Anfield In Panic Mode

Saturdays loss to a frustrating Stoke side on a mentally frustrating day, full of squandered chances that should have ultimately have seen Liverpool bag all three points at the Britannia Stadium.

The game was full of moments that Liverpool would go on to rue as the home side ran out 1-0 winners, despite all the chances and opportunities falling the Reds way. From the turning down of penalties that were stone wall spot kicks, to squandered opportunities from Jordan Henderson and Luis Suarez, Liverpool should have sealed all three points. But with this, along with 70% of possession and 15 shots, all that can be said, is that it was just one of those days.

This is one of the most beautiful – if frustrating things about football – it doesn’t matter about stats, opportunities. possession or solid chances – although it helps – ultimately it’s about goals scored or not scored within a game that decides the points.

This being said, the apparent dash for the panic button following the 1-0 defeat has managed to really frustrate me. Before the season started, I was the first to ask questions about the signings made and the players released. I was not totally convinced that the players brought in; Messrs. Adam, Henderson, Downing and Co. had all flattered to deceive in my opinion and were not good enough if Liverpool were to massively improve this season and gain a Champions League qualification spot at the end of it.

However, since my expression of disappointment over the signings of some overrated and mediocre players, I am happy to admit that my predictions may have been wrong. The team and the new players have impressed so far by playing an attacking and entertaining style of football, with moments of mesmerising beauty and attacking prowess that had been missing at Anfield for a long time.

Did this come to a halt against Stoke City on the weekend as they bullied us off the ball like they do to so many other Premier League side?

No, this isn’t even close to the truth. Liverpool were great once more. They played flowing football, showing great awareness and understanding, creating an unthinkable amount of chances along the way. It was simply not to be Liverpool’s day, nicely summed up with Stuart Downing’s post match quote.

“The manager said to us after the game to keep doing what we’re doing. I don’t think there was a lot wrong with our performance. Stoke is a difficult place to go but at times we played some good football and cut through them. It was one of those days and we couldn’t hit the net but hopefully we’ll be able to do it at Tottenham next weekend”

However, the unfortunate and largely unlucky final score has sent many blogs, news outlets and fan forums talking as if Liverpool should already be worried, hitting the panic button already after failing to take all three points back to Mersyside.

Such a reaction is baffling to say the least. Not forgetting that Stokes Britannia Stadium is a notoriously hard place to visit that even Arsenal, Chelsea and United struggle at, the performance was still a good one. if Liverpool continue to play such football throughout the season, they will be more than fine, coming out as winners most of the time.

For this I ask for patience. It is hard to forget that this team still needs time to gel. Also, if they continue to play the football that they have been, we can’t ask much more than that.

Hopefully, against Tottenham on Saturday the luck will be on our side, after all, all successful teams need their fair share of luck. Maybe a little less panicking and a little more finger crossing will bring with it all three points on Saturday….

Submitted by Football Friends