Liverpool v Aston Villa - To dive or not to dive that is the question.

Match Verdict:

A surprise performance from the Villa resulted in a 2-2 draw at Anfield.  Goals from Weimann and Benteke launched Aston Villa into a deserved 0-2 lead.  The Villa boys were buzzing around and not letting Liverpool settle into their passing game, Stevie G in particular looked a bit shocked (I think he has watched a lot of Villa lately and was expecting an easy ride).  Villa switched off briefly before half time allowing Daniel Sturridge to steal an undeserved goal on the stroke of half time.

When the second half got underway you could see a real intent from Liverpool to turn the match on its head.  Brendan Rodgers had re-jigged his team to cope with the Villa attack and they were starting to make headway.  Villa's defence stood firm under increased pressure until the villain of the day Luis Suarez "won" a penalty.  Gerrard did what Gerrard does and tucked it away and my thoughts turned to a 3-2 defeat.  Villa didn't crumble they stood firm and even created a few chances to win the game.  Looking at the 90 minutes Villa deserved the 3 points but a point at Anfield is a good point especially with teams around us gathering pace in the race to avoid relegation.

Player ratings

·       Brad Guzan - 6 - At fault for the penalty but otherwise solid and reliable.

·       Leandro Bacuna – 6 - Some suspect passing but otherwise comfortable on the ball and got forward with effect.

·       Ciaran Clark – 7 - Dealt with Liverpool’s attacking threat and looked more comfortable than in recent weeks.

·       Ron Vlaar - 8 - A real leader that led by example (please stay fit).

·       Ryan Bertrand – 7 - Comfortable debut, got forward will prove to be a real asset.

·       Ashley Westwood – 6 - Kept the ball ticking over without being spectacular.

·       El Ahmadi – 6 - Developing a habit of popping up in the box needs to work on his finishing.

·       Fabian Delph – 7 - A driving force in midfield could make a late push for Wold cup if injuries favour him and Villa can improve.

·       Andreas Weimann 7: Some wild shots but great run to earn his goal.

·       Christian Benteke – 8 - The beast is back! Need I say more?  He dominated Liverpool’s defence.

·       Gabriel Agbonlahor – 8 - Catalyst for the performance, Villa lost something in attack when he had to go off.

Subs:

·       Yacouba Sylla – 5 - Gave the ball away, and struggled to get into the game.

·       Grant Holt – 6 - Looked comfortable holding the ball up, will no doubt contribute more in future games.

·       Antonio Luna – 5 - Didn’t get much time to have an effect on the game.

The aftermath

The diving debate has been rumbling on, personally I am over it.  Guzan presented Suarez with the opportunity to "win" a penalty and he took it.  These decisions balance themselves out so let’s move on and hopefully show this kind of performance at home to the Baggies a week on Wednesday, if we do then we will win.

Liverpool vs Aston Villa - Match Preview

Team news:

Liverpool

Firstly let’s get the scousers out of the way; they are pretty much at full strength minus Jose Enrique.  Daniel Sturridge made a goal scoring return in a 25 minute cameo appearance against Stoke last weekend, a game in which LFC won 3-5 away from home.  This season Liverpool has good strength in depth and as much as it pains me to say it they look good for a top four finish.

Aston Villa

Nathan Baker is doubtful thanks to getting a ball smashed in his face and suffering from concussion in the 1-2 home defeat to Arsenal last weekend (I have played football with a broken wrist MAN UP!!).  Apart from Baker we have the usual long term absences of Nzogbia (hands up who forgot he played for us) and Jores Okore. 

Likely line-up:
 

Lambert looks set to name both new loan signings in the starting line-up to freshen things up.  Antonio Luna (a bit of a loose cannon) should make way for Ryan Bertrand; this should add some stability at the back (and here’s hoping we can make this a permanent deal in the summer to sort the problematic left back slot once and for all).  I have every confidence that if given the chance Grant Holt is going to be a nuisance for the Liverpool back four and even if he doesn’t score he should create chances for others.  We are all hoping that the goal for Benteke last week will give him a much needed boost in confidence, with Benteke at his best we can start looking up rather than down. 

There has been a lot of criticism lately about the style of play but I genuinely believe that are best chance of victory will be to go direct to Holt and Benteke, and to pressure high up the pitch (risky perhaps with the pace of Sturridge and Suarez but necessary otherwise they will dictate play and pick us off).

I really don’t like Liverpool:

Liverpool is a team I want us to beat more than any other (except for Small Heath but we won’t be seeing them for a few seasons).  The only reason I can think of why this is would be is that during my school days it seemed like everyone I knew was a Liverpool “fan”, I use the word “fan” very loosely because none of these “fans” had any kind of connection to the club they weren’t from Liverpool nor were their families, they simply chose the best team at the time, and in some cases that decision was where being a fan began and ended, they did not watch football they simply claimed to be a fan – this did not stop them ribbing me when my beloved Villa suffered humiliation – the Villa that I have followed through thick and thin, to Europe and Norwich.  Beating teams like Liverpool and Manchester United allow me that small window of gloating amongst my friends that fill the gaps between their teams picking up trophies or inflicting a heavy defeat on us.  My Facebook wall was especially quiet last season when we picked up an unlikely 1-3 away victory at Anfield, quiet that is apart from me – I made the most of the occasion, and intend on doing so should a shock happen tomorrow.

Prediction:

Sorry but I am at it again, I am going with a 3-1 defeat because the SAS are going to be too much for our defence.  I will just be happy to see a battling display and I expect we will get what we deserve.

UTV and let’s get the 3 points!!