Firstly, fantastic game last night. Though I'd have enjoyed it a hell of a lot more if I were a neutral.
Thought we played well first half, looked very sharp. Controlled the tempo of the game until the end of the half. Obviously we only really created one or two great chances (Sturridge header comes to mind) and had Jonjo partly to thank for both of our goals- taking nothing away from the excellent anticipation of Sturridge or driving run and super finish by Moses.
Second half was poor from our point of view however. Coutinho going off affected us a lot, we never threatened on the counter once he was withdrawn. Mignolet had little option with regards to distribution because they pressed us very well and our outlets were Aspas and a half-fit Sturridge.
You can never be too happy with a draw when you led the game but in the context of things- no Johnson or Suarez, Coutinho missing much of the second period and a tough away game at a side who won a cup last season and finished 9th despite barely trying in the league after their cup win- we've got to take it. Especially as they penned us in for much of the second half, so to come out of it having remained unbeaten and going to the top of the league is very positive, especially having played poorly for 45 minutes ourselves.
I'm not worried by the trend of good first half, bad second half yet. Yes it's happened in our last three games and for the first time last night it cost us a couple of points, but think back to the last three or four seasons where we'd lose games like this and you've got to be happy we're still getting points. I also think it may be partly down to fitness. Lucas is getting fitter with every passing game, Gerrard took a while to get going last season so naturally those two are going to drop off a bit. Then there is Sturridge who hasn't been close to 100% fit on one occasion this season, yet continues to score goals. It's at the stage now that, whenever he is on the ball, you expect something to come of it. Much like with Suarez. That can only bode well for the future.
Wisdom was poor on the ball but his defensive work was sound as usual. In home games especially we should stick someone more attacking there until Johnson is back from injury, I'd honestly be tempted to play McLaughlin at home to Crystal Palace. Toure should perhaps start there against Southampton on Saturday, as they don't play with much width, instead opting for three natural centre forwards in their team. Skrtel was excellent, Man of the Match for me. Incredible tackle by him on Bony first-half. Sakho shaky at times but it was his debut, he doesn't speak the language yet, so I'm giving him a few months before even thinking of criticising him. He had some good defensive moments too. Moses very impressive until he ran out of steam, which again- going back to the fitness issue- is to be expected given his lack of football this season. Aspas woeful once he came on; it's early days and again, I don't want to judge him for the same reasons as Sakho gets my time. But I reckon Aspas is the type of player who will do well when we are at home, or dominating teams (see first hour against Stoke on the opening day) but in games like last night's he just fails to have much of an impact.
Anyway; 10 points from four games, two of which could be put in the 'tough' and 'very tough' categories. All that without Suarez, and the fitness issues documented above which should sort themselves out over time. The football may not be pretty yet but I'm sure that will come with some more winnable games upcoming.
Top of the league
