Liverpool Banter Archive February 12 2014

12 Feb 2014 23:41:42
Anyone else starting to feel this season will come down to the games between City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool?

City have played Chelsea and Arsenal have played Liverpool but there are still 4 fixtures to be played between these teams and although we are behind I think we have the edge as both of our games are at home and we have destroyed teams at Anfield.

Other than that the results between these teams have been very even against the rest of the table, a few points dropped here and there but generally most games are won.

Just a stab in the dark but I think Chelsea will beat us, we will beat City and both teams will beat Arsenal.

Im nearly starting to feel the opposite. These huge games we deal very well with and its the games against the "lesser" teams that everyone thinks we should hammer that we are underperforming a little. don't get me wrong the games you mention are all six pointers but only if we are good enough every week and beat the teams we should be beating.

I`m never worried about the big games because we always compete in them and give a good account. It`s the away games at the lesser teams that will because us more issues. Going to relegation-threatened places like the hammers, palace, cardiff, norwich and so on will be battles that we have to win if we want to be where we need to be (top 4/title) in May. Take care of these games, we`ll be fine. We need to earn the right to compete and fight and battle for points in these games or we will struggle.

Ps: Southhampton will NOT be a walk in the park.

Every game will make a difference mate. Every game. Away from home we have to battle not only teams fighting for points but also because of who we are it is a massive game for most teams.

12 feb 2014 23:08:03
oh that defence, thank god we've got a good
attack. kevin keegan syndrome anybody.

12 Feb 2014 22:46:07
So happy to see Joao Carlos Teixiera get some game time and even more impressed to see how he wasn't overawed by the occasion. Glad Brendan's proved me wrong and does actually rate him! Such a clever player he can give us another option which can only be a good thing!

100% agree I also didn't think that BR rated him solo glad I was wrong. He is the Best U21 midfielder we have followed by Pelosi. his contract runs out in 2014 so hope he signs a new deal, maybe BR wants him to earn it.

I saw some nice flashes of him and looks quite tidy and nifty on the ball. `Hope gets more time on the pitch this season.

Im glad he had the confidence to have a shot from outside the box when the defense stepped off of him.

12 Feb 2014 22:45:13
Well Eds and Reds. Get he f### in there! 3 points in the bag! What's ya thoughts Eds please?

{Ed001's Note - my thoughts are, can we not do that again! I am going to end up with ulcers if we have many more games like that.}

Come on Ed, It wouldn`t be Lfc without the heart attacks, drama and ulcers now, would it?

12 Feb 2014 21:52:34
I hope the win.doesnt distract BR by sorting out these woeful defensive.mistakes. Edd001, some.of the goals we concede are just awful?

{Ed001's Note - I am sure it hasn't, but there is not a lot he can do about those kind of errors really.}

ED001, he can set them up to be defensively solid, but his whole PHILOSOPHY is about ATTACK, ATTACK,
ATTACK, but it could come back to bite him on the arse, he got lucky tonight.

{Ed001's Note - I will take that, the best time I can remember was watching Roy Evans' team, it was incredible.}

In fairness I'm sure he doesn't try and set them up in any other way, there's problems With every set piece as there's no Sami hyypia type defender, a real beast, it is our second string back four and tbh the mistakes are truly incredible for a player of his age!

There was a bubble on the pitch before he attempted to clear it. BR can do nothing about it. The second goal though could have been avoided with better communication b/w Flanno and Skrtl.

I don't care how bad the bobble on the pitch was he is a seasoned professional with years of experience behind him - he should not be making those sorts of mistakes.

12 Feb 2014 22:32:27
That is what we needed tonight well done boys!

Made it tough for ourselves but got the win which is the main thing!

12 Feb 2014 22:26:25
Well I don't know about anyone else, but I'm buzzing more from that result then the one at the weekend Vs Arsenal. Get In! #Dare To Dream!

12 Feb 2014 22:08:52
Massive result, must admit shi**ing myself with the pen, wasn't confident at all, well done Stevie cool as you like and technique to match.
Strange to think if we had have lost, which at one time it looked like, Tottenham would have been level, strange considering the great season we are having and the supposed bad season Tottenham are having.

Agger to start next game fingers crossed, Toure looking rattled.

Well done reds.

12 Feb 2014 22:05:44
massive, MASSIVE WIN!

Onwards and upwards

12 Feb 2014 22:03:32
WHAT A RESULT. To be down 2 times to defensive errors, and then get a 90th minute winner; I'm over the moon. Texeira looked like one of the crew out there, I was quite impressed. REALLY wanted his shot in the 92nd or 93rd minute to go in. That would've been great.

12 Feb 2014 22:01:34
Well that was a roller coaster wasn't it? Top 4 form if you ask me, winning ugly games when playing so badly as a unit. Fulham played the same game as they did against utd they were compact hard to break down and we were woeful in defence to make matters worse. 3 points is 3 points however we get them i'll take them and move onwards and upwards

12 Feb 2014 21:59:15
What a great game and a defining moment between champions and runners ups. We are now right in the mix for the title no doubting it! Brilliant performance and dug deep. bring in agger for the next game.

12 Feb 2014 21:56:37
4 points from the top, Dare we dream??

I have a feeling we will be Champion this year, fingers crossed.

12 Feb 2014 21:48:12
Poor defensive errors again.

But we won

Your right Vinny massive win, delighted.

12 Feb 2014 20:44:37
Interesting observation. When Sturridge scored, the first 3 players to celebrate with him could all potentially be on the pitch for England this summer. Sturridge, Gerrard, Hendo and Sterling. Not seen 4 reds in the national team for a while.

Last time I think was around 2001

Owen
Heskey
Gerrard
Barmby

With Fowler and Carragher in and around the squad!

We almost did but then Downing flopped and lost his place to Adam Johnson.

Carroll, Downing, Gerrard, Johnson.

Uhm, yes we have, Euro 2012

Johnson, Gerrard, Henderson, Carrol, Downing. That would be five, surprised u don't remember that.

Was thinking more of starting players, though I know Hendo would be a doubt. And haven't we all tried to forget Euro 2012?

12 Feb 2014 20:11:07
And the spurs train is picking up speed

Yes Manchester United will struggle to catch Spurs now. :-)

12 Feb 2014 19:22:11
bit nervous about tonight having seen how fulham had mick and fergie holding back the tears on sunday, they used to score all them last min goals for all those years, but now they are facing all their fears, john houlding houlding houlding. :o)

12 Feb 2014 19:12:42
Predictions guys!

I'm going to go for a 5-0 with Suarez to score first.

Red Rum

I have 1 - 3 with Sturridge for the first goal .

Unlucky redwire, close but no cigars buddy

12 Feb 2014 19:05:04
Must win tonight to put pressure on the top 3. I really do think its there's to lose and ours to win. After the goals against Stoke, spurs, Everton and arsenal. Everyone is fearing us and we got nothing to lose. We ain't spent stupid money, we've giving youth a chance and we came 7th last season. Good luck lads. YNWA

12 Feb 2014 18:52:30
Following on from the discussion regarding Skrtel.

Maybe i'm missing something, but as far as I can see, Skrtel is passing much better from the back. His positional awareness has been excellent, constantly in the correct position to make last ditch tackles and clearances. His aerial ability has improved and he is playing like a leader. What more do we want?

In the EPL I don't think there are many better in current form and when Sakho, Agger and Enrique return, he will have some extra quality alongside him which will only strengthen our defence.

Credit where its due, he has been fantastic for us this season. Ed and a few others, I do think you are being a little harsh on him.

Red Rum

This post looks a little silly now. liability all night long

12 Feb 2014 18:36:09
can somebody give me an ipad friendly link to watch tonights Liverpool game? thanks lads

12 Feb 2014 18:01:37
A brilliant article on 'This is Anfield' by Peter McGurk about the stadium.
It is a MUST read for all Reds.

12 Feb 2014 17:39:30
West Brom totally deserved their point. And Anichebe is making up for lost time at everton. As Macca once rightly said about Yakubu (refering to targetmen in general), "feed the yak and he scores". Over here its the same thing. Anichebe getting all the final balls at West Brom, all he has to do is finish, which he is doing pretty well AT THE MOMENT.

On further thought that is why I think Carroll failed to live up to expectations and Liverpool. He wasn't getting all the final deliveries as Torres used to get. Liverpool started playing with more fluidity and diversity.

Pretty much why Torres isn't getting goals for chelsea, apart from his apparent lack of form. He isn't the final man for them, he doesn't get all the deliveries like he used to at Liverpool with Gerrard right behind him supported by Alonso. chelsea play with inverted wwingers whocreate plays so there is no way a striker gets the freedom to hunt around the box for slick Passes or the support of a true CAM like Gerrard.

All in all its pretty clear that big teams don't play with target men any more, its only clubs like west brom, west ham, etc who are fighting to stay up (who play 19th century football) play with target men because that is simply the only way they can score due to the lack of flamboyance in their play.

Absolute nonsense to say west brom play 19th century football

19 th century football was sarcastic.

Ed I was looking for your opinion on this article. Will you.please Help me out. If anything doesn't Make sense please let me know. Before I complete it and publish it in a popular Indian football magazine. This is my first time so any help will be appreciated.

{Ed001's Note - it makes sense, but it is an opinion post, so there is little advice that can be given. Just remember to give your opinion, rather than the one that is the 'accepted one' or the one you think people want to hear. If you do that, you will be fine.}

12 Feb 2014 17:02:44
Hope everyone good & not been blown away today as of yet?
Jus a bit of info frm ed001 if he free?
Can you see any change in the 18 tonight? Heard rumours dag & johnno back in contention, plus teixeira might make bench? I personaly can't see a change in the starting 11 but maybe a suprise or 2 on the bench?
Cheers
Kj

{Ed001's Note - there is a good chance of some changes on the bench, but as far as I am aware there is expected to be an unchanged 11 starting. Unless someone is struggling for fitness and it is being kept quiet deliberately.}

12 Feb 2014 16:21:58
problem is if arsenal thrash mufc moyes could be on his way. don't want that as he's doing a great job

12 Feb 2014 14:50:03
Banter please Eds,

Afternoon Gents,

Will you boy's be cheering on the Gooners tonight?

Do you want an Arsenal win, thus pretty much meaning you boys will be 12 points clear of Utd (providing you win at Fulham) or do you want a Utd win to close the gap on Arsenal, or a draw?

12 Feb 2014 15:03:20
I'm personally hoping for a 0-0 draw. I never want United to win, but I also don't want you to win because I think we can catch you still! However if anybody is going to win, I hope its 7-0 Arsenal with the goals shared between Mertesacker and Koscielny (I might have them in my dream team, and what?).

YNWAdam

Although not the best news in the world to me. but the happpyness feeling I get from seeing united lose is something that nothing else can match. but arsenal definitely should win the game anyway, they are the better team. good luck to your boys DG

To be honest DG, my head says a draw would probably be best for us as a club but my heart would love to see you thrash them by 5+ goals.

Personally I can never want United to win. unless it was to improve our own position to win the League/qualify for Cl.

I can see positives in all 3 results, so its a rare occasion where I can say let the best team win. what will be will be

dg, how do you think your players will respond? Wenger rarely loses 2 on the bounce.

You guys to win heap it on my friend

A draw would be the best outcome tonight you guys have city Chelsea and spurs all in a row next month so a 4 point gap could disappear with ease

Draw for sure. Never, ever cheer for United.

Ideally a draw mate, regardless of what a lot of posters on here think, United still aren't that far behind, but we also aren't that far behind Arsenal, so an inbetween result I think would work best in Liverpool's favour. After that I'd go for an Arsenal win. The larger the gap we place between ourselves and United the better in my opinion. Regardless of where they are at the moment, they're still the PL champions, and we all know how unpredictable football can be. The more damaged United's confidence is the better for us.

Either way, I'll be rooting for Arsenal during the match!

JFT 96

JP

Daggers, I never thought i'd say this in a thousand years, but this is about the only game EVER I reckon it'd suit us to see the mancs do well in.

looking to peg you back out front is key BUT if we slip up at fulham: do us a favour and hammer 'em 5-0 :)

Arsenal win without doubt, if not a draw, in other words anything but a MU win. FYI, I would only ever want MU to win if it 100% guaranteed we won the league or cup or qualification etc
Come on the gunners!

Afternoon mr G. Our best result from that game has to be a draw for me- that keeps the top three teams within touching distance, and it still stops utd getting up some momentum to chase fourth place. I'd love to get third place and avoid the CL qualifying round, and also the risk of being bumped out of the CL, as spurs were by chelsea winning it

I will whole heartedly be cheering on the gunners. I would much prefer to solidify fourth and have you lads there with us, than have third with united 4th. And it only helps our cause the more distance there is between us and them.

Couldnt bring myself to want united to get anything out of any game regardless

A 0-0 draw would be the best for the table, but I would love to see united lose

It's a tough one for me.

On one hand I want to see Utd suffer another defeat, but then I also want to close the gap on you lot.

That being said, I'm not too fussed on the result as long as we win against Fulham

Hiya Dags,
definitely torn on this 1, head says utd win, heart says arsenal win ha ha, but being the nice guy I am a draw would suffice lol. Not too concerned with any result as long as we get 3pts ourselves. We can only look after our own games and add up the points come May. Best of luck anyways and looking forward to another cracker on Sunday

A draw would be best result for us Dagenham Gunner as will bring us closer to u. Having said that it won't be a stroll in the park for us tonight against Fulham.

Tbh I would rather just concentrate on our own results. I feel with just 6 points seperating top 4, a win tonight and were right in the mix.

Bonjourno DG,

Can't see anything other than an arsenal win really, it's on your "manor" (cor blimey and all that ;-)) and I'd expect a bounce back from. Well.y'know.

Plus man u just aren't firing.

A draw would probably suit us. although it's a weird match when I think about. as whatever the result there's a smile to be found my friend!

Utd win for me.
The last thing we need is for them to lose and Moyes be given the boot :-)

Put them 2 the sword Arsenal! Can't stand them

A draw but its a win win situation for us either way

12 Feb 2014 17:14:07
i always support only Liverpool that's all that matters really but there's a wee team I love to see winning and that would be ABU, everyone has to think how much and how long they have laughed at us, so with that in mind arsenal have a very heavy defeat to get over hope they do it well.

United will up their game for this one. 1-1 draw written all over it.

Hi Dagenham

The draw would probably be the best result for us although, sad as it may be, I love watching Utd lose so much that I will be watching the match TV and cheering on the Gunners.

Your result though is secondary for us as the main thing is that we keep the pressure on by beating Fulham.

Good luck tonight

Want a draw but can only see an Arsenal win.

Hey dags, I will only be cheering on Liverpool tonight, however I would like to see a draw for you.

That way you don't run too far ahead and the Manc's don't come too close ;-)

Red Rum

Gents,

That was pretty much the answer I expected.

Personally, I don't think we have played too well recently and I think it will end up 2-2. Basically, that's not a good result for us but probably good for you boys, lol.

PS, good luck at Craven Cottage tonight.

Ill be cheering arsenal, not because I hate utd but for the fans like DG who have made a connection with us reds this season. really do seem like a top set of fans like us lol

Wow how many posts on 1 subject, I want both your teams to lose lool, no matta what happens someone on either team will drop points or maybe both

I think us beating them has to be the best result for everyone from Grimsby to Boca Juniors via Red Star Belgrade
But for Liverpool I think the sooner CL football is guaranteed your chance of keeping the current squad together plus attracting the names you want to bring in for next season will be considerably increased

Boys, boys, boys.

If I'd known just how much everyone wanted us to lose, I'd have spent the last 20 years doing a lot more gloating :)

Thank you WaltonRed.

12 Feb 2014 13:45:30
Was begging to worry about Fulham sitting deep
and not giving us any space, perhaps our strike
force having an off day etc . Then I read the breaking
news .

Ken augero has his lucky pants on -

Phew . BR and the boys can all relax, safe in the knowledge
that all will be well.

Hope you have some more washes in them yet Ken!

No chance Terry, I wouldn't want to wash the luck out of them.

Just 13 games to go ;-)

12 Feb 2014 12:20:23
What is everyones thoughts on Skrtel?

I said before the Arsenal game how I have been impressed with him this season and how I think he has become one of the best centre backs in the league, and what did he go and do? He continued his fine form with another world class performance.

For me, he has adapted to Rodgers' style now and deserves his place in the team. As Rodgers said yesterday he is now playing like a leader and his composure has improved too.

Has he won you all over yet?

Red Rum

On the ball he has improved so much ed001 is his biggest critic but he won me over our best center half by far this season he has had 3 different partners and held his place down and done well most games!!!

{Ed001's Note - I just don't think he is good enough to be a long term solution. He is not bad, just not good enough to be any more than a back up for a team that wants trophies. We are having to make up for his deficiencies by altering our system to suit him, which helps a lot. So long as we continue to play deep, then he will be ok, but he still isn't the answer. Certainly not world class against Arsenal. Ridiculous to even suggest. He scored two goals, but defensively he was still a little suspect and lacks the authority of a top centre half.}

12 Feb 2014 12:49:19
Whilst I agree with you that Skrtel is playing well, he has not adapted to Rodgers style at all. Quite the opposite actually, Rodgers has adapted his style to suit Skrtel (and others in the team). Unfortunately, Skrtel seems to be our only reliable centre back (injury wise) but he's also one of the slowest. Hence why we are now sitting deeper and stinging teams on the counter rather than playing a high line and trying to dominate possession. I like this style as its very effective and we are still playing some beautiful football in the process. However Skrtels inability to hold a higher line makes him appear prone to errors because if he makes one and the opposition go past him, they are only 18-25 yards away from goal. I think he tackles well and is good in the air, but his reading of the game and positional awareness are average. I think he's playing well right now and deserves his place in the team, but don't see him as the long term solution there. I do like him though, and he is good at his own game. He shows a lot of passion and that's all we can ask for as fans.

YNWAdam

I agree Red, I think he has been superb in most games. Ed1 makes some good points about his positional play and of course we all know about his holding in the box, but he does seem to be working on these and I personally feel happier with him being in the team. I'd love for him and Sakho to be given a good run together when possible although Agger and Toure are pretty darn good too in my book.

While I believe skrtel has adapted his game to Rodgers preferred style I still believe he not what Rodgers wants in his cb. I can see him along with agger leaving in summer with a new cb coming in. i'm not saying I want this to happen btw that just what I feel will happen.

Completely agree Red-Rum, I was of the opinion his time at the club was drawing to a close, however it seems like something has just switched for him. Previously it seemed as if he was lacking belief in his own performance, silly mistakes i.e. the Tevez debacle seemed to really have an effect on him. However, just as with Sterling and Flanagan, it seems that the stint on the sidelines then being brought back into the first team has boosted his performances. I still worry about the shirt pulling, but he has been outstanding now for a good number of games. In the absence of Sakho he also seems to have struck up a level of understanding with Kolo and, with two dominant and big figures at the back, they have managed to really nullify a lot of attacks. His brace against Arsenal was the icing on the cake.

Fair play to Martin, he's completely deserved the praise he's received recently, and I'm sure it's done wonders for his self confidence. Long may it continue!

JFT 96

JP

The long and short of it is that Skrtel has seen them all off even when they have been fit. Its been Skrtel and 1 other all season. So maybe the game has to be adapted to suit him but zBrendan must be happy to do it to keep him in the team. There could have been plenty of occassions to drop him yet here we are in Feb and he is still number 1 choice. That says it all really for me. A great effort for a player that didn't get a look in last year.

Jeez get of Skrtel's back, ed001 " he's not good enough?" so who is? the lad sweats blood for the team, he is a fearless beast, even Lawro and Hanson made mistakes!

{Ed001's Note - sweats blood? He asked to leave at one point. He is playing well, but he is simply not good enough, and he is far from a fearless beast. He is not strong enough to be considered that, any strong centre forward bullies him.}

I'm with edd001 on this one.
He's a decent stand-in but the others all do something better.
Sakho and Agger or Toure would be my ideal CB partnership at present.
With perhaps Sakho and Ilori in a couple of years time.
I liken our CB situation to that of the forward players a couple of years ago - what have we got against pace!?
Jumping Jesus, it's a great asset to have.

And his defense on corners is disgraceful, should of been about 20 penalties to the opposition so far this season and I am a die hard fan.

12 Feb 2014 16:48:35
can't even believe what i'm reading if i'm being honest skrtel has been immense for us this season ad as much as I respect our opinion eds how was skrtels performance anything but world class against arsenal he scored two and the only goal we conceded was a gerrard pen what more can a centre half do to get people off their backs?

{Ed001's Note - he played well, but world class? Come on. As for being on his back, that is just stupid, sorry. I am not on his back at all. Not seeing someone as good enough is not being on his back, it is having an opinion. You really need to try watching him, rather than the game, before you start jabbering on about world class performances. He had nothing to do defensively, how is that world class???}

Told you ed001 was the man for a debate in this area makes good points all interesting opinions good banter

12 Feb 2014 17:44:05
I remember a Carragher performance in a United game a few years back, think we lost 1-0 but that was a world class performance.
I agree he is improved though, and in terms of injury has been our most consistent defender. So he does deserve some plaudits!

12 Feb 2014 21:03:28
i flly nderstad what you're getting at ed01 and I suppose different people will see performances in different ways. the way I saw it skrtel cold not have done any better then he did, in my opinion he made all the right decisions and was unfaultable that's why I see the performace world class!

I've loved skrtel this season but he's done just enough, hel be sold IMO in the summer as I posted months ago, hel fetch a nice wee price too.

12 Feb 2014 10:13:42
hi eds could we have a poll on the worse troll that comes on r site i'm thinking now not the 1 that comes on and gets the banter going that's fine by me, but the 1 who gets everything wrong like spellings, arguments make no sense and they more r less look like they are out of their depth when even talking about their own club, so my vote goes to. Daveyblueblueboy.

12 Feb 2014 10:35:26
sorry that's daveyboyboyblue I got his stupid name.

Best post I've seen: Daveyblueboys post ranting on Mirallas, atleast he doesn't have to show face, but still has to feel like a tit through the screen for that egg on his face! pure class Dbb keep em coming! I can't even pitty you for a post like that. Thanks for the entertainment. So davey for my vote

Got my vote on that bitter. Have a couple of bitters as mates but when it comes to football, it becomes a bit silly.

Ozone . .

I feel sorry for Daveyboyblue.
It can't be easy for him being an Everton fan. Obviously he has nothing to talk about on the Everton pages so he comes over here for a chat.

Poor fella, I think he's lonely and it's a cry for help.

Davey, don't worry son, we'll talk to you but you must understand it's just to humour you.

12 Feb 2014 12:17:26
Disney!

Haven't seen him in a while but his prediction that United will finish 30 points ahead of us will go down in history as the greatest fail ever.

With United on 41 points, us on 50 and only 13 games left each, tonight could be the night Disney's prediction becomes mathematically impossible. Even now, for it to happen we'd have to lose our last 13 games on the spin with United winning all 13 of theres. That'd put them on 80 and leave us on 50. Should we pick up anything better than a loss or United fail to win, then Disneys prediction will come crashing down to earth faster than you an say "David Moyes".

YNWAdam

I quite like davey everytime he came on saying how they was going to over take us we have the other team a thrashing or they would lose. So thanks davey! His ranting Is quite funny as well. Red lobsters was quite annoying so my vote goes to him. Ozone is close behind. Disney would of been up there if United wasn't doing so bad

So many choices!

Don't ozone is a troll funny enough.

yeah but Disney or blueboy gets my vote.
Does he get a prize?

Yes, he gets a fu**ing big nipple for the top of his head.

Are people forgetting about Harry Scouser. He has slated:

Owners
Rodgers
Numerous players

Plus his posts often make no sense

Red twist.

now now ladies.

12 Feb 2014 17:44:21
I personally like supporters of other teams occasionally posting, it is a "banter" page after all.

Sure the Eds have a list of abusive Liverpool supporters that put in a shameful display

{Ed001's Note - fully agree. Some of the fans posting on their own page, including this one, are far worse than most of the supporters of other teams.}

12 Feb 2014 08:43:43
Eds is the Liverpool game on tv tonight?

{Ed001's Note - Arsenal v United is the TV game.}

Game shown live in Canada and US. Also streamed live on NBC sports website. If you can use an IP blocker such as Unblock US (US$5 per month) you should be able to watch it. As well as being directed to US netflix rather than Uk netflix.

Have you tried Hola unblocker on the nbc site? I know it works for Netflix so that might work and it's free.