Liverpool vs Udinese: Loose, lazy and sloppy

Loose, lazy and sloppy. Simple as that, said Brendan Rogers on the display of Liverpool against Udinese in the second match of the group stage of the Europa League. As pointed out by Brendan Rogers himself, “You have to earn the right to win the game but we didn’t do that at the beginning of the second half. Maybe we thought the game was too comfortable but at this level, it never is. We need constant reminders and constant work that you have to maintain concentration and earn the right to win. You can’t keep having to score two, three or even five goals just to win a game.”

Frustration in concentration, sloppy defending and individual errors took the shine off another display of pretty football put up by the hosts. While Liverpool once again dominated the statistics table, the table that matters i.e the score line was in favor of the visitors who won the match 3-2. The upwards curve which has been on display at Liverpool for the past week or so was abruptly halted. Again the crime was individual errors and lack of defending that must concern Brendan Rogers the most.

So abject was the defending at times, that Reina, who was making his 80th appearance in Europe, must have felt that he was waging an one-man battle. Among otherms it led to a public rebuke by the manager in his short career at Liverpool. Patience has been on of the qualities of Rogers along with his vision for his appointment but his temper ought to have been frayed as Liverpool’s defense continued their habit of providing goal scoring opportunities.

Barring the criticisms, the game was another entertaining one, with goals being scored of the highest quality and that includes the hapless Coates own goal. Although Liverpool strived for a draw towards the end, it was too late. The quality of the game, though, was brilliant with both teams playing with the intent to win. Suarez’s free kick augurs well for Liverpool’s striking options as it was sweetly struck into the right hand top corner and Shelvey’s goal was another evidence of the youngster’s rapid improvement.

Di Natale, who many expected to come off the bench, started the game and equalized at the beginning of the second half. The Italians for their part found their groove and coupled with mistakes from the Liverpool personnel breezed away to a 3-1 lead. But gamely and encouraging enough for Liverpool, they didn’t get bogged down and continued to look for a way back. Their efforts paid off when Suarez scored with a stunning free kick, but the Italians hung on to take valuable three points and go atop Group A along with Anzhi Makhachkala.

Liverpool will now look forward to their weekend fixture against a physical Stoke side who may not be the most easy on the eye’s team but surely the most physical. If they are to get something from this game then they will have to defend better for the whole of 90 minutes.