Liverpool Banter Archive September 17 2014

 

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17 Sep 2014 21:40:27
I know it was only Ludogorets (who seem a decent team) but our result doesn't look too shabby now.

Champions league is about winning games.

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Fair on Mr T.

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17 Sep 2014 21:17:13
I knew Draxler was good, but I didn't know he was that good! He is a class act in this game against Chelsea (I missed the first half!).

At his age his value must be huge! However he is a player I would like us to buy if we had the space in the team after our summer buys!

I am in awe of his performance.

Believable5 Unbelievable0

Was about to post the same thing, completely destroyed Chelsea

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Draxler would cost around 35-40 million GBP. LFC simply cannot afford him, he will probably end up at Bayern to be Ribery's long term replacement.

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Thanks for your responses, just glad Arsenal didn't get him - I would not want to defend against him.

I agree with you Indian Buzzer, but we can only dream.

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17 Sep 2014 20:29:07
Alonso is looking good.

Can't help but think we missed a trick there. I'm sure he's still got 2 seasons of quality left in his legs, if managed correctly.

Quality player. Champions league winner. Experience.

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Players have to want the move

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His age, 8 million, big wages?

Just not where we are at.

Lambert is 4 million but wages will be a lot lower than Alonso

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Get your head out off the past mate

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Nothing to do with head in the past RL Top teams don't buy has beens, they buy quality.

Are Bayern not a top team?
With quality players?
Is Alonso not a quality addition?

This season is a MASSIVE one for us, it's all about consolidation. He would have been a great help.

How much impact did Fowler have when he came back? Exactly.

Don't embarress yourself with pointless responses.

Quality is quality. End of.

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17 Sep 2014 20:05:04
I hope Scotland vote yes tomorrow. There a 4 teams from Corby in my Saturday league. That's 8 more European games than Manchester United!

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Haha, brilliant.

Who do you play for EMS?
I have been looking at joining a team in Northampton.

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Ha! Me too EMC, which team do you play for?! If they're none-EU after that, will it mean Scottish players can only play in the Prem?!

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Eds, is there any way to communicate with these lads privately?

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{Ed002's Note - Like behind the cinema on a Saturday night? I have no idea what you are talking about.}

Could always try through a medium!

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{Ed002's Note - I would need an XL.}

Email addresses Ed haha!

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17 Sep 2014 20:01:55
Revolutionary idea for our goalkeeping staff, tell Simon Mignolet to stay in the six yard box all game. It reduces the chances of him getting rounded and will make him appear bigger to the opposition players.

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Can't we just shackle him to a goal post? LOL

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Can't win really can he, when we want him to come off his line he stays glued to it and when u want hi to stand his ground and remain in position he's out like greyhound! Have we got a goalkeeping coach?! If so sack him or migs, on head to go

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Surely Mignolet has time on his side to improve, problem is he just needs to do it now! maybe if Valdes comes in he will pick up some knowledge that will help him, because the alternative isn't good.

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17 Sep 2014 19:45:06
I must say, I was one of the few backing Borini to prove everyone wrong, but I didn't expect him to change the game anywhere near as much as he did! Delighted for the lad, same with Balotelli for getting off the mark. Would love to see them two starting up top against West Ham on Saturday. Same back four, Gerrard at the base of the diamond, Hendo and Lallana just in front and Sterling at the tip. Coutinho didn't do enough for me yesterday and based on that performance, shouldn't start on Saturday. We left it late yesterday but a win is a win! Let's keep it going!

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Borini coming on was also a change in formation. So it's hard to say what made the difference the player or formation. I would say a bit of both. Not trying to take anything away from him though, he had a good game and always looked dangerous.

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I'm glad Borini came on, reallywanted Suso on for Courtinho.

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I agree with Mikey; not knocking the guy but did you really at the end think wow he made that big a difference?

he Diamond formation and 2 up front suits us better as a team; but Borini didn't get an assist nor win the penalty.

Moreno and Manquillo deserve the credit for defending and assisting in the goal and penalty.

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17 Sep 2014 23:42:18
Yes every time we play the diamond we look better

I think the trouble is he's trying to accomodate sterling coutinho lallana gerrard and hendo in the middle. Something has to give and I say right now coutinho should make way

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I'm with Mikey and Hoola it was hardly a substitute cameo of striking dominance.

Balotelli scored. Manquilo (rb) won the penalty and Gerrard scored it. Correct me if I'm wrong but Moreno passed the ball to Balo for the first.

Like I've always said I want the boy to succeed but he has yet to do anything in a Liverpool shirt that hasn't been outshone by a player from our youth team e.g Peterson or Dunn or more importantly Ibe who is on loan.

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17 Sep 2014 18:35:20
Minimum of 4pts from the next 2 games. This season is going to be tough, I'm knackeredalready! :-)

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Forget talk of minimum's. let's go and get the full 6 points from the next 2 games.

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All our games are next 6 game are very winable some tough but it's tough at the top

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I'm not saying we don't go for 6 pts! 4 is minimum from next 2 to keep on target for champions league top 4 spot.

West ham away. Tough game boys for a team with lots of new players.

We'll see.

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17 Sep 2014 17:17:36
Fellow Reds
I've got a couple of spare tickets for West Ham away this weekend. Away end.
I'm going myself but now have two spares as a couple of mates have had to pull out. If anyone is interested maybe Eds can give you my email address.

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Love this kind of post! Good man Arrow!

Would love to go myself but having just bought a new house I will be painting skirting boards, staring at my empty bank account and softly weeping!

Hope whoever goes has a great time!

Again, nice one Arrow!

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Hi there I would maybe be interested if they are still available. Thanks.

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Me and a mate would be very interested Arrow if you can't strike a deal with Ghandi.

If not, enjoy the game guys!

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Fair play to you Arrow; gear gesture!

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Ghandi and Joe
Please see if the Eds can give you my email address. Happy to help my fellow redmen

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{Ed033's Note - 4 people were mailed your email address

Nice one Ed033

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{Ed002's Note - Thanks for that Ed033 (if that is your real name).}

Ed002, it's an anagram of Ed Pron

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17 Sep 2014 17:04:47
If this Ludogerets team continue to play like this in this group, they'll probably nick the third spot from Basel and qualify for Europa (that is if they don't get ahead of us). I expect a couple of their players to move to England next season.

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17 Sep 2014 23:59:27
Real are at their place next. Be interesting to see how they deal with them

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17 Sep 2014 15:56:04
I know lalanna balotelli weren't match fit last night but you have to give both credit lalanna run himself into the ground and the strength balotelli showed for his goal makes me think with cartridges

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I used work with cartridges.

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17 Sep 2014 23:09:05
I was trying to say when sturridge is fit r goal threat will increase significantly, I can see a good partnership there.message was sent prematurely.

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Forget sas, its studg-atelli now.

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18 Sep 2014 08:44:55
As someone pointed out a few weeks ago, we now have the SBS with Ballo in between Sturridge and Sterling.

With our fine naval traditions in Liverpool, I think this is very apt!

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17 Sep 2014 15:42:04
hi guys. I have a question. what are the details if manquillo loan deal? is there any chance he could be Liverpool player and we keep him if he continues in this form? I think he is, at 20, one of the best young full backs. he is agresive, has pace, recovers fast. I think he is already better player than flanagan, who is also superb player.

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{Ed002's Note - Try the search engine.}

There's a chance he could end up staying, but ironically if he keeps performing well that chance gets smaller (or at least becomes a more expensive proposition for us).

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There should be a good chance Atletico will call him back (paying LFC some cash in the process I believe) as Juanfran, while still playing well, is getting on a bit at 29.

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17 Sep 2014 18:29:20
I thought we had an option on him after the first year?

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AM has the option to end the loan after one year via an early termination fee. We have the option to buy after year two. Or at least that's my understanding.

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We do, but Atletico can of course refuse the fixed price deal from us.

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17 Sep 2014 15:30:09
Having thought about the game last night, it was almost perfect. Mario gets off the mark, which you could see instantly made him look bigger and stronger - this suggests to me he is a confidence player. Great news him scoring that goal.

Stevie g banged in an almost perfect pen. Cool as you like!

The biggest positive was another 90 mins for our back four.
I really like the look of M&M! (Moreno and Manquillo) Its the peanuts in the middle we need to sort out! Ok ok not a very good joke. I thought Lovren and Sakho looked ok? Lovren made some great challenges.

Anyway. All the best fellow reds. Hammers next

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You could also look at it as Balotelli, and to some extent LFC as a team, looking better after Borini came on and we reverted to 2 up top.

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It's really quite a strange one for me. Why leave it to the last 10 minutes and start throwing every forward on the bench into the fray to try and nick a goal rather than just simply playing that way from the outset and hopefully building a nice comfortable lead which would afford our quick attacking players even more space? Not sure I entirely understand the thought process there, to be honest.

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RDL, maybe BR WANTS to play 4-3-3, but when it doesn't work, he has no option but to put more forwards in.

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17 Sep 2014 14:35:42
SI read few posts because most are poor to read.
Last night we were decent, you can see a lot of quailty in the side.
The standouts for me were the morenó and manquillo. Gerrard had a decent game but switched off at.times defensivly.Henderson worked hard and had some good moments but was quiet enough. Coutinho for me was very poor, he either lost the.ball or couldn't pass the ball to feet. The camera looked at our bench and i'm looking at a quailty player in suso being absolutely wasted which is a big shame.
Lovren and sako had a few nervous moments but.will only get better and every top defense gives a half chance or two let's not forget that. The goal we conceded, the ball through was far.too easy for them and lovren was caught off guard and beaten then by abit of pace but deary me if mignolet stays on his line its a standard save IMO. He had very little to do all game and he.made a.shocking mistake and could have cost us vital points . a lot forget the importance of a top GK
Lallana is a top player coming back from injury, Honestly some of you would wind up mr bean

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I agree al about all your points, especially coutinho, in fairness didn't waro point that out about coutinho last year?
When he's good he's good, but when he's off form.

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17 Sep 2014 16:24:05
Totally agree.
We had chances that we should have put away.
Gerrard's header, Henderson's header, Lallana's chance,
They had the one that hit the post and the goal.
I think that the occasion got to the team last night.
Look at the poll.
88% thought that we would win. The 12% who didn't are probably mancs.
And I think EVERYONE under-estimated Ludogorets.
They will cause Real and Basle problems

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17 Sep 2014 14:19:15
Great to see Yesil scoring goals and causing havoc again, even at 80% fitness he was a danger, good to see you back lad.

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17 Sep 2014 12:50:31
Just an observation from last night and not really a denial of his poor performances of late (although I may be biased as I am a big fan of his).

Coutinho was poor and did give away a lot of ball but he showed so much for the ball. No matter who had it Coutinho was nearly always an option for them to pass to, he showed for it all over the pitch, whether or not the ball was actually passed to him.

I wonder if Gerrard sitting so deep is one reason for this, Coutinho might feel that for the ball to move through mid field he might have to be the one to move it. I certainly feel he is taking on plenty of responsibility and despite his poor (even very poor) form of late he certainly isn't hiding away, he is constantly looking for the ball.

I suppose because of this I don't think his lack of form is due to a lack of confidence. Instead I feel that other factors are at play. Maybe he just needs more time on the pitch to sharpen himself, maybe its the change in personnel around him, he might be passing the ball to where he expects players to go based on the movement of past players (I always thought he best linked up with Studge). One example of this was a through ball I saw him play for Balotelli, who did not run into the space in front of him as say Studge or Suarez would. More time together will sort this.

I feel he needs game time. I really think so. I do not feel his problems are associated with confidence issues as if they were he probably wouldn't look for the ball as much as he has been. I feel his problems are simply a downturn in form and a poorer understanding of the players around him. Both of these issues will be rectified with game time.

Again I re-iterate, this is not a defense of him, I will not say he played well because frankly he has been rubbish.

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17 Sep 2014 15:40:34
I've been puzzled myself about Coutinho.

Love him as a player, he is absolutely wonderful. On form i'd watch him before any other player out there.

Whether it is down to lack of match fitness, confidence or new players around him - he certainly isn't playing well. I agree that he is showing for the ball and it is a very brave thing for him to do considering how badly he is playing.

Personally I think his poor form is down to a number of things but mostly down to a lack of confidence.

It certainly makes it more difficult that we are yet to play and move as a team - it'll come I have no doubts about it. But he is guilty of overcomplicating things - trying the difficult piece og skill, shoot or pass instead of the right and easy one. I believe it is often a sign of a player looking to gain confidence and flow. You could see it yesterday with him running into crouded ereas instead of just opening up on the outside with an easy pass or trying to turn on his man in situations where he could just lay it off to a player in a better position turning towards the opositions goal. He just seems to make the wrong decisions at the moment.

Personally I think it would be better to give him minutes from the bench in a game if it opens up - giving him that wee bit more time to make his decision, pass or piece of skill. So contrary to you Amul, I belive it is a confidence thing. He is just desperate to make it right, hence the constant showing for the ball. If he hit top form and find consistency we have an absolute gem.

But for now I think Allen is dearly missed.

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If he is out of form, isn't it better to play him out wide, maybe as the left forward in a 4-3-3, so that he doesn't have to be too concerned about one too many things and that if he makes a mistake, his confidence wouldn't take a further hit?

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When Coutinho joined he was devastating; to the extent I told colleagues I expected him to be Player of the Year the following year.

His best passing (In my opinion) is with players running forward whilst defenders either stopping or trying to hold the line. His inch perfect balls (sounds like a porno) allowed us to cut through teams.

I think he is completely out of form as well as not having a striker willing to run behind the defense / be more mobile.

Not knocking the guy but Sterling on form has gone past him in the last 2 years (TBF Sterling has gone past most people).

Too many passes yesterday were cut out by their players; that being said I agree with an earlier poster he made himself available and didn't hide so fair play to him.

I would maybe play him as a 2nd striker dropping deep that allows sterling to go past him; being as deep as he was yesterday didn't really do him any favours.

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17 Sep 2014 12:39:01
Thrilling end to the game, Champions League is back at Anfield. Ok it wasn't a sound performance but how much more exciting is that ending that a boring 2-0 win.
In serious though I was calling for Gerrard to come off all night (was glad he was on for the peno though). Our build up play compared to last season is SO slow, no one running in behind, no wonder Coutinhos not finding the balls he used to, there's no one behind the defence to play them too.
Also whereas last season we were the counter attacking side, now were being countered attacked on so easily as someone is crowded out in midfield and fullbacks have pushed up. Gerrard no chance to get back because of his pace, and Sakho Lovren need a bit of time so can look a bit wobbly. People seem to have forgotten Sakhos double mistake for when they hit the post.
We have to play 2 strikers at the weekend, i'd play Borini worked hard and played for the team when he came on first one to congratulate Balotelli and Manquillo, him and Balo have the same first language easy communication. i'd also play Lucas ahead of Gerrard at CDM. 2 games a week at this stage of career is near impossible. And an ed mentioning flanagan at CDM has got me excited, love to see that sometime this year.
Positives though, Got the 3 points, Moreno looks sick, Studge and Allen back soon, and were going to win the champions league.

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17 Sep 2014 13:16:39
I agree with much of what you have said, although, contrary to your remark, I thought Moreno looked in rather fine fettle. Is he carrying a knock or is it a cold?

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17 Sep 2014 11:38:05
I have to say, I like Fabio Borini, I think he's a player who has massive potential, and I for one am happy he stayed with us, regardless of mercenary comments!
I thought we struggled last night because of Stevie if I'm honest,
Even with the full backs pushing up, when he drops deep we are essentially playing with 3 centre backs,
Combine this with Coutinho not being able to run a midfield, Hendo did the running of 3 players,
Coutinho needs a free forward role to do his best work
And I was a little pissed that Brendan pushed Lucas further forward when he came on,
Even if Stevie was capable of the defensive plays Lucas is, there's no way Lucas can match Gerrard going forward, so for me that was a mistake.

Stevie can't help Hendo run the midfield if he's in between Lovren and Sakho, and Coutinho doesn't have the defensive instincts to play that role,

What happened to the team that was decimating teams on the break last season? Suarez was hardly the quickest forward in the world, so his departure shouldn't account for that!

But, the bigger picture is obviously more important, and 3 points on our return is much bigger than the result!

I hope Allen is fit this weekend, we've missed him for sure!

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Not just Gerrard, it is the system. Watch the game again and you'll see, whenever we are under pressure slightly or being pressed or have won back possession and could counter with the first time ball, we take the safe option and try and keep the ball; passing it back to Gerrard, or the full backs or back to the CBs. This would be OK, if we were leading in a game, but not when you are playing at Anfield, trying to score.

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17 Sep 2014 15:07:41
Agreed AG. It was all too slow and safe and not enough movement from forward players for me

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I simply want to see us run with the ball more. Moreno is about the only player I can think of who has dribbled the ball more than 10 yards forward. For some reason even when the space is there to be taken, we keep passing instead, generally backwards or sideways or long to no one in particular. Sterling, Markovic, Lallana, Henderson, etc are all quite capable of charging forward with the ball but just aren't doing so.

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Perhaps it is confidence and an understanding of the colleges' strengths/weakness and the system itself that is making them play cautious? If that is the case, we should really start seeing improvement soon.

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When we play so slow and Gerrard "has split" our CD's then we have 5 players infront of their 10 players. then we are trying to find room to make the pass.

With other teams playing so deep we don't need another player that deep. Just my opinion.

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17 Sep 2014 11:22:20
Our full backs have been our best players this season so far I just hope one of them doesn't get dropped for Johnson. This is gerrards last season it has to be. Their goal was caused by our naivety, lb running beyond sterling even though he looked in trouble, midfield 2 being out of position & not making an effort to get back, lovren being painfully slow & our goal keeper slowing little positional sense. Lovren was not at fault. He can't do anything about his speed & occasionally when a guy weights a ball perfectly passed you there's nothing that can be done. Coutinho has never reached the heights of his first 6 months & is declining in quality. Lallana, my understanding was that he's a number 10 or he'd play in allens position which I liked the idea of however 001 says he played mostly on the wing for Southampton (which I'm not disputing) but I have no excitement to see him on the wing because he has no pace which is what our team was good at however down the middle he can see a pass, beat a man & work very hard which sounds great. But atleast we got the 3 points which at the end of the season is all that matters

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I don't blame Lovren for the goal last night.
Even though he wasnt getting to the through ball he could of just stayed on his feet and blocked the opposition player from coming at goal, with Manquillo covering as well there would have been no danger.
By Mignolet charging off his line Lovren had to try and intercept the ball, because he knew their attacker could easily round the keeper and score in an empty net if he didn't het there first, which is exactly what happened.

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To be fair the ref played an advantage for Sterling who was fouled but he never really regained his balance to fully get the ball under control. Credit the player who never gave up and took advantage of the fact and won the ball back. A great pass to midfield and a great ball forward for the striker.
It was a brilliant counter attack move and how many times did we do something similar last year. It's easy in hindsight to pick flaws in positions etc. It's the way the full backs play and gives us more options in the middle. The fluidity in attack will come.
I have to say that's twice Borini has come on and made an impact too, but there's no doubt most teams would miss Sturridge and the departing Suarez up front.
Even Studge and Balo together made an awful difference at Spurs. 3pts in the bag and another 2 weeks before Basle to improve.

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Agree on full backs; both Manquilio and Moreno look excellent players.

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AG I'm lovin your posts at the minute bruv. Talking a lot of sense.

Just thought I'd say like.

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I think the Ref was shocking last night, I'm not sure what he was watching but it wasn't the same as me.

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Phooey: Agree on the Ref, who was "continental" in his approach to refereeing.

Alfie: Stop it man, I am blushing.

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17 sep 2014 11:15:18
to all. .

we won, not in the style of last year, but we won.

i for one am excited about the players who have joined the club, which will be proven to have added quality and depth. give them a chance, allow the injured players to come back, and brendan the time to educate them on the style of the team.

it will take time to integrate the new players. remain calm and support the team. . the performances and success will come.

muchos gracias

ynwa

connorslfc

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17 Sep 2014 11:02:22
Got to say I thought Lallana had a good game last night. If this game was a month down the line he would have bagged at least 2 and set up a couple more.

He just looked a bit leggy from a lack of pre-season and the injury.

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We have to be fair to the lad, that was only his second game for the club after being injured all preseason.
He is bound to be rusty but he still nearly scored two and looked quite tidy in possession.
He also fits into our high pressing game and team philosophy. There is no ego with him and he reminds me a lot of Henderson and Allen, hard working, selfless but talented.

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I wasn't impressed with him yesterday at all. Very little movement, very little creativity, poor finish, he looked a bit lost and thd Bulgarians found it very easily to stop him. his nearly goals weren't very nearly. So far looks like the shadow of himself.

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Like I say Fano give it a month with abit of fitness and Sturridge creating space and you'll see a different beast mate.

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Just shows how important Sturridge is for us.

His movement and touch allow others the space to create and attack.

Here's hoping someone hypnotises Sturridge into retiring from England duty ;o)

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17 Sep 2014 10:54:20
I know Balotelli hasn't had a fair crack of the whip yet but does his body language not wind anyone else up - he comes across like he just can't be bothered. He came back and defended last night which was good but there's something about him that makes you want to put a size 10 up his backside. He needs to look for pockets of space and not wait for the ball to come to him!

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Its not that he doesn't try, its just his play style, something brendan will have to change, the closest comparison I can think of is that he plays like an out of form sturridge.

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17 Sep 2014 12:23:30
Literally no idea what you're talking about. He's putting in the full shift, working hard and refusing to get wound up about the ridiculous fouls being called yesterday and the brutal treatment by Villa on the weekend. I didn't want us to sign Balotelli but I've been very impressed so far. As the only striker on the field against a packed defense, there wasn't space to run into he needed to make it with the ball - as he did twice, and scored from it once!

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That is how he plays. If BR had a problem with that, he shouldn't have bought him.

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I think with Balotelli it's almost natural to look for problems with him. It is quite difficult to not get frustrated with him the minute you don't see him running around like Suarez did. Having said that, I am trying very hard to keep an open mind and give him a clean slate.

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Would have to agree with AG. After a bit of a debate last night locally on Balotelli, went out and watched all the footage I could find of the player. The vast majority of his goals were one touch hits into the back of the net from inside the box, ball passed to his feet, penalties, or free kicks. He simply doesn't run in behind the opposition like Sturridge, Sterling, or Suarez, nor is he particularly creative in his passing. What he does offer is he's a good finisher if the ball is played into him low- do that, and he'll score.

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17 Sep 2014 10:35:56
So excited about Lallana - he's going to be a fantastic player for Liverpool

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I sense this is a dig at he people criticizing Lallana.

I agree he is a good player, and should be given time.

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Ha ha, it's as if people can't cope with positivity here! I can't help being excited!

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Marioantle I could not agree more. I know people who are just miserable glass half empty etc etc. maybe i'm just rose tinted ey.

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17 Sep 2014 10:27:58
Just wondering if anyone else feels Lambert is being underused so far this season. i'm desperate for 2 strikers and there seems a real reluctance to play him for anything more than a few minutes at the end of games.

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Perhaps because he is similar to Balotelli in style generally?

One of the reasons why I was hoping for a second striker to sign instead of Balotelli.

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If we are playing only one of Sturridge or Balotelli at a time, I feel that Balotelli & Borini is a better fit. and Sturridge and Lambert is another combination. When both is fit, go for Balotelli and Sturridge.

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17 Sep 2014 10:03:55
When they broke for their equaliser did anyone else notice that we had 2 defensive midfielders, Gerrard and Lucas, both woefully out of position because they had pushed forward to try and support the attack. 1-0 up with 2 minutes to go should be time to shut up shop and show discipline, not rush forward throwing caution to the wind.

On another note I think Lallana was pretty ineffectual last night. I can't see what he adds to the set-up at the moment. He's very similar to Coutinho and I would rather have one of them playing than both, and go with two up front.

Our two full backs had great games, especially Moreno, who I must admit is looking like our best buy to date.

Balotelli showed some glimpses but needs to get more involved and he will only do this by running the channels and finding space rather than looking for the ball to be played into his feet all the time.

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I think you are right mate. Fingers always point the defence but they did walk through our midfield.

Still 3 very valuable points. I wouldn't read too much into anything else this early in the season. The team are still jelling and getting fitness levels up.

We needed to win and we did. Another great Anfield European night. This is why they are great because we fight to the end no matter what and score late winners.

Get in.

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Moreno did play well but for their goal, as well as Gerrard and lucas being out of position, Moreno had bombed forward to support the attack and was out of position when we lost the ball.
When we are 1-0 up in the 90th minute, there is no need to take the risk and go searching for a second goal.
Not a criticism of the lad because he was immense all game, just something he will learn with experience along with the rest of the team.

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Lallana effectively had no pre-season, being out injured. It will take him time to get back his match fitness, get used to a new slightly different style, playing more games, playing with new teammates etc.

Give him some time.

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17 Sep 2014 23:43:53
The comment about time to shut up shop reminds me of a game last season where we were 3-0 up late on and didn't shut up shop and it cost us. Seems to be a recurring theme

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17 Sep 2014 08:22:38
Question for Ed001, what do you see happening to Flanno? Manquillo is clearly the better right back due to his offensive capabilities.

Do you think Flanagan could adapt to a holding midfield role? He is very comfortable on the ball, the best tackler in the squad, very mobile. He could be a Mascherano type holding midfielder for us long term. Just an idea of course.

I'd hate to see a very talented local lad end up being sold. He is blatantly the best English right back right now in my opinion, but Manquillo looks to have the makings of a world class wing back; exactly what Rodgers wants.

Flanagans offensive deficiencies would be irrelevant if he played in a role in which he was never required to go forward. He showed last season against spurs that he can still hit the odd screamer but he'll never consistently provide a threat going forward and I fear that may cost him his future at the club unless Rodgers moulds him into a new role.

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{Ed001's Note - he was being used in that role in the U21s before he got his run at full back. I personally think that is the best role for him. He is technically capable of playing in midfield, as well as having a great mentality.}

I think he will stay as the squad full-back, covering LB and RB. He will do a job if required but with all due respective to Flangan, I don't see him as good as EMS is saying.

Also, Johnson, and probably Enrique will leave this summer and of course, Atletico can "buy" back Manquilio this summer.

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I don't think Manquillo is better than Flanno yet. I think that's being a touch unfair on Flanno who was outstanding last season.

Manquillo has started well, but I would put Flanno, when fit, over him. There were a few times yesterday, especially in the 2nd half when our right side was heavily exposed, and a better placed pass would have seen a one-on-one. Now, this isn't Manquillo's fault, it's a collective team issue but his 'eagerness' to get foward will see us get hurt.

Manquillo is a ball hunter, similar to Flanno in that regard. They anticipate quickly and try to hit the winger early. The problem is, against the tactical astute teams, they move the ball quicker and then expose the 20 yards the fullback just vacated. He needs to watch that. At the moment his excellent recovery pace see's him get away with it, but we might get hurt with that rampaging style against better teams.

But I like him, looks good, good attitude and is very young so will improve. I just think Flanno is more solid at the moment.

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I would hate to see Flanno leave. Though I think Manquillo suits our system better bcoz he is better going forward and has pace, Flanno could be a utility player for us in the full back positions. However much would depend on whether Flanno is willing to be a squad player and whether Atletico want Manquillo back next season.

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I have been very impressed with Manquillo's crossing in the last two games, I can think of 3 or 4 occasions when he has put the ball right on an attackers head in the box but we just haven't made the most of it.

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Cheers Ed001 that is interesting to know.

I didn't mean to slate Flanno btw. He is a solid right back. He just cannot provide attacking width to the same level Manquillo can.

With regards to AG, if Flanno is to be our 'Darren Fletcher' as in a hard working utility player (RB, LB, CDM) then I'm sure he'd be more than willing. I'd love to see him given a first team game in holding midfield now though following what Ed001 has said.

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17 Sep 2014 12:25:48
I definitely think that Flanagan is still better than Manquillo at this point. If Rodgers manages to dump Johnson as he should, then I think Flanagan should be no.1 RB supported by Manquillo. Plenty of games around for both of them.

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Good shout that Adam, but ti won't happen. With the number of player we have in our disposal, it will take an outrageous amount of injuries for Flangan to get a chance at CM.

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That's a great shout EMS.

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I think Flanno is made for the DM role he is the scouse Mascherano haha!
seriously I think it would suit his style of play.

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17 Sep 2014 08:13:15
Ed001 any chance of a start of season review

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{Ed001's Note - it has not been the best of starts, but then neither was last season, so I wouldn't get too disheartened yet. The team has looked disjointed, but then it is a completely different unit this time around, with partnerships needing to be developed all over the pitch. Right now, it is plain that there is little understanding, which is slowing down our play. The worry is that confidence may dip if the players don't start to gel soon and that will slow things down even more. Players lacking in confidence try and make sure with their passes and so can dither. That is made worse by their team mates, who hide rather than looking to receive the ball because they are also lacking confidence. Hopefully it won't reach that stage.

My two main reservations this season are firstly bringing in so many players when we have such good youngsters. Coutinho is struggling, but still Suso sits on the bench watching. I would like to know why he isn't getting a chance?

Secondly, and this is my main concern, Mignolet. He has been absolutely awful. What on earth was he brought in for when he possesses none of the attributes required for the way we play? He rivals David James as the worst number one of my lifetime at the club.}

Looking forward to that Agree with Ed button! Coutinho has been pure muck, he needed to improve his shooting and now all of a sudden he's shooting more and it's after getting worse. His general play has been poor as well. Mignolet made their equaliser easy last night after coming out off his line, it would have been much tougher had it stayed as he got nowhere near the ball and the defender even though beaten he was there so there was no reason to come out.

I'm a massive fan of Lovren. I really hope he'll settle and gel as he has started very poorly too.

Last night was crying out for Lucas as we had too many playmakers on. Allen would also have been a good player to have. Sterling/Lallana/Coutinho - for me it's one too many trying too much and there wasn't enough of regular midfield play then.

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I think this season start has been similar to last seasons' start, slow and struggling to find rhythm.

Last season, we did get the result we wanted (1-0's against Stoke, Villa and Mancs) - the game against Stoke and Villa could have gone both ways, but we got the points.

The next 2 - Swansea away was a point and we were lucky to get that point and Southampton at home was very similar to Villa at home this season.

But of course, this season, there is the added problem of trying to "form partnerships" as Ed001 puts it, all over the pitch.

Lastly, while Coutinho is clearly struggling for form, perhaps it better to use him from the bench until he hits form. Also, some of you guys need to chill on the Coutinho abuse.

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Forgot to say, Ludogorets' goal was very similar to Aguero's goal against us wasn't it? Mignolet comes running out without seeing what his defenders are doing, while the ball is made way to easily while our midfield is strutting around watching the opposition team and Lovren once again should have done better, but really, the blame, and yes it has to be blame, has to go to Mignolet. I don't know how many of you say it, but earlier during the game Mignolet came for a ball that Sakho had under control, missed it, but luckily a foul was given in favor Sakho. After that, you could see Stevie actually yelling at Mignolet to shout or talk.

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Yes, I was wondering what on earth he was doing. You could clearly see that there was no communication. Sakho had it under control, however, Mignolet just ran out, fluffed, making Sakho divert is run, which could easily have resulted in a penalty. I know Pepe Reina and BR had issues, but I wished they resolved that. We could do with Pepe back, good communicator, speaks to the defenders all the time, his distribution, quick thinking etc would suit our play enormously

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Coutinho was awful last night it was beyond belief.
The amount of times he gave the ball away by just htting a pass straight at an opposition player, when the attempted pass wasnt even particularly difficult was embarasing.

I watched a replay of the match this morning and Gerrard gives him a mouthful in about the 8th minute after he loses the ball in the middle of the pitch, trying to flick a pass over the oppositions players head.

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Well said Ed001!

Coutinho is unquestionably talented, but I don't ever want to see him picking the ball up five metres away from Gerrard, who in turn is five metres behind the two central defenders - get your little Brazilian ar#e further up the pitch - if you are playing the number ten role then do so, and do it in a position that can be effective and productive.

Mignolet's one quality is that he is a good shot stopper, but he let's himself and the team down by being poor at passing/kicking, crosses and general positioning and overall decision making.

Last night you could occasionally hear him calling - "keeper", however these odd occasions were when there was no pressure, the minute a decision of importance needed to be made, he clammed up . the poor defenders didn't have a clue what he was going to do (or not), and as such it looked at times calamitous.

The fundamental part of Rodgers' game plan is to build from the back, so knowing this, I cannot fathom why Rodgers invested in a keeper who is not comfortable with the ball at his feet - left or right? further, after viewing this for a season, and obviously not totally sold on Brad Jones, why then does he not go out and acquire another keeper (if for no other reason simply to put pressure on Mignolet), who is comfortable on the ball? . perhaps we were just spoilt with Pepe.

Personally I still think identifying and sorting the midfield is our greatest concern - i'm sure once Lallana gets up to speed we will see an improvement, it's just getting the balance right.

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Good Morning Fellow eds and Reds,

This is a question for ed01 if you could be so kind as to share your knowledge; do we currently have a goal keeping coach?

I have to agree with the whole Mignolet debate, I was somewhat surprised we got him rather than Begovic, but appreciate Begovic didn't want the move.

many thanks in advance of a reply Ed.

peace out

JFT96
YNWA

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{Ed001's Note - yes we do mate, John Achterberg, though he has not impressed me so far in his work with Mignolet.}

Ed001, wasn't it after JA was brought in that Reina's form nosedived massively? Or do you think it was just coincidence?

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{Ed001's Note - that was more about the loss of the previous coach mate.}

17 Sep 2014 08:31:54
Thought we won last night? Apparently not it would seem. What annoys me more than anything though is that I can't get tickets for love nor money even though I have 2 memberships, and I have to watch close ups of fans sitting in the main stand, not bothered, like they're watching an exhibition match. Get involved or let other people have the tickets

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17 Sep 2014 09:18:20
Unleash red joel as r 12th man in the Kop.

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Lets start a RedJoel petition!

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Hey RJ bang on the button. We were offered 2 tickets but they were 50 smokes each.

We turned them down because of the cost. Way too dear. So how many more like us who want to go but can't afford it?

This is why you end up with them people in the crowd.
Remember they are Liverpool fans though bruv just a new bread. A richer one I think.

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17 Sep 2014 13:58:51
haha get me in boys!

yeh I know people have the right to support their team however they want if they pay the money, but it just seems a shame. I think your right though, just a richer breed in there these days. 50pence tickets all round!

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I followed LFC all over the place for years but when it came to finals or even semifinals I couldn't buy a ticket unless I sold my Grannie, and she was sold first LOL, there were tickets available for MP's, the Mayor etc. but not the fans who travelled the country, so I stopped going the game, (plus I have very bad health) last time I went I was surrounded by Norway and Irish fans(nothing against them BTW)
the only way in my humble opinion is an 80,000 stadium, an extra 13/15,000 is not enough to cure this problem.

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{Ed002's Note - That is not going to happen.}

You get my vote RJ lad.

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Which is a shame, that's why United will always be bigger Eds IMO, could anyone explain why we can't have a 80,000 seat stadium? are there loads of reasons? I really would like to know.

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{Ed001's Note - the area's infrastructure won't support it, yet. There are plans in hand to regenerate the area with improved transport infrastructure to cope with a larger capacity stadium.}

17 Sep 2014 20:53:07
joel I was in the main stand and trust me you're right. I don't know what goes on in some people's heads. lots of us were trying to start the singing but people don't seem to be bothered. 59 quid to sit watching it like it was the telly. having said that I still shout and cheer in front of the telly!

I would say the club needs to make a ring of seats right round the ground for local 16-25 year olds available for cheap. people who really give a stuff. and hope the attitude rubs off on others around them.

but oh no. they won't. for the price of glen johnson's contract for the year they could afford it. esp when we get the extra seats

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17 Sep 2014 07:34:57
Few points,

ludogarets are no pub team, they beat PSV Eindhoven and Lazio last season in the Europa. People are talking about themas though they've never played football.

Ludogarets we're formed in 2001 and are in the CL group stage. Everton were formed in 1878 and have never made the it past the qualifiers.

Our 2004/5 champions league winning campaign opened up with a 1-0 defeat to Austrian side Graz.

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They Suprised me I have to say. They were a very good team and it is no suprise they are their national Champions.

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Speaks volumes about Everton

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17 Sep 2014 08:39:22
My biggest issue ....

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{Ed002's Note - Post it to the teams and formations page please.}

We made them look good. With the money the club has spent, dispatching Ludogorets should be a formality, instead BR chose to make the encounter a bit more exciting by using a formation most of our players are not comfortable with. Yes Ludogorets beat the likes of Lazio and PSV, but those two teams are not exactly heavyweights are they? LFC under performed and Ludogorets had a fair crack at atleast a point which imo they fully deserved. We got lucky, cannot afford to play like this against Real or the team will get murdered.

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They'll surely be fancied for 3rd and to get the Europa League spot ahead of Basel. I thought they were quite good alright last night and dangerous on the break.

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17 Sep 2014 09:25:58
So Brendan conspired to make it difficult by playing in a way his own players don't know at all.because we spent big money we have a divine right to beat teams, personally I think this is a very ignorant post putting good teams down with no points to back up your claims.

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They also did well again Partizan Belgrade, Steau Bucharesti and Sevilla over the last two European campaign.

They have done well; I only remember Levski Sofia as a Bulgarian team.

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{Ed002's Note - CSKA is the best known side.}

17 Sep 2014 07:24:28
Well! Obviously we need to improve and drastically too. Two very poor performances. I can only hope that there is more to come from Lallana and Lovern because so far they have been pretty poor. Surely we have to play 2 up front? We look much more threatening but we alaways look dodgy in defence no matter who plays! Maybe Skrtle and Johnson are not so bad?

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{Ed001's Note - we look dodgy in defence because everyone streams forward when we have the ball and leave the defence exposed. Lovren and Manquillo are a huge step up from SKrtel and Johnson.}

Firstly, Manquillo is miles better than Johnson.
Secondly, Lallana hasn't been awful at all considering he is fresh back from a knee injury and hadn't played with any of these guys before Saturday 4 days ago.
Thirdly, Lovren has far more quality than Skrtel but he is struggling right now. At the end of the day, I'd rather have a 25 year old in defence learning from his mistakes than a 30 year old making the same mistakes every week. Lovren needs to settle and stop trying too hard because it's backfiring and he is suffering from lapses in concentration.

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Agree Ed01. Lovern getting a lot of stick for the goal but in the last few minutes at 1-0, up a straight forward ball was played down the middle to their midfielder who had the time to turn and pick a trough ball to the striker unchallenged. When there's no pressure on the ball the defender has to go with the runner, he tried but couldn't make it. Where was the midfield cover is the real question.

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17 Sep 2014 08:57:18
We will never know whether Lovren or Sakho are decent defenders until they have a defensive Midfielder in front of them and a competent goalkeeper behind them .

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Why do people blame Lovren for every goal we concede? Yesterday, it was Gerrard's and Lucas' fault for letting the opposition deliver a through ball in the first place. The whole midfield charged forward leaving Lovren and Sakho completely exposed, not to forget Mignolet was not helping matters. The GK should either come out early sensing the danger or just stayed on his line waiting for the shot so he could have a better chance of saving the shot, but instead Mr Mignolet thought standing in no man's land was the best option. We need a more commanding GK who can rally the defenders, just look at how Courtois charged at the Leicester striker Nugent when the whole Chelsea defense pushed forward looking for a goal and saved them the match. Mignolet's is the problem, and so is gerrard.

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I agree that they have to improve but they will once they settle. Also agree with Fitzy as when Sakho was fighting for the ball and it came off him and to a Ludogrets player that was where our defensive midfielder should have been. Then Sakho had to go and leave his striker but Gerrard's positioning in DM is awful.

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We have played 5 games this season. For 4 of those games, we played 1 up top, produced appalling displays, lost 2, luckily won 2.

The only game we played 2 up front, we quite easily dismantles Spurs, playing good, attractive football.

.

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Skertl over sakho. Sakho is so uncomfortable on the ball, he looks scared when he touches the ball

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17 Sep 2014 06:45:14
Hi Eds

Whats your verdict on the game last night please?

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{Ed001's Note - poor performance but got the job done. Nothing else matters in Europe, it has always been about just getting the result.}

17 Sep 2014 02:42:37
Great result (win) but poorly played game for us I must say. Borini came on and did much better within the small time on field than Lallana did whole game I my view. Great to see Suso on the bench for once but wish he played at least for 5 mins but such is life young lad, on to the next game YNWA.

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17 Sep 2014 07:26:01
Neither the Transfer commitee or BR himslef got a clue, Which is Lallana's best position BTW.
He is a fantastic player, played at his fav position.

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{Ed001's Note - he played mostly on the wing at Southampton. I think, as usual, it is you that doesn't have a clue.}

I so wish there was an "Agree with Ed" button now.

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A lot of people are on Lallana's back straight away. Give the lad a bloody chance. He has moved to a new City, a new club with different tactics and training methods, is playing in a team who are trying in the process of integrating 8 new players, has only played 2 games for us and has just come back from an injury.
Have you learned nothing from the last few years? Do any of you remember slagging Henderson off saying he wasn't good enough and a waste of money!
At the moment there isn't a single player who has impressed when we've played 1 up top on his own, they've all looked lost and devoid of ideas. When we've made the change or started with 2 up top (Spurs) we have looked a much better team, much more fluid attacking wise and players seem to wake up and start playing how we know they can.

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So has Moreno, Manquilla and Lovren

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17 Sep 2014 02:39:21
Last two games we have played poorly but we need time to gel.

By october, Liverpool will be playing football like the old days and the crowds will be roaring again. I expect us to beat west ham, middlesborough and everton. This should be our priority. Sturridge and allen due to comeback to help us as well

Get behind the team! PLEASE! There are great days and off days. Soon the great days will return. We just need to be more fluid in our attacks and tighter in our defence.

On to west ham.

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17 Sep 2014 01:51:42
Good to kick off the CL with a win, and Balotelli looks like he is already settling in. I think he looks better when he has a second striker to draw players away from him or receive his knock downs.

Biggest concern for me today was Coutinho. He seems to be a one trick wonder. I could guess what he was going to do every time he got the ball. Doesn't really take defenders on, just tries to drop shoulder and go right. I think everyone know this now and quickly close him down. He still has an eye for the killer pass, but never seems to have the time to pull it off. Perhaps we should drop him, and let Lallana settle into the playmaker role?

The goal against was very concerning as well. Defense made a mistake, but I still don't know why Mignolet was so far off his line.

Coop

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It wasn't the defence but formation that was wrong for their goal. They countered in two passes, went through midfield with ease. Gap was huge.

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17 Sep 2014 09:35:25
The ease teams get in and create chances is scary midfield looks a bit slow and static for my liking with exception of Henderson all the rest need to take a good look at themselves and question r they doing themselves justice on the pitch.

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I think Coutinho is struggling with the fact there isn't the genius runs and movement off the ball of Suarez and the pace in behind and movement of Sturridge. Our midfield have been spoilt over the last 2 years with having these two up top.
Balotelli is a completely different type of player and it's going to take a bit of time for our midfielders to learn his style and know what he's thinking (if that's possible).

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17 Sep 2014 00:23:49
Been to both Villa and Ludogorets over the past few days, verdict is our build up is too slow. Defence is all over the place. And we look toothless without Sturridge. IMO the team doesn't click with one upfront,, there HAS to be 2. Both games we created absolutely nothing until Sterling played through the middle and the extra forward came on. Lovren is completely hit and miss,, one minute he's nailing sliding tackles and commanding the back line,,, the next he's way out of position or getting turned inside out by strikers.
No point moaning about who we've signed ect because these are the players now, glad we got the win, atmosphere was nervy yet electric at times. But we're Liverpool,,, back in Europe,, and are notorious for doing it the hard way! Mario Fantastico

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The 5 in midfield with 3 of them being very clear playmaker type players is too many. I don't know how Arsenal do it all the time but we look much better dropping one of them (Coutinho) and playing a second up top.

Ballotelli is being crowded out something unreal up there on his own and then when Borini came on we improved a good bit. I think Lucas helped too as we needed to lose some of our playmakers and get a player in midfield who would keep the ball moving rather than trying to do something fancy all the time.

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