Topic: FT Southampton 1 - 0 Liverpool (Redmond 20')

[Alf]

I thought we were poor and think 1-0 flattered us. The team looked half a yard off the pace and devoid of any creativity although things picked up for 10 minutes or so after Coutinho came on.

[FlashGordon]

Our away form is a worry.

We got to go to places like Hull Watford West Brom West Ham.

We're  dropping points

Do fans think plymouth is a given? I fancy them to take us to the cleaners. They will battle and they will fight, i just hope we're up for it otherwise we may  find ourselves with a battle of our own from February  onwards...not a showdown final at wembley, oh no, but instead cementing our top 4 spot.

You're not a Liverpool fan, well I hope you're not anyway cause if you are you should be ashamed of yourself. You must live a very sad existence.

[Souness1]

I'm going to have to avoid this part of the forum until Monday at least.

We were poor, we weren't ourselves, but there is still another match to go.

Can has been disappointing as of late.

Thank God Coutinho is back.

It's alright fella, come back Sunday night when all the bedwetters have gone. We aren't a bad team just going through a slight blip, everything will be OK come United.

[JackWard33]

Firmino has just become anonymous - I hope we find a way to get him back at the 9 if we're going to play him

Just read he has 1 goal / 0 assists in his last 10 and he doesn't look close to the same player he was early in the season. You'd think with his skills he could play anywhere across the front but he's only ever been at his best level as a striker.

Hopefully against United we start him central, Coutinho from the left and someone from the right (least important decision)

[Robinred]

Literally the first time he's started there all season and most of last. Stewart presumably not because he played 90 at the weekend and who else in Can's position?? Once you lose Henderson and move Lallana forward the options are very limited
Anyway you can convince me of many things but I'm not buying Klopp as a fan of Lucas in CM - he hasn't played him there for months and months

You posted "It's bonkers he's still at the club".

That is disrespectful to say the least, about a club servant who has earned better regard, whatever your views about his current capabilities.

If we were to have a debate about Klopp's seeming disinclination to bolster our midfield options - in particular with athletic and aggressive alternatives to what we currently possess, I think we'd find common ground.

But that's not a stick to beat Lucas with, is it?

[sms1986]

I would rather we have our blip now than in a month or so when most of our title challengers have European football.

[Souness1]

He's a manc. Don't bite mate.

He'd better be cos I don't want people like that labeling themselves as a Liverpool fan.

[Malcolm Night]

There really is no mystique behind this. It's an away kit, therefore we'll play it in games away from home. Away games are never easy and given that we're unbeaten at Anfield in about a year we're obviously more likely to lose away from home.

It has no bearing on our result what colour kit we wear.

I agree that it's almost entirely insignificant what kit we wear. In fact, our last great performance was against Middlesbrough in that toxic kit. It is quite funny though - Chris Coleman recently complained about the Wales away kit being cursed and I remember Fergie once made Utd change their shirts at half time because he thought that was making them under-perform. I'd just prefer if we wore the black away kit more often because at least then I know my eyes aren't being damaged 

[Binomial]

I would rather we have our blip now than in a month or so when most of our title challengers have European football.

What? This is the worst time to have a blip. 3 competitions this month and we've failed to get a positive result in all 3.

[Souness1]

What? This is the worst time to have a blip. 3 competitions this month and we've failed to get a positive result in all 3.

Yet we are still very much in the race for all 3. Not bad at all really is it?

[blert596]

Odd since West Ham? we went on a 4 game win streak which included Everton, City and 3-0 at Boro after them. So over the top.

Sorry mate. Meant the Stoke game. No idea why I even typed WH.  I think we were outplayed by City and our sitting deep wasn't by design. Great result but a bit of a wake up call for us performance wise - against a very good team.

The last 3 games have all been reruns of each other.  I dont think we've looked like winning any of them.

I understand the congestion/injuries etc, but to be honest other teams have that excuse too and ALL have looked much fresher than us. Maybe we do need a lot more depth.

[Bold Warrior]

What? This is the worst time to have a blip. 3 competitions this month and we've failed to get a positive result in all 3.

go to bed man,your a disgrace

[Crosby Nick]

What? This is the worst time to have a blip. 3 competitions this month and we've failed to get a positive result in all 3.

Or, we've had a blip and we're still in the running for all three competitions.

Cheer up misery tits.

[Souness1]

Sorry mate. Meant the Stoke game. No idea why I even typed WH.  I think we were outplayed by City and our sitting deep wasn't by design. Great result but a bit of a wake up call for us performance wise - against a very good team.

The last 3 games have all been reruns of each other.  I dont think we've looked like winning any of them.

I understand the congestion/injuries etc, but to be honest other teams have that excuse too and ALL have looked much fresher than us. Maybe we do need a lot more depth.

Yeah fair enough, we haven't looked like our brilliant selves as of late but I have to disagree on the City game, thought we were great in that. Didn't give one of the best attacks in the league a sniff.

[JackWard33]

You posted "It's bonkers he's still at the club".

That is disrespectful to say the least, about a club servant who has earned better regard, whatever your views about his current capabilities.

If we were to have a debate about Klopp's seeming disinclination to bolster our midfield options - in particular with athletic and aggressive alternatives to what we currently possess, I think we'd find common ground.

But that's not a stick to beat Lucas with, is it?

I'll change my phrasiology -he's no longer capable of playing at a top 6 club level in any position and is on high wages when we had the chance to upgrade him in the summer and that he's still here as our 5th choice centre back and 6th choice centre midfielder is .......unlikely

Separate discussion but I'm not too into the 'club servant' thing as it goes.
Players like Lucas are paid huge money to play at an elite level. They're under a contract and give their labour for cash - beyond that I think the role is romanticised.
Someone like Gerrard was a great servant to the club - he turned down countless offers from richer clubs where he could have won trophies more easily for his love of the club.
Nothing against Lucas personally (I like him as an individual and I'm so lazy that he's still my avatar) he gives everything - but in professional terms he's supposed to do the best he can for him and his family - I'm just not into the whole 'great servant' vibe for him or many others

[sms1986]

What? This is the worst time to have a blip. 3 competitions this month and we've failed to get a positive result in all 3.

We're second in the league, only following a team that almost broke the record for the longest unbeaten run in the league.
We drew against a fully senior side in the FA Cup with a team largely made up of kids for much of the match.
We are still very much in the tie against Southampton, I feel that it will be like the Villarreal games where they beat us at their place before we won at home and won the tie.

[SerbianScouser]

People can say about Karius whatever they want but he's extremely talented and will be a great keeper for us in the future.

He's perfect for a team that aspires to be a top possession based team which is what we are and he's infinitely a better fit for it than Mignolet. Looking forward to watching him develop into an elite keeper with us.

[Binomial]

go to bed man,your a disgrace

Can you not type properly?
 
Your use, or lack of grammatical correct sentences is a disgrace.

[LallanaInPyjamas]

Firmino has just become anonymous - I hope we find a way to get him back at the 9 if we're going to play him

Just read he has 1 goal / 0 assists in his last 10 and he doesn't look close to the same player he was early in the season. You'd think with his skills he could play anywhere across the front but he's only ever been at his best level as a striker.

Hopefully against United we start him central, Coutinho from the left and someone from the right (least important decision)

Sunday we simply have to go with Coutinho, Firmino and Lallana in my opinion given its previous success in big games and the lack of alternate options, but if Firmino doesn't deliver its time for him to take a place on the bench and Sturridge or Origi get a serious run of games.

[Binomial]

Or, we've had a blip and we're still in the running for all three competitions.

Cheer up misery tits.

If only i could look at it that way.

We shouldn't  be needing a replay against league 2 opposition, we shouldn't  be throwing away a 1-2 lead away with 10mins at fucking blunderland, too many individual mistakes costing us again...why has this not been addressed....68% possession today, can anyone remember anything useful we did...serious question.

[pyroparty]

People can say about Karius whatever they want but he's extremely talented and will be a great keeper for us in the future.

He's perfect for a team that aspires to be a top possession based team which is what we are and he's infinitely a better fit for it than Mignolet. Looking forward to watching him develop into an elite keeper with us.

Yep, loved some of his throws and quick distribution tonight. Unfortunately it was wasted by the 10 infront of him but good signs anyway and the saves!

[trimore]

What happened to our shooting recently? does winter really effect it that much? Hopefully with Coutinho back we can sort this out for Sunday.

[Dougle]

We're second in the league, only following a team that almost broke the record for the longest unbeaten run in the league.
We drew against a fully senior side in the FA Cup with a team largely made up of kids for much of the match.
We are still very much in the tie against Southampton, I feel that it will be like the Villarreal games where they beat us at their place before we won at home and won the tie.

Well I wouldn't waste my time with that guy. We didn't play well tonight but sort of got away with one. I'd prefer to get this out of our system now and (hopefully) play to our usual standards against Utd on Sunday.

[Clint Eastwood]

Almost worst we've played all season. Too many players out of position tonight - Lallana, Firmino, Lucas, Emre...

Don't know what's happened to Emre but he's playing like a 35 year old who's legs are shot. So very slow.

Shame, tonight was a waste of energy. Karius had a good game though.

[harryc]

What happened to shooting recently? does winter really effect it that much? Hopefully with Coutinho back we can sort this out for Sunday.

Another downside of Lucas as the deepest midfielder he occasionally had the opportunity to try a pop shot but he knows the outcome of such attempts.

[Gerry Attrick]

Sunday we simply have to go with Coutinho, Firmino and Lallana in my opinion given its previous success in big games and the lack of alternate options, but if Firmino doesn't deliver its time for him to take a place on the bench and Sturridge or Origi get a serious run of games.

I do not like the idea of playing Lallana in the front 3. He's not nearly as effective there as he is in midfield and you're just creating an even bigger problem by trying to remedy one. Play Lallana in midfield and have Origi on the wing.

[harryc]

I do not like the idea of playing Lallana in the front 3. He's not nearly as effective there as he is in midfield and you're just creating an even bigger problem by trying to remedy one. Play Lallana in midfield and have Origi on the wing.

Agree with that. Lallana has played his best football in midfield and as we saw tonight we could do with some pace and Origi is the only one to offer that.

[LallanaInPyjamas]

I do not like the idea of playing Lallana in the front 3. He's not nearly as effective there as he is in midfield and you're just creating an even bigger problem by trying to remedy one. Play Lallana in midfield and have Origi on the wing.

He played okay in the front three tonight in the first half and against City too. I agree its not ideal but I just don't think Firmino with Origi or Sturridge particularly works on or off the ball. You can get away with it against weaker sides but at Old Trafford? I'm not convinced.

Aside from Leicester at home I'm genuinely struggling to remember us playing well with Firmino combining with Sturridge or Origi. Not only does our pressing seem to suffer but our combination play too.

I also don't think physicality in midfield would hurt even if Can's form is a major concern. He rarely let's us down in big games, though.

[liverpool185]

Only positive tonight was that Karius was excellent, made a string of great saves and commanded his area with every aerial ball they threw into the box.

[Gerry Attrick]

He played okay in the front three tonight in the first half and against City too. I agree its not ideal but I just don't think Firmino with Origi or Sturridge particularly works on or off the ball. You can get away with it against weaker sides but at Old Trafford? I'm not convinced.

Who plays in midfield if you have Lallana in the front 3? We have nobody else who offers what he does in midfield. His ability to turn on the ball and knit midfield and attack is absolutely integral to us being an attacking force. Without him in there it all becomes hard work and quite stodgy.

[LallanaInPyjamas]

Who plays in midfield if you have Lallana in the front 3? We have nobody else who offers what he does in midfield. His ability to turn on the ball and knit midfield and attack is absolutely integral to us being an attacking force. Without him in there it all becomes hard work and quite stodgy.

I'd go the same team as City but Coutinho for Mane and dog it out. Honestly don't see any other option now given we seem to have packed in signing footballers apparently.

[Binomial]

Only positive tonight was that Karius was excellent, made a string of great saves and commanded his area with every aerial ball they threw into the box.

Absolutely.

Shame he'll  be dropped sunday though.

[Crosby Nick]

Who plays in midfield if you have Lallana in the front 3? We have nobody else who offers what he does in midfield. His ability to turn on the ball and knit midfield and attack is absolutely integral to us being an attacking force. Without him in there it all becomes hard work and quite stodgy.

Definitely agree, I think it's more important to get the best midfield we can out. Their three are performing well and I think the 'stodgy' three we had tonight would struggle against them. Henderson and Lallana back in there and we'll have the energy levels to handle it.

[OLDIE]

Only positive tonight was that Karius was excellent, made a string of great saves and commanded his area with every aerial ball they threw into the box.

By a country mile his best performance to date.

He will make more mistakes, he failed to handle the pressure last time. I hope he proves us wrong
and becomes a great player for us.

I remain unconvinced though.

[Robinred]

I'll change my phrasiology -he's no longer capable of playing at a top 6 club level in any position and is on high wages when we had the chance to upgrade him in the summer and that he's still here as our 5th choice centre back and 6th choice centre midfielder is .......unlikely

Separate discussion but I'm not too into the 'club servant' thing as it goes.
Players like Lucas are paid huge money to play at an elite level. They're under a contract and give their labour for cash - beyond that I think the role is romanticised.
Someone like Gerrard was a great servant to the club - he turned down countless offers from richer clubs where he could have won trophies more easily for his love of the club.
Nothing against Lucas personally (I like him as an individual and I'm so lazy that he's still my avatar) he gives everything - but in professional terms he's supposed to do the best he can for him and his family - I'm just not into the whole 'great servant' vibe for him or many others

Well, great servant or not, I certainly don't view all players as mercenaries, which is what your post implies.

But that not withstanding, Lucas was really not the primary reason we lost to Southampton. The very fact that your subsequent posts highlight his contribution, rather than that of others', leads me to suppose you are guilty of scapegoating.

We were collectively poor - second best in all aspects aside from possession. Lucas Leiva was not the primary culprit.

[Souness1]

Sunday we simply have to go with Coutinho, Firmino and Lallana in my opinion given its previous success in big games and the lack of alternate options, but if Firmino doesn't deliver its time for him to take a place on the bench and Sturridge or Origi get a serious run of games.

Absolutely.

[JackWard33]

Well, great servant or not, I certainly don't view all players as mercenaries, which is what your post implies.

But that not withstanding, Lucas was really not the primary reason we lost to Southampton. The very fact that your subsequent posts highlight his contribution, rather than that of others', leads me to suppose you are guilty of scapegoating.

We were collectively poor - second best in all aspects aside from possession. Lucas Leiva was not the primary culprit.

I didn't say he was to blame and agree we were collectively poor

[Souness1]

I do not like the idea of playing Lallana in the front 3. He's not nearly as effective there as he is in midfield and you're just creating an even bigger problem by trying to remedy one. Play Lallana in midfield and have Origi on the wing.

Origi has been awful generally this season, goals aside. Can't be having passengers on Sunday.

[Gerry Attrick]

Origi has been awful generally this season, goals aside. Can't be having passengers on Sunday.

Important to have pace in the team though. If we go with Coutinho-Firmino-Lallana in attack they can compress the pitch way too easily. Our ability to counter attack will be severely compromised and there'll be a dearth of runs in behind.

[Frizzo]

Only positive tonight was that Karius was excellent, made a string of great saves and commanded his area with every aerial ball they threw into the box.

Every aerial ball?

Even the punch he completely whiffed under no contact?

A couple of really big saves though, overall a very good game.