Not sure that dominating a parked bus is much to be proud of. Especially when the bus gets a draw. Well done Arsenal last week eh?
Well put. When a team plays well it is often best left alone to dismiss the 'flash-in-the-pan' fear, but poor, often repeated failings will always draw comments. Livermore is now adequate, down from bloody good, the problem is that others are allowing their games to drop in the same old boring, predictable and fruitless tactics that Bruce is once again stuck in a rut with. Powell looked like a travelling vagabond trying to exercise his skills wherever he could; if he had instructions from his coaching team then it was not apparent. On the other hand, to offer him the fairness of balance, he did look like a player trying to get into the game and I believe, with a bit of direction, he will bring something we need to the team - a breath of fresh air. The really heavy criticism of his appearances are unfair and unnecessarily blunt. I'm not too critical of individual performances from last night, only that some are below par (some we already know not to be too good, but we have what we have), but what I am critical of is Steve Bruce's total lack of tactical acuteness, as it is a real concern for the run- in. There are some good managers in our league, who lack the depth of squad, or quality of players, that Bruce enjoys and they are out-thinking him to deny us precious points.
We all love Livermore because he is our sop story, our brave lad who is bouncing back from tragedy. But that doesn't cover the fact that he was well below his normal self last night and indeed against Brighton. Popping up with a diagonal ball here and there and then doing nothing isn't Good enough, not for a player of his quality.
I r eally don't know what to make of Phelan, as, with Agnew, I knew him to be a well thought of coach who specializes in one-on-one improvement. I don't see or believe that is a key strength of Phelan, but I don't see what is. At this level I would certainly expect Phelan to have Powell ready, with clear instruction on how to effect change in the game - that was not there. Someone might be able to offer a more positive view and I would be interested in reading it.
What a load of waffle. We are the top team. We were in the top league last year. Teams come to us and play not to lose. Bruce has the difficult job of being favourite and with the weight of expectation he is expected to win everything. Visiting managers leave with plaudits if they get a point or three, and if we win our fans expect it and move on. Some of you are as fickle as a fickle thing in fickle town. Your lurch one way week to week. Any point lost is a sign of inadequacy. We have had an outstanding run with Bruce, and continue to progress on cup and league. Get a reality check. Criticise by all means but stop this **** about our management team being clueless. I can take balanced and considered argument, but not melodramatic bleating. We made a lot of chances last night. On balance, I am not that worried about our tactics.
9 clean sheets in 11 games is an incredible record. People think having a better team is good enough to win if you just attack all out but that's clearly not the case when you look at a team like Man City who have some of the best defenders in the world yet are underachieving and are regularly exposed because they have a manager who doesn't pay equal respect to all parts of the game. Nobody would be happy if we were like Fulham, I have no idea what people are moaning at.
Criticize Livermore's shooting by all means - and even some of his passing game. However, we have no right just to beat teams who park the bus and we have to earn the right to play. Part of that is dominating the midfield area and winning individual battles, which Livermore does regularly without fail. Another aspect of Livermore's game that is not appreciated is that he makes some great forward runs only for the person on the ball to either not see him or hopelessly over hit the ball.
So would you drop Livermore for the next game? I wouldn't and I think our midfield would be much weaker without him.
I don't understand why it hasn't improved, bad coaching? He slowed down for a shot with all the space and time he needed and hit what would have been a great rugby kick.
Okay, you've made the point that we have a good defence (even defensive options), but what about moving the ball from defence to attack, is that as strong as you would wish it to be?
Well it's a good question. Do you wait for his form to return or bring Hayden in and give him a rest? This is a critical time in the season, we can't afford for players to be in the team and not contributing.
Other than his appalling shooting, I don't think Livermore did a fat lot wrong last night. I certainly wouldn't drop him.
I feel we sometimes lack a big strong striker who is good in the air and would rough the opponents centre backs up a bit. This would hopefully allow Hernandez or whoever is playing alongside him to feed off him and pick the bits up.
Ernie the coach sez: He tries to leather it all the time. Head over the ball. Slightly open stance. Eyes on the target. Sidefoot. Placement. Job's a good 'un.
He gave he ball away a fair bit. I just think he looks bollocksed, we had this with Meyler and it took Bruce another 3 games to realise he needed a rest to get him back to his best.
Shooting is still hugely disappointing too, one last night in particular he had plenty of time and still ballooned it. If him and Huddlestone had provided goals since they signed we wouldn't be where we are now, at least DM looks like he has ability in front of the goal. Where has Hayden gone too, our best football coincided with his involvement
