29 Feb 2020 21:32:47
Hi ED001, it would be interesting to hear your views on our performance today. I think there were poor performances all around but we are entitled to some off days. Seems strange that I couldn't single one player out that played well. perhaps Robbo for trying. The loss feels dreadful but the boys have spoilt us somewhat. Cheers.

{Ed001's Note - it was always going to happen. The loss of Henderson and Milner is a big part of it, as there is no one kicking arse. Virgil is a great player, but he is not a captain, he did not get in any of our player's faces and get them going when it was needed. That was what was missing. Nobody got the team by the scruff of the neck on the pitch and made them wake up and perform. It might turn out to be just what was needed to fire the lads up for the run-in. Hopefully.}


1.) 29 Feb 2020
29 Feb 2020 21:50:40
I totally agree eds1. Only thing that’s really bugging me is the winter break. We have been really poor since then. Would you agree?

{Ed001's Note - we always struggle to get going after a break.}


2.) 29 Feb 2020
29 Feb 2020 22:19:11
We have been poor since the break. But we haven't lost many players to long term injury. I was on the live chat and anyone would've thought we'd slipped into the bottom half. We lost a game. How many have our closest rivals lost? 4? 5?

I thought Watford were good but sarr was incredible. His composure to finish his second was impressive. His movement was class too and his pass to deeney for the third was clever.


3.) 29 Feb 2020
29 Feb 2020 22:45:32
I've worked out why we lost. It was Allison's new hairdo.


4.) 29 Feb 2020
29 Feb 2020 23:37:29
At the end of the live chat today, while everyone was going on endlessly about Lovren, I wrote that there was a complete and total lack of leadership on the field today. It was so apparent . Goes with what you have mentioned Ed01. I'm somewhat disappointed Virgil was not able to take up the baton, though, I must say.

{Ed001's Note - laid back people like him are not suited to those types of moments. It is the way he is. When things are going well, he is the best type of captain, but when people need a boot up the backside it is not his way. Virgil has been brilliant at bringing Gomez on as a player, but it is a different kind of leadership from the kind we needed against Watford.}


5.) 29 Feb 2020
29 Feb 2020 23:47:04
Thanks ED001, interesting point regarding VVD especially. I think it proves all along how vital Henderson really is to us. There has been much discussion on that point and hopefully this will once and for all lay any doubters to rest. Milner is of a similar vein as Vice Captain.

{Ed001's Note - Virgil has been fantastic for us, but even he has his weaknesses and screaming and shouting is not a skill he possesses. There is a time and place for it even in the modern game, for someone to get in the opposition faces and give as good as they get. The thing is that only Lovren tried to give some back and he is getting the blame for the defeat! If more of the team had got in the Watford players' faces like he tried to do, that game might have been different. I mean look at Wijnaldum, Hughes clearly left something on him but, after an initial reaction, he just sulks about it rather than gets after Hughes to give him some back. When Trent was done by Deeney, no one went and gave Deeney any back. Hendo and Millie would have. That was what was missing. We were soft and allowed them to bully us.}


6.) 01 Mar 2020
01 Mar 2020 00:13:13
Spot on. Lack of accountability out there.


7.) 01 Mar 2020
01 Mar 2020 00:26:05
Who is captain after Henderson retires or moves on? I totally agree that vvd is great at keeping the boys calm when we're winning but no so good at firing them up when we're losing.

I think trent might be when he matures and robbo would be a decent shout.

I know what you mean about lovren at least having a go ed01, but he was poor. So were everyone but he was the pick.

{Ed001's Note - he wasn't the pick, he is just the scapegoat. Virgil was far worse, at fault on the first two goals when he stood off and allowed a cross and then stood and whined for a throw in rather than dealt with the play by dropping off. That doesn't mean it is Virgil's fault either. It was every single one of the 14 players that pulled on a shirt. Every single one was terrible. People are just singling out Lovren because he is a favourite target. It was happening even before kick off that Lovren was getting it. He had no chance. It was always going to be blamed on him.

Oh and Trent is too quiet for a captain.}


8.) 01 Mar 2020
01 Mar 2020 06:43:34
One word Hendo. And now you see.


9.) 01 Mar 2020
01 Mar 2020 06:44:18
We're always terrible after any break takes the wind out of our sails and takes away momentum but hopefully we wake up now for Atletico at Anfield and Chelsea in the cup.


10.) 01 Mar 2020
01 Mar 2020 06:45:11
Is there any law against Hendo encouraging the team on the pitch from the technical area?


11.) 01 Mar 2020
01 Mar 2020 02:21:57
Couldn't agree more ED, exactly what I was saying on the live chat that Lovren was being scapegoated despite everybody playing awfully. Some posters said he was to blame for all 3 goals? Ludicrous.

{Ed001's Note - this is the problem, people need to blame someone for some reason. They were all poor and he was just one of 14, but he was targeted before kick off and then afterwards it was like they are all desperate to pin the blame on him for 13 other players failing to turn up!}


12.) 01 Mar 2020
01 Mar 2020 12:50:46
Brilliant analysis, Ed. I for one, love Lovren for the very reasons you laid out. He does NOT hide like many other players (Including VVD) do when things get rough and tumble. He is brave, courageous and ready for a fight. Sometimes that works for him and sometimes it's not BUT true to form, he gets all the blame and VVD goes scott free, AGAIN.

VVD was poor and just as bad as Lovs was but he will get no blame for it cos well, Lovs is the guy people love to hate. Lovs was also out of rhythm as he has not played for weeks BUT who cares, right? VVD needs to get a spine as well cos that laid-back schtick needs to go out the window if he wants to be capt.

We missed Hendo and Milner for sure cos the Watford players were doing our players and nobody was there to defend them and Watford could feel the softness of our boys cos no one clapped back on them and that can't happen. Either way, we lost a game. We learn from it and get better. Peace.


13.) 01 Mar 2020
01 Mar 2020 12:57:22
stoneage, no I don't think there is, but it's not the same as from 2ft away from a player or players, just ask Klopp.

{Ed002's Note - Actually there is.}