26 Nov 2016 17:06:28
Match review ed?

{Ed001's Note - a frustrating game for most of it, we were very slack on the ball, leading to the breakdown of moves, never looking quite at the races, though still dominating completely. Sunderland not just parked the bus, they attempted to kick us out of our stride at every moment. They had no intention of trying to win that game, just to kick us into submission.

Then Klopp's frustration with the crowd saw him gee them up and get them behind the team, and it lifted the performance. The rest was, as they say, history. That was all that was needed. The crowd getting in behind them.

Disappointing to see both Couts and Firmino taken off injured. Not a surprise that they eventually got taken off though, as they were being kicked at every turn, it was bound to lead to knocks. To be fair to Origi though, he was excellent and totally bullied their backline.

Nice to see Woodburn get a run out as well, though he needed a bit more time to get into the game properly.

Karius - never really had any real involvement in the game, apart from smothering one breakthrough for them. Had a few times on the ball and was mostly accurate with his delivery, which is a bonus.

Clyne - this is the kind of game that he becomes a weakness, as his delivery and passing are just not good enough. There were a number of times he got into good areas but failed to put a decent ball in.

Matip - like Karius, he had very little to do, Defoe spent most of the game trying to be in Lovren's areas, on the rare occasions he was in our half, and so Matip ended up mostly playing in midfield. His passing was mostly good and he had about as good a game as possible.

Lovren - apart from one error, he was excellent. Like Matip, he was able to spend most of the game in their half playing in midfield. Had one stonking shot that went wide and got on the end of a couple of set pieces. He was also the man who kept them all quiet for the game, with his interceptions and shepherding. At times he seemed like the only player truly up for it.

Milner - he has really grown into the left back role now, providing a constant threat down our left, though his inability to ping it in first time on the run with his left foot on a consistent basis is a weakness. Other than that, he had a good game and put away the penalty to kill the game off.

Wijnaldum - a mixed game, he is everywhere, gets involved in everything, but sometimes it just does not come off for him.

Henderson - another one who had a mixed game. He was also everywhere, involved in everything, but there was so little room to play passes through that he was finding it difficult to create, like Wijnaldum. He did do a lot to make sure that they never got the chance to build anything, constantly seeing off danger.

Can - he struggled a bit in the first half to make an impression on the game, but gradually grew into it. In the second half he was much more effective and able to be an influence going forward.

Mane - not his best day, though he gave their defence kittens all day long, his final ball was awful. He did create space for others and their defenders could not cope with him, but he needs to improve his shooting, crossing and passing. Just an off day hopefully.

Firmino - as usual, excellent, ran his socks off, created chances, dragged their defenders everywhere and was kicked all over the pitch until we eventually had to take him off injured. Needed a goal though.

Coutinho - was looking dangerous, so they kicked him, kicked him and kicked him some more. They were pulling shirts, pushing him, and doing everything they could to stop him. Then he broke into the box, despite being fouled, leaving him off balance, which led to a block tackle (a clean challenge but caused by the foul outside the box) and an injury after just half an hour. Shame, as they clearly could not cope with him by legal means.

Subs:

Origi - came on early for the injured Coutinho and was excellent. He showed power, pace, skill and was a real thorn in their side. When they were trying to bully him, they were coming off second best, as he battered them with his strength, holding them off easily. He is a really special talent and fully deserved his goal.

Lucas - came on late for the injured Firmino but had little time to affect the match.

Woodburn - only on for the dying seconds of the match, barely had time to do anything, but he did get involved with a tackle.}

1.) 27 Nov 2016
27 Nov 2016 08:55:57
Hi Ed. Do you not think in in games like that it would be better to rest Clyne and play TAA or even 3 at the back?

{Ed001's Note - no, you don't change a winning team until there are signs it has been worked out. We are dominating, there is no need to change things.}

2.) 27 Nov 2016
27 Nov 2016 09:15:02
Like the confident reply! I agree but, like you, get a bit frustrated with Clyne's delivery at times! (Although he is playing quite well) . Also I enjoy our strength in depth and would want more game time for some. But I agree a winning team should remain as it sends a clear message to the team: keep winning and you keep your place! Come on you reds. I'm enjoying the ride!

3.) 27 Nov 2016
27 Nov 2016 12:32:00
Karius also put the ball out for a corner from a goal kick and matip the same with a back pass which were the pair of thems only real mistake. Wijnaldum and Hendo first half and for most of the second were the reason for the crowds frustrations both of them would get the ball in 5/ 10 yards of space (mainly when deep) and rather that running forward they stand still and pass backwards? They were slowing us down far more and far deeper than lallana ever did. Mane had an off day and like ed says we were far too slow and ponderous on the ball.

4.) 27 Nov 2016
27 Nov 2016 13:17:31
Ed001, if Firmino, Coutinho, Lallana and Sturridge are still missing, who would you start up top for the next game?

{Ed001's Note - Origi.}

5.) 27 Nov 2016
27 Nov 2016 14:13:55
i thought wiji had a pretty good game, thought he was really neat in possession, i agree he could and should and i believe he will start to have more influence.

6.) 27 Nov 2016
27 Nov 2016 14:42:27
thanks ed1 mate.

7.) 27 Nov 2016
27 Nov 2016 15:06:45
Even though I hope Firmino and Lallana are playing next weekend, I think it's time to give young Brannagan his shot (I'm assuming Coutinho and Sturridge will be out) .