Story of our season so far really, great in the first half but sh*t in the second. I don't think it's complacency, just a lack of urgency to kill a game off which is very disappointing as a fan. When we take a lead we tend to sit back and hold on, not get another and kill the game. It's like Jamie said, very unlike Brendan's philosophy, we sit very deep once we take a lead. Also I think we lack creativity without Coutinho. When he went off we looked flat and I didn't really see a spark. The only player that can create something is Gerrard with his range of passing.
The way the game panned out, I was content with the draw because Swansea edged it towards the end of the game. But coming into the game, a draw would have been disappointing, so mixed emotions really. More happy because at least we didn't lose, showed a lot of character to dig deep when they were knocking on the door late in the game, we saw it out and gained a point. Not too bad a result.
Mignolet - made some solid saves, good punches and aerial ability as well tonight. Maybe could've done better with the goals, got a hand to each goal, probably a bit harsh though.
Wisdom - still too inexperienced for me, can't wait for Kelly to return. Just found wanting at times and doesn't offer much going forward either.
Skrtel - my MOTM, handled the aerial presence of Bony and Michu very well. Unlucky with the first goal and poor positioning by Sakho left Skrtel in the sh*t for the second with two players to deal with. Other than that, another solid performance. Great goal saving tackle on Bony too.
Sakho - poor debut unfortunately, just couldn't settle in to the pace of the game. Looked slower than I thought he'd be too. But it's only one game, not a worry at all for me, tough game to come in to and I think he'll come good. He's good on the deck though, made some quality sliding challenges.
Enrique - didn't really do a lot wrong, but he didn't offer a lot going forward either. Quiet game.
Gerrard - good first half, poor second half. Unlike the skipper, was chasing their midfield for most parts of the second half when we should have built and seen out our 2-1 lead. Just couldn't control the midfield like he normally does.
Lucas - similar to Gerrard, didn't impose himself on the game enough. We were leading at half time, they should have come out and bossed the midfield but he was chasing most parts of the second half.
Henderson - plenty of running as usual and always looking to make something happen. But we were on the back foot so he had to get back and help for most parts.
Coutinho - Always looks a threat for me, lively in the first half with some neat touches and turns, always looking for the ball too. Hope he isn't injured for long, Williams is a c**t as well may I add.
Moses - decent debut, took his goal well and some good link up play with Danny and Coutinho. Looked lively on the left cutting in, maybe just needs to pick his head up a bit more when picking out his options around him. All in all, an encouraging debut.
Sturridge - Looked quality again, always alive and causing problems for their defence. He says he's unfit, can't wait 'til he's match fit then I tell ya! Another good goal, shows his awareness and his poacher like finishing ability, impressive.
Toure - Preferred him at RB over Wisdom, I think his experience was needed when Swansea had just scored and felt more comfortable knowing Toure was on the pitch. Did a job, got us a point by helping defend.
Sterling - Didn't really do much, think he was bought on just to counter attack as Swansea were looking for the winner.
Aspas - Didn't offer much when he came on, I still think his positioning is poor and for a striker, he's never in the box. Early days though, still finding his feet. If he doesn't play up front when he plays, then you have to question Brendan really for signing a striker and playing him on the wings/no.10 role.
To conclude, it's not the end of the world, maybe we needed a knock back down to earth because we were never going to win every game. But I'm happy because:
1) We're top of the league!
2) We didn't lose
3) We showed character to hold on to a point, maybe last season we would've have buckled and conceded again.
4) We scored more than one goal, albeit one was gifted, the other was taken very well by Moses.
Next week is massive, I don't care if it's early but it's a must win game. I'm pretty old fashioned, I believe we need to win every home then pick up points where we can away from home. That's why today isn't a bad result, a good point at a tough away stadium in a toughly fought contest. But home games are must win, every single home game regardless of the opposition. Southampton at home is a must win, absolutely no excuses whatsoever.
We're still top of the league though Reds, P4 W3 D1 L0, still cause for optimism in my eyes, well on the way to achieving our targets this season. And to think we still haven't really played a full game greatly, and have one of the best players in the world to return. Looking good!!
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