There were no excuses from us. We knew there might be a difficult patch early in the season and that probably went on longer than we hoped and expected.

"At the same time, we always knew we would come through it, and I think that was the biggest sign we would be where we are at this stage."

As well as being in the thick of the race for a Champions League place, the Reds are through to the FA Cup quarter-finals and will be in Besiktas on Thursday looking to secure a place in the last 16 of the Europa League, having won the first leg 1-0.

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Southampton 0-2 Liverpool: ‘Don’t Shoot Phil!’

Adam Griffies (@whatahitsonlfc) looks at our win over Southampton, and picks out some things you might not have noticed.

The Reds won again. We won again. We’re all happy. Three points off third, two off fourth, and five away league clean sheets on the bounce for the first time since 1985. 30 years. Defensive coach and all that. You’ve probably been made aware of that last piece of trivia at least 10 times since full-time yesterday, but I don’t care; I’m writing an article here and things like that would be worthless if they weren’t included in things like this.

Fluency Lacking, Three Points Not

Don’t know if you did, but I took great solace in the fact we showed we could win ugly again. It’s a sign of a team full of character. Shades of the start of last season.

It was obvious we were lacking our recent fluency, but it seemed our lads accepted that and decided they’d find a way to win the game anyway. I’m almost certain our disjointed display was down to our lack of balance, particularly in the first half.

Our entire XI consisted of right-footed players which left the Reds a bit lopsided. Mamadou Sakho’s ability to bring the ball out of defence and play accurate, penetrating passes through midfield was clearly missed and equally we were missing Alberto Moreno’s habit of stretching the pitch on the left touchline.

I praised Sakho there because the moronic mainstream media certainly won’t. Don’t listen to the mainstream media, please; they’re so rubbish. Listening to ex-footballers attempt to talk about football is soul-crushing most of the time.

It all became even more pathetic for me when BT Sport pundit Ian Wright was asked about Christian Eriksen being banished to the bench by Mauricio Pochettino on Saturday. Wright’s thoroughly insightful reply was “Who’s Eriksen again?” Extraordinary. Great player and I’m sure he’s a good laugh, but he’s getting paid silly money for saying things like that on our tellies.

Good Subs

Credit to Brendan; he wasted no time in rectifying things. The Markovic to Moreno change was one of the most necessary tactical switches you’re ever likely to see. But still, I bet a lot of managers wouldn’t have made it, especially not as early as half-time. Sturridge was introduced as it became clear we needed a focal point to our attacks; someone to get hold of the ball and bring others into play. His arrival freed Sterling up which helped us.

Finally, Johnson replaced Ibe. And Reds everywhere let out a universal sigh. Just do alright please Glen; no lapses. He did. Brendan must have been overflowing with smugness, and Jordon Ibe had his feet up for Turkey on Thursday. Happy days.

Impressive Individuals

The aforementioned Ibe continued to impress. Attacking down the right with the ceaseless youthful exuberance he buzzes about with, whilst marrying that with the positional and defensive perception of a seasoned professional.

Joe Allen again looked like he had a point to prove. He was busy, busier than usual even, and mostly tidy in possession. I felt like his energy was key to our win.

After recovering from a shaky start, Martin Skrtel decided to boss everything. I lost count of the number of headers he won and clearances he made. Could look it up but stats are boring, so I’ll say loads. He did loads. Played Martin.

Simon Gets His Own Sub-title

Simon Mignolet’s renaissance continued. On the few occasions the colossus Skrtel was beaten, Mignolet came to the rescue. A few very good saves, some noteworthy handling and even a Manuel Neuer-style foray out of his box to clear some danger. He’s gone a bit mad and I like it.

Remember he was dropped for Brad Jones? Hahaha.

The Strike

Can’t write this without mentioning that goal, can I? “Don’t shoot” I said to myself as Phil from Brazil picked the ball up 35 yards out. You did too; don’t lie. We meant well; he can’t shoot. Luckily the little magician ignored our pleas and unleashed that. Went in off the underside too, which is always gorgeous to watch.

You know a goal is decent when you can see opposition fans behind the goal being reduced to an open-mouthed clap of appreciation as the ball goes in. Wools.

Jobsworth Steward

Our second was loads of fun. Moreno’s rubbish cross somehow found its way to Sterling’s feet, whose rubbish shot somehow beat Fraser Forster. Raheem ran off, celebrated in front of the travelling Reds, and was joined by everyone else. Except Mingo. I’d love Mingo to run full length and get involved. He’d done enough on Sunday though, fair enough.

One fella that did put in a monumental effort to get involved was a fan. Scaled the hoardings and was then taken down with absurd force and no doubt extreme delectation by a stupidly spirited steward. The fella had probably just had a tough week at work, wanted to kiss Emre Can and hug everyone. They don’t get what footy means to us down in Southampton.

Next Up

Besiktas away on Thursday then. Don’t envy anyone who’s going. Hope everyone, including the players, returns in one piece with a win. One player I’d be leaving at home, with the City game looming, is Phil Coutinho.

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Alberto Moreno: How Spaniard helped change the game in Southampton win

Liverpool’s gutsy 2-0 victory away to Southampton on Sunday was spurred by the introduction of Spanish left-back Alberto Moreno, as Jack Lusby investigates.

In one of the most important games in Liverpool’s top-four challenge this season, Brendan Rodgers produced a tactical one-up on Southampton counterpart Ronald Koeman by introducing Alberto Moreno after half-time.

A resilient Liverpool trudged to victory on Sunday, with goals from Philippe Coutinho and Raheem Sterling ensuring a 2-0 win.

Mamadou Sakho and Daniel Sturridge missing out on starting roles was the big talking point before the game, but the absence of Moreno was brushed over, arguably due to the presence of Lazar Markovic and Jordon Ibe at wing-back.

Replacing Markovic at half-time, however, Moreno’s introduction proved the turning point for Liverpool.

Lazar Markovic at LWB

View image | gettyimages.com

Moreno was rested from kick-off at St. Mary’s, and understandably so, given the amount of football he has played recently—taking his place, Markovic had sat out of Liverpool’s midweek win over Besiktas due to suspension.

Unfortunately, with Southampton emphasising their prowess in wide areas in the first half, Markovic struggled in what is an unnatural role at left wing-back.

Nathaniel Clyne, so regularly a key player for Koeman’s side this season, also had Emre Can ahead of him in an unfamiliar left centre-back role.

The combination of Clyne and the bright Filip Djuricic gave Markovic problems on the left flank, and his performance was muted throughout the first half—he was not capable of balancing his defensive and attacking duties.

When Markovic did contribute in the defensive sector, his output was poor, completing just one tackle of his attempted four, and giving away a free kick in a dangerous area for a foul on Djuricic.

Furthermore, in the first half Clyne took to pushing high up the pitch, completing one of two of his attempted take ons, which resulted in a cross in a dangerous area.

In terms of attacking work, Markovic was limp and indecisive, as evidenced by his completion of just one attempt to take the ball past an opponent from three, with Clyne steely at right-back.

Of course, Markovic did supply the pass for Coutinho’s superb goal on three minutes, but it is difficult to give him credit for assisting what was a strike of pure individual inspiration.

Alberto Moreno: Defending

Few were surprised when, with Moreno emerging from the St. Mary’s tunnel kitted up, Markovic was substituted at the interval—Liverpool were being exploited on that left flank, and Can was struggling as a result.

Koeman withdrew Steven Davis at the same time, replacing him with Morgan Schneiderlin, and 10 minutes later Sadio Mane replaced James Ward-Prowse, and Southampton’s tactical approach altered significantly.

Djuricic switched into a central role, with Mane ostensibly taking up the right wing position.

Instead however, Mane’s attacking tendency drew him to a more central role, effectively doubling up with Djuricic—and later his replacement, Dusan Tadic—to clog the ‘D’ area, where Martin Skrtel, Joe Allen and Jordan Henderson were already dominant.

This left Clyne up against both Moreno and Can, and the right-back noticeably shrank in the second half.

Compared to his two attempted take ons in the first half, Clyne made no attempts to take the ball past his opponent in the second half.

Both Moreno’s attempted tackles, of which he completed one and committed a foul with the other, were in a central area, combatting Mane’s attacks.

Clyne paled after the withdrawal of Markovic and, while Moreno’s defensive duties were lessened as a result, the Liverpool left-backs attacking prowess played a big part in this.

Alberto Moreno: Attacking

With Moreno more accustomed to this left-sided wing-back role than Markovic, the positions that he was taking up after his second-half introduction allowed a more blossoming Liverpool attack as a whole.

With Southampton ignoring their flanks and opting for a more central focus after Ward-Prowse’s withdrawal, Moreno was allowed to cut inside.

This was a technique which mirrored the approach of Ibe at right wing-back, and allowed a more fluid attack.

Moreno bombed forward with consistency, pinning Clyne back and stymieing the attacking forays that made him such a threat in the first half.

Sterling’s goal is the perfect evidence of Moreno’s second-half attacking potency.

Phase #1: Moreno’s position on the edge of the centre-circle draws him closer to the combination play of Coutinho, Sterling and Sturridge.

Phase #2: When Schneiderlin sweeps up a high ball in this area, he turns to Clyne as an outlet, but with Moreno on his toes the left-back is quick to intercept the pass.

Phase #3: Having returned the ball to Sterling, Moreno has now advanced past Clyne and into a dangerous position to receive a pass near the edge of the penalty area.

Phase #4: Moreno’s low cross is fumbled by his Southampton counterpart, Matt Targett, with the 19-year-old’s clearance falling to Sterling, who made no mistake with his shot on goal.

Moreno’s involvement in a more central area in the second half not only served to hamper the productivity of Clyne in the Liverpool half, but aided a fluency in the Reds’ attacking movement.

Replacing Lazar Markovic with Alberto Moreno at half-time in Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Southampton on Sunday proved a masterstroke by Brendan Rodgers, who saw his side a more complete and proficient attacking force as they charged towards victory.

Statistics via Squawka and FourFourTwo.

Did Alberto Moreno prove his importance to the side in Sunday’s win over Southampton? Let us know in the comments below.

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Top Men: City quartet shine bright

Man City: Four players in Team of the Week

Man City provide a quartet of players in this week's Team of the Week, while reborn Liverpool keeper Simon Mignolet gets the nod once again.

Check out our latest Team of the Week and then let us know your top XI using the story comment facility at the bottom of the article.

TEAMtalk's Top Men: (3-5-2) Mignolet; Ivanovic, Skrtel, Shackell; Toure, Cambiasso, Nasri, Shelvey, Silva; Dzeko, Welbeck

Simon Mignolet (Liverpool): The rampant Reds took a huge, swaggering stride towards Champions League qualification on Sunday, their in-form glovesman keeping Southampton at bay. Buoyed by a series of impressive displays, Mignolet's excellent 2015 continued as Liverpool claimed a fifth consecutive clean sheet on their travels for the first time since 1985. Some achievement. Only weeks from his high-profile dumping by Brendan Rodgers, Mignolet's admirable recovery continues in earnest.

Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea): Another week, another crucial goal for Jose Mourinho's prolific full-back. The Serbian's fourth strike in six games, largely thanks to Eden Hazard's dizzying wizardry, edged Chelsea a point closer in their quest for Premier League glory. Their home draw with Burnley, steeped in controversy, mired in vexation, may have got tongues wagging for very different reasons, but Ivanovic's exceptional form should not be ignored. Finally, Chelsea's unsung hero is getting the attention his performances justifiably warrant.

Martin Skrtel (Liverpool): Arguably the main beneficiary of Rodgers' tactical tinkering, Skrtel's impeccable organisation and intelligent awareness provided the basis for a vital away win. Liverpool's free-flowing 3-4-2-1 may have unlocked Philippe Coutinho's infinite potential, bestowed Raheem Sterling space to weave, but their defensive progression owes incessant gratification to their Slovakian bruiser. Keeping Graziano Pelle and Sadio Mane quiet? Impressive. Making Dejan Lovren appear assured? Miraculous.

Jason Shackell (Burnley): Whether through perfect planning or sheer blind luck, the Clarets stole their first ever top-tier points from the league leader's hitherto impenetrable fortress. Chelsea's multilateral attack, the dazzling Hazard, barnstorming Diego Costa and fleet-footed Juan Cuadrado, toiled in unison in the face of Burnley's determined display. The uncompromising Shackell, a true throwback to the heady days of black-booted, no nonsense defensive diligence, silenced Mourinho's title-tilting charges. Well, metaphorically anyway...

Yaya Toure (Manchester City): City toiled in Toure's absence, lacking guidance and thrust without their barnstorming figurehead. Inevitably, his overdue return awakened the champions from their winter slumber. Toure's languid, almost arrogant, panache carved apart Newcastle's beleaguered midfield; opponents gravitating towards City's enigmatic talisman, giving their dextrous playmakers havoc-wreaking room. The V8 in Manuel Pellegrini's custom made supercar; sleek and beautiful but ultimately one-paced without its explosive engine.

Esteban Cambiasso (Leicester): The 34-year old haughtily defied father time, rolling back the years with a virtuoso performance against Everton. Age is but a number, after all. His superb tactical awareness and intelligent distribution, not to mention well taken goal, inspired Leicester to an impressive draw at Goodison Park. Breaking up the play with prolific regularity, the former Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Argentina lynchpin marshalled the midfield battle; a battle-worn veteran eyeing one last hurrah.

Samir Nasri (Manchester City): Injuries halted the enigmatic Frenchman this season, City appearing startlingly predictable in his enforced absence. Despite James Milner's industry and discipline, Pellegrini's inconsistent charges were a different proposition upon his return to form. Dovetailing beautifully with Spanish schemer David Silva, Nasri's vision, movement and neatly taken goal helped the Champions close the gap in another enthralling title race.

Jonjo Shelvey (Swansea): Garry Monk's Swans soared at the Liberty, claiming a historic double over Manchester United. Ex-Liverpool midfielder Shelvey, habitually, if optimistically compared to Steven Gerrard, delivered a performance worthy of his former team-mate on Saturday. Shelvey's delectable cross created Ki Sung-Yong's equaliser before a trademark long-ranger stunned the Red Devils, via the back of Bafetimbi Gomis. A far cry from Liverpool's captain fantastic maybe, but Shelvey is his own man, a wonderfully gifted footballer in his own right.

David Silva (Manchester City): Beautifully balanced and sumptuously delicate, City's suave Spaniard wrote, directed and ultimately starred in their 5-0 exhibition against Newcastle. Taking his league tally to nine with two clinical finishes, Silva's multifaceted majesty hogged the headlines. Rightfully so. With Edin Dzeko in particular benefitting from the Spaniard's exceptional form, not to mention his genius through ball, City's lingering title hopes rest squarely on Silva's sloping shoulders.

Edin Dzeko (Manchester City): The Bosnian finally returned to the scoresheet, his expert touch and clinical finish capping a performance of total, incessant domination. Dzeko's excellent movement and impressive team ethic provided a welcome boost for Pellegrini's previously profligate champions, linking superbly with Nasri and Silva. While Wilfried Bony's winter arrival triggered speculation over Dzeko's future, his inspired performance on Saturday should lay any lingering speculation to rest.

Danny Welbeck (Arsenal): While Olivier Giroud netted again in Saturday's nervy triumph at Selhust Park, it was his much maligned partner who rightly snatched the plaudits. Welbeck's tireless, direct approach forced errors aplenty from the home defence, offering Arsenal's dead-eyed playmakers, including the inevitably impressive Mesut Ozil, with a reliable outlet. Having harried and hustled Papa Souare into clumsy, penalty-inducing foul, Welbeck's perfectly timed run enabled in-form Giroud the slot the second. For an Arsenal side valuing technique above tenacity, the England international provides a crucial Plan B.

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