Liverpool managed to survive for a replay, ending an upset Saturday in the FA Cup by drawing Championship side Bolton (0-0).
Manager Brendan Rodgers took the opportunity to reintegrate some previously injured players into the starting eleven. Those changes made a for a slightly more conservative style of play that, despite playing a back three, seemed more defensive. Yet, the Reds generated more than enough chances to gain the win, especially in the second half, but were the victims of another fine goalkeeping performance – this time at the hands of Adam Bogdan.
Here are four finding from today’s match.
Shape not entire solution – Much has been made of Rodgers move to play three at the back. This cup tie saw Glen Johnson introduced on the right, Emre Can move centrally, and Sakho stay on the left. Jordan Henderson and the returning Joe Allen offered midfield protection. However, with Jose Enrique and Javier Manquillo playing as wingbacks, there was a definitive lack of attacking thrust. Consequently, at times, it seemed as though the Reds were playing a 7-2-1 in the first half.
Versatile Can can – Emre Can’s slide to central defense was yet another position where the young German was deployed. Can’s physical presence in combination with Sakho, made for a rugged and composed pairing. Being more of a natural midfielder, he was capable of providing a deep pivot for the team’s distribution and possession recycling with ease. Add to that his ability to make marauding runs with he ball through the middle from deep gave the team a dimension they have not since Daniel Agger at his peak.
Slower speed isolated Sterling – The team selection and shape lacked the speed of play seen recently against Chelsea. Given the personnel that started and the deeper defensive setup, attacking moves primarily involved finding release points for Raheem Sterling to race through channels and in behind Bolton’s defense more centrally. His pace often created yawning gaps between him and the midfielders, resulting in lack of support that may have made a difference in finishing. Second half substitutes posed more decisive attacking threat, but Sterling’s presence began to wane as well.
Faulty finishing continues – Liverpool should be able to dispose of a Championship side like Bolton, and certainly did not want for opportunities. With more than double the Wanderers’ shot total and putting more on target than Bolton managed altogether, the Reds lacked the cutting edge to break the stalemate. There were quality chances, even more so in the second half, when Lazar Markovic, Fabio Borini, and Lucas Leiva gave the side more attacking intent. Yet, near misses and Bolton’s Bogdan left the all of the attacking player wanting. There was a decent claim for a penalty when former Red Jay Spearing barged through Henderson from behind, but it was not the clearest coming together. Even during their rejuvenated form, finding a way to unlock highly compact and disciplined defenses remains a riddle they struggle to solve.
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