From Thailand to Australia, Liverpool began their 2nd pre-season fixture against Brisbane Roar with a strong starting XI consisting of the more established first team names at the club. Perhaps the most interesting choice by Rodgers was to deploy Joe Gomez at left back, having put in a decent display at right back in the previous game. Given the absence of Alberto Moreno who has yet to feature at all thus far in pre-season, it would appear that Rodgers is looking towards the younger players to find a backup left back for the new season- a sensible strategy, rather than splashing out unnecessarily for a new left back.
Liverpool began brightly, showcasing the classy new white away kit, with Danny Ings once more unfortunate not to bag his first Liverpool goal but continually finding himself in promising positions. However, it was Brisbane who took a surprise 1-0 lead following a slick team move, with Sakho and Skrtel slow out of the blocks to react as the ball was slotted calmly into the bottom corner- the gaping whole left in midfield by Lucas’ ball watching was also a moment of disorganisation. Sakho was then unlucky not to score for a second game in a row as he saw his powerful header cleared off the line following Milner’s corner. Nonetheless, it didn’t take long for Liverpool to get back on terms, as Milner picked out Lallana on the left with a accurate lofted through ball. Lallana controlled it and wrong footed the defender before curling a delicious right footed shot into the far right corner to level the score at 1-1 – his 2nd goal in 2 pre-season games.
Source: liverpoolfc.com
Liverpool began the 2nd half with the same lineup, and proceeded to dominate possession without being able to break down the well-organised Brisbane defence. The Brisbane keeper, Young, made a series of excellent saves, especially to deny Henderson from close range. The introduction of Jordon Ibe in particular injected pace and quality into the game, and he was unlucky not to score a terrific solo goal as his shot was well saved after a powerful run from the half way line. Eventually, Liverpool broke through after the pressing of Ibe and Henderson won back possession deep inside the Brisbane half. Henderson picked out Milner on the edge of the area, who then nut-megged the defender before netting the winner with the help of a deflection.
It capped off a competitive contest with a higher standard of opposition than we saw in Thailand. The result is never that important in pre-season but it was nice to see Milner score the winner after a superb all round display in central midfield in which his distribution and work-rate were top class. The other standout performer was Joe Gomez, who has made a highly promising start to his Liverpool career. For an 18 year old, his assurance on the ball, his pace, strength and positional understanding were exemplary. If he can sustain this level throughout the remaining pre-season matches he could force his way into Rodgers’ first team squad for the upcoming campaign. Moreover, a fully fit Adam Lallana is proving his quality and will prove to be a valuable asset in the new season. Overall, another promising display without any injuries, and perhaps most pleasing was the fluidity of our attack- with the likes of Firmino and Coutinho still to join, along with the likely arrival of Benteke and the hopefully fit-again Sturridge, there looks to be a refreshed attacking impetus ahead of the 2015/16 season. Defensively, however, stronger tests await, but for now Rodgers can be pleased with 2 wins and smooth settling in of his new signings thus far.
Man of the match: James Milner
Red Regista
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