Liverpool vs. Udinese: 5 Things We Learned from Europa League Clash
Liverpool dismantled Udinese in the first half, but Francesco Guidolin's side surprisingly turned the tables and came out of Anfield with a 3-2 win in the Europa League on Thursday.
Going into the game, Guidolin said (via Football-Italia.net):
"Liverpool haven’t had the best start to the season, but that is because they are settling in to a new way of playing with a new Coach who did very well at Swansea last year. Getting a result here would certainly be extraordinary and important for our confidence.
"
It certainly was an extraordinary sight to see Udinese bounce back. Talking about confidence, Reds boss Brendan Rodgers needs to sort out his side's defending, because there's nothing wrong when the team goes forward.
Here are five things the Reds learned from the Europa League loss to Udinese.
Brendan Rodgers' Liverpool: Death by Football
1 of 5Francesco Guidolin's side were effectively passed off the field by Liverpool—the Reds controlled 72 percent of possession in the first half.
For parts of the first 45 minutes, Liverpool had 80-90 percent of possession, which generally happens with a one-man or two-man advantage. However, that wasn't the case with the Reds.
It was beautiful football to watch—controlled, decisive and purposeful.
No wonder Guidolin had no other option but to send on Andrea Lazzari, a move that paid immediate dividends for the Italian club.
During Brendan Rodgers' tenure at Swansea City, the Welsh club were so adept at keeping possession, that they were nicknamed Swanselona.
Liverpoolona doesn't have that same ring, but they certainly emulated the Spanish giants in losing a game whilst playing attractive football.
Errors Costing Liverpool Dearly
2 of 5Last week, WhoScored graphics showed Liverpool have committed 12 errors which have led to goals conceded since August 2011, which is tied for the second most in Europe.
Glen Johnson, who never was and never will be an elite defender, suffered another brain lapse.
In retrospect, his mistake allowed Udinese to mount a comeback after they were embarrassed in the first half.
Then there was Sebastián Coates' own goal and Jonjo Shelvey's miss.
How about the mistakes prior to the Udinese game?
Pepe Reina, José Enrique, Jamie Carragher and Martin Škrtel have all made some dreadful decisions.
Giampiero Pinzi: Italy's New Rugby 7 Player
3 of 5Giampiero Pinzi's absurd rugby tackle on Stewart Downing was beyond reckless.
Thankfully, Downing didn't dislocate his shoulder or get injured.
Pinzi's tackle was clearly deserving of a red card, but referee Stefan Johannesson only booked the Italian.
If you didn't watch the game, here's the gif, courtesy of 101greatgoals.com.
Mind you, Jonjo Shelvey may have outdone Pinzi with a horrendous miscue right in front of goal.
Luis Suárez, Ajax Style
4 of 5Liverpool supporters who watched Luis Suárez dominate the Eredivisie would have a more critical view of the Uruguayan's performances as a Red.
Until this season, he looked like a totally different player. The one for Ajax was ice-veined in front of goal, yet the Liverpool version has mainly shot blind.
We're talking about 49 goals and 14 assists in 48 games during the 2009-10 season for the Dutch club. Last season, 11 Premier League goals from 128 shots cost Liverpool several points.
Today, he came on and scored a wonderful free kick. Against Norwich City, there was that astonishing trivela finish during his hat trick.
Finally, the Ajax Suárez seems to have returned.
Stewart Downing's Great Game
5 of 5Stewart Downing produced an all-round performance against Udinese.
He won possession back five times, delivered two incisive crosses and provided an assist for Jonjo Shelvey.
Downing is doing an Andy Johnson—a world-beater in the Europa League but plain Joe in the Premier League.
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