Liverpool got their new season off to a 1-0 win against Stoke on Sunday, thanks to a brilliant Philippe Coutinho goal with five minutes left in the game. It was not the best of performances by the Reds but it certainly was miles better from the 6-1 defeat suffered at the same stadium at the end of last season.
Going into the game, I am sure many fans would have welcomed a draw for Liverpool based on last seasons performance, but it is a new season and new opportunities for everyone involved in the club.
We now look at 5 lessons that we can learn from the game on Sunday with regards to Liverpool:
1) Coutinho is set to be the main man in the team this season
When Luis Suarez left Liverpool two seasons ago, Liverpool struggled last season in not having a player who could produce a moment of magic to turn the game in Liverpool’s favour. We have seen Coutinho deliver moments of magic during his time at Liverpool but now it seems that he has gotten even better as a player and as the season goes, we can only expect more from the Brazilian.
The win against Stoke just shows the importance of having a player like Coutinho, who may not be having the best of games, but all it takes is one moment of brilliance to unlock the opposition.
I wouldn’t say Lovren played well, he was too easily beaten which left Gomez exposed. If BR is continuing to play him to build up his confidence he’d be better doing that in the reserves leaving Sakho to regain his place.
Please, please, please Brendan, notice the effect of bringing on Can as a defensive midfielder. We were much better. Milner and Henderson were freed to think about going forward more but between the three of them we were much more solid.
is it too much to consider Lovren and Sakho ? A competent Lovren my just highlight how susceptible Skrtel is to making mistakes.
I quite agree with you on point 5, we really need a balanced defensive midfielder to provide a shield for the back four. Attack minded opponents will easily take advantage of our defensive lapses if we start without a player that can really provide that needed protection. It’s good we got the win we desire, YNWA till I casket!!!