Good opportunity for Studge - didn't give Forster too much trouble. Sterling slips away from two soton players and we win a corner.
So many similarities between this game and the Chelsea fixture #36 last season where we lost 0-2 at home. BR used Mourinho-like tactics, started a puzzling squad, and got a bit fortunate with terrible reffing against the home side. Meanwhile, we didn't let Southampton have any serious chances all game long. Rodgers is learning how to properly manage his team in games like this. The sexy lineup isn't always the best lineup. Bring on Besiktas and City.
For all the times we've been on wrong side of the bad whistles in recent seasons, this one feels like a bit of redemption. Huge win. Two points from the Top 4. We are rolling
MOTM is Martin Skirtel -- completely dominant in defense Phil --- what a strike Raheem -- hard working and a great goal Hendo -- still running Allen -- very good shift Markovic -- asked a lot of him and he wasn't up to it Mingolet -- really getting better, some good saves Lovren --- thought he played well Can -- is there anything he can't do? Ibe -- a man, a beast, and still a teen Lallana -- steady game Sturridge -- changed the game with his presence Moreno -- came in and shut down his side and made the second goal Johnson -- ?? The traveling Kop dominated the singing too!
And we win! MOTM is Hendo - he put in a captain's performance. 2nd MOTM is Lovren - came into a hostile situation and gave a solid account of himself. 3 points. Clean sheet. 3 points off 3rd.
Starting? 10 game unbeaten run in the league is pretty substantial. Let the form continue against Citeh.
So since that Crystal Palace abortion in November, we've got (in all comps) 14 wins - 8 draws - 2 losses (1 of which in OT). 8 shutouts. Rodgers out, for sure...
Rodgers has some balls doesn't he. Imagine the caning he would've copped if we lost that game with that lineup. Switching our RCB & RWB both to the left, and starting Lovren & Lallana even though the press all week was talking about how we might not even start with even one of our Southampton 'duds'.
If we can possibly play Lovern (assuming he plays like he did today) and move Can to the MF, it could be really interesting over 90 minutes.
Tough match for both sides with some lovely football in horrible conditions. WTF was Phillipe thinking, he can't shoot. Brilliant!!! Sterling managed to get free just the once and took advantage of an error to take off the weight. Studge helps distribute that pressure as well, gives their defense something else to worry about. Good win with 3 points and a clean sheet. This could have gone either way. Upwards and onwards.