This article is part of Football FanCast’s Off the Bench series, which places in-game managerial decisions and squad selections under FFC’s microscope.
In what proved to be a difficult contest by the end of the 90 minutes, Liverpool came out on top as they beat Watford 2-0 at Anfield on Saturday afternoon.
Snapshot
Having sealed qualification to the knock-out stages of the Champions League thanks to an away win against RB Salzburg in mid-week, the Reds returned to Premier League action to take on a Watford side managed by Nigel Pearson for the first time.
Watch Liverpool Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below
And the Hornets kept out the current league leaders for much of the first-half, with their resistance eventually being broken by Sadio Mane. The Merseyside club would wrap up the three points late on thanks to a Mohamed Salah finish, but in truth, it was the second-half introduction of Andy Robertson that ensured the game fully tilted in Liverpool’s favour.
Off the bench
With a busy Christmas schedule looming for the Reds – including their travels for the Club World Cup – Jurgen Klopp understandably chose to rest a couple of players. One of them being Robertson. In his place, veteran midfielder James Milner was asked to play out of position at left-back, and whilst there could be no accusations of a lack of effort on the part of the 33-year-old, he just didn’t provide anywhere near the attacking intensity and productivity of his teammate.
As per Sofascore, Milner failed to complete either of his attempted crosses, whilst he also lost possession 13 times. The balance just didn’t look quite right, with the former Manchester City man understandably wanting to cut inside onto his stronger right foot. But following Robertson’s arrival in the 59th minute for an injured Georginio Wijnaldum, the Reds looked far more menacing again.
Can you name the result these iconic Liverpool images belong to? Give it a go now…
In the first-half, they managed a total of just four shots on goal. In the second, they registered 12. Robertson completed 89% of his passes, provided one key pass and made one successful long-ball. With his greater pace and athleticism, he could make far more charging runs up and down the flank, and cause the visitors far more problems.
Playing at left-back also allowed Milner to come into a more natural central midfield role, and it was no surprise to see Liverpool take control of the game and closing it out with a late goal. So whilst the 25-year-old may not have directly contributed to the end result with a goal or an assist, Robertson’s introduction made a huge difference to Klopp’s men walking away with all three points.
Meanwhile, FFC’s writers have given their thoughts on whether Liverpool can retain their Champions League crown this season.
