There was so much negativity surrounding the draw with Tottenham (yes, draw - not loss!), in a game where on another day we might have nicked a goal towards the end, I came from watching the game and being slightly disapointed to shocked at the reactions on here. Our last 4 recent results have been - Wolves - Win Man United - Win Man City (over two legs) - Win Tottenham - Draw Taking into account Wolves which we should look to win anyway, we've got an amazing record against teams all above us in the league. So what if we couldn't score a goal against Tottenham? We must have been doing something right in front of goal to win those other games, and when a quality team like Spurs come and play defensively, it's not always easy to break them down and score a goal. We're in a Cup Final, and have a chance at winning our first cup in 6 years. Sure we might not get Champions League football, but we haven't had it for a few years now and didn't win anything within that time - it shows we're improving. Also consider that there are 7 teams who all arguably could do a decent job in the Champions League, and assuming we don't finish in the Top 4, it's likely that the other two clubs will be without Champions League football and a cup. Not only do we have Suarez back from his ban, and Gerrard who looks to have shaken off his injury problems, we also have Carroll looking much improved. I think we can all agree he was never worth 35 million pounds, but if he continues to play the way he has and naturally improves over time, I have no problem with him playing every week. I personally feel that Kenny bought Downing and Adam both for their ability to put crosses/set pieces into the box at a good rate - and both of those players haven't been able to do that, which hinders Carroll considerably. Finally, our main problem this season has been a lack of goals. Assuming we play 4-2-3-1, our front line can look like this: Carroll Suarez - Gerrard - Bellamy/Maxi Taking into account the two defensive midfielders giving them the freedom to attack and change position, as well as the possibility of other players in the team scoring goals as well, that looks like a consistent 2-3 goals per game to me. We all know that Gerrard has a good scoring record when he has that freedom, Suarez can only improve considering he's only been playing in English Football a year, Carroll will have plenty of opportunities with those three World Class players creating chances around and for him, and Bellamy/Maxi seem to average nearly a goal a game when they're started. Oh, and did I mention we have the 2nd best defence in the league, with a huge amount of strength in depth throughout the whole team (which gives us an advantage towards the end of the season)? It's a great time to be a Liverpool fan!
Excellent Thread It's so easy to over look the fantastic progress we've made, And even though our PL Campaign hasn't been great so far this season, we're still only 4 points off the CL places, in the CC final and have a good chance in the F.A. Cup, still loads to play for
If only we could score goals, we'd be top 3 for sure. I am delighted you're looking at the positive, but I am just far too concerned with the zero progress we have made in fixing our toothless attack. Teams will always come to Anfield and "park the bus", we need to figure out what is wrong with our front line and fix it. We don't need to sack everyone or buy new players, we have the talent, we are just not doing anything worthwhile with it. Remember the old days, when Melwood would have a goal painted on a wall, and it would have targets which people would have to hit? I think we need that back, and for everyone to have a couple more hours training a day to line up and hit that ****er! Hendo, Downing and Adam, could then practice hitting balls to people in red shirts from 20 yards away, and hitting the ball with pace!
Hendo does stay after and work on his game, they have to make him leave. hence he is the one that you see signs of improvement, not the finished product, but you can tell he puts the work in,.
Henderson, Downing and Adam have it in them,and out of them 3 the 1 where you can see improvement is Henderson.He is showing that he wants to improve on his game,and i can see him being a really good player he just has to stick at it.As for the other 2 well 3 if you count Carroll in there should take a look at Henderson and do the same IMPROVE Not forgetting Spearing there either people weren't sure about him but he is improving each time he play's and works his socks off There are good timed heading towards LFC but we just have to a bit more patient plus like mentioned there is still loads to play for. PS good thread Captain and welcome to the forun CC final,FA cup and we are still in with a shout for 4th
For almost 60 years I have always been excited about being a Liverpool fan - through good times and bad. I could never envisage not being in love with LFC. As for the players mentioned above: Carroll - has started to show an appetite for the game again. It's taken longer than expected but the signs are good Henderson - I agree with what has been said above Adam - Personally I think that he has a bad case of 2nd Season Syndrome but will come good. Downing - Here I have a dilemma. I believe that he was bought to replicate the job that he did for Villa and he's just not doing it. Perhaps we should ask the Villans if they are surprised by his performances for us?
Thanks guys! This is a pretty big issue - even though Liverpool's strength in depth is improved from the last few years, and appears pretty solid, they're still matching teams fighting relegation in terms of goals. I think the reason is due to our squad players being relied on, at least so far. Carroll is only now showing signs of the player Kenny wanted to buy, Gerrard has just come back from a long term injury, Suarez has been banned for 8 games and Bellamy has only started to get a lot of playing time recently. The problem is kind of less important for now, as we finally have a front four which can be relied on and are able to unlock tight defences, but it does worry me seeing teams like Man United who are relying on some medicore players each week with their injury problems, and are still 2 points off Man City. With Henderson, I see him a lot of similarities between him and Lucas. They both arrived as attacking midfielders, both struggled to score goals intially and often played games very safe, as opposed to taking risks like having a shot or trying to play a through ball for a striker to get onto. I actually wanted Kenny to buy Henderson before the transfer gossip started with it, and do think that we overpaid, but I'm sure he'll turn out to be a decent player for Liverpool. He's still playing for the U21s, so he has plenty of time to improve.
