I guess the one thing the match does demonstrate is the importance of defending properly, staying in the game so one flash of inspiration becomes the winning goal rather than a consolation.
Amen to that. We did look much more solid at the back, but there were a few shaky moments where we could have shipped a goal. Hopefully the Skrtle-Lovren partnership will improve over the next few games and we can build a stingy defense around them. I think the next few weeks will begin to show us if "Future Captain" can become the defensive leader BR seems to think he can be....
Industrious 4-2-3-1 made way for a more fluent 4-3-3.
That formation (4-3-3) seems to suit our personnel better. Playing 3 combative, energetic CM's allowed our creative players (Coutinho and Ibe/Firmino) to focus more on attacking and less on tracking back.
A few thoughts:
- From what little I've seen, I think Firmino should be starting up front (alongside Coutinho and Benteke) with Ibe being used as a super sub. Firmino just looks like a more polished player (which makes sense as he is a few years older and has considerably more top level experience).
- Lallana picked up right where he left off, but that's not a compliment...
- Gomez looked like what he is - a right footed CB being played at LB. Its not that our attacks necessarily broke down with him, but there were several opportunities for him to take the space down the left flank but he wouldn't because it's unnatural for him. Our play in attack is very narrow, so we need our fullbacks to be able to provide width. I know I'll catch it from some for this, but I'd prefer Moreno at LB if we're going to play with Benteke at ST.
- I was impressed with Benteke. He did very well when the ball was played into him on the floor. He made several nice 1 time layoff passes, and he also did very well at holding the ball up when necessary. I could see him, Coutinho, and Firmino forming a very potent attacking trio this year.
3 points away at a difficult ground on opening day!! Sets up for a good week
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