09 Aug 2015 20:44:57
High points from today:

clyne's and Gomez's defensive.positioning and ability to read the play are great and a significant improvement over last season. Not to mention that we can rely on them to sit back during corners which will let our larger CBs to attempt (unsuccessfully no doubt) to score headers. Plus I don't think anyone would argue they'd rather see clyne and Gomez manage a break away than the rashness of skrtel.

Can. Should be a starter.

Firminio, though had little opportunity to contribute, looked lively and creative. Should bring some of that Suarez work ethic and trickery.

Ibe didn't have to defend as much

Benteke worked to make runs, and regularly muscled defenders. Could see the beginning of understanding between Henderson, coutinho and Ibe

The clean sheet. This is possibly equal to or more important than the goal. 1-0 wins and clean sheets may make all the difference in may

Low points:

lallana. We were much better after he was subbed. Partially due to Can's influence, partially because lallana is one dimensional. He dribbles at players and either loses the ball or looks for the pass outside. He has a great work ethic but I don't rate him any more than I did kuyt. He should definitely be moved to the bench and brought on when we look lethargic and need a boost of energy or want to pressure defenders high up the field, but he provides little else.

Lovren. Look miles better than last season but far from being worthy of a start. He continually drifts to the left touch line creating space that either allows forwards to run into, or pulls Henderson deeper which renders our midfield useless.

Mignolet. Had some fair saves but his distribution and the quickness with which he gets the ball back into play leaves much to be desired. There was one point where benteke wanted the ball quickly for a counter and migs held it and you could see him shaking his head. I can't help but feel this should be an easy fix.

The partnership of Henderson and milner. Still early days but didn't seem to work together well. And were mostly nonexistent.

Coutinho's shot that surely poses a threat to the international space station.

All in all wins like this may be what gets us 4th (or more) this season. And with the option s we had to bring off the bench I can't help but feel we're vastly improved over last season. And this was without Lucas, Sturridge, or Flanagan. A lot to look forward to this year

1.) 09 Aug 2015
09 Aug 2015 21:34:51
Agreed mate we looked better after the change Clyne looked impressive Gomez held his own against a strong player.

Milner sound Benteke jury out

2.) 09 Aug 2015
09 Aug 2015 21:35:41
Top post mate.
I am afraid but can't see Lucas in BR's plans.
Markovic is a very talented and only WINGER.
Play him if you want to play a winger.

3.) 09 Aug 2015
09 Aug 2015 21:37:34
I can't see can getting many starts when sturridge returns because both him and benteke will start and milner and henderson won't be benched

4.) 09 Aug 2015
09 Aug 2015 21:52:33
A gree in part. Milner an Hendo were shackled all game long because Hendo was playing the DM or DLP position which does not work. Can came on and that changed the game because it allowed Milner and Hendo to press further up the pitch and win the ball there hence, providing Benteke with more options in the box which put them on the back foot. Skrtel as usual, had heart in mouth errors again selling Mingo short which almost cost us. BR needs to learn quickly from this because we will struggle if he doesn't. Play Can or Lucas at DM and unleash Milner and Hendo to press up the pitch. Benteke ran his socks off and worked hard for the team all game. I'm happy with the effort he showed. All in all, I'll take the points because I admit, I would have taken a draw.

5.) 10 Aug 2015
09 Aug 2015 23:10:09
Harry, were you not banging the drum about Markovic not being a winger and Ibe as the only winger? Or is that dependant on the day it is?

6.) 10 Aug 2015
10 Aug 2015 00:42:26
@redohio I don't get why you are just pointing out one mistake Skrtel made. Lovren made similar one while trying to clear the ball after we scored. You also forgot to mention how Skrtel cleared the ball that was bound for goal. I personally think Skrtel is our second best defender, behind Sakho.

7.) 10 Aug 2015
10 Aug 2015 01:29:27
Anyone catch the reactions of players when Migs held on to the ball too long rather than distributing effectively? Rather telling as I see it.

8.) 10 Aug 2015
10 Aug 2015 05:53:58
Irish

Markovic is not an out and out winger like Ibe. But his biggest weapon is lethal pace and could certainly do a better job than Lallana on the flanks.

9.) 10 Aug 2015
10 Aug 2015 08:46:44
Kio that certainly wasn't skrtel's only mistake.

btw agree Irish EG just tends to throw any old thing out and then contradict himself a month or so down the line.

10.) 10 Aug 2015
10 Aug 2015 09:11:48
So after all the Markovic playing thru the middle, behind the forward, he can now play on the wing? You change your mind soo many times! You are not a woman by any chance?