red37 wrote:aCe' wrote:red37 wrote:LFC #1 wrote:red37 wrote:Gonzalez was...woeful.
Yeh only one who didnt really play up to standard today.
Pennant showed today that he is definitley good enough for this club, most of his problems are mental I feel, namely confidence. Gonzo on the other hand I'm not sure about.
Let's not dwell on that though, great performance by the lads.
im inclined to say Pennant improved quite a bit as the second half wore on. As for MG - I still maintain, with a bit more 'oomph' to his physique he might well find a little more confidence naturally. Then who knows, the rest of his 'game' might well reveal itself a shade more significantly than it has done so far. All said and done though...a much needed and well executed 3 points in the end. But for me, the areas we need to highlight are still, the flanks. Both Full back and wide midfield positions warrant attention. Because the greater majority of our play has become focused on the supply from these positions...either the delivery is lacking in the first place (on several occasions), or the lack of support from the full-backs is shortcoming in supporting that. You can almost sense the trepidation in relinquishing their posts for fear of reprisal..its palpable at times. There should be no excuse...but because the CM are entrusting quite a fair proportion of the fulcrum of attack - to the wide men....(Which is what the side was crying out for last term) the Full backs are insecure about trusting them to hang on to the ball because of the flaws we've become accustomed to; so you perhaps have to allow some licence there for their cautionary approach. In any case it is a hindrance to an otherwise solid looking unit that is starting to gel effectively. It could well yet evolve into an even better one. I think its become clear why Gerrard was utilised on the Right of midfield, when you consider the limitations i have identified. Lets just hope that it remains difficult for the manager to go back to that scenario once Sissoko is fit again, for i feel it is HE that should take the place on the bench for a while. And instead continue with the same 'core' in CM. If JP does eventually find some form, of which several glimpses were shown today that few doubted him capable of, yet many have witnessed to date. We might well be looking at a positive outcome at the close of this season. Two decent Fullbacks and cover in CM, perhaps a 'Finisher' are all this club needs IMO. 3 well taken goals without reply today it has to be said...Another positive there then (the GD column). Looking good for me....At least its looking BETTER!
agree with most of what you said but ..
You say we need 2 decent fullbacks ?
Riise i have to agree with... been poor this season despite the good display in todays game... But what about Finnan?
Used to laugh off the comments of him being the best right fullback in the prem. but now im starting to think otherwise !
I do agree that we can improve BOTH our fullbacks but atm..id settle for a decent Riise replacement.
What about our wingers ?
Pennant looked good today and definitely seems to have it in him.. Kewell is injured and only god knows when hes available and fit... gonzales is a joke ... and L.Garcia is a great sub.
Dont you think we need investment in that area ?!
A 'finisher'...i absolutely agree with... Bellamy pairing up with a great finisher... with either Kuyt or Crouchie on the bench would be brilliant...
3 or 4 players are all we need to be a side challenging for the prem. imo !
2 decent Full-backs, as in investment through their replacements (especially considering the age of Finnan) Who remains the only senior member of the side without a direct understudy. (nevermind sacrificing one of the other key figures there) Gerrard and Carragher et al are not the ones to take up the reins..in an ideal world. As for Riise, for my money he is displaying his usual level of defending..in that it is plainly 'unspectacular' at best, profligate at worst... He does a spirited job, its true..Though 'hollywood' goals aside, his employ at left-back (has done) and will continue to, allow glimmers of hope to opposing attacking forwards. (Reliable - sort of. Dependable - almost) In summary..not enough from Riise for me, when considering the role he is expected to fill presently. In no way am i advocating his sale, for i believe him to be excellent 'cover'...even for Left - midfield, which is where his strengths lie tbh. So in the FB's case then, yes replacements are necessary. Certainly decent 'cover' remains a glaring void for SF's position. Accounting for the 'rumoured' departure of Warnock and Paletta, even more so.
Wide men...im going to allow myself the luxury of imagining JP as a viable option on the Right. (Until the heavens open with copious quantities of transfer funds) Which is a highly debatable path along which to place the optimistic 'eggs' of your hopes upon...at least until the details of any takeover are announced. To me he is gradually easing his way into the ethic. And though far from the finished article, has, in fairness improved by quite some measure of late. (better 'lift' on those deliveries though..and a touch more zest to his demeanor/vitality wouldnt go amiss either) At times he appears 'very' lacksadaisical.
MG, will struggle to stake his claim in the PREM, until he acquires the Physical authority and confidence (perhaps through that blessing) of bringing something more effectively decisive to the table than he has done in the league. Champions league may be his best stage for now. This season at least...I would treat him sparingly, although i do have hopes for him, its difficult to envisage the fruits of his labour affecting the side in a Major way at this rate.
The return of Harry Kewell, would solve all MY concerns, on reflection. Though again, whether he does infact feature this campaign with any significance is also yet to transpire.. A fit Kewell would preclude ANY argument for the place of Gonzalez...and i too didnt expect to be saying that, going on prior expectations alone.
Like you say, Luis Garcia is a versatile piece to the puzzle and looked dangerous when he came on. (i think he too has 'beefed up' a bit better) and perhaps now, has found a bit more substance for the debate over his inclusion. Put it this way, Kewell, Garcia and Aurelio (maybe Riise as another option) is enough for Left Midfield - without further upset of the apple cart. Right mid i think we can cope with too. But 'only' if that doesnt mean the sacrifice made centrally...We either stick Gerrard out there, with comprehensive replacements in CM, or....Pennant 'up's his ante' quite a bit further, in making the whole debate null and void at all.
In light of that, the Full-backs must offer more (of course within that system) Whether that IS infact down to the replacement of, or by an improvement in JAR's stock. And we have had ample time with him, in assessing those merits over the years...will im sure reveal its course.
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