The Liverpool Offside - Liverpool 1, Southampton 0: Lucas Return Marks Liverpool WinZeppeline, Trinken, & Pink Badeshortshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51345/ltos-fav.png2012-12-01T17:27:29+00:00http://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/rss/stream/34749592012-12-01T17:27:29+00:002012-12-01T17:27:29+00:00Recap: Lucas Return Marks Liverpool Win
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/BdmDxi9dx4jetCYVL2oyDVljhr4=/0x42:4000x2709/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4224563/157265904.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Chris Brunskill</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Liverpool get a 1-0 win over Southampton at Anfield, with Lucas Leiva's performance marking what should have been a much more comfortable victory. </p> <blockquote>
<p><b>Liverpool 1:</b> <i>Agger 43'</i><br><b>Southampton 0</b></p>
</blockquote>
<p>Really the only pre-match talking point was the return of <span>Lucas Leiva</span>--back in the eleven for the first time since August, it seemed premature, but the emotional boost (even if it was tempered by concern about being too soon) was significant, and it would ideally bring stability to a midfield that's been lost at sea over the past few weeks. <span>Joe Allen</span> and <span>Steven Gerrard</span> remained, with <span>Jonjo Shelvey</span> brought into the fold as well and <span>Jose Enrique</span> shifting to leftback after an extended run in a more advanced role.</p>
<p>And while the Brazilian showed clear signs of rust, his impact on the side as a whole was pronounced. Gerrard was free to roam, Allen was more advanced than he's been all season, and there was a general sense of assuredness that the side displayed that's been lacking far too often. Problems remained in attack, as multiple breaks stalled once the hosts were in possession just outside the area, but aside from a few momentary lapses, Liverpool were completely in control.</p>
<p>Outside of <span>Luis Suarez</span>, Gerrard looked more threatening than he has all season, and even though the final product didn't look like coming, there was a general sense that there was actually going to be something in this. It nearly came from Jonjo Shelvey on the right, who crashed a drive off the far post, and later from Suarez, who hit the crossbar with a curling free kick from twenty yards out.</p>
<p>Thankfully the latter effort was followed immediately by the opener, as <span>Glen Johnson</span> latched onto possession going away from goal and sent one back into the area with his left foot. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110183/daniel-agger" class="sbn-auto-link">Daniel Agger</a> got past his man and adjusted his body remarkably well, sending the header past Paolo Gazzaniga to give Liverpool the lead. It was a deserved reward for an impressive half of football, and meant Liverpool would head to the half with a one-goal cushion.</p>
<p align="center"><img alt="liverpool blog fc sbn" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/images/blog/star-divide.v5e9d7f1.jpg" style="border: 5px solid white;"></p>
<p>Southampton looked the more threatening for most of the second half even without putting an effort on goal, as Liverpool conspired to concede an equalizer with thoughtless possession and careless giveaways as the half wore on. Lucas thankfully intervened on countless occasions, but you could tell that many of the parties involved were struggling with tired legs and fatigued minds.</p>
<p>Liverpool still had their chances, with a number of breakaways and counters ruined by the same old problems--poor decision-making continues to mar what would otherwise be clear goalscoring opportunities, and chances to put what became a nervy match to bed far earlier. <span>Raheem Sterling</span> and Luis Suarez were again principally involved, and <span>Jordan Henderson</span>, who'd come on for the previously irreplaceable Joe Allen, combined with Sterling to waste one of the best of the lot.</p>
<p>The host's solidity at the back prevented Southampton from really testing <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110848/pepe-reina" class="sbn-auto-link">Pepe Reina</a>, however, and while at times it looked a scramble for Liverpool defensively there were no memorable chances for the guests. <span>Jamie Carragher's</span> appearance late gave Liverpool an extra body deep, and as has so often been the case, we saw a team huff and puff in the final third but ultimately come up with nothing. Thankfully this time it wasn't Liverpool.</p>
<p align="center"><img alt="liverpool blog fc sbn" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/images/blog/star-divide.v5e9d7f1.jpg" style="border: 5px solid white;"></p>
<p>It'd be hard to overstate just how much the return of Lucas meant for Liverpool, even if he was clearly off his game at times. His workrate can improve and his passing was marginal, but his positional sense and general combativeness--especially after such an extended layoff--was critical today. He displayed terrific awareness and timing, and perhaps most importantly for the side as a whole, he took what had become a seemingly suffocating weight off the shoulders of Joe Allen and Steven Gerrard, who were both improved despite looking tired and worn by the middle of the second half.</p>
<p>That Daniel Agger and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110728/martin-skrtel" class="sbn-auto-link">Martin Skrtel</a> were both excellent certainly helped, and both Glen Johnson and Jose Enrique were very solid. The latter impressed while resuming fullback duties, and the former was again very good both moving forward and defensively. Play at the other end was more up-and-down; Luis Suarez was predictably active and bothersome for the opposition defense (although he did earn a fifth booking that'll see him banned for the trip to West Ham next weekend), Raheem Sterling displayed strengths and growth edges from the flanks, and Jonjo Shelvey, while involved regularly prior to the final twenty minutes, looked about as you'd expect when asked to perform in a new(ish) role.</p>
<p>After a run of disappointing results, there can really be no complaining other than to say that Liverpool need goals and their regular eleven needs rest. They were very, very good at times today, and with reinforcements up top and added depth/recovery for the oft-used personnel, they can only get better. The past few weeks haven't been the most inspiring, but today highlighted what Liverpool are capable of, and to have some lingering disappointments despite the win is an indication that expecting more might not be completely delusional.</p>
<p>Or it is. Either way, Liverpool get the win, Lucas is back, and we can all agree that those are things that are unquestionably positive.</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2012/12/1/3714258/liverpool-1-southampton-0-premier-league-lucas-leiva-agger-goal-Ed-2012-12-01T10:00:04+00:002012-12-01T10:00:04+00:00Matchday: Liverpool v. Southampton
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/GjTynouBNgBeV5TdXRppAoyeZzk=/60x0:3939x2586/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4201677/151147514.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Alex Livesey</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Liverpool host Southampton to kick off a critical month in their Premier League campaign.</p> <p><b>K</b><b>ickoff:</b> 3:00PM GMT/10:00AM EST</p>
<p><b>Ways to Watch:</b> FoxSoccer2Go (subscribers only)</p>
<p><b>Preview: </b><a target="_blank" href="http://liverpool.theoffside.com/2012/11/30/3709230/match-preview-liverpool-v-southampton-premier-league12-01-12">Liverpool v. Southampton</a><a target="_blank" href="http://liverpool.theoffside.com/2012/11/10/3627064/match-preview-chelsea-v-liverpool-11-11-12-premier-league-team-news"></a></p>
<p><b>Comment:</b> <a target="_blank" href="../../account/setup?community_id=373">Join the conversation on the Liverpool Offside</a></p>
<p align="center"><img style="border: 5px solid white;" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/images/blog/star-divide.v5e9d7f1.jpg" alt="liverpool blog fc sbn"></p>
<p><b>Liverpool:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Reina<br>Johnson Skrtel Agger Enrique<br>Lucas<span style="line-height: 9px;"> Allen<br></span>Gerrard<br>Sterling Suarez Shelvey</p>
<p>Bench: Jones, Carragher, Sahin, Henderson, Downing, Suso, Wisdom</p>
<p><b>Southampton:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Gazzaniga<br>Clyne Fonte Yoshida Shaw<br>Schneiderlin Cork<br>Puncheon RamÃrez Lallana<br>Lambert</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><i></i>Bench: KDavis, Hooiveld, SDavis, Rodriguez, Ward-Prowse, Mayuka, Reeves</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2012/12/1/3712954/matchday-liverpool-v-southampton-premier-league-team-news-Ed-2012-12-01T02:02:38+00:002012-12-01T02:02:38+00:00Open Thread: Pre-Southampton Overnight
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/IxS5S1xToF6NZP23RBCGf_3xh5g=/0x165:2715x1975/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4201157/149007030.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Tom Szczerbowski</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Five questions to pass the time as we wait for kickoff from Anfield</p> <p>1) LUCAS. </p>
<p>2) Andre Wisdom and Glen Johnson, or Johnson and Downing/Enrique?</p>
<p>3) Does Joe Allen and/or Steven Gerrard finally get a rest?</p>
<p>4) Jonjo Shelvey up top, in the midfield, or on the bench?</p>
<p>5) Does any Liverpool player besides Luis Suarez or Owen Gole?</p>
<p>Bonus: Are you tired of January yet?</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2012/12/1/3712922/liverpool-southampton-premier-league-overnight-open-thread-Ed-2012-11-30T17:11:39+00:002012-11-30T17:11:39+00:00Preview: Liverpool v. Southampton
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mw_eEthjiDykr4LCH8APaqaS7Vo=/0x110:4000x2777/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4149769/157088726.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Christopher Lee</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Liverpool host Southampton at Anfield to open the year's final month, with the guests looking to boost themselves out of the relegation zone and the hosts still trying to find their footing as the season nears the midway point.</p> <p>Depending on who you ask, Liverpool have either already started or are just about to start a stretch that will, in many regards, be season-defining. "Winnable" points there for the taking, with <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Liverpool's</a> only task to finally start accumulating them. Easy enough, right? Away trips to Swansea and Spurs were always going to be tricky--if not downright difficult--but now Brendan Rodgers' squad has a chance to put the early season disappointments behind them and finish the first half of the campaign on an important run.</p>
<p>Ignoring recent history, the month really does hold promise for a club that's been points-deficient thus far; trips to Upton Park and the Britannia are the biggest challenges in league, and the date with Udinese in Italy this coming Thursday will determine Liverpool's European fate for the season. Beyond that, it's a cluster of matches that Liverpool should approach with winning in mind but not assumed as the only possible outcome. We've seen that before, and it's not pretty.</p>
<p><a href="https://stmarysmusings.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Southampton's</a> visit brings with it the temptation to assume that a Liverpool win is all but a certainty--newly-promoted, in the relegation zone, dismal away record. But they're also in the midst of their best stretch of the season, unbeaten in their last four and winning 3-1 at QPR, followed up by a 2-0 victory over <a href="https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Newcastle</a> at home. Their early-season performances were positive but the result never came, and they've now managed to draw within a point of <a href="https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Sunderland</a> and <a href="https://7500toholte.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Aston Villa</a>, and just four off Liverpool.</p>
<p>Manager Nigel Adkins should have a full squad to choose from tomorrow, with Danny Fox expected back from a knee injury. He's selected the same starting eleven dating back to the draw with Swansea--Paolo Gazzniga in goal, Nathaniel Clyne, Maya Yoshida, Jose Fonte, and Luke Shaw across the back, Morgan Schneiderlin, Jack Cork, <span>Gaston Ramirez</span>, and Adam Lallana supporting from the midfield, and Jason Puncheon and Rickie Lambert up top. For all their defensive frailties earlier in the season, Adkins' squad has been able to score more than a few of their own, and Lambert leads the charge with six in league.</p>
<p>For Liverpool:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Reina<br>Wisdom Skrtel Agger Johnson<br>Allen Sahin<br>Suso<br>Shelvey Suarez Assaidi</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The third Premier League match within the week is bound to leave a few unable to feature in all three; Brendan Rodgers selected the same eleven on Sunday and Wednesday, and while he'd be able to do that again tomorrow, I doubt all parties involved are rested enough to do so. The biggest injury news is that Lucas is back in the squad, leaving <span>Martin Kelly</span> and <span>Fabio Borini</span> as the only long-term injuries. Also, <span>Joe Cole's</span> back, but...yeah.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Since I'm 0-2 this week, I figured I'd try to be wrong three times in a row guessing that <span>Andre Wisdom</span> is back in at right-back. Maybe it makes more sense here given the opposition and the player's fitness, and having him in would leave <span>Stewart Downing</span> out and <span>Glen Johnson</span> over on the left. There doesn't seem to be any compelling reason to have <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110183/daniel-agger" class="sbn-auto-link">Daniel Agger</a> and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110728/martin-skrtel" class="sbn-auto-link">Martin Skrtel</a> rested, as both have maintained a fairly high level over the past few weeks. If Wisdom's unavailable, I'd expect to see what we have twice already this week rather than <span>Jack Robinson</span> involved despite the youngster's promise.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Lucas' return would ideally come with an immediate start and return to the type of form that had him as one of the world's best last season, but we're going to have to be much, much more patient. He'll likely get a few minutes at most, with at least one of <span>Joe Allen</span>, <span>Jordan Henderson</span>, and <span>Steven Gerrard</span>. Allen's probably the one most in need of rest, but given Rodgers' preference to play him at every chance I'd guess he plays again. Rotating in Nuri Sahin and Suso would be welcomed to round things out, with neither having a particularly large part to play recently.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Start with <span>Luis Suarez</span> and fill in the other two spots--in this case I'll guess for JonathanJoseph on the right and <span>Oussama Assaidi</span> in his first Premier League start, knowing full well that it'll probably be <span>Raheem Sterling</span> and <span>Jose Enrique</span> again. There's a chance for Assaidi if Enrique drops back into the left-back slot, which would be far more preferred than Stewart Downing getting another start. Anywhere.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The 3:00PM GMT/10:00AM EST kickoff time leaves us with few live viewing options, as only those with a FoxSoccer2Go subscription will be able to watch. Fox Soccer Plus will have a delayed showing at 2:00PM EST, but otherwise we're left to scramble to follow the match as it's happening. We'll still have team sheets an hour before kickoff in the matchday thread, which will run after the overnight post and will have any options for following by radio stream as well.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Hope you all have a nice end to the week, and that the weekend starts with a Liverpool win.</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2012/11/30/3709230/match-preview-liverpool-v-southampton-premier-league12-01-12-Ed-