Ladies and gentleman, the Liverpool FC Women have collected their first point of the season! It only took seven matches, and it came in an effort that felt more like points dropped rather than a point gained,
but it is still progress. Gareth Taylor witnessed his side play probably their best match of the season, displaying an energetic press that caused plenty of turnovers, as well some some incisive passing and attacking play. Liverpool scored early and looked to find an insurance goal rather than sitting back. The Reds almost saw the match off to take all three points, but some tired legs and not-so-great positioning allowed Brighton to find an equalizer in added on time in the second half. Below, we take a look at some winners and losers on the night, and attempt to disentangle narrative from fact.
Winners
Beata Olsson
Liverpool have struggled mightily for goals this season, but the Swedish striker has now found the back of the net in two consecutive matches. Olsson continually made the runs to make herself available in the box, and it paid off as she slid in to tap home a cross from Lily Woodham. She led the team with three shots on the day. Olsson was also instrumental to Liverpool’s aggressive high press, forcing Brighton into several turnovers that allowed the Reds to jump into the attack again.
Faye Kirby
The young goalkeeper was a surprise starter a week prior against Spurs ahead of Rafaela Borggräfe, and was again in net for the match with Brighton. Kirby made several massive saves, including an athletic double save where she made two sliding blocks from close range in the first half. She finished with six saves for the match and looked very assured in net.
Jenna Clark
The Scottish defender played very much on the front foot, continually stepping up quickly to win the ball ahead of Carla Camacho. Clark cut out three passes for interceptions and made four clearances to go with winning three aerial duals, all team highs. She was strong on the ball as well, completing 85% of her passes, and also read the field well in several cases where she saw passing lanes cut off but space in front of her to carry the ball into.
Midfield Control
The trio of Fuka Nagano, Sam Kerr, and Cornelia Kapocs had an all around strong day as they bossed the midfield for much of the match. Fuka in particular was fantastic in both winning balls and then dictating the tempo from her deeper role. Sam Kerr had her most influential game this season, playing some line-splitting passes as well as getting a couple great shots away, crashing one off the crossbar. Kerr also was involved with the press, winning a couple tackles higher up the pitch. Cornelia Kapocs is still adjusting to playing in midfield rather than the forward line, but she cut down on her turnovers and had some good link up play. She had one truly fantastic turn away from a defender in the defensive half before driving a ball into the channel for Ceri Holland to run onto. Kapocs also got involved around the edge of the Brighton box on a few occasions.
Incisive Attacking Play
Liverpool had their highest shot total of the season against Brighton with 12 total, with 4 on target. It wasn’t the highest xG of the season for the Reds, but it was by far the most attacking the club have been. While we have seen Liverpool have solid possession many times this season, they were much more incisive about getting the ball forward and taking their chances. The high press produced several turnovers, and the Reds turned several of them into shooting chances rather than recycling the ball backwards immediately. There were also more passes played through the lines that allowed the likes of Lily Woodham, Mia Enderby, and Ceri Holland to get forward down the wings to get the ball into the box. Liverpool’s goal was a chance created by a great through ball from Sam Kerr to Lily Woodham, with the fullback playing a first time early cross into the box for the run of Beata Olsson. The attack is still a work in progress, but this was the most cohesive the squad has been.
Losers
Trust in Squad Depth
While Liverpool looked strong for most of the match, the pressing and over all control fell of midway through the second half. With tired legs all over the pitch after some monumental efforts, Gareth Taylor only felt comfortable making two substitutions as the Reds tried to hold on for a win. Heavy legs definitely played a part in conceding in the 93rd minute as several players were slow to get back into position.
Rafaela Borggräfe
The German keeper was relegated to the bench for the second match in a row after starting the previous three league matches. Borggräfe hasn’t necessarily been bad, but she also hasn’t been particularly great, especially with the ball at her feet. According to Gareth Taylor, Faye Kirby earned the starting role from performances in training, and her showing against Brighton certainly will keep Borggräfe from retaking the starting gloves for the foreseeable future.
Creating Breathing Room
Liverpool have only managed to stay out of the relegation spot thanks to West Ham just so happening to be even worse. While the Reds managed to earn a point on Sunday, conceding the late goal means they were not able to create some space between them and West Ham, who also drew. In fact, Liverpool were destined for the basement had West Ham not conceded and even later goal (90 +7) to drop to a draw themselves.
From the Manager
“We’ve just got to see the game out, to be honest. That can happen in football, it’s a cruel game. It would have been nice to really reinforce the good work we did today with three points. But for us it’s our first point on the board, it’s a step forward.”
Gareth Taylor
What Happens Next
Liverpool will have a tough task next Sunday as they host undefeated Chelsea. The Blues currently sit second in the table behind Manchester City. The Reds will round out November with a trip to Sheffield United the following weekend as Liverpool look to stay unblemished in the FA Women’s League Cup.
