Liverpool’s very professional performance in beating Southampton 2-0 on Sunday afternoon to go just two points off fourth place in the Premier League table has been met with cautious praise from fans.
There were questions of Brendan Rodgers’ starting lineup when he announced a side without Daniel Sturridge or Mario Balotelli, preferring to play Raheem Sterling up front supported by Adam Lallana and Philippe Coutinho.
There was also no Mamadou Sakho, who Rodgers confirmed before kick-off will undergo a scan on his hip. With big games against Besiktas and Manchester City in the next week, Liverpool will be hoping the Frenchman makes a quick recovery.
It meant Dejan Lovren entered a baptism of fire and, after a nervy start to the game, settled into a very comfortable Liverpool defensive performance, spearheaded by Martin Skrtel.
There’s much praise for Skrtel and the way Liverpool conducted themselves in what was a difficult fixture. They come out of it with three very important points, thanks to goals in each half from Philippe Coutinho and Raheem Sterling.
Liverpool have won two more points than any other PL club in 2015 and have not conceded a league goal away from home since Dec.
— Ben Smith (@BSmith) February 22, 2015
Attentions now turn to Thursday’s Europa League last-32 trip to Besiktas, before another huge Premier League clash at home to Man City next Sunday. Liverpool will be hoping to continue their impressive league run of form — it’s now no defeats in 10 games for Rodgers’ men.
Here’s a roundup of reactions from Twitter and the This Is Anfield Forums. Get involved with the post-match discussions, debates and celebrations in the comments below.
Alot of luck but we did well in the second half, felt we controlled large parts of the 2nd half #LFC
— Lloyd (@GumGumPistol) February 22, 2015
https://twitter.com/beccaparry10/status/569559714155118592
Ibe really good too actually, not quite as effective driving into spaces but defended well, great running off ball, caused a few probs.
— Karl Matchett (@karlmatchett) February 22, 2015
ILLOK in the forums:
Tired, disjointed side put in our worst performance for a while and we still ended up winning 2-0 at Southampton.
Can’t argue with that, fantastic result in horrendous conditions.
Amazing result, poor performance. The mark of a good side. #LFC
— Tom McMahon (@tomjpmac) February 22, 2015
https://twitter.com/MrBoywunder/status/569560813851291648
That league table hasn't looked as nice in ages… pic.twitter.com/RH9ZHV596O
— Jim Boardman (@JimBoardman) February 22, 2015
ChicagoRed in the forums:
Result of the year. Golaso of the year. Clean sheet. Our form since Christmas is amazing. 10 games unbeaten in the league. We’re gonna get 4th and a trophy and pick up coefficient points in Europe if not that trophy too. YNWA
https://twitter.com/M_Sweeting/status/569560974916759552
Mignolet deserves some credit aswell and little Phil's goal is in line for goal of the season #lfc
— Peter Phill19s ? (@PeterPhillips_) February 22, 2015
Maria in the forums:
As the saying goes, 3 crucial points were needed and thank God we got them and I have a belief now we have a chance of 4th spot. So, I am happy in this respect. Having said that, we can’t be complacent in the next game.
https://twitter.com/chris7steel/status/569560995917647872
https://twitter.com/__WAM_/status/569562174064107520
It’s been another positive week for fans of Liverpool Football Club and we’ve been keeping an eye on what you’ve been talking about on INPLAY.
INPLAY is a fantastic new social messaging app with a unique football twist, allowing fans to interact with their friends and supporters-alike with customisable chat tools like stickers and the option to share images and videos.
The chat feature is a multimedia rich messaging area for private chats, club specific or football-wide debate and discussion (lots of fun!)
Here’s what you’ve been talking about on INPLAY this week…
- Would you take James Milner at Liverpool next season?
WE SAID: Milner could bring a wealth of talent and proven experience to Liverpool’s side. He continues to be a hungry, team player, undaunted by City’s plethora of star signings.
INPLAY SAID:
- Mario Balotelli changing the game in the FA Cup fifth round win at Crystal Palace
WE SAID: Whether it’s Brendan Rodgers’ handling of him, or a realisation that he has to get his career in gear, there are finally signs that Balotelli could turn out to be a very important player for Liverpool.
INPLAY SAID:
- On Mario Balotelli’s “penaltygate” during Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Besiktas on Thursday
WE SAID: It showed a better attidue from Balotelli that he wanted the penalty. His willingness to contribute to the team seemed non-existent earlier in the season.
INPLAY SAID:
Now for the competition! INPLAY want to give one passionate Liverpool fan a signed Gerrard home shirt.
The competition runs until 6 March 2015 and during that time, fans simply need to download and sign up to the INPLAY app (it’s free!), join the This Is Anfield Fan Club on the ‘Discover’ tab and get involved with the Liverpool chat in there.
The fan who makes the most interesting and positive contributions over the next few weeks will take home the signed Gerrard shirt, so get involved, invite your mates and get chatting. It’s as simple as that.
Get started now and don’t forget to launch the app for in-match discussion during Liverpool matches!
Good luck!
Fan Comments