We’re in the next round, kept a clean sheet, scored three goals, had some positive contributions from the youngsters, and oh yeah, FLANNO’S BACK!! So all in all, this was a successful night's work.
Klopp went with a slightly more experienced side than last time, mainly because Allen and Ibe didn’t start last weekend, and it paid off as Allen scored and Ibe was the best player on the park. Benteke played again too, but I’ll get to him in a bit. He didn't have the captain's armband this time though, bizarrely it was given to Enrique. I'd be a bit put out if I were Mignolet or Allen I reckon. Maybe it's because this was likely to be Enrique's Anfield swansong? It's not particularly important, I just found it odd that's all.
The 3-0 scoreline didn’t really reflect the performance as it should have been double that on the balance of play and chances created. Exeter had their chance in the first game and they never had a hope in hell of winning this one, not unless Klopp sent the first team out there anyway in which case anything could have happened. Thankfully he didn't and the second string got it done wit the minimum of fuss.
Most of the kids who played in the first game kept their places, with only Sinclair and Kent dropping to the bench. Sinclair was lucky to even be there, I’d have released him as soon as he hired Aidy Ward and personally I’m glad he didn’t get another chance to play in this one as he doesn’t deserve it. I was hoping Ojo may have gotten a start though, but that’s surely not far away now after what he’s done off the bench in these two games.
Exeter left out their leading scorer in favour of our old mate Clinton, who was so ineffective he made Enrique and Ilori look like Jocky and Lawro. In fact Jocky and Lawro even now could have probably kept a clean sheet in this one. Enrique and Tiago had the cigars out from start to finish and Mignolet may as well have been sat in the Kop as he barely touched the ball all night. Then again, the Kop is probably the last place he’d want to be at the moment, news of his contract extension hasn’t exactly been met with universal approval.
The gulf in quality between the two teams was huge, we were in total control of the game and having taken an early lead through Allen the game should have been over by half time, but taking chances is a massive problem these days. It was a lovely goal though, the once again lively Brad Smith got down the left and played a one two with Benteke who’s return pass was perfectly weighted. Smith showed good composure to pick out Allen who had a simple finish.
Other chances came and went, Brannagan had a couple of good shots from the edge of the box, Ibe went close too and Benteke headed over the bar from a Teixeira cross when he really should have scored. It was complete dominance but when the score is only 1-0 you have to be a little concerned. We let them hang around for far too long, and the second half was following a similar pattern with numerous chances going begging. Ibe was unlucky to see a thunderous shot hit the underside of the bar and bounce on the line, but generally we were quite wasteful in front of goal.
Flanagan replaced Randall early in the second half to a huge cheer from the capacity crowd and it was great seeing him back. He looked good too. He was full of energy and his passing was crisp and precise. It may be another couple of months until he’s ready to fully challenge for a place but the most important thing now is that he has no more setbacks. Even if we don’t see him back at 100% until next season that’s fine, it’s just great to have him back as we’ve missed him.
Allen was withdrawn for Ojo, I’m not sure of the significance of that because Klopp’s use of Allen has often been peculiar. He’s subbed him early in cup games when he’s been playing well, with the assumption being that he was keeping him for the weekend, only for him to not even get on the field the following game. Allen probably deserves a place in the team right now because he’s found the net in his last two appearances and we’re not in a position to overlook people who might score.
Ojo may have played his way onto the bench for the weekend too after his lively cameo. The way he took his goal tells you a lot about him. He’s got confidence, class and a bit of swagger. He made that look effortless, and although there are some rough edges that will need to be knocked off, he’s got pace, skill and he’s direct. Three qualities we could really use right now. He'll surely be a better impact sub than Steven Caulker anyway.
His goal killed the game. There was always the remote possibility that Exeter might get one lucky break or set-piece to peg us back when it was 1-0, but they were never getting two. The impressive Teixeira put the game to bed with a deserved goal late on after brilliant work from Benteke. It was a brilliant run and a slide rule pass from the big man.
Nice for Joao to get his goal and with his contract up in the summer, we really need to be taking a look at him in the league now just to see what we’ve got. He’s surely not going to want to stay if he isn’t getting on the field, but he couldn’t do much worse than what we’ve been seeing from others this year. Give him a chance.
The only thing missing from this game was a goal for Benteke. That would have capped things off nicely because we need him to regain some confidence and start banging in the goals. He’s taking a lot of stick at the moment and that has only intensified after this game, but I’m not going to pile on him because I thought he was much more engaged in the game and showed a lot more desire than he has been doing of late.
Had he taken one of the chances that came his way I feel like people would have been saying he played well, but because he blew the chances he had that changes perceptions. He did miss chances, not least that pathetic effort at the end when he was one on one with the keeper and shit himself again, but he did some very good things during the game and linked the play well. He had a hand in two of the goals and while it’s fair to say “it’s only Exeter, he should be killing them” I’d suggest that this was a step in the right direction from him. A very small step mind, but definitely a step.
I’d assume that he’s got to do a lot more if he’s going to persuade Klopp to start him though, and once again some (although not all) of his movement was baffling. I’ve been touching on this quite a bit recently and it was interesting to hear Michael Owen’s analysis of it during commentary. I agreed with everything he said, not least the bit about him needing “personal tuition” to improve his positioning in the box during attacks. I said the same after the first game with Exeter, and if it were up to me I’d ask Owen if he wanted to do it.
I know that won’t sit well with a lot of people as he’s not exactly Mr Popular around these parts anymore, but he was an arch predator and a clever bastard (he was hardly ever caught offside for example) and although he’s obviously a totally different type of striker than Benteke, he could definitely help him with some things. Benteke has so many attributes to his game and does a lot of things well, if he could just improve on this aspect of his game he’d find himself getting plenty of tap ins and wouldn’t be relying on spectacular strikes and crosses to be effective.
But enough about that. This was a night when the kids stepped up and showed what they could do and it was enjoyable to watch. Joao and Ojo will get the headlines, but they all showed up well. Kevin Stewart did a lot of good things (short sleeves with gloves not being amongst them though), but he also got caught in possession too often and needs to sharpen up on that.
Ilori wasn’t really tested but looked assured and did make a good clearance late on when danger seemed to be looming. The worry with him is he looks really weak for a centre back, very skinny and no real presence at all. Brannagan was neat and tidy again while Smith is beginning to look like he might offer viable competition for Moreno now. If so he'll save us a few quid in the transfer market, which after all i the entire point of having an Academy. He's been a bright spot this season.
All in all, a good night’s work and it will be interesting to see how many of these lads get more opportunities between now and the end of the season. Star man was Ibe, who was a menace throughout and was unlucky not to score. We really need him to start getting goals though, it's about time he kicked on to the next level because he's got the ability.
Team: Mignolet; Randall (Flanagan), Ilori, Enrique, Smith; Stewart, Allen (Ojo), Brannagan; Ibe (Chiravella), Benteke, Teixeira:
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