11 Apr 2018 12:07:52
Fair play to Roma and Liverpool last night 2 very good results. Which makes me even more frustrated that we lost to Sevilla. We have shown several times this season that if we play with more intensity and forward momentum then we can beat the likes of Liverpool, city etc. Liverpool’s front three are very good yet we made them look as blunt as I’ve seen them against anyone this season. We care from two down against a city side that apparently is the ‘greatest side ever’. We have the players in pogba, Sanchez and Lukaku to really hurt teams and mix it with the best. Which makes it even the more frustrating that we were so placid and pathetic against Sevilla.
You can’t say that man for man Liverpool have a better first 11 than use. They beat city with a midfield of ox Wijnaldum and Milner. I like ox think he has been great but a trio of Herrera pogba matic for me is superior. It begs the question of why it takes for us to go behind to really show our potential? Klopp has his team playing out of their skin and hats off to him. Jose has shown at times this season that he is building a formidable side. But it’s few and far between for my liking. The full backs need to be sorted along with an upgrade on Herrera. Perhaps a cb but I’d be happy to see lindelof bedded in now as I think his distribution is very good. My point is if Jose tweaks his tactics and plays more attacking we have the players to hurt teams. There is a lot of potential here and we’ve only tapped into 30-40% if you ask me. I think things are not as bad as they seem. We’ve beaten the mighty city at their own place and made Liverpool look awful at our place. So we should take heart that we aren’t too far away. Let’s hope the scousers get a Bayern or real and they are sent packing. But they are a team on the up so as much as it pains me you have to give credit where it is due.
11 Apr 2018 16:04:00
Good question. My theory is Jose is cautious but when we go behind he has to throw the shackles off and attack which is when we look very good.
{Ed004's Note - Or may be he doesn't trust our defence? We can't really go all out attack with the likes of Smalling and Young covering at the back}
11 Apr 2018 16:26:28
I said it weeks ago Ed4. Jose simply doesn't some of the players at the back. Valencia and Young for as good as they have been do have an error in them and are converted wingers. Smalling always looks to have an error in him as well. Jones is made of bone china, Rojo always looks like he's going to get a card. 2 proper fullbacks, with a fully fit Bailly and a fully settled Lindelof look a better prospect. Add in Tuanzebe and TFM and its better. Another midfielder would be good to replace the ones going.
{Ed004's Note - Once we get a settled back line that are all comfortable on the ball I reckon we will push 5/10 yards further forward and that will have a massive impact on our attack. It will enable the likes of Sanchez to receive the ball in more dangerous areas, Pogba to break forward more, ability to win the ball higher up etc. Additionally, full backs that can provide width and a decent ball in will make a huge difference}
11 Apr 2018 16:31:02
I agree fully with what you said Ed004.
If we have a strong and trustworthy defense like previously of Fer-Vidic why wouldn’t Jose play very attacking? It could be in case our current defense is not strong or anticipating enough to handle the danger.
{Ed004's Note - Full agreed. The only player I'm happy with is Bailly and to a lesser extent Valencia as back up or being gradually replaced}
11 Apr 2018 17:07:58
Spot on Ed I agree with you. We don’t play like city who in most games mask their defensive deficiencies with their outstanding attacking play. I think the full backs are so integral for us making the step to the next level. Ones with a decent delivery is much needed especially as we have wingers that like to cut in. Although the city game is only one game, I am much more positive and excited for what next season will behold. I would much prefer we target players who will improve our system as opposed to a galatico big name signing.
{Ed004's Note - I don't think we will sign any galatico players. The only ones we have been linked to our Bale and Dybala briefly (would happily let Martial go if it was in a deal for Dybala btw). I reckon we will see a rb, cb, lb and cm come in}
11 Apr 2018 17:32:46
We have strong midfield and attack. We really need to beef up our defense to add to Bailly. Lindelof is still WIP and as Ed004 said if we get good and reliable RB, CB and LB I’m quite sure we can become a aggressive attacking team. Am sure Jose is not blind or too stupid to know that. Stubborn or not, that is another question 😉.