I said on a couple of other threads that I wouldnât be too bothered losing in the Carling Cup. My thought process was, that whilst excellent for the club profile it could hinder our premier league form in the long run. Taking into account that there are still some big guns left in the competition (unlike the favourable FA Cup draw last term), it would be unlikely that we would progress much further. Just hoping now, that with only 2 active competitions (until the FA Cup gets going â proper) our âROTATIONâ policy will be more consistent and reflective and above all, our best 11 play! In relation to last night, I was disappointed with Liverpool, given some of the players that they have. I felt that from our perspective it was also one of our weakest home performances for a long time, there didnât seem much flow in our football, passes were going astray and the closing down was second rate. Given that Liverpool were pretty poor (thanks to an active Tommy S) conceding 2 goals with our capable defence was not acceptable! Huth played both RB and LB and had one of his worst performances for a long time, Woody looked like he hadnât played a competitive game for a while (which begs the question why Huth wasnât played a CB) and Shawx looked out of sorts! Given that we set up most games to out hold the opposition rather than outscoring them, our defensive form, strength and balance looks quite weak! On a plus side, Walters was excellent and single handily picked the team up for the KJ goal â awesome! Apart from him and Tommy, there werenât many good performances last night. Hereâs to our new found form in the premier league!
Great post Smithers I'm ready with tin hat here but.. For me that first half was woeful, apart from great work by Walters and K.J.s header. I posted a comment a day or so back Liverpool thread and said.. Our main problem is that our midfield is weak and, we simply do not keep the ball. This happened again last night especially first half I thought we were useless. 2nd half, much better but I thought Ryan was all over the place? Woodgate almost as bad. WHY Huth is played there only T.P. knows that. He's like a fish out of water. The only difference between us and Liverpool was Suarez... what a strike for the first goal..for me goal of the season, so far. Carroll, Sorry but he makes K.J. look like Pele what a waste of 30 odd million imo. The only player's who were up to standard last night I thought were... Jon Walters, K.J. and Whelan.. he did OK eventually. Agree, our BEST 11 must now play and IF ONLY we could keep both Ethers AND Pennant on the pitch at the same time? For me Upson was much better than Woodgate and without Huth alongside him I think Ryan is struggling. WHERE was Ryan when Suarez scored not even close. I think it time for a re think with the back for? KEEP Ryan and Huth as C/H or rest BOTH. Not fussed than we're out of the cup but it was a very poor performance first half I thought. Not one player could keep the ball. For me, same old story. We gave Liverpool FAR too much respect and the ONLY player who could do the damage wasn't picked up for what proved to be the winner. Onwards and Upwards. The crowd last night? Smither's.. at least 50 per cent of the fans around me we're NOT the usual crowd.???? I think too many games, the expense etc and it was like a cemetary all night. I'm sure the regulars will be back for Newcastle, hope the lads, and the fans are up for that one.
Hopefully Smithers, hopefully. Yup we would probably have been drawn AWAY to Manchester City!!! How much were their two strikers £60 million for them both, I NEVER thought I would ever say this, but sooner have Jerome at £2 Million than Carroll at £3.5 Million never mind £35 Million. Your avin a larf aintcha!! Lotsa a money for a drunken bum
I was very dissapointed in Carroll and I dont think he fits the mould in which Liverpool play - he would be more suited to us. In relationn to Whelan, I felt his 1st half performance was woeful but he got better, I think his issue is that he is the only one trying to pass the ball and he physically cant do it on his own! I thought KJ was terrible but I am aware that he splits opinion - I just dont feel he plays strong and big (which is why we bought him) and Walters was running round all over the pitch while he was standing still. Alot of the time he doesnt even try and win the ball, just waves his arms and looks to the ref??????????? You can see the difference when crouch comes on - what I think alot of people dont notice is that he recives/wins the ball and lays it off wide before he gets trapped with the ball. This demonstrates space awareness and means he is less likely to get caught with the ball - he then moves and gets into space. You often find that when KJ does win a ball, he turns into the defender and gets closed down, prime example last night was on about 40 mins when he was tackled and rolled around on the floor, we won the ball back and instead of doing the footballers roll of death, if he had kept himself in play he may have been in position to score? I just dont think he gives us anything, except for defensive headers (Typical TP) and when he does get a shift on and attacks the box winning the ball in the air - in his defense though - I just dont think we give him the correct type of service!
Must stop agreeing with you Smithers, he flatters to deceive!! Must say that in the last 2 games, we have been up against 2 World Class Strikers in RVP and Suarez and boy did they make THE difference. I cannot for the life of me understand why LFC bought Carroll let alone spend THAT amount of money - a panic buy after they off loaded Torres perhaps!! Oh well not that Ba is world class, but I have a recurring nightmare re next Monday!! Let's hope it doesn't come back to haunt Pulis eh!
Talking of people who can change a game. I thought ric was past it, never to play for SCFC again, but thinking about it, he is the only player who can change a game, like the RVP & Suarez, C'mon ric get fit quick
I always thought Ric would be our best impact sub - 75th miunte sub when the game pace has slowed and he can expolit the defence with his strength. Only problem is he will defo be 5th choice, maybe even 6th behind Sidibe in TP's selection!
We were abroad Potts, just got back late last night and I must admit that after the initial groan after hearing the result, I am with you and Smithers all the way. We have got enough to deal with at the moment with the league and Europe, this is one less distraction in my book. Plus I really don't understand what is happening with Huth. Watching the highlights from last year as I do with my lad regularly, he was on fire at times, very concerned about him. Definitely up for Newcastle, it's going to be a real tough one and we need the home points as always!
Sidibe's a gonner now Smithers? Plus I am looking forward to Ric coming back as I am Higgy. Anyone know how close they both are to starting?
I'd like to think that was correct, but TP must have some influence, especially as both Woody and Palacious flew through theirs???????? Also TP has been very vocal on Demb Ba's good form, it could be constrewed as wishing his knees to go in order justify the decession made by the "club" - IMHO!
Funny how one or two have mentioned Ricky Fuller?? We were saying this during the game last night, it was Ric's type of game I think.. anyone know when he's ready to play again? He is more direct than KJ and I think that game would have suited his style. As for Mama, very,very sad but listening too TPs interview on the way home last night.. It didn't sound good at all. Quote T.P. said.." They had to give Mama Oxygen for the pain" Seem's his career could be over, I HOPE for Mama's sake it's not. But in fairness, I doubt he would get a start given the strikers we now have. What's worse is I hear he scored a goal too, then just collapsed. GET well SOON Mama.
Great news on Fuller, but how is he going to be accommodated? Unless both Walters and Jerome rotate to the wing I cant see him playing - subject to injuries and suspension.
I'd be disappointed if Jonny was shifted over to the wings to make way for Fuller, as Jonny has played superbly well since March and deserves to keep his spot. I think Fuller should be on the bench at best and given 25-30 minutes here or there. I think Fuller would've left in the summer had it not been for his injury and I personally think this will be his last season in the red and white.
Yeh I think your right. In relation to Walters, there is no way I would move him for Fuller except on 75 mins onwards - afterall our wingers dont seem to have 90 competitive minutes in them at the moment!
