Liverpool Dominate Hull City
Liverpool dominated Hull City at Anfield. The Reds were in rampant form as they dismantled Mike Phelan’s Tigers. Jürgen Klopp’s charges have seemingly mastered the gegenpressing philosophy that has been brought in. This high-octane pressing game coupled with pace and incisive attacks is devastating when applied as it was against Hull. In short, Liverpool made light work of Hull and continued their surge up the table.
Team News
Klopp restored some of his early season standout players. Adam Lallana and Georginio Wijnaldum were restored to the engine room and Ragnar Klavan kept his place at center back. Loris Karius edged out Simon Mignolet to take the starting goalkeeper position.
Tactically, Klopp preferred a fluid front three with Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mané and Philippe Coutinho fluidly interchanging. The shape of the Liverpool side mostly (as they interchange at pace at times) resembled a 4-3-3.
Hull City started with a defensive shape consisting of a 4-5 1 setup. The experienced Curtis Davis and Jake Livermore were selected as the center back pairing and Hull looked to Tom Huddlestone to hold possession and ping balls forward to their lone attacker.
First Half
The Reds were flowing from the first whistle, spurred on by the increased home support in Anfield. Hull in their defensive set up allowed Liverpool possession until it reached their defending third of the pitch. The Tigers tried to congest the area about 30 yards from their goal. At times this type of blocking defensive style has given Liverpool problems in the recent past. Coaching moves in order to counter this type of formation, paid off. Klopp opted for pace and guile up front. Firmino and Coutinho are both excellent Futsal players and their ability to squeeze killer passes, through a crowded area led to Liverpool’s opening goal. Coutinho swept in from the left wing and fizzed a lovely pass through traffic into Lallana who cleverly angled his shot into the corner of the net.
Coutinho again was involved in the second goal. His smooth side foot finish was heading into the net only to be deliberately handled and saved by Ahmed Elmohamady. The Hull defender had to be sent off and James Milner slotted the penalty home. Two-nil down and the Reds also with an extra player, Hull looked very much on the ropes. Fast attacking interplay again carved Hull open as Mané was found in the box and his spinning turn and finish had all the hallmarks of a forward in supreme form. At halftime, the Anfield crowd adoringly applauded their team’s efforts.
Second Half
Mike Phelan sent his side out after the half with damage limitation in mind. Roberto Firmino had an early claim for a penalty dismissed after his shirt was pulled in the box. Milner then had a lapse of concentration as he conceded a needless corner. Liverpool as they have often in the past, failed to clear their lines and the ball fell to substitute David Meyler who struck it sweetly home. Hull’s renewed hope lasted all of a minute as Liverpool restored their three-goal lead. Philippe Coutinho added to his highlight reel with a 25-yard strike into the top corner. The Brazilian in a word is a magician when firing on all cylinders.
Daniel Sturridge was introduced in the 68th minute and had an immediate impact. The England striker was played through and was controversially deemed fouled as he closed on goal. Milner calmly side-footed his second penalty home. On balance Liverpool firmly deserved another three points and altogether boosted their goal difference with a dominating performance.
Liverpool Takeaways
- Coaching: Liverpool has struggled at home in the recent years against the” parked bus”. Hull definitely came to defend and be compact, crowding the pitch as Liverpool entered the attacking third. Usually, an out-and-out striker is preferred against these tactics. Klopp decided to go with his guile and pace, a three-pronged attack featuring Coutinho, Firmino and Mané. Together with midfield pressing, the forward trio ripped Hull apart with their quick thinking and speed. Also the intense pressing from Liverpool’s midfielders by and large shut down any potential Hull City attacks of note.
- Squad: Klopp received some criticism for his measured squad building in the summer. The troublesome left back position, in particular, had Reds fans clamouring for a new signing. Klopp to his credit withstood this pressure and placed his faith in James Milner. Milner currently looks to have been playing at left back all of his career. Equally as important to Klopp’s trust is the fact that the former England man has put the team before himself by slotting in at the position. Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi and Emre Can were not on the pitch for most of the game. Dejan Lovren was not even in the matchday squad, nor was the troubled Mamadou Sakho. On the whole, Liverpool’s squad looks very impressive in the early part of the season.
Standout Player
Adam Lallana. The former Southampton man arrived at Anfield with great fanfare a few seasons ago. Lallana’s Anfield career shows flashes of his potential, but has often been marred by injury. Following an injury free pre-season, the England international is at the peak of his game. On the whole, the midfielder is now regularly producing lung-busting pressing and intricate passing in his game. Lallana added goal scoring to his game this season. A sublime first touch and swivel finish got the all-important opening goal against Hull. In essence, on this current form, the England international is almost undroppable.
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