Just to balance out that first stat TMABLS we have conceded 7 more than this stage last year. We are 4 points worse off over all and will be 9 points off fourth place if Tottenham win today (6 if they lose) compared to 4 points at exactly the same stage last year. We also have two very tricky away games ahead of us where we could easily concede a few more. I definitely think we were more organised defensively last year, we were playing systems/formations that were more natural to the defenders and didn't require the full backs to bomb forward as regularly. I don't blame the players particularly (they're the same ones as last season after all) I just think Rodgers has had to alter the balance in order to get us scoring more. Now he has to show he can improve that balance, keep us scoring and tighten up at the back at the same time. What we can only hope is that from this point we don't go on a bloody run like last season. As long as we can see improvements over the next few months then Rodgers can take some satisfaction from the work done so far. A tough start to his reign so we could be a whole lot worse off.
Think it was about this time last year though that we played Arsenal and a win would have put us within a couple of points off 4th and we conceded in the last minute to lose and from then on the form dropped dramatically. We have to hope that something similar doesn't happen this year and if it doesn't then I think our league position and points total will be much higher than last year.
Surely rogers started off from a lower point squad wise and morale wise then KK. After last years drastic end of season run I am sure the squads morale was pretty low. He has had to pick them up,getting them playing in a new system,with less fire power and few new additions and with players like kuyt and maxi leaving. He has had to do this with youngsters,2 of who,sterling and wisdom and had very good seasons so farad only one recognised striker. (Leaving aside the argument who's fault that was) I think he has done a pretty good job and with a bit more luck (Everton ),less defensive errors (man city) and some better refereeing decisions (man Utd ) we could have been 6-7 points better off. We are in a far stronger position now than this time last year with squad quality and hopefully a couple of further signings this month, he has got Henderson and even downing performing consistently and Enrique not only back on form but offering a new threat from left midfield. Add to that Gerrard fit,playing the best he has for a long time,Lucas fit and coming back to his best and Johnson having a great season for us and I am very optimistic for the rest of the season regardless of the result from the next two games. We also have spurs Everton and Chelsea to play at home. Feel top 4 could be real possibility but would love to see another wide man and sneijder (spelling?) come in.
Still not sure on the Sneijder rumours,just got a feeling we could be buying trouble.No doubting the guys class though. Other than that,agree with everything else.Excellent post.
I think Arsenal are there for the taking quite honestly. There is a distinct lack of confidence around the Emirates and we need to cash in on this. City will be a different proposition, though they are by no means unbeatable.
For me the Arsenal game is about whether BR gets his tactics right. We've stumbled across our most balanced midfield trio in Hendo, Lucas and Gerrard yet in the big games he picks Joe Allen instead of Hendo, and my belief is that even if Allen played a blinder against United we'd have still lost unless Allen could have provided the mobility and energy that Hendo does, and denied the likes of Carrick time on the ball. We'll need to do a similar job on Wilshere and particularly Cazorla, who I remember looked sharp against Stoke until Pulis stuck a man on him. Also last year Arsenal had RVP, who we always needed to be wary of. This time we're the ones with the 20+ goal striker and their biggest threat is Walcott. A dangerman, but not as much of a threat as RVP.
I'm glad to see Sturridge settling in nicely. I'm a firm believer that good players can play with anyone, and Sturridge and Suarez are proving that. Good players can click with other good players almost instantly. I had a strong feeling that Andy Carroll would not click with Suarez because there is an obvious gulf in quality. SAS seems like an organic partnership where both players are on the same wavelength. It's also good to see Sturridge get in the box and score those types of goals. How many times have we seen a decent ball go across the face of the goal with no one attacking it?
Why are people picking on this? I said the game was there for the taking and that we could win 5 or 6 to nil which was right! I was basing the 'sitting back and taking the win' on other games we have played recently such as Stags, Fulham, Sunderland and QPR! Obviously, we still attacked which I would only encourage
In fairness kph remember Kenny took over when we were just above the relegation zone and with players like Poulsen, Konchesky and a sulky Torres with morale at rock bottom. I agree with the rest though. I've said from day one that the ONLY way Rodgers has any chance to succeed is to be given time and backing from fans and the owners (not just in terms of money but also getting the organisation of the club right behind the scenes). Basically I think he's done ok so far. He's made mistakes and he's done some good things. He needs the club to give him a good scouting network and a clear link between him and them. He needs to find a way to get the team to click against the big teams and to be able to react better if they go behind. We are more prone to errors at the back and yet we seem to be gaining more confidence going forward. It's a fine balance required and time will tell if he can get it right more often than not. I never expected him to get us challenging for top four this year especially given the **** ups made during the summer. I still think the sides above us now are ahead of us in terms of squad depth and consistency but to be in roughly the same position as last year isn't too bad. Let's just hope we have a better run from now until the end of the season than we did second half of last season
The only thing I would disagree with is the quality of the teams above us ie Everton, Spurs and Arsenal. None of them have strength in depth and Everton apart, their consistency is also questionable - though better than ours. I've no idea if we can reach 4th position this season. However, I truly believe that this must be the target until it becomes mathematically impossible to achieve. Only by aiming at that level can we continue the progress that is being made within the individuals, team and squad.
well didn't ayre say spurs were just "further along" with thier development seeing levy effective decides who is bought? If LFC have started again and again and again then its our own fault not counting the yanks of course. Stability and growth is what we need so ok add another 4 players in and yes it should be more competitive but equally you have to take 4 out to put 4 in under FSG. cole's gone so who comes in?
Yeah the clubs expectations should always be to win every game (thus aim for the very top) I was thinking more about our expectations as fans. Its always harder to catch up a gap when there are more teams ahead of you. Everton of recent times have always finished the season stronger so I can't count them out, spurs to me have the depth to cope but doubts still remain about AVB (as with Rodgers). Arsenal of the three look the shakiest but they still have some top players too so they could go either way. They may not spend big this window but he'll bring in one or two and as always with Wenger they'll either be little gems or ****ing useless
