You can get away with a dodgy defence but you cannot get away with a dodgy strike force. Look above Liverpool in the league and all you see are sides better than us in the attack department. Last season we had the privilege of having Suarez and a fit Sturridge. This practically meant we could outscore the opponents even when having a mare in midfield or defence. All the teams currently ahead of us have quality up front and did not lose any over the summer · Chelsea – Costa, Remy, Drogba · Arsenal – Giroud, Welbeck,Sanchez · Man united – Rooney, Van Persie, Falcao(Debatable) · Mancity – Aguero, Dzeko, Jovetic, Bony · Liverpool – Sturridge, Balotelli,Lambert, Borini (The last 3 need to go) The difference is there to see. Our marquee striker was out injured for almost the whole season, and the backups failed miserably. Last season when Suarez was suspended, we had Sturridge to cover and when Sturridge was injured Suarez was playing up front. We also had the benefit of having fewer games hence the small squad was not stretched. What did we do? We bulked the squad but lost two of our most potent weapons that made us tick. The biggest difference was we never got a striker who Could press – Keeping the opponents high line in check Could score – Finish the chances created (Read Sterling/Balotelli) Could step up when Studge inevitably got injured That alone was a massive failing of the committee/Rodgers. In the earlier games where we struggled, we created some chances which a better quality striker would have finished. Remember Balos last minute miss against Hull, miss against everton when the game was at 1-0. Such fine margins Other signings The may have cost a ton of cash but the likes of Lallana and Markovic have scored their fair share of goals. Supplement this with a 20 goal a season striker and we would be further up the table. The fact that our top scorer in the league has single digits is an indictment of the failings up front, The performance of these other signings has been magnified by the lack of a goal threat up front. This lead to a formation change that reduced the goals we were leaking and as such we went on a winning run which was high on points but low on goals. The moment we struggled to score we were found out and lost to Arsenal and United and now Villa What next I’d rather have us use the bulk of our kitty to get two class strikers whatever it may cost as goals are the currency in football. Who? Throw in all the names but get them. Dybala, Vietto, Lacazzette, Depay among others. That said, we need to pay the going rate i.e. wages. We cannot cry poverty when wasting monies on players who may never play for us i.e. Aspas, Albertos of this world. We are losing two very highly paid players in Gerrard and Johnson and I’d suggest their wages cater to those two strikers
Astro I know you are an optimist and so am I but Balotelli is a no go for me. He does not press sufficiently and Origi is the physical but faster version of Balotelli. We need strikers who will make Sturridge and Origi raise their games and not a player who will make Studge think as long as he is fit he will play.
I agree to some extent but you cannot underestimate what a good defence can do for teams. Rather looking at a defence as merely stopping goals, but a quality defensive structure (i.e defenders and DM) then allow the attackers to attack with more freedom. It's all about balance, and right now, we're not strong in any area.
It takes time to get the balance right. What Rodgers needs is players who will flourish in an attacking sense. Suarez did not thrive under Kenny but flourished under Rodgers. What I know Rodgers is good at is attack and I'd rather he plays to his strengths. We conceded massively from set pieces in 2013/14 season and that Rodgers managed to fix. Goals this season or lack of is the reason we are where we are and not our defence.
I agree with this, except I see Balotelli as plan B, not 3rd choice. He allows us the option to change our setup.
Benitez and Mourinho build from defense forward. Mourinho had a solid defense last season but finished 3rd from a lack of goals. Benitez won the CL with Baros as a loan striker, the FA cup with a duo of Crouch and Cisse, and got to the CL final again with Kuyt and Bellamy upfront. Torres up front had us in the title race. I think building a great attack is a bigger challenge, but building a solid defense first can keep a team among the best whilst you build the attack required to be above the best.
This is not quite my thought but close enough Id rather three than have balotelli stinking up the place
We haven't had the chance to see it too many times but if we're winning and want to kill a game there aren't many players as good as Balotelli at holding the ball, winning free kicks and seeing out the game. On the other hand bringing him on as a lone striker when we're chasing a game is ******ed.
Agree. Building a defence is the same laying the foundation (pardon the cliche). And to be fair to Mourinho, it was his first season back last year. Now he's spent a while with these players, he's got them well drilled.
Agreed - his hold up play is brilliant at times. Needs runners for him to lay the ball into. He cannot play as a lone striker and never has done. But neither can Sturridge.
We'll Origi, it's a matter of buying that other top quality player and as a 3 Studge, Origi +1 is good.
Seriously though. If that ****wit Borini is still at the club come September and so is Rodgers both of them should be put in cannons and fired towards the nearest ferry in the docks
Sell Borini - offers nothing but young enough for us to be able to recoup majority of our money back. Bring 1 quality ST, with Sturridge as partner or rotate, Mario as backup and Origi as the young understudy.
Mario as backup? You really want to stick with this guy? Studge and 1 major purchase should be the aim, Origi as back up and rotation.
