We were lucky last night. While we were better than last Saturday, so was the opposition. They could play a bit and certainly had their chances. Every time the opposition seem to attack these days, I seem to get worried, especially set pieces.
Stand out players for me were the fullbacks -Manquillo & Moreno & also Henderson. The rest tbh I don't thinkreally earned their money.
Sahko was having a good game until his gaffe nearly cos us the tie. Lovren wasn;t great either. Both could have done better for the goal, along with Moreno. The goal we conceded was terrible to give away, Lucas was caught walking and Gerrard was in no mans land. 2 passes and we are cut open. Sahko had to save Lovren a few times too with covering tackles - a standout feature of our defence this season. Don't get me started on what Mignolet was doing for the goal. Although to be fair to Mignolet, he was doing well up to that point and caught some good crosses, including the last one. What he was doing for the goal tho - brainless. The fullbacks got up & down the pitch well and bought were assured in the tackle. Both also made some crucial interceptions or goal saving tackles - notably Moreno just before our first. Maquillo loves a tackle, and a booking! but looks solid enough. Moreno I like a lot, already. And extra pace & width which is key, especially if we use the diamond in the future (hopefully).
Midfield, Gerrard was poor enough again this season. Positioning, set-piece delivery, passing were all sub standard. Good penalty. Coutinho got better as the game went on, while still being poor overall. Some of his early passing was the worst I've seen from him in a red shirt. Still needs work on his shooting. I have faith in him to up his game tho. Henderson I thought was good. Got around the pitch well. Could evidently be seen attacking & tracking back, and winning the ball. Lucas was awful when he came on. At fault. partially, for their goal.That shot was horrific. Lallana doesn't look fit at all. Drifted in & out of the game. had some nice turns but unable to do anything after that. Seems like he lacks the turn of pace after a turn, like we'll say Sterling would have. Sterling himself had a quiet night out wide. Looked better in the 10, but quiet overall.
Up front, Balotelli did well when he got the ball, but that was little. Doesn't make the runs but you do have confidence in him when he gets it. He seemed to be playing a target man role last night to me. Is that bringing out the best in him? I don't think so. Again, the diamond formation suits him. Took the goal well in fairness. Borini - didn't notice him apart from the header tbh.
Lucky win. But at least we got the 3 points & off the mark.
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