The Official Liverpool FC Thread [Vol 17]

[Adam B]

Pothole said:

Comments like this are utterly ridiculous. Why does this team need a kick up the arse?

More of a reminder to not be complacent, which we were at times tonight

No one is criticising the team or manager generally (of course not) but we want the standards to not drop, especially with a tough draw against AM to come

[ferrisbueller]

Just wondering whether Mane took it off Bobby for the disallowed 4th. Think he would have got there.

Survived another tough game. 4 wins to go.

[Flip Martian]

pinchmeimdreamin said:

I’m not criticising for what he had done goals wise. I am annoyed by the dive and the fact he is being too greedy

Yeah the dive annoyed me - he looked like he'd been shot...

[epom]

Mo had a very good last 20. Our super defense was pretty sceptical tonight. Impressed with The Hammers.

[Pothole]

Adam B said:

Pothole said:

Comments like this are utterly ridiculous. Why does this team need a kick up the arse?

More of a reminder to not be complacent, which we were at times tonight

No one is criticising the team or manager generally (of course not) but we want the standards to not drop, especially with a tough draw against AM to come

That's not what I mean by kick up the arse. I don't think anyone even close to the team is complacent.

[type-r]

Keita seems to need to 4 or 5 games before he warms up to operating temperature. He seems to be slow to think, slow to operate... it's almost like he hits the reset button every time he comes back from injury. That's part of his problem. Picking up injuries and returning slowly. Doubts will rightly remain on his ability to cut it with this team.

Salah whilst he can be frustrating to watch at times, does on the whole always contribute in some form. He always gets the ball because he runs into the right positions but is seemingly immune to criticism of his many poor shots, misses and loss of the ball - as he always pops up with a goal or an assist. He has the ability to be truly world class but the last part of his decision making lets him down. Still such an important part of our team and we wouldn't be where we are without him.

That all being said, 4 more wins....

[RobDickinson]

type-r said:

Keita seems to need to 4 or 5 games before he warms up to operating temperature. He seems to be slow to think, slow to operate... it's almost like he hits the reset button every time he comes back from injury. That's part of his problem. Picking up injuries and returning slowly. Doubts will rightly remain on his ability to cut it with this team.

in exactly the way Ox doesnt.


Salah is frustrating at times, he's given more attention than other attackers which allows them more freedom, but does seem to fluff chances he should take. Though scores plenty too

[Pothole]

Footystats has this interesting comparison between Mo and Sadio:

THIS SEASON FOR SADIO MANÉ
0.61 Goals
Per 90 min'
0.28 Assists
Per 90 min'
PREVIOUS SEASON 0.64 GOALS

THIS SEASON FOR MOHAMED SALAH GHALY
0.65 Goals
Per 90 min'
0.26 Assists
Per 90 min'
PREVIOUS SEASON 0.61 GOALS

Mo has improved, Sadio hasn't according to those states

here's a more in depth breakdown.

[Double Fault]

Was pleased to see our corner takers actually get the ball up in the air for a change.

[TheHat]

Feels like we got away with that last night, even though we had a fair few chances as well as those scored.

Was disappointed in Keita as that could have been the start of a run that keeps his place for the rest of the season. As it stands can't see how he starts above AOC for the rest of the seaon

[ferrisbueller]

I think he has to keep playing him. Over 50 appearances now. His impact is overdue.

The scary thing about this season is how much room for improvement can be seen in individual and team performances.

[TheHat]

ferrisbueller said:

I think he has to keep playing him. Over 50 appearances now. His impact is overdue.

The scary thing about this season is how much room for improvement can be seen in individual and team performances.

I can see where you are coming from, but as it stands we haven't won anything. once we are over the line then he can have a go at trying to play himself into form.
last night was a sharp reminder that you can lose to anyone if you aren't right at it.

[slow_poke]

Hey lads, somebody catch me up - how many more wins?

(It's been a long, long thirty years for a lad more used to the halcyon days of the mid-70s & the 80s.)

[TheHat]

slow_poke said:

Hey lads, somebody catch me up - how many more wins?

(It's been a long, long thirty years for a lad more used to the halcyon days of the mid-70s & the 80s.)

4, presuming City win theirs.

[ferrisbueller]

TheHat said:

ferrisbueller said:

I think he has to keep playing him. Over 50 appearances now. His impact is overdue.

The scary thing about this season is how much room for improvement can be seen in individual and team performances.

I can see where you are coming from, but as it stands we haven't won anything. once we are over the line then he can have a go at trying to play himself into form.
last night was a sharp reminder that you can lose to anyone if you aren't right at it.

For sure, carrying players is not an option. I'd be looking at the team sheet for the Atletico game and then working my way back, assuming Hendo won't be fit. Watford away, then there's the FA Cup at Chelsea and Bournemouth at home.

Not sure whether the FA Cup starts getting taken more seriously now but the squad has to work and if Keita is going to make a meaningful contribution he's got to play to improve. I still think our midfield needs strengthening in the summer.

Meanwhile, reports in Germany that Werner's buyout is 30m.

[Adam B]

Pothole said:

Footystats has this interesting comparison between Mo and Sadio:

THIS SEASON FOR SADIO MANÉ
0.61 Goals
Per 90 min'
0.28 Assists
Per 90 min'
PREVIOUS SEASON 0.64 GOALS

THIS SEASON FOR MOHAMED SALAH GHALY
0.65 Goals
Per 90 min'
0.26 Assists
Per 90 min'
PREVIOUS SEASON 0.61 GOALS

Mo has improved, Sadio hasn't according to those

Shows how stats are misleading, stats will show one goal each last night, that does not reflect their input, Salahs shot was poor and should have been routinely saved.

I still like and support the player but last night I spent a lot of time shouting at him on TV. He is still a dangerous player so the best he does sometimes is keep 1 or 2 defenders tied up and creates space for others. But his inability to hold up a ball and lay it off the way he is facing is bloody annoying, a video montage of his touches last night would show how poor he was. Mane and Firmino were below par too but at least they retain possession

[Chris Stott]

Last 2 seasons, Salah has more combined goals and assists than any player in Europe other than Messi. I think we can allow him the odd off game every now and then before vilifying him.

Wasn’t just Salah who was poor last night... I’m struggling to think of anyone who put in a good good performance other than Trent.

[ferrisbueller]

Chris Stott said:

Last 2 seasons, Salah has more combined goals and assists than any player in Europe other than Messi. I think we can allow him the odd off game every now and then before vilifying him.

Wasn’t just Salah who was poor last night... I’m struggling to think of anyone who put in a good good performance other than Trent.

Fabianski was great.

[Chris Stott]

ferrisbueller said:

Fabianski was great.

I’m sure Bluemoon will be screaming we paid him off or something equally as mad.

[Adam B]

I am not vilifying him, I am saying he had a very poor game. I will praise him when he has a good game.

There are elements of his game which could be improved though, and I hope that happens.

Thought VVD, Robertson, Fab, Gini and Ox did OK. Allison made a great head save towards the end too.

Anyway another 3 points closer and our ability to win whilst playing poorly is impressive

Edited by Adam B on Tuesday 25th February 12:23