Girona v Liverpool A Liverpool Perspective
While there has been a lot of criticism of the performance, even Slot admitted to being unhappy with it, I think that is what you get when there is a team that is far superior to their opposition but have nothing really to play for. Qualification was already assured, so the only thing that seemed to be on the mind of most of the players was avoiding injury and suspension. Except Diaz, as he simply cannot change the way he is and he is a fiery, all-or-nothing, kind of character, who is unable to play at half-pace. For all Slot’s complaints about the performance, I feel he contributed to the poor performance with his selection of players. None of them had anything to prove, they are all regulars and know they are going to be involved each game during the season, if fit. This was the time to put one or two fringe players in, players who are fighting to get some game time, in order to raise the overall levels of fight and desire.
I know I will probably sound like a broken record now, but I thought this was a great time to give Endo a run out and rest Gravenberch. The Dutchman had looked fatigued against Newcastle and yet he played the full 90 minutes in a game with little riding on the result. It was a very odd decision, if you ask me. Hopefully, the next two games will see Slot feel comfortable enough to rest him and keep him fresh for the Premier League campaign. He is fast becoming key to the midfield’s play and his level is vital to Liverpool’s chances of lifting trophies this season.
It must be said that, even though the performance was not the best, Girona offered so little genuine threat that it must have been difficult for the players to rouse themselves from their state of torpor. The game was very much a stroll in the park, though Alisson was called into action a few times, it never felt like they were close to beating him. The defence did try their best to give them opportunities to test him.
I suppose I have to talk about the penalty, as it was the only really controversial moment in the match. If it can even be called controversial. It was a very soft penalty, but it was a penalty according to the rules. Technically correct, but not a satisfying way to win, nor a penalty that anyone would have complained about if it was not given. Though, by the same token, there is no definitive argument that it should not have been given.
The performance was poor, mainly because of two things – the passing was far too slow and laboured most of the time and the press was poor and lacked commitment. The press was not done as a unit, sometimes just one or two players were pressing, while every one else dropped off or worse, stood around watching. What also did not help the defending was the way the midfielders think. They are all offensively-minded and, when chasing back and the opponent stops, look to cut off a pass back in the hope of getting away on a break, rather than getting themselves goalside and seeing off the danger. That can pay off sometimes, but most of the time it just left the opponent able to keep running forward.
There was also the standard problem with a high line, it is very reliant on the press making it difficult for passes to be played with accuracy in behind. Except that there was no real press, no pressure on the ball, but the defence were not dropping off and no one was tracking runners in behind.
There was also a strange lack of quality to the long passing and set pieces, particularly the long passes, which were almost all significantly overhit. It does make me wonder if there were issues with depth perception, after playing in large stadiums week in, week out in the Premier League and then in front of smaller stands in Girona. Maybe it makes it feel like the distances are further than they really are, as the stands are so much smaller. I know there are a lot of players who have talked about that when their club has moved to a new stadium and it took them time to adjust. Or maybe I am just giving too much credence to players simply making excuses for playing poorly in a new, unfamiliar stadium?
Girona
Sadly, this is not the Girona of last season, that did so well to earn a spot in the Champions League. Last season they had a cutting edge, with Savinho causing havoc down the wings for them and they had an end product. This time around, they have Danjuma, who couldn’t finish a fish supper. They are still playing the same way, still playing good football, but they just have no real quality left in the team to put the ball in the back of the net.
This is the problem with being nothing more than a feeder club for a bigger one in the chain, when you have good players they get moved up the chain. All you end up with is the ones that are not good enough. It is impossible to build anything for the long term, and it is just a waste of a quality manager, in Michel, he could be building a club to challenge for, and probably, win trophies.
They do love to throw themselves to the floor at any opportunity, particularly Miguel, who is an outright diver, but even that cannot make up for their lack of real quality. It is a shame really, they worked so hard to earn a spot in the Champions League only to be unable to do themselves justice. It is such a waste of a spot in the competition when their fans deserve better.
Liverpool
Alisson – it says a lot about the way the team played that he was Liverpool’s man of the match by a margin. In fact, he was probably the only one to play well. It was so good to have him back, passes usually hit their target and shots were never going to go through him.
Alexander-Arnold – had a poor game, very loose with his passing and not putting in enough effort defensively.
Gomez – started off well, but soon succumbed to the malaise that was affecting the rest of the team. He did show flashes of his quality but also picked up a silly, needless booking.
van Dijk – not at his best, caught in behind by runners far too easily.
Robertson – he still does not look right this season and it is really looking like his time is coming to an end with Liverpool, sadly. His defending is becoming worrying, where he would engage high up in the past, thus any poor challenge led to just a free kick. These days, he backs away, backs away some more and then waits until in the box before challenging. It is dangerous and is probably due to his pace no longer being there to allow him to recover if his challenge fails.
Gravenberch – played a bit too high at times, without anyone covering him behind. I really feel this was a game to rest him or, failing that, partner him with Endo.
Szoboszlai – another who had an off night.
Jones – was back to the Jones who does nice things and then holds onto the ball too long and wastes the chance to use the space he has created for himself.
Diaz – he was the one player who never seemed to be off the pace, he just is not that type of person. Also, he was getting very frustrated by the decisions given against him, most of which were poor decisions. Particularly the one that saw him get booked, when it was clear Diaz was the one being fouled. After winning the penalty, which he was probably as surprised about getting as anyone, he then threw himself to the floor looking for decisions.
Salah – scored the penalty and always looked a threat.
Nunez – really should have scored, struggled with his link up play and was off his game. He looks very low on confidence.
Gakpo – replaced Nunez in the 70th minute. Like so many, he was not at his best, though at least he seemed to be trying.
Elliott – came on for Jones in 76th minute. Ran around a lot, but achieved very little.
Endo – took Diaz’s place in the 88th minute. I really feel he should be on much sooner.
Written by Tris Burke December 12 2024 22:54:15
