IN DEFENCE OF BALOTELLI AND LIVERPOOL

Much criticism of Liverpool has ensued since their away win at QPR last Sunday. Unfairly, the brunt of the negative comments was directed at Balotelli. Before we join the chorus of condemnation, let's look at Liverpool's performance more objectively.

My assessment of the form of Liverpool is that, at this moment, they lack energy, enthusiasm and passion in their play. Contrary to popular belief, their weakness is not just in defense - the whole team whether in defense, midfield or attack is rather lethargic and is unable to impose themselves in all their matches this season. The fact that they were still able to salvage all three points against QPR despite a rather mediocre performance and jump up to fifth place in the table actually is a point to their credit.

Late in the game against QPR, just when they seemed destined to settle for an undeserved draw at 1-1 and then at 2-2, they came back each time to pull ahead. That actually speak volumes about their strength of character and fighting spirit.

Goal No. 1 - QPR 0 Liverpool 1
Their first goal was the result of Sterling's sheer professionalism when he took his free kick quickly when everyone was still arguing over the foul on him and having their backs to the ball. The much-maligned Johnson was similarly aware of the situation, received the pass from Sterling and crossed towards the far post of the QPR goal. Richard Dunne stuck out a foot and misdirected it into his own net. Balotelli did contribute to this goal by lurking at the far post and arguably, we can say that Dunne must have felt compelled to intervene because of Balotelli's positioning and presence.

Goal No. 2 - QPR 1 Liverpool 1
Vargas was able to score with a free header because Enrique had lost concentration and left his post there.

Goal No. 3 - QPR 1 Liverpool 2
This was a beautiful individual effort by Coutinho with an angular grounder into the far post net after a Liverpool break.

Goal No. 4 - QPR 2 Liverpool 2
This was the match's softest goal when Vargas' low header from close range trickled past the legs of Joe Allen. Slow motion replay clearly showed Allen losing concentration at the crucial moment. Though his positioning was correct, he had one arm on the post and was looking down at the field! When he looked up, the ball had already rolled past the line through his legs! Mignolet was not to be faulted.

Goal No. 5 - QPR 2 Liverpool 3
Off a poor free kick by QPR at Liverpool's end, Liverpool broke with a through-pass to Sterling who crossed towards the far post only to strike Caulker's near striding foot into the QPR goal. Again, we must wonder whether Caulker might have felt obligated to intervene because Balotelli was at the far post ready to apply the finishing touch.

So, rather than a very poor performance, Balotelli had played crucial parts in their fight-back. In a game when Liverpool had few clear shots, Balotelli had one shot blocked by a QPR defender, one shot saved by the goalkeeper's legs and a near post flick that failed to come off. I know he was roundly criticized for missing the sitter when Lallana's shot rebounded off the keeper, but one must remember that his positioning was good enough in the first place to afford him the opportunity to miss.

So, yes, Liverpool was mediocre, but they had the heart to go on to win the match through sheer grit when all seemed lost. The lack of sparkle in Balotelli's play was no better and no worse than his team mates'. In fact, elementary individual defensive errors by Enrique and Allen had put their team in difficulties quite unnecessarily. In a certain way, Liverpool fully deserved to win and Balotelli needs to be given more leeway.

I bet they will give Real Madrid a good fight soon in their upcoming Champions' League match!