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The Liverpool FC Thread XII

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Original post by IceJJFish(II)
Draw is a decent result at Anfield. Would snap your hand off for a point there.


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But if you consider that Arsenal were in the lead and Liverpool went down to 10 men, I would be pissed off that we didn't snatch the 3 points. (From an Arsenal point of view)
(edited 9 years ago)
Original post by ShotsFired-9941
At least it was good to see liverpool play this game. The team was exciting to watch today.


Agree, great performance in general but just a terrible result (given the circumstances) and typical lack of conversion.
Happy to pick up a point so late on but we really should've taken all 3.

Nice to see us play well and create chances (like we did against United), but in the last 2 games our inability to score goals and our ridiculous defensive errors have given us 1 point instead of 6.
Reply 7462
We're still not getting the results but at least we're playing much better now. We would have definitely got more goals with Sturridge on the pitch today.

Borini's sending off was probably the right decision but I find it odd that people are writing him off because of that. I like him and I personally feel he's our best back-up to Sturridge because he is pretty similar in playing style. It was clearly an accident and it was a pretty natural way to go in for that ball, most players would have done the same.
Original post by cBay
We're still not getting the results but at least we're playing much better now. We would have definitely got more goals with Sturridge on the pitch today.

Borini's sending off was probably the right decision but I find it odd that people are writing him off because of that. I like him and I personally feel he's our best back-up to Sturridge because he is pretty similar in playing style. It was clearly an accident and it was a pretty natural way to go in for that ball, most players would have done the same.


I share your sentiments on Borini. I am actually disappointed to see people slagging him off solely based on this red card. His cameo did influence liverpool for the better./
Original post by ShotsFired-9941
I share your sentiments on Borini. I am actually disappointed to see people slagging him off solely based on this red card. His cameo did influence liverpool for the better./


His first yellow was very silly tbh. But when he came on, he did make an impact though, problem is Rodgers ego is barely letting him play to give him a chance. He's getting shipped off in Jan though.
Original post by Zerforax
Such a disappointing result since the performance was actually really good. In part Arsenal were poor but a large part of it was also we made them look poor.

The tactics seemed spot on today although I did think Henderson was a tad wasted at RWB and Sterling was a tad wasted up front? Might have actually been better to switch them around. Henderson is just one of those players who has everything (think Gerrard in his mid-20s) so he has more physical presence than Sterling up front but still has enough pace, energy and movement to keep the CBs occupied.

We've got a couple more games before we hit the half way point - we play Burnley and Swansea so hopefully we can get 6 points and see where we stand.

I can't believe we're 10 points behind Man Utd. I think they will comfortably get 3rd now even though they've actually been pretty bad. Some teams just have the rub of the green I guess?

Not really sure what else to say about the game. Thought Gerrard was poor, his set pieces to his optimistic shooting. His passing was good but any other player could've done a similar job imo.

Coutinho, Lallana and Markovic (and Sterling in parts) were fantastic with getting the ball into them and then turning and running with purpose. It's one of the things Rodgers deserves a lot of credit for. We've actually had very few players like that in the past 10 years. Sure we've had some who have pace (Torres, Pennant etc) and others who had drive (Gerrard, Kuyt etc) but very few who have the pace, control and technical ability to body shift and get places with the ball.

It's a shame Sakho has been injured so far this season. Thought the CBs all generally did well. A few loose moments but generally a very positive game. Even B.Jones was getting into the playing it out from the back.

The attacking performance was a big plus as we've even been lacking that in recent weeks.

You have to really wonder if we would've been any worse off in keeping Agger and not buying Lovren. I don't think we would've been. I think most wanted Rodgers to buy a new CB in the summer but buying Lovren made no sense since he usually seems to play LCB but we already spent a lot of money on Sakho. Was the idea to ever play Sakho and Lovren together? Who would've played RCB?

If we can hold onto Lallana, Sterling, Markovic and Coutinho for another 2-3 years, we could see something really good from them. All have weaknesses they need to work on (Sterling - decision making, Coutinho - shooting, Markovic - using the ball better instead of lazy passes/flicks, Lallana - strength) but they could all become very good imo.

I still think we've looked a lot better since Lucas has come back into the side. The team still is unbalanced since we're trying to shoehorn Gerrard and Lucas in but Lucas gives better balance and protection imo. Is he quite back to his pre-injury form? Maybe not yet but he's getting there. He turns 28 in January but no reason why he can't have another 4 good years imo.

I think that will have been the last straw for Rodgers with Borini. Just a couple of stupid and rash moments. He's not a bad player but he's not been good enough for us here. Sunderland are still struggling to score goals so I can see them coming back in with another bid. Gus Poyet seems to really like Borini. Hopefully we can still sell him for 10-12mil to another premier league side in January.


Although United have played poorly of late they have been very clinical with the few chances they make whereas we have not been and at the end of the day its goals which win you games. Not to mention they are playing one game a week and even with all their injuries/defensive troubles they still have world class attacking players who can make the difference. All teams get their fair share of luck at one point or the other. It'll be interesting to see if United carry on getting results in the second half of the season.

Agger is injury prone and has turned 30 so his best days are behind him I suppose. Since Lovren is 25 and had a decent season at Soton I guess the plan was he'd be a long term defender for Liverpool. Is there a really big difference for CB's playing LCB and RCB? Surely a good defender would be able to adapt to playing on the left/right side? Maybe Sakho might be on his way out in the summer since he hasn't looked comfortable when playing for us? I'd be interested to see if a Sakho and Lovren partnership works out.

Don't forget Sturridge too! Studge, Sterling, Markovic, Lallana and Coutinho is a very pacey and creative attacking front. If we carry on finishing 5th/6th for the next 2/3 seasons Sterling, Markovic and even Coutinho could possibly be wanted by top teams if they play consistently well. I'm really liking the look of Markovic, he seems to have settled in now and has had a few good link ups with Coutinho and Sterling.

Lucas has been a revelation since his call back into the first team, he's been protecting the back very well. At this rate he's heading back to the form he was before that horrible injury. I'm really glad that he's finding his form again. Gerrard is the big problem, I still think he should be brought on at the latter stages of a match as CAM when we look lack-lusture at the top. He's far more effective attacking wise and fresh from the bench. Especially as starting matches and playing the full 90 regularly only tires him out and leaves him anonymous most of the match bar the odd free kick.

I'm pretty sure he's on his way out this Jan now. Although he has passion and works hard he just doesn't have much of a presence nor a standout attribute which enhances our attack. I really, really hope we get a decent striker who knows how to finish this Jan as Balo by himself hasn't worked and Lambert is too slow and can't play the full 90 week, in week out.
Markovic, Lallana, Coutinho and Sterling are basically carbon copies of each other.

Also, the latter's decision making and end product was dreadful today.
Original post by Mackay
Markovic, Lallana, Coutinho and Sterling are basically carbon copies of each other.

Also, the latter's decision making and end product was dreadful today.


Disagree with this entirely.

Sterling and Markovic are far more direct and a lot of their game relies on pace. Key attribute is dribbling, can easily beat a man with the drop of the shoulder.

Lallana and Coutinho are intelligent footballers, not much pace but amazing spatial awareness, operate in pockets of space in the final third. They have good vision and quick feet. Thought all 4 played fairly well today although Raheem was poor in final third.


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Original post by Mackay
Markovic, Lallana, Coutinho and Sterling are basically carbon copies of each other.

Also, the latter's decision making and end product was dreadful today.


I don't think that is necessarily a bad thing. They are all pacey, technical players who can beat their man/play give and go game.

Ideally we'd only be playing 2 out of 4 of them on the flanks and we could regularly rotate based on form/injuries/opposition and still maintain a similar style of game.
Original post by IceJJFish(II)
Disagree with this entirely.

Sterling and Markovic are far more direct and a lot of their game relies on pace. Key attribute is dribbling, can easily beat a man with the drop of the shoulder.

Lallana and Coutinho are intelligent footballers, not much pace but amazing spatial awareness, operate in pockets of space in the final third. They have good vision and quick feet. Thought all 4 played fairly well today although Raheem was poor in final third.


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Not denying all three had a good game - thought Sterling was poor, though.

What I mean by that is that we can't play four at the same time - it just doesn't work. Arsenal tried it for years and are still attempting it to some degree.

Henderson being shunted out on the right isn't good for his development, either. It's almost as if Rodgers thought to himself "who's right footed and athletic? Oh, Jordan is, so we'll stick him on the right."

It's a specialised position - and Henderson's ability to affect a game is deteriorating rapidly as a result.
Original post by Mackay
Not denying all three had a good game - thought Sterling was poor, though.

What I mean by that is that we can't play four at the same time - it just doesn't work. Arsenal tried it for years and are still attempting it to some degree.

Henderson being shunted out on the right isn't good for his development, either. It's almost as if Rodgers thought to himself "who's right footed and athletic? Oh, Jordan is, so we'll stick him on the right."

It's a specialised position - and Henderson's ability to affect a game is deteriorating rapidly as a result.


Ah I see your point, thought you meant in terms of playing styles. I thought you played well tbh, think Can should've started ahead of Gerrard, if not then put Manquillo at RWB and then played Hendo through the middle tbh. Yeah Henderson has had a poor season so far but I don't blame him. Know we keep saying it but Sturridge coming back will solve a lot of problems, wouldn't mind seeing a diamond with Lucas, Can, Henderson if I'm honest.


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Original post by IceJJFish(II)
Ah I see your point, thought you meant in terms of playing styles. I thought you played well tbh, think Can should've started ahead of Gerrard, if not then put Manquillo at RWB and then played Hendo through the middle tbh. Yeah Henderson has had a poor season so far but I don't blame him. Know we keep saying it but Sturridge coming back will solve a lot of problems, wouldn't mind seeing a diamond with Lucas, Can, Henderson if I'm honest.


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Manquillo's lack of game time is curious given how much he has impressed with his composed performances.

Henderson should always be played in the middle, and I agree Can could have got a start.

Sturridge's inclusion today would have been a game changer for sure. Can't wait to have the beautiful bastard back.
Original post by Mackay
Manquillo's lack of game time is curious given how much he has impressed with his composed performances.

Henderson should always be played in the middle, and I agree Can could have got a start.

Sturridge's inclusion today would have been a game changer for sure. Can't wait to have the beautiful bastard back.


Yeah I haven't watched him too much if I'm honest but generally in a 3atb formation you want at least one full back there, allows you to drop to a flat 4 if it needs be as well.

Hear that Can isn't fully fit which is fair enough. Excellent player when he's been on, just drives forward with the ball
in a way, dare I say, not too dissimilar to Yaya Toure. Hope to see Danny back soon, he's an asset to the league and a nice chap.


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Original post by IceJJFish(II)
Yeah I haven't watched him too much if I'm honest but generally in a 3atb formation you want at least one full back there, allows you to drop to a flat 4 if it needs be as well.

Hear that Can isn't fully fit which is fair enough. Excellent player when he's been on, just drives forward with the ball
in a way, dare I say, not too dissimilar to Yaya Toure. Hope to see Danny back soon, he's an asset to the league and a nice chap.


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Really like Can from what I've seen of him. Markovic is cultured but he's like a puppy chasing after the ball currently. He needs to be honed.

Sturridge has been Rodgers' best signing by some distance. Can't wait to see him line back up soon. Hope he hasn't lost any of that ability we have seen over the last 18 months.
Cool so people finally realising how vital Sturridge is to the team then?
Original post by jam277
Cool so people finally realising how vital Sturridge is to the team then?


I always knew tbh. Thought Sterling could be useful up top but not on his own, would work with someone like Lambert I feel.


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Original post by IceJJFish(II)
I always knew tbh. Thought Sterling could be useful up top but not on his own, would work with someone like Lambert I feel.


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Yeah I reckon he'd do well up top with Balotelli personally.
Original post by Mackay
Really like Can from what I've seen of him. Markovic is cultured but he's like a puppy chasing after the ball currently. He needs to be honed.

Sturridge has been Rodgers' best signing by some distance. Can't wait to see him line back up soon. Hope he hasn't lost any of that ability we have seen over the last 18 months.


An injury prone striker is Rodgers best signing :biggrin:

Original post by Mackay
Not denying all three had a good game - thought Sterling was poor, though.

What I mean by that is that we can't play four at the same time - it just doesn't work. Arsenal tried it for years and are still attempting it to some degree.

Henderson being shunted out on the right isn't good for his development, either. It's almost as if Rodgers thought to himself "who's right footed and athletic? Oh, Jordan is, so we'll stick him on the right."

It's a specialised position - and Henderson's ability to affect a game is deteriorating rapidly as a result.


a 20 year who is not a CF put is deployed as a lone striker... Sterling's form was already written in the stars
(edited 9 years ago)
Original post by jam277
Cool so people finally realising how vital Sturridge is to the team then?


Always has been. Coutinho/Sterling/Lallana's form would improve considerably if he was back fit.
Original post by Mackay
Always has been. Coutinho/Sterling/Lallana's form would improve considerably if he was back fit.

I believe that Sturridge was synergistic to Suarez but he could do it well on his own.

Honestly there was a clear improvement in Suarez after Sturridge came in and there was a clear improvement in your results too. Markovic is improving though I think he'll be a game winner by the end of this season.

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