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When word filtered through that Steven Gerrard was in the starting line-up for Liverpool’s FA Cup semi-final clash with Aston Villa, fans would have felt a sense of confidence, even relief.
No more stuffing around with line-ups, formations or tactics; just the Reds back to doing what they do best, with the skipper leading from front.
They would have thought coach Brendan Rodgers had learnt from his mistake of holding the captain on the bench, the team would be brimming with confidence with their big-game leader back in the middle of the park and put on a display full of grit, attack and force.
What they got was a weak, tedious and depressing show.
As the players left the tunnel Gerrard’s face spoke of a player and team lacking confidence; he looked uncomfortable. Was it because of his lack of match time? The occasion? The coach’s instructions? The line-up? The repugnant yellow kit?
A 30th minute goal from Philippe Coutinho put the Reds up one-nil. An important early goal, but this was Liverpool, who always go goals up, only to let some in moments later. Typically, Villa hit back through Christian Benteke six minutes after, locking the scores up at one apiece.
Liverpool continued on for the rest of the first half in unassuming fashion; they needed halftime to come, and a change in attitude and tactics.
Rodgers rolled out the changes to both line-up and formation in the second half, but for more of the same result. Villa’s Fabian Delph put the claret and blue in front with a well-worked strike in the 54th minute. The rest of the second half featured some moments of possibility for Liverpool, but it just wasn’t to be.
There was a lack of heart. At times, a lack of desire or will. But there was always a chance, right until the end.
You were left waiting on the edge of your seat, desperately hoping for one last act from the legend, some Steven Gerrard brilliance. Even the commentator still gave them a chance, noting how Liverpool are notoriously late scorers in big games.
Gerrard had his moment in the 92nd minute with a cross-goal header from Coutinho’s corner. The placement was near perfect, beating the keeper, only for a Villa defender standing right on the goal-line to head out it out.
The chances were there for Liverpool, many will argue over Mario Balotelli’s offside goal, but the lack of synergy in their play was the forthright factor.
At least Rodgers let Gerrard start, giving his captain the opportunity to make up for lost time. But some of Rodgers’ purchases from last summer’s buy up failed to make any real impact. Dejan Lovren, Emre Can and Lazar Markovic were all poor, Alberto Moreno should never have started, while Balotelli was lazy as usual.
The Liverpool we’ve seen over the last few months seemed to disappear. The return of Martin Skrtel and Gerrard to the line-up should have bolstered the team, not changed the dynamics. The loss of Lucas Leiva was a huge disappointment, with the Brazilian midfielder missing a chance to play at Wembley again. Daniel Sturridge’s absence would have affected the team’s faith and confidence right from the time his name was left off the team sheet. The Adam Lallana’s zipping speed and pestering up front could have prevented the “passive” display as Rodgers summarised it.
Aston Villa played for their jersey, for their fans and for themselves. They were full of heart and wanted it more – to put it simply, they had a dig. As a fan that is all you hope for in a sporting team, that they turn up on the day and give it their all, with the genuine self-belief they can win the game. Liverpool, unfortunately, did not turn up with that self-belief, and the fans will be brooding over how one of the biggest sporting clubs in the world can let that happen.
Who do you blame for that lack of effort and belief? The coach is responsible for instilling belief in the players, and getting them ready for a game, but the players control their own effort and ultimately their destiny when on the pitch.
Whatever the case, questions will be asked, people will be evaluated, and someone will probably be held accountable.
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