Despite losing there was plenty to like in the game at Anfield, and maybe a bit of a reality check.
Firstly Pool deserved the win and bossed much of the play, without looking likely to put on a cricket score, apart from 10 mins after their first goal.
A bit like us for much of the season, they had all the ball, passed it everywhere, but didn't threaten our well set up defence. The first goal was all Salah, though I thought he pushed our defender before he crossed for the goal. The second was the kind of goal from top drawer players.
For our part we were stiff not to pull back both goals in a 15 minute period where we looked absolutely great.
So we were more positive, more direct, more dangerous all of which are good news.
We got absolutely nothing from the ref either, though nothing too controversial or game changing.
Less good was the set up, with Hazard proving for the god knows how many times, he is no centre forward. Then when sanity prevails, the wrong striker comes on and does bugger all. Again.
It is a very blurred line whether players are underperforming due to form, or to our set up and Sarris style.
That said, much better than a month ago and more signs of a softening in Managers stubbornness.
Firstly Pool deserved the win and bossed much of the play, without looking likely to put on a cricket score, apart from 10 mins after their first goal.
A bit like us for much of the season, they had all the ball, passed it everywhere, but didn't threaten our well set up defence. The first goal was all Salah, though I thought he pushed our defender before he crossed for the goal. The second was the kind of goal from top drawer players.
For our part we were stiff not to pull back both goals in a 15 minute period where we looked absolutely great.
So we were more positive, more direct, more dangerous all of which are good news.
We got absolutely nothing from the ref either, though nothing too controversial or game changing.
Less good was the set up, with Hazard proving for the god knows how many times, he is no centre forward. Then when sanity prevails, the wrong striker comes on and does bugger all. Again.
It is a very blurred line whether players are underperforming due to form, or to our set up and Sarris style.
That said, much better than a month ago and more signs of a softening in Managers stubbornness.
......We weren't totally out played and on another day we may of got a goal or two.
