We've just scored our third goal and the momentum is clearly with us....Why on earth would you make a double substitution at that exact point in the game? ****ing strange if you ask me. Give it at least 10-15 more minutes then make the subs. A good effort from the lads tonight though I blame this ****er please log in to view this image
Yeah agreed BBF - he's too erratic. He needs to keep calm and focused, it seems like at times the team don't trust him with the ball. Hence losing some momentum. I do like him though, he just needs to use his brain....if he has one under all that hair
I'm glad this thread is about the substitutions...as soon as the goal went in I just expected he'd tell the subs to sit down...momentum totally with us...it was a move of total naivity and someone needs to ram that into Rodgers head. It really did take the wind out of our sails and he brought on Shelvey who hasn't got the brain for that kind of game (just the opposite in fact). I can't blame Rodgers for the error for their goal but if he's GOT to encourage them to play short passes around the box then he better bloody sort players who can do it properly (and until then tell the players that when absolutely necessary you CAN get ****ing rid from dangerous situations). End of rant...enjoyed the game in fairness exciting...but a whole lot wrong in there.
Proud of the display, great to see the effort and heart from every player, mistakes were made it seems that everyone is still learning and that includes Rodgers. Lets hope we see this kind of effort for the remainder of the season and then into the next.
It was a much improved performance over the previous leg, however, two of our goals were free kicks and we were still struggling to come up with the goods in the box and score from open play especially without D-Sturrs in the team. We're good at coming forward/approach play but can't finish it off. Was glad Allen scored, if he's been having confidence issues, as a post on here a few weeks ago suggested, that should help. Shelvey does seem to be somewhat brainless, especially in a game like tonight when tactics were paramount. He was more effective in the game against Oldham where his play better suited the disjointed and manic nature of a cup tie against a league 2 side.
To be fair, Carra's slip had little to do with the short passing game- it was an individual error that could happen regardless of the system you're playing. We seem to be slowly getting the hang of passing it around at the back generally, but it still leads to some heart-stopping moments. I like the idea of playing out of defence, but you have to use your judgement and know that sometimes hoofing it is the best option. I've been pretty vocal in wanting BR to be given time, and I haven't changed my opinion overall, but the substitutions left me perplexed. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. The badly timed substitutions cost us the game imo, but all in all, I was pleased with the performance and the attitude shown. Let's keep it up now until the end of the season and see how high we can finish.
There is a time for tiki-taka and there is a time for launch the ball forward. The last minute of the game where instead of launching it forward and just pressing all out, we were keeping possession in the back third . Again, have to know when and where the system is needed and when a bit of urgency is required. Agreed about the subs, but at the end of the day, it is the same ****......... over the two legs missed way too many chances and defensive errors ( both individually and as a team) have cost us...... same with our season in general. For me, this summer, a LB, a CB to start and push the current two, Steel in the middle and one winger. Let's hope we get as close to 5-6 as possible.
To a certain extent obviously the Carra slip was just a blunder but it's been a recurring theme through the season Saint. We use the keeper way too often and it's become part of the tactics that I don't think some players can cope with (as in it's become the first option rather than last resort). I've been saying it since Skrtels **** up against City at the start of the year. We had one move in the second half where we moved it out of defence really well with one and two touch passes and that's the only way it ever works as a ploy. Can we really expect Skrtel or Carra to play two touch all the time though? They just aren't suited to it so Rodgers shouldn't be trying to change the spots on the leopard he should have waited to drill this tactic into them once he'd got a new leopard...if you see what I mean
The substitutions were bizarre and only confirms the fact that Shelvey is simply not good enough for first team action yet. But it didn't cost us the game. Poor finishing and defensive errors (mainly in the first leg) cost us the game. However - what a show by the lads and the fans. If we look at the game in isolation, it was pretty much perfect (up until the double subs). The passion, the energy, the spirit ...
You have to admit, there were points where you were screaming 'hoof it!' at the tele when we were being pressed at the back.
That double substitution was ridiculous & totally ruined your rythmn, crazy call by Rodgers. Felt sorry for Carragher, bowing out of European football with a horrid mistake that cost you the tie, will really hurt him I'm sure & is a sad end to his illustrious European record.
Thanks Boots. I commented on that in the "Night for us all to be proud" thread. Cruel fate that it was him of all people. It'll live with him until the day he dies.
