Liverpool (H) - Post-Match Thread

[mccity]

I feel we're a bit like Liverpool at the start of 18/19, albeit not quite on that level.


At the start of that season they defended really well, but their attack was shit. At least compared to the previous season. I expected that over time their defence would return to a normal level, but what actually happened was as the weeks went by it stayed solid and then their attack found it's form, especially in the 2nd half of the season. So by the time they hit stages where their defence was shit it didn't matter, because their attack was doing the business for them.

Whilst we lack the ability to grind out wins quite like they did, the solidity of the team gives me confidence that as long as we can hang in there (which with our individual quality should see us through many a game), we stand an excellent chance winning things in the 2nd half of the season once our attack inevitably clicks.

 

[Beanhead]

Not sure Leicester City will agree, and the way this season is going it might be similar to then where around 80pts might be enough for top spot.

I actually think it will be late 70s but I think all teams will lose a fair few times too, like as many as they draw. I feel there will be lot of games where big sides just don’t turn up due to injuries and European fatigue. So I expect wins and draws to be about even across the top sides.

That said the point remains.. we are behind the curve and need to sort ourselves out.

 

[ancoats]

I get where you're coming from but I think his time had come. His class is obvious, as was evident back in June/July but relying on him to have the physicality to play for us 15 times a week just wasn't going to happen.

Not strictly related to the game, but I'm excited for Silva to get his due praise once the world realises just how magical he has been.

the reasons david silva left is the premier league is the hardest league in the world and you never get a moment rest
the Spanish league is so much different and you can control the game at a slow rate and that is why silva is playing so well at the moment

 

[sir baconface]

You guys still listening to these sky knobheads, I turn over on final whistle and turn on at kick off.

Me too. There were no highlights to re-watch and you just knew the pundits would chat shit.

 

[BlueAnorak]

Can't believe Kevin missed the pen.
Only good thing was our defence was pretty solid and Jesus played well

 

[Millwallawayveteran1988]

At least the defence is solid now. That’s gives me some hope for this season.

 

[GoatersLeftShin]

I'd have taken a point before the game, this was more "must not lose" than "must win". We weren't at our best but overall a pretty decent game between two teams who respect each others ability. Without a crowd, it just isn't the same though is it?

Great goal from Jesus, I think he's looking pretty sharp at the moment.

The good news for me is Liverpool just don't look like the same team as last year. They won't be anywhere near 100 points so it shows they are there for the taking.

I don't think we can be too harsh. We can't be expected to roll teams over like Liverpool. Like it or not, they are probably the best team in Europe. We've shown we can shut them out and it looks like Pep's learnt his lesson when we play them.

 

[Saddleworth2]

Pep's lost his bottle. By all means come on and call me a rag, a wus or anything else you want on one condition. Explain why with 15 minutes to go and key players so dead on their feet that they couldn't pass, had no desire to get forward, clearly were playing out time and he made 1 sub? He got Foden ready and had multiple chances to get him on. We have 1 fit striker and this was his first full game yet he risked injury keeping him on. You are welcome to explain Pep's thinking.

Very very hard to explain. Even if he felt that our back 4 and two deeper midfielders were needed to close out the game he could have pulled Raz and introduced Phil. We have already seen he is capable of turning a game. Inexplicable frankly.

 

[come-on-barney]

Pep's lost his bottle. By all means come on and call me a rag, a wus or anything else you want on one condition. Explain why with 15 minutes to go and key players so dead on their feet that they couldn't pass, had no desire to get forward, clearly were playing out time and he made 1 sub? He got Foden ready and had multiple chances to get him on. We have 1 fit striker and this was his first full game yet he risked injury keeping him on. You are welcome to explain Pep's thinking.

This was two world class managers playing out a chess game. Both reacting to each other’s formation and tactics. First 20 minutes could have been all over, Pep changed the tactics and we came back into it. I was as frustrated as most about not bringing on Foden. However, he must have seen a change tactically from Klopp and decided against it. Both managers knew this was a first class game of chess between them. Recognised at full time. Maybe not as good for the fans, but both managers did not want lose.

 

[Blue Maverick]

I was lucky to attend the game today and KDB for me is struggling, he is either unfit or disinterested, I’m wondering if he is fed up with the slow build up state of play that Pep has turned to. Sterling is quite frankly useless, unless he doesnt have time to think, get his head down and he’s lost, runs into players or just doesn’t have the brains to find a better ball.
The centre midfield pairing are far too slow and ponderous, for me take Gundogan off with 15 mins to go Foden to provide that oomph in midfield but sadly I think Pep was playing for the draw,his mantra seems now dont lose and if we win it’s a bonus.
Positives from the game the back 4 is solid and if we need to shore up we have Ake to come in, Liverpool were good up until our goal then we bossed the game and should’ve won it especially going in at half time if KDB had scored the penalty. The point if we win our game in hand leaves us only 2 behind Liverpool and I think that was on Peps mind.
Finally having been at the game for the first time this season I can honestly say it’s awful, I genuinely think we would’ve won had the crowd been there today, also Liverpool players never stop whinging at the ref, we do it a bit but they are on another level, im surprised the amount of abuse the ref gets which you won’t hear on a normal match day.
Also in regard subs I don’t know if you saw on tv but Foden was ready to come on, he’d put his shirt etc on but then sat back down, no idea why.