Sterling - poor lad is going through a bad patch which is expected. The problem is, he's our focal point of the attack so all attention is on him and he;s getting crowded out. Before, he had Suarezz and Sturidge who would create space for him. Opposition defenders aren't scared of Lambert or Balotelli. Coutinho playing deeper in the midfield 3 it would seem - suits him far better. I hated the fact that we spent £25m on Lallana but he definitely puts in a shift and combines it with moments of quality.
Think it has more to do with WBA being crap than us having improved. (no direspect WBA). One time they get it right after spurning many easier opportunities. If you throw a dart at a dartboard from 3 ft away enough times eventually one will rebound back and hit you in the eye.
He's not been great, far from it, but he's easily been better than Mario already. I think you need to remind yourself its a team game!
I keep saying but I do think he'll be a lot better when hes settled more and paired with Sturridge, he hasnt been good but dont givee up on him just yet by saying sell in Jan
I disagree... think Telly is better... this is just an easier team. The other "minnows" we played against played a more pressing game and a more physical game. WBA arn't doing that- they are venturing away from the boilerplate tactic to beat us and suffering as a result. WBA are giving us much more space and not physically attacking us every chance they get.
As I said above, Mario is a better player but Lambert is a better team player. The team is what matters most. I'd rather it not be either of them but the only other option is Borini.
The guy on 5 Live keeps complaining about how Coutinho should be playing further forward, not in midfield, because he is to good an attacker. He doesnt have a clue.
How has he been better? He's done literally nothing ... Btw - I'm not bigging up Balotelli by any means but I find it incredible that one player can receive such criticism and a local Scouse lad is seen to be the saviour of our attack (yes, I know it;s an exaggeration). I think it's unfair. This is no different to your assessment in Flannagan - local lads get a lot more support.
Good point. I think he's been over played, too, and it's the combination of that, your point and the intense expectation, or 'Gerrard Syndrome'. He'll not be 'burnt out' physically, due to his conditioning and age, but the mental stress must be huge!
I'm watching a stream and they mentioned Glen Johnson saying he's such a big miss and is a great outlet...
