Liverpool opened their 2014-15 Premier League campaign in a narrow 2-1 win over Southampton as Brendan Rodgers' side got off to a less than reassuring start, but three points nevertheless. After a dull start, the Reds took the lead after Jordan Henderson's individual work, pressing to win possession before a beautifully placed 40-yard through ball in the 23rd minute set Raheem Sterling away to place past Fraser Forster. The game went into half-time at the same scoreline, and it was shortly before the hour mark before Nathaniel Clyne and Dusan Tadic combined outside of the box before the former burst into the danger area and unleashed a fierce strike past Simon Mignolet to equalise. Despite some pressure, a series of substitutions and tactical changes meant Liverpool dominated the latter stages and Daniel Sturridge poked in from close-range after Sterling popped up with a header inside the box, and the home side held on to take the three points and claim an opening day win. Here's what we can take from the game:
1. Lucas and Gerrard don't work together in a midfield two.
Many were puzzled when Brendan Rodgers opted to start with both Lucas Leiva and Steven Gerrard in the midfield, alongside Jordan Henderson. For the end of last season, their similar roles meant it was either one or the other. This time however, both defensive midfielders were selected and it didn't work. There was a real lack of fluency and cohesion in the side and the truth is that the Brazilian offered very little. At least, he offered nothing less than the likes of Emre Can or Joe Allen could have instead. Together, both of them suffered and the midfield was generally too slow, rigid and one-dimensional. There was a lack of movement, and only Henderson was pressing. The difference came when Joe Allen came on after the hour mark, adding some urgency and tempo in the centre of the park. The slow partnership of Lucas and Gerrard didn't work, and shouldn't be tried again.
1a. On the contrary, Henderson was superb.
Quite comprehensively, the tireless Jordan Henderson was the stand-out midfielder. The 23-year-old has come on leaps and bounds in the last eighteen months, and he shone again when he played a huge part in the first goal. He did superbly to knick possession, retain it after avoiding a number of tackles and then curl an outstanding inside-of-the-foot through ball (with his weak foot) 40-yards and into Sterling's path for the opener. It was sublime. He was a huge part of the first goal, and played a part in the second too. His pressing and energy in the midfield is vital. Simply, he's established himself as incredibly crucial to the current system under Brendan Rodgers and should he be able to add some goals to his game this season, he could become the most important midfielder in the squad and he has serious skipper potential after Gerrard retires.
2. Raheem Sterling is ready for a huge individual season.
The 19-year-old impressed during pre-season, with a number of bright moments and even in what most would call an average performance, registered a goal and an assist in the first game. Sterling's pre-season form prompted the Liverpool boss to compare some of the youngster's touches to a certain Lionel Messi, and he produced man-of-the-match display against the Saints, but he's not quite the Barça man yet. Albeit, the young English international seems to get better every game and that showed today. He completed five take-ons and created two chances, in addition to his direct contributions to the two goals and was generally a very bright outlet throughout. His cool finish for the first and his composed cushioned header for the second showed that his antics in front of goal are improving vastly and Brendan Rodgers has challenged Raheem Sterling to get 10+ goals in the Premier League this season. On this showing, he'll be able to do that comprehensively.
3. The diamond still works.
With the clock ticking down, the pressure was on Brendan Rodgers to reshuffle his pack. He did exactly that, bringing off the substandard Philippe Coutinho and handing Rickie Lambert a league debut and switching to a 4-1-2-1-2. Sterling filled in at the point, whilst Joe Allen and Henderson vacated the positions either side, as Gerrard sat back in his holding role. Just as it did last season, it helped decide the outcome. Rodgers' renewed instructions coincided with an added hunger and determination, whilst the support of Rickie Lambert helped Sturridge up top, scoring the winner not too long after the change. Of course, to use it more regularly, Rodgers will have to find Sturridge a regular partner as opposed to the 32-year-old brought in for back-up, but the Ulsterman's actively working on that issue. The diamond gave Liverpool the better shape, and the short quarter of an hour in which they used it was probably when they had the tightest grip of the game - albeit for a late defensive scare. The diamond set-up was the best tactical outlook for the Reds all game, and perhaps that should be considered as they prepare to face Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur in consecutive away games.
4. Javier Manquillo looks like a decent acquisition.
Liverpool were underwhelming, but Manquillo was quite impressive, slotting into the right-back slot for just his second game and his first competitive game in the Premier League. For a 20-year-old who hasn't made too many professional appearances, coming into a new league, he coped very well. The Spaniard was beaten a few times, failing to stop a few crosses, but on the other hand, he showed great speed, touch and made a few decent interceptions. Even despite letting a few crosses in, he stopped three when the side as a whole blocked just 2.7 per game last season. Overall, Manquillo made three successful tackles, eight interceptions, five blocks and managed an 87% passing accuracy today. Despite a harsh yellow from Mark Clattenburg and a few minor hiccups, it was a debut to remember.
5. But, there's still recruitments to be made.
Okay, so Liverpool fans weren't exactly unaware of the need for another forward before the Saints game, but the narrow victory certainly confirmed the lack of it. The starting XI against Southampton wasn't the full team by a long shot, with Lazar Markovic, Adam Lallana, Jon Flanagan, Alberto Moreno and even Daniel Agger and Fabio Borini all notable absentees, but there was somewhat a lack of goalscoring presence. Sure, Sturridge and Sterling both scored but they rarely tested Forster to a proper extent and with the amount of games the Reds will face, they're going to need others to chip in or they'll need to add some more goalscorers. Top on the list is an experienced striker. Those words were straight from Rodgers himself, but the options available may mean they have to draft in Samuel Eto'o in a deadline day dash to add something to the ranks. Certainly, Liverpool could perhaps do with another goalkeeper to bridge the gap in quality between Brad Jones and Mignolet, but also to compete with the no.22 for the starting spot between the sticks now that Pepe Reina has left.
Still, we're only one game in and there's 37 Premier League games left yet, so there isn't much that can't be fixed from the underwhelming performance against the South Coast club. The season's barely even started.