Joe Allen’s snap-shot goal in the 70th minute sealed the three points for Liverpool (2-0) against Newcastle United on Monday night. In a match that had some frantic spells where the Reds almost invited Newcastle back into it, this one was never really in doubt. The Magpies arrived in poor form and left in worse, losing their fifth in a row and finishing a man down as well.
While injuries and suspensions have caused some shuffling in the side, this match may well provide a preview of the club’s future. It seemed emblematic of the model, whether or not they make it back into the top four. Manager Brendan Rodgers altered the shape of the team again, relying on a small core and rounding out the side with a mix of role-playing defensive veterans and skilled youth with potential in attack. There is unquestionable quality in the side but inexperience and errors persist, making nothing ever completely safe. Here are four findings from the match.
Coutinho runs show
Performing in a slightly new role, centrally like a false nine, Coutinho flourished as a playmaker. Against a Newcastle side struggling to find form and finish the season strong, the midfield magician shredded the Magpies in the midfield and outside the penalty area. When he is on, he is one of the most skillful and surprising players on the pitch. He is unquestioningly the key link in advancing the ball on the attack. Yet, he needs to score more in order to play effectively in that role, and he had his chances. In front of goal, he lacks a finisher’s poise and touch, but he can make fools of most defenders without looking like he is working all that hard.
Sterling unpolished
As good as Raheem Sterling’s 10th minute finish was, he was unable to repeat it. The 20 year-old who is garnering all kinds of headlines for both good and bad reasons, became the club’s leading scorer with the goal. Yet, he squandered a gilt-edged opportunity six yards from the net, when Ryan Taylor gifted him the ball with a horrible miskick, only to flash it wide of a frozen goalkeeper Tim Krul. Multiple times, he was brave in taking defenders on in the attacking third, but his success rate was fairly even with progress being stopped. He is still an unfinished article, but it will only grow more difficult to keep him if he continues to do just enough to justify bolder demands.
Mignolet’s recovery
While it has been covered, there just are not enough accolades to praise goalkeeper Simon Mignolet’s turnaround. His recovery since being dropped from the run of bad form has been nothing short of sensational. Again, the Belgian came up big at big moments and rescued his side from chaotic defensive play. Earlier in the season, it was inconceivable that the defence – and particularly Mignolet – would have collected a dozen clean sheets in the league. Yet, Newcastle was the twelfth and it was down to Mignolet more than anyone, albeit referee Lee Mason did him a favour not calling a penalty on Dejan Lovren’s ungainly missed tackle at the end of the first half. Still, the keeper was commanding in his box, anchoring a makeshift back four.
Rodgers’ creativity
Brendan Rodgers takes a fair amount of criticism for talking a good game and certainly is still a young manager. However, there can be little doubt that he learns and improves. In-match adjustments may not be his strength, but few managers in the Premier League are as adept at making adjustments between matches, not to mention his willingness to make bold and creative decisions. Forced to again adjust to key injuries and suspensions, Rodgers changed the shape of the team once more. Not only did he revert to a back four, but he found a way for his side to create chances and goals while lacking a clear striker. Dropping Coutinho into a recessed central position allowed the Brazilian time and space to run wild creatively, continually looking for Raheem Sterling and Jordan Ibe, 20 and 19 years-old respectively. Against a struggling Newcastle, the wrinkle worked and his trust in youth was rewarded.
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