Author Topic: RAWK Round Table Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool  (Read 40760 times)

Offline trembles97

  • Legacy Fan
  • ******
  • Posts: 2,714
Re: RAWK Round Table Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool
« Reply #40 on: March 17, 2014, 08:26:55 pm »
Also, the pure cheek of Suarez to try that effort from the halfway line...

I know there were Norwich City scarves in the crowd, but it didn't look like Carrow Road!  ;D

Offline houkura

  • Legacy Fan
  • ******
  • Posts: 1,058
  • We all Live in a Red and White Kop
Re: RAWK Round Table Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool
« Reply #41 on: March 17, 2014, 08:34:48 pm »
Thought Skrtel had his best game of the season-even better than the Anfield Manc game. Never seen him in the final third so many times. His ball skills have improved a lot.

Also there was one point n the first half where Flanagan dribbled Mata that was just a joy to behold. Just totally tricked him and waltzed by. Amazing. Spain international #10 getting schooled by our young Jon Flanagan. Moyes has just ruined Mata in a matter of weeks.
"Good to be here, good to be anywhere."  --Keith Richards

Offline Haggis36

  • purveyor of better gifs than trendisnotdestiny
  • Legacy Fan
  • ******
  • Posts: 5,564
  • We all Live in a Red and White Kop
Re: RAWK Round Table Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool
« Reply #42 on: March 17, 2014, 08:47:20 pm »
Surprised to see criticism of Henderson, thought he and Allen really set the tone for that win in challenging roles that required them to cover an extraordinary amount of ground and perform almost 3 jobs at once for the benefit of the team. Henderson's passing wasn't as good as it normally was, but then not one single player on the pitch yesterday racked up more key passes than he did. Thought he played some really neat and inventive balls, and (alongside Allen who was even better) put in a very good shift defensively, harrying and pressing the opposition into submission whilst still managed to be effective further forward. He's very able when it comes to quick, one-touch moves which is of huge benefit in a team as direct as ours (as you see in the build up to the first penalty). He's got a lot of parts of his game he needs to improve, but then given his improvements in the past 18 months already, I don't see any reason he couldn't take it further.

Offline simsim

  • Kopite
  • *****
  • Posts: 580
  • High tempo pass and move is the Liverpool groove
Re: RAWK Round Table Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool
« Reply #43 on: March 17, 2014, 08:53:16 pm »

Thought Skrtel had his best game of the season-even better than the Anfield Manc game. Never seen him in the final third so many times. His ball skills have improved a lot.

Also there was one point n the first half where Flanagan dribbled Mata that was just a joy to behold. Just totally tricked him and waltzed by. Amazing. Spain international #10 getting schooled by our young Jon Flanagan. Moyes has just ruined Mata in a matter of weeks.

Not surprised mata has no mobility or athleticism. When some fans were calling for us to put a bid in for him I wasn't one of them.   

Offline houkura

  • Legacy Fan
  • ******
  • Posts: 1,058
  • We all Live in a Red and White Kop
Re: RAWK Round Table Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool
« Reply #44 on: March 17, 2014, 09:15:01 pm »
Not surprised mata has no mobility or athleticism. When some fans were calling for us to put a bid in for him I wasn't one of them.

Guess I hadn't watched much of him. Always seemed dangerous for Chelsea. Usually around the edge of the box. I didn't want him much either mostly because we don't need that type of player and we don't spend that kind of money. Gotta say he looks a shadow of what he looked like just a year ago. Along with the rest of his team.
"Good to be here, good to be anywhere."  --Keith Richards

Offline simsim

  • Kopite
  • *****
  • Posts: 580
  • High tempo pass and move is the Liverpool groove
Re: RAWK Round Table Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool
« Reply #45 on: March 17, 2014, 09:17:39 pm »

Guess I hadn't watched much of him. Always seemed dangerous for Chelsea. Usually around the edge of the box. I didn't want him much either mostly because we don't need that type of player and we don't spend that kind of money. Gotta say he looks a shadow of what he looked like just a year ago. Along with the rest of his team.

Don't get me wrong he's a talented player but I understood the reasons why Maureen barering  in mind the the type of players Maureen likes big powerful athletes with mobility, I could see why he didn't want him.

Offline The 5th Benitle

  • Mitch Fenner and Gerry Francis' biggest fan. Karaoke James - The Sausagefest Superhero. A soldier not a Capo di tutti capi. Clapham Stalker. RAWK X Factor Winner 2011. The poor man's Sarge!
  • RAWK Staff
  • Legacy Fan
  • ******
  • Posts: 45,307
  • Read, then post...
Re: RAWK Round Table Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool
« Reply #46 on: March 17, 2014, 09:23:41 pm »
Here's the Echo's thoughts via our own Kristian. Well, he's not ours, but we're claiming him...

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/reds-analysis-how-liverpool-fc-6842430
And here's another Echo piece which features some posts from this very thread :)

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/manchester-united-0-3-liverpool-fc-6842526#.UycuU29Vx6Y.facebook

Thanks Kris.

Offline Koplord

  • No new LFC topics
  • Kopite
  • *****
  • Posts: 958
Re: RAWK Round Table Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool
« Reply #47 on: March 17, 2014, 09:24:20 pm »
The line it is drawn
The curse it is cast
The slow one now
Will later be fast
As the present now
Will later be past
The order is
Rapidly fadin

The Times They Are A Changin


Football domination of the highest order and I actually thought in the final third we were quite poor, to many poor decisions and lingering on the ball yet we still managed to get 3 and could of had many more. For as good as they have been the past 20 odd years never have they humiliated or dominated us like we did to them yesterday.
« Last Edit: March 17, 2014, 09:29:38 pm by Koplord »
If I hadn't seen such riches I could live with being poor.

Offline rednich85

  • Gargantuan Wanker. Intimately linked to Keys and Gray.
  • RAWK Supporter
  • Legacy Fan
  • ******
  • Posts: 17,631
  • Stay Black. That's the most important thing.
Re: RAWK Round Table Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool
« Reply #48 on: March 17, 2014, 09:28:07 pm »
I'm still a bit in shock. I haven't posted any views of the game because I'm still wrapping my head around how handily we dispatched of that mob.

Rodgers got it spot on, as he more often than not does....actually, as he nearly always does. It was only on a second viewing that I realised Sterling basically played centre midfield, at Old Trafford. His maturity and intelligence really set him apart. Mentions for Henderson and Allen for their sheer willingness to deprive Utd of any sort of rythem or foothold in the game. Their pressing was remarkable. It wasn't headless chicken behaviour either. They pressed intelligently, methodically and with an intensity, Utd just couldn't control.

At full back, we looked solid. Johnson looks to be reaping the benefits of his lay off and Flannagan is utterly fearless. He plays with a 'fuck you' attitude that you don't see too often among younger players, these days. In the middle. Agger and Skrtel looked assured and dealt with the disinterested Van Persie, without having to really dig too deep.

Gerrard is getting better in his new role. The improvement he's made in a matter of months, whilst shouldnt be surprising, is nonetheless remarkable.

Sturridge and Suarez put in very unselfish and workmanlike performances, with a bit of panache.

I was sure we'd drop points at St Marys and Old Trafford....not because I dont think we're that good, but because I'm a miserable bastard.

On to Cardiff.
"Smart people believe weird things because they are skilled at defending beliefs they arrived at for non-smart reasons."

@rednich85

Offline Corkboy

  • Sworn enemy of Bottlegirl. The Boston Toilet Mangler. Grauniad of the Cidatel. Into kinky S&M with the Lash.
  • RAWK Scribe
  • Legacy Fan
  • ******
  • Posts: 32,362
  • Is it getting better?
Re: RAWK Round Table Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool
« Reply #49 on: March 17, 2014, 09:38:36 pm »
I definitely noticed that too, Roy. There was no excessive joy or celebration after the final whistle. High fives and pats on the back between players, clapping the support, and calmly going to dressing room. A feeling of battle won but a long way yet to go for the war to be won.

I don't know if you watched the Tottenham-Arse game but the reaction of the Arsenal players after the win was so significantly different. Shirts off, dancing, players taking selfies, all the stuff you'd associate (or wouldn't want to associate) with winning a trophy or semi-final rather than one individual game albeit a very important, local derby.

I don't want to shatter any grand theories but I think it's fairly clear that the difference in the two sets of reactions is accounted for by the two vastly different games. Arsenal were hanging on for dear life until the whistle while for United, the whistle was simply the end of their ordeal, something presaged by Moyes' subbing on of Ferdinand.

Offline John C

  • RAWK Staff
  • Legacy Fan
  • ******
  • Posts: 42,103
Re: RAWK Round Table Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool
« Reply #50 on: March 17, 2014, 09:39:49 pm »
It was wonderful seeing Mata's warm welcome to Suarez as they entered the pitch evaporate to a startled bewilderment. The genial hug and Spanish exchange of words left Mata momentarily unprepared for his home-ground humiliation.

One terrorised and tormented, the other trembled timidly. The gulf in class was raw to the home support as they watched their seasons saviour wilt against a dominant Liverpool.

Even Moyes' very own 'chosen one', Fellani must have had nightmares last night after being run-ragged by Sterling and smashed by Gerrard.

I was so proud of our manager yesterday, I hope he feels the weight of affection drenched on him after that.

Offline saoirse08

  • RAWK Supporter
  • Legacy Fan
  • ******
  • Posts: 2,856
  • TRUTH. JUSTICE. ACCOUNTABILITY.
Re: RAWK Round Table Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool
« Reply #51 on: March 17, 2014, 09:47:46 pm »
What a brilliant defensive performance by the entire team, especially after all the Charlie Cairoli-type displays we've endure this season. That's two on the bounce now, in which we've defended as a team. Won as a team. Nine more to go. If we play as well as did against Southampton (the most underrated team in the league) and United in our last, four remaining away games, we should pick up maximum points. I wonder if he sticks with this formation for the remaining away games? And whether he tweaks it at home, where he knows it has the makings of five cup finals backed by a crowd that knows the possibilities which await...

First off, the front five of Suarez, Struridge, Sterling, Allen - and yes, Henderson - really set the pattern of play by not allowing the United defence or centre mids a moment on the ball. The pressing was outstanding, the movement and passing (on the whole) precise. Sturridge could've had two goals by twenty minutes, all through the team winning the ball in the centre of United's half and putting slide rule passing beyond the United's square back four. Allen was everywhere. Fucking everywhere. A real, non-stop 90 minutes of harrying, hassling, tracking, pressing, of quick passes and quick movements. He hardly stopped. And Sterling plays like he's been playing Champions League standard football for a decade. Whether he's asked to play right forward, left forward, right wing back, right back, or in a No. 10 position in the diamond - as he has done for half a game last week and yesterday - he plays with intelligence, passes efficiently, runs and turns (all in one beautiful movement!) dangerously. What a pearl of a player. How far can this lad go in the game?

Allied to the front 5, we had two aggressive full backs on front foot from the first whistle, forcing back United's most creative players - wrongly utilised as wingers, by a United manager still blowing dust of the 1950s tactical manual - starving Rooney and Van Persy of anything worthwhile.   

Orchestrating everything was Stevie G. He really gave a towering performance. I'm so glad there are so many young players around him (and coming through) who can watch and learn what a captain's role is. How to take the game by the scruff of the neck. He took no shit from anybody. Bulldozed Fellani off the pitch and out of the game effectively. It was Souness-esque in it's mastery of the opposition. I never doubted for a moment that he'd miss either of those first two pens. The third I wasn't arsed about. The game was over. And after the game, it didn't seem to bother him. He knows what's needed, knows how close he is. He knows the real prize isn't individual glory in the form of hatricks, but that big gleaming bit of silverware coming into view.

Agger and Skrtel were steady and, as I said earlier, helped by an outstanding front 5, didn't really see much of the ball. At one point, Skrtel, feeling so left out, ran 70 yards to the edge of United's penalty area to trip Juan Mata. Let's hope that we can keep both fit and playing as assuredly as they did yesterday for the remaining nine games.

Once Sturridge had won the match with the third penalty, and Vidic was sent off, the rest of the game was so easy, you'd have felt embarrassed if a Liverpool side had played so gutlessly at home against our biggest rivals - even if deprived of a full complement of players. Moyes has made United in to Everton. That's his football legacy. Not the current Bobbie Martinez's Everton, but the, old Moyes' Everton, which we usually easily beat home and away, barring a couple of anomalies. Like many of those past Moyes' Everton v Liverpool Derbies, there were times in the game yesterday were his current side brought us down to their level and the game became a scrappy affair. That's how he's scraped draws in the past at against, or the odd jammy win. But it didn't last, though.

Because we then remembered we were at Old Trafford, playing the champions, Manchester United, (despite the idiot in the home dug out) cementing our place in this season's title race. And we got the ball down. And we harried. And we chased. And we won back possession. And we played fluid, quick passing football again. And we created chances. And we scored. And we won.

And it was great.
“The socialism I believe in is everyone working for each other, everyone having a share of the rewards. It’s the way I see football, the way I see life.”

"The old is dying and the new cannot be born; in this interregnum a great variety of morbid symptoms appear."

royhendo

  • Guest
Re: RAWK Round Table Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool
« Reply #52 on: March 17, 2014, 10:01:49 pm »

Offline exiledinyorkshire

  • RAWK Supporter
  • Legacy Fan
  • ******
  • Posts: 2,699
Re: RAWK Round Table Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool
« Reply #53 on: March 17, 2014, 10:17:46 pm »
Great post that. :)

Could agree more with you two. It was as exciting as the win to see the way they didn't lose their shit over it. And in all fairness I know how they felt, for I too didn't lose my shit. It's a milestone hit, a test passed, and above all it was a result that went with the form. No big deal utd are poor and we know how to deal with teams that are struggling.

I'm starting to really believe now, that if city or Chelsea come to ours with even a hint of doubt we'll turn them over. And Liverpool in full flow at Anfield in 2014 is a place to breed doubt in the heart of enemy agin these days. It's a becoming a bastion of invincibility again. If you come to ours and beat us, well then good luck to you, you'll deserve a title.

Loving it at the moment.

Offline exiledinyorkshire

  • RAWK Supporter
  • Legacy Fan
  • ******
  • Posts: 2,699
Re: RAWK Round Table Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool
« Reply #54 on: March 17, 2014, 10:21:13 pm »
Oh and what I really can't wait for, and am desperate to happen, is Tim Sherwood's spurs getting battered and watching the disgrace that he is as he fucking blows up on the sideline.


Offline PhaseOfPlay

  • Well red.Tom Jones Lover. AKA Debbie McGee. Apparently.
  • Legacy Fan
  • ******
  • Posts: 28,289
  • Under 7s Coaching Manual Owner.
Re: RAWK Round Table Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool
« Reply #55 on: March 17, 2014, 11:06:44 pm »
I don't want to shatter any grand theories but I think it's fairly clear that the difference in the two sets of reactions is accounted for by the two vastly different games. Arsenal were hanging on for dear life until the whistle while for United, the whistle was simply the end of their ordeal, something presaged by Moyes' subbing on of Ferdinand.

I think the muted Liverpool celebrations was by design though. You can see some degrees of both sports psychology work and Rodgers' own personality coming through in the Liverpool players reaction
Better looking than Samie.

Offline CHOPPER

  • Bad Tranny with a Chopper. Hello John gotta new Mitre? I'm Jim Davidson in disguise. Undercover Cop (Grammar Division). Does Louis Spence. Well. A giga-c*nt worth of nothing in particular. Hodgson apologist. Astronomical cock. Hug Jacket Distributor
  • Legacy Fan
  • ******
  • Posts: 52,420
  • Super Title: Not Arsed
Re: RAWK Round Table Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool
« Reply #56 on: March 17, 2014, 11:10:48 pm »
From coaches to couches.


Isn't being top flight football managers, enough? Why are you all trying to be psychiatrists as well?
@ Veinticinco de Mayo The way you talk to other users on this forum is something you should be ashamed of as someone who is suppose to be representing the site.
Martin Kenneth Wild - Part of a family

Offline PhaseOfPlay

  • Well red.Tom Jones Lover. AKA Debbie McGee. Apparently.
  • Legacy Fan
  • ******
  • Posts: 28,289
  • Under 7s Coaching Manual Owner.
Re: RAWK Round Table Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool
« Reply #57 on: March 17, 2014, 11:11:41 pm »
From coaches to couches.


Isn't being top flight football managers, enough? Why are you all trying to be psychiatrists as well?

Capitalism
Better looking than Samie.

Offline TepidT2O

  • Deffo NOT 9"! MUFC bedwetter. Grass. Folically-challenged, God-piece-wearing, monkey-rubber. Jizz aroma expert. Operating at the lower end of the distribution curve...has the hots for Alan. Bastard. Fearless in transfer windows with lack of convicti
  • Lead Matchday Commentator
  • Legacy Fan
  • ******
  • Posts: 93,657
  • Dejan Lovren fan club member #1
Re: RAWK Round Table Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool
« Reply #58 on: March 17, 2014, 11:14:28 pm »
I think the muted Liverpool celebrations was by design though. You can see some degrees of both sports psychology work and Rodgers' own personality coming through in the Liverpool players reaction
Although, there certainly wasn't muted celebration in the dressing room after the match....

Riotous singing was to be heard during the interviews (which I'm assuming wasn't coming from the united dressing room)
“Happiness can be found in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”
“Generosity always pays off. Generosity in your effort, in your work, in your kindness, in the way you look after people and take care of people. In the long run, if you are generous with a heart, and with humanity, it always pays off.”
W

Offline Corkboy

  • Sworn enemy of Bottlegirl. The Boston Toilet Mangler. Grauniad of the Cidatel. Into kinky S&M with the Lash.
  • RAWK Scribe
  • Legacy Fan
  • ******
  • Posts: 32,362
  • Is it getting better?
Re: RAWK Round Table Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool
« Reply #59 on: March 17, 2014, 11:24:18 pm »
I think the muted Liverpool celebrations was by design though. You can see some degrees of both sports psychology work and Rodgers' own personality coming through in the Liverpool players reaction

I coach Gaelic football, underage stuff, and recently we played a game and were out of sight by half time. I told them that no matter how bad we beat them, we had to stay humble and not be over the top about the celebrations. We gave the Mancs a bad beating this time. This wasn't like our 1-4 where by the time we got to Dossena's goal, it was fantasy, laugh out loud stuff. This was a serious doing, we just gave them an awful time for 90 minutes. I'm pleased the players were classy about it but I wouldn't expect anything less.

Offline PhaseOfPlay

  • Well red.Tom Jones Lover. AKA Debbie McGee. Apparently.
  • Legacy Fan
  • ******
  • Posts: 28,289
  • Under 7s Coaching Manual Owner.
Re: RAWK Round Table Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool
« Reply #60 on: March 17, 2014, 11:24:35 pm »
Although, there certainly wasn't muted celebration in the dressing room after the match....

Riotous singing was to be heard during the interviews (which I'm assuming wasn't coming from the united dressing room)

You never know - maybe they heard Moyes was on his way out! Or he said "I don't know what to do any more, boys. Take the next two days off, no laps for anybody"!
Better looking than Samie.

Offline PhaseOfPlay

  • Well red.Tom Jones Lover. AKA Debbie McGee. Apparently.
  • Legacy Fan
  • ******
  • Posts: 28,289
  • Under 7s Coaching Manual Owner.
Re: RAWK Round Table Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool
« Reply #61 on: March 17, 2014, 11:26:11 pm »
I coach Gaelic football, underage stuff, and recently we played a game and were out of sight by half time. I told them that no matter how bad we beat them, we had to stay humble and not be over the top about the celebrations. We gave the Mancs a bad beating this time. This wasn't like our 1-4 where by the time we got to Dossena's goal, it was fantasy, laugh out loud stuff. This was a serious doing, we just gave them an awful time for 90 minutes. I'm pleased the players were classy about it but I wouldn't expect anything less.

It's the best way to be, though, at any level, unless you actually win the big prize. You see the individual games as steps on the journey, and you treat them as such until the journey ends (hopefully with the objective accomplished!)
Better looking than Samie.

Offline Gnurglan

  • The Swedish Savaloy
  • Legacy Fan
  • ******
  • Posts: 35,517
Re: RAWK Round Table Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool
« Reply #62 on: March 17, 2014, 11:28:39 pm »
What a brilliant win that was. We've had better, but like someone mentioned in a paper today, the tables could be about to turn. It's such a massive change from where we were a year ago. And that is the thing that stands out the most. When we won 4-1, that was an outstanding performance against one of the best sides in Europe at the time. Yesterday, the signs were so clear that we're on the way up and they're on the way down. I don't care too much for their decline. It's our improvement that we should focus on. Let's just say it. We went to OT and owned the game and we won fair and square with a three goal margin. And we weren't even super efficient. But for the odd chance, they didn't trouble us. Despite playing with Mata, Rooney and RvP. Rodgers' ability to not just squeeze the most from this team, but also his ability to keep the improvements coming, is seriously impressive. We've had defensive issues, but yesterday, they were not there. And how about when we played Spurs? Everton? Arsenal?

I have to admit, I'm still not convinced with our defending, BUT I am very impressed with our general improvement and how we continue to improve. That fills me with confidence that we will sort the problems we face. If we continue like this, we are likely to improve at an even faster rate.

        * * * * * *


"The key isn't the system itself, but how the players adapt on the pitch. It doesn't matter if it's 4-3-3 or 4-4-2, it's the role of the players that counts." Rafa Benitez

Offline GrkStav

  • Has a statuette of Lucas on the bonnet of his car which he polishes lovingly with Lucas Brasso. Glen Johnson's biggest fan. Doesn't have a "fucken clue" where L4 is
  • Legacy Fan
  • ******
  • Posts: 8,981
  • Not very good at 'banter'.
Re: RAWK Round Table Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool
« Reply #63 on: March 17, 2014, 11:38:29 pm »
Henderson was so-so going forward in the first half (despite the great pass) but he was excellent marking/defending/pressing all-game long. In the 2nd half, he improved significantly going forward as well.

Steven Gerrard's performance was outstanding. Now, to everyone who's going to use it to batter anyone who ever criticized him in the past . . . he hasn't always played with the combination of "sheer force of nature" AND "discipline" that he demonstrated yesterday. That he COULD do it if he put his mind to it was, I hope, hardly ever in doubt.

When Lucas came on, and he, Allen, Coutinho and Henderson, plus the two CBs, took the piss out of them with those repeated, wall-passes, I literally giggled audibly.

Three cheers for Allen, especially in the 2nd half, as his pressing, marking, and recovery work were top-notch.
Ludi Circenses!

Offline Johnny Foreigner

  • King of the Trabbies. Major Mod Thruster.
  • RAWK Supporter
  • Legacy Fan
  • ******
  • Posts: 3,836
  • We all Live in a Red and White Kop
Re: RAWK Round Table Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool
« Reply #64 on: March 17, 2014, 11:53:51 pm »
A lot has been said about this game from much more knowledgeable people than myself, but something has definitively happened when the only time you got a higher pulse at old trafford is the 2nd penalty - having full confidence that this would be the knock-out..

My highlights would be the circle of flanagan putting in a shift, some rashness; more passion I'd say - and can play a bit - and then after the game go to the captain (that was one of the best performances i've ever seen from him - combining the beauty and the beast) and getting a proper bear hug..
It’s not even about individuality, it’s about the team. Our game was based on his controlling of the tempo. Squeeze the life out of the opposition and then strike. That is our game. Like a pack of pythons.

Offline DanA

  • misses the Eurovision Glory Days.
  • Legacy Fan
  • ******
  • Posts: 12,127
  • We all Live in a Red and White Kop
Re: RAWK Round Table Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool
« Reply #65 on: March 17, 2014, 11:57:12 pm »
For me the highlight of the game was the overall execution of the game plan. It was a magnificent display and another testament to Rodgers tactical acumen. While at times we were off our best in terms of individual bits of play, the discipline, work rate and commitment overall made that one of our finest displays.

Gerard: I thought was the highlight, it felt very Xabi Alonso circa 08/09 where his strength of will radiated across the pitch. The ferocity of his tackle on Jones and the challenge in the air against Felliani (never a yellow) were frightening and left their mark but more impressive was the control and execution on the ball, elegant and precise with his passing. Missed penalty aside it was a virtuoso midfield generals performance.

Allen and Henderson: These guys were superb, like two working dogs rounding up sheep. Joe Allen's 7 tackles in itself was impressive but it was the number of times that they created turnovers that wouldn't have gone recorded in their personal stats that I think was more impressive. And they didn't stop their! They constantly proved a menace, getting between Utd's midfield and defence providing an out ball.

Flanno & Johnson: They had big jobs with us playing a compact midfield diamond but they did so brilliantly, a marked improvement on the opportunities allowed against Southampton which in itself was a fine performance. I think the Mancs targeted Flanno with Januzaj and Flanno bitch slapped him, picked him up off the floor and then bitch slapped him again leaving the Belgian superstar quivering in a heap. He maybe tested his luck a little with the ref but his 11 tackles was indicative with how dominate he was on our left side.  Johnson when called upon was damn near perfect too.

Skrtel & Agger: Made world class strike force irrelevant. They weren't noteworthy which is exactly what you want from a CB pairing, they just won their battle with little fuss.
« Last Edit: March 18, 2014, 12:01:20 am by DanA »
Quote from: hinesy
He hadn't played as if he was on fire, more the slight breeze cutting across New Brighton on a summer's day than El Nino, the force of nature.

Offline Vulmea

  • Almost saint-like.....
  • Legacy Fan
  • ******
  • Posts: 4,329
Re: RAWK Round Table Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool
« Reply #66 on: March 18, 2014, 12:12:07 am »
the hyperbole is in full flow I see

every little thing becomes another brick in building an idea that people want to believe in

a game and a half ago we were outplayed for 45 minutes by Southampton, they missed their chances, before that we stuffed up against Villa they battered us for 25 minutes at our place, against West Brom complacency threw away 2 points, against Hull, and I see I post suggesting beat us at Anfield and you deserve a title - that'll be Southamptons then.......

 now everything BR does is brilliant and the players unbeatable - its as daft as if we'd lost a couple and the critics were out in full force asking for the lads head

I appeciate its hard to keep your head when its looking so rosy but anybody with any sense would be asking for calm, not to draw conclusions from a couple of games, half a season or even a whole season if we lost a few. Yet its ok the other way round?

We  played a poor United side - despite the obvious talent in their ranks they were woeful, their tactics, team selection and player motivation were poor. Van Persie was absent, Mata invisible, Jones a liability. Rooney bless his cotton socks tried, really tried, in the wrong places, at the wrong times and mostly on his own. Southampton gave us a far bigger test. The joy and I nearly broke my fist punching the ground when the third went in, was more to do with beating them  than any masterclass that was handed out to what looked a mediocre team. Moyes is in a heap of trouble, not because he's a bad manager, he isn't, he's just the wrong manager for them right now.

I thought it was a scrappy game, possession was tossed away on a regular basis by both sides, neither Suarez or Sturridge created much until well after half time. Their forwards squandered the few chances they had. Van Persie missed a great chance with that header inside the 6 yard box. A goal for them who knows, the fact they didn't deserve one doesn't matter. Goals, as the cliche goes, change games. They didn't score, we deserved our win and it was as comfortable a game as I can remember.

Keeping two up top I thought was key to us winning the game, they couldn't cope with it - few can. I thought it was more significant than the diamond. Very brave of BR. Rafael had too much space at times and only used it well the once. Sterling had been tried against Southampton - was it IN BR's mind to use it again, you have to think it was, it worked very well for us. Is it going to be a tactic every away game?

Henderson and Allen provided the graft to allow Gerrard to dominate, its like a quarterback with a couple of lads to keep him safe. Henderson, the new Dirk Kuyt,  being underrated by Yorky is almost a badge of honour in terms of what you bring to the team off the ball, mentally and physicaly. Sterling has improved massively.

Its not just teams that aren't afraid anymore, neither are the refs it seems, another crack in the MU armour? How many points did Fergie get for his side with 20 years of intimidation of the FA and the officials? Another reason why Moyes has such a tough gig and why united have fallen so far.

Our defence still gifts up chances, proper chances, its not the finished article, our goals against demostrates that, if you can't see it with your own eyes. A couple of clean sheets doesn't change that.

We're still level with Arsenal, behind Chelsea and City have those games in hand. We can win the title but we'll do it by taking one game at a time, not believing the hype, not getting carried away. Cardiff away will be hard, not on paper, but proper hard they aren't as good as us, but we may have to win the battle first before the quality will tell. We've failed to deliver before after good results, especially away from home. The next game is the biggest. Take 3 more points, thats all that matters, concentrate on what we can do. One more game, win that.

anyway enough of trying to be reasonable - miserable - contrary - bloody great win.


The great enemy of the truth is very often not the lie — deliberate, contrived and dishonest — but the myth — persistent, persuasive and unrealistic.

John F. Kennedy/Shanklyboy.

Offline Canuck33

  • Anny Roader
  • ****
  • Posts: 431
  • We all Live in a Red and White Kop
Re: RAWK Round Table Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool
« Reply #67 on: March 18, 2014, 12:15:50 am »
The line it is drawn
The curse it is cast
The slow one now
Will later be fast
As the present now
Will later be past
The order is
Rapidly fadin

The Times They Are A Changin


Football domination of the highest order and I actually thought in the final third we were quite poor, to many poor decisions and lingering on the ball yet we still managed to get 3 and could of had many more. For as good as they have been the past 20 odd years never have they humiliated or dominated us like we did to them yesterday.

Love that song, and oh how true.

Offline Mighty_Red

  • Rojo Poderoso!
  • RAWK Supporter
  • Legacy Fan
  • ******
  • Posts: 13,883
  • All hail the King...
    • Join the fight - SOS
Re: RAWK Round Table Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool
« Reply #68 on: March 18, 2014, 12:26:21 am »
For me the highlight of the game was the overall execution of the game plan. It was a magnificent display and another testament to Rodgers tactical acumen. While at times we were off our best in terms of individual bits of play, the discipline, work rate and commitment overall made that one of our finest displays.
Agree 100%, what I saw from kick off was a perfect away performance and the way we controllec the game was almost rafa-esque which shows how quickly Brendan is progressing as a manager. We may see a variation of this in Europe next year.

I thought the midfield 4 were superb and won us the game, Hendo's pressing and the way he broke up attacks shows that he has been learning from Lucas.

The only reason that we did not destroy them like Arsenal was that fact that we did not grab the early goal. Our corners were awful in the first half, and SAS were just a little off. Nevertheless, with control we had, it was only a matter of time before we would fashion a clear cut chance and so it came with the pen. A great move which forced the error.

At 2-0 the game was won, thanks to Stevie being ice cool when it mattered. Despite them being 2 down and having all those attacking players, they actually dropped deeper, perhaps scared to concede again.  Its only when they tried to attack us is when we picked them off. Even then we let them off because we were not quite as goal hungry as usual. If thats an off day for Suarez n Sturridge,  then our confidence will only grow as we just outclaased the champions.

As course, they are champions in name only and they are headed for oblivion if that's the best they can muster at home against their biggest rivals, but the best thing is we don't have to worry what happens to them now.  Theyare done and so is that CL place. All we need to look at now is winning the next game, and the next and the one after that
Some clubs were always destined for greatness...

Offline John C

  • RAWK Staff
  • Legacy Fan
  • ******
  • Posts: 42,103
Re: RAWK Round Table Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool
« Reply #69 on: March 18, 2014, 12:28:26 am »
the hyperbole is in full flow I see

every little thing becomes another brick in building an idea that people want to believe in

a game and a half ago we were outplayed for 45 minutes by Southampton, they missed their chances, before that we stuffed up against Villa they battered us for 25 minutes at our place, against West Brom complacency threw away 2 points, against Hull, and I see I post suggesting beat us at Anfield and you deserve a title - that'll be Southamptons then.......

I'm happy to be placed on any list of candidates that's overjoyed to an over enthusiastic state mate, I won't deny being critical of our performances even this year. Ultimately some of us complained about inconsistency - is complained the right word, perhaps discussed or highlighted is more diplomatic. But now we're enjoying the reverse. Big victories in every sense, with goals in favour rather than against being the talking point.
Every full season is a journey, and there's not many journeys that we've embarked on in the last two decades that haven't proved frustrating, This season is pretty unique to even travellers of our age.

Offline chris.volante

  • Anny Roader
  • ****
  • Posts: 334
Re: RAWK Round Table Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool
« Reply #70 on: March 18, 2014, 12:38:32 am »
I think the muted Liverpool celebrations was by design though. You can see some degrees of both sports psychology work and Rodgers' own personality coming through in the Liverpool players reaction
Gerrard's reaction to the first goal was really interesting too. I've seen muted goal celebrations before, but that was something else - I don't remember a reaction quite like that. He was sending a clear message to the rest of the team that the match was far from won. I loved that.

Offline Corkboy

  • Sworn enemy of Bottlegirl. The Boston Toilet Mangler. Grauniad of the Cidatel. Into kinky S&M with the Lash.
  • RAWK Scribe
  • Legacy Fan
  • ******
  • Posts: 32,362
  • Is it getting better?
Re: RAWK Round Table Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool
« Reply #71 on: March 18, 2014, 12:40:53 am »
We should, out of respect naturally, pay some attention to the significance of this result for our opponents. The Mancs are now 12 points off fourth and the team in fourth has two games in hand on them. It would take a quite remarkable turnaround to get them Champions League football, the sort of run they used to put together all the time before. And I seem to recall Moyes teams being strong towards the end of the season, although he looks a lot more rudderless in his current environs. But yeah, you can't see them getting on the money train for next season. And we know better than most what that means. Once you go Europa, well you can wake up four or five years later going, what the fuck?

All of which makes it rather sweet if it turns out that we put the final boot on their head. I'm glad Ferguson was there.

Offline jckliew

  • Legacy Fan
  • ******
  • Posts: 9,208
Re: RAWK Round Table Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool
« Reply #72 on: March 18, 2014, 12:45:20 am »
Everything's at OT disappearing in a Fergie magic show


a) hairdryer effects on Refs

b) Performance

c) Cups

d) Wins

e) Aura of invincibility

f) etc


ALL flushed down the Olde Toilet .........
OH and LIVERPOOL FC whoooppped the rearend off MancsU! 
« Last Edit: March 18, 2014, 12:47:05 am by jckliew »
My 12yr old son asked me: Is Blackburn a Racist name?

Offline jckliew

  • Legacy Fan
  • ******
  • Posts: 9,208
Re: RAWK Round Table Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool
« Reply #73 on: March 18, 2014, 12:51:01 am »
It was wonderful seeing Mata's warm welcome to Suarez as they entered the pitch evaporate to a startled bewilderment. The genial hug and Spanish exchange of words left Mata momentarily unprepared for his home-ground humiliation.

One terrorised and tormented, the other trembled timidly. The gulf in class was raw to the home support as they watched their seasons saviour wilt against a dominant Liverpool.

Even Moyes' very own 'chosen one', Fellani must have had nightmares last night after being run-ragged by Sterling and smashed by Gerrard.

I was so proud of our manager yesterday, I hope he feels the weight of affection drenched on him after that.

Fail-laini

My 12yr old son asked me: Is Blackburn a Racist name?

Offline TheDarkKnight

  • Anny Roader
  • ****
  • Posts: 335
  • Brendan Rodgers' Tricky Reds
Re: RAWK Round Table Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool
« Reply #74 on: March 18, 2014, 12:56:05 am »
In games against Manchester United you need your local lads to step up sometimes and set the tone and that is precisely what Gerrard and Flanagan did yesterday. They were everywhere in that first ten minutes, involved in almost all of the full-blooded tackles going on and generally coming out on top in them duels. It was great to see, and the other players followed suit. The rest is history.

I knew the Arsenal win was big in its own right, but the subsequent effect of utterly annihilating a title contender at Anfield the way we did is there for all to see. Since then we've won four out of four, scoring 13 goals, keeping two clean sheets at two of the toughest grounds to visit and even featuring a last minute winner in a game we had fallen behind twice in. Three of those four wins have been away from home, quashing all worries many people had over our supposed travel sicknesses. It is so clear that the confidence gained from that game (and to an extent, the Everton win) has acted as a springboard for our title challenge. We've finally found the consistency required to sustain a title challenge and for the first time this season the bench looks of a high standard; right now, there is no reason to believe we can't win the Premier League. Chelsea will be a tough nut to crack but showed on Saturday they can be undone when Hazard isn't firing and a referee has some bollocks. Manchester City are awesome when in full flight they have the toughest run in of the top four and paper and will surely drop points along the way. Arsenal have done very well to keep up given their below par performances in 2014, they are long shots with the bookies for a reason though.

We're not perfect, we have our weaknesses, but at this stage of the season momentum is the key and we have it. We've tightened up defensively in our last two games and still looked like scoring every time we attack. For the first time, I fully believe we can win the league this season and am excited for the ride.

Offline vivabobbygraham

  • Waiting for the silver bus. Gobshites- united- will never be defeated. Whip him, beat him, call him Barbara, he can live with it. Self confessed c*nt (apparently)
  • RAWK Supporter
  • Legacy Fan
  • ******
  • Posts: 14,411
  • The boys pen cured my acne
Re: RAWK Round Table Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool
« Reply #75 on: March 18, 2014, 01:09:09 am »
Those are fair points and in defence I did balance my criticism of Henderson's technique with praise for his endeavour. I was also talking about ways of improving an excellent side. I recognise, as you lads do, that this may be difficult. But it's not impossible. For me Henderson is still the one that can be 'improved'. There are players out there who offer what he does in terms of energy and tracking back but who also offer considerably more going forward. Real 'head-up' players, as Hendo emphatically isn't. You look at a young lad like Barkley at Everton (or even the hugely promising Deleofeu) and think, 'christ, if we had a player like that in centre-mid......). I do anyway.  :D

I, too, gave Hendo 'pelters', to coin a Brazil phrase, for his haphazard passing at times. It's a quandry with him. He see's things in front of him so clearly yet fucks up with the easy stuff, the ticking over passing in the middle 3rd. Yet, it's clear he will improve on it as he has in all other aspects of his game.

By next season he will be the complete player for you know with Brendan's help he will eradicate those shortcomings.I would not swap him for anyone for that reason. Barkley or Deleofeu will not improve their game to the extent Jordan will.They are not the same anyways, more in the Coutinho mould and may improve us in that position; but neither could come near his industry and eye for a pass in the final third now or next season when he will improve there too.

 I ask, sincerely,  with his rapid rate of improvement, what calibre of player will he be in two years time? Frightening. He needs to do some ballet! Seriously, for balance is all he lacks.A bit more left peg will see him become the complete cm, a or d or both.

Finally, we are playing without fear going forward, looking to play on the turn in tricky situations knowing if we turn in our defensive third particularly, the play opens up and we are in business. Raheem does that now, Coutinho relishes the opportunity, fuck even Flano and GJ are inviting the tackle with back to goal so they can give and go. Tight triangles that get less heart stopping as we get more adept. It's a joy to watch

 
« Last Edit: March 18, 2014, 02:04:26 am by Vivabobbygraham »
...If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same

Offline ElstonGunn

  • is Billy Beane
  • Legacy Fan
  • ******
  • Posts: 3,271
  • We all Live in a Red and White Kop
Re: RAWK Round Table Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool
« Reply #76 on: March 18, 2014, 01:33:39 am »
Those are fair points and in defence I did balance my criticism of Henderson's technique with praise for his endeavour. I was also talking about ways of improving an excellent side. I recognise, as you lads do, that this may be difficult. But it's not impossible. For me Henderson is still the one that can be 'improved'. There are players out there who offer what he does in terms of energy and tracking back but who also offer considerably more going forward. Real 'head-up' players, as Hendo emphatically isn't. You look at a young lad like Barkley at Everton (or even the hugely promising Deleofeu) and think, 'christ, if we had a player like that in centre-mid......). I do anyway.  :D
When you consider that Kevin Grosskreutz was a major part of a Dortmund side that one two Bundesligas and made a CL final, that James Milner was a major part of a side that won an FA Cup and Premier Leauge, that Paulinho was a major part of a side that dominated the Confedetions Cup, that Sami Khedira was a major part of a side that won a La Liga title and a Copa Del Rey, that Darren Fletcher was a major part of a side that dominated the Premier League and made two Champions League finals, that Claudio Marchisio is a major part of one of the best domestic sides in Serie A history, and that Ramires is a major part of possibly our biggest title rivals, Henderson looks like less of a weak link. None of those players is appreciably better than Henderson technically.

Of all the top, top sides in the world, only those that play extreme tiki-taka (i.e. Barca and Bayern), Real Madrid (who would probably be playing Khedira in big games if he were healthy), and Man City (who have two 250k a week super-Hendersons) really play without a Henderson. To improve on what he does, you're talking about Arturo Vidal, Fernandinho, Di Maria, i.e. some of the very best midfielders in the world. Barkley could not have played the role Henderson played yesterday, and Deulofeu will never be able to. They're both obviously more talented than Jordan, and have a better chance to play the piano, but they'll always need their Hendersons to carry it, at least on a team that plays at our current intensity.

I'd like to see us bring in a more technical alternative (and to let Allen, a more technical player who does a lot of the piano carrying things too, take up more of the minutes), but I think you're underselling how important Henderson is to what we've been doing this season. Against United, he and Allen were playing one of the toughest positions in football, and the main reason you see the diamond so rarely. They had to play two positions defensively, and provide an outlet in possession, and they helped us absolutely smother United in midfield. Job well done from my point of view.
« Last Edit: March 18, 2014, 01:35:49 am by ElstonGunn »

Offline DanA

  • misses the Eurovision Glory Days.
  • Legacy Fan
  • ******
  • Posts: 12,127
  • We all Live in a Red and White Kop
Re: RAWK Round Table Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool
« Reply #77 on: March 18, 2014, 01:49:24 am »
Jordan Henderson is a necessary player for me. His huge running capacity makes up for Gerrard's fading one and his speed ensures our strikers aren't often left isolated up top. In the midfield diamond against the Mancs he was supporting Johnson's flank superbly, and pressed well but he was deceptively useful going forward providing an easy out ball. I must admit it's only when I looked at the stat sheets that I noticed he had 21 more passes than the next best (Gerrard) which equates to about 30% more ball. In a game of such intensity that'easy out shouldn't be quickly dismissed.

I get the desire for a bit more quality, much as with Kuyt, his short comings are evident. But to replace him the first question has to be who can play his role? I don't see many out there. There's maybe a handful of players with his running capacity, capable of meeting his defensive contribution which I think is a requirement with Gerrard in the team. Even fewer that have the quality going forward to be an improvement on our lad from Sunderland.

« Last Edit: March 18, 2014, 01:51:46 am by DanA »
Quote from: hinesy
He hadn't played as if he was on fire, more the slight breeze cutting across New Brighton on a summer's day than El Nino, the force of nature.

Offline Canuck33

  • Anny Roader
  • ****
  • Posts: 431
  • We all Live in a Red and White Kop
Re: RAWK Round Table Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool
« Reply #78 on: March 18, 2014, 02:20:37 am »
Rodgers' preferred formation used to be the 4-3-3. Wingbacks, 1-2 midfield, 2-1 attack with IFs rather than wingers. With the way the SAS has turned out, he tried different formations to accommodate 2 CFs. We played 3-5-2 or a flat 4-4-2, neither really working out for us.

Now we are playing the 4-4-2 diamond for a couple of games and so far it has been brilliant. It utilizes our playing staff really well and to their individual strength. Suarez and Sturridge can roam free up top without having to worry about crowding out a winger, Gerrard dictating from deep with the legs and pressing of Henderson and Allen ahead of him and either Coutinho or Sterling in the centre of that pentagon linking it all together.

With everyone available for selection, I can't see us changing it up too much. And why should we. Let the opposition worry about us.

Offline DanA

  • misses the Eurovision Glory Days.
  • Legacy Fan
  • ******
  • Posts: 12,127
  • We all Live in a Red and White Kop
Re: RAWK Round Table Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool
« Reply #79 on: March 18, 2014, 02:34:58 am »
Rodgers' preferred formation used to be the 4-3-3. Wingbacks, 1-2 midfield, 2-1 attack with IFs rather than wingers. With the way the SAS has turned out, he tried different formations to accommodate 2 CFs. We played 3-5-2 or a flat 4-4-2, neither really working out for us.

Now we are playing the 4-4-2 diamond for a couple of games and so far it has been brilliant. It utilizes our playing staff really well and to their individual strength. Suarez and Sturridge can roam free up top without having to worry about crowding out a winger, Gerrard dictating from deep with the legs and pressing of Henderson and Allen ahead of him and either Coutinho or Sterling in the centre of that pentagon linking it all together.

With everyone available for selection, I can't see us changing it up too much. And why should we. Let the opposition worry about us.

I'd argue all the formations worked given results and i'm not so sure Rodgers is married to the current formation, More that it suited his needs given the opposition and the players he had in form and available.

A lot I think in future will come down to opposition IMO. I don't think we'd play this way against Chelsea as it offers too much space for Hazard and Willian which is their major threat. Could see us playing similar against Tottenham and Man City though. They are really strong centrally.
Quote from: hinesy
He hadn't played as if he was on fire, more the slight breeze cutting across New Brighton on a summer's day than El Nino, the force of nature.