It was a funny, stalemate of a game which just shows the same old story. Strong defensively, keeping a clean sheet but unable to get the all important goal at the other end which is hindering us. It's not just one or two matches this happens, it's a constant problem which is effecting us game after game.
We've scored less goals then two of the bottom three, that stats says it very clearly, that we aren't scoring enough.
I noticed an interesting statistic regarding us and Manchester City, previously to yesterdays game. They have had only 2 more shots within the box than we have had. The difference being, that they've scored 1 in 5, we've only scored 1 in 10. A huge difference, which just proves the need that we need to be more clinical.
But fundamentally what matters is outscoring your opponent to win. The fact we have such a tight defence, Agger, Skrtel and Enrique all excellent which has grown into one of the best defensive partnerships in the league, which has allowed us to pick up wins margining.
Our midfield looked legless for the last 15 minutes, chasing the Wigan midfield runners, and every time they got the beating of us. Too many times, Wigan found space between the midfield and defensive and had too many shots from long range. Luckily for us, they didn't have enough creative ability to create a goal but if that was Manchester City with that much space, they could have easily put 4 past us.
Lucas is out for the season, we know that, and there is little we can do to fix that, but we do miss the defensive security he gives us, and we miss his neat passing starting attacks. I think the closest player we have to Lucas, is Spearing, and i believe he will come back in against Blackburn, giving us that extra body who can get stuck in the tackle and won't shy away when he going gets tough.
Henderson and Adam played very poorly. After the first 30 minutes, Wigan started to get back into the game and those two struggled. Diame played very well and I was impressed with his performance yesterday.
Neither Henderson or Adam created anything of real substance, they never made any quality passes that you need. All they did was pass it wide, never making forward runs into the box giving Suarez any support. Suarez was very isolated due to the lack to forward support from our midfielders. Adam or Henderson should have made runs into the box, it would have gave us more options for our wingers.
Henderson is just so passive and conservative with his passing. It's obviously that he has the ability to spring brilliant passes, but it's almost like he's too scared of making a mistake. So many opptunitues to play the ball forwards. But it's too common that he reverts back to the defensive, he chooses the safe and easy option too many times.
I appreciate Henderson's ability and potential, but he needs to toughen up, big time. Get harder and stronger into tackles, don't feel intimidated and start creating attacks, taking risks with his passing looking to create chances.
I think a few games along side Gerrard would do him the world of good. Someone who demands the ball and looks to try things, take risks in order to create goal scoring chances.
Downing was our poorest performer, he couldn't beat his man, couldn't really get a dangerous crosses in. Other then one cross which Kuyt volleyed straight at the goalie, he lost the ball constantly. Never tracked back and never looked a threat.
0 goals and 0 assists is shockingly poor, and he needs to improve his performances and form. I wouldn't be as frustrated with him, if he worked hard, but currently he doesn't put in a half decent shift and looks very lethargic. So many times Enrique has had no defensive support but still coped brilliantly, to his credit.
My patience is wearing thin, and it wouldn't surprising me entirely if he was sold in January, in a similar situation to Robbie Keane's short era here.
For the first time this season, I am starting to feel a little anxious towards the way our season is heading. Especially with the news that Suarez is suspended for 8 games, depending on appeal but some game on the sidelines is looking increasingly inevitable.
We played well defensively and created some chances but we're toothless upfront. We haven't got the goals in us. But I feel if we get Andy Carroll on song, or a proper clinical finisher in January, and with Gerrard returning to fitness. That could make a MASSIVE difference needed to get back up the table.
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