The Liverpool Offside - Liverpool v. Tottenham, 03.10.13Zeppeline, Trinken, & Pink Badeshortshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51345/ltos-fav.png2013-03-10T18:37:06+00:00http://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/rss/stream/38467852013-03-10T18:37:06+00:002013-03-10T18:37:06+00:00Recap: Gerrard Penalty Seals Win
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<figcaption>Michael Regan</figcaption>
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<p>Liverpool come from behind to take all three points at Anfield, with a Steven Gerrard penalty in the 82nd minute giving the hosts a huge win. </p> <blockquote>
<p><b>Liverpool 3: </b><i>Suarez 21', Downing 66', Gerrard (pen.) 82'</i><br><b>Tottenham 2: </b><i>Vertonghen 45' 53'</i></p>
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<p>Team news was met with surprise and shock ahead of kickoff--<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110848/pepe-reina" class="sbn-auto-link">Pepe Reina</a> was ruled out with a calf injury, opening the door for <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110066/brad-jones" class="sbn-auto-link">Brad Jones</a> to make his first Liverpool start in months, and around ten minutes or so ahead of kickoff we learned that Joe Allen, who was included on the bench, was due to undergo shoulder surgery. The lineup itself was somewhat surprising as well, with only <span>Steven Gerrard</span> and Lucas in the Liverpool midfield, and each of <span>Luis Suarez</span>, <span>Daniel Sturridge</span>, and <span>Philippe Coutinho</span> starting across the front.</p>
<p>It was end-to-end stuff to start, with Liverpool settling on the front foot for much of the opening. Coutinho was the brightest from both sides, showing creativity and skill in surging forward. He nearly created on his own by curling over at the far post, and just after the twenty minute mark he combined well with <span>Jose Enrique</span> to spring Suarez for <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Liverpool's</a> opener.</p>
<p>A neat backheel fell just behind the Spanish fullback, who knocked back to Coutinho before venturing further forward. The Brazilian skimmed a low pass to Enrique's feet, and after recovering from a slight jumble, he played a perfectly-weighted through ball forward for the onrushing Suarez. A toe-flick was all the Uruguayan needed to beat <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110228/hugo-lloris" class="sbn-auto-link">Hugo Lloris</a> at the near post, and Liverpool were flying high.</p>
<p>Unfortunately that dissolved around the half-hour mark, as the visitors pinned Liverpoool deeper and deeper. The equalizer was inevitable, but the manner in which it arrived seemed especially cruel. Michael Oliver called a foul on Steven Gerrard, who'd fairly won a header over <span>Gareth Bale</span>. The initially delivery was cleared, but Spurs maintained possession long enough for Bale, who'd gone off briefly after receiving treatment, to swing in a cross to <span>Jan Vertonghen</span>, who beat both <span>Jamie Carragher</span> (who'd been held down by <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/111410/michael-dawson" class="sbn-auto-link">Michael Dawson</a>) and <span>Glen Johnson</span> to send the match to halftime level.</p>
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<p>The second half was barely ten minutes old when Bale and Vertonghen combined again to put Spurs on top--Bale's free-kick from deep sent Liverpool's defense into collapse, and again Carragher and Johnson found themselves unable to cope with Vertonghen. The Belgian defender had time and space from eight yards out, and made no mistake in hitting a half-volley past a helpless Brad Jones.</p>
<p>Liverpool struggled to cope immediately after the goal and looked fully capable of conceding at least two more. The tide started to turn, though, and while <span>Joe Allen's</span> entrance didn't bring about a sea change, Liverpool gradually coped better through the midfield and were more dangerous in possession. He wasn't terrific by any stretch, but the extra body proved vital.</p>
<p>Of course, Liverpool's equalizer had nothing to do with anyone other than <span>Kyle Walker</span> and Lloris, who conspired to leave <span>Stewart Downing</span> on goal with only Vertonghen in the way. It was a confusing moment, but Downing collected himself calmly and hit a low shot with his right foot straight through Vertonghen. Liverpool were level through the type of defensive error with which they've become painfully familiar, and with over twenty minutes to play, they had plenty of time to get a winner.</p>
<p>Spurs' threat decreased as Liverpool's continued to grow, with the winner finally materializing after Luis Suarez was clattered down by <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110129/benoit-assou-ekotto" class="sbn-auto-link">Benoit Assou-Ekotto</a> on the far side. It was a clear penalty--one that even a terribly inconsistent Michael Oliver couldn't miss--coolly taken by the Liverpool captain, and it proved to be enough for Liverpool as they got their fourth consecutive win and first against a side in the top four.</p>
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<p>I don't really know how to feel other than sweaty and gleeful after that result. At times I was enraged, disappointed, rapturous, and confused, and now it's all settled into a contented feeling that Liverpool have finally won a match that had some sort of importance attached to it. They weren't at their best on the day, and have arguably lost matches in which they looked far sharper, but they did exactly what we've been begging them to do, and that feels mighty good.</p>
<p>It's hard to pick out any star performer for Liverpool, who struggled both collectively and individually throughout. Philippe Coutinho was probably the most consistent player in a red shirt, with a number of dangerous spells in possession and the spark to give Liverpool their opener. He is a 5'7" bundle of hope for the future, and so far he's delivered the future far more quickly than any of us could have expected.</p>
<p>His partners in attack varied from brilliant to disconnected; Luis Suarez produced his typical moments of flash and got a goal but was sloppy as well, Stewart Downing got his second goal in two games and was solid on the right, and Daniel Sturridge--who was clearly some ways off fitness--showed smart movement but failed on far too many occasions with his first touch.</p>
<p>Brendan Rodgers takes much of the blame for setting the midfield up to be overwhelmed, and while each of Steven Gerrard and Lucas performed admirably, the decision to bring on Joe Allen was something of an acknowledgement that Liverpool just could not expect to win if things were left unchanged. I still don't agree with bringing Allen on rather than Henderson, as the latter could have done just as much as the former. Particularly with shoulder surgery apparently on the horizon, it looked a teacher's pet decision more than anything, with Henderson getting mop-up minutes once Liverpool had the lead. Still, Lucas was smart and timely in the tackle despite being booked for a soft foul on Gareth Bale. His distribution was off and on, but we're ever closer to the Lucas we remember.</p>
<p>The less said about the defense the better--moments of solidity when needed, but calamitous errors once again nearly cost Liverpool points. Glen Johnson had his worst match of the season (which I'd hope is a one-off) and Jamie Carragher was frightful at times, and neither of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110183/daniel-agger" class="sbn-auto-link">Daniel Agger</a> or Jose Enrique fared much better despite having better days than the former pair. Brad Jones did what was asked of him and made a couple of saves, but I don't know that anyone will feel at ease if he continues as the number one.</p>
<p>So what did we learn? Jesus, I have no idea. Liverpool made many of the same errors they've made all season and looked destined to be on the wrong end of a 4-1 scoreline, and then they go and turn it all around to get all three points. First win of the season against a side above them in the table, four straight, and a much-desired victory in a close match.</p>
<p>They should do this more often.</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2013/3/10/4086066/liverpool-3-spurs-2-gerrard-penalty-seals-liverpool-win-Ed-2013-03-10T13:00:04+00:002013-03-10T13:00:04+00:00Matchday: Liverpool v. Spurs
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<figcaption>Alex Livesey</figcaption>
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<p>Liverpool host Tottenham at Anfield in the weekend's marquee Premier League fixture. </p> <p><b>K</b><b>ickoff:</b> 4:00PM GMT/12:00PM EST</p>
<p><b>Ways to Watch:</b> Sky Sports 1 in the UK and Fox Soccer Plus in the US</p>
<p><b>Preview: </b><a target="_blank" href="http://liverpool.theoffside.com/2013/3/9/4082572/match-preview-liverpool-v-tottenham-03-10-13">Liverpool v. Spurs</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>
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<p><b>Liverpool:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Jones<br>Johnson Carragher Agger Enrique<br>Gerrard Lucas<br>Downing Suarez Coutinho<br>Sturridge</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Bench: Gulacsi, Wisdom, Skrtel, Henderson, Allen, Shelvey, Sterling</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><b>Tottenham:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Lloris<br>Walker Dawson Vertonghen Assou-Ekotto<br>Livermore Parker<br>Sigurdsson Dembele Bale<br>Defoe</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Bench: Friedel, Naughton, Caulker, Gallas, Huddlestone, Carroll, Holtby</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2013/3/10/4084174/matchday-liverpool-v-spurs-premier-league-team-news-Ed-2013-03-10T02:00:01+00:002013-03-10T02:00:01+00:00Open Thread: Pre-Spurs Overnight
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<figcaption>Clive Brunskill</figcaption>
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<p>Five questions to pass the time as we wait for kickoff from Anfield.</p> <p>1) Does Martin Skrtel's return from injury mean he starts?</p>
<p>2) Jordan Henderson, Joe Allen, or neither?</p>
<p>3) Does Daniel Sturridge make the starting eleven?</p>
<p>4) Assuming Lucas and Steven Gerrard in central midfield, who makes up the front four?</p>
<p>5) What changes does Brendan Rodgers make and when?</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2013/3/10/4083758/liverpool-tottenham-open-thread-Ed-2013-03-09T16:00:08+00:002013-03-09T16:00:08+00:00Preview: Liverpool v. Spurs
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<figcaption>Paul Gilham</figcaption>
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<p>Liverpool welcome Spurs to Anfield on Sunday in a match that, at least on paper, will be one of their most difficult the rest of the way. </p> <p>In terms of matches that actually have some sort of excitement attached, tomorrow's isn't quite as horrifying as the <a href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Manchester United</a> fixtures or the matchups with Chelsea over the past few seasons. It's not because Spurs aren't in the same class as those sides--there's an argument to be made that they're close to being on par with United, while nobody's arguing that <a href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chelsea's</a> in the same class as Spurs--but for whatever reason, this one's posed the opportunity to at least enjoy the prospect of having an important-seeming match on the immediate horizon.</p>
<p>There's still the nagging narrative about <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Liverpool's</a> failures against sides near the top of table, though, and that's not going away until they win matches like tomorrow's. Breezing past lower-half opposition has been fun to watch, with Liverpool putting up goals for fun in the matches that they have won, but matches that are contested more closely have rarely produced victories for Liverpool, and Spurs' visit should produce ninety-plus minutes that are tighter than what Liverpool had to deal with in wins over Swansea and Wigan.</p>
<p>That requires that both sides hold up their end of the bargain, which, given Spurs' recent form, looks a certainty on the visitor's end of things. They've been terrific in league, unbeaten in twelve and winners of their last four. They found their way through a slight dip that saw them draw three straight, two of which came away from White Hart Lane against QPR and <a href="https://www.flightofthecanaries.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Norwich City</a>. Successive one-goal wins against <a href="https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Newcastle</a>, West Ham, and <a href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Arsenal</a> followed, and their 3-0 win over a lackluster Inter on Thursday only continued their string of good results.</p>
<p>Aside from the long-term injury for Sandro (who was very, very good earlier this season), <span>Andre Villas-Boas</span> has a nearly full-strength squad, with <span>Aaron Lennon</span> and <span>Clint Dempsey</span> the only concerns after the former was injured against Inter and the latter failing to recover from a calf injury. They've overcome the lack of a consistent goalscorer up front through the terrific form of <span>Gareth Bale</span>, who's supported either <span>Jermain Defoe</span> or <span>Emmanuel Adebayor</span> from a more central attacking position. The arrival of Lewis Holtby gave them another skilled option throughout attacking midfield, Gylfi Sigurdsson has come on of late, and <span>Scott Parker</span> and <span>Moussa Dembele</span> have partnered well in central midfield. Their back four--subject to endless talk about vulnerability due to Villas-Boas' preference for a high line--have been solid, with <span>Kyle Walker</span>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/111410/michael-dawson" class="sbn-auto-link">Michael Dawson</a>, <span>Jan Vertonghen</span>, and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110129/benoit-assou-ekotto" class="sbn-auto-link">Benoit Assou-Ekotto</a> doing well in front of the impressive <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110228/hugo-lloris" class="sbn-auto-link">Hugo Lloris</a>.</p>
<p>For Liverpool:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Reina<br>Johnson Carragher Agger Enrique<br>Gerrard Lucas<br>Downing Henderson Coutinho<br>Suarez</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Yesterday Brendan Rodgers cleared up the injury situation, which should see only <span>Fabio Borini</span> and <span>Martin Kelly</span> missing out. Both Daniel Sturridge and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110728/martin-skrtel" class="sbn-auto-link">Martin Skrtel</a> were deemed fit enough for inclusion after missing the Wigan match, and no new injuries were suffered during the 4-0 win or this past week of training.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Skrtel being declared fit doesn't necessarily mean he'll start, though, and I'd be surprised if he made the eleven in place of Jamie Carragher. The Slovakian might have the edge in terms of quickness, which is important against a Spurs side with plenty of it, but Rodgers is committed to Carragher for what's left of the long haul. It all adds up to a defensive unit that's become standard---<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110848/pepe-reina" class="sbn-auto-link">Pepe Reina</a> in goal (and hopefully intent on continuing the form he showed at the DW), <span>Glen Johnson</span> and <span>Jose Enrique</span> at right- and left-back, and Carragher and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110183/daniel-agger" class="sbn-auto-link">Daniel Agger</a> in central defense.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">We know that Lucas and <span>Steven Gerrard</span> will start in midfield, leaving the only uncertainty as to who--if anyone--joins them. No surprise that I'll hope it's <span>Jordan Henderson</span>, this time in a more advanced role, with <span>Joe Allen</span> dropping out of the side. If Sturridge is ready from the start, though, I don't know that either of Henderson or Allen is included.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Assuming Sturridge doesn't start straightaway, I'd guess that it's Suarez alone up front with <span>Stewart Downing</span> and <span>Philippe Coutinho</span> flanking him. If we do get Sturridge, I think that'd be what pushes out Henderson or Allen, as Downing has been a mainstay and Coutinho's looked too effective to leave out. In that scenario Suarez would drop deeper with Sturridge up top and Coutinho left, again with Downing remaining.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Kickoff from Anfield is set for 4:00PM GMT/12:00PM EST, with Sky Sports 1 airing the match live in the UK and Fox Soccer Plus carrying coverage in the US. <b>Remember to change your clocks forward if you're stateside or anywhere else that observes Daylight Savings Time</b>, with the switch going into effect at 2:00am. Barring a collapse of society due to the clocks changing, we'll have the overnight thread and matchday post as usual, with team sheets for both sides running around an hour before kickoff. Hope you'll be around to join us here or on Twitter, and that we'll finally see Liverpol</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2013/3/9/4082572/match-preview-liverpool-v-tottenham-03-10-13-Ed-