Not 4-0 or 5-1, but a struggle in which Liverpool were far from their best, but once more displayed their ability to grind out results. It seems to be an ongoing theme that Liverpool struggle both home (at least in this half of the season) and away to the lesser teams, but when the big guns come, it is no issue. Once again the Reds were far from their best, but made it 9 wins in a row.
Liverpool have the right to feel hard done by the ref, when West Ham's first goal stood. The former Red, Carrol, had blatantly fouled Mignolet, causing him to drop the ball right in the path of Demel, who put the ball in the back of an empty net. But, in truth, Liverpool did not deserve their lead. West Ham did not play particularly well, but did cause problems for Liverpool when the Reds were going forward. Every time the Hammers lost the ball, they quickly regrouped inside their half which made it difficult for Liverpool to break them down. Liverpool were not allowed much space or never really dominated the ball or the game to the extent in which they have in previous matches. They did look dangerous when they could get the ball in West Ham's box, but they were not clinical. So, no, West Ham's equalizer should not have stood, but Liverpool had done little to deserve their lead.
The second half was improved, but still not good. Liverpool controlled this half, but still had trouble breaking down West ham's defense. After all, both the Red's goals were penalties (although Suarez would have likely been one on one with Adrian, the Hammer's keeper, had Tomkins not handled), and otherwise, Liverpool failed to create any clear chances. As a mater of fact, the best chance of the game came to Andy Carrol, who had beaten Mignolet with his header, but hit the post. Liverpool might have gotten a bit of luck when the second penalty was awarded, but that call just makes up for the one which leveled the score in the first place.
Nonetheless, there were positives. Liverpool managed to win a game in which West Ham had done everything to prevent a Liverpool win. West Ham tried getting crosses in (which Carrol's height would have come, handy!), and pushed for a goal during the first half, perhaps to recreate the nervous moments that Sunderland caused. Liverpool had none of it. West Ham created one real (and legal) scoring chance the entire game: Carrol's header which I mentioned earlier, and other than that Mignolet was untroubled. West Ham prevented Liverpool from creating any clear chances, and Liverpool still won. Just when it seemed like points would be dropped, they took the lead again. Liverpool last season's performances were inconsistent and that reflected in their results. This season too, Liverpool's performances have been inconsistent, but their results certainly haven't. That explains the difference in their objectives: last season, for top-6 and this season, for first.
Another massive positive was Lucas Lieva. I had initially questioned Brendan Rodger's decision to put him in at half time, especially in place of Coutinho. However, it was proved to be the right choice. Lucas brought a sharpness to Liverpool which they lacked in the first half, which led to Liverpool controlling the second half much more than they did the first. Lucas's passes were both smart and creative. And speaking of passes, his superb pass to Jon Flanagan was what won the penalty. If not Gerrard, Lucas was easily man of the match for Liverpool. He should be taken under serious consideration when Rogers chooses his starting eleven for the Manchester City match, which, along with the Chelsea match two weeks later, will decide the title.
Although the switch from a 4-3-3 to a diamond (and of course Lucas's coming in) changed the game for the better for Liverpool, for the Manchester City game, I would stick to 4-3-3. Liverpool have undoubtedly played their best football of the season with that formation, and they will need to be at their best when up against Manchester City. When playing a 4-3-3 formation, Liverpool had settled the game against Everton, Arsenal, and Tottenham by half time. As for who to start, it really could be a difficult choice for Rodgers. He could rearrange the midfield in the 4-3-3 formation, with both Lucas (given his performance yesterday) and Gerard more defensive, and Henderson on the attacking side. He could play Gerrard as the lone, holding midfielder, with both Henderson, and either Allen and Coutinho, attacking. However, all of Liverpool's midfielders offer different, but useful qualities, which could cause some problems for City come Sunday. Liverpool have every right to feel confident going into this match. They have won their last 9 matches, not to mention that they are unbeaten in the league in 2014. As a matter of fact, City might be the ones who will have to hold their nerve.
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