Liverpool bagged all three points at the Stadium of Light despite Sunderland fighting with all their might

Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool bagged all three points at Tyne and Wear with goals from Daniel Sturridge and the returning Luis Suarez while the home side showed tremendous mental ability to give Liverpool a run for their money.

 

The Merseysider’s took to the field after two consecutive losses against Southampton in the League and Manchester United in the Capital One Cup as they looked to regain some confidence of their credentials after doubts about their consistency.

Their starting XI looked as strong as they can get with a return to the League for Uruguay international Luis Suarez who made their attack extremely potent in addition to the in-form Daniel Sturridge. Mamadou Sakho, Kolo Toure and Martin Skrtel formed their back three, as Rodgers went in with a 3-5-2 formation, Jordan Henderson and Jose Enrique playing the wing-back role.

Victor Moses, on loan from Chelsea, was handed a free roaming role behind the two strikers, with the Nigerian looking to link up play from the deep to cause trouble among their opposition’s defence.

Victor Moses had the responsibilty to create chances for Suarez and Sturridge

 

Sunderland, however, took to the field in what looked like a 4-4-1-1 set up, their attack spearheaded by former Villarreal striker Jozy Altidore, supported by Emanuele Giaccherini, who naturally started from the left drifting inside to threaten Liverpool’s back three. 

Caretaker manager Kevin Ball had a well thought off strategy to counter the Reds as he packed his midfield to block spaces in the centre of the park there by making the execution of Liverpool’s short passing philosophy almost impossible. Ki Sung-Yueng, on loan from Swansea City, and Lee Cattermole were both stationed in the centre of the park to counter their opponents’ passing with Lucas Leiva, who dictates play from the deep their primary target. They hardly gave Lucas, and in addition Gerrard, any time on the ball, thus enabling Liverpool to lose possession frequently early on in the game.

 

Their attack, however, was being given direction by Sebastian Larrson and Adam Johnson from the wings, with manager Ball having recognised that as an area to exploit considering both Enrique and Henderson’s attentions were slightly diverted by their duties in attack. An important area of their play was focussed on Altidore, who held up the ball brilliantly on every occasion to bring his team mates into play along with giving Sakho a troubling time throughout the evening. 

 

 

Italian internationa Giaccherini was the man responsible for creating chances from the left for the home side 

The Black Cats were firmly ahead in terms of quality of play, yet lacking the final pass, when Sturridge headed in (elbowed in, without the knowledge of the linesman or the Sunderland players) from his fellow countryman Gerrard’s corner. Their opponents of the day were certainly the better side up till that point with more than decent passes in their attacking third but lacked the composure to make all that quality play count.

They were only trying to string together few passes after going a goal down when intelligent play from Moses and Suarez created a first real sign of link up play of the evening. Moses’ role today was slightly varied from the ones he’s been playing so far, with his vision and composure tested to the core to create space for the two strikers ahead of him.  

The Black Cats will definitely feel hard done by as Liverpool surely capitalized on their lucky one goal lead with smart play down the right hand side from Sturridge immediately after Mignolet’s unconfident clearance of a Johnson shot failed to convert into a goal for the hosts. The former Chelsea and Bolton striker then squared for Suarez after easily past Cuellar, who poked home into an empty net to make it 2-0 to the visitors. The game looked lost, where as in reality, Liverpool hardly deserved to have a two goal cushion as the game headed into half time. Rodgers’ side had failed to get going in the middle of the park with their opponent’s midfielder’s hardly giving them time and space on the ball. Their defence though looked untroubled so far, with only worry being Mignolet’s uncharacteristic handling. 

The second half started with the hosts pumped up from their manager’s half time talk as they continued pressing to mark a comeback into the game. A major difference from the first half was that they actually had shots on target in the second period, sensing that Mignolet was not having his best of days.  

 

Ki put in another shift in Sunderland's midfield hardly allowing Lucas and Gerrard any time on the ball

After Johnson and Giaccherini’s shots early on, it was Ki’s who was finally spilled over by the keeper and was slotted into the net by the former Juventus man Giaccherini. Sunderland had got the goal they deserved and were well and truly back in the game. Having gained that momentum, they looked like drawing level numerous times but failed due to lack of conviction in their attack. There was no variation being offered and Liverpool looked to pass through the motions by occasionally threatening on the break. Their confidence looked to take a hit, which showed by their lack of patience to keep the ball rather than be adventurous with just a goal cushion in hand. 

The game fizzed out a bit as the hosts continuously pushed for an equalizer and might even blame a missing spark in their ranks for the deficit. Altidore and Giaccherini were pretty much to be accounted for the missed chances as the Merseysider’s looked to use substitute Raheem Sterling’s (who came on for Moses) pace to break on the counter. Although not through the young Englishman, Liverpool did counter brilliantly through Suarez and then Sturridge in a move that finished in the back of the net by the Uruguayan in the 89th minute to bag all three points which look destined for Anfield right from the very beginning. 

Although not through the beautiful football they have now come to be known for, a victory like today’s will be certainly needed to Liverpool if they are to finish in the top 4, as opposed to Sunderland, who will surely need better fortune if they are to stay in the top flight come 2014-2015.

 

Written By,
Aman Arora

Aman writes for Goal India and 18YB. Follow him on twitter at @aman_ghs

 

Arsenal go top of the table with a 3-1 home win over respectable Stoke

Arsenal FC attained top spot in the Premier League with a 3-1 home win over Stoke City in a game that saw Mesut Ozil making his home debut.

Aaron Ramsey, Per Mertesacker and Bacary Sagna all scored for Arsene Wenger’s side giving the London based club their fourth straight win in the League this season. Mark Hughes’ Stoke City, in comparison, lost for the second time this season, the first being away to Liverpool.

The home fans rose to applaud their side just as they appeared from the tunnel to show appreciation for three straight wins which, in the first place, gave them the possibility to stand first in the standings at the end of this weekend. The signing of Mesut Ozil was also a big, big reason for that applause as he took his first steps to become the fans’ favourite by making his home debut. They started the match with the inform Aaron Ramsey and Mathieu Flamini sitting deep to protect the back four, alongside Jack Wilshere and Serge Gnabry on the wings. Frenchman Oliver Giroud started as the lone striker supported by former Real Madrid man Ozil.  

Ozil was the star of the show as he assisted thrice, where as their defense looked a bit shaky on the day

The change in style of play has been a major talking point for the Potters this term, with new manager Mark Hughes instilling a more patient approach to football as compared to his predecessor, Tony Pulis’ long ball approach. Subsequently, his starting line up looked like an attacking 4-3-3 with Erik Peters and Geoff Cameron as full backs expected to support attacks whilst protecting their defenders while their team didn’t have the ball.

The game started with the Gunners passing around the ball well, as they usually do and patiently waited for any opportunity to arise in Stoke’s final third. Jack Wilshere’s run towards goal looked like a tad too dangerous for Adam, who fouled him near the edge of the box. His free kick was on target and was parried away into Ramsey’s path by Asmir Begovic, who could have done better by either holding on to it or guiding it past the goal for a corner. The Welshman though, made no mistake as he calmly slotted past the Bosnian to make it 1-0 for his side. It was all Arsenal from then on, at least till the 16^th minute when Sagna headed Marc Wilson’s cross out for a throw in. Wilshere, Ozil, Gnabry all got time on the ball to create something to add on to the goal, but it took some focused defending and rather strong tackling to keep the Gunners at bay.

Steven N’Zonzi, who was paired with former Liverpool man Charlie Adam and Marc Wilson in the centre of the park, then did well to win the ball, a first of many in the entire game, to find Adam down the left hand side of Stoke’s attack. He did well to cross the ball almost immediately, attempting to find Kenwyne Jones, but the end result was met by relief by Wojciech Szczesny, rather than their own fans considering the atrocious position the Gunners’ custodian had landed himself in, in an attempt to reach the cross.

Steven N'Zonzi played a crucial part in initiating his side's attacks from the deep

The rest of first half was a rather subdued affair, with the Gunners passing the ball but offering little to worry Stoke as such. Adam was proving to be a vital player in midfield, time and again getting into promising positions. His central midfield partner, N’Zonzi, though did well to cross the ball early on for Arnautovic in the 26^th minute, who cleverly skipped past Sagna and in behind Mertesacker expecting such a ball. The Austrian, though hit the post, and with Szczesny beaten, Cameron placed the ball into the net from 20 yards as the Gunners’ keeper stretched to get a glove to it. The scores were level and Hughes’ side were rewarded to keep trying to create half chances every now and then. The Gunners, however, were feeling hard done by, as there was no real threat of a goal scoring chance before this one.

They needed a reaction and definitely got one in the 36^th minute, with Ozil again the creator, as he whipped in an out swinging ball towards Mertesacker, who leapt to send in a looping header past Begovic to restore Arsenal’s lead. This was the impetus they needed to get in the mood as the rest of the half was dominated by some sleek play by them. Ozil and Giroud combined well before Gnabry and Ramsey joined in but the score remained same as Hughes would have hoped for. His side had shown what they could offer against a side like Arsenal, but went into the half trailing behind due to the sheer quality their opponents’ roster possessed.

The second half started on a similar note as Wilshere combined well, from his not so preferred position down the left flank, with their new German star Ozil, to almost create another clear cut opportunity with only a touch or two letting them down on occasions. The final ball lacked at times, which could have put them two ahead of their rivals on the day, who were pretty content with attacking on the break. The game tended to become a bit flat, since both sides were wary of committing too many players to support their attack.

All that before Hughes side started turning on the heat with Wilson forcing Szczesny into a stop from about 25 yards. Englishman Adam was replaced by the more creative minded Wilson Palacios, a move that almost paid immediate dividends for them. Their finishing did look a bit off beat, with Jones and Walters both drifting in and out of their game.

Mark Hughes will still be proud of his side considering how quickly his players are adapting to his style

A final nail in their coffin was needed from the Gunners’ point of view and it deservedly came from Sagna, as he headed an Ozil cross into the right hand corner of the net. The German had an action packed night, being involved in the set up of all the goals, along with clever movement and passing to execute the free flowing football with more accuracy. He was substituted with 10 minutes on the clock for Mikel Arteta, who was returning from injury and was deservedly given a standing ovation by the home fans. Wenger will certainly be a happy man today after watching his side score from set pieces and successfully having thwarted Stoke’s increasingly respectable attempts to play beautiful football.

Mark Hughes, however, will be slightly disappointed having seen his side defend better than today in most games, but with the opponents being in such form as the Gunners have, a defeat of this manner will be nothing to be ashamed of.   

Written By,

Aman Arora

    Aman writes for Goal India and 18 Yard Box. Drop in your comments below or discuss with the author at @aman_ghs

Preview: Manchester City v/s Manchester United

Preview: Manchester City v/s Manchester United

18 Yard Box's Aman Arora takes a look at the Mancunian derby, in what promises to be a crucial clash for both teams' new managers.

Manchester United visit their cross-town rivals Manchester City's Etihad Stadium with a manager other than Sir Alex Ferguson for the first time in 26 long years. But their aim once the ball is kicked will be no different than all three points as they look to kick start their campaign after disappointing results in the other big matches of this season against Liverpool and Chelsea. A win for David Moyes' side will put them top of the table (only if Tottenham and Arsenal drop points), likewise for City as both teams have garnered 7 points of the possible 12.

Manuel Pellegrini's side will be glad to have talisman Vincent Kompany back from a groin injury just in time for the big game along side David Silva, who also missed their last two games with a thigh injury. Englishman Micah Richards could feature for the first time this season after suffering a hamstring problem but Gael Clichy is a doubt because of a thigh injury.

United, on the other hand start the game with morale boosting news of Danny Welbeck returning to full training, while Phil Jones and Rafael are doubts for the game with ankle and hamstring injuries respectively.

Jesus Navas will look to use his pace and skills against Evra

The Citizens will look to start the game in their standard 4-2-3-1 formation with Yaya Toure and Fernandinho being used in the double pivot they have been using since the start of the season. They started the game against Viktoria Plzen with both Eden Dzeko and Sergio Aguero upfront along side Samir Nasri and Jesus Navas on the wings. 

A similar system today, although they played in mid-week, could be expected with Navas an important outlet on the wings against the comparatively slower Patrice Evra. Alvaro Negredo and Stevan Jovetic will both provide depth to the riches they posses in the attacking area giving Chilean Pellegrini the necessary options he needs up front. 

Expect James Milner to play a role against United

James Milner should have a role to play against in midfield against Chris Smalling (who should get the go head on the right hand side of United's defense) with the industrious Englishman having the versatility to play centrally not to mention his ability to help them win the ball back when City do lose possession. 

Wayne Rooney should continue his tremendous early season form to trouble City

David Moyes's side, however, will rely on the in form Wayne Rooney to provide the necessary impetus to get them the three points, in addition to Shinji Kagawa / Ashley Young on the left and Antonio Valenica providing the width on the right hand side. Young will provide them with width on the left hand side as well which will be crucial against Pablo Zabaleta as compared to Kagawa who has the tendency to drift inside and combine with Rooney. The Japanese international though is more creative as compared to the former Villa man, who tends to drift in and out of games.

Robin Van Persie, who has already scored six goals in as many appearances this season, will look forward to add to that tally against a pairing of the returning Kompany and the young Nastasic.

Centrally, Michael Carrick and Marouane Fellaini should get the go head in what will be a delightful midfield battle against the riches of their rivals. Both set of midfielders are strong passers of the ball with the ones of City capable of producing anything out of nothing. For United though, Carrick will look to set the tempo from the deep along side  the Belgian who will relish any opportunity to get beyond Fernandinho to provide someting extra going forward.

Belgian Fellaini will look forward to a strong midfield battle against Yaya Toure and Fernandinho

A game which will surely go a long way in deciding the title winner, this Manchester derby might just be more than that with City looking to establish themselves domestically more than ever before now that Sir Alex Ferguson has drawn curtains to his illustrious career.

Written by,

Aman Arora

Aman writes for 18 Yard Box and Goal India.

What do you think about the game? Discuss with the author at @aman_ghs or Drop in your comments below.

Chelsea beat cross-town rivals Fulham 2-0 but fans remain unconvinced about consistency

Full Time: Chelsea 2- 0 Fulham

Jose Mourinho’s side bounced back from two consecutive defeats to beat their cross-town rivals with goals from Oscar and John Obi Mikel.

Chelsea started the game in a familiar 4-2-3-1 formation with their Portuguese manager wielding the axe on 5 players of his previous starting line-up. Willian and Frank Lampard made the bench where as David Luiz, Juan Mata and Marco Van Ginkel were entirely omitted from the 18 man squad.

David Luiz will have to add consistency to his defensive game to fit into Mourinho's plans

Martin Jol’s side, on the other hand started the game with Scott Parker and Steve Sidwell sitting deep to protect the defense, alongside Alexander Kacaniklic who started on the left hand side. Former Chelsea man Damien Duff started on the right with Pajtim Kasami the man given the responsibility for linking up play from the deep with Darren Bent up front.

The Pensioners started the game well by keeping possession while showing little penetration beyond their opponent’s defensive third. Samuel Eto’o showed some improved sharpness and incisiveness as he slipped his marker to meet a Branislav Ivanovic cross but could only flick it away from goal when he just needed to tap it in the net.

The first real chance however fell the visitors’ way with Kasami exploiting a huge gap left in the centre of the park ball and playing a well hit pass to Bent, who found enough space to run in behind fellow England international Gary Cahill, to find himself one on one with the keeper.  His finish, however was below par, with a tame shot being blocked by Petr Cech, who did well by not going down to ground early on and letting the former Aston Villa and Tottenham star decide where to shoot.  

Those opportunities for either side though were the only good chances of an otherwise flat first half, which saw Chelsea keep lots of possession in an otherwise dull game. Their midfielders lacked off the ball movement with their intent of crisp passing failing to materialize into any sort of a threat for an organized Fulham back four. A hopeful Eden Hazard volley along with a powerful drive from Ivanovic (which should have been buried in) were the only decent chances the home side were able to muster as they began to turn on the heat in the final ten minutes of the half. Andre Schurrle, whose presence in the starting XI has been questioned at times ahead of Willian and Mata, completed all of his 16 passes in the first half whilst creating 3 chances, more than any other player on the pitch.

Fulham on the other hand, ended the half delightfully as they kept Chelsea’s expensively assembled side at bay without having to stretch their defensive resources as much as they would have imagined.

Oscar put  in a shift for Chelsea.. Yet Again

The beginning of the second period though saw Mourinho’s side attack with more purpose as Schurrle, who had an impressive first half, broke from the left, beating Sascha Reither easily before shooting at goal. The shot, which was certainly not the best he could have produced, was spilled by Stockdale and the subsequent failure to clear the ball meant that Oscar, who was yet again at the right place at the right time, scored his fourth goal of the season. Chances for Sidwell (who should have equalized almost immediately), Fernando Torres (who replaced Eto’o on the hour mark), Hazard followed in a period where Chelsea dominated possession without threatening the goal too much, which is unsurprising considering they were not really pressured by Fulham into defending their well deserved lead. Bent and Kasami were both anonymous in the second half showing the good work done by Chelsea defensively with Obi Mikel being a stand out performer in his defensive midfield role.

The Nigerian was sharp on the day, making his presence felt in the centre of the park by using the ball carefully and being the ideal partner for the rather offensive minded Ramires. No wonder it was a surprise for one and all when he latched onto a John Terry header to volley home the second for the Blues in the 84^th minute of the game.

Obi Mikel scored his frst Premier League goal in 185 appearances

It definitely secured all three points for the Blues, in the process silencing some critics about Juan Mata’s consistent absence in his line ups. The Spanish international, who was the Player of the season for the Londoners for the past two seasons, has not played a crucial role thus far this season, with the Portuguese manager questioning his defensive work rate.

Mata will need to increase his work rate defensively to come back to the fold

Often lacking some quickness when Chelsea lose the ball, Mata usually offers little coming back, there by significantly reducing the chance of the team winning the ball back within no time. Mourinho, as suggested by his post match comments, desires exactly that kind of hard work from his players which at the moment, Oscar is providing him with. His presence, thus, is justified from their coach’s ambition of the style of play. For the records, Oscar won the ball back an astounding 6 times against Fulham, more than any other player on the pitch, thus being correctly judged as the man of the match, at least for a certain Portuguese.  

 

Written By,

Aman Arora

Aman writes for Goal India and 18 Yard Box. What did you think about the game? Discuss with the author at @aman_ghs or drop in your comments below