---
title: "Four Findings: Besiktas (H)"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/articles/four-findings-besiktas-h/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Fred Haas"
section: "Articles"
published: "2015-02-20T14:55:15Z"
modified: "2015-02-20T14:55:15Z"
---

# Four Findings: Besiktas (H)

Liverpool played host to Turkish leaders Besiktas in their first match of the Europa League. The Anfield faithful were in full voice, but the Reds struggled to find any cutting edge in a tight match. Despite spending a lot of time in the Besiktas end, no breakthrough goal could be found. Still, Liverpool’s continued penetration into the Turkish side’s penalty area was ultimately rewarded when Jordan Ibe was bundled over for a penalty kick. Mario Balotelli coolly scored from the spot in the 85th minute to secure victory.

Here are four findings from today’s match.

**Nothing’s easy** – Liverpool began with a strong side and attacked quickly, looking to get an early lead. However, facing European opponents at this point in the season, albeit in Europe’s second tier tournament, requires a little more focus – a little more guile. Getting an early goal at home and pressing for more would have been the best case scenario before next week’s trip to Istanbul, but breaking down Besiktas proved tough, even for the in-form Reds. Yet best case scenarios still seem to elude Liverpool and nothing comes easy. Tight matches such as this are likely to be the norm the rest of the way.

**Resting Coutinho** – Starting Philippe Coutinho was somewhat surprising, considering that it was his 20th straight appearance for the club. Instrumental as he has been during this turnaround, he was clearly showing some signs of wear at the weekend and looks in desperate need of a break. Tonight he played well enough and did get substituted, but again in this match he lacked that little bit of magic and deftness of touch that can so quickly unlock a defence. It is a testament to how important he has become to the side, but swapping him for the recovering Raheem Sterling at the weekend is looking more likely now that Adam Lallana is also fit again.

**Allen when leading** – Joe Allen started with Jordan Henderson in a midfield pairing that definitely has possibilities. The Welshmen continues to play himself back into form after a series of unfortunate injuries. Unfortunately, the current shape of the team does not seem to suit him as well as it did before he spent time on the injury table. Allen can be an excellent asset in matches where the Reds need to keep possession and keep things ticking over. In fact, he may currently be at his best coming off the bench when Liverpool are playing with a lead. Given the injuries to Lucas Leiva and Steven Gerrard, he will be called upon with greater regularity to start and needs to find more ways to make a greater contribution to have a genuine impact.

**Patience required** – While Liverpool rolled on in its current strong run of form, now even more than earlier in the campaign Brendan Rodgers is required to make minor adjustments – rotating the squad, changing the team shape during matches, revitalising under-performing players. The demands are only increasing and this is the manager’s first European action at the helm. Plus, Liverpool have yet to find the strongest eleven all on the pitch at the same time. All things considered, it makes this unbeaten run all the more remarkable. Yet the pressure is unrelenting, with league matches against Southampton and Manchester City either side of Besiktas away, and patience will be required as the team keeps searching for its best side and elevating their game to the next level. Continued patience with Balotelli won’t hurt either, as he is starting to sort himself out as well.