Not a terrible performance. And certainly not a disaster in terms of top 2 or 4. BUT a very significant result potentially in terms of the title. Even at this stage.
Some observations:-
1)When I heard Coutinho and Allen were playing, I was VERY concerned. Esp as we were away from home.
These 2 with a Henderson who's still learning, and an ageing Gerrard means that the defence is potentially put under a lot of prssure.
2)Thought a lot was asked of Moreno. He's hardly been at the club. And Coutinho, Allen and the other 2 are infront of him against one of Europe's top clubs. NOT an easy ask.
3)Sturridge can draw deep and create vs normal clubs. But its not his thing against the top clubs. Likewise it was a big ask of Coutinho to slot into the Suarez role in some way.
4)I didnt see the game in Manc-chester. I saw it on TV. Notably in the preview analysis, ALL the attacks by Liverpool, the thro ball was from Suarez. We might have signed lots of potential and numerous exciting young players, one or two even top drawer or thereabouts. BUT the STRUCTURAL change of Luis going is GIGANTIC.
We really dont know WHO we're gonna field as a strongest 11, and how we will line up. Will there be a new playmaker with any Lucas, Borini, Agger money? Will Lallana do the job? Sturridge? Sterling? LOTS of uncertainties. Will Balo and Sturridge work togther?
5)We certainly have the numbers this yr. Lots of cover in certain areas. But the 1st 11, we have yet to prove that we can function at a level comparable to last season. Some people forget, but you're only allowed 11 on the pitch at once! (Thats why some players go for 70, 80m!) If we spend 30m net, ok that might sound a lot to some people. BUT thats about the level of deprecaition the squad will show annually. IN financial terms, its "staying the same". Or improving depth, weakening 1st 11.
6)I think Balotelli's heading and presence would have been a help yesterday.
As before I'd sell Lucas, Borini, Agger, Allen. I'd get a top def midfielder, and a top playmaker and a keeper.
We have real quality in some, even lots of areas. But I think we have a couple of substantial gaps. Some gaps may be closed by tweaking/gelling the system. Others may not.
Spurs will be interesting.
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