Liverpool Banter Archive November 03 2013

03 Nov 2013 22:34:54
we were lucky today, but we are still in the mix and I could not have wished for a better start, we get beat and are still 3rd it can't be bad :)), I've said it before and I will say it again I would like to see agger playing as a def - mid because of his height he will win a lot more balls in the air than lucas does, i'm not slating lucas but I just feel agger as a def - mid would add extra steel and with the ball at his feet he can carry it forward, also he can do what luas never does and have long range shots, like the one we have let in against newcastle and arsenal plus he is our vice captain and would become the leader we need, i'm only a fan but I can see it working, what does other fans think about this

Agger will have to earn his way back just like anyone else. And for those who say he should be in the DM position, you should go back and learn modern day football. A centre-back cannot play DM IF he is hot comfortable in possession facing his own goal and his positioning and sense of anticipation to win balls without rash tackles are little to non-existent. That`s why when Carra was used in that position against Utd in the FA cup 18 months ago, he was GREATLY ineffective. Leave the specialists (coaches, scouts, etc) to do the job.

04 Nov 2013 07:43:37
Redohio.
And hows it done, to earn his place way back?. He needs to play in reserves infront of BR?
Get a grip mate. when you have 11 good players on the pitch, how does some one earn his way back?
He is argubly the best ball playing defender in the league, I think he can replace Lucas in the Middle.

I think he could get in ahead and toure after arsenal he had a bad game and all you need is one mistake with quality players breathing down your back for a spot

He should get in ahead of Sakho. Sakho shows his inexperience when he rushes out of the back line as it leaves us outnumbered. It has cost us goals in games because our full backs are advanced up the pitch, when he rushes out it leaves 2 at the back and we get outnumbered. If we played with a back 4, when 1 CB rushes out one full back can shuffle along with the remaining CB to plug the gaps.
I still prefer the 4-2-3-1 when we actually kept clean sheets

Harry, I love Agger too BUT if he can`t get in the team then there must be something wrong somewhere that we both don`t know. So if you trust BR then trust that the Agger situation is temporary. Sakho just arrived and should be allowed to settle but let`s trust BR on this one. YNWA, my friend!

03 Nov 2013 22:11:51
Steve Gerrard is my favorite player but he hasn't scored from open pay for 26 games, Lucas doesn't score period, and Henderson can't hit a barn door! we have been lacking goals from midfield for a very long time and it should be sorted! the last time I said this I was shouted down, I don't like saying it, but it's the truth! is the SAS don't score then we don't score! we should sell players we don't need or have cover for and buy some players that are proven goalscorers not players that "are the future" we need to act now! end of rant!

I agree other teams have goal scoring midfielders, and we dont, we hadstevie once but he is not around the box enough or saves it for england, its time we got more goal scorers in the team, even enrique scored a few when he was playing as a left winger

Jack, I understand what your saying we still have talent, coutinho will score goals he needs a few more games to settle in fully. We do though need a proven goal scoring midfielder, if we are still top 4 or dare I say it "title contenders" come January I think the Americans will give Brenden some money.

Stevie G is not in a good moment right now and physically, he seems to be found wanting when going against a more mobile midfield like arsenal. BR needs to find an even balance there. Although, he was better against Villa who had fast mids but of less quality.

03 Nov 2013 20:26:09
Eds.how do u feel we've done over the last 10 games, I think we've dne really well and only been outplayed by aresnal we are scoring goals, squad bigger and better, defo whld have took joint 2nd at the start of the season .ynwa {Ed002's Note - Fine.}

. and now, breathe!

We are where we are and I`m happy about it.

04 Nov 2013 01:29:29
We aren't where we're not either, redohio

Good on, Logic.

03 Nov 2013 18:30:04
Ed's, first and foremost great job. I've said it before and I'll say it again we need a box to box midielder who makes driving runs at the opposition defence even in the dying moments. These players vitally win games, sitting deep and passing well, breaking up play and hard in the tackle, before making a gut busting run and drive which relieves the defence and allows them to reorganise. The players such as : Ramires, Fernandinho, Paulinho and Yaya Toure. They chip in with goals with their late runs which it's hard to track. In my opinion it's why Manchester United are struggling as they have no one of this ilk and brought in Fellaini instead, who while a solid player does not get about the pitch. Just a thought and I feel would compliment Lucas (who is still a great player, he goes about his work quietly and didn't have a great game yesterday, but not anyone gets in the Brazil team).

Not sure who's out there or if we are interested in anyone like this, while we do have Henderson we're just using him to fill voids at the moment. Do you know anyone Ed's? {Ed002's Note -
Derby's Hughes is attracting interest from several clubs including Liverpool, Everton and Fulham. Derby has priced him at a level which will make a transfer very expensive for the buying club but if Liverpool are really interested it may be the time to bite the bullet on this one and move in January - perhaps before interest comes from other major clubs including Manchester United.}

Thanks for the reply mate! I see where you're coming from but do you think he'll have an impact on the starting 11? I'm not so sure. We have Henderson is he much different to the risk we took on him with a lot of money being asked for.

Are Matuidi and Vidal out of the question? {Ed002's Note - I would think so - Liverpool has shown no interest, but they have in Hughes.}

Let me put it to you this way, if Will Hughes started yesterday would we have had a better shout of winning the game? Not in my opinion. But had a proven powerhouse in the midfield I think we would. But if we do sign him I think we would need someone else as well in the middle and a winger.

03 Nov 2013 17:26:17
For starters I am neither happy or disappointed from the game yesterday. We played a good team and we were obviously over run. I have to say though that our midfield is starting to become a big problem in games now, especially against stronger teams. What I believe is that if we can't out run our opponents in midfield, then all we can do is get creative. Gerrard and Lucas could not find space to go forward, not that its their fault because Arsenal were pressuring at every moment. However in a case like this, Rodgers should have known this would occur. Instead of playing Hendo, Lucas and Gerrard, he should have played Allen, Hendo, and Coutinho. Those three players offer, pace and creative skill on the ball for passing. Clearly we saw what a huge difference happened when Coutinho came on. He was playing passes that probably lucas or gerrard couldn't even see. Unforuntatly I doubt BR will drop Gerrard anytime soon, which is a shame because I think we can really have a better team with the players on the bench. yes Gerrard is hero to the club and all, but at times you just have to say enough is enough and this just isn't working out anymore. This is where BR has to step in and change up the team. Thoughts?

Couldn't agree more. Hopefully Allen will start against Fulham and be able to get back to his best. Helps us keep the ball moving a lot more and I think he can sense danger better than Gerrard. If we're to play 5 at the back (which will only work well with Johnson and Enrique back in the team) I'd like to have Hendo and Allen in the middle, with Coutinho behind Suarez and Sturridge. Lucas certainly doesn't seem back to his best yet and if we have 3 centre backs, then is there a need for a player that gives us nothing going forward? That may be slightly harsh on Lucas, but it's certainly worth trying. Bringing Gerrard on later would mean he could then either help out in midfield (fresh legs) or even in a more attacking role.

If you would play Allen ahead of Gerrard then I'm afraid you're nuts

03 Nov 2013 18:54:19
Exactly. someone wanna put a player whose out of form from 1 whole seasons.
God save some fellas here

Maybe not play him ahead of Gerrard Chris, but when Gerrard is playing awful like against arsenal, he would be a good option to bring on in his place.
He's not match fit yet though so maybe not, but I suppose the same could be said of Gerrard.
We have 4 very decent midfielders in Lucas, Gerrard, Henderson and Allen. All 4 bring different characteristics to the team and should be rotated to help cope with the opposition. We struggled for possession in the middle against arsenal, they basically run rings round us. Allen (at least a match fit one) would have coped a lot better than the
Steven Gerrard or even Lucas that turned up.
Brendan had the balls to switch to a back 4 when it became obvious he had made a tactical error but still didn't have the balls to sub Gerrard at half time.

Perhaps that's why i'm not a premier league manager. i think it's worth trying, especially in a home game against a team 16th in the table. it could help us press more and play quicker football. obviously allen may not be match fit, but he needs game time to do that. there's no reason he can't start the game and be replaced by gerrard. like i said above, i think he'd be a lot more effective coming off the bench and playing against tired legs. (keegan moment) i would love it if brendan starts allen over gerrard, love it! i can't see it happening though. :)

Chris wats the point in having allen or anyone else in the squad if gerrards place is not under threat no one should take there place for granted but what message does it send to the rest of the midfield if stevies not playing well but still gets picked maybe if he was dropped it would give him the kick up the arse he needs because he's not played well this season neither has lucas to be fair tho. opinions would be great

Can you tell me what Gerrard brought to the team yesterday besides leadership Chris? Love the guy but the days of him being the first name on teamsheet week in week out should be over. Not saying he should be taken out to the woods, but as others have mentioned, rotation in midfield could do wonders for him and the team.

He simply needs to up his game period. But I think Allen needs a run out at some point.

I'm not saying Gerrard is un-droppable although the biggest single reason for his drop in form is down to him being played in the wrong position so far this season.
However if you are going to drop him you have to bring in someone better.
Allen is not and may not ever be better

04 Nov 2013 13:05:03
But the management admitted a few weeks back they haven't pushed him further back, along with Gerrard admitting he isn't going to burst forward at every opportunity, and combined with BR saying recently that he doesn't like playing with two controllers, as they can't get about the pitch enough, exactly what happened Saturday.
I really doubt its tactical. Not if you believe Rodgers, Pascoe and the man himself, anyway.

03 Nov 2013 16:48:31
So here we are 10 games into the season and currently sat in 3rd position. 1 point ahead of Manchester City, 3 points ahead of Manchester United and Equal on points to 2nd placed Chelsea and 4th placed Spurs. I think every Liverpool fan would have took that at the start of the season.

Let's start with the positives. SAS! Between them they have scored 14 goals so far and their link up play has been excellent. They are arguably the deadliest strike-force in the premier league with only Rooney and RVP being the closest.

Simon Mignolet has been excellent from day one. When a player makes the move up to a big club like Liverpool it can take a while to settle in as we have seen with so many, but that has not been the case with Mignolet as we have seen some fantastic performances from him so far and he will only improve as his confidence grows. A very good call by Rodgers to bring him to Anfield.

Strength in depth has also been a great improvement on last season. We have 4 top class central defenders in Sakho, Toure, Skrtel and Agger. We now also have 3 strikers available in Suarez, Sturridge and Aspas, whereas at this stage last season we had only Suarez available. There is still room for improvement in other areas though.

Although there are many positives to take from our first 10 games and you can see the vast improvement made on previous seasons, there is still work to be done and areas that need to be improved most importantly the midfield.

We seem to lack 'drive' and ambition in the midfield area. We need midfielders that will drive at defences causing problems and bringing the forwards into play. When you don't have these types of players you will find your strikers isolated and no matter how good your strikers are they will not score goals if they don't get the ball. It is the job of the midfielders to make this happen. When you look at the top teams you can see that they all have midfielders with attacking attributes. Chelsea have Oscar and Mata, Arsenal have Ramsey and Ozil, Everton have Barkley, Spurs have Sigurdsson and Eriksen, Man' City have Toure and Silva, Man' United have Rooney etc, etc. you get my point. At the moment we have only Coutinho capable of playing this role and he can be hit and miss at times, but with Gerrard sitting deep alongside Lucas it is a very big ask of Coutinho to do it all by himself. Don't forget he is only 21 and it is not good to put too much pressure on such a young player still learning his trade in the hardest league in the world. He needs midfielders around him who will get forward and support him. Just look at Arsenal when one midfielder drives forward he has the support of his fellow midfielders around him providing extra options. That is what we need. Koke would be my option as he would add goals and assists and Yohan Cabaye has been suggested by a few and he would be a good shout too.

Another aspect of the game lacking is width. When Enrique and Johnson are fit we are strong on the flanks especially with the 3-5-2 formation we play, but if one or both of them aren't fit then the formation needs to be changed and wide forwards or wide midfielders need to be played. We should look to purchase a wide forward in the transfer market to give us that quality to add goals and assist coming from the wide positions. Stephan El Shaarawy or antoine griezmann would be perfect candidates for this position.

The only other area I would strengthen would be left back and Luke Shaw would be my choice. He would be excellent competition for Enrique and if we continue to play the 3-5-2 formation he would be more suited to this style of play than Cissokho as at 18 years old he has already shown he can get forward with purpose and is also strong when defending. He would be a great long term investment.

Overall I am very happy with our league position and improvement on previous seasons and the next 10 games will define our season. I am confident that if we can stay amongst the top four throughout the christmas period and then add 2 or 3 quality players in january we will be able to see out the rest of the season and achieve our goal of champions league qualification.

Thanks for reading and I would like to know your thoughts and opinions too! YNWA

Red Rum

Good post mate, agree entirely. Those signings would be perfect both long and short term but unfortunately its quite unlikely we will get even one of them! haha. Nevertheless, everyone needs to be more positive, it is embarrassing to see some of the comments on here about how bad we are, when only last week the feeling was that we were true title contenders. With what we've had to endure over the last few seasons, we should be delighted with where we are now - on track to compete for a Champions league place. Arsenal are a good side, every team loses now and again, some of our fans just don't seem to understand this! haha.

Great post red rum agree with most of what you've said an shaw is the perfect option for left back only thing is he's a Chelsea fan and I'm sure he's sees cole an thinks stay here at saints for two more years an then switch to Chelsea who have had him watched an be first choice there. I do think we should go back to 4 3 3 though I like the 3 5 2 but I think we should only use it for certain games we need to get back to controling games an being more secure in possesion

Good post. BR obviously is aware of the midfield situation and tried hard for Mkhitaryan who may have solved a lot on that front. It's not so easy to get these players and when clubs know you're after them costs spiral out of control ala January transfers. Good read though

I think we should put agger back into the team where yet to see him play with the 3 at the back so he could make that system work with the proper full backs of course, but cabaye would be class and maybe possible and the fact we tried to sign 3 or 4 attack midfielders shows we want another type of player like that

LFC are not title contenders, never were. We are still no where near strong enough. Its going to take a little time more.

However, we are much improved, and have a chance of having a very positive season.

Dis agree about Minolet, to me he seems to make me nervous every game. Got a bit of the Westerveld about him. Amazing shot stopper but poor decision making at times, and distrobution is no where near as good as Reina.

Everyone needs to remember that whilst our team is looking strong, so does Man City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Spurs. Manchester United look poor but unfortunetly that never seems too stop them.

I agree with your post. Don't see how we could get Koke though, and even Cabaye will be a long shot as Newcastle will be looking for 25 million apparently. He isn't worth that, but for sure desperation will bring that kind of bid out of Man U come January. {Ed002's Note - Barcelona have held talks as have another side. Manchester United maintain an interest and I am told that Manchester City have also had Koke watched recently.}

We are not title contenders and that is totally fine with me. As long as we are in this position come jan, I`ll be happy and we can then re-evaluate the way forward. Keep believing!

03 Nov 2013 15:45:17
One difference in noticed with arsenal in midfield is the tackling our midfielders just run beside players and give away free kicks Southampton and arsenal get stuck in hopefully we start putting pressure on ourself

Our CM's were stationary and easy to tackle. We couldn't get near enough to theirs to tackle.

Arsenal CM's besides Flamini, are def not known for putting a foot in.

My point exactly. We lack pace and mobility in midfield. We`re too static which makes us easy to tackle and our passes intercepted.

03 Nov 2013 13:31:53
What do you guys think has happened to Martin Kelly? I know he was out injured whole of last season, but he was ready in September and played a full reserve game too. Since then, for some reason, he has not been given a run out often.

Surely, if it is a case of fitness, he should be in the reserves, playing. I can't help but feel he could be another one who would be leaving soon.

03 Nov 2013 14:09:28
If he is good enough, he would have played ahead of Flang. or he would have played at RB from past 2-3 weeks. BR doesn't rate him.

Seen him play recently, and he is not up to speed just yet, just hope he does come good again, because he gives his all to Liverpool .

If he had played and had a shocker, fans would be questioning why BR played him. Now if we had won or tied with Flanno in the team, BR woud still be catching heat for not playing Kelly because to them, if he had played we would have won. Some fans CANNOT be pleased.

03 Nov 2013 13:11:46
What do you guys think of this?

We rework Hendo into a defensive midfielder (which means he becomes backup to Lucas)? He has the speed and tenacity to do it, and needs to work on positional game. Lucas wasn't always a defensive mid.

The reason I say this, is that we need a backup, and to be honest, as long as we are using Gerrard and Hendo in the middle, we will be solid, but not dynamic and able to control the game. I think we should let Allen show us what he's made of, and focus our money on an attacking midfield player in January (a quality mid that can step in and replace Gerrard). Stevie can then come off bench.

Gerrard still has some life in him, and his presence alone must be important to the team, but let's be honest, he isn't the future of our midfield, and his lack of pace was all to telling against Arsenal, who simply outclassed us in midfield. This could almost be expected since Arsenal are very strong in center of the park, but the gap in quality between us and them is massive. Doesn't matter too much that you have better strikers if they aren't involved in the game.

Final point: please give up on the 3 at the back setup. 4 1 2 2 1, with Sturridge up top. Suarez and Coutinho both supporting the striker. Allen and our new dynamic mid behind them (Example: Pastore) with Lucas as defensive mid (Hendo backup). Back four of Johnson/Agger/Sakho/Enrique.

Good luck to Flanagan. Can't see him making the squad again, and not really sure what BR was thinking either way with that one.

Coop

YNWA.

Play with no wingers like? Or suarez and coutinho out wide

I had exactly the same thought about Henderson yesterday Coop :)

We really don't ever play with wingers, to be honest. I think BR expects that role to be handled by the wing backs, which has pros and cons (all cons so far with Cissokho unfortunately). I guess I mean Suarez and Coutinho being mobile, and interchanging. Certainly that doesn't rule out some wing action!

BR`s system requires the wing bags to be comfortable in both attack and defence which Cissokho and Flanno are not. We need them back ASAP.

03 Nov 2013 12:40:45
Would big Sami do us a favour and sell us Lars Bender? {Ed002's Note - Would tubby Brendan do Swansea a favour and sell them Coutinho?}

I guess not. What I'm saying is if a suitable bid was lodged would he be for sale? {Ed002's Note - Lars Bender won't be moving to Liverpool Matty. He has been a player watched by Arsenal and others, including Manchester United, for some time. However, a move in January seems very unlikely to me after he signed a new contract - but I do think that maybe the interest of Arsenal remains.}

Getting a bit personal there ed002. Some would call that bullying or is that humour? {Ed002's Note - Try not to be a complete flake. The posts over the last 24 hours have been embarrassing enough for the Liverpool "fans" already.}

With you on that, Ed!

03 Nov 2013 12:06:34
some of you lot were watching a different game to me yesterday. I thought we did ok in large spells, we missed Johnno, and Gerrard had an off day but seriously have you not Gerrards pass completion rate in most games?
I despair with you lot some days, Lucas has been brilliant this season yet against the team at the top of the league he dosnt have his best day and he's a squad player? Flanagan rightly or wrongly had a decent half and Couthino is only just back from injury, we also had a few chances that on other days would have flown in and not spun wide or resulted in fluffed shots etc,
it was one of those days against the team at the top, no disgrace there apart from some of our own fans attitudes. Think back to last year.Then think about where we are now. Yeah thought so. stop complaining its a long road but we're quite a way down the track.
YNWA JFT96

Good post, completely agree

Agree that Gerrard still has something to give, but we need to look to the future and stop relying on him. He just doesn't have the jets anymore, even if the eye, the passing, etc. are still there. He should be fazed out, and a replacement brought in. That is not Hendo in my mind, but someone we need to sign.

In my opinion I think stevie should be the holding midfielder I have nothing against lucas I think he's a top player one of the best in the league in def mid
but stevie still has legs not quite has much has 3 to 4 years ago just tell him to sit in there get the ball off the back 4 have coutinho an allen playing as the 2 infront of him all 3 are more than comfortable on the ball mobile an that gives us lucas henderson an alberto on the bench as back up midfielders which isn't bad replacements. any opinions guys.

Finally, someone with some sense. and BTW, the goals they scored were freakish in nature. Those shots especially from Ramsey, were a stroke of luck which happens when a player and team is in a good moment of confidence. Suarez had a good chance(against the post) and if that had gone in when we were dominating, who knows? Their strikers did nothing. We`ll be fine.

03 Nov 2013 11:45:37
Better teams than us will lose at the Emirates this year, no question.
Key players failed to show up, it was nothing to do with tactics, BRs management style, or how many sugars the tea lady gave Hendo at half time.
Suarez was off the pace, Sturridge I felt was affected by this,
Gerrard was well off the boil, which again I feel affected Lucas performance.
I thought Flanno did okay, lovely piece of skill in the first half, although I am concerned neither Kelly nor McLaughlin were picked.
As far as I'm concerned, we were beat by a team that plays the system better than us. I do not think it's any great cause for alarm, or that certain peoples hate and bile are vindicated by this performance.
We are 3rd in the league, and third this calendar year on points. Anyone wishing to disregard these statistics are being slightly ignorant.
10 months of consistent performances cannot be undone in a single game,
That is all.

True. I guess I missed all the overreactions last night, because thus far most fan views I've read have been rather sensible. We are still following the two-points per game program that will guarantee us top 4 - however, a crucial game against everton is coming after the internationals.

Great points Welsh and Driger. As long as we are churning 2 points per game on average, we`ll be fine. Teams struggle at the Emirates so no shame there. We are in a great position so let`s build on that. YNWA!

03 Nov 2013 11:16:32
Bit dissapointed with BR, I think it was a bit rash to throw Flannagan into that game and he set him up to fail really. To be fair, he didn't do too badly and put in the effort, but then being taken off at half-time must've crushed him a bit. Good to see Coutinho back, even though his passing radar was a bit off he was the only one who consistently got through their midfield. I like Henderson, he's like an eager, energetic puppy who would happily chase sticks all day. If he could just learn to calm it and compose himself in front of goal he could be a good player.

I disagree about flanno getting "set up to fail". We have to play youth eventually and it forced rodgers hand, I also don't think he was replaced at halftime but sissoko, perhaps I could be mistaken however. I do agree about henderson and Coutinho, its great to see him back. Maybe this means we can rest stevie some time soon.Not everton.

Flanno played ok. Considering he's not a wing back he tried his best and beat his man a few times. Also he wasn't substituted at half time Cissokho was. Aly had a really bad half and we needed to change it. We need to buy proper wing backs if this is BR preferred formation, GJ being the only defender suited for this

I guess Rodgers knows best but it does seem odd that Kelly came on last week yet Flanno gets the nod this week. Maybe he thought Kelly is not ready for 90 mins.

I didn't see the first half (the second was more than enough) but we did get rolled over pretty tamely. Although we did have 3 very good chances late on and didn't take one, which would have been daylight robbery for us. Against the Gunners you need to close them down or they will murder you and you don't get to see the ball for a long time. Maybe we didn't show them enough respect and got stuck into them. It is what it is though, we have been doing well and really just follewed our best performance with our worst. 3 game in November and I will happily take 7 points. Cheers

03 Nov 2013 10:43:38
I think things need to be put into perspective following yesterday's defeat. But firstly, I want to compliment Mignolet on an outstanding attitude. The guys interview is excellent and I just love hearing from winners with determination to do better.

As for yesterday, a wee bit of perspective may be called for. We have started the season well and very much improved on last year but we are not realistically in a position with our current squad to win the league just yet. So after 10 games we sit 3rd with a chance of 4th place after today's games. Not too bad I feel.

We arguably outplayed Arsenal for the first part of the game and they scored against the run of play. That changed things which is no surprise. Up until then our pressing game was fantastic but when you then lose a goal it deflates teams and, against very good teams like Arsenal, it is not so easy to regain the momentum as they then attack so much.

Things are very obviously going in the right direction and, as I said, the comparison with last year is immense. We can all criticise tactics, players, manager etc. but like all games the first goal changes things and Arsenal are playing the best football in the PL at the moment so all is not a disaster. As for the passing, Wenger has been training his players for donkey's years to play this way, this is our second season so for those out there saying we are a disgrace to be out passed by them and our players are terrible, get a grip people. Rome wasn't created in a day.

Bring on Fulham I say.

Bryan

I think brendan needs to look out how quickly we loose our shape when under pressure.its like some of our players just forget their roles in the team
Against arsenal who we have a poor record against, I can let this performance slide

I agree with a lot of what was said, up until "Rome wasn't created in a day". Anayway I hope to see agger back in the starting 11. Sakho loses his positioning too often, as evident in the first goal.

Good point Jessie.
Surely Stevie G should be bossing the other lads about, to get the shape back, but as others have said he had an off day yesterday.

03 Nov 2013 09:18:50
After that defeat yesterday, can we finally stop with the Alonso return to Liverpool talk?
The Arsenal match should show that he is not what we need now.
BR will have seen what's required.
We just need to hope that we can get in / develop the centre midfielders we need.
As a CM midfield option, what does everyone think of Tiote?
I rate him, when I've ever seen him.
Although no doubt Newcastle would want silly money.

I am not going to start tearing the team apart.
We got beat fair and square at The Emirates. If they get the first goal, and their tails up, you are in for a hard time there.
Our poor record in the Prem years demonstrates this.
So getting beaten there is not the be all and end all.
Roll on next week, got to stuff Fulham.
Then the Toffees!

Agree about Alonso, but disagree about Tiote. I think he is a poor player. If we need a holding midfielder, Morgan Schneiderlin would be my choice.

We need at least two top quality midfielders to be considered a champions league team. Lucas is a squad player imo, and we need a world class DM like Gustavo or Bender to impose themselves on the opposition. Lucas is too slow and does not offer even an ounce of creativity unlike other DM's in the top premier league teams. The other is replacing Gerrard in central midfield. The only realistic names I can think of right now are Hernanes, Rakitic and Cabaye.

{Ed002's Note - Rather than spewing hate over Lucas on forums like this why not get a Facebook page set up to make sure you get your message through that Lucas is "too slow and does not offer even an ounce of creativity". I think yet again there are Liverpool fans out there showing the world that they are still the most fickle and hateful of their own players more than anywhere else. Liverpool has had a great 2013 so far - it is a pity the club, the management and the players have to try and carry on without the support of so many fans like you. It is pretty sickening to have to sit here and read post after post saying how poor the entire team is and that Rodgers needs to be sacked. Pitiful.}

What?alonso would be fantastic for us only coutinho looks comfortable on the ball in our midfield
Brendan had all summer to get us a dm he didn't, then he has that annoying look on his face when we get dominated in midfield by better teams

Hernanes, Rakitic and Cabaye are great players to be fair, but lucas wasn't as much as fault for the goals than Gerrard, henderson, Toure, Sakho Skrtl et all so let's lay off, he is still amongst the best in the league for the role he offers.

Fair enough point about Lucas Calmdown.
But it does seem as if we lose ability to press as a midfield in the second half of games.

I think BR already knows what we need. He did try and sign Mikhtaryan remember? He was exactly what we needed. We just couldn't pull it off. We'll find our man soon enough. I personally think Allen still has a future at our club. Would love to see Cabaye in our squad too. A real competitor with skill

Jucier how can u think that xabi was not what we needed yesterday some of the opinions on here when we get beat are laughable, when u watch a game u watch it for enjoyment what I suggest is then watch it again from start to finish an anayalis it an you will see that someone like xabi was ecactly what we needed we had no control in yesterdays game what so ever even at the times when we looked dangerous 1st 15 mins we weren't controling the it was down to good pressing an forcing them into mistakes. when we can control a game we can get our creative players on the ball in the final 3rd more often an probe xabi alonso controls games we didn't do that yesterday.

03 Nov 2013 09:11:22
Think a technical, dynamic, mobile CM is definatley needed in January.

Cabaye would be a great improvement for us.

Apart from Coutinho, our players in midfield are not comfortable on the ball.

I think it's time see if Allen is good enough for us over the next few games.

If you want to play possession football you need to have players whoWNT the ball!

*want*

The problem is, who do we drop for Allen?

Lucas, Hendo or Gerrard.

Simple as that.

One things for sure, BR needs to react to the defeat in a positive way.

03 Nov 2013 02:46:01
gerrard this!, lucas that! stop moaning, arsenal where a different class today.and BR post match interview confirmed (he looked stunned)this.if you don't learn a lesson, how can you improve, its all about top 4 after all

03 Nov 2013 01:02:20
Eds what are your thoughts on gerrard at the moment? Do you see little reason for the negativity surrounding his performances or do you agree he needs to be dropped?

I personally don't know what to think with him. Take him out and risk removing what has been a linchpin in our midfield for so long. Or leave him in and deny the chance for sombody else to do better?

Our replacements aren't experienced enough to have as much of an impact as we know HE can.

What do you think? {Ed002's Note - I really don't want to get in to discussing individual players, particularly after the team lost. It is always the same - after a loss, the players and manager all need replacing. If Liverpool win next week all will be fine - this is what fickleness is.}

03 Nov 2013 00:17:02
It's time to face facts; Lucas Leiva is not the midfield enforcer he was turning into two years ago. Two long-term injuries have curtailed that, and he now produces the same errors game after game; frequently giving away both free-kicks and possession.He isn't dominant and he isn't dynamic. But nor is his midfield partner.Gerrard is 33 years old, and his lack of mobility or energy is not his fault, but it's completely emphasised alongside Lucas—and even more so when up against such a fluid and skillful midfield as Arsenal's.

I predicted Lucas to prove his worth today against world class opposition, I must now eat my words, he was none existent.Arsenal fan down the ''offy'' predicted Rosicky to run the show, how right he was, i'd forgotten just how good a player he is.We missed Johnson and Enrique on the flanks, Henderson missed a sitter my missus would have at least got on target, ''how much is he on a week''? Luis should have squared it for a Sturridge tap in, 2-2 and we are all happy.Not the end of the world by any means but BR needs to get his thinking hat on and his purse out!

02 Nov 2013 23:58:21
Typed a similar post twice earlier tonight but for some reason they haven't been posted, anyway Rodgers got it wrong today by playing Flanagan ahead of
1. Kelly (maybe you could say he wasn't ready to start due to time out but I still think he could have been better option than Flanagan)
2. Shuffling defence to include Agger, moving Toure or even Skrtel to RB or Even Agger LB Sakho & Skrtel CBs Toure RB
Or
3. as someone suggested young McLaughlin from reserves who is more suitable for a wing back than Flanagan.

02 Nov 2013 23:39:00
Mark my words guys, Assaidi will play a big part next year.
The lad is absolute rapid, runs with the ball glued to his feet, good skill and can beat men with ease. This isn't a joke, I never did understand why he didn't get much game time, I think the stoke loan will make the player of him.
Ill put it this way, if he cost 25m, he would of been given more game time.

The problem seemed to be that he didn't know what to do after he had beaten a man, seemed to wait for the next man to beat rather than get his head up and provide some end product. I agree he could have been given a bit more game time though.

Really? I'll be honest I don't think I seen stoke other than against us. Is he doing well? Always looked half decent