Last summer we were scoring goals, Carroll got a few, and Downing got a few assists. That didnt reflect in to the season itself.
We were scoring loads but conceding loads too. Funny how our problem in the season was scoring while our defence was one of the positive things of the season.
I wonder what would have happened if the ref didnt disallow Carroll's goal v Sunderland on opening day.
15 minutes at the end..Did nothing more than make up the numbers.....But no one really shone in the whole game, it was clearly fitness and passing practice rather than Urgency and forcing the game
Was I watching a different game to everyone else, I thought the whole 90 minutes was utter dire ****e. Considering that was our third game, and Spurs' second, they looked by far the more advanced. We couldn't keep hold of the ball to save our lives, and like the Roma game, if the pace is too fast, we just could not compete. We have to wait until the other team runs out of steam before we even look like we know how to play football, and even then we are suspect. We are shapeless, skill-less, clueless and generally ****. So much for resting in possession, we never had the ball longer than 4 seconds, as we kept giving it away as cheaply as a manc prozzy. I have commented previously on how it is a **** pre-season for us, with all the best players being away, and the fact we will have to hit the ground running, but today, we had all bar Suarez, if I'm honest, Coates still not first choice and Bellers maybe off. So we should now be able to put out a decent squad, but Rodgers is still dicking about, giving everyone and his dog a run-out, which can be done on the training ground. We have more than 22 players on the tour, so they can all have 90 minutes against each other. Playing other teams, should be all about formation and tactics. We now have a couple of European games, that we probably won't play our best 11 against, and Sami's team, where you would hope we would have our best 11 out at once, but I just don't have the confidence to think Rodgers will do that. We are going to get to the start of the season and be in no way good enough. I am officially worried.
Only time will tell mate. We've had terrible pre-seasons in the past and won leagues so I don't take too much stake in the games. I like that he is giving everyone a chance but I'm also worried about the size of the squad. We have too many players and need to trim. The next 2 games are serious business so we need to step it up and play.
Chill out, looking at the team sheet, Spurs pretty much had a about 8 first 11 players in it, where as half our team was made up of kids/reserves. Yes, neither team looks good but we were missing Reina, Johnson, Agger, Lucas, Gerrard, Suarez, Borini, Henderson all of whom will probably be in our first choice 11. Defence did ok, midfield looked poor with Spearing and Adam in there, but the 2nd half when Shelvey & Henderson were playing together with a bit of pace in Sterling on the wing we looked better and played some decent football in parts. Results and performances really mean nothing during friendlies. As pointed above, last year we were scoring for fun and conceeding loads, but neither of those 2 things carried on into the season. Once we get the Euro/Olympic players back and played a few games then we can really see how the team is shaping up. I wouldn't say Spurs looked more advanced than us, but they just had more pace in Walker, BAE, Bale & Lennon in their side so when they were running with the ball they just always look a bit more dangerous.
and Agger? Must say a bit strange that they didn't play weren't there? Also why was Johnson not playing yet?
And here are the pictures from our final game in the North American tour. please log in to view this image please log in to view this image please log in to view this image please log in to view this image please log in to view this image please log in to view this image please log in to view this image please log in to view this image please log in to view this image please log in to view this image
This morning Suso tweeted something along the lines of: Tomorrow back training with the reserves. Nothing changes. Quickly deleting and editing it to simply: Tomorrow back training with the reserves. Alarming stuff! He's been one of the best in the pre season and had solid performances. He's obviously disappointed and though I respect Rodgers authority I expect him to at least give a word of encouragement to the lad. We don't want him running off to play at Barca or something.
Probably a tongue in cheek tweet but changed it because he knew people would take it seriously To be honest, I wasn't that impressed with Suso during these games. I was much more impressed with Pacheco and Shelvey but suspect neither of them will be first team regulars this season, the latter will see more game time than the others though. If Suso was moaning with his comment then it tells me it still needs to mature and is not ready mentally
Thought I'd bump this up in preperation for our friendly against Leverkuson tomorrow. Game is on ESPN and should be good to see Sami back at Anfield. Be interesting to see what sort of team we put out and whether the guys who played on Thursday will get a rest.
I'm going to miss it, playing in a free seven-a-side tournament with food and alcohol supplied afterwards
