Topic: Blackburn 1 - Liverpool 3 Post Match Chat

[Fordy]

Completely agree with you mate, but its a mystery why its not seeming to be clicking for him so far, also with Torres out we have less players who can change games.
 Just hoping it starts happening again for him soon, like you say it's up to the rest of the lads to stand up and be counted.

The think is though mate Gerrard doesnt know where he will be playing from one week to the next and who he will be playing with and that must be hard plus our best forward is out and wasnt playing no where near as good as last season.

All of the above will effect SG and you have to take it in to consideration.

[Gee, Stevie]

XABI FUCKING ALONSO!!!!!! WHAT A FUCKING PLAYER!!!! BARRY
GREAT WIN

I know this doesn't matter at all, because you should be smart enought to appreciate what you've got, regardless of what others think.... but if Xabi hasn't been the best centre-mid in the world this season, I'll eat my fecking hat.  He looked a class above everyone on the pitch, not for the first time this season.  He is rediculously good.  I may have more of an appreciation of his style of game and skill set than most, but I think if you haven't actually played the game you might not realise how fecking amazing the things he does for our midfield are.

At the moment, Reina and Xabi are a cut above anyone in the league for their respective positions.  Arbeloa has been the second-best right full-back (or full-back full stop) behind Bosingwa (although playing full back in a team that dominates the ball most games is easier than being under the pump for 90 minutes).  Get off Arebloa's back some of you, jeezus.

Gerrard hasn't realy hit his top form all season.  He was coming really deep to pick up the ball today, and I hate it when he does that when he's the 'second striker'.  It's fine every so often, and I don't blame him (sometimes) when he feels like he has to do that to pick the ball up, but without two strikers and/or widemen to hit the ball to and move in front of him, it's just a waste.  Once Gerrard & Torres can hit form, even if that's in fecking March, we can win this thing (we wont win it without this happening, by the way).

Kuyt continues to be massive for us this season.  Think about how much we've needed him and what he's delivered on the right & up front (what with Torres & Keane not providing nearly as many goals - so far - that we would have hoped for).

Masch was decent(-ish), but starts to look like a bit of a luxury when we get to the 70 minute mark and it's still 0-0 and Gerrard's dropping so deep to pick up the ball with only Kuyt to really hit it to.  I love him and he should def start games like this, just making an observation.

Benayoun showed his magic tonight.  I don't care what people say about him (using his shite performance against West Ham as not the first example).  We need someone with the ability to score the goal he did, and we don't have many of those.  Glad he's getting his chance and made the most of it tonight.  He'll be bloody important for us.

Babel - was great to see him start, and I don't think he was bad at all.  He scares defences, and, in a different way to Yossi, he provides something we don't otherwise have (genuine pace and directness and the ability to scare defences (isolated full-backs).  Otherwise he draws attention (notice how often he lays the ball of for a Gerrard or Lonso to hit in space on top of the box?).

Doesn't Sami look great!  A true Liverpool CHAMPION.  I love Agger but keep Sami playing at the moment.  CARRA, you just keep doing your thing, mate.

Insua, brilliant to see him start and not look out of his depth.  I'm more than happy with that at this stage.  Not sure how Dossena deserves criticism for not playing tonight, but there you go, "whoppers".

Best thing is, we're hardly 'dominating' this league, yet we're clear on top.  Think of other leaders at this stage over the past few seasons, they're looking awesome, but we're not... and thats a positive.  We know we can and probably will get better out of Gerrard, Torres and Keane later this season.  Babel will hopefully play his part and win us a couple more games. Yossi shows what he can do for us.  Riera can still do the business, and Kuyt has been immense in a Kuyt kind of way.  The mids and backline have been as solid as ever and are keeping us on top while we're not playing brilliantly.

December, deservedly top of the league (when are you not?), and we're yet to go on a dominant run (of form, points we're doing that already).

Lighten the feck up, because this has been and will be a great season.

[its cold in the stands]

Mate they play one at the back for about 5 mins and Vidic shouldnt of been up there to score on a Utd counter attack. Seriously watching that game you can understand why Utd tend to score late goals.

they scored because someones shite shot that was bobbling towards the keeper hit a jumping defender on the heel and hit the inside of the post and then ran behind the keeper and right into the path of the only united player in the box.
mate i`m not denying they are a good side who pour men into the box but that goal was jammy as f##k.
that wasnt a well constructed passing move, it was sheer luck.

[rafathegaffa83]

Don't know what the fuck Gerrard was doing almost behind Mascherano at times in the first half? I have noticed over the past few seasons that Gerrard does have a tendency in some games to drift further and further into the depths of midfield. Is it because of doubt? I'm unsure, but I think it is games like this- and like West Ham/Fulham also- when he should be doing more to inspire his teammates and encourage the crowd to get behind the team.

Today could have been another Fulham or West Ham, but I think we started to generally click once El Zhar came on. Once Alonso scored and confidence was restored, we got the best out of Gerrard and co. I think Babel still looks as though he hasn't mentally recovered from an injury-ravaged summer and that Insua has given Rafa a selection headache. 

[Fordy]

they scored because someones shite shot that was bobbling towards the keeper hit a jumping defender on the heel and hit the inside of the post and then ran behind the keeper and right into the path of the only united player in the box.
mate i`m not denying they are a good side who pour men into the box but that goal was jammy as f##k.
that wasnt a well constructed passing move, it was sheer luck.

Clearly you didnt see the full build up to there goal mate. It came from a counter attack. Either way Vidic shouldnt of been up there.

[its cold in the stands]

Clearly you didnt see the full build up to there goal mate. It came from a counter attack. Either way Vidic shouldnt of been up there.

i saw the game, it came from a sunderland corner.
vidic did well but there`s no way that goal can be classed under anything but sheer luck.

[redmeanmachine]

3 points, but that 1st half performance was, once again, poor. Its very worrying cos we need to inject some energy and vigour into our game. No one really took charge and led us forward.

But anyway, job done.

GREAT WIN. WE ARE TOP OF THE LEAGUE!!!

Bro, it is a league of 38 games. You can't expect the lads to inject "energy and vigour" for full 90mins in every matches. If they have done that, they would be knackered, and Rafa would need 6 subs instead of 3. The great LFC teams of the past only up the tempo at the right right time and at the right period.

Our team is very strong in defence and midfield. Hence, what the team is lacking now is the "penetrative" attacks at the oppponents' half. If the lads are doing it consistently everytime it will become a habit thus easier to prise open the tightest defence. I'm sure Rafa and the team, are working hard in training to open up bus parked in front of goal e.g. how the attackers should run to open space, beat offside traps, one-twos, through-balls, etc.

If we can take the second half attacks in Blackburn match and making them as a routine, then I'm sure we will score plenty of goals. The players just need to have the same wavelength when attacking.

[LFC1989]

I think a lot of people with agree with me here. Im a fan of Ryan Babel i think this player has soo much potential but is that where it ends at Liverpool yes he has scored a few big goals for us.

Ryan Babel made it publicly known this week that he is frustrated at the lack of opportunities he is getting and also that he hasnt yet been played as a striker. This was the game he could have come into the frame no Torres and No Keane this was his chance to get back into frame for a starting place. However what we saw was a player who was sulking and had no intention of putting in a performance a player who's mind was not on the game. any player no matter how bigger name they are should not wear a Liverpool shirt if they are not willing to give a 110% in each game. I wouldnt be surprised to see Babel leave at the end of the season and it may well be the best option for both player and club alike.

[Xabier Alonso Olano]

Good post Gee Stevie.

I agree with almost all of it, esp about Pepe and Xabi this season. I can't recall Pepe putting a glove wrong. He has been solid and spectacular at times. Everyone is playing okay, and if a few more players raise their levels, we could take it up a level or two in terms of performance, I still think some team is in for a battering soon.

We'l be coming, We'l be coming!!!

[Yiannis]

I haven't seen the match but from what i read the second half performance was much better than the first one.Maybe it was more of a case that the first one was so bad so anything we did in the second half looked better without being especially good?

[Stevie-G]

Hopefully Yossi's great goal silences the critics somewhat.

[Stevie-G]

Don't know what the fuck Gerrard was doing almost behind Mascherano at times in the first half? I have noticed over the past few seasons that Gerrard does have a tendency in some games to drift further and further into the depths of midfield. Is it because of doubt? I'm unsure, but I think it is games like this- and like West Ham/Fulham also- when he should be doing more to inspire his teammates and encourage the crowd to get behind the team.

Just my opinion but think he needs to be in that position at times. He and Alonso are our main playmakers. I mean, whats the point of having the ability to make a great pass if your not in the position to do so. His passing isnt all he can do from that position. Just need to think back to the Derby away game last season to see just what he could do when he has the ball at his feet in the deep midfield area.

[mercury]

Hopefully Yossi's great goal silences the critics somewhat.

a great goal, but still generally a poor decision maker, too easily knocked off his stride and slow to the ball.  with the number of goal scoring opportunities he has had, how many has he got something?

[Harry_Wong]

MOTD: Blackburn 1 - Liverpool 3

Hopefully a decent result after a frustrating first half will help supporters show a little bit more patience in difficult games later this season.

[MidMaestro]

i thought babel was doing well until he got a knock

[stevieg987]

I think a lot of people with agree with me here. Im a fan of Ryan Babel i think this player has soo much potential but is that where it ends at Liverpool yes he has scored a few big goals for us.

Ryan Babel made it publicly known this week that he is frustrated at the lack of opportunities he is getting and also that he hasnt yet been played as a striker. This was the game he could have come into the frame no Torres and No Keane this was his chance to get back into frame for a starting place. However what we saw was a player who was sulking and had no intention of putting in a performance a player who's mind was not on the game. any player no matter how bigger name they are should not wear a Liverpool shirt if they are not willing to give a 110% in each game. I wouldnt be surprised to see Babel leave at the end of the season and it may well be the best option for both player and club alike.

When did he say this?

I actually thought he looked good on the right for the 15 Minutes or so and the end of the half. He also came alive on teh left and if he does not get injured from warnock the fuckin c*nt I could have seen him scoring. He was not played at striker either.

[Harry_Wong]

And how bad was Robinson for Blackburn?

Just shocking, token dives, he looks like his nerve has gone.

[Fanxxxxtastic]

And how bad was Robinson for Blackburn?

Just shocking, token dives, he looks like his nerve has gone.

I've been thinking Robinson's nerve's been shot to shit for a while now.  Not just today.

[woof]

I doubt Rafa's tactics of wearing teams down will work every time, especially at home. We played the patient and laboured build-on with the intent of making the opposition sweat and lose confidence. Today, it bore the result we wanted.

During the first half, whenever the flanking players had the ball, you could see up to 3 Blackburn players close in on the player. They didn't do this in the second half and lose their defensive shape. That's why 2 of the 3 goals were crafted from the flanks. Perhaps Blackburn thought we were shite and the game was theirs for the taking and played a more open game. Without the defensive discipline, they were broken down rather easily.

The same cannot be said about teams visiting Anfield because they tend to stay focused on their defensive job

[TheHulk]

God I hate united fans, especiallly uneducated idiots singing braindead songs that I don't want to repeat here.

Lets finish ahead of these muppets whatever happens. Class is something that they dont understand and that we have in abundance despite our obvious flaws.

Will elaborate when I'm sober. Fuckers.

[LFCsnoopz]

completely missed the match.

did insua start? hope he had a good game and was given a chance, match of the day is probably repeated soon so i'll try and watch the highlights at least.

[Stevie-G]

God I hate united fans, especiallly uneducated idiots in Gothenburg singing braindead songs that I don't want to repeat here.

Lets finish ahead of these muppets whatever happens. Class is something that they dont understand and that we have in abundance despite our obvious flaws.

Will elaborate when I'm sober. Fuckers.

Dont worry about it mate. Nothing more than a bunch of glory hunting c*nts who cant process the idea of a team they dislike ever deserving to win a game. They probably thought they deserved to beat us at Anfield a few months ago, haha delusional c*nts.

[Stevie-G]

completely missed the match.

did insua start? hope he had a good game and was given a chance, match of the day is probably repeated soon so i'll try and watch the highlights at least.

Thought he played great

[cjmclean]

I doubt Rafa's tactics of wearing teams down will work every time, especially at home. We played the patient and laboured build-on with the intent of making the opposition sweat and lose confidence. Today, it bore the result we wanted.

During the first half, whenever the flanking players had the ball, you could see up to 3 Blackburn players close in on the player. They didn't do this in the second half and lose their defensive shape. That's why 2 of the 3 goals were crafted from the flanks. Perhaps Blackburn thought we were shite and the game was theirs for the taking and played a more open game. Without the defensive discipline, they were broken down rather easily.

The same cannot be said about teams visiting Anfield because they tend to stay focused on their defensive job

very good point.

[FernandoTorrestieri]

I have done 'the math' you yank twat.

Classic example of your foolishness. You remember the goals but nothing else. Do you remember the Standard Liege game? He was awful that night but scored the winning goal so all was forgotten. This is panning out to be a similar argument so I won't say anything else.

Goals.

What else matters?

Idiot.

[Liverbird 2010]

My mother said the fone in on Merseyside last night was an absolute disgrace, people ringing in calling for Rafas head, slagging of Kuyt, Lucas, Babel, Insua.

What is fuckin wrong with people? We win 3-1 remain top, yet its Rafa out!!!!

Unfuckinbelievable.

[Redshadow77]

I saw the build up to their goal Fordy, you negative, shite stirring know nothing let's complain even when LFC have won and are top prat.  What? you want to laud them for a goal borne of sheer desperation? A goal that came from SUNDERLAND'S corner and a desperate hack up to Carrick along with an awful deflection on his shot.  Oh, wait I see - It's all to fit with your pathetic excuse for an agenda to SHOUT AT RAFA' AND SLAG OFF LFC EVEN THOUGH WE'RE TOP!!! Well let me tell you idiot, Hyppia had far more chances than Vidic did tonight on Monday so if you're thinking of comparing us unfavourably to those pieces of shite down the M62, think again - in fact don't think, you're a Manc, aren't you? Coming on here trying to compare us unfavourably with a team SIX POINTS BEHIND US, just when we've gone top - well you can fcuk off and take all the other wind-up merchants, doomsayers and negative tw*ts with you.  We don't need you here when we're on top of the table and trying to cheer the team on to stay there, and we will this year, you can bet your life on that............................................

[jean paul]

Just put my thoughts about it all here: http://jplfcramblings.blogspot.com

[free savannah]

I doubt Rafa's tactics of wearing teams down will work every time, especially at home. We played the patient and laboured build-on with the intent of making the opposition sweat and lose confidence. Today, it bore the result we wanted.

During the first half, whenever the flanking players had the ball, you could see up to 3 Blackburn players close in on the player. They didn't do this in the second half and lose their defensive shape. That's why 2 of the 3 goals were crafted from the flanks. Perhaps Blackburn thought we were shite and the game was theirs for the taking and played a more open game. Without the defensive discipline, they were broken down rather easily.

The same cannot be said about teams visiting Anfield because they tend to stay focused on their defensive job

Good point. Rafa mentioned in slightly different words prior to last night's match - why we're doing better away than home this season. Teams coming to Anfield are playing it very tight and leave less space for us to try penetrate. Their main idea is a point, hence they are more focused on their defense. This is still a puzzle to be resolved, imho.

[garumn]

My mother said the fone in on Merseyside last night was an absolute disgrace, people ringing in calling for Rafas head, slagging of Kuyt, Lucas, Babel, Insua.

What is fuckin wrong with people? We win 3-1 remain top, yet its Rafa out!!!!

Unfuckinbelievable.

I used to be proud of the way we were run, until the yankees came.
I used to be proud of our support, until this season showed we are no better then the rest.
I used to be proud of a lot of things concerning this club, how we were special, how we were dignified.
None of that is true anymore and it's sad.

Now I'm just proud of our league position, Rafa (and how he seems to be the last defender of "the liverpool way" right now), and our players.
The rest? meh

[hugoboss]

Very poor first half

Not many positives can be taken except for 3 points

I dont think Gerrard,Masch and Xabi should all be on the pitch at the same time,

We need Torres back ASAP

Sami was my man of the match

Gerrard's passing has become awful, always in too much of a hurry, he seems to be more comfortable running with the ball. Might do well on the right and allow Alonso dictate the middle more.

[Alan_X]

Clearly you didnt see the full build up to there goal mate. It came from a counter attack. Either way Vidic shouldnt of been up there.

He said in his interview after the game that he sometimes goes up at the end of a game when they need a result and got a bit of luck. 

[Alucard]

amazing that united are being talked about in a game thread.

great second half. good to see insua get a run would love to see him figure in few more games.
on a side note: sami has gotta knock one in sooner or later he dominates at corners so often for so little reward.

[steveeastend]

I used to be proud of the way we were run, until the yankees came.
I used to be proud of our support, until this season showed we are no better then the rest.
I used to be proud of a lot of things concerning this club, how we were special, how we were dignified.
None of that is true anymore and it's sad.

Now I'm just proud of our league position, Rafa (and how he seems to be the last defender of "the liverpool way" right now), and our players.
The rest? meh

:-(

[andrewt67]

Poor 1st half
Good 2nd half

3 goals
3 points
Top of the League

Well done boys

[vader90]

I used to be proud of the way we were run, until the yankees came.
I used to be proud of our support, until this season showed we are no better then the rest.
I used to be proud of a lot of things concerning this club, how we were special, how we were dignified.
None of that is true anymore and it's sad.

Now I'm just proud of our league position, Rafa (and how he seems to be the last defender of "the liverpool way" right now), and our players.
The rest? meh

This will be lost in a myriad of posts. And this particular issue of the famous Anfield support has become a mini - rage in sports syndicated columns throughout the world.

[vader90]

Gerrard's passing has become awful, always in too much of a hurry, he seems to be more comfortable running with the ball. Might do well on the right and allow Alonso dictate the middle more.

I am more worried at Masch's recent form than the cap's. Something is bothering the guy

[gollne]

I am more worried at Masch's recent form than the cap's. Something is bothering the guy

Think Masch is feeling the fact that Alonso has played well. He is not as untouchable as he was last season. Hope he gets on top again, our future captain should not sulk cause hes the hulk.

[woof]

Good point. Rafa mentioned in slightly different words prior to last night's match - why we're doing better away than home this season. Teams coming to Anfield are playing it very tight and leave less space for us to try penetrate. Their main idea is a point, hence they are more focused on their defense. This is still a puzzle to be resolved, imho.

We need more speed. The fullbacks need to support the wingers in the attack. Riera has gone off the boil for 3-4 weeks now and that's why we haven't been as potent from the left. It seems he's more comfortable knocking the ball back or to the centre and everyone knows it's extremely crowded in the centre.

It doesn't help that Babel too isn't playing well because he's one player who can get behind the opposition's defence with his powerful run. Yossi has the intent but is weakling - he often goes down from a weak challenge. Kuyt offered a better option on the right but he's been playing the striker's role in the past few weeks. I'd rather have him or Gerrard playing on the right and maybe Yossi playing in the hole. He's better suited in a central role

[lfc_bhoy]

I am more worried at Masch's recent form than the cap's. Something is bothering the guy

He's at his best when he's marginalizing players, not when he needs to be involved in the build up.  For example, in the CL we are usually playing teams with quality player, Rafa has a plan for these players, Masch is that plan.