Liverpool FC Forum

[bigmick]

What amazed and then shocked me about Liverpool's team selection at Villa Park was that even though we had spent nearly £50 million in the summer on players - mainly attacking ones - the only new face on show was that of Fernando Torres.

Are you being serious here or on a wind-up? Perhaps you think it would have been better to give four or five blokes their club debuts in the first game of the season, away at a team which will probably finish top half? Also, how can 4-4-2 with two out and out strikers be considered defensive away from home against a team who set up 4-5-1?

No I don't mean to be unnecessarily rude but i think you are calling it wrong. The selection was sensible, the set-up was attacking enough under the circumstances and given better finishing, Liverpool would have won comfortably.

Fans eager to see the new signings will get plenty of chance as the season progresses. Knowing Rafa they'll all play in the Champions League game anyhow. Y'know a few years back when we had a really good team, players would often disappear into the reserves for a season when they first joined. Blokes such as Rush, Steve Nicol, Ronnie Whelan, John Aldridge etc would hang around on the fringe of the team for ages before finally getting their chance. I think the idea was that they could get an idea of what the club was all about, get a feel for the place. When they actually got a game they used to work their nuts off to keep the shirt, but at first they had to start from scratch upon signing.

It's one of those old fashioned ides which sounds a little quaint now I guess.

[der_kaiser]

why is everyone banging on about always relying on Gerrard to win games? he's part of the team, so it's part of his job. i don't care if he rescues us in every game this season, the main thing is we keep winning.

[tubby]

Gerrads Goal

HQ Version 640 x 480

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=DL1AM98E

[burjennio]

Well we got 3 points away from home against a decent side with a good professional performance, dictated the play and should have won by more goals, and it seems that at least 50% of the forum is still bitchin and moanin about line ups, formations and attacking mentalities, catch yer selves on, wtf do you want on the first day of the season? The confidence is now up with getting the desired result and the boys can look forward to Chelsea next Sunday. Im really starting to believe that some people only come on to the site to whinge.

The one minus was the petulance and silliness of Pennant who was lucky the ref didn't over-react. He needs his erse kicking and no mistake.

A few people have singled out Pennant today for an alledged attitude problem yesterday, after an altercation with Wilfred Bouma. I also thought he'd pushed Bouma after he had chopped him but the replays showed that when Pennant walked over to him after the challange Bouma pushed him, twice, not the other way round. A few people in todays newspapers could do with paying attention to replays as well, Sunday Mirror

[Sabre]

Well, I have mixed feelings about yesterday game.

The predominant feeling is the universal rule of every league, a win away, is a good thing, and the 3 points is what matters. Plus, Villa Park is not one of the easiest stadiums you can visit. In that sense, I'm happy.

But.

The premiership is a league I love. So physical, so much rythm, and  with teams like Aston Villa. Teams, that want to win at home, and they try to reach the oppo box all the match, leaving lots of spaces. Aston Villa was valiant, but reckless. They pushed up with their lines, they accumulated men in the middle in the hope that we wouldn't harm them too much by the wings, and they allowed spaces. They were very anti-Spanish in their game.

The problem is that we should have done them a lot more harm than we did. Pace, and prefferably by the wings is what we needed to make harm, and Rafa put pace in the pitch. Torres was the right pick for yesterday rather than Crouch, for instance. And we didn't hit them hard. We should be winning 0-2 but we did not, and in the second half we were more conservative, our press to their holding mid was milder, and eventually they drew. Yes, Gerrard made a wonderful goal, but the mistake was done, and that must be corrected.

I can see Bigmick says that he sees Torres is not a natural finisher.   It's not too early to say that, it's true. He does well almost everything but that. He made a reverse, made a tunnel (ball below the legs), and he shoots wide left, when he doesn't think he does that kind of things. Then in the other play he makes an orientated control, wins the spot to be on one on one, and now he hesitates, and announces that he's going to place the ball, and gives the keeper the chance to react.

In a box, you can't think, if you think the keeper stops or the CB reaches. But when Torres doesn't think he just haven't that something to deliver. Anyway, Kuyt was very aware and picked that deflected ball to put a good pass backwards (as it must be done), and eventually was a goal. Torres wasn't on the correct place to finnish neither, so we just were lucky their CB was running towards his goal. Torres will create a lot of danger, and that will be an asset for all the team. What I meant by not finisher is what we saw yesterday, no more, no less. What it's positive is that he provides a lot more than the previous "pacy" option we had, Bellamy.

Other than that, some disadjustments in the team in the first half, which are not important as it's early in the season. Things like the penalty won't happen in 2 weeks.

So happy for the result, happy to see we keep pressing very well as a team, but unhappy that we should have settled the game much earlier. Sorry for the long post, but I really wanted a real game to comment, not preseason.

P.S. I liked Babel, I think he's an interesting player.

[cpc4eva]

any idea why the players are wearing yellow wrist bands ??

[Scottbot]

I thought we looked the part. Villa Park is not an easy place to come and get all 3 points (the mancs and Chelsea only managed a point last seasons) and I was impressed and surprised to see the lads (or should that be THE lad!) come back after they equalised so late in the day. Yes we missed a hatful of chances but we've been doing it so long i've kinda got used to it now!

The most promising aspect for me was the performance of Torres. He caused them problems all day, he showed strength on the ball, linked up well with Kuyt, was very direct, led the line well, coming short and offering a threat in behind. He missed a few chances but i'm very happy with what i saw. Be interesting to know what Dalglish thought having seen him first hand, i'll get the chance to do that next Sunday.

I was also impressed impressed with Babel's 15 minute cameo. He offered a bit of a spark when it was needed and was unlucky not to score. He looks like a handy player to have on the bench and offers cover for 3 positions.

The only worry for me (a side from the billion chances we squandered again!) was the problems Ashley Young caused Finnan when he moved out to the left wing. Who knows why Oneil plays him upfront? Still it was a big win and takes a little bit of the pressure off for the game on Sunday. Chelsea play again mid-week so a draw at Villa might have left us 5 points behind going into that game.

[heimdall]

Well, I have mixed feelings about yesterday game.

The predominant feeling is the universal rule of every league, a win away, is a good thing, and the 3 points is what matters. Plus, Villa Park is not one of the easiest stadiums you can visit. In that sense, I'm happy.

But.

The premiership is a league I love. So physical, so much rythm, and  with teams like Aston Villa. Teams, that want to win at home, and they try to reach the oppo box all the match, leaving lots of spaces. Aston Villa was valiant, but reckless. They pushed up with their lines, they accumulated men in the middle in the hope that we wouldn't harm them too much by the wings, and they allowed spaces. They were very anti-Spanish in their game.

The problem is that we should have done them a lot more harm than we did. Pace, and prefferably by the wings is what we needed to make harm, and Rafa put pace in the pitch. Torres was the right pick for yesterday rather than Crouch, for instance. And we didn't hit them hard. We should be winning 0-2 but we did not, and in the second half we were more conservative, our press to their holding mid was milder, and eventually they drew. Yes, Gerrard made a wonderful goal, but the mistake was done, and that must be corrected.

I can see Bigmick says that he sees Torres is not a natural finisher.   It's not too early to say that, it's true. He does well almost everything but that. He made a reverse, made a tunnel (ball below the legs), and he shoots wide left, when he doesn't think he does that kind of things. Then in the other play he makes an orientated control, wins the spot to be on one on one, and now he hesitates, and announces that he's going to place the ball, and gives the keeper the chance to react.

In a box, you can't think, if you think the keeper stops or the CB reaches. But when Torres doesn't think he just haven't that something to deliver. Anyway, Kuyt was very aware and picked that deflected ball to put a good pass backwards (as it must be done), and eventually was a goal. Torres wasn't on the correct place to finnish neither, so we just were lucky their CB was running towards his goal. Torres will create a lot of danger, and that will be an asset for all the team. What I meant by not finisher is what we saw yesterday, no more, no less. What it's positive is that he provides a lot more than the previous "pacy" option we had, Bellamy.

Other than that, some disadjustments in the team in the first half, which are not important as it's early in the season. Things like the penalty won't happen in 2 weeks.

So happy for the result, happy to see we keep pressing very well as a team, but unhappy that we should have settled the game much earlier. Sorry for the long post, but I really wanted a real game to comment, not preseason.

P.S. I liked Babel, I think he's an interesting player.

I kind of agree with you Sabre but overall I was very pleased with Torres, he looked strong and quick plus had a few tricks up his sleeve and these are the qualities a good striker needs in the Prem.
I also liked Babel I have a feeling he will become a legend. The only minus point for me is the wingers I still think we need more flair and  hope Rafa can get some more money together and bring in Mancini or Quaresmo.

Overall as I stated before I am very pleased with this start to the season.

[tubby]

I know its early to be judgmental of him but he should have buried that chance before the og. I just hope we arnt saying that more often as he did used to miss quite a few like those in his Madrid days. Im probably just being over negative

[chrisrafman]

any idea why the players are wearing yellow wrist bands ??

100 days since maddy mcann went missing

[66-1112520797]

Just watched the match.

I thought it was a decent performance throughout, and we more or less controlled the game, well looked comfortable throughout the 90 anyway.

I've read posts throughout this thread moaning about the way Carra and Agger failed in the air against Carew. So before the game I was expecting puss defending, but the overeaction on here by some is just an exageration. Carew didnt get his head on the ball until the 87th minute, and quite frankly never looked dangerous throughout the game, due to Villas lack of whipping in early balls to him, he had no supply. That was probably down to the narrow formation they played. O'Neil got his tactics wrong.

Rafa got his right, firstly by putting Gerrard in the middle gave us drive and goal threat from midfield ( what a goal he scored BTW !!) . Pennant was his usual self as was Riise, for the want of a better worth they were both steady in their respective roles.

It was also good to see Kuyt taking up some good positions too, and have a few shots on goal, thats more like it Dirk ! He was his usual tireless self and definately works for the cause, more of that please Kuyt.

Torres looked pretty good too, and I feel he'll do well here with us, like Dirk and Gerrard had a few opportunities to scrore which on another day we probably would of paid for.

That would be my only concern at this stage, the lack of ruthlessness to kill teams off. The whole back four work as a unit and were never really troubled and cleaned up when they needed to.

It was a very good result, and great to see us win on the opening day of the season. YAY !!!

Oh one other note, to me it looks from his short display that Babel will chip in with a few goals too, hopefully he'll offer another dimension and goal threat when used, he obviously advances and looks to score in and around the box, Pennant should take note.

[LegBarnes]

After watching the game and then rewatching the highlights, I really think we should go with a 4-3-3, with Kuyt wide right and Babel wide left. Most of Kuyts attack came from that sort of position anyway and he created a lot of good chances, we just couldn't finish (luckily they could   )  Gerrard belong in the centre, so does alonso, but I think Masherano does as well, and Riise belongs back at LB

We already somewhat lack width by playing 4-4-2.....If we are to play 4-3-3 with kujt and babel (who are not good in crossing) as attacking wingers than our attacking play will become very narrow.

Think we should not screw around with kujt. He is very clinical in the opponents penalty box (just look at his penalties). He just concerntrate on scoring goals instead of running around everywhere in the pitch...... He just does not have the techique to play as a support striker or anywhere in midfield......

Kujt should play upfront.

no kuyt was most effective peeling of to the right in the game he has a good final ball and he can also cut in side and cause problems i think 4-3-3 with babel left and kuyt right would work well since they both are used to playing 4-3-3 system.

Sign this at manu v LFC

Glory , Glory , Glory Hunters
Glory , Glory , Glory Hunters
Glory , Glory , Glory Hunters
The mancs are .ing scum , scum , scum 

[egyptian liverpoolian]

I can't watch the match

[The_Rock]

Well....it gets better. Manure just drew with reading....hahahhahahhahahh 

Hopefully they will play catch-up with us for the rest of the season..... 

[maguskwt]

am i the only one that notices carra and agger struggle with opposition forwards that are strong in the air?

Thats the reason why rio ferdinand gets getting picked ahead of carra ....along with terry for england.

Carra is not that dominant in the air. Don't think Agger also is. Hyppia might still play an important part for us.

BTW, i don't think rafa has bought any centreback who is good in the air for us yet..... Not sure why.....

They struggle in the air just as much as other Centre Halfs do against Crouch, Carew will cause a lot of teams problems but i wouldn't say we struggle to compete against his type of player ? I seem to remember us coping ok when teams (most recently Chelsea ) send all the big deffenders Terry, Huth etc upfront and bombard us with long high balls !

drogba destroyed agger in the CL 1st leg... good thing he redeemed himself in the 2nd leg...

both carra and agger are not very good in the air but carra can make up for it with his experience...

I like agger alot... only if he can improve on his aerial defensive strength he'd be perfect... one thing he can improve on is his positioning against long balls and not let the opposition forward bully him physically... this is where hyppia is good at even against forwards taller than him...

If i were benitez i'd put hyppia on drogba in our next PL match... only to show agger that "hey kid you need to work  on your aerial battles"...