15 Jan 2017 20:12:03
I think today's game was a reality check for the team as well as some individuals.
The winning run has been great but, with respect, against lesser teams. This is the first big team we've faced in a while and we huffed and puffed, with a lack of quickness or quality where required.
I have long been uneasy about facing quick nimble pressing teams and today was no different. Herrera is the only one of our midfield three who does well in such games; carrick and pogba need too much time on the ball to shine.
I love Pogba and wouldn't swap him for anyone, but he needs to show he can consistently run it in big games before all the overhype of emojis and the dodgy hairstyles (to have that rubbish all around the pitch during the game was a joke btw, plus what would all the other players be thinking. United marketing team's fault rather than his though) .
I was quietly confident ahead of the game and probably got caught up in the excitement of getting back in the title race if we win today, but that looks very unrealistic and the top 4 continues to be a big challenge in itself.
We're also suffering from a lack of top quality at full back, such an important position in the modern game. Left back question marks are well documented but also, even though he's a beast, Valencia's final ball quality is severely lacking (yes I know he set up the goal today but he fluffed so many other openings) .
The priority for summer has to be quick and nimble players who perform in the big, high tempo, pressure games. Controversially, I still say zlatan isn't the man for such games due to his movement and work rate (even though his goals record for us is very impressive) .
We really wanted/ needed the three points today and that big statement win to give us fans real bragging rights still hasn't arrived. Really wanted to stick it to the scouser.
But we have been going in the right direction for a few weeks and the lads showed great effort in the second half.
Lastly, and I've been thinking this before today, having admired him before I now find Klopp very irritating indeed.
15 Jan 2017 20:24:00
I would swap Pogba, for many other midfielders. He was poor again today. He gives the ball away far too much, he's been doing it for some time against lesser teams and today he was exposed against a good Liverpool side. I've not seen anything to suggest he can control a Premier League game where the pace is so fast. I know it's early but he's not looking to be worth a quarter of what we paid for him. He cost us the game today. Herrera was brilliant once again, he's captain material.
15 Jan 2017 21:28:25
The grass is always greener right Wazza?
15 Jan 2017 21:44:51
Without zlatan, we will be struggling badly.
I think we urgently need a strong and quock midfielder to help Hererra and Pogba. Our game is too pedestrian at times. It gives opposition time to regroup.
Agree that we struggle against high pressing teams as our passing is not of a good enough quality to control the game against the top sides.
Still, we created extremely good chances and missed them all, so that part of our game simply has to improve.
15 Jan 2017 21:44:51
Without zlatan, we will be struggling badly.
I think we urgently need a strong and quock midfielder to help Hererra and Pogba. Our game is too pedestrian at times. It gives opposition time to regroup.
Agree that we struggle against high pressing teams as our passing is not of a good enough quality to control the game against the top sides.
Still, we created extremely good chances and missed them all, so that part of our game simply has to improve.
15 Jan 2017 21:55:49
Gosh it's either glass empty or glass full with so many of the posters on here. How about taking the middle ground. Yes we need a few more players especially to replace Carrick who has been fantastic but cannot carry on forever. We all know Tony V is basically one footed and his crossing can be suspect but he has done very well for us. It's unfair to expect every new player to hit the ground running whatever the price tag. That applies to Pogba and also people have to remember he is under huge pressure and is still a young player certainly in midfield terms. He is a class act and will get better and better as he matures. Zlatan has been amazing. He was amazing last year at PSG but there they played more to his strengths. He is never going to physically be a Usain Bolt but mentally he is very sharp. If our midfield and wide players quicken the tempo and attack more he will find more room to show off his talents. Considering he is alleged not to be doing well his goal tally is pretty good. Then factor in the positive influence he has on the team as a whole and how can anyone deny he has been a big plus for us.
Jose has been in charge for barely five months. Klopp for a year. Kopp doesn't have the distraction of having midweek European competition either. Let's see where we are in another six months time. I really feel that if Jose gets the players he has identified whoever they are then we will be fighting fit on all fronts next year. Lastly Guardiola the supposed messiah has had Tiki Begeuristan and his backroom staff in place for two years before he himself became City manager. Arguably they had a much stronger squad than us at the start of the season. Now look at them.