Liverpool FC Forum

by **dawson99** » Tue Aug 17, 2010 12:00 pm

first half of a new season with a new manager and a team thats been spread across the world, first half was good for me.

May have been the same formation and all that, but we had more bite, and this was definately 2 points lost, not one gained, and we are looking good.

Personally I'm actually looking forward to the new season now

by **matt_liverpool** » Tue Aug 17, 2010 12:17 pm

I'm not at all disappointed by our first half performance. Arsenal were just as quick to close us down as we were. Why do people forget we were playing against the side who's best at keeping the ball in this league ?

by **In and Out** » Tue Aug 17, 2010 12:32 pm

Bad Bob wrote:I guess I'm a little surprised at how many people have expressed some concern over our first half performance. We weren't by any means dire, just not especially adventurous. Perhaps people expected a bit more composure and verve at home but there are a few things to bear in mind:

1) We were playing one of the best teams in the league; one that usually keeps possession for fun and that can scythe you open if you leave too much space

2) It was the opening match of the season, which is never going to be a feast of quality football...that will come with matches under our belts

3) We've got a new manager who's barely had a look at some of his players given injuries, a few transfers and the complications imposed by the World Cup; in fact, our starting keeper, right midfielder and first choice striker haven't been able to play a minute of pre-season nor feature in Europa qualifiers

Given all of these factors I wasn't too surprised nor especially disappointed that we didn't pull up any trees in the first half. Keeping the game tight and going in level at the break was a very good thing, IMO. As it happened the sending off ended up providing a great platform for a backs-to-the-wall job that seemed to fire the lads up no end while unsettling Arsenal markedly. It was, in the end, a disappointing result given the late, late equalizer and the manner of its concession but there are countless positives to take away from this first match rather than fretting over what we didn't manage to do in the first half.

I was hoping for a little bit more of the opposite, new season, home crowd, new manager, off to a flyer, out of the traps kind of approach. It wasn't nice to watch us concede possession and territorial advantage at home.

But I can understand the hesitancy if that's what it was, that's fine. I just didn't expect us to sit off of our opposition at home on the opening day of the season. You'd have to go way way back I reckon to see a Liverpool side at home first game of the season come out and be so passive.

Let's not forget Arsenal as well were without their big players, we shouldn't have conceded space to the likes of Diaby and Wilshere.

F.uck it, Roy out :laugh:

(Disclaimmer that was a joke in case MR Liverpool comes out blowing hot air again).

Anyone see how proud Hodgson looked when the rendition of YNWA roared around the stadium? You could see he was standing there literally thinking 'this is the pinnacle of my career'.

by **Bad Bob** » Tue Aug 17, 2010 12:38 pm

In and Out wrote:
Bad Bob wrote:I guess I'm a little surprised at how many people have expressed some concern over our first half performance. We weren't by any means dire, just not especially adventurous. Perhaps people expected a bit more composure and verve at home but there are a few things to bear in mind:

1) We were playing one of the best teams in the league; one that usually keeps possession for fun and that can scythe you open if you leave too much space

2) It was the opening match of the season, which is never going to be a feast of quality football...that will come with matches under our belts

3) We've got a new manager who's barely had a look at some of his players given injuries, a few transfers and the complications imposed by the World Cup; in fact, our starting keeper, right midfielder and first choice striker haven't been able to play a minute of pre-season nor feature in Europa qualifiers

Given all of these factors I wasn't too surprised nor especially disappointed that we didn't pull up any trees in the first half. Keeping the game tight and going in level at the break was a very good thing, IMO. As it happened the sending off ended up providing a great platform for a backs-to-the-wall job that seemed to fire the lads up no end while unsettling Arsenal markedly. It was, in the end, a disappointing result given the late, late equalizer and the manner of its concession but there are countless positives to take away from this first match rather than fretting over what we didn't manage to do in the first half.

I was hoping for a little bit more of the opposite, new season, home crowd, new manager, off to a flyer, out of the traps kind of approach. It wasn't nice to watch us concede possession and territorial advantage at home.

But I can understand the hesitancy if that's what it was, that's fine. I just didn't expect us to sit off of our opposition at home on the opening day of the season. You'd have to go way way back I reckon to see a Liverpool side at home first game of the season come out and be so passive.

Let's not forget Arsenal as well were without their big players, we shouldn't have conceded space to the likes of Diaby and Wilshere.

F.uck it, Roy out

I'm struggling to remember the last time we had our opening match at Anfield. Maybe the players did too and thought we were at the Emirates.

by **jacdaniel** » Tue Aug 17, 2010 12:42 pm

Think it was a 1 - 0 defeat to Chelsea in 04. Houillier was manager.

by **In and Out** » Tue Aug 17, 2010 1:18 pm

jacdaniel wrote:Think it was a 1 - 0 defeat to Chelsea in 04. Houillier was manager.

okay then, before that.

by **Scottbot** » Tue Aug 17, 2010 2:03 pm

stmichael wrote:
Scottbot wrote:I think we'll be a good side away from home this season. in fact I'll bet we collect more points on our travels at City, mancs, Chelsea and Arsenal than we do at home.

I'd agree with that. Mind you we couldn't be any worse than last season. I went to Man City, Sunderland and Blackburn away and in the three games combined we probably mustered about one shot on target. We were dire.

I went Blackburn away dude, it was absolutely shocking!!!!!! Have banned myself from Liverpool v Blackburn - Career games for me equals 2 goals (total!) and four draws! Never again!

by **Scottbot** » Tue Aug 17, 2010 2:13 pm

Bad Bob wrote:I guess I'm a little surprised at how many people have expressed some concern over our first half performance. We weren't by any means dire, just not especially adventurous. Perhaps people expected a bit more composure and verve at home but there are a few things to bear in mind:

1) We were playing one of the best teams in the league; one that usually keeps possession for fun and that can scythe you open if you leave too much space

2) It was the opening match of the season, which is never going to be a feast of quality football...that will come with matches under our belts

3) We've got a new manager who's barely had a look at some of his players given injuries, a few transfers and the complications imposed by the World Cup; in fact, our starting keeper, right midfielder and first choice striker haven't been able to play a minute of pre-season nor feature in Europa qualifiers

Given all of these factors I wasn't too surprised nor especially disappointed that we didn't pull up any trees in the first half. Keeping the game tight and going in level at the break was a very good thing, IMO. As it happened the sending off ended up providing a great platform for a backs-to-the-wall job that seemed to fire the lads up no end while unsettling Arsenal markedly. It was, in the end, a disappointing result given the late, late equalizer and the manner of its concession but there are countless positives to take away from this first match rather than fretting over what we didn't manage to do in the first half.

I think it's a mentality thing, I think we afforded Arsenal too much respect in that first half. I don't think our lads need to be sitting deep in banks of 4 and 5 against anybody when we're playing at home. It hasn't set off any major alarm bells as such but I would worry if we approach the home games with City, Chelsea and the mancs in the same manner. Away from home, no problem at all but at Anfield I believe we need to be pressing teams higher up the pitch so that when we lose the ball our lads are in a position to pass it to teamates in advanced positions. It was the other way around on Sunday with Arsenal looking very much like the home team in that first half.

The most interesting thing (as St.Mick indicated) will be to see how we play against the likes of West Brom, Birmingham and the other bus-parkers. I'm waiting to see if we play a high line, press the ball, do we play 2 upfront, how involved do the full-backs get in our attacking play etc.

by **Raoul** » Tue Aug 17, 2010 2:24 pm

Scottbot wrote:The most interesting thing (as St.Mick indicated) will be to see how we play against the likes of West Brom, Birmingham and the other bus-parkers. I'm waiting to see if we play a high line, press the ball, do we play 2 upfront, how involved do the full-backs get in our attacking play etc.

Yeah, I think that'll be a real test Roy's intentions. Thursday might be a little of that too.

by **RED BEERGOGGLES** » Wed Aug 18, 2010 1:24 am

It was always going to be a nervy start for Roy ...I suppose if he had changed the set up too drastically, then if it had failed he would have been open to the inevitable questions that would have followed..... like Why

I think the manager opted for the more cautious approach and went for the solitary striker option while flooding the midfield ,much the same variant of the formation utilised by Benitez in his time as manager ......I personally feel Roy will eventually adopt a more attacking set up and maybe give us the football we all want to see being played at Anfield ..... Away will be a different story all together however
One thing that was there for all to see was the strength of our defence at times last season it looked a shambles of the keystone cops variety.... but you could see a definite unity and cohesion between our back four ......

by **zarababe** » Wed Aug 18, 2010 1:34 am

I'll be honest.. it all feels a bit funny at the moment. I feel edgey not as confident as before the season started. I don't feel excited.. exhilarated by the team on and off the pitch. I don't know if we will do as well as people think... I feel quite low actually.

I don't believe... help !

by **RED BEERGOGGLES** » Wed Aug 18, 2010 1:38 am

zarababe wrote:I'll be honest.. it all feels a bit funny at the moment. I feel edgey not as confident as before the season started. I don't feel excited.. exhilarated by the team on and off the pitch. I don't know if we will do as well as people think... I feel quite low actually.

I don't believe... help !

Its just early season nerves everyone's still a bit jittery... Don't worry the excitement that goes with supporting this Great club will kick in soon enough Kid

by **matt_liverpool** » Wed Aug 18, 2010 7:08 am

zarababe wrote:I'll be honest.. it all feels a bit funny at the moment. I feel edgey not as confident as before the season started. I don't feel excited.. exhilarated by the team on and off the pitch. I don't know if we will do as well as people think... I feel quite low actually.

I don't believe... help !

Start loving the club more than your GF and you will never feel anything like that ever.

by **Benny The Noon** » Wed Aug 18, 2010 7:54 am

We didn't have one shot on target until the last minute in first half and in second half when we scored we had a good 15 minute period when we looked very good but still didn't creat many chances until the gerrard free kick towards the end . So far it's still looking the same positives and negatives as previous seasons - look solid at back but still not creating enough chances

by **jacdaniel** » Wed Aug 18, 2010 8:14 am

Every managers first job is to get the team organised and defending the way he wants. Man to man for corners etc.

Im sure the rest will follow over the next few weeks. Lets focus on the positives, we nearly beat a decent Arsenal team with 10 men.

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