The Liverpool Offside - Liverpool v. Cardiff City, 12.21.13Zeppeline, Trinken, & Pink Badeshortshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51345/ltos-fav.png2013-12-21T17:51:54+00:00http://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/rss/stream/49955532013-12-21T17:51:54+00:002013-12-21T17:51:54+00:00Liverpool 3, Cardiff 1: Early Dominance Seals Win
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<figcaption>Clive Brunskill</figcaption>
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<p>Luis Suarez added two goals to his growing tally and added an assist in the first forty-five minutes at Anfield on Saturday afternoon as Liverpool went top of the table with the win over Cardiff.</p> <p>It wasn't the sparkling performance we witnessed last weekend, but Liverpool still showed enough of a ruthless streak to dispatch of Malky Mackay's Cardiff side fairly comfortably. Wonderful in the first half and far more passive in the second, the hosts deserved all three points and once again benefited from a wonderful <span>Luis Suarez</span> display as the Uruguayan took his astonishing total up to 19 for the season. For many this was the <i>must-win</i> in the week, and by that standard, Liverpool delivered.</p>
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<p><b>Liverpool 3:</b> <i>Suarez 25' 45', Sterling 42'</i><br><b>Cardiff 1:</b> <i>Mutch 58'</i></p>
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<p>As expected, Brendan Rodgers stuck with the same eleven that tore through Tottenham last Sunday, with three through the midfield and Luis Suarez aided by <span>Raheem Sterling</span> and <span>Philippe Coutinho</span> on the flanks. Unlike last weekend, however, they were faced with an opposition side that closed down quickly and pressured relentlessly--Cardiff are most certainly in chaos, but their approach was organized and effective, and while Liverpool managed to cope, they didn't gain the edge until nearly twenty minutes in.</p>
<p>They weren't being dominated by their guests by any stretch, and they finally found the breakthrough as they began to impose themselves on the match. It was Suarez again, this time smashing a terrific volley past a helpless David Marshall to open the scoring. The goal was preceded by a lovely interchange between Suarez, Coutinho, and <span>Jordan Henderson</span>, who lofted a ball toward the middle of the Cardiff penalty area, where Suarez would finish it off for his 18th goal in 12 matches.</p>
<p>It looked as though Liverpool would pile on from there, with Coutinho clipping the post and Jon Flangan denied his second goal in as many matches by a last-ditch Marshall clearance. They'd finally get their second just before the break, with Henderson springing Suarez into space on the counter, and the Uruguayan laying off for Sterling to put Liverpool 2-0 up. Suarez wasn't done, and in the 45th minute he curled one around Marshall from just outside the area after a clever backheel from Henderson.</p>
<p>3-0 to the good and cruising at the half, and the first few minutes of the second seemed to indicate it would be more of the same. The tempo slowed dramatically, however, and Cardiff found a way back into the match through <span>Jordon Mutch</span> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool's</a> incompetent set-piece defending in the 58th minute. <span>Mamadou Sakho</span> was left alone with two Cardiff players on the near side, leaving Mutch all alone to cut Liverpool's lead to two goals with a well-taken header.</p>
<p>Given the host's apparent satisfaction with leaving things as they were, things weren't comfortable again until there were less than ten minutes or so to play, as Cardiff constantly searched for a second that would have made for an even nervier finish. Thankfully it didn't come, and Liverpool left with all three points, four wins from four since the loss at Hull, and the league's top goalscorer producing another match-winning performance</p>
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<p>It was all a little underwhelming down the stretch, at least until the point that I realized Liverpool went top of the table and won a match we were all nervous about and that I was an idiot and forgot about how bad Liverpool have been the past few seasons. That second half <i>was</i> boring and nervy and harder than it should have been, but it was also probably a necessary evil as the squad wrap up the difficult December slate. They did what was required and not a whole lot more to seal the victory, which is sort of the point of this whole thing.</p>
<p>Few were perfect, and some were downright bad--<span>Glen Johnson</span> was mostly poor, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110728/martin-skrtel">Martin Skrtel</a> made a good case for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110183/daniel-agger">Daniel Agger</a> to return to the squad, <span>Jon Flanagan</span> had a bumpy first half, <span>Joe Allen</span> was disastrous in the final third, and Philippe Coutinho showed continued signs of frustration at not getting a goal despite providing a number of clever passes throughout. And yet nearly all were involved in positive passages of play as well, combining with their more consistently impressive teammates--Mamadou Sakho, Jordan Henderson, Luis Suarez, and Raheem Sterling chief among them--to help push Liverpool along.</p>
<p>Ultimately, it's another three points, league leaders for now, and two top-of-the-table clashes to come in the next eight days. Neat.</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2013/12/21/5232782/liverpool-3-cardiff-1-strong-first-half-performance-seals-victory-at-Ed-2013-12-21T17:00:00+00:002013-12-21T17:00:00+00:00Sunday Open Thread
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<figcaption>Michael Steele</figcaption>
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<p>A day after Liverpool's win over Cardiff, Spurs and Everton have challenging away days with action scattered elsewhere throughout the continent.</p> <p>The only remaining result this weekend that will have an impact on Liverpool's standing comes tomorrow evening in London, but two top four contenders have challenging away dates today--Tottenham head to Southampton in the early kickoff, while Everton are at Swansea later in the day. Southampton have faded after a strong start but could take advantage of a struggling Spurs side, while Jonjo Shelvey and Swansea are more than capable of giving Everton problems. Serie A has a nearly full slate on tap, with La Liga offering a handful of matches and PSG and Lille--first and third respecitively--squaring off in Ligue One.</p>
<p>Check out <a href="http://espnfc.com/scores/_/date/20131222" target="_blank">ESPNFC's live scores page</a> or LiveSoccerTV, which <a href="http://www.livesoccertv.com/schedules/2013-12-22/" target="_blank">has a schedule along with live and repeat viewings on offer</a> through legal providers, and NBCSN/Live Extra will have the Premier League matches 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 banned.</p>
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https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2013/12/22/5234612/swansea-v-everton-spurs-southampton-tv-streams-open-thread-live-coverage-Ed-2013-12-21T15:00:02+00:002013-12-21T15:00:02+00:00Saturday Open Thread: Last Minute Shopping Edition
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<figcaption>This is my gift to you all. | Alex Grimm</figcaption>
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<p>There aren't any marquee match ups for the rest of the day, but maybe you'll be that person who finds a Christmas miracle inside Stoke vs Aston Villa. It could happen.</p> <p>Liverpool had the early game, which means maximum football watching opportunities on this fine Saturday. Unfortunately, the offerings are not entirely inspiring. Fulham host Manchester City, and given the form of both clubs the visitors are likely to get something (multiple somethings) out of a weekend at the Cottage. If you're into competitions that don't matter and WTF match ups, Bayern Munich take on Raja Casablanca in the final of the Club World Cup today. Here's lookin' at you, Xherdan Shaqiri. Now come to Liverpool.</p>
<p>Check out <a href="http://espnfc.com/scores/_/date/20131221?cc=5901" target="_blank">ESPNFC's live scores page</a> or LiveSoccerTV, which <a href="http://www.livesoccertv.com/schedules/2013-12-21/" target="_blank">has a schedule along with live and repeat viewings on offer</a> through legal providers, and NBCSN/Live Extra will have the Premier League matches 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 banned.</p>
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https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2013/12/21/5231378/saturday-open-thread-last-minute-shopping-editionStitch Invader2013-12-21T14:36:51+00:002013-12-21T14:36:51+00:00Liverpool 3, Cardiff 1: First Thoughts
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<figcaption>Clive Brunskill</figcaption>
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<p>Luis Suarez gets two goals and an assist in the first half as Liverpool end up with a 3-1 victory that proved a far more difficult task than the impressive opening forty-five minutes suggested.</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>
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<p><b>Liverpool 3: </b><i>Suarez 25' 42', Sterling 45'</i><br><b>Cardiff 1:</b> <i>Mutch 58'</i></p>
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<div align="justify">Cardiff were mighty impressive to start--whatever Spurs were last weekend at White Hart Lane, Malky Mackay's side were the opposite, pressing Liverpool tirelessly. A quick break nearly gave Craig Noone a dream goal and a lead for the visitors, but they couldn't take advantage of the fairly level opening fifteen minutes.</div>
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<div align="justify">Then Liverpool found their foothold and started to dominate, and then <span>Jordan Henderson</span> and <span>Luis Suarez</span> and Jordan Henderson and Luis Suarez and <span>Raheem Sterling</span> and Jordan Henderson and Luis Suarez. That's a chronological account of the first-half events. Look it up. Clever passing led to a lovely lofted ball from Henderson to Suarez for a volleyed opener, then Henderson sprung a break that ended with Suarez laying off for Sterling, and the bloodletting ended with another Henderson backheel to Suarez that finished in a manner reminiscent of what the Uruguayan did at Stoke after nutmegging <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/sbn_pte_player/show/112361?league=football+league+championship&slug=ryan-shotton">Ryan Shotton</a>.</div>
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<div align="justify">As fun as all that--and the first five minutes of the second half--was, stupid set-piece defending conspired against Liverpool again. Nobody was marking <span>Jordon Mutch</span> at the far post, and the midfielder was left completely alone to head past <span>Simon Mignolet</span> to make it 3-1. Don't know what it's going to take, but Liverpool can't keep doing this. Or they can, and we'll just have to acknowledge that they're pretty shit at set piece defending.</div>
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<div align="justify">The Malky Mackay support was a nice touch from all involved. Vincent Tan looked wonderfully villanous, though, so fair play to him for that.</div>
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<div align="justify">Cardiff's goal gave them all the momentum, and Liverpool mostly looked tired as they saw out the match. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110728/martin-skrtel">Martin Skrtel</a> should have conceded a couple of penalties, especially while draped on <span>Steven Caulker</span>, and for as good as they were in the first half, Liverpool were pretty dire in the second. <span>Martin Kelly</span> didn't break, though, which was good.</div>
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<div align="justify">DANIEL AGGER SIGHTING!!!1! For Philippe Coutinho, which was weird.</div>
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<div align="justify">Hey, top of the league! Be happy, nerds.</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/2013/12/21/5232466/liverpool-vs-cardiff-suarez-sterling-goals-reaction-henderson-Ed-2013-12-21T11:00:02+00:002013-12-21T11:00:02+00:00Matchday: Liverpool v. Cardiff City
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<p>Team news, ways to watch, and live coverage as Liverpool welcome a Cardiff side in turmoil to Anfield.</p> <p><b>Kickoff:</b> 12:45PM GMT/7:45AM EST</p>
<p><b>Ways to Watch:</b> Live on BT Sports1 in the UK and NBCSN/<a target="_blank" href="http://stream.nbcsports.com/liveextra/">NBC Sports Live Extra</a> in the US</p>
<p><b>Preview: </b><a href="http://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2013/12/20/5229980/liverpool-vs-cardiff-preview-team-news-tv-streams" target="_blank">Liverpool v. Cardiff City</a></p>
<p><b>Comment:</b> <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/account/setup?community_id=373" target="_blank">Join the conversation on the Liverpool Offside</a></p>
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<p><b>Liverpool:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Mignolet<br>Johnson Skrtel Sakho Flanagan<br>Henderson Lucas Allen<br>Sterling Suarez Coutinho</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Bench: Jones, Agger, Toure, Kelly, Alberto, Moses, Aspas</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><b>Cardiff:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Marshall<br>Theophile-Catherine Caulker Turner Taylor<br>Medel Gunnarsson<br>Noone Mutch Whittingham<br> Odemwingie</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Bench: Lewis, Hudson, Cornelius, Campbell, Kim, Cowie, John</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2013/12/21/5231520/liverpool-v-cardiff-city-live-coverage-ways-to-watchNoel Chomyn2013-12-21T02:00:01+00:002013-12-21T02:00:01+00:00Pre-Cardiff Overnight Open Thread
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<figcaption>Michael Regan</figcaption>
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<p>Five questions to pass the time as we wait for kickoff from Anfield.</p> <p>1) Does Suarez retain the captain's armband?</p>
<p>2) Skrtel/Sakho in the middle at the back?</p>
<p>3) Who makes up the central midfield?</p>
<p>4) How many goals will Suarez have after this match is over?</p>
<p>5) Who are the substitutions?</p>
<p>Bonus: Share why you think Craig Bellamy is the best.</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2013/12/21/5231278/pre-cardiff-overnight-open-threadStitch Invader2013-12-20T17:30:01+00:002013-12-20T17:30:01+00:00Preview: Liverpool v. Cardiff City
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<figcaption>Ian Walton</figcaption>
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<p>Team news, ways to watch, and a full preview as Liverpool host Cardiff City at Anfield on Saturday afternoon.</p> <p>It's been a decent week for Liverpool. Five goals and their most comprehensive performance to date under Brendan Rodgers at White Hart Lane on Sunday, and earlier today we get news that <span>Luis Suarez</span> has signed a new deal that ostensibly keeps him at the club through 2018. Whether or not that actually happens remains to be seen, but what's undeniable at this point is that the mood around the club is as good as it's been in years.</p>
<p>The next few weeks can put a slight damper on that, though general consensus seems to be that regardless of what happens as 2014 takes hold, Liverpool are set up to make a genuine challenge for Champions League football. We're scared to talk about it or let it feel <i>too</i> good, but Liverpool are set up as well as they've been in years to be in the discussion at season's end. Chances are we'll be holding our collective breath from now until May, but you really wouldn't want it any other way.</p>
<p>Tomorrow's fixture is one that has taken on more significance given <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool's</a> standing in the table; Cardiff are the least challenging of Liverpool's next three opponents, and yet this is the one where most of the pressure lies, albeit not because of anything Cardiff--or more accurately, their owner--have done. To say the club are in turmoil would be an understatement, with Vincent Tan publicly berating manager Malky Mackay's statements regarding the transfer window and, more recently, expecting him to resign in the immediate future.</p>
<p>On the pitch things haven't been too much better; there aren't any injury concerns for Mackay (or whoever will be in charge tomorrow) other than a potential miss for Craig Bellamy, which would be sad but also good given his goalscoring record against his former clubs, but they sit just four points off the relegation zone after winning just twice since October. One of those wins came last weekend against West Brom at home, where they've managed a number of impressive results. It's been a different story outside of Wales, however, and they'll have to improve their away form if they're going to get anything out of their visit to Anfield. Against West Brom, Mackay went with David Marshall in goal, Andrew Taylor, <span>Steven Caulker</span>, Ben Turner, and Kevin Theopile at the back, with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110154/gary-medel">Gary Medel</a>, Craig Noone, Petter Whittingham, and Jordan Mutch in the midfield, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/112401/fraizer-campbell">Fraizer Campbell</a> and <span>Peter Odemwingie</span> in attack.</p>
<p>For Liverpool:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Mignolet<br>Johnson Skrtel Sakho Flanagan<br>Henderson Lucas Allen<br>Sterling Suarez Coutinho</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">No news is relatively good news on the injury front. <span>Steven Gerrard</span>, <span>Daniel Sturridge</span>, and <span>Jose Enrique</span> remain sidelined into January with their respective fitness issues, while <span>Sebastian Coates</span> continues to rehab long-term. Barring any late scratches or injuries in training, Brendan Rodgers should have the same names available as he did at Spurs last weekend.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">And he shouldn't change any of them, regardless of the fact that <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/">Manchester City</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea</a> loom on the immediate horizon. Cardiff present an "easier" task, but as others have rightly pointed out, this is the one that demands Liverpool get all three points. Anything beyond a point or two at the Etihad and Stamford Bridge would be a bonus; all three tomorrow at Anfield are vital.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">That means the same defensive solidity we saw against an inept and disjointed Spurs attack, with <span>Glen Johnson</span> and <span>Jon Flanagan</span> in the fullback roles and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110728/martin-skrtel">Martin Skrtel</a> and <span>Mamadou Sakho</span> partnering in central defense ahead of <span>Simon Mignolet</span> in goal. It means Lucas, <span>Joe Allen</span>, and <span>Jordan Henderson</span> in a midfield three, setting the tone with possession and pressing. And, of course, it means Luis Suarez leading the attack up top, aided by the improved <span>Raheem Sterling</span> on the right and Philippe Coutino--who will spend a good bit of his time centrally as well--on the left. Changes may come, but I don't want to see Rodgers tinker too much, especially if it gets in the way of the momentum that's developed over the past two weeks.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Kickoff is an early one, with the start time set for 12:45PM GMT/7:45AM EST. The match will be aired live on BT Sport in the UK, with NBCSN/NBC Sports Live Extra carrying coverage in the US. We'll have the overnight open thread up tonight to lead into the matchday post early tomorrow, which will have lineups an hour before things get going. Hope you'll be around to join us--if you haven't already, sign up for an SBNation profile and stick around.</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2013/12/20/5229980/liverpool-vs-cardiff-preview-team-news-tv-streams-Ed-