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| Once it was "The Twist", now do "The Sturridge"! |
I watched the Liverpool match with a Manyoo supporter as it happens which, apart from sacrilege, was actually very good fun so thanks to him for that. You know who you are! I thought Liverpool were impressive and Jordan Henderson and Kole Toure hitting the post makes me begin to think that the woodwork at Anfield is due for a trimming seeing as it's been getting in the way so much this last couple of seasons. The United-ite was actually impressed by what he saw of Brendan Rodgers' men and I have to say so was I although not surprised. The understanding between Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho is as good as any I've seen since John Barnes and Peter Beardsley and that can't do the reds any harm. Add to that the inventive Iago Aspas and it seems that Rodgers may well have struck gold with these guys. On this showing, they can ban Luis Suarez for another ten games for me. I'm not entirely sure why he's still there but that's another discussion for another time.
The scoreline definitely didn't do Liverpool justice but I think it was a good result seeing as they haven't won an opening league game for the last five seasons. The passing was neat, the movement was inventive and the intensity was high. The only thing missing was clinical finishing and this is something the guys definitely need to work on in they want to improve on last season's finish. With the exception of Robert Huth hitting the crossbar early doors and Lucas Leiva clearing off the line shortly afterwards, the Liverpool goal wasn't really under threat for much of the 90 minutes. Simon Mignolet's late penalty save gave more food for thought that Rodgers is definitely building something worthwhile at Anfield. Despite that numpty Daniel Agger needlesly committing the hand ball to concede said penalty in the first place. Asmir Begovic picked up the Man of the Match award. Need I say more?
In total contrast to Liverpool's efforts, that from those at the other end of the East Lancs road can best be described as scant. Having turned up at the Liberty Stadium 35 minutes late, Robin van Persie spectacularly volleyed them into the lead. This was, it had to be said, against the run of play and curbed the clear annoyance of Manyoo fan who was glad to see something positive from his side at last. Most would agree David Moyes was a good choice to take over from Sir Alex Ferguson and it seems the style of football under Moyes hasn't really changed from what I saw. In view of what he's inherited though, I believe the phrase if it aint broke don't fix it is appropriate. Swansea were unlucky to go behind and but for a little more guile from Nathan - Soul singer look-alike - Dyer, Swansea could and should have snatched a lead early on. Save to say, if's but's and maybe's... It didn't happen and Manyoo went on to win at a canter as the Swans had clearly given up the ghost once Danny Welbeck's second put the game out of reach. They were probably thinking about next week's potential beating at Tottenham by the end.
Away from those matches, Arsenal were done 1-3 at home to Aston Villa to put more pressure on Arsene Wenger. He now needs to seriously contemplate opening that hefty wallet he's sitting on at the Emirates Stadium and bring some steel into the side. The Norwich Everton 2-2 was no real surprise and Roberto Martinez is evidently going to continue the Everton tradition of doing not very much. Cardiff went down 0-2 to West Ham which was harsh. Having to go to Upton Park for their first game in the Premiership is a baptism of fire putting it mildly, and hope goes against hope that Cardiff can resist more beatings this season. Sunderland, Fulham and West Brom, Southampton both 0-1 away wins respectively seemed pretty boring from what I saw so I won't bother with them. Like I said in the beginning noteworthy.
All in all a good start to the new campaign. Hopes are high for Liverpool who have made a good start. With the next match being at home to Manchester United, I think it was important for Liverpool to get some points on the board before what is definitely going to be a stern test.
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