11 Aug 2015 16:09:41
There will be games that we play well. There will be games that we play bad. The difference between a top 4 finish and a finish outside the top 4 is whether we win those game we play badly in. Against Stoke was 1 of them.
Many have said there wasn't any creativity and we diidnt play well. But try to remember that against certain sides, everyone will have thos scrappy games. And Stoke is one of those sides.
Flowing, attractive football will be played agianst teams that play a more open game.
Also, remember that we will concede goals! And it will be by fault of a mistake by a defender or a midfielder. That's football! If all 1w of our players always play a perfect game, we would score everytime we have the ball, we would never concede a goal, and win every game.
Sundays game wasn't the best to watch, but I jumped up and screamed when we scored.
I saw some promise in movement from Benteke, I saw glimpses of our midfield looking up to make the cross to Benteke, I saw a 1-2 with Coutinho and Beneteke. I saw Skrlt make a decisive block.
Can was briliant when he came on. So was Firmino.
But best of all, we won an away game. A difficult game.

{Ed001's Note - I take it you haven't seen Stoke since Pulis left? They play an open game under Hughes. I expect even more open this season without N'Zonzi.}

1.) 11 Aug 2015
11 Aug 2015 16:45:33
It's not the opposition who decides what you play, it's yourself.

2.) 11 Aug 2015
11 Aug 2015 17:13:20
EG it is the opposition you play that dictates your play and player selection. It happen every week in all leagues across the world.

3.) 11 Aug 2015
11 Aug 2015 17:43:39
Stoke have a very good squad. A stronger "team" that Spurs, Everton and West Ham if you ask me.

4.) 11 Aug 2015
11 Aug 2015 20:27:51
Forza I didn't say they have a weak side.I actually think their squad is very good. And Ed, they have changed their game a lot since Pulis, but they do play a more physical game. Its a very different game as to playing Swansea for example. Stoke close down players and break up play very well. Its a good way to play. But it also doesn't allow teams like Liverpool to walk the ball into the box. So a lot of fans won't see the "exciting" game they expect. Liverpool always look a "stronger" side when they play an attacking team. And I'm not saying Stoke isn't moving towards an attacking way of playing. But they still have the physical break down of play. The slower flow of play