17 Dec 2017 09:33:11
Just saw the Everton penalty for the first time (internet been goosed) - I figured, before hand, that it will likely look a penalty as many on here were saying it was. However, after watching it, I cannot believe anyone said it was a penalty, probably one of the softest penalties I've seen this season - absolute minimal contact, a blatant dive when there was absolutely no need to go to ground and a referee who looked poised and ready to throw them a lifeline. Don't get me wrong, after watching the highlights, we were to blame for not killing the game, but damn what a poor decision. Speaking of poor decisions that Mane chance - where he should of passed - was shocking: those players need to realise that this is a team game and that benefits to the team outweigh personal glory.

1.) 17 Dec 2017
17 Dec 2017 09:44:54
Mane has not been the same since his post match argument with Klopp after the Chelsea game when he brought him on after 89 minutes. What was the point of that?

2.) 17 Dec 2017
17 Dec 2017 09:52:11
Mane looks like he's jealous of Mo, sounds pathetic but that's the vibe I get when I watch him at the minute.

3.) 17 Dec 2017
17 Dec 2017 10:10:26
If Mane plays today he will be back to his best.

4.) 17 Dec 2017
17 Dec 2017 12:00:34
That penalty incident said more about Lovren's daftness than the ref's "screw up".
Many ghost penalties been given and will still be given, mistakenly or thru sheer incompetence or cheating.

As a defender, as Lovren, you should know better than to unnecessarily put yourself in a situation where a call has to be made. He made the ref to make a call when there was really NO NEED to. When warranted, sure go for it.

Instead of Klopp railing at the officials, he should of looked much closer to home. As should Lovren himself.
The game isn't perfect. Refs don't have bionic eyes. Mistakes will be made.

A player should be smart and shrewd enough to not give the referee unnecessary calls. The penalty was given. It stands. 2 points dropped. Move on.

{Ed001's Note - but Lovren didn't do anything other than get jumped into. That is the point, everyone is so keen to jump on Lovren's back but he never even made a challenge. It is amazing how you are all so desperate to abuse Lovren that you make these accusations.}

5.) 17 Dec 2017
17 Dec 2017 12:02:36
Mane is desperate to get back to form and yes he will be envious of mo and the form that he is in.

Mane needs to remember its a team game and that his form will return.

6.) 17 Dec 2017
17 Dec 2017 12:20:39
Look at it from Mane's point of view.
Dropped for a big game, left on the bench for 89 minutes and then asked to warm up and run about for injury time?
How is he meant to change the game in injury time? He should have been on earlier.

That kind of decision sits alongside Rafa's when he brought Torres off. That signalled the end for Rafa as the senior players lost confidence in him.

7.) 17 Dec 2017
17 Dec 2017 12:38:01
As I said after the game with everton the refereeing in the premier league is abysmal bar a couple of good refs. look at the city game with Tottenham last night. Otamendi kicked Kane in the face Danny roses shove on sterling I think kanes and dele Ali's shocking challenges. I know its a tough job but there is no consistency with there decisions and that's what gets people riled.

8.) 17 Dec 2017
17 Dec 2017 14:11:32
Ed01

We'll put the penalty to rest.
Regarding Lovren, I think it's fair to say everyone makes mistakes. Even the "top, top" will sometimes have brain fart.

And I get that fans can sometimes go overboard with him. But is that not inexplicable. Lovren makes so many mistakes that the next, slightest one he makes gets amplified and is always viewed/ criticized in the whole context of him as a player.

Aldewereild makes a similar mistake as Lovren in that Spurs game and it'll quickly be forgotten. No questions or criticisms about Toby's quality as a player.

Many slaughtered Lovren for the penalty incident. But I honestly feel it was more about his overall quality as player than the penalty incident itself.

People's minds are made up on him, and to be fair I don't think he's done much to dispel their notions about him.

It's a sad situation as the player is now primarily set on not mistakes instead of being free playing out of himself.
You can see it in his eyes, in his game. His too self-conscious and his confidence seems shot.

I think his psychology is messed up. I don't know hey.

{Ed001's Note - agreed.}