We haven't been that adventurous all season, against the "smaller" teams we have played a more defensive game. Tactically, i thought we got it wrong today. The three Liverpool had in centre mid overran our two central players.
I can't believe that was the same team I've been watching the last 3 years. It was discusting, again. I really don't understand his team selections or his subs! I can't understand his tactics or what he is trying to do! He seems to be trying to get rid of any pace, flair and creativity from our play! First half was embarressing, but the only players I couldnt moan about were Ruddy, Martin and Jackson. Then Jackson gets subbed at half time!? If that wasn't for an injury, then I really dont know what he's thinking. Turner and Barnet are the 2 most error prone, clumsy defenders I've seen. Barnett has been ok, this season, but I don't trust him.I like Surman, Johnson but I don't know what that bring to the team. Snograss I was happy we bought because I thought he's sort out our setplays. He cant cross, take a freekick or a corner and he's so much slower than I imagined, Really hope he sorts himself out and learns that you get no time at this level to faff about. We play 2 target men, but with no pace or crossing on either wing!? I just don't understand. Defensivly I'd like to see: Ruddy, Martin, Bassong (Barnett while injured), Bennett, Garrido, Fox, Tetty, Howsen, Butterfield, Hoolahan, Jackson. Going for it I'd like to see: Ruddy, Martin, Bassong, Bennett, Garrido, Bennett, Pilkington (Snograss while injured), Fox, Hoolahan, Jackson, Holt. Just to freshen it up, because this isn't working.
OK, I got slagged off last week for complaining about the team and style of play.This 2-5 isn't that bad IMHO.The second goal was the killer and that doesn't happen above pub team level football any more.But Holt's goal was extremely well taken,he had quite a lot to do and if Suarez had done it everyone would have been drooling.Hopefully he will now become a regular scorer.With Holt and Morrison up front I can see us causing problems for the teams in the mini league in the bottom third of the table.Southampton have shipped goals at the rate of three a game,Swansea look to be doing a Wolves after a brilliant opening,Reading are struggling to get a win as are QPR and Wigan are down there too.We only need to finish 17th and I feel a lot more confident about that than I did last week when I could only see a series of 1-0 defeats interspersed with bore draws.
I don't think yesterday was as bad as people are suggesting it was. I've seen far, far worse at Carrow Road. Also, it could have so easily been 5-5. There were at least three or four chances where we could have so easily have scored. We were right in it (with the exception of the scoreline) until Liverpool scored their fifth. It was only after then when they dominated possession. It's just that that last 20 minutes and the goals that people will remember. We were right in it possession wise before then.
I think the Suarez factor swung it. If gerrard had scored a hattrick it wouldn't have been so bad. I just had that rat faced ****. Really, really do.
I think you underestimate how many goals Liverpool could have had. Yes we could have had 5 but they could have had far more. You may have seen worse of course but that doesn't make up for what was our worst performance in many a year. We weren't just beaten by a superior side. We were dreadful and would have lost to any of the other 19 teams in the league yesterday and maybe some of the top teams in the Championship. Poor player performance and IMO poor team selection.
That is a very good point! But they tend to buy expensive flops or has-beens. May you should get a few young lads on loan - you can have Downing for 5 mill if you want?!
Can't really disagree with any of that, Ayala and Vaughan are shipped out and replaced with Turner and a 19 year old Spudz reserve, brilliant
On reflection,having reviewed the stats I reckon Liverpool were lucky.They had six shots on target,five of which went in.That's an extraordinary conversion rate.Suarez got lucky on the first,it could so easily have gone wide,hit the post,or been tipped round by Ruddy.The second was pub team defending,the third was good.I still reckon they are an average side.If Holt had been one on one with the goalie like Suarez was,or had the headed chance that Gerrard got nine times out of ten he would have put them away. On a funnier note did anyone else see Big Match revisited on ITV4 this morning.Liverpool v Norwich 0-2.A wonderful goal by Lawro for the opener!
I don't necessarily mean just attempts at goal. Every time they attacked with any effort they looked like they had the ability to score. Second half they backed off now and again and didn't spring as many forward and Gerrard certainly chose his moments to attack. And lets not forget the biggest howler of the match came from their goalkeeper and Skertl completely misjudged Howson's through ball to Holt which did lead to a magnificent finish. Glad he's found the net at last. And if that wasn't a penalty on Suarez, then I don't know what is.
Liverpool were not lucky, they were much,much better than us. Hughton has his work cut out if Bassong is going to be out for a while. He's put his to focus on defence and we are conceding more than before, in addition the attack has dried up due to the change in formation and rigidity of playing style. He's not doing a very good job at the moment.
