The reason we lost was because Southampton pressed and we didn't have the quality needed on the day to exploit that space.
Credit to Southampton, they had a plan and it worked to perfection.
I don't have any scapegoats, everyone bar Jones, Enrique and Coutinho were poor. I like Skrtel and think he deserves another season and was excellent under Kenny. Now I think he's out the door.
Johnson needs to be on the bench, he's automatic first choice and maybe this will show that if he doesn't improve, he won't play. Start Kelly or Wisdom. Okay, they don't be as strong attacking, but damm, they'll get their head on the ball no matter the damage it'll cause em. No hesistency, head that ball!!
Allen was poor, but so was Gerrard. Lucas looks stronger and we were more compact but I think Southampton tired around that time too.
Suarez looked frustrated and dissapointing, but he is doing it all himself so he can have bad days. Just wish he'd channel that anger into his football, but he's the best player in the PL so keep on doing what you do Luis.
Sturridge was terrible. No touch, didn't work hard and he could have played for 2 days and wouldn't have scored. He's very talented, and will be a huge player but I think he needs some coaching on what to do inside the box. That'll come playing with Suarez, and the summer coaching.
Sturridge can score wonder goals but it seems like he is so wasteful in front of goal. In games like this, Man United (sorry to mention them but it's true) win because they take their one chance, we can't blow 3 chances.
Enrique Coutinho and Jones done well for the team. I will say Jones does make the odd mistake but he sure does make a few excellent saves at times. I think we should keep him, done well when called upon.
Enrique was decent, always looks calm, composed in any situation and is a very direct player. Willing to play a ball to the strikers to run onto. Very sweet left foot.
Coutinho tried and got a goal, but he can only do so much. Great little player.
As for the rest, they were poor and unspectacular.
Main problem was energy. We didn't match Southampton stride for stride. They won 50/50 challenges, got the ball in the box, and won a few headers. If Carragher was playing i think he'd have headed it clear but injuries happen and we didn't have an adequate replacement.
I expected the players to be on a high after Tottenham, just seems like they had no legs or energy. Almost like we had nothing to play for.
Very good summary of the game/performances, so I will just build on this with a few of my own thoughts:
Skrtel - I have been one of the more vocal supporters of his during the last 3-5 months, but he was awful yesterday!! That performance may have been the final straw for BR, and Skrtel may well be on his way in the summer. That being said, it looks like we will be losing 3 CB's in Carra, Coates, and now Skrtel, so we will need to bring in 3 CB's over the summer to replace them.
Allen - Again, I have been a big supporter of his, but he has done himself no favors with his performances this season. Unfortunately, we lack the strength, physicality, and athleticism to go toe-to-toe with some of the "typical" English teams and a big part of the problem is that we are soft in the middle. Lucas is willing to put himself about, but he is still slight and neither one of Hendo or Allen have the strength needed in a game like this. We need a real bull in the middle to play next to Gerrard in games like this. A player like Diame/Gustavo/Bender/Capoue/etc. who will add some steel, grit, and toughness to our midfield. We have lost too many games this season because we have been outfought and bullied in the middle!!
It is a rare day when Gerrard has a poor game, and it is even more rare when Suarez has an off day. Unfortunately, both were off their game against the Saints and it cost us.
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