Unleashing Liverpool Women: Can Matt Beard's Tactical Shift Seal a Spot in WSL's Top Five?

Liverpool aim to showcase the superiority of defense as their primary strategy this season. Commencing the new WSL campaign with consecutive victories mirrors their performance in the 2017 Spring Series under Scott Rogers, resulting in a commendable fourth place finish. Currently led by Matt Beard, Liverpool's dedication to maintaining a solid defense exemplifies their growth and progress in the present term.

The Reds finished the previous season with a goal difference of -15, indicating both their offensive struggles and defensive weaknesses. However, they still conceded an average of over 1.6 goals per game, totaling 39 goals against.

"We have aspirations to reach the top five," declared Beard following their 2-0 victory against Aston Villa on Sunday, which complemented their 1-0 triumph over Arsenal last week. This success amounts to 180 minutes of gameplay, or 200 minutes if including additional stoppage time, resulting in two clean sheets.

Liverpool Women

Everton Women

Sunday 15th October 4:00pm

Kick off 4:30pm

Beard's main focus in his plan to elevate Liverpool to a top team was to address their vulnerable defense. He tempered his expectations by emphasizing the importance of staying grounded, despite acknowledging their impressive start. Liverpool's success has been evident through their consecutive shutouts against two formidable attacking teams in the division.

The transformation has mainly been in the personnel. Beard has maintained the same formation used in the majority of the previous season, which consisted of a back three with dynamic wing-backs. However, the addition of Grace Fisk from West Ham and Jenna Clark from Glasgow City has significantly impacted their defensive strength.

Gemma Bonner remains the sole central defender to retain her position, and she has been equally outstanding. Nevertheless, Fisk and especially Clark have been the standout performers in Beard's defensive line.

Liverpool and Villa met again in their most recent match, with a much calmer atmosphere compared to their previous encounter in late May which ended in a 3-3 draw. This time, Liverpool's defense remained solid and Clark effectively monitored and guided Rachel Daly. Only in the 16th minute of the game did Daly manage to position herself between Bonner and Clark and attempt a header at goal. However, even then, Bonner and Clark were able to deter the England international, who is known for rarely missing when given such an advantageous opportunity.

Rachael Laws' goal provided an impenetrable barrier, allowing Clark and Fisk to venture forward confidently. They utilized the wingback pairing of Taylor Hinds and Emma Koivisto to initiate relentless waves of attack.

The goals were a result of swift counterattacks, with the ball swiftly and effectively moved from defense to offense. Marie Hobinger and later Natasha Flint successfully converted these opportunities.

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Liverpool secured a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa with summer signings Marie Hobinger and Natasha Flint finding the back of the net. The relentless efforts of Hinds and Koivisto ensured a solid defensive foundation, enabling them to freely venture forward and provide width on the flanks.

Beard expressed his goal with recruitment as fostering competition for positions and establishing squad depth. He emphasized the importance of earning the opportunity to play. The team's strong drive to compete is fueling their early success.

Clark referred to her newfound residence on Merseyside as a "family unit" last weekend, a common phrase among players. However, she also highlighted the "special bonds" this close-knit group shares off the field. On Twitter...

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The success of the WSL relies heavily on its culture, as mistakes can have a significant impact in the short and challenging 22-game season.

While some, including Chelsea manager Emma Hayes, advocate for expanding the league to accommodate more teams, this would only benefit the already established clubs. As long as the WSL remains as it is, Liverpool has a genuine opportunity to disrupt the existing hierarchy.

The team, lacking resources and experience, is proving to be even more difficult to pin down in their second season back in WSL football. Looking back, victories against Arsenal and Villa might not be considered upsets after all.

The Liverpool institution has taken a few years to recognize the worth and importance of Beard's side. Now, with the women's team training at the state-of-the-art Melwood Training Centre, they have a solid foundation, a sense of unity, and a manager who brings it all together. As a result, the Reds might see themselves as more than just a surprise package this season.

Liverpool's efforts to support and empower the women's branch of their club have finally paid off after several years. The team, led by manager Beard, now trains at the state-of-the-art Melwood Training Centre, a significant upgrade from their previous location at Tranmere's Wirral campus. This move has provided them with a solid foundation for success. With a strong sense of unity and a manager who brings everything together, the Reds may see themselves as more than just a surprising force in this season's competitions.

Watch Liverpool take on Everton at Anfield, live on We Football, on Sunday from 4pm; kick off 4.30pm