However, we have been very unlucky because we do hit the post a lot, keepers play blinders against us, referees give us fuck all.
Our cup form has been terrific but I do think that papers over the cracks in the league... We do need to do better because sometimes we are really, really poor. Either lack of effort, lack of cohesion or lack of grit and determination. Even when we play good, we dont take our chances and we still dont win. Either way we arent winning games. We would be in the relegation zone if the season started in 2012. Every team bar Man Utd and Man City (and even they have been shite at the best of times) have been crap, it was the perfect chance to get top 4 because this summer teams will definitely be strengthening and improving their squads, and its down to us to do so aswell because otherwise we will fall further down the table and make it clear for everyone to see we are turning into a midtable side. You buy midtable players and you turn into a midtable team with midtable ambitions. Last night proved that.
We need a clinical striker that can actually link with Suarez on the ground, a top quality winger who can change games, a versatile squad attacker with pace, a midfielder who can actually dictate the play and a backup striker with potential but the ability to come in and play well when called upon (like Hernandez for Man Utd)...
Junior Hoilett is one I would be definitely looking at on a free, pacy, skillful and plenty of flair. Javi Martinez is another. He can play CB, DM, CM. Good both offensively and defensively. Would work well with Lucas imo. Could definitely be as effective as the Alonso and Masch pairing which came so close to bringing home the league.
This summer is so key in us challenging for the top 4. If we get it wrong it could really well hit the nail in the coffin. Lots of players will be looking to leave if we continue to do poorly. If Suarez leaves we will be fucked because he is the only one actually doing things of note. Like someone said above, I hope we dont go down the route of PL proven again, unless they are actually quality players. Henderson was a good buy imo, shows quality at times and hopefully the consistency will come soon. Downing is a very good player, hasnt been the luckiest this season, hit the post a few times and suffers from confidence issues. Played well last night, although missed a lot of chances. Next season he will be key because he will allow us to rotate with other squad members and give us the options to rest players like Gerrard/Suarez but also have a threat. If we had better players (particularly strikers) everyone would love him because he would be our top assister but also take the pressure off because other attackers are providing a threat.
Downing, Henderson, Kuyt, Bellamy, Coates, Spearing, Maxi, Shelvey and the like will be very beneficial in order to get fourth because we will have the Europa League, FA Cup, Carling Cup and a lot of pressure to get fourth or above. We need a very big squad to cope. If we add a few quality players to our already decent first 11 I have no doubt we will do well. Yesterday we were class, but again, like it has been all season, we missed too many chances.
Reina; Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Enrique; Lucas, [-----]; [-----], Gerrard, Suarez; [-----]
3 new first eleven signings would completely transform us imo, a CM, a RW/LW (can swap with Suarez) and a ST.
2 young players with potential but can play when asked. A striker and attacker.
