Liverpool FC 3 Bolton 1 [Tactical Analysis]

Goals from new boys Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam, along with a goal from Martin Skrtel helped Liverpool FC to a 3-1 victory over Bolton Wanderers this weekend.

Andy Carroll started off the bench despite scoring a goal in mid-week against N-Power League 1 side Exeter City in the Carling Cup, whilst Luis Suarez started the game as what was essentially a lone striker. But really, that Uruguayan is simply so much more than a lone striker up front.

Movement

A key factor to winning this match was in the movement for this Liverpool FC side. The team ran their absolute hearts out there in front of the home fans and realistically should have made a hammering out of this match. Luis Suarez is perhaps the best example here. Drops back, takes the ball, distributes it forward, even offers a tackle or two to help out the midfield, Luis Suarez is top class.

Jordan Henderson had perhaps one of his best games in a Liverpool shirt. I reckon that this is partially due to Dirk Kuyt, because playing the Dutchman allowed Henderson to switch positions more freely and come into the center more, and hence he managed to see the game more and to control the game a bit more. It’s pretty much the reason behind his first goal in the red jersey of Liverpool FC.

Defensive Woes

Defensively we were actually pretty sound throughout the course of the game, but Jamie Carragher might not be at the peak of his form like he was for the past 2-5 years.

Daniel Agger was pretty comfortable in defence for Liverpool but it isn’t too hard to see why Liverpool might have brought in Sebastian Coates in. He’s young and he should be able to handle opposition defences, if his top notch displays at the Copa America are anything to go by or even expect.

Lucas: The Hardworking Brazilian Midfielder

The Brazilian midfielder has really made that central midfielder spot his own over the past few seasons, and he put up another fine performances at the central defensive midfield spot next to Charlie Adam. Not only did he offer tackling and tracking back that Liverpool fans adore him for, but he also offered good distribution of the ball against Bolton.

Lucas was also great yesterday at pretty much keeping Bolton to their half. He cut out most of the quick counter-attacks and slowed down Bolton in general when they were trying to carve out oppourtunities.

Pass and Move

Kenny Dalglish has absolutely revolutionized how Liverpool play football (once more). As a result of his charge, Liverpool FC are playing much more attractive football along with that winning mentality instilled into this Liverpool team. Liverpool are now much more confident in playing the possession game and they know how to break teams down much more easily as a result of this.

The general Hodgson mentality was to launch it upfield and to simply try to get on the end of it. Not now it isn’t. We now have a quality attacking arsenal along with quality players to unlock opposition defences and to supply for Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll up front.

I Can’t Help But Think….

That we need another backup striker. David N’gog on the bench just isn’t going to cut it anymore. I wouldn’t mind Craig Bellamy as long as he doesn’t go around walloping teammates with his gold clubs once again (see him whacking John Arne Riise a few years back). But the fact is that his wage demands are absolutely jaw dropping.

Luis Suarez is such a lynchpin for the team that I think that we just might struggle if he gets an injury mid-way through the season, and that’s why I think we require that backup. Especially since Dani Pacheco has now been loaned out to Atletico Madrid.