Liverpool head back to Istanbul next week after a 1-0 Euro League win that was broken open with a Mario Balotelli PK in the 85th minute. Sterling, Sturridge and Balotelli (seriously) look to all be back in form, so can the Reds keep up their momentum and send Gerrard off into the sunset with the team in good standing?
Classic banana peel on the field gag
Besiktas Review:
In the first leg of the Reds journey in the 2015 Euro League, Liverpool looked the better side, but missed chances and some sloppy play ultimately led to a goalless first half. Besiktas (and their fans) came ready to play, and Demba Ba had a great chance towards the end of the first half when he was in on net, but unlike last season, Mignolet was able to come up with the save. Alberto Moreno also blasted a dipping shot from 35 yards out in the first half, but the the young Besiktas keeper was able to tip it over the net.
Early in the second half it was Lallana who flubbed his lines, putting one over the bar from six yards out. The game finally broke open when Jordan Ibe broke through on net, only to be taken down from behind close to the end-line. Ibe played great for the full 90 minutes, and will be rewarded with a new deal, after word has been spread that Liverpool plan to offer him a new 5 year contract.
There was a bit of internal controversy prior to the penalty kick. Jordan Henderson looked to be the PK taker in Gerrard’s absence, but the ball was taken from him by Balotelli (half taken, half given away some might say). Sturridge stepped in and tried to tell Henderson that it was his PK, but Henderson was the bigger man and let Mario take it. He ultimately scored, and Liverpool finished out the game without conceding, but who knows what the conversation was in the post game locker room. According to the stats, Balotelli should definitely be the second PK taker, but Gerrard looked a bit upset with how it played out in his post game analysis with ITV. From the fans opinion, as long as he scores (whoever he may be) everyone should be happy. Now it’s on to a tough weekend matchup, prior to heading back to Istanbul next Thursday.
Sunday in Southampton:
- 2/22: Liverpool @ Southampton – 11:15 a.m. EST NBCSN
- 2/26: Liverpool @ Besiktas – 1:00 p.m. EST Fox Sports 1
Southampton is in fourth. FOURTH! So this is obviously a huge game as the Saints look to avenge their earlier season loss to the team that stole their top performers from last year (suckers!). Southampton’s form has been slipping recently, while Liverpool’s performance against EPL teams has been exactly what we need right now. Southampton need this win in order to stay in contention for a Champion’s League spot next season, but Liverpool are looking to send Stevie G out on a high note, and this is a perfect game to pick up some points and move into position for the kill (read: for fourth place). Liverpool are currently 4 points behind Southampton (and the final Champion’s League spot) so thankfully Sterling and Sturridge are both back (Sterling came on late in the Besiktas game but could start this weekend) because we’re going to need the new SAS to be firing in goals ASAP.
Next week, Liverpool head back to Istanbul, the site of their most famous victory to face Besiktas in the second leg of the Europa League (round of 32). They will head into the match up 1-0 on aggregate, but as we saw on Thursday this is definitely a team that can do some damage, especially at home. Markovic will still be serving his 4 match ban (extremely excessive in my eyes) for his Champion’s League red card, but we should see a similar line-up to the one that took the field today. Sterling may get the starting nod (depending on his fitness) but Lucas is definitely out and Gerrard looks doubtful for another week or so. It’s an important time for the Reds to show that they’re not the same team that was on the field in the beginning half of the season, and it would be nice to see a deep run in this tournament (and the FA cup!). As usual…C’MON YOU REDS!
Around the Intwebs:
- How are transfer rumors still a thing? Here’s news on possible moves for Icardi, Lacazette and Ayew.
- More importantly are the rumors that we’re eying up Pjanic to replace Gerrard? Only £37 million? sign him up!
- Manquillo goes down!
- Balotelli show off his (surprising) skills
- Jordan Henderson – Now available in Twitter form