Five things that we learned from Liverpool’s win over Swansea…
Liverpool beat Swansea City 4-1 on Monday evening as we moved up to eighth spot in the Premier League, here are five things that we learned from the game:
Adam Lallana was a good signing, and has plenty to offer
Expectations were understandably high when Adam Lallana arrived at Liverpool in the summer, in a £25m move from Southampton. Fans were quick to moan when the England international made a slow start, and struggled to complete 90 minutes, but in recent weeks he has impressed in a more central role as part of the new-look front three, and he was rewarded tonight with two goals, the second of which was truly outstanding.
Emre Can makes a good centre back, and needs to be used more
Another of Liverpool’s summer signings, Can has struggled for game time so far this season, but Brendan Rodgers was well aware that his midfielder was also capable of playing at the back, and after tonight’s performance he may be doing so a fair bit more. With Martin Skrtel suspended for our next game, and Dejan Lovren still injured, Can has the chance to make one of three centre half spots his own. He’s strong, confident and good on the ball.
Simon Mignolet is still shaky, and Liverpool need a keeper
Mignolet, back in the starting line-up due to the injury to Brad Jones, still looked short on confidence, and it seems inevitable that Liverpool will sign a new goalkeeper in the January transfer window. The Belgian had very little to do against Swansea, but his wayward kicking plunged the Reds into trouble on more than one occasion, and it seems he simply cannot do the basics correctly, even if his shot stopping is impressive.
Liverpool need reinforcements on the right hand side
Liverpool’s new look formation requires wing backs. On the left they have the choice of Alberto Moreno or, if they wish to be more attacking, Lazar Markovic – who are both well suited to flying down the left. Jordan Henderson, a central player by trade, and Javier Manquillo, have both looked a little less comfortable in their role down the right, and with Glen Johnson likely to go in January, Rodgers could do with finding a new option.
There is plenty of reason to be optimistic for the second-half of the season
We shouldn’t go as far as to say Liverpool were back to the best against Swansea. But tonight we enjoyed that bit of luck, and got the goals some of our recent performances have probably deserved. In recent weeks, it was like watching the Rodgers teams of a couple of seasons ago – lots of possession, but no cutting edge. But the new look front three of Sterling, Lallana and Coutinho is now firing on all cylinders, and with Daniel Sturridge to come back, a top four finish is still not beyond the realms of possibility.