The Liverpool Offside - Liverpool v. Southampton, 08.17.14Zeppeline, Trinken, & Pink Badeshortshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51345/ltos-fav.png2014-08-17T21:00:03+01:00http://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/rss/stream/57889882014-08-17T21:00:03+01:002014-08-17T21:00:03+01:00Rodgers Pleased with "Great Win"
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<figcaption>Alex Livesey</figcaption>
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<p>Liverpool weren't comfortable for long spells during the 2-1 win over Southampton, but Brendan Rodgers was pleased with his side's ability to adapt in grinding out the result.</p> <p>For a good portion of the match on Sunday afternoon, <a href="https://stmarysmusings.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Southampton</a> were the more dangerous side. Their second half exploits--including Nathaniel Clyne's wonderful equalizer--were particularly impressive, and they imposed themselves well on a <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Liverpool</a> side that were among the league's best at home last season. The host's first-half foothold slipped, and Southampton were deservedly level and very well could have taken the lead. Lucky for <span>Brendan Rodgers</span> and company they didn't, and the manager's ability to turn to the bench to wrest control was crucial.</p>
<p>Rodgers <a target="_blank" href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.liverpoolfc.com%2Fnews%2Flatest-news%2F169079-brendan-on-saints-dan-and-squad-shape&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fliverpooloffside.sbnation.com%2F2014%2F8%2F17%2F6026859%2Fliverpool-2-southampton-1-rodgers-substitutes-allen-lambert-sturridge-goal" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener">highlighted as much in the post-match</a>, noting the impact of <span>Rickie Lambert</span> and referencing the work of <span>Joe Allen</span> in a midfield diamond as well:</p>
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<p>"We had to grind out a result and today was a brilliant win for us. It was a tough game, the first game back into the new season. I'm really happy with that determination and character to win a football match. As the season rolls on, we'll get better and more fluent. It was very hard-fought. They are a good side, they have got some very good players and an experienced manager that has come in and got them organised. It was always going to be a difficult game.</p>
<p>"To get the three points was vital. The supporters were brilliant for us today, as they have been in my time here. We showed guts and determination. Thankfully, we could change the game. We got to 1-1 and I could look to the bench and change the way we worked. We flipped to a diamond and put Rickie on and I think he unsettled them a bit. They know his qualities; we started to cross the ball into the box and that led to our second goal. Raheem won a great header and Daniel put a lovely touch on the ball to get the winner. I thought it was a great win."</p>
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<p>With Adam Lallana and Lazar Markovic still injured (though the latter is now available for selection, according to Rodgers) and <span>Emre Can</span> likely not fit himself, Rodgers' options were limited to Lambert and Allen, and both acquitted themselves well. Allen's energy and composure were needed with the side changing shape, and Lambert's presence gave Liverpool a much-needed different look as they sought to take the lead.</p>
<p>Individual match-changers will be available once the squad is fit and healthy, but just as crucial will be the work of the manager in adapting the setup when the original plan proves ineffective. Few in the league are as dynamic as Rodgers, and his recognition of the need to make a change and, perhaps more crucially, the willingness to do so, was vital in Liverpool earning all three points today.</p>
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https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2014/8/17/6026859/liverpool-2-southampton-1-rodgers-substitutes-allen-lambert-sturridge-goal-Ed-2014-08-17T18:00:03+01:002014-08-17T18:00:03+01:00Liverpool 2, Southampton 1: Lights, Camera, Action
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<figcaption>Alex Livesey</figcaption>
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<p>Liverpool's season debut had some forgettable moments, but in the end all that matters is that they won all three points.</p> <blockquote>
<p><b>Liverpool 2</b> <i>Sterling 23', Sturridge 79'</i><br><b>Southampton 1</b> Clyne<i> 56'</i></p>
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<p>Well that was certainly something.</p>
<p><span>Raheem Sterling</span> scored early, <span>Daniel Sturridge</span> scored late, and in between was a mish-mash of encouraging and awful from the home side. Liverpool took all three points today, and that's good, but there were a number of issues that will have to be addressed in order to get positive results in the next two weeks.</p>
<p><span>Brendan Rodgers</span> continued a bit of tactical experimentation that we saw at times during preseason, putting <span>Steven Gerrard</span> in a double pivot, but with <span>Jordan Henderson</span> as a "wide" player in the attacking midfield band. With Lucas Leiva selected to partner Gerrard, that made for a very slow and deep pivot, leaving a large space between them and the attacking players that would eventually come to be a problem during the match.</p>
<p>Early on, though, Liverpool were excellent. Gerrard was able to ping balls up to <span>Philippe Coutinho</span> and Henderson, who in turn fed Sterling and Sturridge to create danger. It seemed like an effective combination early on, but as <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://stmarysmusings.sbnation.com/">Southampton</a> grew in to the match, Coutinho was having to drop deeper and deeper to pick up the ball from Gerrard and the fullbacks, and struggled more and more to find space to work with as a result.</p>
<p>That deep drop worked to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool's</a> favor in at least one moment, though. In the 23rd minute, a scrum for the ball around the right side of the center line saw Jordan Henderson skip away from traffic and launch a note-perfect crossfield ball that landed where only Raheem Sterling could get to it. The young attacker coolly separated from his defender, gathered the ball, and finished past Fraser Forster to put Liverpool ahead in impressive fashion.</p>
<p>Not long after that, though, things started to get wobbly. Instead of the go-for-the-throat push that we often saw last season, Liverpool looked to sit back and control the match after scoring, which allowed for Southampton to settle themselves in and start to pick at weaknesses in Liverpool's setup. Specifically, they found space in the middle of the pitch to work with, as Lucas and Gerrard were dropping back basically in line with the center backs when Liverpool were without the ball. Coutinho and Henderson tried to make up for it, but they could only drop so deep without being left way out of position when Liverpool regained possession.</p>
<p>The combination of Dusan Tadic and <span>Steven Davis</span> in particular caused a lot of problems thanks to that gap, with new man <span>Javier Manquillo</span> only able to do so much to contain Tadic's efforts down the right wing, especially with <span>James Ward-Prowse</span> frequently sweeping up from midfield behind the Serbian dangerman to cause more headaches. Fortunately for Liverpool, <span>Dejan Lovren</span> and Martin Skrtel were well up for the occasion, with Lovren in particular coming up big in the heart of defense again and again. What those two couldn't deal with was wrapped up soundly by <span>Simon Mignolet</span> in goal, and Liverpool were able to get to the half unscathed.</p>
<p>That wouldn't last long, though. Southampton came out of the half on the front foot, pressing hard and finding an equalizer eleven minutes in to the half. Tadic had drifted over to the right and combined with right back <span>Nathaniel Clyne</span> to create a goal made much easier by Lucas getting turned around as Clyne cut in to the box and <span>Glen Johnson</span> marking... uh... something. Clyne's finish was sublime, but the fact is he should never have been allowed to get in to a position to make the shot.</p>
<p>Liverpool rallied somewhat after the goal, but their shape still continued to create issues with the fluidity in possession and attack. Bringing on <span>Joe Allen</span> for Lucas was designed to help with that, but wound up further exposing the midfield instead. That was on display when substitute <span>Shane Long</span> was able to waltz through midfield and fired off a shot that Mignolet was only barely able to push in to the bottom of the crossbar in a diving, stretching effort that brought rapturous praise from the Kop.</p>
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<p>Not long after, <span>Rickie Lambert</span> was introduced in front of his home town crowd and against his old team. The change saw Liverpool move back to something more like the diamond they had so much success with last season, and from there they were able to take control of the match, with Henderson moved back in to more of a midfield engine role, giving Gerrard the proper shield he'd been lacking during the match.</p>
<p>It wasn't long after that Liverpool found the winner; a free kick was flicked on in the box by Sterling, and Daniel Sturridge got his left boot on it and drove it home to send Anfield in to joyous delight. Lambert made his presence felt on the set piece, as his run off the near post was able to spread the defense out to give Sturridge the space he needed to get the job done.</p>
<p>From there it was simply time to hold on. Southampton pushed forward desperately, but were unable to find that final ball and finishing touch to equalize. In the end, it was the kind of hard-fought, ugly win we saw Liverpool take several of last year, but are rarely all that enjoyable to watch. Liverpool will have to be much, much better against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/">Manchester City</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://cartilagefreecaptain.sbnation.com/">Tottenham Hotspur</a> in the next two weeks, but a win is a win, and it's always the best way to start a new season.</p>
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https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2014/8/17/6026647/liverpool-2-southampton-1-match-recap-review-goals-sterling-sturridge-henderson-manquillo-formationConor Dowley2014-08-17T15:28:15+01:002014-08-17T15:28:15+01:00Liverpool 2, Southampton 1: First Thoughts
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<figcaption>Alex Livesey</figcaption>
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<p>In Liverpool's opening game of the season, the home side began with a fortunate victory against a determined and enterprising Southampton side.</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 2</b> <i>Sterling 23', Sturridge 79'</i><br><b>Southampton 1</b> <i>Clyne 56'</i></p>
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<li>The big surprise of the game was Lucas starting ahead of <span>Emre Can</span> and Joe Allen who were thought to be battling to partner <span>Steven Gerrard</span> in midfield with <span>Jordan Henderson</span> operating on the right of a 4231. Much has been made of the lack of mobility of Gerrard and Lucas in a double pivot but in the opening ten minutes, <a href="https://stmarysmusings.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Southampton's</a> 433 in a low block meant <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Liverpool's</a> midfield wasn't under too much pressure but the central midfield two were sat a bit too deep in the opening fifteen minutes<br><br> </li>
<li>Liverpool's opening goal was an excellent example of harrying, winning the ball back, and playing a sumptuous through ball for a calm head to finish. A 24-year-old Jordan Henderson showed his range of capabilities in midfield and 19-year-old <span>Raheem Sterling</span> displayed excellent movement, speed, and composure in front of goal. Liverpool's first competitive goal of the season<br><br> </li>
<li>A major worry in the first half was the last ten minutes where Liverpool were pushed back without being stretched as Southampton spent far more time in Liverpool's half as Liverpool's midfield sat in increasingly deep positions but Henderson drifted inside intelligently to assist with his natural diligence in supporting his colleagues. However, Southampton didn't cause much danger throughout the first half but such a development was worrying given the history of Liverpool's midfield malfunctions in <span>Brendan Rodgers</span>' tenure at the club.<br><br> </li>
<li>Well, the caution became a reality and Southampton equalised through Nathaniel Clyne's stunning finish after good work by Dusan Tadic. It wasn't a surprise, which was the most disappointing aspect of the home team's performance. Liverpool invited pressure through and were punished. <span>Joe Allen's</span> introduction for Lucas didn't immediately have the effect desired but Allen was influential for a couple of minutes before <span>Daniel Sturridge</span> put Liverpool ahead. The Welsh midfielder was buzzing around and provided more energy in midfield.<br><br> </li>
<li>It was important to see Liverpool start with a victory and Brendan Rodgers' side did just that. It wasn't entirely pretty nor convincing and <span>Ronald Koeman</span> will rightly feel that his side was desperately unlucky to leave Merseyside with nothing to show for their efforts. A trip to <a href="https://bitterandblue.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Manchester City</a> is next and Liverpool will have to perform much better than today to come away from the Etihad Stadium with any points.</li>
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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/2014/8/17/6026109/liverpool-2-southampton-1-match-recapCStars2014-08-17T10:00:03+01:002014-08-17T10:00:03+01:00Matchday: Liverpool v. Southampton
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<figcaption>Alex Livesey</figcaption>
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<p>Team sheets, ways to watch, and live coverage as Liverpool's Premier League season gets underway at Anfield against Southampton.</p> <p><b>Kickoff:</b> 1:30PM GMT/8:30AM EST</p>
<p><b>Ways to Watch:</b> Sky Sports 1 in the UK and NBCSN/<a href="http://stream.nbcsports.com/liveextra/" target="_blank">NBC Sports Live Extra</a> in the US</p>
<p><b>Preview: </b><a target="_blank" href="http://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2014/8/16/6006755/liverpool-southampton-preview-streams-ways-to-watch-team-news">Liverpool v. Southampton</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>
<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;">Mignolet<br>Manquillo Skrtel Lovren Johnson<br>Gerrard Lucas<br>Henderson Coutinho Sterling<br>Sturridge</p>
<p>Bench: Jones, Toure, Sakho, Allen, Ibe, Can, Lambert</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><b>Southampton:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Forster<br>Clyne Yoshida Fonte Bertrand<br>Wanyama Schneriderlin Davis<br>Ward-Prowse Tadic<br>Pelle</p>
<p>Bench: Davies, Long, Taider, Cook, Hooiveld, Isgrove, Stephens</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2014/8/17/6024913/liverpool-southampton-tv-schedule-live-coverage-team-sheets-Ed-2014-08-17T03:00:02+01:002014-08-17T03:00:02+01:00Pre-Southampton Overnight Open Thread
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<figcaption>Enemies become teammates in the transfer circle of life. | Mike Hewitt</figcaption>
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<p>Five questions to pass the time as we wait for kickoff from Anfield.</p> <p>1) Who does <span>Brendan Rodgers</span> select as his starting CBs?<br><br>2) Does Javier Manquillo shunt <span>Glen Johnson</span> to the left over Jose Enrique?<br><br>3) Who makes it into Rodgers' assumed midfield three?<br><br>4) Will Suso make the bench?<br><br>5) Who scores <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool's</a> first goal of the season?<br><br>Bonus: Aside from taking all three points with a convincing win, what do you most hope to see tomorrow?</p>
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https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2014/8/17/6025019/pre-southampton-overnight-open-threadStitch Invader2014-08-16T15:59:46+01:002014-08-16T15:59:46+01:00Match Preview: Liverpool v. Southampton
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<figcaption>Charlie Crowhurst</figcaption>
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<p>Preview, ways to watch, and team news as Liverpool play host to Southampton at Anfield in the first match of the 2014-2015 Premier League season.</p> <p>One day almost gone in the new season, and we're almost finally at the one that matters. Last season ended on a dulled high note, getting two goals in quick succession to overturn a 1-0 deficit against <a href="https://cominghomenewcastle.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Newcastle</a>, but the previous two weeks' failings meant that the league title--suddenly the expectation rather than the dream--was lost, and we were left to wait for the next season yet again, for the time when <i>this is our year</i> would actually become <i>our year.</i></p>
<p>So we're finally here, but there's no certainty about whether or not this season will provide another chance for dreams to turn to expectation. What is clear is that Brendan Rodgers--now in his third season as boss--has a clear vision for his squad, and he's added players he feels will fit that vision throughout. Luis Suarez is gone, but the additions this summer bring quality of their own, and the part they'll play in the season to come will be vital. The spine is the same bar Suarez, and those just arriving will hopefully add to the momentum created by last season's title challenge.</p>
<p>It looks as though at least a few will have a chance to do so against <a href="https://stmarysmusings.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Southampton</a>, whose business in the summer window has mostly been by force rather than choice. <span>Adam Lallana</span>, <span>Rickie Lambert</span>, and <span>Dejan Lovren</span> have been brought in at <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Liverpool</a>, <span>Luke Shaw</span> went to <a href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Manchester United</a>, and <span>Calum Chambers</span> was sold to <a href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Arsenal</a>, with strong links to Spurs for <span>Morgan Schneiderlin</span> and <span>Jay Rodriguez</span>.</p>
<p>New manager <span>Ronald Koeman</span> may yet win the fight to keep Schneiderlin and Rodriguez, however, and the work they've done to bring others aboard--Dusan Tadic, Fraser Forster, <span>Shane Long</span>, Graziano Pelle, Saphir Taider, and <span>Ryan Bertrand</span> will all be expected to make an impact--has left them in decent stead despite the string of high-profile exits. Forster, Tadic, Pelle, Tadier, and Bertrand all started in the final friendly against Leverkusen along with holdovers Jose Fonte, <span>Victor Wanyama</span>, <span>Nathaniel Clyne</span>, <span>James Ward-Prowse</span>, Gaston Ramirez and <span>Maya Yoshida</span>.</p>
<p>For Liverpool:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Mignolet<br>Manquillo Skrtel Lovren Johnson<br>Gerrard<br>Henderson Can<br>Sterling Sturridge Coutinho</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Yesterday we learned about the absentees, with Lazar Markovic, Adam Lallana, <span>Daniel Agger</span>, and <span>Jon Flanagan</span> all ruled out through injury. No word on the fitness of <span>Fabio Borini</span>, who was pictured in training this week along with Tiago Ilori. Alberto Moreno isn't yet eligible (and hasn't been announced as of writing) and should be the only other squad member that isn't available.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The team that faced Dortmund should more or less be the one we get tomorrow, with changes coming in defense and midfield if we get any. Martin Skrtel and Dejan Lovren will surely start as the first-choice central defensive pairing and <span>Glen Johnson</span> looks nailed-on to start in one of the fullback roles, with the only question being who will feature on the opposite side. For now it looks like <span>Javier Manquillo</span> has earned another start with his performance last Sunday, but Jose Enrique is a possibility and the addition of Moreno will mix things up further.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Midfield is settled with <span>Steven Gerrard</span> and <span>Jordan Henderson</span>, but who joins them isn't 100% clear. <span>Emre Can</span> seems the consensus pick and will likely start, though <span>Joe Allen</span> or Lucas might feature if Can isn't fit. Henderson and Can add about as much energy as possible in a midfield with Gerrard, and could conceivably adapt to a 4-2-3-1, 4-3-3, or 4-4-2 diamond. Options.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The three up front--again regardless of formation--will be <span>Raheem Sterling</span>, <span>Philippe Coutinho</span>, and <span>Daniel Sturridge</span>, and there's no discussion needed. If goals are coming for Liverpool this season, they're going to be at the heart. Rickie Lambert might have a part to play off the bench against his former club, while <span>Jordon Ibe</span>, Suso, and, as a long shot, Borini, could also see minutes.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Kickoff is set for 1:30PM BST/8:30AM EST, with Sky Sports 1 carrying coverage in the UK and NBCSN/<a href="http://stream.nbcsports.com/liveextra/" target="_blank">NBC Sports Live Extra</a> airing the match live in the US. Our coverage will start with the overnight open thread tonight and carry into the matchday post early tomorrow, which will have team sheets an hour before kickoff. Hope you'll be around to join us--if you haven't already, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/account/setup?community_id=373">sign up for an SBNation profile</a> and stick around.</p>
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