Can Liverpool be going into the next season’s Champions League with the sort of performances they have given against Hull? This question was lingering around Anfield corridors when Liverpool were frustrated by a Hull side. In addition the Hull goal-keeper who had a match of his life-time, it was the absence of cutting edge that made task easy for Steve Bruce side as they gone back happily with a point.
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At-last a clean sheet
While Mario Balotelli was again at the centre of limelight due to the number of chances he missed, Liverpool defensive demons were put to rest on Saturday as it was a first solid performance since the end of August by the Liverpool new-look back four. Even though Hull are regarded as minnows in the League, still keeping in mind Liverpool’s defensive record against the likes of QPR, Aston Villa and West Brom, a clean sheet at least for Simon Mignolet was a positive note for the Reds.
Also Read: What to do with Mario Balotelli.
When Liverpool started this season Brendan Rodgers reiterated his desire of winning a trophy in addition to finish in the top four. While the latter claim looks set to be under the electronic microscope, Capital One cup is the most realistic chance for a Liverpool side that is looking for Silverware since the end of 2011-12 season.
Back to back defeats in the Champions League have hung Liverpool’s chances of progressing in the competition right in balance.
And now with teams like Arsenal and Manchester United being out of the competition while both Chelsea and Manchester City playing their second fiddle teams in the domestic cup, Liverpool should go for the throne if they have to provide their players a way-out from the ongoing criticism of late.
When Swansea put two past their opponents on Saturday with Wilfried Bony the pick of the performers of the week, painful memories of him linking with Liverpool in the summer might have crossed some Liverpool minds seeing how Balotelli floundered a tap in in injury time to deny Liverpool a winner.
And now with Bony coming to Anfield and on the back of several strong performances for club and country, he might show the Anfield boardroom staff just what they missed out on during the Transfer Window. And with none of the three Liverpool attackers have a goal to their name so far in the Premier League, a Wilfred Bony goal will be mourned, to say the least.
Swansea play the Liverpool, or in other words, Liverpool adapted the Swansea style of passing by acquiring Brendan Rodgers. So apart from last season when Liverpool were on song, matches against Swansea have always been tight. And with similar tactics on the pitch by both Swansea and Liverpool, it might serve as a frustrating fixture for the Reds.
Amir Bashir follow him on Twitter.
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