Thoughts on the Sunday big games. I only watched till the red card of the first and completely missed the second. Up to the point when I had to leave my house, Liverpool had clearly been the better team with the performances of Sterling and Glen Johnson on the opposite flanks providing many sparks of excitement.
One interesting tactical point I noted in that time: while on one flank, Martin Kelly adopted the usual method of passing to the front and dashing up to receive the return pass, Johnson on the other hand adopted a more unconventional method. When on the ball, he either passed it sideways or backwards before he advanced. Two things occured at the same time. Daniel Agger, the left centreback, moved into the leftback slot to receive the ball and play a direct pass to Johnson. Further upfield, Fabio Borini will move towards the center to join Suarez, creating space for Johnson. For the short time that I watched, this happened two or three times, signifying it might be more purpose than coincidental. This tactic has two uses, one to allow an easy pass to Johnson, another is for Borini to drag Rafael away to give Johnson time and space to shoot or cross. Secondly, it is that Bendan Rodgers recognized the speed of United's attacks, especially down the right flank with Valencia. Valencia is a typical wide winger and it made sense to station a player at that flank to make sure that he is unable to push the ball forward and dash with it into the final third, which is exactly what he did for the goal.
On to the red card. I have to first say I agree. Dangerous tackle. It always seemed to be inevitable in a game of such high stakes of pride and glory. Of course, it did not come from the tactical angle I had envisioned it to be from but more from the over exuberance of the young Selvey and in slight due to Liverpool's high pressing game. I left the house thinking that United would surely dominate the match but kudos to Liverpool, they continued playing their football and was the better team. Didn't watch so I actually cannot comment too much.
As I wrote in my preview, it will be a folly to play Giggs in such a match and Sir Alex Ferguson committed just this mistake.For all of Giggs's vast experience and talent, he was unable to make any impact for the time I watched. He just seemed unable t okeep up with the pace of such a high tempo game. Guess age really does catch up to every player.
For all of Liverpool's dominance, they have once again failed to win. The relegation fears must really be kicking in for their fans now.
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