Still find it so annoying how Rodgers went too aggressive, compromising the balance of the team. He did this again before, but I can't remember who against, with the same result.
I had friends round last night so didn't fancy picking over the ones of that. I haven't read back but I imagine some players have got it in the neck and rightly so. The main problem for me was the change of formation it allowed Villa to boss the midfield and Rodgers didn't react quickly enough and change it.
probably against another team setup to counter, like to see this formation against a team that will play and not counter then we can see the proper potential of it, trouble is he keeps using it at silly times and doesn't pay off, hope he tries again but just fear he uses it when he shouldn't and when he should he remembers the times it didn't ruddy work and wont use it. unless, another idea is, he wants to see how this attacking lineup works against all types of formations see how we do and bring in players to suit that way, and going forward this is the lineup we will see more of.
Rodgers wanted to fit everyone in SAS, Coutinho, Sterling, Gerrard and Henderson. That's 6 attack minded players!. Unfortunately it meant that he had to leave out the more disciplined players in Lucas and Allen.
There was a lack of understanding throughout the team I think that was down to the formation change. The service into the front 2 was terrible.
Was he trying to impress JH with an Anfield massacre? Trouble is he nearly succeeded but not in the way that he thought! There was absolutely no cohesion throughout the side. It was as though Rodgers had dreamed this plan on the way to the ground, told the players who was playing and then sent them out with no specific instructions and no preparation on the training ground. I really don't understand. So I'm afraid that's 2 points dropped that are completely down to Rodgers and a point saved by a side that didn't deserve it! Conversely you might think that it was a deiberate ploy by Rodgers to prove to JH just where the investment must be made this window and how badly we need it.
Is it my imagination but it seemed that villa somehow was faster and more accurate with their passing in the middle of the pitch? They won most of the 50-50 balls and I think Rodgers underestimated them, and thought the points were in the bag. The last matches without Gerrard your midfield seemed faster with Henderson linking very well with coutinho. With Gerrard you seem more plodding, Henderson and coutinho seemed very subdued. Can it be coincidence? May be it is time for Gerrard to be a lampard I.e play a few selected games. Even a Giggs, coming on for the last half an hour of games.
good post smithy, agree, like to see Gerrard used more as an impact sub or selective games than a starter in the team, sadly don't think Brendan shares that idea, or if he does funny way of showing it. Lucas,Allen,Henderson looks like the way forward, we need to see more of it to give them time to gel than Gerrard coming in and spoiling that by being a guaranteed starter, that's the main problem he is guaranteed to be in the team.
That's not the midfield problem. Lucas,Allen,Henderson looked good against one of the poorest midfield's in the country and a back 4 that had no cohesion. But Allen has very little creative potential and certainly can't provide penetrating long passes. Henderson has a great motor but is a carrier not a creator. Whilst Allen will try and put his puny bulk into defensive work, Henderson is pretty useless. That leaves Lucas as the sole defensive provider. Yesterday Gerrard had that responsibility against 2 forwards and 3 midfielders!!!
I would still play Gerrard but not in that holding role we needed Lucas in there and Gerrard was much more effective when further forward. If we go back to 4-3-3 then a midfield of Lucas Gerrard Hendo is fine imo. I agree though that when Gerrard was out Lucas Allen Hendo played well. Rodgers simply got the formation wrong yesterday and has said as much, he's still a young manager and mistakes will be made but imo he's doing a brilliant job and does seem to learn from his mistakes.
agree to disagree dave, think our midfield works better with them 3 than with Gerrard in it, like to see him pushed further forward personally and Suarez and Sturrridge tracking back, as they have the legs for it, and he can stay up top and hopefully get his lethal shots from 30 yrs back, give the opo something to think about for sure, not the player he used to be remembered for playing where he is, need him the other end, he can rotate with Sterling.
They only gave City and Chelsea one of their biggest tests this season... Gerrard is not a regista but the decision to play him there with only Henderson as protection is suicide. To play the 'Pirlo' role, you need 2 physical, dominant midfielders ahead of you. I agree that Allen won't create much but playing in a deeper position, you need someone who is disciplined and he can do that. Picking out the simple balls to start attacks, positionally aware etc. Since he's come back into the team, we have looked more balanced.
