We started brightly and in particular Johnson who was flying down the right causing them problems. After we went one up, or perhaps more so at 1-1 we lost our foothold in the game. For the majority of the match after that we were completely bossed in midfield and that Diame fella over ran Gerrard and Allen no problem - it was worrying to see. Granted though West Ham had two fortunate goals, one a soft penalty decision then an OG.
Rodgers' subs paid off (again), with Cole finding the corner of the net, found from a good past by Sterling who I thought overall was quite poor too. Cole's finish was excellent. Once we got the equalizer you could see the confidence come rushing back and players started to show for the ball, Henderson's cross was good and Shelvey was there to pressurize the defender and it paid off.
I thought overall we were quite lucky to get 3 points but so many times this season we've been unlucky so it's about time we got a rub of the green results wise. Still see we haven't got that with the officiating, those last 15 minutes the ref was absolutely shocking, Shelvely should have had a nailed on pen, with his twinkle toe effort inside the box, Johnson should have a free kick as he was being gang raped by two West Ham players and the ref gives them the free kick!
Reina - not much to do really, cleaned up on some crosses and looked a little more commanding and his distribution was always used to help build an attack.
Enrique - Did okay (hope his injury isn't long standing)
Agger - A rock
Skertel - Another rock. Our two center halves along with the Reina defended crosses well.
Johnson - Our most underated player since Henchoz. Johnson is awesome, strong physical presence with pace who can cause defense's no ends of problem, oh and he can defend too.
Allen - Not too impressed this week by him. He too easily gets brushed aside and lacks physical presence and while his footballing brain can compensate for that, it didn't against WH.
Gerrard - Another average performance from him IMO. Combined with Allen's lack of physical presence, Gerrard's age and physical deterioration gave Diame license to cause havoc.
Lucas - Did well, mopping up, in the right place at the right time, needs more help from the other two - he can't run midfield all be himself.
Downing - .......
Sterling - Overall was poor. He's fading pretty fast IMO. Looked better towards the end though when we counter attacked.
Shelvely - Up until our equalizer I thought he was ineffective. Worked his socks off.
At the moment I think this side has three key issues that need working on.
a) The final ball
b) The finish (a&b combined will see you struggle for goals, like with have this season)
C) Fragile defense, we leak to many goals for my liking but with Lucas back that stat should improve.
Onwards and upwards.