In a critical match on the road to a top four finish Liverpool outpaced Tottenham Hotspur (3-2) at Anfield, closing within three points of their next opponent third place Southampton. Spurs also arrived in form and the match was fast paced and physical. Despite being on only a few days rest and missing both Lucas Leiva and Raheem Sterling, the Merseysiders fought back from losing the lead twice and substitute Mario Balotelli scored in the 83rd minute to seal the dramatic win. Not unlike last season, beating Spurs may again prove a pivotal moment.
Here are four findings from yesterday’s match.
Ibe and Markovic bright futures – In his second consecutive start Jordan Ibe impressed again, dominating the right side with width, pace, and intelligence. More than once, he put Spurs’ Danny Rose in trouble and attracted additional defenders. Also by staying in the wide position, Ibe allowed Lazar Markovic to drift into his more natural interior position. Apart from Markovic scoring the opening goal, the speedy Serb put in a decent performance, overall. The two combined beautifully when Markovic made a run across an advancing Ibe, dragging multiple defenders and opening a clear path for Ibe to drive into the area and lash a dangerous shot that Hugo Lloris palmed away. While still works in progress, seeing both youngsters on the field together combining together and with others bodes well for the future.
Coutinho off Can on – Philippe Coutinho reportedly took a knock against Everton and was questionable to start and had a slightly off night, which is rarity of late. Even though he was at times dangerous, the magician looked in need of a rest and his impact faded in the second half. However Emre Can continued to shine both at his now familiar right center half and when he slid into the deep lying midfield role after Steven Gerrard exited. Can’s stock continues to rise with each shift. Powerful, poised, and clever on the ball, the German has been a revelation since becoming a regular. Pairing with Jordan Henderson served to solidify a midfield that at times looked far too open and shaky in this match. Even though Coutinho struggled and Sterling was missing, this was a unquestionably collective effort and victory.
Sturridge’s rust – Granted Daniel Sturridge burst back into the side as a scoring substitute in his thrilling return, but it will take time for him to return to form. How easily it is to forget after such an auspicious comeback. Storage looked lively and ready, repeatedly getting into good positions, but his finishing was little lacking on the day. He had two gilt edged chances early in the first half that an in-form Sturridge would have slowed home with style and given Liverpool a lead that might have proven insurmountable. Still Spurs’ keeper Hugo Lloris was definitely on his game and made more than a couple of impressive saves too. Nevertheless, patience will be required for England’s top striker to ramp up to full speed.
Balotelli’s dramatics – Mario Balotelli’s late substitution for the returning Sturridge was not altogether shocking, but it definitely was a bold decision by Brendan Rodgers. Having failed to impress since arriving, the Italian striker has rarely looked completely comfortable in the side. His talent is obvious, but how he fit was an open question greater than “Why always Mario?” With his lack of preseason, loss of a strike partner, minor injury, difficulty finding form, and challenge to get another run of games, Super Mario seemed out in the cold a most unlikely swap for Sturridge. In spite all his past difficulties this term, there was no question he had chances to score in his previous appearances, even tallying a couple of late goals in the Champions league and League Cup. Yet again, he managed to bring the drama, this time for all the right reasons, as he slammed home an Adam Lallana cross for the late winner. It was a lightning rod goal that sent Anfield into ecstasy. It was just like the much maligned striker to rise when it counted most after toiling in obscurity.
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