Thursday, December 22, 2011

LFC: When the going gets tough

Another draw, Liverpool's 6th of the season. Prior to the game against Wigan, Liverpool FC was shocked and angered to learn that their player, Luis Suarez was banned for 8 games by the FA. He was found guilty of the charges against him. 

A true professional, Luis Suarez's performance against Wigan was superb. He was unlucky, yet again not to add to his tally. The whole team was unlucky! Even Adam's penalty was saved! 

This has been Liverpool's story so far this season. The lost of key players through injuries and suspensions, the good performance by the opposition's goal keeper and last but not least the goal post itself.

I was disappointed when we didn't managed to get the 3 points, but playing away and earning a point is way better than not getting any at all. The feeling didn't linger too long as when I sat back and analyzed back at the overall performances, I felt better. 

Under Kenny, the style of play has been impressive and entertaining. New players adapting with the existing players and also adapting to Kenny's style of play. As many fans would want to see an instant result, I would think we can only see a better Liverpool next season. 

I am not saying that Liverpool can't achieve anything this season. But we have to be realistic. When the new owners came in, they brought back King Kenny and they provided which ever support that the gaffer needs to build Liverpool and make them as the champions again. 

After almost a year since Kenny came back I do not think Liverpool FC has done anything much worst. With 17 games played, lying at 6th with 8 wins, 6 draws and 3 losses is not that bad. At least we are not at the bottom half of the table and we are not fighting to get away from the relegation spot at this stage of the league. 

Liverpool is the meanest team in the league with only 13 goals scored against them. A good foundation for a team is always to be able to defend and they had done just that. They hadn't scored that many with only 20 goals scored and that couldn't be much worst if we added the 16 times we hit the post. That could total up to 36 goals. Not bad either. If these 16 did hit the back of the net, we might have won more games and earned more points and right now. Not too bad aye?

Like I mentioned earlier, collectively the team is doing pretty well. Even during Rafa days, he always stressed how important for his team to keep a clean sheet, to create chances and to get into the right positions. I don't see any differences with what Kenny are trying to do now. Obviously, Rafa and Kenny aren't the same individual but they have the same objective. That is to make sure Liverpool FC to become the champions again. 

Back to the game against Wigan, they played extremely well for about half an hour. The main obstacle that the players have currently is their confidence seems to slightly drop when they are faced with a determined keeper. The turning point was when Adam missed his penalty. Then the midfield just 'disappears'. Adam, Downing, Henderson Kuyt and Maxi couldn't keep up to the same momentum as how they started. 

They are not bad players, it's just Maxi and Kuyt has not been in the team as often as they have liked while Adam, Hendo and Downing are the new inclusions which are still under the 'work in progress' mode. 

I am still optimistic that the team will progress more and grow stronger as the league goes on. We are still in the league cup, we have yet to kick start the FA Cup campaign and we are still in the running for the 4th spot. And Liverpool that I know will get stronger even when the odds are against them!

I can say we have not lost anything yet. Keep on believing and keep on supporting, that is what I intend to do! YNWA

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