Much better 2nd half with lots to like. My thoughts on the game
- I thought we were poor first half, looked ok until we scored and pretty underwhelming till the break. Second was so much better, as an attacking side there some genuine green shoots despite not adding more goals.
- What a delight to see Firmino show his quality. He looked stronger on the ball and like he had finally got used to the pace of the game here. Loved everything about his performance, his work rate, his first touch and his movement which was excellent. It was also really encouraging to see some chemistry between Ibe and Firmino tonight, Jordon can be guilty of running down blind alleys or holding on to the ball for too long but those two were in close contact tonight and you could see them both looking for the other. As a result it really helped Ibe grow into the game. He was also excellent and is the only genuine winger at the club so worth his weight in gold.
- Of the youngsters tex was head and shoulders above. This kid has to be play more. We need someone (anyone) to make us tick in the middle of the park. This kid could be the one to do that yanno, silky smooth in possession and always seems to have a yard of space, also showed the ability to ghost past players and his set piece delivery was solid all night. I'd love to see him alongside Lucas and would play the kid ahead of the likes of Can or Allen hands down. I thought Branagan struggled tonight, the game kinda passed him by. Young Randall had a shaky first half but grew into the 2nd half and looked much more comfortable getting forward and playing with some confidence.
- I'm not sure we can go to Chelsea with Origi up top and get a win, if Benteke is fit to play I would start him and ask him to give an hour. Origi looks far more comfortable in wide areas for me. He simply doesn't have the striking instincts to be a number 9. I remember Robbie Fowler highlighted this in our preseason tour games so you have to listen. Origi always seems to be a second too late (see the cross from Lucas) or he gets caught flat footed (see the headed opportunity from Ibe). He's not a striker. I'd be tempted to play Firmino in a false 9 or even give Ibe a run out in the 9 rather than persist with Divock.
- How solid was Bogdan again? I think Migs has done alright this season but it's great to see a bit of pressure being put on the number 1 shirt.
- We didn't press the ball tonight, quite the opposite in fact. That surprised me.
- What a difference Lucas makes to this side. The midfield balance wasn't great to be fair with the two youngsters In There but the difference it made to the whole balance of the team when he came on was clear as day. We suddenly gained absolute control of the midfield and the likes of Ibe, Firmino and Tex were the seeing lots of the ball. Lucas HAS to stay fit this season.
- And finally, I really want a hug from Jürgen! How good would it be to play for this guy. If he gets us moving in the right direction I can sense the adulation will be huge even by LFC standards.
Logged
