Absolutely brilliant strike from Phil. We deserved the win on that final 30 minutes alone.
First half was crap. Too slow, no movement, our midfield was stifled by the setup and we couldn't get going.
Second half - in particular when Can came on - our midfield came alive. He sat deep and let Milner and Hendo do their thing, we had more bodies through the middle and we started to move closer to Benteke.
I do hope it was fitness that made Brendan start with that side otherwise it's a complete no brainer. Lallana and Ibe are good players but wingers don't suit us. Much better using the width from our fullbacks and playing a diamond, or a variation of 4 central midfielders.
Thought Clyne was terrific, Skrtel was a bit shaky, and Lovren still makes little mistakes that will cost us but in the tackle he was good. Gomez was very tough and stood up to the challenge whilst being very assured going forward.
Milner and Hendo were ineffective simply due to the system. They came alive when Can came on - who has to start alongside both of them from now on.
Coutinho was Coutinho. Stunner!
Benteke was so isolated. It's not his fault of course but that's why i was so hesitant to see us go for him. We need a striker who plays with the team, not someone who will only play well when the team plays well and can create chances for him. In saying that, he tried to drop deep and had some nice one touch passes to try and keep things flowing.
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