Liverpool are winning their “mini leagues”. Currently in a stretch of games against teams below them, the Reds have started this mini league by taking maximum points. West Bromwich Albion were soundly beaten at Anfield last week. This week, Liverpool travelled to South London to take on recent bogey team Crystal Palace. In a fascinating game at Selhurst Park, Liverpool eventually claimed all three points.
LIVERPOOL ARE WINNING THEIR MINI LEAGUES
Tactics
Crystal Palace employed familiar tactics against Liverpool. Manager Alan Pardew set up his side to play in a Burnley versus Liverpool style. Former Liverpool striker Christian Benteke was the initial attacking focal point for a defensively-shaped Palace.
Jürgen Klopp returned to what is increasingly looking like his prefered starting team, with one notable exception in the return of Alberto Moreno at leftback. As a result of the starting formations, a familiar pattern developed as the match went on.
Liverpool deployed their gegenpressing style, with the dangerous front trio of Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mané providing the main attacking threat. Palace were content to defend deep and were looking to counter.
Recap
The first half saw Liverpool dominate possession and carry more of the attacking thrust. Emre Can finished a sweeping move to put the Reds into the lead. A game of headed goals then ensued.
James McArthur scored a Palace equalizer through a gifted header from a terrible Dejan Lovren backpass. In light of his defensive error, Lovren needed to make amends. He did so by smashing a header past Steve Mandanda to send Liverpool ahead.
McArthur headed level once again via a lovely cross from Wilfried Zaha. Joel Matip then fizzed another header into the roof of the net. Liverpool held a 3-2 advantage at the end of a breathtaking first half.
The second half was not as free flowing. Palace grew into the match and pressed Liverpool. Midfielder Jordan Henderson produced the pass of the game to send Firmino clear, and the Brazilian clipped the ball over Mandanda to fire Liverpool into a two-goal lead. The Reds went into game-management mode and claimed another three points away from home.
Mini Leagues
Liverpool have already negotiated a very tough opening mini league during their campaign. Matches against Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Leicester City and Manchester United have yielded 11 points from a possible 15. The current mini league comprises a run of eight games against lower-placed teams. Prior to contesting the Merseyside derby away to Everton on December 19th, Liverpool’s current form suggests that 20 points from those 24 are very achievable.
If Liverpool can go into the start of the festive fixtures with 14 more points from their current total of 23, a genuine title challenge would be firmly in their own hands.
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