Written by guest writer Alonso14.
After finishing my pint in The Salisbury, and strolling up to the Kop in the beaming sunlight, I had that first day-of-the-season feeling; a sunny day and the first Saturday 3 o’ clock kick-off of the season left an optimism in the air that was hasn’t been present since the opening game of the season. Perhaps today would be the day we were able to put a bit more perspective on the Hodgson era, and put to one side those tough games/underwhelming performances we have witnessed so far. Particularly as we were about to watch what was sure to be our first convincing domestic win of the season. After taking an early one-nil lead, through a bizarre turn of events, it looked as though our optimism wasn’t misplaced; a bright start, and a fortuitous goal would allow us to go on to a comfortable victory and regain some of the confidence lost in the opening six games of the season.
It didn’t. The first ten minutes were as good as it got for the next seventy. It wasn’t a devastatingly poor performance either like we have been subject to more than once already this season; it was more just a depressing indictment of what we have become. ‘A well earned point against a good side’, Roy said after the game without a hint of embarrassment. A team possessing Gerrard, Kuyt, Cole and Torres should be able to muster up more than five shots on target, particularly if we genuinely think Champions League football next year is a possibility.
Although last season was undoubtedly one to forget, we did witness some attractive football (occasionally, I know!) at the very least; Sunderland at home, for instance, where the same team, only minus the more attacking players of Cole and Miereles, softened the blow of the off field antics of Tom and Jerry keep hitting us with. So good was Liverpool’s 3-0 victory that day, Steve Bruce admitted his Sunderland side ‘couldn’t get near them’. This time round, however, I was expecting Gary Lineker to introduce Fulham v Sunderland on Match of the Day, with Guy Mowbray taking his seat in the commentary box at Anfield.
The most troubling aspect of Roy’s reign so far has been the lack of attacking prowess we have displayed, despite the class we have in the first eleven to do so. And at the same time, not even suring up the defence; something you would expect given Hodgson’s track record, along with the safety first approach the team seems to have adopted. Being a team that plays for, and is happy to take draws might take some gettng used to.
It is too early to say at the moment, but I have found myself thinking perhaps Hodgson has brought his Fulham mentality to Liverpool,. It’s either that, or, begrudgingly having to acknowledge the transitional period we are going through wasn’t completed during three weeks of pre season football, as I blindly hoped would be the case. Either way, free flowing football and/or success aren’t going to be coming to Anfield any time soon. A thought that is difficult to swallow, but perhaps a thought we should come to accept, and just take each game as it comes. So, Blackpool next week. I’ll settle for a point.
