We became too predictable today, funnel the ball wide and get crosses in. It worked well in the first half as the quality of the ball in was generally excellent, particularly from Robbo. Second half, we started with those floaty crosses that require an unbelievably good header or a second header to score. That might work against some aerially vulnerable sides, but against a Sam Allardyce side it’s probably a futile exercise. Centrally we needed a little bit more creativity. In the past fans have bemoaned the midfield three without a creator, ie a midfield of Hendo, Wij, Milner etc. Despite such criticism we’ve usually been ok because either; our full backs have consistently created chances, the front three have turned it on or a combination of both.
It was similar to today earlier in the season against Sheff United (I think) when Shaq played that through ball for Jota to finish at the Kop End. Today Jurgen went for Ox, presumably for his ability to shoot on target from distance. Another option might have been Shaq, just to give WBA something different to contend with. Ultimately what it shows is the reason why Klopp wanted Thiago.
