Liverpool rescued a point against Aston Villa, but this was more of a case of two points dropped.
Liverpool 2-2 Aston Villa
Saturday, 18th January 2014
Premier League
Anfield
Brendan Rodgers’ decision to change shape and select a very attacking side proved a crucial and terrible one.
With Daniel Sturridge starting his first game since November, Rodgers opted to play Luis Suarez, Raheem Sterling and Philippe Coutinho in attack alongside him.
Liverpool were completely outdone by Villa in the first half and were lucky to be just 2-1 behind at half-time.
Steven Gerrard as as defensive midfielder in a two-man midfield failed woefully.
Lucas Leiva was brought on at half-time in an attempt to regain midfield control, but was later replaced by Joe Allen after picking up an injury.
Sturridge’s well taken goal just before half-time halved the deficit after Weimann and Benteke had given a deserved two goal lead.
Gerrard’s penalty levelled the score after Brad Guzan brought down Suarez on 53 minutes.
As the game went on, Aly Cissokho looked more and more inept at left-back, prompting fans to grumble for Jose Enrique and Jon Flanagan‘s speedy recovery on the way out of the ground.
The winning goal did not arrive and Liverpool were left to rue their terrible first half performance.
Updated Premier League table. Reds stay fourth, but now drifting from the top pack: pic.twitter.com/kCL1WfIWDl
— This Is Anfield (@thisisanfield) January 18, 2014
Liverpool stay fourth in the Premier League table, but could fall to fifth if Everton beat West Brom on Monday night. The Reds are now eight points off league leaders Arsenal, who beat Fulham 2-0 on Saturday, whilst Manchester City beat Cardiff City 4-2.
Videos thanks to @MostarLFC
Daniel Sturridge 1-2
DS Goal vs Villa by LFCmostar
Steven Gerrard penalty 2-2
SG Goal vs Aston Villa by LFCmostar
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