Topic: The Attack

[Didi_ram]

To me i feel the difference over the past few games is Coutinho is starting to find some genuine form. He's our most important player at the moment,

Spot on. The turnaround happened after Coutinho started playing like he has done. He brings Markovic, Lallana, Sterling into the game.
As good as that Lallana goal was, nothing would have happened without the Coutinho flick.
Sometimes he is so good, it is unreal.

[SerbianScouser]

I`m not exactly sure what Lallana`s ceiling is. A thought that crossed my mind yesterday is that at Soton he was playing upfront with the likes of Rodriguez and Lambert. Now when Sturridge gets back and with Coutinho and Sterling already there he`ll be surrounded by players of much bigger quality and can anyone possibly rule out him being as good as anyone else in the league in his position?

I wouldn`t rule that out for the reason that world-class talent like Sturridge - as we could see last season - can extract the additional 30% out of players playing next or close to him and I think Lallana is gonna have a field day playing with him just like our other attacking midfielders. The most important thing is that his confidence is growing and he`s learning fast about the games of his fellow attacking minded players.

[Zeb]

These players look so much better when there is pace and tempo to our attacks. There is a fluidity to the attacking play when we do it. That was our fullback playing centre forward for Henderson's cross, the interplay between the players in the final third was superb when it was done at pace and instinctive (Coutinho especially shines when we play like this), the movement of Sterling creates space like for Lallana's goal. And it's bloody good to watch too.

[bodhisattva]

These players look so much better when there is pace and tempo to our attacks. There is a fluidity to the attacking play when we do it. That was our fullback playing centre forward for Henderson's cross, the interplay between the players in the final third was superb when it was done at pace and instinctive (Coutinho especially shines when we play like this), the movement of Sterling creates space like for Lallana's goal. And it's bloody good to watch too.

a lot of that impetus starts from the back and its no coincidence the pace in our play has been better with Sakho back there because he is a good passer and more importantly he plays incisive passes at pace into the midfield which opens the game up, adding Can to the back 3 has given us another good positive passer from the back.

[richiedouglas]

Balotelli looked in a major sulk when he came on yesterday. I say that as someone whos got a bit of time for him. He's reminding of that bloke you play 5aside with who always shoots....always!! In the end nobody passes to that bloke as they dont get it back.

He's not getting into the side anytime soon as even an inexperienced sterling offers the movement and pressing which fuels our team.

[Aldo96]

Coutinho is our most important player at the moment for me. First name on the team sheet.

[JackWard33]

Balotelli looked in a major sulk when he came on yesterday. I say that as someone whos got a bit of time for him. He's reminding of that bloke you play 5aside with who always shoots....always!! In the end nobody passes to that bloke as they dont get it back.

He's not getting into the side anytime soon as even an inexperienced sterling offers the movement and pressing which fuels our team.

He always looks the same - can't stand this kind of attitude / body language bollocks that gets trotted out to fulfil a narrative
You must have missed the one-two he played on the edge of their box to open them up too?

Honestly the way Balotelli for many of our fans and most of the media is viewed as just a total bust with no quality of any kind and no willingness to play is just a childish exaggeration

[theMilkman]

I`m not exactly sure what Lallana`s ceiling is. A thought that crossed my mind yesterday is that at Soton he was playing upfront with the likes of Rodriguez and Lambert. Now when Sturridge gets back and with Coutinho and Sterling already there he`ll be surrounded by players of much bigger quality and can anyone possibly rule out him being as good as anyone else in the league in his position?

I wouldn`t rule that out for the reason that world-class talent like Sturridge - as we could see last season - can extract the additional 30% out of players playing next or close to him and I think Lallana is gonna have a field day playing with him just like our other attacking midfielders. The most important thing is that his confidence is growing and he`s learning fast about the games of his fellow attacking minded players.

I'd say wait til he has a good game against a physical side that presses well, but last night he had some moments of genuine quality and was a joy to watch. I think with a little bit more strength he could be huge for us in the second half of the season. Only wish he had a bit more of a burst of pace in him, but he's got good quick feet and that withdrawn forward role suits him very well.

[B0151?]

Funny I've seen people comment on Sterling (at least in the post match). He had a tough game but he actually impressed me more than ever. He was strong, his movement was excellent, he brought other players into play well.

It's quite remarkable the manner in which he played the role as a diminutive 20 year old winger.

[plura]

Funny I've seen people comment on Sterling (at least in the post match). He had a tough game but he actually impressed me more than ever. He was strong, his movement was excellent, he brought other players into play well.

It's quite remarkable the manner in which he played the role as a diminutive 20 year old winger.

What I get so impressed by is to see him work as a target man at times. Receiving the ball with someone pressing from behind or 2, and still keeping it under control to bring up others further up the pitch. Seriously strong lad.

[B0151?]

What I get so impressed by is to see him work as a target man at times. Receiving the ball with someone pressing from behind or 2, and still keeping it under control to bring up others further up the pitch. Seriously strong lad.

Yep, that's what I meant really. The fact he can do that just highlights what a special player he is.

[SamAteTheRedAcid]

Yep, that's what I meant really. The fact he can do that just highlights what a special player he is.

Yes, I think his excellent showing has gone slightly under the radar due to Lallana emerging and Phil's good game. But what a player he is. Wish we could tie him down to a long long contract as he has so much potential it's ridiculous.

[GrkStav]

He always looks the same - can't stand this kind of attitude / body language bollocks that gets trotted out to fulfil a narrative
You must have missed the one-two he played on the edge of their box to open them up too?

Honestly the way Balotelli for many of our fans and most of the media is viewed as just a total bust with no quality of any kind and no willingness to play is just a childish exaggeration

Not that Balotelli is a skillful and classy as he (i.e. BERBATOV) is, but the way he's viewed and commented on reminds me of how Berbatov has been viewed and commented on.

[Halcyon Lissome]

Funny I've seen people comment on Sterling (at least in the post match). He had a tough game but he actually impressed me more than ever. He was strong, his movement was excellent, he brought other players into play well.

It's quite remarkable the manner in which he played the role as a diminutive 20 year old winger.

He is fantastic in that role and will get better once he develops in his understanding when dealing with big CBs pushing up on him. He is our best player and deserves whatever contract his agents seem to be fishing for.

[AndyMuller]

Not that Balotelli is a skillful and classy as he is, but the way he's viewed and commented on reminds me of how Berbatov has been viewed and commented on.

Berbatov was miles better than Balotelli has ever been though.

[GrkStav]

Berbatov was miles better than Balotelli has ever been though.

Which is what I began my sentence with, was it not? "Not that Balotelli is a skillful and classy as he is". "he" = Berbatov.

I've edited my post to make it crystal clear.

Furthermore, that adds to my argument. Even for as classy, skillful and good striker/forward as Berbatov some reserve comments that resemble those directed at Balotelli.

[JackWard33]

Berbatov was miles better than Balotelli has ever been though.

You've missed his point
He's saying it became Berbatov = lazy ... Just an (ironically) lazy narrative
Balotelli is the same now it's Mario = bad attitude / doesn't care

It's just childish black and white media driven dross - which, btw, the club hasn't helped

[Zephyr]

Coutinho is so hot right now.

[rayted_are]

Jordan Henderson vs Swansea

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/v/kvgTCE0NA4U" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">https://www.youtube.com/v/kvgTCE0NA4U</a>

[plura]

Coutinho is so hot right now.

[MobileBayRed]

Teams will start adjusting to us.  I look for teams to start targeting Couthinho to take him away.  Teams will also revert to the thug play against Couthinho, Lallana, and Sterling.  Wouldn't be surprised if Leicester kick the crap out of those three on Thursday.

[Shaved Crossbar]

You have to feel for Raheem Sterling

Sets up sitters time and again for our lot. Most chances created in the league from open play. Markovic had a chance that an U-10 would be scoring.

[Guz-kop]

Even if he doesn't look fresh he's our biggest attacking threat in the box, along with coutinho. Thought we hit him too early at times though as we did first half against  Swansea. He's not gonna hold it up against two centre halves so we need to be skilful with finding him when he's in space or hold on to it. Pinging the ball to him when he's tightly marked just because b we don't know what to do with it isn't gonna work

[killer-heels]

Sterling has to continue to play. We don't have any other option. Its not great ,but it is what it is.

[joezydudek]

Sterling has to continue to play. We don't have any other option. Its not great ,but it is what it is.

As much as I'm not taking the game for granted, I'd like to think he could be rested against Wimbledon. I agree that he really has to play in the league though.

[Loo Pan]

Yes, Sterling should be rested against Wimbledon. We have to back our squad to be able to deal with them.

[Shaved Crossbar]

Brendan has serious issues if he plays Raheem vs Wimbledon.

[G1 Jockey 4(betfair)]

think a few should be rested after the spell we have just had.

if rodgers is serious about implementing a pressing system he has to rotate imo or use games such as this to rest quiet a few.

[mrantarctica]

We have 5 days rest so I don't expect too many will be rested.

Mignolet/Manquillo/Can/Skrtel/Lovren/Moreno/Hendo/Lucas/Markovic/Suso/Balotelli would be a good selection allowing some rest to key players. Doubt it'll happen. BR is notorious for his lack of rotation and having lost to the bottom team at home he'll probably play our strongest team which means Wimbledon will kick lumps out of Markovic, Coutinho and Sterling. Just what we need with Lallana injured. Hope Ojo gets a run.

[GrkStav]

We have 5 days rest so I don't expect too many will be rested.

Mignolet/Manquillo/Can/Skrtel/Lovren/Moreno/Hendo/Lucas/Markovic/Suso/Balotelli would be a good selection allowing some rest to key players. Doubt it'll happen. BR is notorious for his lack of rotation and having lost to the bottom team at home he'll probably play our strongest team which means Wimbledon will kick lumps out of Markovic, Coutinho and Sterling. Just what we need with Lallana injured. Hope Ojo gets a run.

Not quite.

[GrkStav]

You have to feel for Raheem Sterling

Sets up sitters time and again for our lot. Most chances created in the league from open play. Markovic had a chance that an U-10 would be scoring.

Preposterous hyperbole.

Raheem also calls his own number a few times when he has plenty of options (e.g. men well placed in the box) and ends up with weak shots.

Ridiculous to single out Markovic for that miss. He tried to place it. Markovic has more skill and definitely more class than some posters deserve.

[soxfan]

With Lallana out now, I predict Markovic steps in and does a great job.

Of course, I used the same logic to lose money at the casino. But who knows, I'm due to win. I CAN FEEL IT!! 

[DanA]

I'd love to see an all English attack of Ibe, Sterling and Sturridge along with Lallana and Henderson in support at some stage this season.

[SerbianScouser]

To have a player like Mario shunted on the sidelines like that is truly bizarre when you take into consideration that it wasn`t just him who struggled in those 4231s,433s shapes we used earlier in the season when we couldn`t muster a single chance in most games. In the new shape team is now attacking in bigger numbers, people between the lines are closer together , we are creating much more and it`s a crying shame we don`t seem to want to give him another chance till Sturridge gets back.

This is a guy who is good enough to score two goals against mighty Germany in Euro semi-final, he has quality but we clearly didn`t use him properly so far and not only would he thrive in this new shape - the hint of which we`d seen tonight - but he`d also offer huge presence and physicality to go with it.

Lallana and Markovic improved in time for the simple reason they learned a lot about their new teammates and their games , I`m convinced Mario would follow suit and play better than he did early in the season when hardly anyone in the team played well.

[Keita Success]

To have a player like Mario shunted on the sidelines like that is truly bizarre when you take into consideration that it wasn`t just him who struggled in those 4231s,433s shapes we used earlier in the season when we couldn`t muster a single chance in most games. In the new shape team is now attacking in bigger numbers, people between the lines are closer together , we are creating much more and it`s a crying shame we don`t seem to want to give him another chance till Sturridge gets back.

This is a guy who is good enough to score two goals against mighty Germany in Euro semi-final, he has quality but we clearly didn`t use him properly so far and not only would he thrive in this new shape - the hint of which we`d seen tonight - but he`d also offer huge presence and physicality to go with it.

Lallana and Markovic improved in time for the simple reason they learned a lot about their new teammates and their games , I`m convinced Mario would follow suit and play better than he did early in the season when hardly anyone in the team played well.

Agree. I'd rather give him a chance than sign a striker.

[penga]

Yep Balo only gets 12 minutes against a League 2 team when Lambert was ineffective the whole game...

Even Borini got a longer sub appearance in the last EPL game dunno why he is still hanging around.

Good idea to keep Gerrard at the top end of the pitch, maybe a good idea to even make him a striker.

[MrEazi1]

Balotelli actually looked in sync with the rest of the players and linked up well.

Lambert had the mobility of a static caravan and was simply not on the same wavelength as the others. Balotelli has to start ahead of Lambert every time.

[dirkster]

I thought Balo was more effective in the time he was on than Lambert was before he got substituted. We looked far more threatening. He actually injected pace and movement up front.

[MrEazi1]

To have a player like Mario shunted on the sidelines like that is truly bizarre when you take into consideration that it wasn`t just him who struggled in those 4231s,433s shapes we used earlier in the season when we couldn`t muster a single chance in most games. In the new shape team is now attacking in bigger numbers, people between the lines are closer together , we are creating much more and it`s a crying shame we don`t seem to want to give him another chance till Sturridge gets back.

This is a guy who is good enough to score two goals against mighty Germany in Euro semi-final, he has quality but we clearly didn`t use him properly so far and not only would he thrive in this new shape - the hint of which we`d seen tonight - but he`d also offer huge presence and physicality to go with it.

Lallana and Markovic improved in time for the simple reason they learned a lot about their new teammates and their games , I`m convinced Mario would follow suit and play better than he did early in the season when hardly anyone in the team played well.

Agreed, its going to be very difficult to shift Mario this month or any time soon so we have to make the best possible use for him. Under this 3-4-3 we are creating a hell of a lot more chances and he needs to be on the end of a few of them, get on a good run and who knows from there ? There's definitely a decent footballer in him, but its a question of application and commitment which may come with goals and more confidence.

He's not the most intelligent player, his tendency to stray offside needlessly is particularly frustrating but technically he's good and his first touch is decent too as is his hold-up play. He's got far more European and international pedigree than Lambert or Borini and Lambert's legs have gone completely, he isn't on the same wavelength as the other players and looks done at the top level.

We spent £16m on Balotelli and are probably paying him a decent whack in wages so we have to try and make it work with him - especially as we need to manage Sterling's game time.

[Red-Soldier]

Agreed, its going to be very difficult to shift Mario this month or any time soon so we have to make the best possible use for him. Under this 3-4-3 we are creating a hell of a lot more chances and he needs to be on the end of a few of them, get on a good run and who knows from there ? There's definitely a decent footballer in him, but its a question of application and commitment which may come with goals and more confidence.

He's not the most intelligent player, his tendency to stray offside needlessly is particularly frustrating but technically he's good and his first touch is decent too as is his hold-up play. He's got far more European and international pedigree than Lambert or Borini and Lambert's legs have gone completely, he isn't on the same wavelength as the other players and looks done at the top level.

We spent £16m on Balotelli and are probably paying him a decent whack in wages so we have to try and make it work with him - especially as we need to manage Sterling's game time.

I agree with most of this.

It's clear that Balo has quality and he should be given a fair run out in a team now playing with a bit more zip and confidence in the 343.  He should share the load with Sterling until Sturridge returns.

I'm not sure who has more movement; Lambert or Fred, both of which are not quite as mobile as a lamp post!!