Liverpool Banter Archive December 26 2013

26 Dec 2013 23:25:05
Ed001, wanna know your opinion on the game today. I'm certainly taking the positives, we've fared the best out of every other Premier League side to come to the Etihad this season, but wanna hear your view on the game.

Thanks in advance

{Ed001's Note - I thought it was a great game, one we could just as easily have won or drawn as lost. I do wonder how much more we can cope with Johnson and Skrtel in the side though. Even Michael Owen spotted how far away from his man Skittles was repeatedly, and he is thick as pig shhhh. The only time he was anywhere near his man was on set pieces, when he was far too close. He is going to keep costing us points while he is in the side. Johnson's attitude is infuriating, the lad has so much ability, it just seems he can't be bothered, he is always asleep. He coasts through games week after week, that is just not good enough.

Overall though, we were excellent going forward in the main, really took the game to them and gave them a really tough match. One other thing though, I really wish we would stop messing about splitting the centre halves and dropping Lucas between them on the edge of our box. I understand we want to keep possession, but splitting the centre backs is never a good thing, they should be working as a partnership and there should be no need for a midfielder to drop that deep. Keep the midfielder 5 yards further forward to open a passing option, the defenders should surely be capable of passing at least that far or they have no place in professional football!

I was really pleased, despite the result, with our performance though, despite the gripes! It is just that I want to point out where we could improve, in my opinion.}

Hi ed001 love hearing your opinions. Do you think that we will get Into the top 4? Or even a chance of winning title? I know we have played amazing the last few games I'm still slightly apprehensive due to us sometimes not turning up at games. Admittedly it hasn't happened in a while but the doubt is still there! Also what did you think off the referring today?! I just can't see how officials could possibly get so many decisions that wrong plus the fact it happened when arsenal played there is slightly suspicious. Thanks in advance

{Ed001's Note - I don't think we have the strength in depth to challenge for the title, but we are in with a very good shout of top 4, defo. The ref today was awful, though City could point to every set piece they had to show it was not just them who got the benefit of his poor decisions. I think he was just poor, rather than believe there was anything untoward in his performance. Yes Sterling was miles onside, and yes the hand ball decision against Lucas was ludicrous and Suarez was clearly having his shirt pulled. On the other hand, Skrtel could easily have been sent off 5 or 6 times, with a pen being given every time too. So I don't see him as being poor only in their favour at all.}

Completly agree with what your saying but I just think referees in general don't give shirt pulling like in the Cardiff game. Although as everyone has said it should be a penalty and people like skirtle will stop. I think today showed clearly that skirtle can run well out of position and like too see kolo take his place. As well as one of the youngsters for Johnson! He's doing my head in now and due to all the players attitude being superb he stands out like a sore thumb

Whats with the Skrtel hate ed? All CB's do exactly as Skrtel does. Happens every game every weekend

Completely agree with ed001's analysis. Johnson's attitude just isn't good enough - realistically we should look to replace him as soon as possible, if not January then defo the summer. He undermines the teams work ethic and the sheer number of times he isn't concentrating or doesn't look up or takes a bad touch etc etc is mind numbing. Every game the cycle repeats, the sooner he goes the better.

As for Skrtel the ed called it right a few weeks ago when he said that he looks good making these last ditch sliding tackles but the only reason he has to make them is he is so inept positionally that he is constantly chasing his man instead of nipping the danger in the bud earlier in the build up. We must try and build a team without Skrtel, he will only cost us goals (and possibly penalties) in the long run.

Shame we always seem to make mistakes against city - Mignolet's really was awful, not sure what he was trying to do but should of been a routine save. Looked very stupid and against teams like City the last thing we need to be doing is gifting them goals. We played very well and I felt we deserved better than a loss.

Oh honourable mention to Moses lazy, uninterested attitude on show yet again, thankfully only a loan deal.
Aspas - lad just doesn't look willing to fight for his place, did nothing to change the game when he came on, probably best for ourselves and the club if he moved on. Wish we could bring Borini back, watched the Everton - Sunderland game and has horrendous as Sunderland were Borini's energy levels were superb, something we could do with from a substitute.

United fan come in peace

Thought you guys played really well and it was just a great game to watch especially after awful chelsea/arsenal game the other night.

Also thought you guys gave them the best game all season of anyone who has played them and ed01 comments are spot on and it could have gone your way.

Skyrtle is a poor defender and a red card/penalty waiting to happen and he did the same against cardiff last weekend and in Europe you will concede lot's of penalties.

Coutinho is a great player and a steal for 8 million and wish we had him:)

Suarez is on another replant at the moment and hope you guys get a result at Chelsea. I don't believe Mourinho can set up to defend and sneak a win against your team and Chelsea will have to have a go, which should make for another great game.

26 Dec 2013 22:40:46
I'm absolutely delighted with the spirit on here. To tell the truth I was a little bit reluctant to come on as I already felt bad enough. But seeing that my fellow reds saw the absolute desire from us tonight as well as the blinder Lee Mason played for them, takes a little bit of the sting out of it. We were unlucky, but bring on Chelsea. On a day that Suarez didn't have his spectacular best, most of the other players showed a resilience that just filled me with red joy. I firmly believe that we can be the ones to take Mou's 100% home record. Hope Flanagan is back, and maybe McLaughlin deserves a call-up.
YNWA fellow Redmen.

I agree good sir. I'd love to see Kelly or McLaughran get a chance rather than Johnson and Flanno will always give everything to the team. Not to sound like a conspiracy theorist but with Johnson's contract coming to an end soon, and rumours that he is stalling on a new one, maybe BR feels a little trapped with benching him. Let's hope not but give the youngsters a chance I say.

It was not that Suarez did not have one of his good games rather he was not let to. Have to give that to City, they subsided Suarez's danger quite a lot than we would have wanted.

26 Dec 2013 21:57:42
Eds fellow reds, looking at today's game, I feel we still need a player that can come on and change the game nick that extra goal, someone that is top quality but coming to the end of there playing time .eg like when we got GOD back or morrientes (spelling) .do you know if there's anyone out here available .cheers

26 Dec 2013 21:41:17
Gutted to miss out on the win let alone a draw. The officials were completely out of their minds on some decisions, it was a comedy on errors. Sakho.! Near gave me a heart attack in that wee spell he had. In saying that though, I thought we were fantastic. At times, watching some of the football, it was some of the best I've seen, from both sides. It looked like an exhibition match. Couldve been 3-1 at one point. From that display I have no doubt that, not only can we achieve top 4, we also cannot be passed up as title contenders. We have a history of having a better second half of the season than we had the 1st. If that's the case then the premier league trophy may find itself somewhere its never been before. Trophy cabinet in Anfield. Heres hoping 2014 is the year of the redmen. Happy new year everyone! YNWA!

26 Dec 2013 21:24:34
Well played guys. so proud being a red.
The last time I was banned here of slating Johnson.
I don't wanna do that. but he is a poor poor defender. in fact very poor.
Sorry ed. todays games sums up.
Rest all were simpky brilliant.
Mongolet. dude a mistake is fine. we still with u. and have high regards for you.

Once again we were caught out from a set piece.

As good as we were today, why oh why can we not defend crosses, corners Eric.

Because we mark so tight and don't put enough effort into winning the ball!

26 Dec 2013 21:02:05
Three words.

Lee Mason, shocking.

Yes true but Coutinho & Sterling had clear chances to put things right both from point blank.

26 Dec 2013 20:44:42
Figured you guys could answer as
Well as any. My brother and I were wondering why it's called Boxing Day. Can someone explain?

I think traditionally its when you 'box' your gifts up. I think.

Googled this earlier. the answer is very boring

Nobody knows why it's called Boxing Day. There are numerous theories but it is most likely that it arose as a kind of Alms-giving holiday based on the many theories that exist. Three popular theories are:
1. King Wenceslas started it with his charity for the wood gathering peasant on St. Stephens Day (26th Dec) by giving a box of surplus goodies to him.
2. It is because Boxing Day was a day off for servants and when they received a ‘Christmas Box’ from the master. The servants would also go home to give ‘Christmas Boxes’ to their families.
3. It is suggested that a box to collect money for the poor was placed in Churches on Christmas day then smashed open on the 26th for distribution to the poor.

26 Dec 2013 20:28:17
so gutted at the result, I honestly haven't felt this bad in ages, worse now than I was after the FA cup final loss against chelsea, but I am so proud of the players and can't fault any of them, well apart from Allen and Johnson, I have time for Allen as he is young but johnson needs moving on, high wages that are not proportional to his ability.

but at the end of the day we need to average 2 points a game, over the last 3 games which has probably been our toughest run, we've done that and we've done it overall 36 points from 18.

need a winger, a holding player and a fullback in january though

26 Dec 2013 20:11:20
Its a pity man city required 13 men to defeat Liverpool referee and linesman wearing the sky blue under there black shirts I see. Lol nevermind top 4 is ours to lose now well done to the boys we will bounce back playing some of best football I've seen next up jose and the bus. Lol ajh 316

26 Dec 2013 20:10:54
thought we played really well and a lot of positives to take into the next game. there's also a few worrying issues especially our defending from set peices but I think you could pick holes in all teams. what worries me is we don't have many match winners in our team. I never expect one of our defenders to win us a game from a set piece, or sterling to score a sreamer, or allen to score a tap in or henderson to score a 30 yarder and no one off the bench looks like a match winner. i'm not trying to be negative but little things change games. hope as the season progresses players will gain confidence and step up nkt only in performance but in chipping in with goals.

26 Dec 2013 20:00:31
How well did we play!? For a team that's battered their rivals, City were lucky, it took a shabby ref decision to cost us a point and gift City all three. I'm so proud of the lads, even in the face of defeat.

20 games left to go, we sit fourth and have it all to fight for, the business end starts now, we need a result against Chelsea, but against Spurs and City away, we've got three points. YNWA

We played so well, but it seemed that we just did not believe we could get something. Hence the blunders at the back and the missed sitters.

Come on Brendon get them revved up for 3 points at Chelsea

Brilliant Post!
Made them look Average

26 Dec 2013 19:56:42
hello everyone,
well we lost to city, perhaps expected but dissappointing. There are however positives we can take from the game. of course flanno out I thought cissokho would surely have the worst game of his career but he actually played rather well, good defensively and putting in some good passes. Sakho had some sort of meltdown for 5 minutes where he continously gave the ball away. Can someone tell me why Sakho was not marking Kompany but instead it was skrtl during corners? Also unfortunatly it must be said that mignolet made the error today. I think going into the half 1-1 would have given us a big boost going into the second half but the goal right before half time deflated us. we came out swinging and trying to play our game but eventually city just started passing the ball around which was dissapointing and boring. we had some chances to tie it up with johnson, sterling and perhaps suarez had hendo not got in the way. Is it just me or is johnson looking a little out of form lately. To be honest if flanno comes back I will like to see him RB and cissokho LB if he plays decently like he did today. Compared to Arsenal, Manu and Tottenham who got massacared at the Etihad, we have to admit we played a great game against them and could have easily came away with a draw. Hopefully the team won't get too down because our game at Chelsea is indeed very winnable and we need 3 points or at least a draw to keep us in top 4 contention. Good game today and looking forward to Chelsea. Thoughts?

I thought the same re Sakho not marking Kompany, then I remembered Yaya Toure, who I assume Sakho was picking up? We are light at set pieces, Agger is no better than Skrtel in the air though. That said, we could have had a least a point, and BR can be proud of his players and his tactics.

26 Dec 2013 19:55:09
Just want people to be aware of a small fact. No matter whether we win or lose on Sunday we should be happy with our halfway point. The only 'big' team we will still have to visit will be United, with the likes of Chelsea, City and Arsenal having to come to Anfield.

Also newcastle tottenham and everton all have to come to anfield. Any Liverpool fan would have took still being in contention of top 4 at this point of the season (even after chelsea game) out of the current top 8 only old trashford to go to. All in all great first half to the season and done ourselfs proud today. My only negatives are our lack of quality on the bench showed today with only moses and aspas to bring on to try and change the game. Much rather suso borini and assiadi as an option. Also skrtel I never have or will rate hime he's a liability lacks pace pulls shirts watches the ball when he should be watching his man or the man when he should be watching the ball! It's no surprise to me we are struggling to keep clean sheets with him in the team and if tv continues to point out his terrible shirt pulling on corners it ain't long before we conceded a penalty that's going to be costly. Especially with chelsea way next and him marking Terry on corners

26 Dec 2013 21:00:49
We've also been to Everton, spurs, Newcastle, Swansea and hull. All 5 will take points of the other top 4 teams

26 Dec 2013 19:50:58
before everyone starts blameing the players I think we should applaud them what an effrort, yes there was a couple of mistakes but this is the best attacking team in the world and there captain just said we were the hardest they have played this season Bayern arsenal man u ect!
we had a brilliant goal dissalowed by a shocking linesman we had chance after chance just shows how far we have come brilliant but frustraiting but play like we have in the last five games top 4 and maybe a little higher is ours well done to the lads!

26 Dec 2013 19:40:09
The best defeat I have ever seen. I take more from that than beating Cardiff at home. I firmly beleive we are now title contenders. Man City got lucky. We had our chances. i'm cock a hoop, over the moon how we played and competed easily with City.

I'm defiant in defeat. I love our club and still believe we have not only a chance, but are one of the favorites to win the league. Merry Christmas to all and YNWA

I.R totally agree mate. Sadly the points were taken off us by the officials and I'm delighted BR highlighted that. Fantastic team performance, it's warming that all our frustrations are on this because our players showed their worth and we simply can't knock that

26 Dec 2013 20:53:59
yeah usually in defeat its hard to feel a bit good on how the team performed but we went toe to toe with one of the best teams in europe today without 3-4 i'm including agger and flanagan regular first teamers imo.That performance more than spurs highlighted for me that its no fluke that we r in the top 4 my only worry is if we lose suarez r lack of quality with sturridge out could derail all r good work.skrtel had good enough game but could someone please tell me why sackho wasnt on kompany for the corners.

26 Dec 2013 19:38:04
Gutted to lose after a great performance, but lots of positives to take!

26 Dec 2013 19:32:30
Lads played well tonight, could have gone either way, we should be pleased with the performance and it bears well for the rest of the season,

26 Dec 2013 19:30:56
Brilliant game, the lads gave it their all and done us proud, unfortunate of Mignolet to make an unusual howler. Sterling should of scored that sitter and we could of had 2 penalty's on another day.

Bring on Chelsea.

Mignolet didn't make a howler.

I think you will find it was at best a disappointing effort by Mignolet. He needs to show more confidence in his keeping. Great shot stopper (usually) but needs to show more assurance in other aspects of his game such as communication and crosses.

What's your definition of a howler? That to me howled

26 Dec 2013 17:23:33
Lets not get carried away now lads, losing this game wouldn't be the end of the world. City is a really hard team to go and play as we can see with their 100% home record. What I am looking at though is the bigger picture. Before the Spurs game I set a goal for us for the games against Spurs, Cardiff, City and Chelsea. I felt that 7 points from 12 in these four games would be a great achievement, and one point from this game or the Chelsea game would achieve that goal. I'm being realistic and I'm still focusing on that 7 point goal. The only game I expected us to win was Cardiff, we got the win at Spurs who are our top 4 contenders realistically, so I feel we can afford to lose this game. Although I'm obviously hopeful we get more than that I'm being realistic, and if we want to take points off anyone I'd rather take them off Chelsea as I think we have more of a chance they will be competition for 3rd or 4th than City, who I feel will win it. Not being negative, not trying to undermine the team, but I'm being realistic. I mean I'd say a lot of people would have taken 7 points from 12 if I'm being realistic and honest. Yeah so if we get something then great we reached my goal, if not we still have 60 points up for grabs. At the end of the day we are playing the league favourites and it's only worth three points, the same as every other game. It's no more important than any other game. As long as we don't give them an easy and comprehensive victory, and we give it a right go I'll be fairly content.

Hopefully we do get something from the game though, would be a great achievement and would really send a message to the rest of the Premier League. We Come Not To Play!
Cheers,
ROI.

We'll said roi. Even if we lose, we'll get them in anfield

I made the same prediction of points, but said 13points from before Hull game to after Chelsea.
If we draw one of next two ill for once get that right, but I agree to draw even today will be a very good point

26 Dec 2013 16:15:49
So Dagenham Gunner, are we seeing the infamous Arsenal Crumble that I predicted?

Funny this gets posted just as Arsenal score a 2nd, you're very cruel eds! >_

Nope. Your quite embarrassing. Sorry about him DG.

Pie in your face mate!

People should really stop doing predictions, matches are 90 plus mins, lol

Haha noticed. And there goes the third as well. Karma is a bitch LOL.

The timing couldn't have been better in all honesty lol. Lesson learned ¬_¬

Perhaps if I say City will steam roll us, it may have the same effect!

Thanks for the support for DG lads, if you win tonight he will be the first one on here to congratulate you.
Although it will mean us going second, good luck I really hope you win it tonight

Get out while the goings good hsf, lol

HSF,

Im not a bitter person but I will just say one thing>>>>

You posted something and even your own "supporters" had a dig at you.

Nuff said.

PS, thanks chaps and no need to apologise on his behalf RedTwist, but thanks anyway.

26 Dec 2013 20:57:50
as a Liverpool we should all know arsenal r not beaten till the final whistle.

26 Dec 2013 15:44:02
Bl**dy hurry up 5:30!

26 Dec 2013 14:10:23
Dead excited, huge game, let's press and untseltly-em, go for the jug, when you have an ace, anything is possible. come on you red men.

26 Dec 2013 13:40:26
Kelly in for flanno maybe Johnston left full

26 Dec 2013 12:02:23
I was discussing the advantages of playing at home with my wife and just said to my her "you may have to manage my expectations today. Man City are probably going to win. They have won all of their home games, and scored an incredible amount of goals". I was not being negative, just realistic. Her reply "do u think Suarez cares if he is at home or away.

Quality!

Made me chuckle. she has a point!

Sounds like she's a true Red Dave.

No surer thing ill be robbing her saying haha

Dont mention to the missus playing away get you in trouble.

Good lass

26 Dec 2013 11:56:22
Anyone any news on the redevelopment. Have all houses been purchased, when can we expect drawings and capacity news

Nope, the last couple of landlords are being stubborn and the council may have to use compulsory purchase orders, which ofcourse would mean going to court

26 Dec 2013 14:26:08
they should be ashamed of themselves holding back progress not only of anfield but the area project and jobs that will create. not to mention extra tourism for Liverpool aswell.

26 Dec 2013 11:40:08
Will anyone else be missing a massive chunk of today's game due to family commitments? :(

No fking way, I have made it clear the I will be availiable for festivities only after the final whistle this evening and I'll be arriving at a party later than everyone else.

There is an ever increasing problem though, I think there should be a winter break over the christmas period so we can concentrate some time on the familys. Also Football should be for Saturday, it never feels right on Sunday.

Not me, I'm watching the whole game.

Already done with family. Plan ahead my friend every year now I make sure boxing day is footy day. Once they accept it. It took a few years but now I have heaven!:-) Ride the storm fella! YNWA

Not family but I will miss the entire game due to work :/

The game IS a family commitment ;-)

Boxing day is football. There is nothing like it, when you sit at home watch Melbourne test, Durban Test and by the evening you have football too.

Boxing day has to be the best day for sports and traditions

I am mate because I have to see the birds sister today, her fella is a Liverpool fan too, you'd think he knew better and arranged a better time

26 Dec 2013 10:30:29
My God, I can't believe how nervous I am in anticipation for the City game.

My arms are trembling.

My leg is twitching.

I'm moody.

Irritable.

Sweating.

I can't eat and my poor bird has been given s**t all morning.

And all this because I smashed a little too much JD last night!

Seriously though, I haven't felt like this for many years and it reminds me of sitting at the ground watching the boys as a lid in the late eighties.

Good times (regardless of today's result). good times.

Have you seen the pics of Coutinho & Suarez getting the beers in at the local Costco?
F sake, float a battleship.
I just hope that they aren't feeling the same as you this morning Davey.

Davey don't mention JD in front of me. :(
I seriously doubt I will be drinking that for a while after last night. Lol

I almost forgot the lucky pants today.
Will have to go and change quickly, for some weird reason your post reminded me Davey.

Sakho to get the winner today.

Ken, the last time you wore that pants, we lost to Hull man!

Did you not get some new pants for Xmas ken? Time for a change after hull lol

Mikey/AG,

I confess I wore the lucky pants when we played at Hull and I was ready to stick them on a bonfire after that game. But they had a reprieve and I have been wearing them religiously since then. Going to struggle with the number of fixtures coming up.

Sakho to get the winner today.

I dreamt that sakho scored a goal from the edge of our penalty area

26 Dec 2013 09:57:17
Morning.
I see Arsenal and Manchester United are linked with Ali Adnan Kadhim Nassir Al-Tameemi who currently plays for Turkish club Caykur Rizepor. Also showing interest are Napoli and Galatasaray, this exciting 19 year old plays at left back and is going to be a real star of the future.
With no FIRM interest from the afore mentioned clubs in terms of contract talks, it may be worth LFC stealing a march on there rivals and seeing if a deal can be done in the early part of the January transfer window.
vrcomp
Y.N.W.A.

{Ed002's Note - Sorry, it is not going to happen.}

Cue the "big name" jokes haha

We can't just go around buying any players that our rivals are being linked with.

We have our own style of play which dictates what kind of players we need, then we have certain strengths and weaknesses which narrow it down further.

There is little point comparing transfer targets of one club to another.

26 Dec 2013 09:16:55
2014 the year of the liver bird

26 Dec 2013 04:26:43
Really looking forward to the January transfer window and even though we aren't sure of the targets BR will be after I just have a good feeling about this window which possibly could be make or break 4 us. YNWA lads happy holidays to you all from a true LFC fan all the way from jamaica. Jah bless

Why what's wrong with the players we have know? We haven't done too bad with them. Just take the window in your stride and support the players already out there.

Why are you having ago at him? We need to strengthen, that's not having ago at the team

Yk3 and FowlerisGod are 100% correct. We need to strengthen. A few key signings are required. Not squad players but quality players for the right price. If we don't we will maybe finish top four but if strengthen then there is no limit on what can be achieved this season and many more to follow. I would hate to be sitting here in June thinking what could have been. We will all support whatever team is out there on the park, just hope there is one or two additional quality purchases.

26 Dec 2013 01:46:22
Gotta say a thanks to the Ed's for replying to posts on Xmas day. Hope you all had a good one dudes.

{Ed002's Note - Nifty, thanks.}