Liverpool Banter Archive May 05 2014

05 May 2014 23:20:58
Not for the first time, he takes off Sturrigde for Moses? Why? The look on Suarez's face after Moses makes his fresh air shot.

I thought Suarez was goosed - strange decision to leave him on the pitch in my opinion. Even more bizarre was the decision to take Sterling off, could not fathom it.

Lucas was knackered by the end as well - how much have we missed Hendo?

I think if BR had thought Sterling would kick on as well as he has then he would never have signed Moses. The lad really has been a waste of a wage. To be honest, our signings last summer looked decent but have not really worked out.

I NEVER cared about the no. of goals. All I wanted was the win. We were up by 3 w/ 12 mins to go and one would think we were down by 1 with the way we were playing. Giving up 3 goals in the las t 10 mins is rank incompetence. I am a HUGE BR fan but his mouth and agtitude got him in trouble and ONLY he should take the blame. #Indiscipline!

First time in 3 &1/2 years I have seen Suarez knackered.

We have 15 players that Rodgers trusts. And most of us expect 2 or 3 of them to go. Question is: will Rodgers be ruthless this summer and move out some of the players he inherited (and some of his own poor signings). Or will he be pragmatic and evolve the team more slowly? Tricky one. First priority is to make sure we become an established CL side again. Long-term that's the best route to sustained success and titles.

05 May 2014 22:19:23
So this is what football does to you, can't see villa or the hammers beating city. Disappointment again thanks lfc

It'll make the good times taste even sweeter

Bill Shankly : "If you can't support us when we lose or draw, don't support us when we win."

Oh just leave it, going from 7th to anywhere in the top 4 is an achievement by anyone's standards. Frustrating as it is we're top of the league leading into the last week of the season, still immensely proud of our lads, there are too many positives this season to lay into the team.

Relax lads, top of the league with a game to go. City havn't won yet. Comon lads until its mathmaticaly impossible its in the bag.

I could see an andy carroll header winning it for us on the last day

Positive thinking

Dream on, bros! I am the most optimistic fan you`ll ever find regardless of the situation. BUT what I cannot stand is mocking the opponent by saying in some way that we would put 6-9 goals on them and falling for the media hype. See where that got us. City only need four points from two games to win the league. Worse if City drop points against Villa, we will all feel sick about this result and that`s where it will do its damage and linger into the off season. No matter how you spin it, it`sBR`s fault all the way.

{Ed001's Note - just like it was BR's fault that we were in the position in the first place to challenge for the title. Talk about fickle.}

Hear hear ed1

Never heard such moaning. Its far easier to set a teAm up to defend. We tried something different. It didn't quite work. It has worked about 20 times this season. Its the reason we are in the position in the first place.

Boo hoo moaners. Go and support a defensive team.

05 May 2014 22:11:35
Gutted. but at least we didn't loose. We looked shattered, at 3 up the manager should have changed things up, yes we needed goals but we needed to win, it would of been better to close the game out than go searching for more, Bring Agger on to solidify the defense,, 9 minutes of madness killed us off, All credit to Palace, nothing to really play for but ran at us. All we can do is pray for a miracle, Great season regardless no matter.
YNWA.

At 3-1 its madness to concede a second goal on the break.our cbs do not communicate they just run around like toddlers we have no leaders at the back
At 3-2 I expected someone to step up to lead this team to the finish line.Brendan should have brought on either toure or agger to see the game out

I think he should have just taken off the obviously tired players (Lucas, Suarez) instead of our most active player (Sterling) and our most threatening offensive player in the 2nd half (Sturridge). Lucas was tired and had had a poor game and Suarez was on his haunches minutes before he subbed Sterling. I found those managerial decisions peculiar but, listening to Rodgers post-match interview, I think he knows he may have been at fault. A game that will live long in the memory but one that we will hopefully learn a lot of valuable lessons from.

BR will know in his heart of hearts that he and only he is the responsible party for this debacle. Before the game, he fell for the daft hype of trying to erase City`s good. That is rank disrespect to the other team and a feeling of cociness that we have no right to have because we`ve won nothing this year (yet?). During the game, we`re up 3 goals and he plays like we`re desperate for a win w/ full backs bombing forward like there`s no tmrw. Then, he takes off a striker and brings on Moses instead of a defender when clearly we`re on the rack. These are all his mistakes and his alone. This was a disaster and it feels like we have robbed ourselves of the chance to hope and pray for a miracle come sunday. We may never know what kind of pressure we would hve put on City on wed and sun because we never gave ourselves the chance to dream. We blew it and gave them a get-out-of-jail- free card. Huge Pity!

{Ed001's Note - sorry but you are a fickle lack of supporter. There was no rank disrespect, Palace were there for the taking, we just ran out of legs.}

05 May 2014 22:10:10
Chin up lads, Palace's pressure counted big time. I will take second, with a slight chance that big Andy will do us a massive favour.

What pressure? because there was only one team in it until we became stupidly complacent. Call it what it was. We effed up by trying to score a hatful instead of taking the 3 points and going home.#Stupid!

05 May 2014 22:02:45
what a collapse,

johnson needs to go, no new contract
we need a better goalie, sterling should have stayed on, don't understand why he got taken off, he at least could keep up with bolassie

A better goalie? Mignolet was fantastic tonight .

What did Mignolet do wrong? Not a lot, he made crucial saves early on. To narrow it down to him is pretty petty.

In fairness to Mignolet there is nothing he could do for any of the goals really. Made some great saves in the first half, do agree he needs competition though. Poor defending from Skrtel for the last goal though, what was he thinking? Agree with Johnson aswell, not exactly my type of player.
Cheers,
ROI.

I have no idea why Sterling or Sturridge went off or why Suarez stayed on. We have ran out of steam and we will not challenge next season.

I disagree about Johnson, he has done alright quite recently.

Agree about Johnson, switch flanno and buy a left back, didn't think keeper did owt wrong

No point in chucking the squad under a bus after a couple of bad results. We just need to keep the spirit and work harder.

I totally agree. He was a disgrace, a total disgrace, he doesn't give a crap and shirks responsibility constantly.

Skrtel and Flanagan also went to sleep for goals but at least those are only momentary lapses. Johnson is always asleep.

I've never seen someone so good at going forward, gliding past two challenges and then losing possession - and then jogging back at a snails pace. When a wide-player gets the ball GJ seems to think his job is to back off to give him as much time as possible. Maddening!

People might not like my next comment, but it's the truth:

Gerrard does not have the intelligence to play the holding role in midfield. At 3-0 up he had to chance to hold the ball and maintain possession, but chose shanked/misplaced passes instead.

As Palace came back he never got the team back keeping possession, we would finally regain possession and he'd give it up again - this is a feature of the position he plays, yet he seems unaware that this is a fundamental aspect of playing in a role of such pivotal importance.

12 penalties and a range of assists from set-pieces looks great on paper, and he has had some good performances when given the space - but when harried and in terms of regaining control of possession for the team in scrappy games, Gerrard has been poor. He has a tendency to switch off that is largely overlooked by the English media.

Our poor defence has been a feature of our season. I fear that this will continue so long as Stevie remains in that position.

Don't get me wrong. I love the guy, but no-one is bigger than the club, and I must speak my mind when I think something is problematic.

I'm sure that BR will say that Stevie's form has been amazing, but I disagree with him on that.

BR has also said Glen Johnson is one of the best RB's in the world, so I take a lot of what he says with a pinch of salt anyway, and understand that he's hardly going to say "he's a liability" to the press!

A sad day, but a lot of positives to the season also. A few tweaks and we go again.

ps- regarding my mentioning a gloss over Stevie's performances, ask yourself how many times we heard journalists write/say about his 'slip' v Chelsea that it can happen to anyone - then ask yourself how many of these journalists noted that Stevie switched off and miscontrolled the ball, that is what led to the slip and was the real cause of the damage.

Serious questions that need serious thought.

pps-I don't need reminded that I'm talking about a legend btw. I know that, and I don't doubt his effort either, my problem is a technical/tactical one.

I'd like to hear some constructive thoughts from others here on the topic.

Not sure you can single out Johnson. It is the panic in the side when teams come back at us that has to be sorted. I don't know if it is the keeper or the defence but we look hopeless at times and I can't see why when we have SG at the back now.

Mickey B, did you actually watch the game?

Johnson was nowhere near our worst player tonight, i'm getting sick of the scapegoating on here. If you judged the game on its actual merit, rather than your populist misconceptions, you would realise that there were about six players worse than him tonight.

Johnson always shows for the ball and is always an outlet, tell me how many times Lucas or Flanagan offered an outlet tonight.

I'm sure if the Ed's and the reactionary fans on this site jump on Lucas' and flanagan's back next season then you won't be far behind, but until then I suppose it's Johnson's turn for now.

Football's all about opinions, I suppose. I just wish that people would form their own, rather than mirror the poorly formed views of others.

Proud of the boys this season, just wasn't to be.

Johnson cannot concentrate for 90mins that's his problem

Suarezisgenius, may I suggest you go and have a brandy, or boil your head, before you come on here with your reactionary bull**it.

We're all dissapointed, but you need to wind your neck in a little.

Without Gerrard's presence we wouldn't be nowhere near where we are, stop looking for scapegoats.

Where were you when Gerrard was dragging us over the line in away game after away game, during our winning run, probably licking his arse. He's been one of our top three players this season, along with Suarez and Sterling.

Go the game, support your team.

Before the season I always thought 76 points would be an amazing achivement with the squad we got.

We have surpassed that, and everything (including small heart attacks and strokes) that has followed is a bonus.

yes I think Johnson could be replaced, and Skrtel for all his effort an determination, is lacking a little in the skill department. Him and Sakho is not partnering all that well in the center, and I would love Agger back there for the last game.

But we do have a few youngsters in those possitions as well, so i'm not thinking we are in the need of panic buys.

Johnson has been scapegoated but there is a very good reason for it. He was poor defensively and got side on for their 1st goal. That said I thought he was a threat offensively today. You are correct there were a fair few worse performances than Johnson but that isn't exactly paying Johnson a huge compliment.

Also. It's not over yet.

I didn't hear no bell.

Walton Dave.

Clearly you are angry. Relax. My words are not reactionary, yours certainly are.

My opinion was formed as a result of watching every game, not just one and then forming an opinion.

Gerrard did not 'drag us over the line' this season. He had some good games and some bad ones, overall I have explained my views on what I believe his weaknesses to be, and what would be best for the team going forward.

Read a post fully and digest it before you reply next time.

I asked for a constructive response. Not some blethering, angry diatribe.
You sound very foolish.

I come here to read peoples views. If this was the site where no-one says anything other than 'support the team'. 'everyone is great all the time', then I wouldn't bother.

As for your patronizing 'support your team' comment. just pathetic. Wannabe 'superfans' everywhere on this site.

Just stick to your simple-minded opinion-less world of conformity pal.

and yeah, read it (my post) again. Opinions on football tactics, that is all, I wasn't questioning Stevie's commitment, effort or his status as a legend.

LFC fans used to have a reputation for intelligence and understanding the game. Now it seems they won't even humour the idea of an alternate view to that held by the mainstream media.

Lastly, I believe we are 2nd DESPITE the aforementioned lack of defensive stability to which I believe Gerrard has contributed to - not because of it.

Surely even you must understand that as the main defensive midfielder, Gerrard has at least some part to play in regard to our defending? No?

Or do you think our defence is great?

Easy to be a populist. Much harder to be objective.

@Walton dave

Johnson has a responsibility to defend. It's fine being an outlet but when he loses the ball (which he does often) or when he misplaces a pass (again, a common feature) then he has a responsibility to get back into position as quickly as possible and defend - a sadly rare feature of his play. When he does bother to get back into position he doesn't defend so much as retreat back into his own 18 yard box allowing the attacker both the impetus to run at our defence and the space to cross the ball into the box should they so choose. It is no coincidence that Crystal Palace (and a lot of teams this season) have opted to attack us down Johnson's side of the pitch - he is a weak link defensively and contributes little to our attacking play and, on top of all this, never really shows the heart or the desire - he might have not been the worst player on the pitch tonight but he wasn't far off and sadly you can say that about him almost every time he plays for us. Not good enough and justifiably criticised.

@Seano

Cheers for pointing out that Walton Dave thought Johnson had anything but a shocker. I hadn't seen that comment.

Then he has the cheek to ask Micky B 'did you watch the game?'.

some people just don't have a clue do they!

Had I read this earlier I wouldn't have wasted my time trying to explain my views on finer tactical points to him.

If he can't spot the deficiencies in a performance like Johnsons last night, then I don't expect him to be able to make judgements on anything tactical/technical regarding the other players.

Totally agree on your Johnson comments btw Seano.

He is just going through the motions and picking up the wages.

The league isn't over yet though and there's plenty to build upon. 2nd and it's easy to see where we can improve. The future is bright, I hope BR wields the axe with good judgement this summer.

There will be 3 names in the envelope, after all.

ps - The irony of walton dave in calling others 'reactionary' is quite amusing, as is his assumption that people expressing their views simply 'mirror the poorly formed views of others'.

This coming from someone who offers next to nothing beyond 'proud of the boys'.

He's the Tim Sherwood of tactical analysis here for sure.

Sort it out m8. The 'superfan' shtick is fooling no-one. You have a serious chip on your shoulder.

@SuarezisaGenius

Football is a game of opinions and everyone is entitled to their own however I struggle to see how Walton Dave can praise Johnson for being an "attacking outlet" when he is a right back who, for the large part, is incapable of defending. If you compare Flanagan's performance to Johnson's (not just last night but all season) then you can see that, whilst Flanagan does not get forward as much, he retains the ball far better, passes better, defends better and sticks to his position a lot more - in essence he does what a left back is supposed to do. I admit he has made mistakes this season but he has been far superior to Johnson and has been playing on the wrong side of the pitch. I hope we let Johnson go, move Flanagan to right back and sign a left back - our defensive line is so unbalanced with Johnson in the team and, when you have Skrtel's haphazard defending thrown into the mix, it is a recipe to concede goals - especially when we are so vigorous in attack.

I thought your comments on Gerrard were interesting - it wasn't until early February that people were signing his praises and I remember before that there were a lot of questions surrounding his performances this season. I think he has had a much improved 2nd half of the season and, in terms of distribution and possession, has done well in that "QB" position. However, I am not convinced that he offers enough cover as a DM and this may in part be due to his positional discipline. I still think that Lucas is the best option defensively but that Gerrard gives us more going forward - unfortunately I don't think Lucas can play anywhere else but DM anymore; his legs were gone with 15 minutes to go yesterday and I think the serious injuries have had an impact. That isn't to say that he can't do a job but I think its pretty obvious that he isn't capable of doing what Henderson is doing. Fortunately we are supposed to be in the market for a midfielder this summer which will help and we have Joe Allen who has been much improved recently - Lucas and Gerrard can be rotated depending on opponent - I am in agreement with you though, once the season finishes it will be time to look at Gerrard's position in the team and perhaps consider whether or not he should be starting every single game.

05 May 2014 22:01:54
just like to say chin up lads we have had a good season and its not over yet!

On another note our defence has not been good enough all season, I think a complete overhaul with a few exeptions for some of the younger players is needed, thoughts?

05 May 2014 21:58:36
Eds fellow reds .the first signing rodgers should make is Steve Clarke to sort that rubbish midfield and defence out .

I have been thinking the same for a while now.

Disgraceful defending, just shocking, if we want to be champions we see out games especially with a 3 goal lead. Just shocking

How did WBA's defence get on with Clarke?

Our defence is shaky because of the style the manager plays.
If you want a tight defence, play like Mourinho.

Doesn't matter who we sign, this style of play, which I support, will always leave our defence vulnerable.

Ken agurero, ref to brining clake in as defence coach .we played attacking football under kenny and Steve but we had best defence in the league, so even if we can improve by 10/15 goals over season we would have won league comfortably

05 May 2014 21:56:52
Absolutely gutted. No other words for it. Fair play to palace for not giving it up but that hurts

05 May 2014 21:56:22
Well what do you say to that?
At least we are not boring.
Please learn how to defend over the summer lads.

Mikey, at least we are not boring! I know what you mean but 0-3 up thrown away is not good enough for a team with a chance of winning the title - our Chelsea result, gutted - this result makes me angry, simply not good enough if you want to win something in a season.

05 May 2014 21:27:13
Soon as that 3rd went in br should have took a defender off and put aspas on!

Aspas?

Seriously, what has he done to deserve a game?

If you want to play that kind of football, where we keep sending in crosses, why not put on Agger in the back and send Skrtel up front?

05 May 2014 21:14:22
Come on Liverpool 3-0

05 May 2014 20:23:53
Joe Allen - you little beauty! Literally, he is one of the smallest players on the pitch!

05 May 2014 19:59:42
Just watched the lads come out for the start,, I hope it's just me but they don't lookup for the game. A quick start should change that.
COME ON YEW REDS!!
YNWA.

05 May 2014 19:43:41
Lucas comes in for Countinho, and Lucas won't be a DM either, BR got some different approach

Sturridge came in for Coutinho, Lucas started against Chelsea.

05 May 2014 19:14:21
Just made it to quickly post my prediction that u all love . Hmmmm

Ok in all seriousness I'm going for a 1-1 because of the city win on Saturday I just think deep down the guys know city will pretty much wrap the league up with two easy home games

But as I said again its been a top season for Liverpool

Thanks for that, we should win now. Lol

Red Lobster. You are the worst. I mean in a league of your own. No one comes close.

05 May 2014 18:05:41
what would happen supposing Liverpool and city were to finish level on points, goal difference and goals scored? what happens as regards head to head records? and do away goals count in the head to head?
Thanks

{Ed002's Note - Nothing - it would be a play off.}

05 May 2014 16:25:15
I'm you all know that as of today The Reds have score 96 goals
well now it's now the turn of the team to bang in enough to win this Trophy - for the 96

05 May 2014 14:15:58
Hi Eds. would anyone know an update on Illori? Seemed to be BRs choice and wanted him. Has had a good loan season and yet I read he is either going, not in plans or that BR is looking for CBs when we him on the books.

If he wasn't our player and had the season he has had we'd be linked to him IMO.

{Ed002's Note - He wants to be playing like many of the other centre backs on the club books but is seemingly not going to get a chance. He will likely ask for assurances in the summer else Liverpool may need to loan him out again.}

First post!

Agree that anything is possible but what would people we rather go for today?

1 go for broke and try for 5 or 6 with the risk of loosing.

Or

2 Go for a steady win.

I say 1 as third secured so might aswell go for it as much as possible because not conviced city will drop points!

What you boys reckon?

05 May 2014 17:58:30
He will not be sold, he's very talented which is clear for all to see but as the club is inundated with CBs at the moment it's unlikely we can guarantee him football next year so, as Ed02 eluded to, will most likely be loaned out.

05 May 2014 13:14:55
We will win tonight with Skrtel scoring first and Aston Villa will hold City on Wednesday.

Villa r woeful pal, no chance they will help us. I think it's going to b down to that final game

05 May 2014 10:30:57
How much do fans reckon we will get from the sale of Pepe Reina. He's still only about 30 and got a few years left in him and is a quality keeper. I saw the figure £5m being bandied about but surely that is a joke?

4.1m I believe

05 May 2014 11:01:03
5 mill at max

He's a keeper on relatively high wages who pretty clearly isn't wanted at their club. That combination drives his value down massively.

Reina is a stil a world class keeper but unfortunaly reports seem to be true regarding the figures of his sale which will be no more than £5 million.

05 May 2014 00:31:46
Ed fellow reds, I think we should go all out now, another spurs away game would be nice just to see if city might wobble, think we could get 6 at home next week if needed against Newcastle .so c'mon red men GO FOR IT . Jf96