please log in to view this image How #bitter are #bbcsalford that the only player they mention in the match summary is Balotelli missing some chances?
Since when has being pleased with the result been burying your head in the sand? This is the issue for me with the negativity- some people seem to think that criticising shows themselves to be somehow more knowledgeable than those who are pleased with the result, and that simply isn't true. Being pleased with a good result doesn't mean one is "easily pleased" or unable to see limitations- just that you don't feel the need to dwell on them all the time. Of course Rodgers has to go through a game afterwards and point out inadequacies, but it's his job to constantly improve the side, and if he has any man-management skills at all, he will fit the criticism in with a great deal of praise for the job well done. I'm not aiming this at you in particular, but there are some on here who criticise everything the club does, from who we do and don't sign, and for how much, who we release, and then how we play even when we play well. There's a difference between a balanced critique and simply looking for faults.
To be fair, I wasn't referring to any one individual, just what is, to me, an unjustifiable amount of negativity regardless of how well we do, and the attitude that some seem to have that they see things that others don't. We can all see it, it's just what we choose to give prominence to. #glasshalffullorhalfempty I disagree almost as much as is humanly possible with you on the issue of Skrtel, but we both watch the same games. We're each entitled to our opinion, it's just the suggestion that one's own opinion is superior that gets me a bit. Unless it's mine, of course.
I guess it's also different ways. some like plays to back off, hold a shape etc, where as I've always been of the opinion that the man with the ball is the danger man and you need to close him down rather than retreat to a "safe area". Agree on your point though, some people like to pick fault in things even after a good win (Allen being today's target despite winning the pen for that all important 2nd goal). Johnson was the target in the others and I'm not a fan, but his defended wasn't actually too bad and not to blame for the defeat at City. But then you get some that will defend a player to try and make a point despite it being obvious to everyone that I'm right about them
There's only three players who seem to get the brunt of it: Skrtel, Allen and Johnson. The former two definitely divide the board on opinion too. That said, I'd like to think that some people can manage to not rate players whilst still recognising when they do perform. Allen's been a solid midfielder in these opening games. He lost the ball on a few occasions today, but those were when the ball was rushed out to him from Sakho under pressure and he had no options available. I don't rate him, I think we can do much better in the future for that position, but he's not done anything to warrant being dropped and deserves to stick in the team so long as he keeps it up. I agree that picking on the same player after every game, irrespective of performance, is cringy though *cough* like Skrtel from certain posters. Some people don't criticise for the 'sake of doing so' but because it's in their nature to find faults in everything or see the worst in situations. They might forget to mention the good parts, but it doesn't mean they don't see them. I'm kinda like that in most aspects of life and it's annoying. A spontaneous roadtrip doesn't happen because of what might go wrong or what problems it may cause, for example, and I, at least, wish I could turn that switch off from time to time. Then again, sometimes it's a bonus. When looking at Liverpool, I'm made up with wins and love commenting on what was great about the game (I mentioned my thoughts on the match thread already), but it doesn't stop me looking at the problem areas as well in an endless drive to analyse how my club can improve. Maybe some people just aren't 'smart' when it comes to phrasing things so it comes out negative or critical all the time or even just lacking in overall comment balance, but I'd be surprised to find any Liverpool fan who wasn't happy with the result today - despite how their posts may come across. I just don't think claiming people are being relentessly negative or critical, even after a good win, is particularly fair nor correct (again, not looking at you here). Comments like, "FFS, you'd think we lost or something!" or, "Some people are never happy" just serve to antagonise. People can simply skip those comments if they choose...
Lovren and Sakho both like to close down midfielder runners, but I can recall a few occasions today where (Lovren in particular today, but Sakho a few times last season) missed his man and the ball and left a gap. Horses for courses and all. Sometimes backing off and trying to show the attacker onto his weaker foot or waiting for support works, sometimes rushing forward and taking the ball out works - both are gambles. Lovren and Skrtel are two very different players.
I'm more than happy to admit when I think Skrtel has had a good game. There are just certain aspects of his game I don't like. If he cuts them out then I'd quite happily see him in the team With Johnson, I mentioned how in the Saints & City game, he defended fine. He wasn't exceptional, but he was a 6/7 out of 10 for his defensive work. The only thing letting him down was his play when he had the ball. Constantly giving it away and looking very nervous on the ball.
Sami Hyypia used to back off a lot, then if the attacker showed too much he'd step in. Unfortunately, Skrtel's no Sami, but the technique is perfectly legitimate. I'd rather he did that and give others time to get into shape than dive in rashly, tbh. As for the shirt-pulling, apart from a spell where he was rather blatant (and it got picked up on), he's no worse than any number of CBs. All players have faults, and if we want to see them we can, but an assessment of a player's overall worth is seeing the good points as well and balancing one against the other. Martin isn't the best in the world, but he's not as bad as is made out, imo. Sakho scared the crap out of me at times today, btw.
Fair enough, mate. We're all Reds and we all want the best for, and from, our team. I guess it just shows differently in different people. If we keep getting results like today's I'll happily bury my head in the sand to our problems for the rest of the season. Going to watch the highlights now and enjoy it all over again.
Sturridge looks like he was much better today. Looked very isolated against City but having Balotelli up there with him seems to have given him a bit more freedom. Front 2 seem to be linking up quite well as well
Top run and finish from Moreno but the defending There wan't a Spurs player within 20 yards of him apart from Townsend who gave a token jog back.
Can is a strange one. Last week he looked slow and laboured on the ball (admittedly only come on for a short period) but one run today at the end there where ended up setting up Sterling's awesome run (and **** shot) he looked big and powerful and full of running - the type of player we've missed.
Thought Townsend was supposed to be quick? It was a soft pen, I thought so at the time, but you win some and lose some.
Especially considering you see far worse from set pieces and Lovren held onto Adebayor's shirt later on during open play. Guess refs see it more obvious when a player is running away compared to when both are standing still
Loved his celebration,real passion in it.This lad looks a really good buy.Early days but..............
I love how the commentator said something like "could Pochettino look back and see that (Lovren shirt-pull) as the turning point" or some such. 3-0 down and the game in the last quarter
