Barclays Premier League - Match 1
Liverpool 1-0 Stoke City
17 August 2013. Anfield.
Liverpool kicked-off the season with a home win against Stoke City. We had a great pre-season and it's nice to get a win for the opening fixture, which is for the first time since 2008/2009 season. Personally, I feel very happy because I'm not really fond of Stoke City. They are one of the worst teams in the Premier League when it comes to style of football. They play aggressive but dirty football. We suffered in plenty of matches against them. The last time we met them at home, we drew 0-0 and Suarez received a stamp on his chest by Robert Huth's foot - Huth deliberately did it.
Vengeance aside, our team was ready to go and the fans were excited for this match. Rodgers lined-up familiar squad that featured mostly during pre-season. Rodgers, however, opted to play Henderson ahead of Allen. Allen had a fantastic pre-season but this change was understandable due to aggressive football that Stoke play.
The way we play have improved and was very impressive in this match, especially in the first-half. We created plenty of chances. We should have took a bigger lead in the first 45 minutes. The passes & movements were very good. Sturridge scored the only goal of the match from a long range in the 37th minute. The trio; Sturridge, Coutinho, & Aspas looked lively and sharp. The only downside is that we scored one goal out of 25 attempts.
 |
| Players celebrate Sturridge's goal - liverpoolfc.com |
Between the sticks, our debutant goalkeeper, Mignolet, looked nervous before we scored the goal. He gained his confidence as the match progress. Of course, the main highlight of the match and obviously the turning point was that penalty save. Honestly, I thought this would be another typical home match against mid-table team. Often times we played well, created many chances, but failed to score more goals. Then, the opponent would sucker-punch us and we waste 2 points or even worst lose the match. Not this time though. Mignolet was the hero. Terrific penalty save and quick recovery for the follow-up. What a debut!
 |
| Mignolet saves cruical last minute penalty - liverpoolfc.com |
Overall, our performance was very good. Although, we need to score more and stop making silly mistakes, like Agger's handball. I have no idea why he did such a thing. If we had drew the match, I'm sure the fans would be absolute livid with him. Vice-captain or not, that handball was stupid. Top player like him should have not done something that can hurt the team like that.
The win is definitely satisfied everyone who involves with the club. Great performance and well deserved 3 points. The team are looking forward to visit Aston Villa next week.
