Hendo confirming he wanted it but Mario wanted it even more so Hendo passed on the responsibility. Pessimists would say - Lack of confidence from the captain. Optimists would say - Good leadership in letting a man with proven pen record take one.
Sturridge should stop thinking its all about him, its all about the ****ing team and that goes for his greediness, he had a few opportunies to put other players through tonight but wasted chances to make the scoreline match our superiority.
Does look like quite a bust up. And sturridge is clearly telling Hendo to take the ball pack and take the pen.
Mario should have definitely taken the penalty and fair play to Hendo for doing so. Sturridge clearly frustrated tonight but it shows that he's not good as a lone striker. He needs a partner and Mario can be that guy - he was brilliant today and it's the second consecutive performance where he has changed the game. Also, Can had a horrible game IMO but the guy is a leader - was shouting at Sturridge to come and celebrate, and it's not the first time he done things like this. Get Coutinho, Sterling, Ibe, Mario and Sturridge in the team and the attack will be more potent - at the moment, we get into good positions but can't do anything. And Gerrard just said Mario was mischievous with taking the penalty. Makes me question - who the hell picked Hendo over Mario to take the penalty? mario' record from the spot is better than Gerrard I think.
We all know mario should have taken the pen, but should he have taken the ball out of hendos hand when Hendo was geared up to take it himself?
Just looking at it again.. Sturridge didn't want it...he's saying Hendo should be taking it. You can see him pointing at Hendo when Mario is putting it on the spot. Thought Hendo handled it well to be honest, instead of making a huge fuss on the field he let it happen and didn't cause it to distract everyone.
Tough game but a good win. Mingolet - 7. Nothing to do except one excellent save . Commanded his box well. Can -6. Worst game for a while. Didn't impress either when moved to midfield Skrtel -6 solid again but stupid free kicks he gives away Sakho -7 looked very assured and some excellent distribution. Ibe -9. Just excellent. Looked a danger whenever we got the ball to him. Henderson -7 tried a bit too hard at times but you can never question his commitment Allen -8 very tidy and kept midfield ticking over. Presses well and we looked unsettled when he went off. Couthino -6 didn't quite come off and he tried to be get elaborate at times Moreno -7 excellent first half but still needs to cross better Lallana -6 would have been a 7 for the first half but that miss!!!! Sturridge -6 worked hard but very selfish at times. Ballotelli -8 I know he wasn't on long but thought he made a massive difference. Working for the team now. Lovren -6 solid and won some good headers. Would eventually like to see him there permanently Sterling -6 not on long but lively as usual.
Ibe was **** hot, great prospect and Rodgers should give him the game time his performances deserve. But Rodgers being Rodgers...........
Hendo and Gerrard just confirmed Brod's choice was Hendo for the penalty. Studge clearly says Hendo was the managers choice too. Mario would have been my pick but if the manager picks who takes it then that is who takes it.
Agreed - the designated player should take it, but how can anyone bar Stevie be ahead of Mario? Anyway - typical that the focus is all on Mario. Wil now detract away from his brilliant performance. Also, Ibe was brilliant
To be honest my question is - why isn't balotelli down as first choice to take pens when he's on the pitch. He's the closest thing we' e got to a set piece specialist atm
Henderson started, Balotelli was on the bench. I'm guessing that they pick one player as the pen taker and that person is someone that is starting, although I'd be saying Hendo you're the pen taker but if Balotelli is on the pitch he is number 1.
Exactly. Also, i liked how Henderson was diplomatic, but find it concerning how quick Gerrard was quick to have a go at Balotelli.
