Had to work today (last Saturday I do until next summer), kept up to date with the BBC text updates. Sounds like we had a few nervous moments, first game and all that, but there was a alot of creativity just needing some better finishing and yet another outstanding GK performance against us. Good to get a win, hopefully kick on next game.
Really good attacking play but a few wasted chances. The front three interchanged very well and it completely opened Stoke up. But the post was hit a few times and Begovic had some good saves. Gerrard and Lucas controlled the midfield well. Linking the passing and breaking up Stokes play. The team pressed very well. Defense was shaky from set pieces and aerial threats. Mignolet started nervously but improved gradually and saved the penalty. Stoke did not challenge us much though. They sat back hoping for a goalless draw.
Why is it all our shots are along the floor? Goalie dives and we keep hitting him. Press says the goalie was man of the match. If our forwards had only chipped him the truth would be seen - we missed the opportunity
Just when I start to doubt Enrique he pulls that performance out. From a defensive point of view he did everything right, strong off the ball, positioning, didn't let anyone past him, but a lot of our good play stemmed from him not panicking on the ball and playing it out, also made a few good runs forward too and forced a good save out of Begovic. Encouraging
Thought he was excellent today although he'll have tougher tests obviously. Loved his 60 yard sprint forward Thought we'd ****ing blown it but felt we fully deserved the three points. Aspas gave his all and looked very lively as did Stuzza, Lucas was quality and Ming despite looking nervous has just earned himself instant bonus points. Get home to find the Goons have lost as well is ****iiiiiiiiiing sweet
I had my doubts when we signed him, even on a free, but if Toure plays the rest of the season as he did to day then I would be happy to admit I was wrong.Him and Agger looked a better partnership than Agger/Skertyl. No rash challenges and both good readers of the game. I don't think Agger intended to handle the ball he was just clumsy, but defo. penalty.
Also worth noting that Daniel Sturridge played 90 minutes today, that'll do him the world of good considering he only returned a week ago. Still looked very sharp too, IF we can keep him fit.. What a striker we have on our hands..
@DanielAgger: Nice 3 points today. Great with 90 min. After 2 weeks out!!! And Yes I know it, I owe Simon a Pint) Y.N.W.A Agger
He looked good but I wouldn't say very sharp. He was off the ball with Coutinho and his first touch wasn't great either.
As Stoke defended so deep I don't think it helped Coutinho & Sturridge. We saw them at their best when there was space behind the defence which allowed Coutinho to draw defenders out and slip it through to use Sturridge's pace in behind. As Stoke were so deep, Sturridge was looking to come deep as well to get involved and not just stand next to their CB.
