Shelvey finally gets the Liverpool goal he’s been dreaming of.
Smooth Sailing vs. Swansea:
Liverpool looked like the better squad throughout this game, and a well deserved goal by Alberto Moreno put the reds up 1-0 in the first half. Of course, Moreno had the entire goal to shoot at and he fired it directly into the Swansea keeper (it bounced off him and in) but we’ll take what we can get. The game really picked up in the second half, especially after Lallana blocked a clear from the goalie right into the net. Swansea immediately came back and put one in the net to make it 2-1, and shortly after the sides exchanged great chances at each end that could have tilted this game in either direction. Sterling has looked more and more comfortable as the solo striker, but I bet he’s looking forward to the day when Sturridge is back so he can return to the wing. Mignolet had a few good saves (and couldn’t do anything about the goal) but his clearances and distribution caused a lot of unnecessary stress for the Reds. With goals from Moreno and Lallana, and another quality game from Can, the future is looking much brighter for some of Rodgers’ most recent signings (Dejan Lovren still TBD). Oh yeah – F Jonjo Shelvey. How is that not a red!?
Burnley Battle:
The goal really came out of nowhere, but after a sweet no look/over the head pass from Coutinho, Sterling was able to push the ball wide of the keeper and slot it home for the game’s only score. Burnley looked to be providing the game’s best chances, but Liverpool stepped up to the plate in defense, and a surprise Brad Jones injury substitution opened the door for Mignolet’s return to the Liverpool lineup. He made one of the worst gaffs in recent memory by letting the ball slowly roll over the end-line for a corner (after a back pass) and looked shaky on the crosses, but I think he’s our best chance unless we sign a legit number 1 in January. There was a huge sigh of relief after this game ended as Burnley looked to be the better side, but Burnley did receive some solace out of the holiday weekend after coming back from a 2-0 deficit to tie Man City 2-2. For the Reds, people are still wondering if Sterling up top is the answer (it’s not) but we’ll keep our eyes on the newly opened transfer window for any developments up top or in net.
Liverpool vs Leicester
No idea how that is pronounced, “Lester” but that’s beside the point. Can the Reds continue their winning ways against the basement club? Leicester is likely to be relegated this season unless they can turn things around, but this is no time to be taking opponents lightly. The Reds need to keep their foot on the pedal and continue to get wins form the bottom half of the table. Rodgers and the team have looked confident and composed over this recent run and hopefully it will continue long into 2015. The game is a 10:00 start, so hopefully NYE didn’t hurt you too bad. Let’s go Reds!
Around the Interwebs:
- The Martin Odegaard Saga continues as he heads to both Manchester clubs this week. Didn’t he already sign for Bayern?
- Both Liverpool and Arsenal are hoping to sign James Milner on a free transfer from City in the summer transfer window
- Jordan Ibe on form for Derby once again. Can’t wait until he’s in the red next year.
- Carragher wins the internet. Again.
- It’s Liverpool vs Tottenham for Berahino in January
- Kolo Toure officially out for 3 weeks in January for the Africa Cup of Nations tournament