I'm with you on Fer - thought he did well 1st half, he did hit the wood work twice which showed him working hard to get into goal scoring positions on both occasions, especially his run for the shot which he should have put away. He also showed good touches getting out of tight situations. He didn't look so good when he got moved to Sandro's position when he went off, and Traore came in at his, at left midfield. And yes a poor free kick at he end, but then he's far from the only player to deliver poor free kicks, both yesterday and before. We missed Niko yesterday.
Cheers Beth. Good to hear the highlights did Dunne an injustice, and that he wasn't as awful as I might have thought. Encouraged by Yun as well! Guess it is just chin up and press onwards from yesterday.
Watching motd last night that last freekick ended up as a free header for their defender, nobody was anywhere near it, Fer should probalby have whipped the ball in like the Utd lad did for their first goal at OT, and hoped for a deflection.......but we still had enough people to defend the break, but you have to give credit for the ball that Courtino played through to Sterling and his run, it was a classic counter attack, much as it pains me to say this!!!! Hindsight is wonderful but using that i feel that Harold should have brought Nico on when he replaced Sandro with Traore, Fer could have dropped deeper along side Henry and Nico could have used to space behind their midfield and caused Gerrard some problems, Traore and YSY effectively ended up occupying the same space down the left hand side.....plus we needed a ball player in the middle for that last half hour or so to feed the runs made by Vargas, Charlie and the wide players.....
Good report, Col. Fer - I feel he deserved better than a 4 based on the whole 90 minutes - sure, poor free kick at the end - he was looking for 3 points and let his heart rule his head. A harsh lesson but he'll learn. Phillips - I was watching him carefully coming up the right wing in front of us - at times, he looks frightened, cowed, uncertain, hesitant - if ever a player needed a sports psychologist, it's Matt. It may be that injury last year still plays on his mind. Vargas - a quick thinking, fox in the box - could be just what we need - but Charlie will still get plenty of play time. If Vargas had scorned Austin's goal against Southampton, we'd all be enthusing about that. I agree with other posts that it was great to see Harry galvanized at last - even if it took Fer's blunder and Adel's tubby weight (you have to wonder whether he's trying to get himself sacked so he's a free agent) to do it. Bring on Villa...
Good report Col and largely agree with you. Would just swap Dunne and Caulkers ratings. Dunne played very well and put on a good old fashioned centre back performance, though it should be said that Balotelli didn't put up much of a fight. Many of the Liverpool fans I watched it with was impressed by Dunne. You're harsh on Fer imo, I feel his free kick at the death lets your heart rule your head mate. Other than that this was a huge step in the right direction. We need to show the same attitude away from home though. We won't be ok until we do that.
I think that's why I'm more incredulous than annoyed we didnt win - we played so well, and we finally saw the performance we all think we are capable of. BZ really put himself about - one of his best games for us.
Always good reading your reports Col. I'm not going to criticise anyone. For me this was a real positive and needs to kept so, I know the press dig for people to blame and you can point the finger for 2 of the goals easily. With some points from the game we would have some momentum without the points it's vital the get the praise so the momentum is pushed forward. Don't get me wrong we lost but at a time when the club is low we need to take what we can from the performance, and I'm pretty sure if we play like this most of the season we'll be ok, getting it to continue is the trick.
Cheers Col. Have only seen the goals from the game, but the reaction on here and my son's comments clearly indicate a much improved performance. Also backed up by the bloke on security at Newark airport, who said we were unlucky (after first asking whether I supported Chelsea or Utd...). The own goals were both disgraceful though and.......we lost against a misfiring Liverpool. From photos and comment Redknapp seemed more alive on the touchline and certainly after the match.........perhaps he has finally realised that his job is on the line, has to do some work. Who cares if it brings some points. Villa game is now absolutely critical, given that, even playing better and with fight, we are unlikely to pick up anything against Chelsea or City, who seem to be running into form, and risk being adrift by the middle of November.
