Honestly, this was one of the worst games I've seen us play since BR has been in charge. Absolutely no threat to score, and sending hopeful long balls/crosses became frustrating to watch. I did not feel we were ever a threat to score, which is a shame b/c last year I always thought were could score at any given moment. For me, this game left a lot of questions: Why did we stick w/ Mario alone up front? Has he been given enough time to prove himself? Time for Borini??
Migs: A couple of big, key saves. Yet the set piece where Johnson cleared off the line was horrendous of Migs. Confirms: great shot stopper, but terrible dealing w/ balls into the box.
Johnson: Besides the clear off the line, terrible. Just terrible.
Skrtel: I thought was our most solid player of the day.
Lovren: I was thinking before their goal how grear he and Skrtel were doing. Then, their goal. Why does Lovren completely abondon his man (who was at the 6 yard box!) to try to intercept that pass? At that point, if you step, you absolutely must win the ball. He didn't, and his man scored the goal.
Moreno: Tough break with the goal and he was off balance trying to intercept...yet just clear the damn thing! I'm still a fan though.
Gerrard: Ok. Not great, yet not too bad. The further up the pitch he goes, the more slow and clumbsy he looks to me though. I honestly think the DM is the only role he can be effective in at this point.
Allen: Usually a fan, but not today. Was terrible, giving up the ball on multiple occasions. It doesn't help though when he recvd the ball, that absolutely no on was moving for him for a pass.
Hendo: This game begged the question: what is his role in our squad? He was terrible in posession, and for all his energy he's not really a defensive force who can step in at DM. And if you want him further up, tbh I'd rather have Couthino/Lallana/Sterling at those spots.
Coutinho: No where near as good as he was against the Swans, but he didn't have any help this game either.
Sterling: Since when did he become Ronaldo and have to take everyone 1-on-1, all the time? His speed is his best asset and should be more concentrated at running behind and between defenses. He was at his best last season when he was doing this from a wide position.
Mario: Never a threat was he. After watching the Manchesters game yesterday, I was so much more impressed with every striker that featured in that game as opposed to Mario. At some point, if he still doesn't click w/ Studge, we'll have to concede it didn't work and ship him off.
Would really rather see Lambert and/or Borini this week, and I think Lallana w/ Couthino is a must. We have talented midfielders who can keep possesion and move the ball forward, we just don't seem to want to play them at the same time. It's time to see what BR is really made of now.
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