I actually can't criticise too much about the performance - its one of those games that we would win easier later in the season when Frimpong and Kerkez have had more games behind them to add reliable overloads, and same for Wirtz to add an end product, plus Isak to come.
2 clean sheets. That's about it. Absolutely poor performance after internationals again but there you go. Got the win and move on. They were brave but limited. Didn't want to do anything but get a clean sheet but why should they, I suppose. Dubravkha was ****e BTW.
I guess that’s why you keep Salah on for full 90 plus… just in case. Horrible game, but… just after internationals always iffy. Away to new prem team as well. Not many teams going to sit 11 behind ball and leave no space Atletico then Everton back to back at Anfield next
Bit harsh on Burnley but a moment of madness cost them. But will take the win. Hopefully they turn up for Madrid midweek as the Derby is always going to be scrappy.
It's hard to criticise a performance like that against a team that is set up to frustrate the way Burnley were. We were a bit lethargic in the first half, but better in the second at getting the ball in the box quickly. It's hard to see what else we could do tactically, it's just a matter of patience and hoping that something falls your way sooner or later. We've had a lot of games that take that pattern, and we'll continue to have them. It's not very entertaining to watch, but what else can you do against a team that isn't prepared to take you on? Even Arsenal were playing for a draw last game.
I mean if Burnley had actually tried to win that game, they might have got a point, maybe even more. I have no sympathy for any team that decides to play like they did but end up losing, you invite pressure all game it's always likely to bite you in the arse at some point as someone loses concentration. I do feel sorry for their supporters though, if that is what they are going to revert to every time they come up against a bigger club.
best pass in the pen area was Rio to Frimpong who i think should have hit it first time .Would be nice to actually start playing well as a team and the form of Salah is very worrying
Absolutely. So many poor floaty crosses. But its always tough seeing a 11 man defence not interested in doing anything Youd want it to be passed faster and better and have something in the box.
The Green Machine. Seriously, though, we need to buck up our ideas on Wednesday and, especially, Saturday morning. Gravy and Szobbo aside (and maybe Wirtz in the 2nd half) we were dogshit. That said, had Ibou scored that point-blank header in the 10th minute, we'd have got a few more, I suspect. We really, really need to take our early chances when they come. Ekitike wasn't too bad either, I suppose. But losing patience with Kerkez. He was shredding them on that left flanl till he did that. ****ing idiot.
technically should have happened in first half when he twice blocked Macallister from taking a quick FK
I would hope that as the team gels these types of games will be a bit easier. We are going to come up against a lot of teams who will play like this, especially at Anfield. We have to move the ball quickly and get the movement right, that will take time.
When Isak is ready, it's time to think the unthinkable. I seriously wouldn't be dropping Ekitike to make room for him, and probably not Cody (though he was meh today as well). Szobbo, Macca, and Cody can all take a good pen. I think Bradders can as well.
