Liverpool are through to the third round of the pointless waste of time known as the Crapital One Cup after a 4-2 victory over Notts County, but injuries to Joe Allen, Kolo Toure and Aly Cissokho leave the squad in a precariously threadbare state ahead of this weekend's crunch game with Manchester United.
In his post-match interview, Brendan Rodgers provided an update on LFC's triple injury nightmare. He told reporters:
"It's not good to be honest. Cissokho was devastated, but he shouldn’t be out for too long as he’s just got a nick on his ankle.
"Joe Allen may well be a hamstring., so we’ll have a look at that.
"With Kolo Toure, we need to assess it but his groin has opened up a bit. It wasn’t a good night injury wise".
Hamstrings and groin strains take a good few weeks to heal properly, so I don't think we'll be seeing Toure of Allen against United this weekend.
Rodgers also provided a new transfer update:
"We’re certainly looking to get players in, and that’ll continue right the way up till the end of the window. There’s no number on it – we’re just looking to get quality players in, and if we can do that we’ll be very happy".
Clearly, a new central defender must now be the club's number one priority (!) As for the game itself: a number of positives to take, including:
- Two more goals Sturridge. That's 20 goals and 5 assists in 19 games since arriving at the club. Absolutely fantastic return, and one of the best LFC signings in years.
- Very good performance from Jordon Ibe. Fearless on the ball, and loves to run at defenders, which is great. Loved his hold-up play before releasing the ball for Henderson to score.
- Great goal from Henderson, who's obviously inspired by Luis Suarez's constant nutmegging of players. Hendo had a really good game overall too, and continues to grow in confidence within the team.
- Admirable spirit in the team after going down to 10 men. Good to see the grit and determination to go on and win the game.
On the downside:
- Andre Wisdom showed his positioning inexperience for both goals, but he put in a solid work for the rest of the game.
- Rodgers named a strong team against Notts County, but did he really need to play Toure? Why not rest him and play Agger instead. Granted, the Dane is injury prone, but he's 4 years younger than Toure, who probably needs longer recovery time between games.
- The complacency shown in the second half is a concern, and the same regression in performance also blighted parts of the Reds' first two league games.
The injuries are a concern, but there's definitely no need to panic:
* Liverpool have just one game in the next three weeks, so plenty of time for injury recovery/regrouping.
* Rogers confirmed tonight that Martin Skrtel is fit again, and will be available this weekend. He'll obviously replace Toure, so it's not a major defensive disaster.
* Based on the first two league games, Allen probably wouldn't have started against United anyway, and the same goes for Cissokho. Enrique and Lucas will come back into the team after a whole week's rest.
I'm still hugely confident that Liverpool will beat Man United on Sunday. Roll on the weekend!
Jaimie Kanwar
NOTE: Please stick to the Comment Policy (Click to read)
In his post-match interview, Brendan Rodgers provided an update on LFC's triple injury nightmare. He told reporters:
"It's not good to be honest. Cissokho was devastated, but he shouldn’t be out for too long as he’s just got a nick on his ankle.
"Joe Allen may well be a hamstring., so we’ll have a look at that.
"With Kolo Toure, we need to assess it but his groin has opened up a bit. It wasn’t a good night injury wise".
Hamstrings and groin strains take a good few weeks to heal properly, so I don't think we'll be seeing Toure of Allen against United this weekend.
Rodgers also provided a new transfer update:
"We’re certainly looking to get players in, and that’ll continue right the way up till the end of the window. There’s no number on it – we’re just looking to get quality players in, and if we can do that we’ll be very happy".
Clearly, a new central defender must now be the club's number one priority (!) As for the game itself: a number of positives to take, including:
- Two more goals Sturridge. That's 20 goals and 5 assists in 19 games since arriving at the club. Absolutely fantastic return, and one of the best LFC signings in years.
- Very good performance from Jordon Ibe. Fearless on the ball, and loves to run at defenders, which is great. Loved his hold-up play before releasing the ball for Henderson to score.
- Great goal from Henderson, who's obviously inspired by Luis Suarez's constant nutmegging of players. Hendo had a really good game overall too, and continues to grow in confidence within the team.
- Admirable spirit in the team after going down to 10 men. Good to see the grit and determination to go on and win the game.
On the downside:
- Andre Wisdom showed his positioning inexperience for both goals, but he put in a solid work for the rest of the game.
- Rodgers named a strong team against Notts County, but did he really need to play Toure? Why not rest him and play Agger instead. Granted, the Dane is injury prone, but he's 4 years younger than Toure, who probably needs longer recovery time between games.
- The complacency shown in the second half is a concern, and the same regression in performance also blighted parts of the Reds' first two league games.
The injuries are a concern, but there's definitely no need to panic:
* Liverpool have just one game in the next three weeks, so plenty of time for injury recovery/regrouping.
* Rogers confirmed tonight that Martin Skrtel is fit again, and will be available this weekend. He'll obviously replace Toure, so it's not a major defensive disaster.
* Based on the first two league games, Allen probably wouldn't have started against United anyway, and the same goes for Cissokho. Enrique and Lucas will come back into the team after a whole week's rest.
I'm still hugely confident that Liverpool will beat Man United on Sunday. Roll on the weekend!
Jaimie Kanwar
NOTE: Please stick to the Comment Policy (Click to read)
The first three things on Rodgers desk tomorrow better be
ReplyDeleteBuy a centre back
Buy a centre back
Buy a centre back.
i´d go so far and say we need 2 new CBs
ReplyDeleteWe are in advanced talks with PSG for sahko according to sky italia, (good news) beast of a defender. And we desperately need a CB!!!
ReplyDeleteWe looked in good shape for Man Utd but now the possibility of Agger and Wisdom at CB is very worrying
ReplyDeleteWisdom needs a lot more experience
Even if we did sign him would he be registered in time for Sunday?
ReplyDeleteHope thats true, but always skeptical when an italian media outlet has a story about a french player wanting to transfer to an english club. But we need someone fast. Agger is just one crunching tackle from another 3 month layoff.
ReplyDeleteTonight was a night to forget most certainly...
ReplyDeleteAgger and Skyrtel will play centre v Utd. Toure was brought in to provide cover, tonight's game is exactly the game he should have been playing in. To provide experience alongside some of the younger lads. But as others have mentioned we do need a decent centre back. Why would you play the vice captain Agger being looked at by Barcelona against Notts County? Nuts. Rodgers made the right decision, it is just unfortunate that the injuries occurred. Allen won't be missed and Cissokho has just arrived, so as far as I'm concerned nothing has changed as we wait for Utd at the weekend.
ReplyDeleteIf its done by Friday then yes, Ayre needs to get a move on
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing so far to indicate that Toure was brought in just for cover. The evidence points to him being a first-teamer. He played every pre-season game (even when skrtel was fit) and that has continued into the new season.
ReplyDeleteI thought that but they reported the willian deal to Chelsea before skysports here.... But I think it might be true :) just got to wait:)
ReplyDeletePlayed great for 22 minutes then thought oh we are brilliant and 2-0 up so lets relax and go sleepies just like at the end of the first half and most of the 2nd half vs Villa, Lazy. :(
ReplyDeleteRodgers made a good decision,if he played the second team and we lost all hell will break loose.no need to talk about the negatives we are through to the next round toure is injured skrtel would play on sunday
ReplyDeleteNo need for excuses if we are as good as we say we are we would beat united on sunday without kolo
So do you believe the current squad is good enough, to challenge for the top 4?
ReplyDeleteIts the same old liverpool you shold be used to by now,at least we won the game this time around
ReplyDeleteI do feel for Brendan. If he plays a largely 2nd string team and they struggle he'd get slated (Swansea/Oldham last year) and people say why not play a strong team then take off players when you're well ahead. Well he did that tonight then gets slated for playing a strong team who get injured.
ReplyDeleteJK - glad you highlighted the positives. I really don't think now is the time to panic as I still think we can get a result on Sunday esp with Sturridge, Coutinho and Henderson on form. Utd showed nothing to fear last night.
Fingers crossed none of the injuries are major, i.e. longer than 4-6wks.
you make a lot of valid points when you think about it....the one thing i couldn't get my head round is borini not playing i have a feeling hes being shipped out ....but then again why pick him as sub ...it just makes no sense not playing him...
ReplyDeleteStick to your own comments policy Jamie. Don't belittle the Capital Cup. A cup is a cup and a win is a win!
ReplyDeleteno chance...agger looks a stretcher waiting to come on...coupled with our lack of defence in midfield spells trouble
ReplyDeleteI have a feeling that he will be loaned to Fiorentina for making the Ljajic deal happen for us.
ReplyDeletewhats that shalamar record ...always played in nightclubs when i was growing up ...tonight was a night to remember
ReplyDeleteor he needs more wisdom bum bum
ReplyDeleteKinda felt for Wisdom a bit, he's a young player who was forced to change position twice in the game and it didn't go too well for him. I'm surprised Sterling isn't injured with the battering he was getting. We definitely need another signing or two. I wish the club would just put up the money for Papadopalous He would give us great power in more physical matches like this one.
ReplyDeletehell probably get a goalie on loan
ReplyDeletethat would be great business ....but ill be amazed if ayre has the kudos to pull it off...hell come back with aquaman
ReplyDeleteMaybe but even my optimism well is running dry so I'm just not seeing it.
ReplyDeleteI really don't understand why we played him? I think it was far too risky to put him in three matches in such quick succession, especially when he's proven such a valuable commodity to us so far this season (and Pre-season).. Pretty gutted. Fabrizio Romano claimed we're in pole position for Sakho, he's pretty reliable, that's a small crumb of comfort!
ReplyDeletegutted about Kolo, especially with utd looming
ReplyDeleteplease no the guy goes through more bandages than king tut...the last thing we need is a guy sponsored by plaster of paris
ReplyDeleteyep but hes not fit we need a fit centre back now offer 15 million to the bitters for phil jags. that would certain rattle a few cages
ReplyDeleteWell someone of similar quality and style then. I suppose the club have decided not to go for him otherwise there would have been a bid by now. Who would you like to see us go for?
ReplyDeleteNo offense but why did brendan pay 6m for alberto and loan suso out???
ReplyDeletesame old story. 2 up against a div.1 team, with the side we (unnecessarily) put out, start to let things slip, they get back, we struggle into extra time. yes brendan, this truly is now a group of "winners". yet again, someone, in this case brendan, spouts how we are now "winners", or we are going to do this or that, then it goes pear shaped. if we want to emulate what we did in the past, then read through the archives and see how bob paisley and the players used to bleat to the papers and press in general, about how they were the bees knees and how they were going to do this and that...after a 2 game unbeaten run. my bet is, you won't find anything of the sort, because they wouldn't dare do it. they kept quiet and got on with the job. boasting was for other teams who couldn't back it up....much like modern liverpool. then, any individual who may have done it, would have been discarded. a plea to all at the club...shut up and keep quiet, just get on with the job and let the others take the limelight. you just make us look stupid.
ReplyDeleteKeep Wisdom in the wide backs. He keeps doing that mistake. Sterling wasn't bad in defending. He had no choice to play Toure unless he had played Enrique. I am glad finally that a game like this happened cause normally teams learn from their mistakes after they have lost. Fallen asleep in the second half in the games we have played is killing us!! BR should work on that and the FINISHING!!!!
ReplyDeletehmmmmm good shout
ReplyDeleteThat would be a bold move alright. There really does seem to be a dearth of quality centre backs available this summer.
ReplyDeleteOddly I think you are both wrong, though that's how it looks. I however, think there is something wrong in training (I think they do high energy football for 30 mins) and then knock off and take a break, the team have "all" gone AWOL in the games we have played at about 35 mins, I don't believe this is lazy or the same old I just think this is something in training and it would be better for them to do 50 mins of high intensity, just a thought :)
ReplyDeleteIs that just a feeling or is there any source to it? I would love that thoughhh
ReplyDeleteUnited are better at FINISHING. Struggling to win 1 - 0 against lower teams is not enough. Put the pressure on Sturridge and who will step up to the plate?
ReplyDeleteSterling showed how much he has come on under Rogers by scoring a goal and then doing a great job filling in at right back when Toure came off.
ReplyDeleteWisdom stepped up to the plate when he switched back to the center to mark Arquin out of the game in extra time.
Henderson showed me why he is the England U21 captain in a red shirt.
Jack Wilshere the future of English football "DO ME A FAVOR"
Sorry where was I Ohhh yeah Ibe the man with a boys age. The full 90 plus change and enough ability to play a John Barnes esk shimmy and through ball for Henderson to score from.
Lastly Sturridge 4 goals 3 games enough said. Come on you young reds Man U next.
WALK ON !!!
Have some hope in your hearts lads for you know whats sake. We won the game and were undefeated.When was the last time we've been able to say that before Man U coming to Anfield.
ReplyDeleteMust say I am liking this new, positive JK!
ReplyDeleteOne word describes our problems so far this season-
Unnecessary.
It was unnecessary that Kolo got injured when we should have been out of sight with him, Stevie, and a n other rested for Sunday
Unnecessary that County were given hope due to a bit of complacency and not-quite-there finishing.
Unnecessary because we, of all clubs, should know that 2 is rarely enough to put a game to bed, even 3 isn't sometimes.
Unnecessary to put 120 instead of 90 mins on the clock of people like Sturridge, Gerrard, and even Johnson ahead of a Man U game.
At least we will definitely get a CB now. And FSG will now be aware how quickly your resources can get depleted.
And we did WIN....
Exactly what i was thinking!
ReplyDeleteI never realised you were that old..... :)
ReplyDeleteI think Wisdom has great potential, but he makes a lot of mistakes. Part of being young and inexperienced
ReplyDeleteSturridge!
ReplyDeleteI was pleasantly suprised by how well Toure was playing for us so far this season so im gutted that he's gone down. Hopefully its just a strain but groins are always tricky.
ReplyDeleteIf Allen has done his hammy then thats around 8 weeks.
If that is the case and we have lost the two of them for an extended amount of team i'd be on the phone with Ajax and asking them is 18m would get us their two boys (im not even their biggest fan but they are experienced and should be cheaper than most alternatives because of their contracts).
BR has dropped a few hints that we may not be signing anyone else but if that was the plan then i think tonights game has thrown that out the window.
Cissohko looked like he may have just rolled his ankle so hopefully thats just a bit of ice and a few days rest.
On a brighter note Sturridge is a beast!
I don't think there's a problem in training or with their fitness levels...
ReplyDeleteThey spent the whole of the second half against Villa more or less defending.. which is far harder to do fitness wise than pressing for 45.. and they were well up to it.. although we would all have preferred they push on and look for number 2 to kill the game off.
Tonight they were comfortable at 2 up.. but it wasn't lack of fitness because of our training regime that County got back into the game.. we just switched off.. We had plenty of energy and another couple of goals in us in extra time when we applied ourselfs again, even with 10 men.
We just need to re learn the art of once seizing control of a game not giving it away again so easily and continue to dominate until the game is safely won..
They've plenty juice in the tank to do that as far as I can see..
That's the problem with playing lower league teams ... they make up for their lack of talent with greater physicality than normal and this gets players injured. I am not saying that they are intentionally taking players out, but it has been known to happen in other high profile professional sports like basketball, american football and hockey. and since football is more thuggish and certainly has less control and consistency (of the rules because they play across leagues, borders, cultures), professional take-outs are not beyond anybody's imagination. Not saying these injuries were or weren't the reason. All I am saying is that this is the one sport that consistently boasts match fixing and illegal betting. And whenever there are these elements in play, other sorts of unethical and / or criminal activity is always just around the corner.
ReplyDeleteWhy on earth would any manager with any sense play his best players, two days after they played Villa, against a couple of league one bruisers??? And JK, thank god Skrtel is fit again? Skrtel who you've slated all season last year (and were right to do so I might add) is going to replace our best defender so far this season? Against RVP and Rooney? We will lose this match and no matter what rubbish he comes up with afterwards, it's BR's fault for taking such a ridiculous risk for something that means nothing. What it says to me is that on top of only being able to go for players no one else wants, we're going for the one trophy that no one else wants rather than top four. How pathetic is that?
ReplyDeletetoby and sako
ReplyDeleteOn the other thread what did I say? Now he'll learn from this :P
ReplyDeletewell you know the saying age is no guarantee of wisdom well im living proof...football wise that is
ReplyDeleteYou're a legend on here, anyone knows where Carr is?
ReplyDeleteWith Assaidi just loaned to Stoke, maybe we can finally land Sakho or one of the thers on the CD shopping list. Could use one strong midfielder with speed and two way work ethic. Love the idea that Ibe is getting a look. I would not be surprised if he makes Borini a distant memory by the end of this long season....
ReplyDeletewhen was the last time we played 3 bum teams before facing utd....sorry cant help myself
ReplyDeletebuy bill hughes -will cost double this time next year
ReplyDeleteTime for Ayre to have a holiday ?? - only joking mate
ReplyDeleteOne of those bum teams as you put it beat Arsenal 3¬1 away at the Emirates stadium.
ReplyDeleteThe latest is the police have received a missing persons alert for Luis Alberto! Why did we sign the guy if we don't plan to use him even in a game this Notts? Is he also hurt? Makes no sense if he's not injured....
ReplyDeleteyeah, he is missing
ReplyDeleteWhere did I say 'thank God' Skrtel is it? Don't twist my words. I merely pointed out there is cover for Toure available.
ReplyDeleteBadummm tssssss
ReplyDeleteDo you mean Borini?
ReplyDeleteAccording to reports we're close on getting Sakho, but take that with a pinch of salt.
ReplyDeleteMaybe Sakho and Moses.
Don't forget to come on again & post to say i told you so if we do lose against the mancs, guess we won't hear about your prediction if we don't.
ReplyDeleteExactly! Swansea are in Europe this season due to winning it, we were in that position last season.
ReplyDeleteThey certainly showed who was the fitter team in ET. Henderson left the NC back line for dead when he scored his goal.
ReplyDeleteGood spot with the 'Suarez-esque' nutmeg by Henderson: that was what I was thinking when I saw it.
ReplyDeleteI'm not worried by anything I saw last night - even blowing a 2 goal lead, as the team dug deeper and scored another 2 goals and the fact that Sturridge is getting close to being on fire!
Whatever happened to Ilori?
ReplyDeleteNo, I meant Alberto but Borini might be hanging out with him........
ReplyDeleteYou said no reason to panic? No reason to panic would mean we have quality backup. I think there is plenty of reason to panic. One can only hope Skrtel sees this as a chance to revive his Liverpool career.
ReplyDeleteGrow up. No one takes any pleasure in the shoddy way our club is currently run and managed. Well I'm not anyway.
ReplyDeleteThe Fiorentina chairman said they would sell Ljajic if a club was fair to them. We gave them Aquilani for a pittance so I would say we've been plenty fair to them to earn us the nearly manc.
ReplyDeleteYet if BR had put out a fairly young and inexperienced team and we lost you would probably be one of the first people to condemn him.
ReplyDeleteAlso Toure went off injured in extra time. If the team did its job there should of never been extra time.
You can try and blame BR as much as you like but the team he put out should of had the game wrapped up by the end of the first half.
Instead they took their eye of the ball, took their foot of the gas and missed a number of guilt edge chances and Notts County (all respect to them) took advantage.
If you want to have ago at somebody, try the 11 guys who nearly threw away the game, not the manager.
You've lost me.
ReplyDeleteAlberto played, are you saying he was THAT anonymous?
JK, you say why not rest Toure and play Agger instead, dawww what game were you watching, Agger played 120mins, ?????????????
ReplyDeleteAgger didn't start the game. He came on early for Cissokho.
ReplyDeleteDo a deal for Honda and Sakho now, get it done and then bring on Man U, or tell Chelsea to sell us Mata, Lukaku and we will knock of Man U for them 3 points drop, i'm sure Chelsea would love that lol.
ReplyDeleteGod i hope FSG will allow BR to do his job and bring in players i just can't see it, what ever money we have made from sales is the only money they will spend.
Grow up? Lol, it's you that needs to grow up, 3 wins out of 3 & all you can do is talk doom & gloom & whine like a baby, another lfc super "fan"
ReplyDeleteim looking at allens injury happily more game time for hendo and to kick allen on the bench forever :P
ReplyDeleteAs a matter of fact, I posted here yesterday afternoon that I wanted him to put out a young team and not risk any of the key players...
ReplyDeletesell Suarez and get some money....
ReplyDeleteplease buy a quality player
Ill mention Sterling then. Cracking goal, Slotted well in defence. Looks leaner and lets hope he continues to drive forward in attack like he did when he scored that wonderful goal. NO FEAR!!!
ReplyDeletePS
Love Brendan but fuck the capitol one. I knew it would happen when i saw the line up and the Devil looks after it's own when it comes to UTD.
YNWA
LOL, your psychic... Shay Given???
ReplyDeleteDon't we have we have far more important positions to fill before
this?
We need a table and they're buying lampshades ??