Controlling play from first whistle to last, but still no joy

By Craig Rimmer On · 37 Comments · In LFC News

Liverpool were held to a frustrating draw by Birmingham City in a match which they dominated on Monday evening. A contentious penalty, won by David N’Gog and scored by Steven Gerrard, salvaged a point for the Reds after they had somehow transpired to fall 2-1 behind in a game which they virtually controlled from the first whistle to the last.

Having taken an early lead through the impressive N’Gog it appeared the Reds would secure the comfortable win which the club and the fans craved. But astonishingly Birmingham were able to hit back twice, first through Christian Benitez and then a stunning Cameron Jerome strike, to lead 2-1 at the interval. Gerrard converted his second half penalty to level the scores, but Liverpool’s dominance could have, and should have, earned much more than a point.

The Reds recent injury crisis was appeased some what prior to kick-off, as Rafa Benitez welcomed back Martin Skrtel, Glen Johnson and Albert Riera to his starting line-up. Steven Gerrard was also fit enough for a place on the bench. Although Fernando Torres’s fitness will again be of concern as the Spaniard was omitted from the match day squad. Torres’s replacement, N’Gog, however, again showed encouraging signs of progress and improvement. The young French striker perhaps cementing his right as first choice back-up to Torres, with a threatening performance which included the opening goal.

N’Gog was also involved in another pivotal moment in the game when he was controversially awarded a 70th minute penalty by referee Peter Walton. There appeared to have been little contact with Lee Carsley in the Birmingham box, but in fairness Liverpool’s domineering performance probably deserved a draw at the very least.

A lack of solidity and consistence through the middle of the team, for so long the foundation of success under Benitez, has been the key problem for Liverpool this season. This is particularly evident in defence, previously so reliable and impenetrable, were regular mistakes and uncertainty has served to undermine the Reds system. The situation also has not been helped by a new partnership between Javier Mascherano and Lucas taking time to flourish, as well as Alberto Aquilani, Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres being unavailable for lengthy periods further forward.

With Jamie Carragher unavailable through suspension, Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger were granted the rare opportunity to partner each other in the centre of defence. Skrtel’s form has been below par this season, although Agger’s return to fitness and form has been one of the few positives of late. However the Reds play was once again undermined by some unsure defending, as Blues were able to score from 2 of the 3 genuine attacks which they were able to create in the match.

Liverpool should have dealt with James McFadden’s free-kick to the far post after 26 minutes. Instead, both Roger Johnson and Scott Dann were able to win headers before Benitez nodded beyond Pepe Reina from close range, to gift the away side an equaliser against the run of play.

Up until that point Rafa’s men had comfortably controlled proceedings and had been rewarded with N’Gog’s 12th minute opener. Glen Johnson, who was a potent threat all evening on his return from injury, created the goal. His trademark mazy run from full-back took him past 2 defenders before pulling the ball back to N’Gog. The strikers initial effort was palmed away by Joe Hart, but, after Hart had again denied Dirk Kuyt from the follow-up, Albert Reira’s ball across the goal mouth was excellently smashed beyond the keeper on the volley by N’Gog.

The Reds were in control, without threatening the Birmingham goal too regularly. The game was practically being played out in the Blues half, with the away side unable to mount a serious attack during the opening exchanges. However Benitez’s shock equaliser changed the complexion of the match. Liverpool continued to exert concerted pressure on the Birmingham defence. Hart was forced to tip over Mascherano’s 25-yard drive. Before Lucas should have done far better with his tame effort at goal when he found himself with time and space in the penalty area following a goal mouth scramble.

But when Jerome was able to shrug of the attention of Mascherano and send a spectacular shot from distance over Reina and under the cross bar, the Reds found themselves in a familiarly desperate situation, trailing at half time.

Benitez had been forced to introduce Gerrard prematurely just before the interval, as Reira suffered a fresh injury problem. He was to be followed by Yossi Benayoun soon after, with a similar hamstring problem. Gerrard’s introduction gave Liverpool an added impetus as they strived for a route back into the match.

The Reds piled the pressure on a Birmingham defence which defended resolutely in the second period. Mascherano and Lucas were dominating midfield. Lucas in particular was impressive, putting in one of his most assured and effective performances to date. The Brazilian was perhaps somewhat unlucky to be replaced by home debutant Aquilani in the closing stages.

Liverpool’s concerted pressure was almost rewarded when another potent Johnson cross was headed against the foot of the post by Gerrard with the goal at his mercy. Liverpool, and Gerrard in particular, were a constant threat, despite nursing a groin injury. And the hosts finally profited from their perseverance after 71 minutes, albeit in controversial circumstances. The Birmingham players protested vigorously when referee Walton pointed to the spot after N’Gog went down close to the touch line, having done well to work his way into the area. However the penalty stood and Gerrard confidently sent Hart the wrong way to convert.

Gerrard and his team mates were in no mood to celebrate the equaliser and looked for a quick restart as they searched for a vital winner. A reinvigorated Anfield crowd spurred on the home side as they continued to pile on the pressure. N’Gog came closest to a winner when his first time effort flew just wide of the post following Gerrard’s driving run.

But the Reds were unable to salvage a winner as Rafa’s poor league record against the Midlands club continued. This disappointing draw leaves Liverpool struggling in 7th position in the Premier League heading into another international break. Benitez must now hope that his injured charges can regain fitness in time to begin the task of resurrecting their season, starting with Manchester City at home in under 2 weeks time.

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  • Walk On

    I agree with you,Fahad,the boys played with heart indeed.However,I thought the intesity and tempo with which we played wasn’t vintage.We didn’t harass and keep Birmingham labouring enough like we did with R Madrid last season in the CL and,(I was told since I unfortunately couldn’t watch the game)the Mancs on the 25th last month.I really believe that if we can always play at high tempo,giving the opposition no second to even breath,we’ll slaughter teams alive,I’m telling you.And,on Monday,I thought-especially in the second half-we failed to comprehensively break down that Birmingham side.We lacked the HKTBP(Hot Knife Through Butter Penetration)we normally have at Anfield against teams.Yes,we were dominating and created decent scoring opportunities…but how many were actually clear cut?I hate to admit this,but,Macleish was spot on when he said we “huffed and puffed”.We could have played another 90 minutes and still not scored(unless some miracle happened).Birmingham’s defence were simply resolute and unyielding on the night.And,we were just not that creative and clinical in terms of the decent chances we had.On Kuyt,I also concur with the view that the lad’s been below par this season…and I kinda like hoped that Rafa would give Babel a start on Monday in place of Dirk following his wonderful strike at Lyon which surely must have given him a great deal of confidence.And,lastly,Riera should train his right leg a lot more and try to have a little more confidence in it…we can bloody benefit a whole lot if the lad can get that leg to do more than just walking.You find that he gets good balls in good positions,but just at the wrong side of his body.DAMMIT!

  • red4ever

    Ngog is improving but I think we need someone who is the finished article while Torres is injured. Someone big and strong that can make space for himself or for other players. There must be some players out there that are near the end of their careers that could do this job and we would get on the cheap. Someone who would be good to get on the end of a ball from set pieces. If we had a player like this, we would have won against Birmingham.

  • red4ever

    Ngog is improving but I think we need someone who is the finished article while Torres is injured. Someone big and strong that can make space for himself or for other players. There must be some players out there that are near the end of their careers that could do this job and we would get on the cheap. Someone who would be good to get on the end of a ball from set pieces. If we had a player like this, we would have won against Birmingham.

  • Vudy

    @ red4ever

    You just cant be serious about lucas, the lad is improving each game he playes, and to say that he only did good because Birmingham didn’t cross the midfield, then how about you watch his game against ManU again ?
    yes he gives away some fouls, but some of them are tactical fouls, just like what he did on ManU game.

    and to justify your reaction toward him by ” I was b*tching about him last season and now unfortunately I don’t think I can stop.” then i have to ask you again, Are you serious ? or you just plain stupid ?

  • Vudy

    @ red4ever

    You just cant be serious about lucas, the lad is improving each game he playes, and to say that he only did good because Birmingham didn’t cross the midfield, then how about you watch his game against ManU again ?
    yes he gives away some fouls, but some of them are tactical fouls, just like what he did on ManU game.

    and to justify your reaction toward him by ” I was b*tching about him last season and now unfortunately I don’t think I can stop.” then i have to ask you again, Are you serious ? or you just plain stupid ?

  • Vudy

    @ red4ever

    You just cant be serious about lucas, the lad is improving each game he playes, and to say that he only did good because Birmingham didn’t cross the midfield, then how about you watch his game against ManU again ?
    yes he gives away some fouls, but some of them are tactical fouls, just like what he did on ManU game.

    and to justify your reaction toward him by ” I was b*tching about him last season and now unfortunately I don’t think I can stop.” then i have to ask you again, Are you serious ? or you just plain stupid ?

  • Walk On

    Yeah,red4ever,we are all in this together.And I understand your frustrations,mate,I really do.However,I just feel that Lucas is being unfairly judged and given stick.People are judging him largely on the basis of his offensive play(which is not so on).You see,the kid’s a holding/defensive midfielder(like Masch,who by the way is not that decent going forward…but never gets slated for that as Lucas’ does),and he’s done pretty well this season in that role.The kid’s only sin seems be the fact that he doesn’t posses the same offensive ability as his predecessor,Xabi Alonso(but how many do?Masch,for one,doesn’t.But,to my surprise,gets away with it but Lucas doesn’t).Pips,I ditto that the lad should be offering us more going forward,but is it fair(and sensible)to expect him to be like Alonso?I say:see Lucas for what he is(a defensive midf.)and judge him on his merits as such a kind of player.I very much understand that all eleven men on the pitch are supposed to defend,attack,create and score.However,you surely can’t expect Torres to be good a defender or a creator as Dani Agger or Cristiano Ronaldo,respectively.Or expect Essien to be good a passer of the ball or goal scorer as Xavi Hernandez or Fernando Torres,respectively.Judge each case on its own merits,mates…and no double-standards.Both Lucas and Masch are holding/defensive midfielders,who’ve done quiet well in their roles this season playing together.Both are not much of a force going forward,and if there’s to be any slating levelled at Lucas by those media muppets calling themselves “analysts”,”experts” for his “average” offensive play,Masch should be subject to it as well(but he won’t,I guess,will he?)Impartiality and logic,people.Be considerate of both the main and the peripheral;advantage and disadvantage…then make your conclusions.

  • Walk On

    Yeah,red4ever,we are all in this together.And I understand your frustrations,mate,I really do.However,I just feel that Lucas is being unfairly judged and given stick.People are judging him largely on the basis of his offensive play(which is not so on).You see,the kid’s a holding/defensive midfielder(like Masch,who by the way is not that decent going forward…but never gets slated for that as Lucas’ does),and he’s done pretty well this season in that role.The kid’s only sin seems be the fact that he doesn’t posses the same offensive ability as his predecessor,Xabi Alonso(but how many do?Masch,for one,doesn’t.But,to my surprise,gets away with it but Lucas doesn’t).Pips,I ditto that the lad should be offering us more going forward,but is it fair(and sensible)to expect him to be like Alonso?I say:see Lucas for what he is(a defensive midf.)and judge him on his merits as such a kind of player.I very much understand that all eleven men on the pitch are supposed to defend,attack,create and score.However,you surely can’t expect Torres to be good a defender or a creator as Dani Agger or Cristiano Ronaldo,respectively.Or expect Essien to be good a passer of the ball or goal scorer as Xavi Hernandez or Fernando Torres,respectively.Judge each case on its own merits,mates…and no double-standards.Both Lucas and Masch are holding/defensive midfielders,who’ve done quiet well in their roles this season playing together.Both are not much of a force going forward,and if there’s to be any slating levelled at Lucas by those media muppets calling themselves “analysts”,”experts” for his “average” offensive play,Masch should be subject to it as well(but he won’t,I guess,will he?)Impartiality and logic,people.Be considerate of both the main and the peripheral;advantage and disadvantage…then make your conclusions.

  • Walk On

    I understand your frustrations,red4ever,mate,I really do.However,I just feel that Lucas is being unfairly judged and given stick.People are judging him largely on the basis of his offensive play(which is not so on).You see,the kid’s a holding/defensive midfielder(like Masch,who by the way is not that decent going forward…but never gets slated for that as Lucas’ does),and he’s done pretty well this season in that role.The kid’s only sin seems be the fact that he doesn’t posses the same offensive ability as his predecessor,Xabi Alonso(but how many do?Masch,for one,doesn’t.But,to my surprise,gets away with it but Lucas doesn’t).Pips,I ditto that the lad should be offering us more going forward,but is it fair(and sensible)to expect him to be like Alonso?I say:see Lucas for what he is(a defensive midf.)and judge him on his merits as such a kind of player.I very much understand that all eleven men on the pitch are supposed to defend,attack,create and score.However,you surely can’t expect Torres to be good a defender or a creator as Dani Agger or Cristiano Ronaldo,respectively.Or expect Essien to be good a passer of the ball or goal scorer as Xavi Hernandez or Fernando Torres,respectively.Judge each case on its own merits,mates…and no double-standards.Both Lucas and Masch are holding/defensive midfielders,who’ve done quiet well in their roles this season playing together.Both are not much of a force going forward,and if there’s to be any slating levelled at Lucas by those media muppets calling themselves “analysts”,”experts” for his “average” offensive play,Masch should be subject to it as well(but he won’t,I guess,will he?)Impartiality and logic,people.Be considerate of both the main and the peripheral;advantage and disadvantage…then make your conclusions.

  • Walk On

    I understand your frustrations,red4ever,mate,I really do.However,I just feel that Lucas is being unfairly judged and given stick.People are judging him largely on the basis of his offensive play(which is not so on).You see,the kid’s a holding/defensive midfielder(like Masch,who by the way is not that decent going forward…but never gets slated for that as Lucas’ does),and he’s done pretty well this season in that role.The kid’s only sin seems be the fact that he doesn’t posses the same offensive ability as his predecessor,Xabi Alonso(but how many do?Masch,for one,doesn’t.But,to my surprise,gets away with it but Lucas doesn’t).Pips,I ditto that the lad should be offering us more going forward,but is it fair(and sensible)to expect him to be like Alonso?I say:see Lucas for what he is(a defensive midf.)and judge him on his merits as such a kind of player.I very much understand that all eleven men on the pitch are supposed to defend,attack,create and score.However,you surely can’t expect Torres to be good a defender or a creator as Dani Agger or Cristiano Ronaldo,respectively.Or expect Essien to be good a passer of the ball or goal scorer as Xavi Hernandez or Fernando Torres,respectively.Judge each case on its own merits,mates…and no double-standards.Both Lucas and Masch are holding/defensive midfielders,who’ve done quiet well in their roles this season playing together.Both are not much of a force going forward,and if there’s to be any slating levelled at Lucas by those media muppets calling themselves “analysts”,”experts” for his “average” offensive play,Masch should be subject to it as well(but he won’t,I guess,will he?)Impartiality and logic,people.Be considerate of both the main and the peripheral;advantage and disadvantage…then make your conclusions.

  • Philo

    I have to agree with red4ever again lucas is not good enough to were that shirt.The lad breaks my heart watching him play.Last season we drew a crunch game against wigan when he gave away a silly penalty he was awful and watching him this season he is not that much better in fact he has got worse we have got to ask ourselves as fans is this the quality of player that we are content with cause if it is then we wont be a top four team anymore.Sell lucas,dossena,voronin and play gerrard back in the centre and buy carlton cole to partner torres up front and try and get something out of this season.Im starting to grow very tired of benitez and his lack of trophies if he doesn’t win something this season then i will be calling for his head.

  • Philo

    I have to agree with red4ever again lucas is not good enough to were that shirt.The lad breaks my heart watching him play.Last season we drew a crunch game against wigan when he gave away a silly penalty he was awful and watching him this season he is not that much better in fact he has got worse we have got to ask ourselves as fans is this the quality of player that we are content with cause if it is then we wont be a top four team anymore.Sell lucas,dossena,voronin and play gerrard back in the centre and buy carlton cole to partner torres up front and try and get something out of this season.Im starting to grow very tired of benitez and his lack of trophies if he doesn’t win something this season then i will be calling for his head.

  • buckinghamshire red

    With birmingham playing 9 men in defence is it any wonder we struggled to score. We looked dangerous and should have scored four if it wasn’t for birmingham players literally thrownig themselves in front of every shot we had. Our corners were bad i admit but in games like this one where the opposite team swamp the box you need a lucky drop of the ball to the feet of Gerrard or any one of our players in the six yard box and we would have scored. We just didn’t have the luck. The team is not playing that bad at all. we need to regain confidence in our defence and get pur injured players back and we will have the world class players back and the points will roll in. YNWA

  • buckinghamshire red

    With birmingham playing 9 men in defence is it any wonder we struggled to score. We looked dangerous and should have scored four if it wasn’t for birmingham players literally thrownig themselves in front of every shot we had. Our corners were bad i admit but in games like this one where the opposite team swamp the box you need a lucky drop of the ball to the feet of Gerrard or any one of our players in the six yard box and we would have scored. We just didn’t have the luck. The team is not playing that bad at all. we need to regain confidence in our defence and get pur injured players back and we will have the world class players back and the points will roll in. YNWA

  • red4ever

    @Vudy
    I just don’t think Lucas is consistant enough or good enough. I was trying to be diplomatic (something I see you are void of) by saying I was b*tching about him last season,etc. as I felt maybe my comments about him regarding the Birmingham game were a bit harsh. I also agree with a lot of people on this forum that you should support the players regardless of how hard it might be. But to be honest I think the lad is not good enough. You said I should look at the ManU game, well you should look at all the other games and tell me if the majority of his performances has been good enough in them and if your answer is yes, then I can see there is no reasoning with you and it maybe you that needs the IQ test or at least your eyes tested anyway. At the end of the day it doesn’t really matter what I think as it just one fans opinion. Fans are allowed to opinions Vudy, they are like ar*eholes every one has one we don’t have to share the sameone regardless how big the ar*ehole might be. Unfortunately our opinions are not going to change anything. Also I have a feeling that Mascherano will be leaving us and Lucas will be seen as his replacement. Which in my view will be another step backwards.

    I agree with WalkOn that Lucas is now played as a defensive midfielder and the role does suit him better, however we all know what Mascherano’s is about and that he is 1000 times better at doing the defensive role then Lucas is. In saying that I do feel Mascherano performances have not been up to his usual high standards. Yes Lucas is young and might come good, but at the moment I don’t think he is good enough to be in our starting 11 for every game and I don’t see how Rafa thought he could fill the gap left by Alonso as I don’t think he could fill Mascherano boots either. But as mentioned before I do hope I am wrong and if I am I will be more than happy to apologise to all Lucas fans. Nothing would make me more happier as it would mean our midfield is strong and we are improving as a team.

  • red4ever

    @Vudy
    I just don’t think Lucas is consistant enough or good enough. I was trying to be diplomatic (something I see you are void of) by saying I was b*tching about him last season,etc. as I felt maybe my comments about him regarding the Birmingham game were a bit harsh. I also agree with a lot of people on this forum that you should support the players regardless of how hard it might be. But to be honest I think the lad is not good enough. You said I should look at the ManU game, well you should look at all the other games and tell me if the majority of his performances has been good enough in them and if your answer is yes, then I can see there is no reasoning with you and it maybe you that needs the IQ test or at least your eyes tested anyway. At the end of the day it doesn’t really matter what I think as it just one fans opinion. Fans are allowed to opinions Vudy, they are like ar*eholes every one has one we don’t have to share the sameone regardless how big the ar*ehole might be. Unfortunately our opinions are not going to change anything. Also I have a feeling that Mascherano will be leaving us and Lucas will be seen as his replacement. Which in my view will be another step backwards.

    I agree with WalkOn that Lucas is now played as a defensive midfielder and the role does suit him better, however we all know what Mascherano’s is about and that he is 1000 times better at doing the defensive role then Lucas is. In saying that I do feel Mascherano performances have not been up to his usual high standards. Yes Lucas is young and might come good, but at the moment I don’t think he is good enough to be in our starting 11 for every game and I don’t see how Rafa thought he could fill the gap left by Alonso as I don’t think he could fill Mascherano boots either. But as mentioned before I do hope I am wrong and if I am I will be more than happy to apologise to all Lucas fans. Nothing would make me more happier as it would mean our midfield is strong and we are improving as a team.

  • red4ever

    @Vudy
    I just don’t think Lucas is consistant enough or good enough. I was trying to be diplomatic (something I see you are void of) by saying I was b*tching about him last season,etc. as I felt maybe my comments about him regarding the Birmingham game were a bit harsh. I also agree with a lot of people on this forum that you should support the players regardless of how hard it might be. But to be honest I think the lad is not good enough. You said I should look at the ManU game, well you should look at all the other games and tell me if the majority of his performances has been good enough in them and if your answer is yes, then I can see there is no reasoning with you and it maybe you that needs the IQ test or at least your eyes tested anyway. At the end of the day it doesn’t really matter what I think as it just one fans opinion. Fans are allowed to opinions Vudy, they are like ar*eholes every one has one we don’t have to share the sameone regardless how big the ar*ehole might be. Unfortunately our opinions are not going to change anything. Also I have a feeling that Mascherano will be leaving us and Lucas will be seen as his replacement. Which in my view will be another step backwards.

    I agree with WalkOn that Lucas is now played as a defensive midfielder and the role does suit him better, however we all know what Mascherano’s is about and that he is 1000 times better at doing the defensive role then Lucas is. In saying that I do feel Mascherano performances have not been up to his usual high standards. Yes Lucas is young and might come good, but at the moment I don’t think he is good enough to be in our starting 11 for every game and I don’t see how Rafa thought he could fill the gap left by Alonso as I don’t think he could fill Mascherano boots either. But as mentioned before I do hope I am wrong and if I am I will be more than happy to apologise to all Lucas fans. Nothing would make me more happier as it would mean our midfield is strong and we are improving as a team.

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