Seriously what does Glen Johnson have on BR? To paraphrase the Beatles; "Johnson the best fullback in the league? He's not even the best fullback in the club"
I'm assuming that's a quote from when he first joined, and at that point, both of them weren't far off.
Anyone would of thought we lost the game! It is very easy to manage a football match using hindsight. Although he made a few mistakes, we left the game with 3 points which symbolizes a great team and a great manager. (We one on our off day). In addition. His decision to put Lambert on the pitch arguably indirectly lead to the 2nd goal (20 seconds later). We could have done a lot worse on the first day of the season. And I think Rodgers and team both deserve the credit for 3 points. In regards to your team ratings. I agree with you mostly. However you are very harsh on Glen Johnson: although he is absolutely dire normally and was far from our best defender on the pitch today, he did not play too poorly (although I would still love to see him in the reserves for next game).
Can should be playing instead of Lucas, but I can accept the decision to play Lucas if it was jus about easing Can in and not disrupting the team too much. Otherwise Gerrard + Lucas is a legless midfield. Lallana/Coutinho - Can - Henderson is the future.
We can't be too critical. Obviously with 2 new defenders, Rodger's didn't want t throw a new midfielder into the start 11 as well which is why I think he went with Lucas. He wasn't great and I think come next week we'll see a different midfield from that. Coutinho disappointed me more than anyone today. He wasn't the worst player but expecting a bit more from him. Seemed to get marked out of the game. Think Sterling/Sturridge could have helped by stretching them a bit more (their CB's aren't the quickest so should have tried to run in behind a bit more). Would have opened the game up a bit for Cout to play. Still, when you think we'll have Moreno for Johnson (who defended alright but was terrible on the ball) and Markovic/Lallana to come back into the squad then we should have a bit more attacking threat.
Coutinho needs more protection from our midfield. Also, Sterling can come in more often to take the mantle temporarily for the 10, while Coutinho keeps a low profile for a few minutes. Henderson should shoulder more of a yaya toure role. He rampages up without the ball, might as well take the ball with him. Allen is better than Lucas at this point. Manquillo was eager but was not involved properly or as often in attacks.
Early impressions of Manquillo are that he's very raw. It's clear to see he is talented both offensively and defensively but you can see he doesn't have much experience just by his overall positioning. Still, he made 6 tackles today and didn't let much past him, though his rapid pace does help. Would like to see him getting to the bar line a bit more.
some talent, blocked a lot of crosses which is good but back passed 90% of time. i'll be looking for more going forward in the next weeks.
Impressions on Rodgers new bird? http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...tml?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490
I liked how he got close to cut out crosses, something we missed last year which contributed to lost of goals. His pace was good and he did well considering most of their threat came down his side and he didn't really have anyone in front of him. Could have done more going forward (put in a couple of crosses which were poor) but for a debut it was safe enough. I'm sure he'll only improve as the season goes on but him and Flanno can have a nice little battle for that number 1 spot.
precisely.... win is a win is a win.... ask maureen and whinger. Van goul would love a win... stop pikcing holes in our side. they are obvious. be grateful we won and can improve!
Just the same as last season, if we haven't started a game like last season against arsenal then we're f**ing s**t and no ones good enough, what the **** is Rodgers doing he ain't got a clue zzzzzzzzzzz
