Liverpool FC 4-1 Swansea: Reds press their way to victory and four other things we learned The Reds gave a glimpse of what they are capable of in the thrilling win over the Swans Pressing performance set the tone for Liverpool’s victory Press, press, press, pass, pass, pass. It was the style that set the tone for Liverpool FC’s success last season as Brendan Rodgers’ men made their unlikely assault at the title. This season that pressing game, and subsequent passing game, has been conspicuous by its absence. Teams have been able to come to Anfield and not had to withstand the pressure that they had last season - and it has hurt the Reds. Clearly the Reds have missed the enthusiasm of Luis Suarez and the athleticism of Daniel Sturridge. But Rodgers’ team waited until the very last Premier League game of 2014 to show their true colours and they pressed, and passed, Swansea into submission at Anfield. Rodgers has dispensed with those who do not fit into his style, out has gone Mario Balotelli and Rickie Lambert and Raheem Sterling has been chosen to lead the line. An improvement in performances has followed and tonight the Reds returned to form in style, and they suffocated the life out of the Swans. The sight of Adam Lallana, Philippe Coutinho and Sterling forcing Swansea into mistake after mistake, and then ruthlessly punishing them, was something to behold. Coutinho, in particular, was wonderfully effective as the Reds front men danced around him. Behind them Jordan Henderson and Lucas Leiva kept the pressure on, never allowing the visitors to settle and forcing Jonjo Shelvey and co to concede possession and make mistakes. Finally the Reds are finding their feet, new signings seems to be up to speed and it was a performance that underlined what this team is still capable of. 2014 was a thrilling ride with an under-whelming conclusion, but there’s every reason to believe 2015 holds a lot of promise. Echo/Rimmer/continued .....
Posted on: Tue, 30 Dec 2014 14:30:00 +0000
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