I don't see that much reasons to be negative.
Out of finishing issues our display was far better than the second half against Swansea or the whole game against Southampton, the number of corners we got is proof enough for me it's mostly bad luck we didn't scored one or two ; and unlike in all previous games of the season we attacked in the two halves.
About individual performances, for sure Henderson had a mare, and Kelly and Sterling failed to have an impact, out of that I don't see huge problems. Gerrard for sure is not at his best level (like he wasn't in the first months played of every season since 5 or 6 years) but I think we must be accustomed now that he is a slow starter, and can be sure he'll play better some months in the future. Out of his only defensive error costing us the goal, I've found Enrique rather impressive for someone who only returned from injury less than a week ago, and not only I don't support the abuse he gets here or there in this thread, but I logically voted for him in the MotM poll. Finally while Luis may have been a bit wasteful in his attempts, he showed all the commitment we could expect, and without the behavior issues that were my main fear seeing him return in a derby. Luis and Sturridge may lack perfect understanding to play together, but they clearly tried to combine in many occasions, and IMO after a few games they will be a devastating pair.
Finally about the "second rate" Man U team we were playing against, I'm sorry but I don't see how a team with players like Rooney, Chicharito and Kagawa inside can be considered an easy win on their turf. These players alone are easily same level than the best we have (out of Luis, and even, an in-form Rooney is certainly worth a not match fit Luis), and any squad member of Utd is certainly better than our average. Still it's mostly luck (or our unability to finish while we spent more time in their half) that gave Man U this short victory.
And about the league cup, I may be too optimistic, but I think being actually in top4 despite bad displays, we have serious chances to get into Europe or even CL from the league, it wasn't really a priority.
I think many people are just venting out their frustrations because they won't be able to taunt their manc friends like they hoped. Out of this, I see nothing terribly dramatic in this game.
Logged