5 Talking Points – Liverpool 1-0 Swansea City

Garry Monk failed to get Swansea out of their poor run of form while Jurgen Klopp has succeeded in bringing back smiles to Liverpool fans with his first home Premier League win. Swansea were good in glimpses and Liverpool were playing their usual high pressing game, but need to improve their finishing. A James Milner penalty over a controversial decision was the only thing that separated the two sides after 90 minutes.

Swansea did offer a little threat but found more encouragement in the latter stages of the game as Liverpool had some nervy moments at the end, but Simon Mignolet did not have to make a save.

Here are 5 talking talking points from the game-

1. Best Players

James Milner and Emre Can were solid in midflield , out-running the Swansea players in the middle of the field. Defender Dejan Lovren has shown great improvement as he looks to cement his position in the Playing XI with Mamadou Sakho out injured.

The first 25 mins were dominated by Liverpool but Swansea’s defence showed great resistance to keep Christian Benteke and Roberto Firmino out from goal sight. Andre Ayew worked hard to intercept runs down the flanks. Kyle Bartley made two key interceptions, both which were clear cut goal chances. Young winger Jordan Ibe was energetic and made few threatening runs to cause problems.

2. Worst Players

Gylfi Sigurdsson failed to impress in Jonjo Shelvey’s  absence and was poor with the ball. Eder made the start ahead of Bafetimbi Gomis, but hardly posed any threat on the Liverpool goal.

Benteke And Firmino looked a bit tired which could possibly be due to Thursday’s Europa League fixture. Quality still seems to be a problem at front for Liverpool with too many chances with zero end product.

3. Match Numbers

Liverpool have won 6 and lost none of the last 8 meetings between the two teams in all competitions. Swansea know they have won just one of their last 8 Premier League away games (L5 D2). Liverpool have won 12 and lost none of their 15 league meetings with the Swans at Anfield, scoring an average of 3.1 goals per match and netting four or more in 9 of those games.

This is Jurgen Klopp’s First Premier League home win. Liverpool are know 6 points off the top of the table and are currently at 6th position in the table. Jordan Henderson and Daniel Sturridge returned after missing around 18 games this season.

4. Match Tactics

Swansea City clearly didn’t threaten the Liverpool goal with zero shots on target. Liverpool had 2 shots blocked and one off the post which could have been an own goal. Liverpool were on the attack for most periods in the match and Swansea defending deep as most teams prefer to do at Anfield.

With more shots, possession, high pressing and penetration in the box, this seemed like a deserved victory for the Reds. The 4-2-3-1 formation seems to be working for Klopp and looks stable with the available set of players. Swansea clearly missed Shelvey as their midfield lacked creativity while moving forward.

5. What’s Next

Liverpool are now 6 pts off the top and know they have a fairly easy run of fixtures upfront. This can be the real time for them to step up and challenge for the top 4.

Swansea cannot afford another defeat, they need a spark, just to bring back the confidence in the squad. Monk’s future is on a knife edge and December could decide whether he’ll be staying. A big improvement of results is a sudden need now for the Swans to stay in League.