Maybe because we scored very late we were able to protect the lead. Let us see when we score early in a match what is going to happen. Last season we were conceding late goals every where, have we actually improved defensively ?.
Stoke have certainly improved under Mark Hughes but yesterday, they didn't have much to trouble us. I'm sure they will get better as the season goes on. But I did mention in the other thread that I was impressed that we actually had a bit more structure and solidity to our game.
You're still missing the point Jimmy. They didn't create much (in your opinion) because our defence was better than their attack (on the day). If you think Stoke didn't create much then our defence did its job in stopping them. Or do you think the Stoke players just didn't fancy it and opted to not bother trying?
We didn't create much either - was that because they defended extremely well or because we didn't attack well? I'm sure you'll agree it;s the latter.
Because every time we went forward they hacked us down and the ref gave nothing or they dived and the ref gave us a yellow. Seriously, Taylor was a ****ing disgrace and we got out with no bans or injuries. Another big win.
Both! If their defence was none existent then we'd have scored more as there would have been nothing to stop us doing so
Wow - how do I even respond to that?? So simplistic. It's amazing how I actually try and be more balanced, and even praise certain players (Lovren and Benteke to some extent) but everyone only notices the few criticisms I have.
It is simplistic yet you managed to completely miss it. We kept a clean sheet so the defence obviously did their job. The few criticisms you have are unjustified and on the same players you always criticised, hence me saying "pre-determined opinion". I reckon Benteke (or Lambert last year) could bag a hat trick and you'd find something wrong with the performance. Obviously, getting a hat trick doesn't mean they performed perfectly either but jeez... I realise the irony in what I'm saying since I do nothing but criticise Mario whenever that comes up but I'll openly admit that AND if he were to do something good, I'd praise him for it. Much like I did with Skrtel and Johnson in previous years. Skrtel and Lovren both played well and did what they needed to do. Why be negative either of them...?
You say we would have scored more if they had a non-existent defence - how do you know this? What gave you the impression that we would tear their defence up if they didn;t defend well? We attacked poorly - we made it easy for them. We didnt have a shot on target for most of the match because we were toothless in attack. Not because they kept us out. So me saying Lovren did well is a criticism? Just because I haven't got my tongue up his ar*se, I'm seen as negative? And I've given you my reasons for why I think Skrtel performed poorly. You haven't given me ANY reason why Skrtel performed well other than the blanket 'we kept a clean sheet' which is a nonsense because certain players contributed far more. And it's b*llocks about Mario - he has performed well on occasions and you often ignore my comments when I refer you to whenever he played in a front 2. And you were often criticial of Mario but Benteke pretty much served almost the same level but you don;t say anything? Funnily enough - I even praised Benteke to some extent but yet again, you only want to focus on the 'negative' things I say - which is hypocritical considering you say I have pre-determined opinions.
Well if they had no defence there wouldn't be anyone stood there to stop us Neither attack played that well and both defences will see bigger challenges during the season but to give the defences no credit at all is just wrong. you have a issue with Skrtel and Lovren. That's it! As for Mario, apart from about twenty minutes against Spurs and a couple of brief cameo appearances (all recognised by me at the time), he's done ****all.
Since when do teams play with no defence?? You've completely not read anything I have said - when did I criticise Lovren? And when did I not say the defence performed well? I praised our defence as a unit and praised the structure and stability - I praised Gomez, Lovren, Clyne, Milner and Henderson. But yet, you want to make up more bullsh*t that I criticised everyone?
It's as usual somewhere in the middle. Our defence looked much more solid than last year..a lot to do with no huge space in front of them I may add. That's something a lot of us pointed to last year that while there were individual errors by defenders, the fact that they had no protection and our RB was a lazy useless ****e it exacerbated those mistakes and with the CB's as a very solitary thin line made mistakes more likely. The cover and defensive minded full backs meant the CB's could do just their own job. Would a better attacking opposition have exposed the rawness of Gomez at LB more? Probably. Did a couple of lapses in concentration by Skerts go unpunished where better strikers might have exploited them, probably. Would Can playing there mean we occupy the opposition more from our attacking prowess and allow even more successful high pressing? I think so. But my gut says that with existing personnel and the new additions we look much harder to get by than last year.
Agree - it was actually a solid performance (with a few nervy moments) but no one was expecting a complete transformation. Looking forward to seeing how the unit develops throughout the season. Can, Hendo and Milner could be a tough midfield to bypass. Clyne at RB was refreshing to see - was quality (defensively).
I reckon if they keep it up we might actually merit a 1-0. rodgers will play 4 up 6 back from the rafa play book
Lol..if we win the next 5 games 1-0 I'll do a little video of me dancing in a chicken suit I'll be that happy!
I must say that it was an average game and I look forward to a more controlled performance at home next Monday and hopefully more minutes for can and firmino. We need to build up and see what our level will get us to. Nobody really knows yet for sure Rodgers didn't send them out to lob it long deliberately for this game and for the next we won't at all.... who knows...
