I think some people can’t see passed the 10 men issue; it makes our draw look very poor as a result. We all know how it is against 10 men, you expect to run riot but it never ever happens. The result was ok, the performance wasn’t. There’s a subtle difference there and this business is ultimately about results.
Did not lose – Plus
We did not lose away from home in the Prem - Plus
We will definitely be in the top four at 4:45 - Plus
Lost just the once all season – Plus
Mignolet was not to blame for the first goal (unsighted) or second goal (world class keeper) - Plus
Moses looked much better when he was put back out wide - Plus
Alberto looked very good when he came on and should start if Coutinho is still out next game – Plus
Coutinho back very soon – Plus
Suarez is the best player in the world and we have him – Plus
Performance vs 10 men – negative
I dunno, I should be gutted, and truth be told, I am a little disappointed, but on reflection I'm just so glad we didn't lose. If we'd have lost that it would have put a massive downer on morale, but end of the day we drew away from home in the Prem. True it didn’t look good against 10 men but they basically shut up shop when they scored their 2
nd goal. Also, I’m reluctant to mention it but the internationals will have an effect on players and it definitely did (in my opinion)
Whilst it’s probably unfair to single out any one player after that lack lustre performance, I am now utterly and totally convinced that Henderson should not be playing for us. Don’t care about his runs, his energy, his closing down etc, he’s got not end product. If Alberto can weigh in with some off the ball defending (and he might be able to for all I know), then Henderson gets dropped.
I wouldn't have taken that result before kick off but seeing how things panned out, I'd take it now. Every season you’re going to lose/draw games you should have won and you are going to win games you should have lost/drawn – that’s football.
We all know the reality is we are hanging on to shirt tails just trying to stay top of the league, and that we really shouldn’t’ be where we are (unless you know something I don’t) – so keeping that in mind, the bigger picture says we’re doing really well and I know a good few teams would love to swap their problems for ours right now.
All that and if Suarez was inches lower on his half volley or inches wider on his last second free kick, we’re bagging all three points. Some saying he should have scored because he is that good have to accept he's only human and that he can't score all the time
Every minute we stay in the top four the more important a January window becomes
Anyone else think Gerrard has looked depressed these last two weeks?