Blackburn 0, Liverpool 1: First Thoughts

Blackburn 0
Liverpool 1 Coutinho 70'

• Pre-match thoughts: Glen Johnson and Dejan Lovren came into the starting line up for Liverpool, as Brendan Rodgers chose to play with a back four given suspensions for Martin Skrtel and Emre Can.
  
  
• Liverpool kept hold of possession to start the match, and a long build up resulted in an off-target volley attempt for Joe Allen from the middle of the box.
  
  
• In the 14th minute a Blackburn long ball bounced into the box and Sakho almost allowed the ball to be taken off of his feet after a possible miscommunication between him and Simon Mignolet.
  
  
• After 20 minutes, Liverpool were still without any big chances. Meanwhile, the back four was holding up nicely.

• Sturridge did not look sharp early on despite receiving the ball in dangerous areas on more than one occasion.

• Sakho had to leave with an injury, meaning that the team's three best central defenders would not be on the pitch for the majority of the match.

• Coutinho with a big chance! A failed Blackburn clearance gave him a free shot from the center of the area, but Simon Eastwood did well to make a diving save.

• Liverpool piled on the pressure after the Coutinho chance, but could not manufacture a goal before half time.

• Half-time thoughts: Overall, it was a dull first half for Liverpool. They dominated possession, but their pressure was meaningless as they couldn't create chances.

• Tom Cairney forced a diving save with a long range effort, and Mignolet had to make a second vital save to defend the ensuing corner.

• After a minor blip in the run of play, Liverpool took back control of the match and continued to pressure the hosts. However, chance creation was still an issue for the Reds.

• Goal! Coutinho! The Brazilian was slipped in by Henderson on the right and he arrowed his shot past Eastwood from a narrow angle to give Liverpool the lead.

• Sterling played in Sturridge, but the striker's attempted chip sailed over the bar.

• Lambert replaced Sturridge in the 85th with Liverpool trying to close out a hard fought victory.

• Mignolet denies Eastwood! Blackburn's goalkeeper got a shot on target, and Mignolet was able to smother it after an initial bobble.

• Full-time thoughts: This was a tough win for Liverpool and it was ugly at times. But after the losses to Manchester United and Arsenal it was exactly what the team needed.

We'll be back shortly to take an in-depth look at everything that happened in today's game with the full recap. Until then, let us know your take on the ups and downs of the match in the comments, and if you haven't already, join the community on the Liverpool Offside, where we'll have full coverage and lively in-game discussion for every match this season.