red37 wrote:Dudek is taking most of the flak, and perhaps some of it justified. But, it was defensive errors that allowed him to be exposed for their 2nd and 3rd. The first goal was simply a sublime strike..end of. Though in allowing himself to stray a couple of yards outside the confines of the 6 yard area, it made any save even less likely.... You might wonder whether Reina would have fared any better.
as for the whole defensive errors argument. For me, had Rafa stuck with Jose for this one, you may also find a case for arguing that, such errors could and may of been avoided because the whole unit ie. back 5 (including the goalie) had been, up until that point, pretty impenetrable...or at least used to each others movement. why change it? For mere Sentimentality alone? If i were Rafa i wouldnt be making these promises at the start of any campaign in the first place. That precaution may have brought about a distinct lack of 'egg on the face' as a result. Still its all ifs and buts....the next game is fast approaching, whoever is chosen to represent the last line of defence, will have a lot to gleen from these recent experiences that need never have been dished out in the first place...if the manager wasn't so quick to please.
agreed, we are unbelievable for finding scapegoats, truth is collectively we made too many errors both rafa and the team, As for the goals ,he first goal and the build up to it, was freakishly good football and I wouldnt blame any keeper for it, the second there was 5 liverpool players who should have got some sort of tackle in on rosicky, the third goal, carragher and dudek can both be blamed but thats football, it happens.... the truth is we had most of the possession and we cud not collectively break down arsenal, we were pretty much bereft of ideas in the final third of the pitch and this is not the first time this has happened this season or last. Personally I think starting peter crouch was a mistake, and it was a mistake to let him finish the game, he tried his best but it wasnt the type of game for him out there with Arsenal defending like they did...he isnt a poacher and what is sadly lacking this year is a poacher... As for Bellamy what was the story with his hamstring? shud he have been on the bench if he was injured? And if he was injured what was the story with robbie fowler is he injured at the moment as well?
Im not going to have a go at individuals as nobody goes out there with the intention of playing badly but collectively when it comes to playing big sides we are sadly lacking this year.....Its as if the players dont have the self belief against these sides like chelsea, utd, and arsenal.
