One of the primary criticisms aimed at Brendan Rodgers since his appointment as Liverpool manager was his 'lack of a plan B', or an almost blinkered devotion to his own ideologies on the game. In other words, a tactical inflexibility.
Well, if ever there was a game to shine a light on that as a fallacy, it was this. We've seen major tactical adaptations from Rodgers before, of course, with the introduction of a back three on occasion being a prime example. We've also seen similar adjustments made during the course of a game as well, but these were all primarily adaptations in formation, not in the overall ideology. Rodgers' ideology of control via the domination of possession was always preserved. What we saw on Saturday represented a further evolution to the tactical flexibility we'd seen previously in the fact that whilst the ideology of control remained, this time the focus was on spacial awareness and the control of zones, as we dropped off and consciously ceded possession, showing a welcome awareness of both Villa's strengths and weaknesses. Aston Villa's strength is personified none better than by Agbonlahor and his pace on the counter attack. So, having taken the lead we looked to negate that threat by minimising the space available to the Aston Villa attack, in turn asking a question of them as a creative force when space is at a premium and they are asked to force the play. In stark contrast to the technique, movement and 'sterile domination' of the first half it was a frustrating tactical shift to witness at times, particularly when we regained possession and too often failed to retain it, but overall it proved effective, encouraging, and arguably necessary. It's vital that we're able to adapt to changing circumstances both prior and during games and this showed that Rodgers and his staff are both willing and able in that regard.
Move the focus onto the players themselves and again there was encouragement to be had in the mentality on display. The dogged determination to 'hold what we have' and see out the result was as impressive as it was encouraging, not least because it's something that we've evidently lacked for some time now and it almost represented something of a throwback to the bygone Houllier and, to a lesser extent, Benitez era's. The togetherness and focus throughout the squad is an element that has been noted in various quarters during pre-season and that has translated to both of what have proved to be tricky opening fixtures. Whilst we all love to eulogise at the free flowing, fluid, attacking football that Rodgers is instilling into the club, equally the mental toughness and determination to dig in and grind out results shouldn't be underestimated. United have been winning league titles on the back of such resolve for two decades. How often do you watch them play and make note that 'they're really not very good', but then watch them go and win the match regardless? Sometimes I think we're too quick to praise others for something that we criticise ourselves for. Subconsciously or otherwise.
On an individual basis, I thought Kolo Toure was excellent again. I said it in the previous Round Table and i'll say it again, I love the way that he attacks the ball - in either penalty area. He seems to have a real point to prove on the back of his time at Manchester City and if the opening two fixtures are anything to go by, we're about to become the beneficiaries of that. He looks like becoming arguably the signing of the summer (so far), especially when you factor in the pivotal impact the attributes he offers are having on the overall system. Notably, his mobility and athleticism in allowing the high line that Rodgers advocates to be effectively deployed, and the knock-on effect can be seen in the far more effective and efficient 'six second press' when we lose the ball and far more compact unit as a whole. Not only that, but he seems to offer the leadership and vocal presence that was missing from the side prior to Carragher’s reintroduction in the second half of last season.
The other player looking likely to push him in the 'signing of the summer' stakes (at this early juncture, at least) is Simon Mignolet. Again he showed the agility and - more importantly - concentration, to brilliantly tip a well struck Benteke volley around his left hand post, just as it seemed he was poised to save Villa what was probably a deserved point. If you hold any relevance to the saying that a top 'keeper 'is worth ten points a season', then that's arguably four on the board for the Belgian already, with only two games played. Despite the obvious positives that he has brought to the team, there remains some question marks though, in both his distribution and presence on set pieces. Both are elements that can be worked on at Melwood and you would expect to see these sides of his game develop in time, in line with Rodgers ideals and expectations. He seems every bit a goalkeeper first, and a footballer second. Pepe Reina, arguably, was the reverse. Mignolet, if nothing else is shining a light on Pepe's strengths, as well as his weaknesses, both of which we arguably failed to fully appreciate.
Overall it was a pleasing performance from both players and management, which has led to a maximum return from the opening two league fixtures for the first time in five seasons. Sterner tests will undoubtedly come, but the signs are certainly positive. That’s ten league games undefeated now, going back to the 16th of March at St.Marys. The seeds of momentum, it seems, have been planted for the first time under Rodgers tenure. Hopefully we can continue to cultivate them over the coming weeks, both on and off the field.
