please log in to view this image Rules are as always No one liners ("We were ****." etc) Positives and negatives so take a step back and look at the whole picture before posting a rant. This is a serious thread for debating our performance, no wums allowed any inappropriate comments will be removed. Football discussion only We are happy for other team supporters to join in but the above rules apply.
After three 1-0 ones followed by a draw and defeat, it's nic to go and get a couple of 3-1 wins to get the goal scoring touch back. Shame the goals have also come with conceding but I guess 3-1 is better for the nerves (and GD obviously) and 1-0's are. Didn't see the game so can't really comment but one massive positive has to be Sturrudge & Suarez. The fact we coped so well without Suarez made everyone question whether we needed him, well I think it shows we're much better attack with him in the team than without him (twice as many goals with him as without him). Add the fact we have Coutinho to come back then things are looking good in the forwards department
Still not keen on the 3-5-2, leaves our defence far to exposed when the opposition flood forward, I think our problem right now is finding the balance between attack and defence, but with that said, I'd much rather us try to attack and commit players than play deep trying to hit the opposition on the counter. Sahko has really grown in confidence since arriving, couple that with both Toure and Skrtel in fine form it's getting increasingly difficult to distinguish are nailed on pair.
Disappointed -AGAIN- to be conceding to a set piece again at Anfield despite having three centre-backs. Thought Palace played some decent stuff though. Hope they stay up and that there's three worse in the league than them. Got to ask the nagging question again though if Studge and Suarez don't score, where else do the goals come from (today's pen notwithstanding)?
If Giroud and Ramsey don't score If RVP and Rooney don't score If Soldado & Defoe don't score If Lukaku doesn't score If Aguero, Negredo, Dzeko, Toure.... ok bad example... If Torres, Eto'o don't sco.... Oh wait? My point is, take the 2 top scorers out of most teams and you're going to struggle for goals. We said the same last season with Suarez, and Sturridge stepped up
Still unable to dominate and control a game, despite being 2,3 goals up. Henderson was very good, as was Sakho who despite a nervy opening, grew in confidence. I for one feel a lot more confident when Sakho is in defence. Enrique does frustrate and lacks game intelligence. Needs to improve technically but he does link up well with Suarez however I think Suarez is the only person he can link up well with. Sterling was poor but he was playing in an unusual role. However, he didnt contribute when going forward and I don't think he ever beat his man? He is known for his speed but I don't see it when he has the ball at his feet. Moses and Sturridge definitely have pace with the ball which is far more effective than just being able to sprint without it. Gerrard was wasteful and failed to keep possession.
Sterling has pace, but Moses & Sturridge have power to go with the pace. That allows them to use their pace for longer and when they go past a defender won't get shoved off the ball as much as Sterling will. I said this on another thread, Sterling is only young and is still developing his game. He needs to learn what his game is going to be though. If he wants to be a Lennon/Walcott type player who uses their pace to get past people then he needs to work on running with the ball but if he wants to be more involved he needs to work on his passing and trying to link up with other players.
Good points. I remember when he first came into the team last season and he played without fear. Taking on players, nice skills, good pace. In addition, he looked strong - hard to knock him off the ball and wasn't afraid to get stuck in. I just don't see that from in anymore but as you say, he's young and still developing.
I can't really comment on this game as I didn't see too much of it. I was flicking few various feeds in the first half as they all seemed to be garbage, that includes the links provided on this forum, and then I dropped to sleep in the second half. However, from what I did see, Suarez and The Studge were combining very well and the Palace defense didn't know which way to turn at times. Unfortunately, it also appeared that Palace were able to do similar to our back three at times too. I'm glad Henderson had a good game in the middle (judging by comments on this forum) because, as many of you know, the central midfield area is one of great concern to me. It's good to know we have another player capable of performing to the 'Lucas standard' if required. Last point, Migs made a superb save in the first half were Palace shot from the edge of the area and it took a big deflection around the six yard line, despite going the wrong way at first, Migs reacted brilliantly to save
I still find it funny when all the 'pundits' and journo's were asking whether or not Sturridge and Suarez could work together - they only have to look at when Sturridge first joined LFC and they hit it off straight away. Henderson was good and provided energy from the midfield, but our defence is still far too exposed at times and has little protection in front of them. Re. Migs - you only have to look De Gea for MUFC today. Made a great save to keep the score to just 1-0 and ultimately kept MUFC in the game to turn it around. Migs has definitely been a fantastic signing for us and won us points.
Toure too, been our best player so far this season IMO - and that's quite a statement considering how well The Studge and Migs have been I agree about the protection of the defence too but I've just come to the conclusion that it is the way BR wants us to play rather than the players not doing their job
Good shout on Toure. Not only has he played well but his voice and enthusiasm was badly needed. Great character to have at the club and he's a winner (league titles etc). Yeah you could be right re. the midfield - personally, I still feel a better pairing in front of them would give us better control in the game. Fernando Reges (Porto) would be a great shout as the DM and his contract expires very soon.
The problem is, we have numbers in that area (Gerrard, Lucas, Henderson, Allen, Alberto and just two spots) so probably need to move players on before recruiting. Although, having said that, we had six CB's and still signed Sakho and Ilori so... As I said earlier though, I don't think BR wants a proper true DM in the side either.
just to touch on on Migs again..... he also made a crucial save with his leg in our previous game, his reactions are impressive and tbh we haven't missed pepe one bit. Sakho for me will turn out to be a massive player for us for the next few years, he's got everything you need to be a top pl cb. SaS, again played and linked well, they must both enjoy playing with each other. Sterling does need to pull his socks up but I feel he's getting a lot of stick at the moment probably his own fault a bit due to his initial impact last season but also down to defenders working his game out a bit. he deffo could bulk up a bit but have faith people. all round decent performance for me, OK we took the foot off the gas after going 3 up but I felt we could go up a few gears if palace had of scored earlier so wasn't too fussed tbh. 3 more points and top of the league, and still not looking as good as the end of last season ....can't complain can ya.
There were a few rumours that Rodgers is after a DM in January. I do hope this is the case as we need energy and legs in the middle. Capoue would have been a great option and at £9m!
I think that was when Gardner had the shot just before half time and could have made it 2-1? I agree - key moments in the game have generally gone our way this season. Bit of luck here and there, but mostly moments of quality have helped us.
Sissoko that went to Newcastle for just £3m would have been better. TBH, I'd rather we got a AM (should have got Eriksen) and let Hendo and Lucas fight it out.
Sissoko is a bit more attack minded. Capoue would have been our 'Mascherano' - that fighter, pitbull in the middle of midfield. That's what we're lacking at the minute - no one to bully the opposition. Hendo and Lucas are not natural DM's. Eriksen would have been great in hindsight given the injury to Coutinho. Problem is, can you play Coutinho and Eriksen in the same team? You would have to force one out wide which would negate their true ability. If you force one out wide, then you'd have to sacrifice a more natural winger? It's a tricky one but at £11m, I think he would have been a good shout.
I'm convinced BR doesn't want a 'Mascherano' in the side. I truly hope I am wrong as we are crying out for one IMO. See my signature about Eriksen, no hindsight about it for me. There is also absolutely no issue about playing him along side Coutinho either, they are both capable of playing out wide, PC can play on the left and CE on right (obviously not at the same time). However, they cookie has crumbled now
