5 things we learnt from the match: 1. Sturridge and Sterling are the new SAS: Much has understandably been made of Liverpools £75 million sale of Luis Suarez this weekend. But no players goals won more points (20) than that of Daniel Sturridge last season. Together with Raheem Sterling, who is still only 19 (!), Sturridge should have no problems carrying the mantle for the Reds this term. As long as both players stay fit, they will likely be Liverpools most important duo this campaign. A goal between them (with Sterling getting an assist for the second) is no bad way to start. Markovic, Lallana and Can will be key: Liverpools victory, though, was not without its problems. The Anfield side struggled to break Southampton down - and that was in no small part down to how organised the Saints were. One key note to remember, however, is that Liverpool had millions and millions of pounds worth of talent sitting either on the bench or in the stands due to injury problems. When Lazar Markovic, Adam Lallana and Emre Can are fully fit, the Reds will be injected with a new creativity. Their form will be key this season. Moreno can challenge Johnson: It was another forgettable day for Glen Johnson on Sunday, with the England right-back not failing especially - but hardly shining - down the left-hand side. That does provide good news for Alberto Moreno, though. Brendan Rodgers has shown his willingness to throw a new signing straight into the line-up with Javier Manquillo down the right. He may have to do the same with Moreno, for Johnson is not looking too sharp. Lucas is the weak link: Another poor performer - and on a much larger scale than Johnson - against Southampton was Lucas Leiva. The defensive midfielder gave the ball away time and time again and was out of position for the Saints goal. Unfortunately, it is hard to see what the Brazilian offers anymore, with his defensive positioning not what it once was and his attacking threat virtually non-existent. Can should be a natural replacement for him when fit. The will to win is there: If there was ever a worry about how Liverpool would cope mentally without Suarez, todays performance has dismissed them instantly. Yes, there were plenty of technical flaws with the Reds performance. But that was also the case for Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and, to an extent Manchester City. The important note was that all four ground out wins. That was down to their mental resilience. So the desire is still there in abundance for Liverpool. And three valuable points are on the board after day one. What did you take from Liverpools opening-day victory? #adminbally
Posted on: Mon, 18 Aug 2014 00:53:08 +0000
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