I haven't exactly been a Carroll basher of late but I haven't really given him my vote of confidence. His link up play with Saurez was promising and I still think the biggest downfall was the service given to him. His best opportunity was when he hit the post from Enrique's cross, which was the type of ball he has been craving. I didn't really notice the "push" before the first goal and seeing it on the tele I think there wasn't much in it, a fuss over nothing imo. Could of had a goal at the end but couldn't get the shot off with his powerful left foot, had he hit that it would have gone in. I think most will agree he played very well yesterday.
He did play well, I just wish that shot off the bar he hit would've gone in! Would have done him the world of good!
He did play well, it was great to see him getting into decent positions, the goals will come, its just a matter of time.
None of the Wolves players, Johnson included, made anything of it until after the goal went in. That tells you all you need to know. Thought Carroll looked good in spells. Just needs a goal or two now.
I thought he looked good yesterday, quite mobile and starting to make trouble for the defenders. Good to see him drifting around too trying to get the ball, not just standing still waiting for carragher to lump it to him. I was annoyed with him at the end though, he could have and should have got the shot away.
ive also been impressed with him defensively, he wins a LOT of headers in our box, and frequently trcks back (not just to defend set pieces) and puts in decent tackles
He was robbed of a goal v Sunderland and has had plenty of shots on goal since. He's a bit rubbish when picking out or running onto a through ball but he can cause havoc, even against experienced defenders like Johnson yesterday. His partnership with Suarez is only just short of clicking and I think we'll be seeing goals from them soon.
well it all depends on how you look at it. 1. holding the ball up, he's been atrocious 2. service. has been very poor generally. 3. link play. people are not getting around him enough. 4. speed. very slow 5. work rate. variable. I'd like to see him do more in general play, make better simple passes and retain us possession. but i'd also really like to see what the hell downing et al are doing when not using him right.
his knock down for the Gerrard shot shows one of his attributes we just haven't exploited even when we've resorted to long balls, and also shows what could be a very promising combination between him and Gerrard. Newcastle built their team around him, but Liverpool still haven't even figured out which options work with each other. Carroll is having to adapt to the movement of Suarez, a different style of football, he's been injured for a while and he's in a new environment with more pressure. The Wolves game showed us all the elements of his game we are hoping to see on a regular basis- his powerful header that hit the post, his knockdown for Stevie and his cross for Suarez were all nearly goals. It should show to those panicking that he has the ability to do these things, it's simply a case of them being more of a regular occurrence and all our players figuring out how to get the best out of each other.
at nufc nolan played of Carroll, I think Gerrard ought to be doing the same. I don't see how henderson can be in the team when gerrard is fit. Basically Suarez should be on the right, downing left, midfield lucas and adams or lucas and hedo, Gerrard playing off Carroll. Kuyt to come on or playing instead of suarez. Hook it in there, Carroll will win it and Gerrard can put it in. Route one.
Will be interesting to see the formation when Gerrard returns, henderson obviosuly the man to be dropped but gives us a lack a right midfielder if we start with lucas and Adam- and i dont believe gerrard or suarez should play on the right. I was impressed with Carroll yesterday and i can see him (if remaining in the same sort of form or better) getting 15 goals. That would be a decent return definatly when suarez is going to score 20
Excellent comment. I'm convinced Andy Carroll is going to be a star, he just needs to be more selfish, it wasn't going to happen over-night. He has the tools to be a terrific striker.
Think Carroll will defo start v the blues,the change I would make would be Dirk in for Hendo.This is really Dirks kind of game
I agree. Its a rough and tumble game and definitely not one for someone as tactically naive as Henderson. Henderson is likely to do a Rooney at a CL final or a major tournament...disappear. This game is a real scrap and one that is tailor made for Kuyt, He would relish scrapping with Everton.
Yeah Carroll played well yesterday and if he keeps up that sort of performance he'll get goals. Still too early to say whether the partnership with Suarez will ignite but I definately agree that having Gerrard marauding in behind Carroll should help him and his confidence. Agree that it really has to be Kuyt starting against the bitters it'll be essential to try and keep Baines quiet down our right hand side and reduce his crossing opportunities and interplay as we totally failed to do with Bale against Spurs.
