Round Table,
Apologies for posting this in two different threads, but I was wanting to create this post for the Round Table after my few hours of post-victory moaning on Sunday, and was asked on another thread to do a post-partum. If this becomes an issue, I have no problem in deleting one of them, just ask.
Anyway here is my pre-game QPR summary and post-game brief analysis.
QPR Pre-Game Main Points (see GregChurra's How do we get the most out of the players that are available? thread)
1. Accept Frustration & Respond Resiliently
A. Attack (cycling of forward play/decision-making in final third/how to stretch the defense)
B. Middle of Park (More pressing as a result of not dominating the ball, can lead to fouls/injuries/bad habits like diving in)
C. Identity (roles/continuity/responding to danger ----> Pressure, Cover and Balance issues lead to disorganization/errors)
2. The Importance of Set Plays in LFC's Results
3. Solving the Over-dependence upon a few
Post Game QPR Re-Assessment
Main Points from QPR Game
1. Pressing Liverpool's Backs (cut off supply to SG; created knock downs, a direct game - main beneficiary Fer)
2. Mario Balotelli's Problems & the rest of the LFC Attack (beyond not on the same page; different libraries)
A. Decision-making in the final third (combination play, vision, and mobility in small spaces)
B. Holding up the ball in the middle third (keeping it, allowing our midfield to avoid getting pinned in)
C. Checking into space and making himself available at or near the box (make the CB's make decisions)
D. Finishing & Selfishness
3. Mignolet has some work to do - "Should I stay or should go" and Communication issues
A. Great shot stopping save on Sandro
B. Gets caught in No Man's Land & Punches Skrtel in the Head (his reading of the game needs to be faster/if he moving so slowly)
4. Rodgers knows how to change games
A. Moved Gerrard back to normal position
B. Allen improved the game - we got closer to the opposition/better at pressing/keeping the ball
C. Coutinho provided a jump (space on the left; composure - combination play got better - nice finish, even better pass to RS)
5. The Good, The Bad & The Ugly: Set Plays were a huge factor
A. Raheem plays quickly, Glen makes the run (well out son!)
B. Both goals allowed came from restarts (1st goal evolved from one and 2nd goal directly from corner)
a) Issue #1: Poor clearances, technique, Poor Marking
b) Issue #2: Ball-Watching (Enrique dives in, Ball Watches & Fails to Cover Vargas)
c) Issue #3: No Calming Influence (Austin almost gets one Skrtel/Migs, Allen on near post) - Need confidence
d) Issue #4 : Indecision is contagious
*** It must be noted that when we did defend the last restart, Lovren headed it up and out, Coutinho collected it and we were off to the races on the counter. It was not like QPR were running much at at us, other than we were to static, unaware of runners, combined with shitty clearances and no one person to step up and say "Not Today Sunshine". Very disappointed with our defensive restarts.
6. QPR confirmed that Sterling is indispensable for Liverpool (all three goals) - like Henderson the weeks before.
What we have learned and how to get the most out of our players
1. Our left side (not including Moreno) is vulnerable. Enrique is not good enough yet, and Lovren is trying to do too much. This leaves both Skrtel and Mignolet in the uncomfortable positions of having to read when to step and when to go. Their natures are mostly to stay unless they really have to go. This is not a great triangular partnership yet.
2. Liverpool FC need more repetition in some fundamental organizational and defensive patterns of play. Too many awkward, half clearances leading to recycled service, too many episodes of leaving the back door open with ball watching, not following runners, and timid indecision about who is going to pressure, who is going to provide cover and who is going to balance the defense. They need a set play practice game where there is no running, but the entire practice probes these problems. With repetition comes confidence and a calmness. This would be good for Migs too.
3. Using attacking pattern play, find more ways to put Coutinho in space. This should be a tactical imperative. Combine Mario in this session, where all Balo needs to do is read Coutinho, the playmaker. This will guide his movement. Stop the play, makes changes. Start the play, ask him where his next move is. Foster and partnership between the two.
4. Incentivize overcoming frustration, in practice. Reward players and nurture more resilience. It is a living, breathing entity with the team and make everyone apart of its upkeep. There is more frustration just around the corner.
YNWA