Liverpools' defence has been ordinary, Chelseas' attack has been non existent, while we have been learning to play with 10 men. That suggests even Chelsea should be able to score against Liverpool, while Liverpool should definitely score against Chelsea. Chelsea website says AI suggests a 2-2 result apparently, a lower form of intelligence, me, suggests 1-1 IF we keep 11 on the pitch, 3-0 to Liverpool, if we lose a player before half time.
Well I'll be buggered !! We actually played like we knew what we were doing !. First sight this season of pace, attacking ambition, and a real will to win. And we kept it up all match. Liverpool just edged us first 10 mins, but our defence looked particularly good, Josh and Cucurella were in it to win it.Neto looked dangerous and really quick, Garnacho steady and calm. Great goal from Caicedo got us fired up and we were simply better than Liverpool rest of the game.We didn't murder them, but we were on top. Credit to Maresca?? Did he change things up or did the players just decide to play ?? Whoever, it has to be the way to go now. We still need a striker, but everyone Iv'e been criticising lifted and played miles better than the "walking dead" of the first few games. Reasons to be cheerful !!
We have seen our team have these flashes, like in the CWC final. We know this team, even decimated by injuries, can play really well and put in performances. Consistency is our problem. I have to admit I didnt see us grabbing a win here, especially with all the injuries we are currently coping with, but I will start to believe when we string 3 or 4 results like that together instead of only 1 out of 5 games.
I agree, I'm not going to get carried away, but the change in tactics was really big. Personally, If we play that way and lose, I won't be as upset as when we lose playing "Marescas' Mogodon". Surely even the stubborn and underwhelming Maresca can see that the Players are happier and better when they are not shackled by his methods?? There are still things to improve, but that playing style should be locked in stone from now on.