Some interesting points of view on the game here. I thought in the first half we played one of our best halves of football to date. We were very unlucky to only go into the break one up. I did feel we weren't quite at it in the second half though. Yes there were patches in the second half where we should have put the game to bed but we didn't and it could have been costly. I think Sterling was a bit off it and do hope none of this gossip surrounding his contract is getting to the lad. At the end of the day we got 3 points and another clean sheet, I can definitely see things moving in the right direction and with hopefully the addition of a couple of players come January things we keep progressing.
The importance of Lucas was seen to great effect, he was a little rusty and for me I can see why people have voted him man of the match but he wasn't, I'm just happy he's getting that match sharpness he needs because he proved as a 75-80% what a vital part of this club he is. Touch wood he stays injury free please!
Joe Allen revelled in having his shackles taken off, and Gerrard although nowhere near his best at least showed signs of returning to something like after a bad patch.
Was glad to see Enrique drop back to his more accustomed position, I believe his exploits further up the pitch will improve his all round game as weather it was down to injury or lack of confidence his forward runs at the back end of last season were getting fewer and less dangerous by the game.
I really like how BR didn't ask Jonjo to play as a real wide forward all to often this season players who's natural position isn't of a wide forward have been asked to play it so to speak. Saturday saw a lot more of Jonjo having a more floating role interchanging with others.
A few fans have questioned Suarez in regards how he picked up his fifth yellow. As someone who played football to a decent level, this card out of his five would be the one I wouldn't have a problem with him getting. I think we've seen over the last month a bit of a change in Suarez's manner on the pitch and it will only benefit both us and them. The card he got Saturday was all about pure instinct, in a game situation he felt the only way to turn the ball goalwards in that split second was how he did it. He didn't have time like some do when they see the slow motion to think hold on if I do this I'll pick up my fifth yellow and miss the next match. The fifth card was inevitable because of how many he got early in the season. That is the point he deserved criticism imo because some of those four were avoidable.
It's one game, we'll miss him but it's not the end of the world. It'll be interesting to see if BR has faith in one of the young lads to play as the CF I hope he does but think he'll probably go more do the Young Boys game and use Jonjo.
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