Liverpool claimed their fourth straight victory at Villa Park (0-2) with a steady and solid performance, strengthening the claim that they have turned a corner in a season that began with difficulty. Aston Villa showed why they are likely to be in a relegation battle for the duration of the season, but the Reds continued to exert control in their match managment and create and abundance of chances. Those factors established more cause for a positive outlook.
Here are four findings from today’s match.
Still a finisher away – The two most advanced players had chances but struggled to put them away. Borini’s industry finally paid dividends and despite his classy finish he whiffed on a few and lacks the killer instinct to lead the line. Sterling, fresh from a midseason holiday, lacked some sharpness of touch and mind. Fortunately, squad striker Rickie Lambert may have finally unloaded the millstone of returning to his boyhood club after his poised and precise score in the run-of-play. Still, the void of Daniel Sturridge’s absence and struggles of Mario Balotelli make every match more of a struggle than it should be.
Interchangeability starting to come good – The movement, speed, and flow of Liverpool’s play is beginning to show the promise that many summer signings heralded. Aside from the obvious versatility of Can’s recent drop from midfield to right centre-back, Moreno easily moves between traditional fullback, wing back and midfielder. Markovic grows with each match, gliding forward in attack but now showing the intelligence and ruggedness to cover defensively. Even more impressive is the amount of ground both Moreno and Markovic cover in the wide areas.
Three seems the magic number – Despite Aston Villa pouring on the pressure for a five minute surge around the hour mark, nearly equalising, the home side never looked like winning. Yet, Liverpool managed to keep a rare clean sheet. The trio of Sakho, Skrtel, and Can is clearly the Red’s strongest defence this campaign. While they were arguably fortunate, need to continue improving organisationally, and still make every corner a potential horror show, this defence delivers results and is still getting accustomed to one another. Sakho has shown he is arguably the best defender in the squad. Add a resurgent Lucas as a midfield shield and the defence indeed looks stronger.
Lucas cannot leave – Rumours of the Brazilian’s departure would surely be disastrous for the Merseysiders. His form since returning regularly to the side provides greater calm at the back and allows the midfield to flow forward in numbers. Apart from that, his personality and leadership cannot be discounted. In addition to fulfilling some the deep-lying role that Gerrard has struggled to repeat, he operates as a vice-captain on the field and mentor for many players in the locker room.
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