Liverpool Banter Archive December 22 2013

22 Dec 2013 21:51:52
Hi Eds,
Any news regarding the Ashley Cole situation as it seems he may be leaving Chelsea however surely money will be a problem for most teams as high currently earns a high wage. Is there any chance he will go to another English side or will he go abroad? Also can you see Aspas leaving in January?
Thanks

22 Dec 2013 21:43:00
Hi all would appreciate you honest feed back as we have felt MOTD is anti Arsenal all season, it does seem strange they should run their poll last night at a point where we lose top spot and after our worst run of the season ( 1 point from 6) but before we get a chance to redeem our self's against Chelsea tomorrow when they have a program on.

Any one else think we have a point or are we just paranoid?
Would really appreciate your views please

Know what you mean buddy, think yous have done well but have a real test coming up (like us mind) but MOTD think Man City or Chelsea will win the title so will disregard anybody else. The highlights they show of us are bloody rubbish at times and then they barely comment after ffs

On this I would say a little paranoid mate. I think it was just done because the team at the top changed and they wanted people's thoughts on whether lfc could go all the way. I disagree with the result of it though, I imagine a lot of lfc voters were watchig motd :P

In all honesty I think you'll finish 2nd gunner62, behind City and with us in 3rd.
I'd like to say we can win the title and I think we have a little more chance than you, coming in the form of a certain Uruguayan, but we will do well to get 3 points from our next two games.
Chelsea lack a top class striker and defensive solidarity at the moment which is encouraging me for next week
I live 2 miles from Emirates so have to banter with gooners pretty often
Ozil is your only world class player, and perhaps Ramsey, but he's seeming inconsistent
If you do buy a top striker in January then your midfield can possibly win you the league but I think right now you're, like us, a couple of players short of winning the league

There are some of us Liverpool fans who think MOTD are against us too.
I don't. It all centres on the fact that we went through a phase of being the last match shown on MOTD.

Who cares anyway what Jugears and his cronies think, they don't influence results so it's irrelevant.

Thank you lads really appreciate your feed back as its so hard sometimes to have an unbiased look at your self.
I hope you all have a fantastic Christmas AND BOXING Day :-) as said many times this season if we have to finish 2nd or 3rd I hope you boys finish top

Let them all think we are not title contenders- by now I know the players(the people that really matter) have been told by BR and know themselves that they've got a chance- if they want it badly enough there is no reason they can't do it.
In fact I would say that any of the top 8 teams are still in with a chance- lot of games still involving the top teams

MOTD should talk less and show more of the games! jobs for the boys droning on with cliche riddled comments! better still, record it and F/F thru the waffle! their bias shows every week.

22 Dec 2013 18:06:51
Great to see the team putting in some great performances and getting some good results. Players like henderson, allen and sterling are getting better with each passing game *pun intended*. Our beloved LFC are now reaping the rewards of Brendans style of play, tactical knowledge, hard work and undoubtedly an exceptional talent in Suarez . With city and chelski round the corner and away from home its vital that we remain composed and carry forward the confidence we've shown all season. Come on u Reds!.
Quick question for the Eds, with the transfer window days away are there any other wide players we are considering apart from Salah?
Compliments of the season to all the Reds out there and the Eds.

{Ed002's Note - I am sure the club will look at a number but for some time Salah has been top of the list.}

22 Dec 2013 18:45:36
i have to say some of you lfc fans are nuts. you get way too happy to be top but in the next three games. you will gain a maximum 3 points. and chelsea and everton will jump right infront of you

dont you see how close the table is. it gives you guys false hope. 1 draw and your back down to 5th if everyone wins.so stop getting happy so fast when its clear by mid january or the end of janaury the real big guns will be back up there and the pretenders will slowly start to dip

no offence. but I even rate everton above you guys. just wait and see how they will jump over you in the next three weeks. remember my post!

Don't worry my friend. We sure will remember this post

Why do you think we care if you think Everton are above us?

Why do you think you are so important that we will remember your post?

Get over yourself sunshine no body cares what some bitter little boy thinks, we are top of the league and playing great football and what ever happens will happen, now run along and grow up.

"Get way too happy".?
I haven't read a single post which sees true fans getting carried away.
We are genuine contenders for top four and anything else is a bonus.
Spurs, Swansea, Southampton and Man.Utd are struggling. We're not!
We have the best player in the World at the moment but I don't think any true fan would put his house on us winning the League.
Personally, I think we can beat City and Chelsea away .and then lose to Hull at home!
Six points from nine wouldn't be too shabby but you are obviously a wind-up merchant and I've given you too much of my time.

Completely agree Anfield Pete, spot on mate

22 Dec 2013 23:37:15
Plus, we are 12 points from the last 12, so even if we do lose both games that'll still be 12 out of 18. Hardly terrible!
Liverpool fans would be pretty delighted with say 3rd? Or even 4th, champions league is the target.
Besides, there's so many 6 pointers that it's impossible for everyone except Liverpool to win their next 2 games at least.
There's a big match on Tomo that I'm pretty sure both teams can't win. If memory serves, the fixture list is pretty tough for most.

You wonder why we call you lot bitter

Let us enjoy what we have got please. top 4 crimbo YNWA

Do you hear that lads?

We've got them rattled.

Lovely stuff

''In your next three games you will win a maximum of 3 points.'' Mystic Meg has a running for a her column inches with your prophesies, Red Lobster. :)

Com'on, let's be fair, Liverpool fans deserve to be in the title chase, the league doesn't lie. Liverpool have played very well with such a small squad of young players and many of them are English/British, Johnson, Flanagan, Sterling, Allen, Henderson and Kelly all played their part on Saturday in helping put Liverpool back on the top of the League and keeping the pressure on our rivals.

Liverpool fans rightly deserve to be enjoying themselves. No doubt it's ridiculously close at the moment and the odds are against Liverpool, but that won't stop the fans believing and dreaming of the team excelling expectations and delivering, whether it's a top 4 finish or a title challenge. Would you expect anything less from any club's fans in Liverpool's position!?

Liverpool were the underdogs to win the Champions League in 2005 and many people from other English clubs counted us out as automatic losers, well, gladly Liverpool don't always read the sticky or follow throw away simple subjective predictions. Sometimes Liverpool even defy the gods.

22 Dec 2013 16:44:00
Hi edds, how do Everyone have 3 players on loan? Is barry a loan to buy deal?

{Ed002's Note - Loan to buy deals are exempt. Loans of goalkeepers are exempt. I have explained this before.}

22 Dec 2013 16:15:10
That is why the team page is there.

22 Dec 2013 15:36:57
Ed001, what have you made of.Hendersons growth in the laat few games? The boy is thriving without Gerrard and is.looking the complete midfielder

{Ed001's Note - it is good to see him flourishing with the extra responsibility to the team, though it is partly down to not having so much ground to cover defensively making up for Gerrard's lack of legs. I am just glad to see a young lad showing why we bought him. I just hope people remember this and give new signings more time in future.}

"I just hope people remember this and give new signings more time in future"

Jokin' aren't you, this is Liverpool rumours after all.

All they want is world class players mixed with a bit of blood and sweat - they don't want much.

Henderson has been our second best player in the last few games. Rodgers challenged the players to step up their game in the absence of Gerrard an Sturridge and that is exactly what they have done.

Red Rum

It was the same with Lucas.

Also Allen is looking to be improving.

Am I right in saying Henderson has played every game this season? He's played a hell of a lot anyway,, and BR must have seen this type of form in training all season round. He's a young kid, and doesn't play with that arrogance, but with the manager constantly picking him, and the fans now believing in him, confidence will hopefully push him on and I think he has the potential to become our new Stevie in 2/3 years. Expecting big things from Jordan, over the moon for him ATM

22 Dec 2013 13:49:25
I've been saying for 3 seasons the CB we want, and he'd partner Sakho superbly, is Dejan Lovren.

Skrtel has been excellent all season!

Red Rum

^^ apart from when he is trying to wrestle with opposing players in the box yeah?

I think we've got some crackin' centre-backs to rely on already.

Only very few cbs in the league don't do it one100.he has been great all season

Anyway, it was an 8.5 million pound contract with still three years odd left to run.

Southampton would want double that at least and there are more important areas to cover so I suspect we wouldn't have the money.

Good shout though.

I don't need a lesson on what CB's do. They do not do it to the extent he did in one game. He is superb when the ball is on floor, but he is appalling at set pieces. Its not a debate its fact.

One100
Skrtel is hardly excellent on the floor.
His strength is winning challenges both in the air and on the ground.
When in possession of the ball I believe Skrtel is the weakest of our centre backs. He lacks movement off the ball to create angles for team mates, often leaving Mignolet in difficult situations.
Yes he has improved in this area but still needs to work harder especially as we play from the back a lot.
And also as pointed out by ED01 on a few occasions, he drops far to deep defensively.
Saying that he has had a good season so far.
I'm loving seeing Sakho there and can imagine him being there for many more years as our 'rock' at the back
Seasons greetings!

OK I'm not keen on Skyrtyl but he is doing something right in that Agger can't get in the team.

We have plenty of talent at CB. And don't forget we also have 3 brilliant prospect for that position for the future. Ilori/Kelly/Wisdom

ARROW He has been good on the floor except constantly passing back to goal, but Mignoliet make a f-ing meal out of it to be honest, plenty of time all he has to do it clear it but he doesn't he fricks about with it. Very rare you have 2 ball playing centre halfs anyway.

22 Dec 2013 13:24:40
With 3 fixtures coming within a week of each other over boxing day to new years day who would in the squad would you like to see get an opportunity to impress?

For me I think Aspas and Alberto deserve a good chance and I wouldn't mind Ibe and Rossiter getting some game time against Hull.

Would also not be surprised to see Agger and Toure back for Chelsea considering the form of their strikers.

I think, given the importance of the fixtures, we should be reluctant to through too many changes in.

Kelly looked off the pace when he came on so I'd expect Johnson and Flanno to start.

I do see Agger coming into use again, especially with Skrtel continuing to be a liability.

In terms of attack, I'd say maybe Alberto and Aspas but Aspas certainly won't be getting the main striker role that everyone harps on about him needing.

Aspas most likely would be sold january, no need to rush alberto his time will come

The teams will be the same I would think. We've had 1 game a week all season. I think they'll be fine

People have to stop calling for Rossiter to be in the first team.

I watched him a lot and he's an exciting prospect but he would get murdered in the premier league if thrown in now and slated by some fans.

He needs to develop physically to add speed and power to his game. Defensively he also needs a lot of work. He is not the most mobile which I why I would have slight question mark whether he will make the grade at all. But he's young and there's time to develop.

Obvoiusly he I have omitted the great talents he has such as his passing and leadership and temperment and work rate.

He is not ready but he's only a kid.

These next 3 games are going to be a big test.
I have to wear the lucky pants 3 times in 6 days! Washing machine will be struggling

Rossiter is no where near physically ready for the premier league and I think it would be to early for even the carling cup. ibe is physically ready and I would play him off the bench before moses

Hopefully not to many skidders in them keks though Ken ;0)

Wonder if they are still lucky if I wear them inside out?.

Anyway, forget giving the kids a run out against Hull, I want to win that game comfortably. I want a 6 goal mauling of Hull after that game at the KC.
We need to put Mrs Fathead Doubtfire back in her box!

LoL Ken, real lucky pants only remain lucky, if they are not washed, ever!

22 Dec 2013 12:56:47
Good day people:) Hope everyone is having a good day! I was very happy with the first half yesterday and the only thing I want to complain about is that poor Aspas doesn't even get 5 minutes.
He looked good in pre-season and some minutes here and there won't hurt him, it might help him settle and we gain a player. Just like Flanagan & Sterling & Allen who suddenly proved to be very important parts of the squad.

Anyways am here to tell you about the new player who will soon be a huge name in world football, probably after the worldcup.

If any Liverpool scouts are reading this, you seriously need to check out Yoichiro Kakitani! Incredible player!
Happy Christmas Reds and I hope we prove the haters wrong by putting in 2 performances that make us proud over the next week:)

Happy Christmas Malak.

22 Dec 2013 11:24:33
On the set piece we conceded, sakho was trying to bring the line out but noone was listening, everyone becomes so nervous and gets so deep. And why was sakho left with 2 people to mark? Someone seriously needs to look at this. Its fine when we already scored 3 and we go on to win but imagine that was 0-0 we wouldn't of won that game. We looked so good but we concede the silliest of goals. We look solid when the ball is on the ground but just cannot deal with corners, long balls or free kicks. Its worrying.

Yeah I saw sakho lead the line, but skryrl kept dropping off. The open man I assume was Kelly's considering everyone else had their mark. It was a bit frustrating to concede a goal when all areas of our game yesterday were excellent. Has to tighten up. Skrtel's set piece defending is going to hurt us eventually, I'm surprised a pen hasn't been given in the last 3 games.

Sakho is a leader, will prove a bargain in years to come.

Skrtel always drops too deep. Every game. If he could get that out of his game he would be s much better.

Mr T, he drops deep because he lacks pace. He's compensating if he didn't he would struggle. Its not as black and white as you're making it pal

22 Dec 2013 06:25:55
Hi eds, great site just registered!.Thought just one question, what do you think about salah is he a great signing in your point of view, if it happens? Because he reminds me of another assaidi, I hope he is really not! Cheers.

{Ed002's Note - Salah will be fine.}

Ed002's boys were on the receiving end of Salah twice so he should know!

Ed002 You say Salah will be fine, so you think it's a done deal.

Wouldn't be unhappy if we brought him in, pace and an end product and consistently did it in the champions league.

As I've said, Hendo's current form is clear evidence that Fergie's motivational man management techniques work even after he has retired!

Thanks Taggart!

22 Dec 2013 09:02:08
Another great 1st half display yesterday! Shame about the 2nd half, maybe they were asked to go out and conserve energy? Let's face it the game was won and we've got 2 massive games in the next week.

Big shout out to Hendo, he's really shining at the moment. What a ball to Suarez for the 2nd goal. If that was Coutinho people would be going mad!

Onwards and upwards

Henderson is flying, in the last 2 games, he's has scored 1 goal and created 3 assists and received a man of the match display against Tottenham. So that's 5 assists for the Prem season so far, which is Henderson's personal best tally for us and it's just half way through the season, Rooney leads the way on 8, I think.

Not bad at all and has showed that we have a dynamic midfield option already within the squad that can help ease the void left by Gerrard being out injured.

Henderson is benefiting from the responsibility left in the wake of Gerrard's absence and is forming a tenacious partnership with Suarez and that's good news for us.

Whether it's a long pass through the middle to Suarez who's on the counter to pass it over to Sterling to tap it in or, the cross for Suarez's first goal against Cardiff, or the back heel for Suarez to curl his shot in for his second against Cardiff, or the back heel through the defenders legs against Tottenham for Suarez to set Flanagan up for his goal, it's clicking all over the pitch.

Henderson and Suarez's inter play is fast becoming a thing of beauty and Coutinho is getting in on the act as well. Great positives and I think Henderson is the most impressive English midfielder at the moment on current form, thinking about that World Cup squad, he's looking set to play himself into a real chance of going to Brazil?

Well, this has been happening pretty much the whole season, but with 2 very very big games coming up, I could understand the drop in intensity in our play.

22 Dec 2013 03:04:40
Thought we were awesome first half yesterday but let Cardiff back into the game second half and against a better side we may have been punished. Still, a wins a win.

I have seen a lot of praise for Coutinho but IMO he does very little for the majority of the game but then will produce a defence splitting pass out of nothing. Just wish he could get more involved and not be a passenger for long periods.

In the long term I think we need a centre half, midfielder, winger and striker.

Sakho is a beast and should be first choice cb. Agger and Skrtel are great at times but suspect at other times. Toure is not the long term solution but we have at least a bit of depth should any injuries/suspensions come up.

Would love another midfielder to partner Lucas as although Allen is a good squad player, he isn't first team quality. Henderson is a different player whilst Gerrard should be used sparingly to ensure he can play in the important games.

Hopefully the Salah rumours are true as he looks the part, and is young to boot.

Another striker would be great and hopefully not put all our hopes in Suarez and Sturridge for goals whilst providing the required depth for a title charge.

If FSG push the boat out in January, this could be our best chance in the last 20 years to achieve something great. City, Chelsea and Arsenal all have there issues and look suspect at times whilst Utd will struggle to get into the top 6.

Come on FSG and BR, 2 or 3 of the 'right' signings and this could propel Liverpool back to the glory days.

Yeah because we can't get top of the league with these players! Oh wait.

Being top after 17 games and still to play City and Chelsea is one thing, but being top after 38 games is quite another.
TjRed - Does it mean that if we are top we shouldn't be looking to strengthen? If anything, now is the perfect time to strengthen.

Another center half in two years from with in the club like kelly wisdom samba and Ilori are all there so don't worry we'll ok plus Allen is a good player watch him when his confidence grows look how much confidence has helped henderson and even Ramsey skrtel and flanno confisence is everything for players

21 Dec 2013 23:43:15
Maybe that horrible festive away shirt was a sign that we'd be top for xmas ;)

Red Rum