I'm delighted with the performance at Stoke.
No it wasn't very entertaining for the neutral, but they had their "entertainment" last time. It wasn't about entertainment, it was about going there and getting a result, which we did. Even better, we won at a ground where we struggle to win anytime.
We had 5 new players yesterday, with varying levels of fitness. After May, for a team that notoriously can't defend, 2 new defenders helped us comfortably restrict that rugby side to one shot on target away from home, and kept a clean sheet. Remarkable.
Milner did well, showing his experience, and Coutinho always has the ability to fire a thunderbolt like he did, once he gets a bit of space. He got it once yesterday, and took full advantage.
I was also impressed with Benteke's workrate. While he didn't see much of the ball, he kept looking to get into good positions when we did get the ball forward. When we click into gear and the football starts flowing again, he will benefit as much from it as everyone else. Firmino was useful enough, despite the limited time he was out there.
Anyway, there are rivals who expected to win at home this weekend, that have a lot to complain about. We won away on the first day of the season with a fantastic goal, at a notoriously difficult place for us to get any result, kept a clean sheet, and brought home the three points. Anyone without an agenda has to be happy with that.
The great year two seasons ago started with a scrappy 1-0 win against Stoke. Nobody will complain much in May if this win leads to a similiar or better return.
« Last Edit: Aug 11, 2015 07:07:10 pm by lfc across the water »
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