http://basstunedtored.com/2013/09/22/mignolets-passing-poor-ability-or-lack-of-options/ BassTunedToRed nailed it for me.
I was at the game, and it was plainly obvious to me what the issues were. The team selection, the Skrtel mistake, the subsquent errors from there, the lack of Coutinho, and more, all were a concern. But our real issue was something else.
Southampton and their pressing.
In the first 10-15 mintues we were pretty decent, without being special. We held our own, had a couple of efforts at goal, and Gerrard had a good free kick saved.
Then things went to pot.
Southampton's game is to press, press, press. As we have seen a number of times this season, our ability to quick counter is neither here nor there. The loss of Coutniho and lack of attacking full backs further compounded our problems. While Southampton did press, we struggled to counter and get in behind.
Let me make one thing clear. If it wasn't for Mignolet, we would have fewer points on the board than we do now, and a lot more goals conceded too. Also, it isn't all down to him. He needs options, people to come and get the ball, and carry it 20-30 yards up the pitch to the midfield (or further).
Constantly though, the ball was pinged back to Mignolet, with no option. Southampton pressed so well it made it very hard for him to pick out any "safe" option. This resulted in the punt up field, lost possession, and back to square one. Even if we won the second ball, Southampton quickly pegged us back, and the ball was back at Mignolet's feet.
It really was an excellent display from them in how to press, and we had no comeback or counter to it.
Hindsight is a wonderful thing, and I am hopeful that this is something that Rodgers will learn. He is an intelligent coach and manager, and will know he messed this one up. Southampton figured us out, realised that Mignolet has a weakness, and exploited it by putting our CB's under pressure constantly.
There are a few key things we need to take away from this performance, and they are:
- Play at least one "proper" full back - Even with Johnson and Cissohko injured, we still had Kelly, Flanagan, and Enrique. For different reasons, each one isn't "ideal". And I actually thought Sahko and Toure defended pretty well (even at full back). We could have got away with playing one CB at full back (if possible, avoided).
I don't want to see us starting 4 CB's in a match again (unless absolutely necessary).
A CB carrying the ball from defence and the middle of the park is tough (even for Agger), and it is the full backs who are there to help carry the ball the first 30-40 yards, to bring the midfield into the game.
- Coutinho is out, now what? - OK, Suarez is coming back. He will be fit and ready to go, I am pretty sure of that. He is a match winner, and can do the unimaginable at times (both good and bad). Even with this though, we will still miss Coutinho, as he is key to the way we have played since February. So what can we do?
I'd like to see Luis Alberto have a go, the lad scored a hat trick for the u21's last week, so why not? He has proven he can retain the ball well (against Manchester United, he did the simple things well) and is clearly a gifted footballer. Replacing Coutinho is a big ask for the young lad, and he may not have the final ball that Phil has (yet), but he will help us when we get the ball up the park, keep it there, and bring the likes of Suarez & Sturridge in to play
- Mignolet and his distribution - Look, no keeper is perfect. And distribution is one area that Mignolet needs some support and help with. The lad has done wonders for us, with match changing and winning saves. He needs the support and help from his team mates to ensure that his weakness is not so easily exploited.
- Lucas & Gerrard - As has been referred to a number of times, you do worry about the legs in midfield. Not doubting their leadership qualities and ability, which they both have in abundance, but the legs are a concern. Especially when they are relied on so heavily this season. Central midfield is a hard position to play, and requires a real tank full of energy.
Allen will help when he comes back, and we need to manage the Lucas & Gerrard partnership effectively. When it works, it is great. When it tires, all the above is further compounded by the weakness of the middle.
Overall, 10 points after 5 games. Averaging 2ppg and we haven't even got going yet. Work this out over the season, and you are talking 76 points, a pretty decent return.
We have Suarez to come back, and have the opportunity in 3 very winnable games, to get 9 points. 19 from 8 games has to be the target
In the last 4 seasons that would have had us 2nd, 3rd, 1st, 2nd.
We have struggled since 2008/2009 to get a good run together, and it was only in the second half of last year, did we manage to achieve this. Now our unbeaten run has come to an end, it is about how we bounce back.
A real test for our young team, and this could be the difference between us achieving and not.