1.) 24 Aug 2016
24 Aug 2016 05:31:04
Backline looked decent and grew into the game. Matip looked composed and a really good passer from the back, looked more like a midfielder in his choice of passes and direct play.

Can added a lot more stability to midfield and he and Hendo together worked really well (again! ) in terms of a partnership, directing play and breaking down attacks. Hendo often to be seen standing up their player with the ball, with Can mopping up behind (unlike he gaping holes of last weekend) so we rarely looked overrun on the break. Llalana looked decent in advanced midfield and having Can and Hendo doing the legwork meant he had a bit more freedom to roam and looked good for it. suits his energy and style to try pull defenders all over the park.

Going forward Firmino and Origi always looked dangerous and having Origi's presence in the box was a real threat and we looked far better for having someone to aim at from out wide. Clyne in particular benefitting. Mane was simply outstanding yet again. The first goal was a two on one from a standing start yet still managed to run around them to cross the ball for Origi to tap in. He man looks very very dangerous one on one, but also makes dangerous runs in behind, can cross the ball etc. I said mid last season we should get someone like him in (ie a true goalscoring winger) but I had no idea how big his impact would be in terms of pulling defences out of position and creating the space for others to thrive. Can't wait to see Ojo back for the same reason.

In terms of subs, all smart. Wijnaldum replace Llalana - perfect choice to play further up the pitch than previously and he looked more dangerous for it. Stewart for Can locked the game down and he looked very good directing play from the back. Most impressively Sturridge. He played far better for having Origi in the box drawing defenders and he used the space well to score 2 goals. One good run in behind to tap in a cross, but the second was class, ghosting into space in the box, receiving Manes pass and belting in the goal without almost not even a backswing. His ability to score in tight spaces and generate power from nowhere is excellent.

In short, it seemed we played almost a 4-2-3-1 with Can and Hendo directing the game well an Llalana and Firmino in more flexible roaming roles feeding Mane and Origi wig lots of dangerous possession .

Very little to complain about, perhaps a few good runs that we could have spotted earlier to score even more, but overall a good performance IMO.

2.) 24 Aug 2016
24 Aug 2016 06:50:11
4-3-3 with Can central and deepest of the 3. Looked much better.

3.) 24 Aug 2016
24 Aug 2016 08:19:12
Saw glimpses of Hansen in Matip. Hopefully he'll play v spurs.

4.) 24 Aug 2016
24 Aug 2016 08:41:39
RR, come on lad can't we just say he had a decent first game and leave it there, because when people make comparisons like that it just heaps unnecessary pressure on the player because I'm sure your not the only one to make that comment about matip.

5.) 24 Aug 2016
24 Aug 2016 08:42:18
Agree Fensh, was supposed to be a 4-3-3 but Can and Hendo were definitely the most disciplined positionally while Llalana, Firmino and Mane were all given a fair amount of license to roam. Mane even popped up in the no.10 role a few times and injected pace through the midfield sometimes, while Llalana turned up at left wing and right wing a fair few times too.

I liked the fact we had a good solid base to allow the forwards to run riot, with the right players playing to each of their strengths ensuring we looked very dangerous yet didn't get outnumbered on the break.