The Liverpool Offside - Sunderland v. Liverpool, 09.29.13Zeppeline, Trinken, & Pink Badeshortshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51345/ltos-fav.png2013-09-29T21:00:04+01:00http://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/rss/stream/45450692013-09-29T21:00:04+01:002013-09-29T21:00:04+01:00Sunderland 1, Liverpool 3: Suarez Brace in Win
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<figcaption>Matthew Lewis</figcaption>
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<p>It wasn't always pretty, but a brace from Luis Suarez and two assists along with a goal of his own from Daniel Sturridge gave Liverpool the win at the Stadium of Light.</p> <p>Liverpool haven't made easy work of anything to this point in the season, but they've shown themselves to be resolute and gritty when needed, and today's victory on Wearside was no different. Both brilliant and maddening, Liverpool earned the three points on the strength of very good displays from their front men and the work of the three at the back, and they leave <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/">Sunderland</a> with all three points and a renewed belief that this side is capable of dealing with adversity and coming out the other side.</p>
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<p><b>Sunderland 1:</b> <i>Giaccherini 52'</i><br><b>Liverpool 3:</b> <i>Sturridge 27', Suarez 36' 89'</i></p>
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<p>As expected, Brendan Rodgers stuck with the squad that lost at Old Trafford midweek in the League Cup; there wasn't much celebration in picking correctly, though, because it meant a further test for the tired legs of <span>Daniel Sturridge</span> and Steven Gerrard. They weren't tested much in the early going, though, because Gerrard mostly spectated and Sturridge found himself alienated as the hosts pressed relentlessly and dominated the opening twenty-five minutes aside from a few smart attacking moves from <span>Luis Suarez</span>. That Sunderland didn't manage to convert an early chance--or benefit from a forward back-pass by <span>Kolo Toure</span>--would prove to be costly, as they'd find themselves playing catch-up from a two-goal deficit with ten minutes to play in the first half.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool's</a> go-ahead goal was a complete surprise given that Sunderland had the upper hand, as well as that it came from a Gerrard-delivered corner. It skimmed Toure's head and fell to Sturridge, who redirected past Kieren Westwood with his right elbow. There was no intentionality behind it, but it clearly went in off his arm. It counted, though, and less than ten minutes later Liverpool doubled their lead through Suarez.</p>
<p>An exquisite, ranging ball from Gerrard found Sturridge on the far side, and the striker took a sublime touch and pushed forward against <span>Carlos Cuellar</span>, eventually beating the defender on the goalline side and squaring for Suarez with an inch-perfect pass on the outside of his left foot. The Uruguayan made no mistake with the sliding finish, and after a disheartening opening, suddenly Liverpool were in dreamland.</p>
<p>They'd try to give it away (albeit on an incorrect offside call) before the half was out, and they continued their generosity to open the second. Sunderland got their goal on 52 minutes when Simon MIgnolet could only block a <span>Ki Sung-Yeung</span> effort from distance, and <span>Emanuele Giaccherini</span> beat flat-footed Liverpool defenders to the rebound and crashed home. <span>Craig Gardner</span> almost leveled with another shot from outside the area, but this time Mignolet succesfully pushed away what proved to be the host's final dangerous effort.</p>
<p>Rodgers brought <span>Raheem Sterling</span> on for <span>Victor Moses</span>, with the young winger sliding into the wingback role previously occupied by <span>Jordan Henderson</span> and the makeshift wingback ultimately operating centrally. Liverpool thankfully took control over the final twenty minutes, and with a minute left in regular time they killed the match off for good. Smart distribution from Mignolet allowed Liverpool to break, and a confluence of a Suarez pass, a gut-busting Henderson run, Sturridge's unselfishness, and good finishing from Suarez gave Liverpool another goal, their first of the season in the second half, and all three points on the day.</p>
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<p>So clearly it's not going to be a good season for your blood pressure, as Liverpool appear determined to induce about 132 different emotional states within the span of 90 minutes. They were dismal for most of the first half-hour, with no midfield present and an attacking contingent that was unable to combine with one another as they adjusted to each others' respective presences. Then two goals, then bad again, then comfortable, then a great goal, and everything's always been this awesome, right?</p>
<p>The performance for most of the first half was decidedly not awesome, though, and it demands some sort of change from Rodgers. There's limits, of course, and with <span>Joe Allen</span> and <span>Philippe Coutinho</span> injured and <span>Luis Alberto</span> apparently not ready, I'm not sure what changes other than Lucas serving a one-match ban for receiving five yellow cards already. Liverpool need to have a presence in central midfield, and right now there's nothing happening other than getting overrun.</p>
<p>Today they were rescued by stalwart defensive work from each of Kolo Toure, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110728/martin-skrtel">Martin Skrtel</a>, and Mamadou Sakho, with each impressing in their own right. Sakho was dominant and physical in dealing with Altidore and benefited from Howard Webb's typically bipolar refereeing, and Toure and Skrtel were similarly excellent. <span>Simon Mignolet</span> was a bit nervy at times, though he again found himself saving points with a few well-made saves.</p>
<p>It was up and down for nearly everybody else; Gerrard did the impressive set piece and cross-field passing thing but was anonymous otherwise, Lucas was smart at times and impulsive at others, Jordan Henderson and <span>Jose Enrique</span> were inconsistent as the wingbacks--though Henderson helped stabilize the squad after moving centrally and is still mostly saving the squad's lack of depth by playing deeper on the right--and Victor Moses excelled when stationed wide but struggled in the middle.</p>
<p>That leaves the goalscorers, and both were mostly positive. Sturridge somehow looked rejuvenated once he got involved, and his two assists for Suarez were among the most encouraging takeaways on the day. Suarez looked closer to his best but was still rusty, and both frustrated the other with a handful of selfish decisions. But both also inspired and pushed the other along, and if they can manage to recreate their linkup today, it's going to be a fun season (or half-season, as it were).</p>
<p>It's the result that matters, and today's result was a good one. Liverpool can again reflect knowing they've done enough to earn all three points, this time with a week to rest and recuperate. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/crystal-palace">Crystal Palace's</a> visit will give way to a few weeks off, and if they can secure another three points next weekend, they'll be headed into late October in good stead, both in terms of standing and sentiment.</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2013/9/29/4783620/sunderland-1-liverpool-3-suarez-brace-sturridge-asssist-recap-Ed-2013-09-29T17:52:27+01:002013-09-29T17:52:27+01:00Sunderland 1, Liverpool 3: First Thoughts
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<figcaption>Gareth Copley</figcaption>
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<p>First half goals from Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez had Liverpool cruising after a shaky opening, and while Sunderland threatened to draw level in the second half, the duo combined in the final minutes to kill the match off. </p> <p align="center"><br><img alt="liverpool blog fc sbn" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/images/blog/star-divide.v5e9d7f1.jpg" style="border: 5px solid white;"></p>
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<p><b>Sunderland 1:</b> <i>Giaccherini 52'</i><br><b><a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Liverpool</a> 3:</b> <i>Sturridge 27', Suarez 36' 89'</i></p>
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<div align="justify">Liverpool just could not cope with <a href="https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Sunderland's</a> early pressure, and there was no midfield presence whatsoever. Any space afforded by <a href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Manchester United</a> midweek disappeared, with Liverpool left to try to soak up pressure rather than apply it. It was not pretty. <span>Victor Moses</span> was wasted as a number 10 with no real idea about where to fit or what to do. The first twenty-five minutes was scary, guys, and the midfield never surfaced.<br><br>
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<div align="justify">Then two goals in ten minutes and life is good again. A good corner from <span>Steven Gerrard</span>, a flick-on from Kolo, and <span>Daniel Sturridge</span> in the right spot at the right time to elbow it in. Then Gerrard releases Sturridge down the right and the striker works his way into the area to set up a <span>Luis Suarez</span> tap-in. Everything is and always was the best, at least until Liverpool tried to give away their two-goal lead about four times before the half was over. Thanks for the help, <span>Simon Mignolet</span>.<br><br>
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<div align="justify">Two goal lead equals calmer second half ammirite? No, no I'm not. Sunderland dominated the early going and got their goal on some sloppy all-around defensive play. Nobody closed down Ki, Mignolet could only block, and no Liverpool players followed the shot to clear the rebound. Not a pretty goal to concede, and Mignolet was forced into a tough save moments later. <br><br>
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<div align="justify">The times when Victor Moses was able to lead a break or float wide were very encouraging, but otherwise Liverpool had nothing doing. Bringing Raheem Sterling on for Moses and pushing Henderson central was a gamble, as Sterling was tasked mostly with defensive duties and Moses was one of the only real threats in the second half. Thankfully Liverpool controlled most of the final twenty minutes, and Henderson was a welcome addition in the middle.<br><br>
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<div align="justify">Lucas' yellow card means he's out for <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/crystal-palace" class="sbn-auto-link">Crystal Palace's</a> visit next weekend, and there's going to be some thinking required by Rodgers on how they set up. His booking came during a run of play that looked as though Liverpool were going to give it away, but a late break--aided by Henderson busting a gut in support--saw Sturridge cut back for Suarez, who made no mistake with his left foot and killed the match off. Relief.</div>
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<p align="justify">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, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/account/setup?community_id=373">join the community on the Liverpool Offside,</a> where we'll have full coverage and lively in-game discussion for every match this season.</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2013/9/29/4778328/liverpool-3-sunderland-1-match-recap-sturridge-suarez-goals-reactions-Ed-2013-09-29T12:00:05+01:002013-09-29T12:00:05+01:00Matchday: Sunderland v. Liverpool
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<figcaption>Clive Brunskill</figcaption>
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<p>Team news, lineups, ways to watch, and live coverage of Liverpool's visit to the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland.</p> <p><b>Kickoff:</b> 4:00PM BST/11:00AM EST</p>
<p><b>Ways to Watch:</b> Live on Sky Sports 1 in the UK and NBCSN/NBC Sports Live Extra in the US</p>
<p><b>Preview: </b><a target="_blank" href="http://liverpool.theoffside.com/2013/9/28/4778342/liverpool-sunderland-preview-tv-streaming-team-news-premier-league">Sunderland v. Liverpool</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="http://www.sbnation.com/account/setup?community_id=373">Join the conversation on the Liverpool Offside</a></p>
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<p><b>Sunderland:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Westwood<br>Gardner Cuellar O'Shea Colback<br>Johnson Ki Cattermole Larsson<br>Giaccherini<br>Altidore</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Bench: Wickham, Celustka, Ba, Mannone, Ji, Roberge, Mavrias</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><b>Liverpool:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Mignolet<br>Toure Skrtel Sakho<br>Henderson Gerrard Lucas Enrique<br>Moses<br>Suarez Sturridge</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Bench: Jones, Agger, Aspas, Ilori, Sterling, Ibe, Wisdom</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2013/9/29/4781546/liverpool-sunderland-tv-streaming-lineups-team-sheet-premier-league-Ed-2013-09-29T04:00:03+01:002013-09-29T04:00:03+01:00Pre-Sunderland Overnight Open Thread
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<figcaption>Julian Finney</figcaption>
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<p>Five questions to pass the time as we wait for kickoff from the Stadium of Light.</p> <p>1) Most likely to get a rest--Daniel Sturridge, Steven Gerrard, or Sisyphus?</p>
<p>2) Does Brendan Rodgers stick with the 3-5-2? If not, how does Liverpool set up?</p>
<p>3) Do we see Iago Aspas or Luis Alberto?</p>
<p>4) When does Rodgers use his first (non-injury) substitution?</p>
<p>5) Who, if anyone, gets the winning goal?</p>
<p>Bonus: SUSO? Suso.</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/gc7EvOUX06k" height="390" width="520"></iframe></p>
<p><em>Video by <strong><a target="new" href="https://twitter.com/MostarLFC">MostarLFC</a></strong></em></p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2013/9/29/4781576/liverpool-sunderland-preview-questions-team-news-sturridge-gerrard-rest-suso-video-Ed-2013-09-28T15:00:06+01:002013-09-28T15:00:06+01:00Preview: Sunderland v. Liverpool
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<figcaption>Richard Sellers</figcaption>
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<p>Team news, ways to watch, and a full preview of Liverpool's visit to Sunderland, where they'll look to get back to winning ways against the managerless Wearsiders. </p> <p>One of Liverpool's busiest weeks of the season until December--or FA Cup action in January--wraps up tomorrow, and if it's going to be anything other than disappointing they're going to have get a result. Brendan Rodgers' side have had plenty of opportunities to bounce back from adversity over the past year-plus, and there's a chance to build on the promising showing midweek and push on into October.</p>
<p>And then promptly sit around for two weeks to wait for the international break to be over. It's not as though there's a full head of steam to be interrupted here, with Liverpool winless in their last three after their perfect start to the season, but a result tomorrow and doing what's expected of them against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/crystal-palace">Crystal Palace</a> next weekend at Anfield would be a nice recovery from the pessimism and negativity that's crept its way in these past few weeks.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/">Sunderland</a> have had a fair bit of that themselves after a terrible start to the season, and they're either lost at sea or rejuvenated by the ousting of <span>Paolo Di Canio</span>. If early returns are any indication it's the latter, as the Kevin Ball-led side won comfortably in the League Cup against Peterborough midweek. It was just their second win of the season, with four losses in league leaving them bottom of the table on a solitary point earned in a goalless draw at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://stmarysmusings.sbnation.com/">Southampton</a> in their second match of the season.</p>
<p>Ball's tenure as interim manager could be over shortly, but tomorrow he'll be tasked with the picking from a squad that's close to full-strength, with only <span>Steven Fletcher</span> (shoulder injury) and <span>Fabio Borini</span> (loan deal) ruled out. Di Canio had relied heavily on new names given the raft of signings the club made over the summer, but Ball opted to go only with <span>Ki Sung-Yeung</span>, Emmanuele Giaccherini, and <span>Jozy Altidore</span> in the win over Peterborough as part of an eleven that's somewhat familiar and likely for tomorrow--<span>Keiren Westwood</span> in goal, <span>Craig Gardner</span>, <span>Jack Colback</span>, <span>John O'Shea</span>, and <span>Carlos Cuellar</span> at the back, Sebastian Larsson and <span>Adam Johnson</span> wide, and <span>Lee Cattermole</span> partnering Ki in midfield with Giaccherini and Altidore in attack.</p>
<p>For <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a>:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Mignolet<br>Toure Skrtel Sakho<br>Henderson Gerrard Lucas Enrique<br>Moses<br>Suarez Sturridge</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110183/daniel-agger">Daniel Agger</a> could yet return according to Brendan Rodgers, but Joe Allen's unfortunately a ways away after his hamstring injury proved worse than originally thought. <span>Glen Johnson</span> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110232/aly-cissokho">Aly Cissokho</a> should be close to action over the coming weeks, <span>Philippe Coutinho</span> continues to rehab in hopes of a late October return, and <span>Sebastian Coates</span> remains the only long-standing injury in the squad.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Both formation and performance proved positive at Old Trafford, and I'd be surprised if Brendan Rodgers opted to change things too much. Agger could see a return, but otherwise I'm guessing we get the same setup as against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/">Manchester United</a>, with <span>Kolo Toure</span>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110728/martin-skrtel">Martin Skrtel</a>, and Mamadou Sakho operating as the three at the back in front of <span>Simon Mignolet</span> in goal. Each of the three central defenders were very good midweek, and each deserve another start tomorrow.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">That leaves <span>Jordan Henderson</span> and <span>Jose Enrique</span> in wingback roles; both impressed on Wednesday night, with Enrique's inattention the only setback from what were otherwise roundly excellent displays. The only change I could see here is if Rodgers makes the bold choice to drop one of <span>Steven Gerrard</span> or Lucas in central midfield and push Henderson centrally, in which case <span>Andre Wisdom</span>, <span>Raheem Sterling</span>, or possibly Tiago Ilori come in on the right. We know that's not going to happen, though.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Up front it appears to be the same as well, with Rodgers asserting that there's no way <span>Daniel Sturridge</span> is given rest despite nearly turning into dust late in the match against United. Luis Suarez and <span>Victor Moses</span> look the likely supports, with <span>Iago Aspas</span> now buried underneath two undroppable strikers and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea</a> loanee. Sterling and Jordon Ibe will join Aspas and <span>Luis Alberto</span> as the attacking contingent on the bench.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Kickoff tomorrow is set for 4:00PM BST/11:00AM EST, and Sky Sports 1 will air the match live in England with NBCSN/<a href="http://stream.nbcsports.com/liveextra/" target="_blank">NBC Sports Live Extra</a> carrying coverage in the US. We'll have the matchday thread up early tomorrow following the overnight thread tonight, and team sheets will be included around an hour or so before kickoff. Hope you'll be around to join us.</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2013/9/28/4778342/liverpool-sunderland-preview-tv-streaming-team-news-premier-league-Ed-2013-09-28T11:00:03+01:002013-09-28T11:00:03+01:00Saturday Open Thread
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<figcaption>Denis Doyle</figcaption>
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<p>Plenty of action to follow across the continent on a busy Saturday, with Chelsea and Spurs kicking the day off with the Premier League's marquee fixture and a Madrid derby to wrap the day up. </p> <p>Patience is a virtue, and a stupid one at that. I want <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Liverpool</a> now. Waiting is for losers. Wait we must, though, as proceedings from the Stadium of Light don't kick off for another full 24 hours. And if we have to wait and pretend that patience is an admirable quality, there could be worse ways to spend a Saturday than by following wall-to-wall action on what's going to be a busy and intriguing Saturday.</p>
<p><a href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chelsea's</a> visit to Spurs kicks the day off in full, followed by six further Premier League fixtures and scores of other matches around the UK. Spain's got some delectible offerings as well, with Suso and Almeria hosting Barca, and a Madrid derby to finish off the day. In Italy, Pepe Reina's Napoli travel to Genoa looking to remain unbeaten, while in Germany Sami Hyypia and his third-place Bayer Leverkusen side will hope to fend off fourth-place Hannover 96 while keeping pace with Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich, who are in action against Freiburg and Wolfsburg respectively.</p>
<p>The Liverpool loanee rundown:</p>
<p>Conor Coady--<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/wolverhampton" class="sbn-auto-link">Wolverhampton</a> Wanderers v. Sheffield United 3:00PM BST/10:00AM EST<br>Michael Ngoo--Bolton Wanderers v. Yeovil Town 3:00PM BST/10:00AM EST<br>Suso--Almeria v. Barcelona 3:00PM BST/10:00AM EST<br>Henoc Mukendi--St. Johnstone v. Partick Thistle 3:00PM BST/10:00AM EST<br>Pepe Reina--Genoa v. Napoli 5:00PM BST/12:00PM EST</p>
<p>LiveSoccerTV has <a target="_blank" href="http://www.livesoccertv.com/schedules/2013-09-28/">a schedule along with live and repeat viewings on offe</a>r through legal providers, and NBCSN/Live Extra will have the Premier League action stateside. Check your local listings and the LiveSoccer schedule page to catch up, and feel free to talk about any and all of it below. Reminder that links to illegal streaming sites will be removed immediately and repeat offenders will be forced to watch episodes of <i>Dads</i> for the rest of eternity. Choose wisely.</p>
<p>Let's enjoy.</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2013/9/28/4777778/premier-league-tv-streaming-chelsea-spurs-madrid-derby-Ed-