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| The new formation that's proven a success |
After yesterday’s fantastic 2-0 win against Southampton, it
was highlighted by Brendan Rodgers in his post-match interview that Coutinho’s
wonderful opener was down to the system before acknowledging the individual
brilliance.
‘It was a wonderful goal, I think in terms of the system and
how we play it was a great demonstration of that… moving the ball out onto the
sides, draws the team across and then allows the central players the space’ Rodgers
said to the BBC before explaining that it was actually a phenomenal piece of
skill.
I think crediting a goal of that type to the system is a
little farfetched. Players get space in the middle a number of times in a game,
it’s just wasted in most cases or just passed wide.
But ‘Brodgers’, as Noel Gallagher called Brendan on Match of
the Day 2, does have a point when talking about the new system and its effectiveness,
although I think the focus should be at the other end of the pitch, the
improved defence.
There is no doubt that after last season’s sensational campaign,
where Liverpool finished second in the league only 2 points behind the eventual
winners Man City, that the defence had to be improved. ‘The Brodge’ went to
work in the summer transfer market signing three new defenders to patch up the
leaky defence. Moreno, Lovren and Manquillo were brought in for a lot of money
(Manquillo on loan) as a solution.
In the early parts of the season the signings seemed futile.
Goals continued to be shipped in at the wrong end, in fact the defence had got
worse with the addition of the new signings. However I wouldn’t attribute the
problems entirely on the new boys. Mignolet, Skrtel and Glen Johnson were
particularly error prone and performing well below par, attracting much
criticism.
Something had to be done with the club languishing in the
lower depths of the top half.
It was Sunday 14th of December, Man United away. One of the
biggest fixtures in the domestic calendar. Things looked bleak following
elimination from the Champions League at home in a dismal 1-1 draw with Basel
the previous Tuesday. A change was needed. Pressure was most certainly on
Rodgers in the toughest period of his fledgling managerial career. How would he
respond? A change of formation.
It came as a surprise to the media and fans alike when
Liverpool changed formation and went with a 3-4-2-1 with wingbacks. Especially
in light of the defensive problems that had troubled the club. The decision to
play no recognised striker was also a shock, instead deploying Raheem Sterling
through the middle with Lallana and Coutinho in close proximity. It offered far
more movement in the final third in place of the labouring Balotelli, who at
the time still hadn’t scored his first Premier League goal.
To sum up, Liverpool lost 3-0, a score line that flattered
Man United in a game where Liverpool had the better chances but met an inspired
Man United goalkeeper in David de Gea, who saved everything that came in his
direction.
Despite the result, the performance was much improved. Far
more movement and energy in the final third, far more pressure put on the
opponent in possession, a feature of the Liverpool side of last season that
hounded opposition into submission before killing them off with deadly
finishing. The trio of Sterling, Lallana and Coutinho looked to bear fruit with
bright performances, despite their missed chances.
It turned out to be a stepping stone and a platform to
improve from having only lost one game (the away leg in the capital one cup semi-final
against Chelsea after extra time) since the defeat. Rodgers persisted with the three
at the back and has brought in Emre Can and Mamadou Sakho since to flank Martin
Skrtel. The three have since formed a solid basis and are a fundamental reason
for the incredible turn around and form of late.
It’s a formation that complements the players Liverpool have
at this current time. Obviously Can isn’t a centre back by trade, but he’s
excelled in the position and for such a young man, the future looks bright.
Skrtel and Sakho look far more comfortable as part of a back three with the
extra man next to them. Alberto Moreno looks far better with slightly less
defensive responsibility and more license to get forward, something that was
catching him out when part of a back four. Lazar Markovic has performed better
as a wingback than a winger and the addition of Lucas to midfield has been crucial,
someone to break up the play. Gerrard is being used far more sporadically which
seems to have benefitted the team as there’s less of a reliance on the
talismanic captain, and players like Henderson and Coutinho have stepped up to
the plate.
The positioning of the defence has also been much improved.
A more solid structure as part of a back three with more help from midfield and
a more mobile attack has contributed to the defensive enhancement. I must not
forget to mention Simon Mignolet and his return to form has been a definitive
factor, and also Jordon Ibe coming into the side and performing extraordinarily.
Even Balotelli looks to have upped his game despite Rodgers’ recent outburst
criticising his work rate. The fact that Daniel Sturridge hasn’t had to be
rushed back like many thought he would is testament to the new system and the
incredible turn around that Rodgers has martialled. He is no doubt going to be
a huge player between now and the end of the season.
Testament to Rodgers, he’s improved the side defensively,
with five clean sheets in a row away from home in the League. Credit where
credit’s due. Experimenting with a formation that’s been tried and often
criticised by many, such as when Man United use it, Louis Van Gaal has been lambasted
by the media and fans.
Obviously its early days of the revival, and nothing has
been achieved yet, but if form continues as it has been, then top four is a
realistic ambition which was unfathomable late last year. Rodgers has passed
his latest test and continues to go from strength to strength, no doubt highlighted
by the win at Southampton yesterday, a game if played in October, would more
than likely have ended in defeat.
I’m going to stop sucking up to Rodgers now. Let’s just say
he’s done a great job and leave it at that. The new system is most certainly
paying dividends.
Let me know if you agree!
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