Liverpool Banter Archive December 13 2015

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13 Dec 2015 22:48:18
Not just motd fever, I've said it for 2 years. Sissoko is surely a player we should be taking interest in?

Believable2 Unbelievable8

14 Dec 2015 00:18:12
No thanks, 85. We already have Can.

14 Dec 2015 00:22:05
I like him, I think he suits our style now, but he is a bit inconsistent. Think we could aim higher of we are to sign players though.

14 Dec 2015 04:45:13
a very good player in average newcastle side. he has a real drive in him like a yaya toure he is difficult to get off the ball. i thing he will be a great signing but i thought the same when we got allen.
obviously different players .

{Ed001's Note - he has that same tendency to do nothing, like Yaya Toure, which is why we should steer well clear.}

14 Dec 2015 04:52:50
haha ed 001 classic. he might be a great player if he gets consistent.
oh well on second thought every one would be!

{Ed001's Note - exactly, it is not normally the ability that differs between players, most of them are capable of passing, tackling and shooting etc to a high level. It is mentality that makes the difference. A player like Yaya will go missing because he can't be bothered, Sissoko the same, which means you can't trust them to perform when you need them. It is not an Ozil/Silva kind of missing, where the game can pass them by if they are not receiving enough of the ball, as both those players are still making an effort to try and get on the ball and make things happen. Yaya and Sissoko will just not bother if they don't feel like it.}

14 Dec 2015 08:15:56
Why do you think it is possible for a league 2 club to beat a premier league club in the fa cup?

The difference between a lot of players is not that much at all. You look at Kane and ballotelli, who has the better attitude and who is doing well?

Rooney and Ronaldo?

13 Dec 2015 21:10:37
Mignolet

Bugs the guylian out of me! I don't feel confident with him at all. Why go to attack the ball and take out two of your players and concede the goal. Bogdan has only conceded 1 goal in his games he has played and i know before everyone jumps on it he has only played a handful of games. He needs to go and get a replacement in not offered a new contract.

Believable4 Unbelievable1

13 Dec 2015 22:37:13
Agree Allyb, posted last week that Mingolet is always probably going to make mistakes even if he has improved under Klopp. he was poor today at fault for the first goal, almost gifted another stopping the ball going for a throw in and stupidly punched when a catch wasn't difficult. can't judge him for the second goal as it was too far away. Doesn't fill the crowd with confidence, imagine playing in front of him!

Hood, Klopp was just trying to build his confidence recently as I think if he does rate him, we've got problems.

14 Dec 2015 00:21:05
Migs is a great shot stopper but he's not the brightest at making decisions an due to this will cost us goals and points i'm afraid.

14 Dec 2015 00:22:43
Klopp is a psychologist. If he ploughs into Mingo now, he kills whatever is left of his confidence. Don't care what Klopp says, Mingo knows he messed up on the first goal which gave WBA the energy they needed to park the bus even more. Personally, I'm done with him and Bogdan should be given a chance. I know it won't happen. Just venting because he has gotten on my last nerve for the last time.

14 Dec 2015 00:35:41
Said it for a while now, we will never have a decent defence with Mignolet in goal.
He might be a good shot stopper, David James was a very good shot stopper, but if you're liable to drop at least one clanger every game then shot stopping won't help you.

He is the weak link at the moment and needs replacing ASAP.

Agree with alan50 about 2 up top. Absolutely ridiculous playing the statuesque Benteke in the middle against 4 defenders. He is too easy to mark. Origi should start.

Klopp got it wrong today, he needs to take the handbreak off at home and go with 2 strikers.

14 Dec 2015 00:42:28
Klopp tok smart to destroy mog confidence. But he will recruit another keeper definitely to replace him. The machevillian side of klopp will surfaced and u will see klopp find the slightest excuse to rest mig and replace him for good.

14 Dec 2015 02:24:34
lol, I remember thinking what a crap keeper when suarez beat him on his near post at sunderland, then we go ahead and buy him. : ( its like our scouts are unable to understand quaality and just focus on stats etc.

13 Dec 2015 23:38:02
Bogdan surely deserves a crack at no1 when the current no1 continuously makes memorable significqnt errors.

14 Dec 2015 07:40:59
To be fair Bogdan isn't spectacular but he's been solid when he's played. Perhaps not as good a shot stopper as Migs but more commanding in the box. I'm sure Klopp will want Butland or another top keeper in the summer.

14 Dec 2015 08:25:13
New rule

Noone when praising mignolet is allowed to use the phrase "he's a good shot stopper" or any variation to the same point.

14 Dec 2015 09:08:55
to be fair I would be willing to give Ward a shot at number 1 next season rather than spend god knows how much on Butland. By all reports we have a young GK with a lot of potential, why not try youth first?

13 Dec 2015 20:26:29
We really do need to start with 2 up top from the start, sick to death of playing 1 up front at home, any striker is going to struggle on their own, get 2 up front to play off each other.

Also we need to start putting a much better quality ball in the box, a ball were it hurts, also when we get the around the box instead of playing it around, now and again we need players to actually take players on were we could win more free kicks or even penalties.

Believable4 Unbelievable3

14 Dec 2015 00:27:10
Some of the balls into the box were good but u wouldn't know it because Benteke was too busy standing next to his marker instead of making runs, gambling on where the ball would come, getting away from his marker and dragging defenders out of position. hey, I'm rooting for the guy but no one but him, can keep his head down, bust a gut to get into positions where he can score. As for next game, I would play Origi and Firmino up top with Benteke coming off the bench.

14 Dec 2015 08:38:43
Benteke needs dropping. that's is the only thing that needs to happen to this team, and we will start winning.

13 Dec 2015 20:17:55
Only really Liverpool related because of Lovren's injury, but there is a school of thought that says that Pulis instructs his players to "leave one on" the opponent when going in for tackles.

Not seen today's incident so can't comment but if my memory serves me, it was Shawcross, then under Pulis at Stoke, who smashed Eduardo Silva's leg a few years ago. My recollection of that challenge was that Shawcross seemed to really stretch, much further than he needed to, in order to make sure he nailed Silva. Bit of a hazy memory so maybe I'm being unfair.

Pretty difficult to prove I guess.

Believable5 Unbelievable2

13 Dec 2015 20:25:06
The Shawcross example I really don't believe. The lad was in tears from it, and he does not look like that type of player at all. Pulis just likes physicality over technical play.

{Ed001's Note - Pulis likes players to go out and bully the opposition and leave one on them. When you ask your players to do that, you are increasing the chance of a serious injury such as a leg break. It is why the late lunges and reckless challenges were outlawed in the first place. It is not that they are deliberately trying to break a leg, but they are trying to catch the player as well.}

13 Dec 2015 21:43:32
It was shawcross vs ramsey.

13 Dec 2015 21:55:15
Is there not a fine line between being aggressive and breaking someone's leg. No one plays like that but sometimes and only sometimes you would want your players to go out and be assertive. Look at the united game last year we were like fairies against them, we let them walk all over us

And before anyone becomes a hypocrite, we all looked for carras tackle in the first 5 of any big game? Anyone call for his head after nearly taking nanis leg off? Gerrard on Herrera?

You have to show aggression in a game of football. Sometimes it can go bad, but not intentionally.

13 Dec 2015 22:28:06
It was a shocker, he went for the man not the ball. Disgusting challenge and a potential career threatening challenge. Was bad enough seeing it live, but watch this.

It gets worse every time you see it.

goo.gl/JBLLrn

13 Dec 2015 23:13:31
Slight overreaction mr Dennis I think, yeah he went in very hard but his foot rolled over the ball. He went in to win the ball, I don't believe he had intentions to kneecap lovren.

13 Dec 2015 23:50:24
He's foot went over the ball? He's foot shouldn't of been that night to go over the ball! How can you justify a tackle like that? It's horrendous! On the slow motion look at the bend in Lovren's leg. Disgraceful.

14 Dec 2015 00:39:47
It was a terrible tackle and a straight red card.
MOTD pundits got it completely wrong but then what would shearer know about a fair tackle?

FA should impose retrospective ban IMO.

14 Dec 2015 00:43:52
Hope FA charge the player.

14 Dec 2015 01:50:38
They can't charge him it was dealt with on the pitch by the ref?

13 Dec 2015 19:45:11
What did everyone think of the gardener challenge on Lovren? Personally I thought it was quite reckless and he never seemed in control. Also the lack of acknowledgement of the foul from the ref was a tad annoying especially after he gave a free kick against skrtle in the first half for a reckless challenge even when he didn't make contact with the player. Sorry for the moan!

On a plus side, origi is looking decent and we're playing right til the end and not farting about with the ball until the whistle goes.

Believable5 Unbelievable0

{Ed001's Note - without doubt a deliberate follow through.}

13 Dec 2015 20:07:50
Do you think he'll get a retrospective ban for it then ed001? I know it's gone and won't affect us but it looked a nailed on red at full speed and looked even worse in the replay (armchair fan for the day : ( )

{Ed001's Note - impossible to tell with the FA, they ban one player for something that seemed like nothing, but then let someone else away with a terrible challenge. A lot depends on the ref's report.}

13 Dec 2015 20:12:50
He raised his leg after he got the ball. Not to hurt Lovren and only to protect himself but deliberate is what it is.

{Ed001's Note - I don't believe there was any intent to protect himself, it was one of many similar challenges made by Pulis's men. It is something that prick sends his players out to do, hurt the opposition to gain an advantage.}

13 Dec 2015 20:09:36
So if he didn't get a yellow even, he should be looking at retropective action?

13 Dec 2015 22:05:00
Isn't there a bFA ruling where if the incident is in the ref's eyeline no retrospective action can be taken? There was a incident recently and I remember it being bought up.
Maybe in the Chelsea V Liverpool game if anyone can remember?

13 Dec 2015 23:06:38
What about Milner's reckless studs up challenge catching a west brom player on the lower leg. Anybody have a view on it?

13 Dec 2015 23:18:39
He should be banned could of ended lovrens career just saw the challenge on motd and the ex qpr manager said it was fair! Wtf is the boy on!

13 Dec 2015 23:20:13
There is no debate it was an awful tackle and the follow through was entirely intentional.

If Dejan has gotten away with a bad cut and some bruising then he is a lucky boy.

I would hope for a ban but the ref can't say he didn't see it and so there I don't expect anything to happen.

13 Dec 2015 20:33:35
Will retrospective action be allowed as no punishment given?

{Ed001's Note - depends on what the ref puts in his report. As there was no punishment given, there is scope for action.}

14 Dec 2015 03:40:43
Ref was pathetic the whole game so i wouldn't rely on the refs report, from the first 4 minutes he had already lost control of the game.

15 Dec 2015 02:53:04
I saw the tackle again. You don't need to have played the game at a decent to see that Gardner was trying to hurt Lovren with the follow through. He could have just cleared the ball and recoiled his legs and avoid contact but he did not. He went full force into the follow through and almost put Lovren into a cast. And to hear the commentators say he was just protecting himself, is what got my blood boiling.

13 Dec 2015 19:43:48
Reading the BBC reports and listening to radio phone in, it sounds like we had a really good atmosphere at the end of the match. Something about a hand-holding chain of players going over to the fans and Klopp going bananas when we equalised?

If true, I like that. Making it feel like you've won when you actually almost lost is a psychological master stroke. Starting to feel that Klopp is going to drag everyone, players and fans, up to his mentality. I suspect those who Klopp concludes aren't willing or capable of going with him will not be around for long.

Interested in hearing from anybody that was there on atmosphere today and whether, more generally, Klopp is starting to change it.

Believable4 Unbelievable0

13 Dec 2015 19:57:42
The hand holding chain of players was to show pulis his thugs had missed a few.

13 Dec 2015 21:54:25
I was at the game today, much better atmosphere and looked like it was to say thank you to fans for the support. Klopp is changing things, positively. We just have to give him a while to sort it out. YNWA.

13 Dec 2015 20:15:19
I suppose when you are 2-1 down and you get a late equaliser then it feels like a moral victory but i really think Klopp is trying to get a fighting mentality about the team and fans. We don't give up until its over, we are in this together.

13 Dec 2015 20:31:10
Atmosphere starting ok today but never built up to anything special, picked up again towards end just before an after equaliser. That's my view from the Kop anyway.

14 Dec 2015 00:46:54
Klopp is all in and he is trying to get the fans onside which slowly but surely is coming along. That point was like a victory and frankly, I'll take it because it may prove crucial come May. Would hate to swap places with Spurs or Utd who lost. We are in the race for the top four and all points will count.

13 Dec 2015 19:31:54
I still think we should start with two stirkers, be it Origi and Sturridge, Origi and Benteke or Benteke and Sturridge.

I know Benteke has not been popular here recently and I understand why, I thought he was much more involved today, and our crosses were slightly better today. He does give us a lot of presence, control the ball quite good under pressure and has to deal with two defenders on him whenever he is in the box. Not a coincidence Henderson scored when Benteke was our of the box with two defenders marking him. But Benteke should have done better with the half chances he had today and yes, when Sturridge is fit he should start probably with Origi and maybe Benteke shold come from the bench for now. I am sure he will come good eventually. You don't score almost 50 PL goals if you are a rubbish striker. In any case, a lone Striker just doesn't work for us against teams that close their game.

SO I still have hope about Beneteke, but I have no hope whatsoever about Milner.

Believable2 Unbelievable1

13 Dec 2015 19:41:03
Firmino could be one of the two as well, he's better higher up.

13 Dec 2015 19:50:57
Origi should star next game with Firmino next to him because as I said before the game, playing Benteke vs WBA would play right into their hands and boy did it? Klopp got it wrong on that front. More importantly, I'm starting to get really tired of the same players making the same mistakes that are costing us goals. Mingo? It is no longer possible to defend him. He needs to go. Both goals were his fault, end of. We weren't at our best but still created enuff chances to win the game. Benteke? He needs to move his butt and be more mobile as in trying to get away from his markers instead of standing there, allowing the marker to grab him all the time. Finally, hope Lovren is okay.

13 Dec 2015 20:13:40
Or just Coutinho, Firmino, Lallana.

13 Dec 2015 21:06:36
I'd agree with redohio. The way Origi got up after a foul and still managed a shot and scored (luckily) tells everyone the difference between him and Benteke. Benteke falls over like a house of cards at the slightest touch, looking for a foul call.

Maybe I'm being harsh on him but a good striker scores from chances, half-chances and no chances. That's the nature of the game at the upper levels. I'd go with Origi and Firmino every time, until Sturridge is fit. (I'm sitting holding my head wondering what that transfer committee is smoking - first Balotelli and now this guy) .

13 Dec 2015 19:59:40
I think we need to return to City attack trio -- Firmino as a false 9, with Coutinho and Lallana in a narrow formation.

Since City, we haven't reunited them. But: We've tried Origi up top as lone striker a few times, two up top with Origi being one, Benteke up top countless times, today with Benteke up top, but floating left, and on and on and on.

Yet, we haven't tried Firmino 9, Coutino + Lallana, since City, despite City being our best and most fluid attack since 13/14. It also worked against Chelsea.

I simply don't understand why Klopp doesn't at least try it again. Just once. Seriously. One. Game. Against anyone.

13 Dec 2015 19:31:00
Didn't see the match today, so not basing this on anything I saw today, but interested in thoughts of others.

Do you think Origi deserves another crack at leading the line? Doesn't seem to be much love for Benteke's recent performances, although personally I think he's done ok in the matches I've seen this season and showed he had the ability to score all kinds of different types of goals.

I certainly think Origi has something to offer and I think his less than inspiring performances early in the season were due to a combination of circumstances. He's recently bagged a hat-trick at Southampton, scored a late (but possibly slightly fortunate? ) equaliser today and, I think, has the pace and power to really trouble defences.

I'm still not sure about playing him up front on his own but Origi and Benteke up front together may bring the best out of both of them. Midfield diamond behind them with Coutinho ahead of Lucas, Can and Henderson?

Interested in thoughts from people who have seen more of the recent action.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

13 Dec 2015 20:14:43
Divock is 100% better when he isn't leading the line not by himself anyway. Either wide in a 3 or one half of a 2.

13 Dec 2015 19:25:17
Origi the next lewendoski 😀 good to see him coming into it. Good to see passion in Klopp getting the crowd going! Fighting back. Benteke looks out of sorts and dosent suit the fast pace of liverpool is my oponion! Good to have hendo back.

Believable1 Unbelievable0

13 Dec 2015 19:15:40
Can't wait to see MOTD to see JK celebrating Origi's. Mr. Pulis was none to happy.

Believable3 Unbelievable0

13 Dec 2015 18:48:13
That's a real good point in the end, at least we kept going, maybe it's better that our next game is away as we have been playing better,

Believable1 Unbelievable5

13 Dec 2015 19:21:25
I disagree pal.

13 Dec 2015 19:53:37
Reusing, that game had defeat written all over it until the goal came. That point is crucial. It was a game we clearly at that moment, could not win. I'm happy with the point. If you disagree, go ask Spurs if they wouldn't take a point right now.

13 Dec 2015 20:03:36
I don't visit other pages kid.

13 Dec 2015 19:26:24
I am sorry mate but a draw at home is not something I'll cherish for rest of my life. Klopp got it wrong today with that line up.

1. Lucas should have played instead of Milner and allowed Can and Hendeson to push high. The only few times Hendeson went forward he scored. It's simple.

2. We were slow in passing. And when you take years time to set up a cross the opposing get back to shape and has members inside the box.

3. We cannot successfully cross the football under any manger and any circumstance is a real worrying sign.

4. We sbused Rdgers for similar reason when he was here when the reality is there only very few good players in the squad. Now that's a fact mate.

5. Both Spurs and UTD lost and we spun out chances to close the gap.

6. Out defending was described by Rodgers as uncoachable and looks like he was right.

13 Dec 2015 21:50:48
Redohio

It's saddening to see that a draw at home against west Brom is considered as an achievement.
How could you even say it was a draw all over? We had 90 mts to get the job done. We did not.

13 Dec 2015 23:14:39
The few times he went forward he scored i seem to remember him scoring one harry did i miss the other times he went forward or what. think what your saying.

13 Dec 2015 23:16:32
There was no need for Lucas to play EG, west brom showed precisely zero attacking intent that Lucas would have effected it was all long balls or set plays, where can is more effective than Lucas.

13 Dec 2015 22:13:10
Redohio, had defeat all over it before the goal? Very knowledgeable.

15 Dec 2015 03:01:51
Stand and EG, we could not win the game for various reasons I won't waste my time discussing. Bottom line was that we were losing until Origi took a chance, got lucky and scored. All points are great to get. I wanted three but having played the game at a decent level, I know that you don't get what u want all the time in a football match. We didn't play well but deserved a point for fighting till the end. We will see how important that is come May. By the way, I'm not celebrating a draw. That is just stupid. Just acknowledging the effort of the players and fans. As for Utd, they lost without even putting up a fight. I would be more worried about that than anything else, Stand.

13 Dec 2015 18:34:54
Hi Ed002,
Any news on Lovren? His injury looked serious. Is Sakho close to full fitness? thanks.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed002's Note - I can't help with Lovren but the expectation is that Sakho will be available for selection before the Christmas period.}

13 Dec 2015 19:38:02
that looked bad. get well soon lovren.

13 Dec 2015 19:54:16
That looked pretty bad. I pray he's ok.

13 Dec 2015 18:32:04
Personally, I would never start Benteke in a league game. Does little for the fast-pace, high-pressing game. I hope Klopp reverts back to Coutinho-Lallana-Firmino.
And getting a goalkeeper surely has to be a priority. The 'keeper should win the team points not lose points like Mignolet always does.
Playing Mignolet and Benteke at the same time, it's like saying "we want to concede and not score". and I say that without meaning to insult their abilities.

Believable8 Unbelievable2

13 Dec 2015 18:50:16
Origi to start for me, until Benteke shows in cup/european games that he can offer the movement that Coutinho, Firmino and Lallana can benefit from.

All three are rendered ineffective with Benteke in front of them. We have no mid week game until the 30th, Klopp gets some real coaching time to try and change these things and fix up our set piece defending. Defending from open play not the issue it used to be.

13 Dec 2015 19:55:49
Agreed. I also think it's high time Mingo got benched because he keeps costing us goals with his errors.

13 Dec 2015 21:09:06
A keeper is a priority, we won't do too much till we get a top class keeper. just look back at the last twenty odd years, Leeds had Martyn's and lukic in the for of their lives, Everton had southall, Blackburn had flowers who at the time was brilliant, Arsenal had seaman, United had schmeichel and van de sar, all these teams had their best successes with their best keepers, no coincidence.

13 Dec 2015 18:25:10
Am i the only one thinking Ibe is being wasted so much on the wing? (i know he occasionally plays central but not enough) I think he could do so much more than continho if klopp gave him that same role.
I don't understand why it takes continho 10 shots to make a decent strike.

I think Ibe is still counting his lucky stars that he's playing first team football regulary. you can see he's believing more and more though and soon he'll realise he can be the focal point of this team in a year or 2.

you can see he always wants the ball to unlock the defence, take people on suarez style and shoot but he's just too nice at the moment to continually do that.

thoughts? or am i seeing something that's not there?

Believable1 Unbelievable6

13 Dec 2015 18:38:35
I think replacing Coutinho is a bit of underachievment for him, he should try to get to Barcelona in January and replace Messi there.

13 Dec 2015 18:35:24
He could do a job centrally but trust me we have no wide players better than him in the squad. Clybe cannot cross a road let alone a cross. Ibe has pace and power to hit the byline. Klopp knows that.

13 Dec 2015 18:42:14
I don't think he's wasted on the wing, he is, however, wasted on the bench.

13 Dec 2015 18:53:26
clyne done well tonight. him and moreno are the only ones with pace which this team sorely lacks which is why origi, Ibe and sturridge should always be first choice.

13 Dec 2015 19:11:53
Clyne has no distribution abilities though wiseryan - his crossing is bad and his passing is not much better. He has pace but, even when he beats a man, lacks the ability to do anything with the space and time. Honestly I'd be looking at banging Flanno back in the team when he's ready - crossing wise he ain't great but his passing is accurate and well thought out - Clyne needs to work on this side of his game.

13 Dec 2015 19:28:09
the headless chicken that is milner is now grinding my gears.

13 Dec 2015 19:28:17
Wise

I am sorry but when did Clyne beat a man today? Had he, we could have had a handful of crosses. Moreno is good and he could beat a man with his pace and got decent passing abilities.

Clyne once see a player in front looks for Skrtel to pass backwards.

13 Dec 2015 18:09:25
I miss reina.

Believable1 Unbelievable1

13 Dec 2015 18:17:33
Scary to think that Mignolet is getting a new contract.

13 Dec 2015 18:29:38
New and improved contract that is performance related. It's to give him more stability and confidence. It also works to the clubs advantage as in reality he will be paying us each and every time he plays.

13 Dec 2015 19:13:36
Is he?

13 Dec 2015 19:58:00
Bench Mingo now and give Bogdan a shot because he is costing us goals.

13 Dec 2015 18:08:35
Should start with Origi whilst Studge and Ings are out. Not a reaction to his goal but to the fact he puts much more effort in than a few of the others. The goal came from sheer determination (and deserved the little bit of luck)

And just when are Liverpool going to start to learn to deal with set pieces into the box.

Believable7 Unbelievable0

13 Dec 2015 18:25:33
Origi spends a lot of time out wide, think he would play better alongside benteke and benteke would benefit from that too. It's hard to challenge for headers all alone. Two up front vs saints worked well too.

13 Dec 2015 18:36:24
Two up the top it should be Fencey, We need someone constantly in and around benteke.

13 Dec 2015 18:53:57
Benteke needs to shift his arse more. He rarely busts a gut to get onto anything, or to create space, or to make a run - making him easy to mark. He is a big fella but even so he makes it easy for defenders to mark him out of the game - he needs to improve as his work rate is nowhere near good enough.

13 Dec 2015 19:59:04
Sean's, your post is spot on. Benteke confirmed all that you posted during the game.

13 Dec 2015 19:48:57
Hilarious to me people still insisting on Benteke starting. But now, we double down on the failed approach, and put Origi up top too, so we can hurl more pointless crosses and score even fewer goals, only this time it's two big Belgiums standing around in the box.

13 Dec 2015 18:02:27
We just aren't that good yet. going to be a lot of ups and a lot of downs. Got lucky to get a point today. Mignolet was POOR.

Another note: it's never a good thing when your manager has to get the crowd fired up. The post game reaction was really, really weird lol.

Believable0 Unbelievable1

13 Dec 2015 17:50:21
Edd001 what have you made of what you have seen mate? With the exception of the awful tackle on lovren.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed001's Note - the sad thing is that challenge wasn't an exception, every single tackle they made involved a follow through. Pulis is a piece of *censored*. His team seem to be able to play by different rules as every challenge they make is a foul but aren't given, but the same foul on one of their players results in a foul. We were the better side and deserved at least a point. I really hate Pulis and his style of football, the sooner that prick retires, the better for every player on another team. It is no coincidence that his teams are involved in more leg breakers than any other.}

13 Dec 2015 18:09:03
Well said Ed001. a complete bellend is Pulis. Disgusting tactics. Good football needs to be rewarded.

{Ed001's Note - I don't think it is about rewarding good football, it is about not rewarding a cheat. Because make no bones about it, Pulis is a cheat. His teams do not stay within the rules. When Olsson ran straight up to Hendo on a first half corner and shoved him in the face with two hands, right in front of the ref, that should have been a red, but it is not given. Instead the ref has a word with him. The challenge on Milner, which threw him into the hoardings, was a late follow through in a deliberate and nasty attempt to injure an opponent. As was Gardner's assault. There were a few other similar challenges that went on but the West Brom thug missed. It was the same when he was at Stoke. So clearly it is him that is the issue.}

13 Dec 2015 18:13:53
The amount of times Benteke was roughed up and nothing was given was ridiculous.

13 Dec 2015 18:26:58
What do you make of the time benteke cut inside the defender on the left of the box and he just blocked him deliberately with arms chest and what not?

{Ed001's Note - penalty all day long, just as the Arsenal one was.}

13 Dec 2015 18:37:31
Their second goal is a blatant foul on Lovren who would have won the ball. One player makes no effort to go for the ball and smashes him out the way. First 25 mins of this game we were murdering them but migs let them back in the game. How many chances will he get?

13 Dec 2015 19:28:58
Edd001 I do agree with you but you also have to grind a result. We were poor regardless of pulis's teams antics.

{Ed001's Note - how were we poor? We were the better side and it was them that ground out a result by playing outside the rules and deliberately setting out to hurt our players. Sorry but I fail to see your point.}

13 Dec 2015 19:50:06
That's what I said to my Mate ed, commentators said no pen. But he beat the man, then got blocked off completely, hands to the chest and stopped him getting to the ball. Of he went down maybe he would have got it, one oft he problems with referees today, makes people more inclined to go down easily.

{Ed001's Note - it was a clear pen, hand across blocking him is a foul, I don't see there is any dispute.}

13 Dec 2015 20:07:39
I was agreeing ed, sorry the 'but' wasn't supposed to be in there haha!

13 Dec 2015 15:17:15
Hi ed1 if your about how do u stack our current squad in terms of quality and deth compared to the others in the epl? And what postitons do you think the club should look to improve in over the summer after klopp has reviewed the squad? and i mean if they can be replaced by youth players which ones if not which areas need to be stengthed with buyifng players in? And with klopp in as manager do u see us bing able to win the actual leqgue in the next few seasons?

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{Ed001's Note - we have brought in a few too many average players, particularly in the summer in Benteke, Milner and Clyne but we still have a squad good enough to get top 4. Plenty of depth due to the huge numbers we have, we need to cut it down a bit and most importantly get a top class keeper.}

13 Dec 2015 18:13:39
What realistic goal keeping options do you see ed?

{Ed001's Note - there are quite a few, Zieler being one, Ward being another. One thing is for sure, Ward might not be the long term answer, but he is 100% a better keeper than Mignolet.}

13 Dec 2015 18:30:29
We have any chance of recalling Marko and wars in January ed?

Would rather give them 6 months, and wait until the summer to see if we need to hit the market.

Can you tell us from any of the info you have, was klopps biggin up of migs just a confidence boost or was in genuine admiration for him?

{Ed001's Note - I don't know if it will be possible to recall either, we would need the other team to agree for that to happen. That would be the main issue.

Klopp never really bigged up Migs as such, when he said we have plenty of quality goalkeepers, it never named him as one. But he was just giving him confidence, as he needs him for a while.}

13 Dec 2015 18:40:45
No excuses from my side. We tried too many tricks with no success. Midfield is shocking, we take too long to set up a cross and by that time West Brom had 11 players inside the area.

Quick movement, something we abused Rodgers of not playing. In reality you need players to perform.

Can is a not a holding mid nor a passing player. He is an offensive midfielder.
Milner will start anyways. Henderson should play the Gerrard role back in 08/09.

13 Dec 2015 19:52:44
EG,

I can't believe you're still complaining about lack of crosses after that game?

We sent in countless crosses at Benteke today. Did nothing with them.

People talk about Benteke "offering something other players don't". Besides the fact that other, others offer many other things Benteke doesn't, did Benteke win a single aerial duel all match?

13 Dec 2015 17:38:53
Nasty injury to lovren hope it isn't as serious as it looks anyone know how long sakho is out for?

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13 Dec 2015 17:57:51
Sakho back next week apparently.

13 Dec 2015 18:01:27
Sakho should be ok for the next game.

13 Dec 2015 17:50:12
Apparently Sakho is at least a couple of weeks away from any game.

13 Dec 2015 17:34:19
That challenge on Lovren, i know he got some of the ball but the follow through looked pretty awful!

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{Ed001's Note - that was disgusting - Gardner should be walking for that and a long ban.}

13 Dec 2015 17:36:21
Disgusting. He doesn't have much look lovren. Wishing him a speedy recovery.

13 Dec 2015 17:52:44
The scumbag left his leg knee high, dare I say deliberately?, he had plenty of time to withdraw but didn't. Tony Pulis can go to hell.

13 Dec 2015 17:59:08
I know. Easily red and definitely a yellow at the very least. It's standard Pulis football though.

13 Dec 2015 18:11:47
Just a dreadful tackle, whether he got the ball initially or not it looked like the intent was there to cause damage - how the referee failed to even dish out a card I do not know.

{Ed001's Note - he didn't even give a free kick.}

13 Dec 2015 18:39:06
Because the ref didn't book Gardner do you think the fa will look at the tackle and punish him?

{Ed001's Note - they should do, but this is the FA and they are a joke.}

13 Dec 2015 18:50:25
Im pretty sure spearing got sent off for a similar tackle a few years ago at fulham and i'm not sure he even touched the player. Think the decision was something to do with excessive force and intent. Considering referees are encouraged to act on these tackles more in recent seasons its amazing this one deemed it wasn't a foul!

Cheers.

13 Dec 2015 19:00:15
Suppose if he gave a freekick he'd have to recognise how bad the tackle was - and then get the red card out. Easier to pretend like it was a legitimate attempt to play the ball - weak refereeing.

13 Dec 2015 15:34:39
Can't help but think we lack that not of quality to consistently win these types of games. They're hard to break down most of the time, and unless there's a bit of magic form couts or benteke decides to show up, have we got the quality? These are the games benteke should be the difference from years gone by, when we will have possession and territory but no space. Players like hendo can lallana Milner are all good, but are players who run a lot, like counter attacking and pressing, but are not as effective when we have lots of the ball maybe (not including hendo)

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13 Dec 2015 16:58:32
Watching the Dortmund game during halftime break, GOD how i wish we had the creativity dortmund have. All over this team, passing, probing, precision football. And all working for each other.

13 Dec 2015 17:35:07
Seems like it's coming true! Still can't defend set plays in the slightest, terrible defending. We have had lots or possession but so little goal threat. Coutinho lallana and Milner as an attacking three isn't good enough. Onvisoiyk coutinho is, but he should be in the middle, with pace and trickery either side of him. It's been far too easy for them to sit back and just soak up pressure, same story as most weeks.

13 Dec 2015 15:31:26
As there isn't a Bournemouth page, I thought I;d just note the brilliant man management of eddie howe on saturday (just watched the full match)
Harry Arter lost his child in a still birth midweek but insisted on playing, Eddie Howe allowed it, and at one point about 80 minute in the emotions get to Arter, and he has to be restrained by cook and told to move away from the referee quite forcibly before he got himself sent off and hindered the team (brilliant leadership from a team mate)
Howe then bring him to the side lines, gives him a hug and talks to him, and you can see the emotions running high in Arters facial expression. Howe decides to bring him off 30 seconds later to a raptuous applause.

I think this was over all handled very well, and allowed both Arter and Bournemouth to get what they wanted out of the game 3 points and to dedicate it to his daughter.

Well played Cook and Howe, an my thoughts with Harry Arter and his family at this time.

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13 Dec 2015 15:40:27
Good post mate.

13 Dec 2015 15:52:21
thanks for the great past.

13 Dec 2015 16:49:09
Great post mate!

13 Dec 2015 15:16:54
I am confused. Does Klopp rate Milner or is he so versatile that he fills an important gap each game? I haven't witnessed any great play from Milner, though I appreciate his work rate. Just not sure why Klopp keeps starting him.

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13 Dec 2015 15:25:04
Did Brendan have to give him a Glen Johnson clause to get him to sign? Wouldn't surprise me - a very Brendan thing to do.

13 Dec 2015 15:47:34
Essex, has anyone ever actually seen this so called " Glen Johnson. So Klopp decides to keep picking Milner and that becomes BR fault. You need to let it go mate, he is history and no longer our problem.

13 Dec 2015 18:04:25
In all serious, it is a mystery isn't it? Milner is consistantly the worst performer every game yet is never dropped and never subbed. Today, coutinho (likely fitness related) and lallana are both subbed first but were both far more effective than Milner. How is it possible? I agree its unlikely that it's down to Rodgers, but what is the answer? Is there any prescedent for playing time requirements being included in contracts? Maybe Eds can put this one to bed?

13 Dec 2015 15:05:24
Surprised Lucas ain't starting, would have been nice to not see milners name.

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13 Dec 2015 15:11:22
I got plenty of abuse when I claimed he is undroppable and would start in Sunday.

One for you my Redohio.

13 Dec 2015 14:40:02
Ive been a constant visiter to theses pages since the early days! and visit most days. I've enjoyed the development of the different personalities the EDs retorts and felt now was the time to introduce my self! so hi to all

For so long these types of fixtures have seen us come unstuck, so it is with trepidation, caution and blind optimism that i hope for positive result and a positive home performance.

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13 Dec 2015 14:13:26
Not LFC related, but would like to wish Gordon Banks all the very best as he battles against Cancer for the 2nd time.

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13 Dec 2015 12:58:38
I probably won't have a lot of people on here agreeing with me but personally I would start Origi up top tonight. He's the closest we have at the moment to a mobile forward, so I think he would do the best job latching on to the balls that are threaded through from midfield, especially as I don't think constantly whipping balls in to the box will work against a Pulis side.
Thanks for the great work Eds, I love the site.

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13 Dec 2015 13:15:34
For me only if he plays with Benteke rather than instead. Yes, Origi had one good game against Southampton but not much other than that.

13 Dec 2015 13:22:16
Sorry but when did bentele have a game like orogi did?

Play origi same as spurs played Kane and see what he can do.

13 Dec 2015 13:24:13
Fano, Origi is more hardworking and shows more desire than Benteke and also, scored a hatrick vs the Saints, who are no slouches while Benteke has been pulling any trees either so why should Benteke play ahead of him, especially if he plays like he did vs Newcastle which will suit the Baggies quite nicely?

13 Dec 2015 13:57:13
I'd play both in a 4-2-2-2 with Hendo and Lucas deep, Coutinho and Llalana playing in a free role, either in between the lines or out wide depending on where the space is, and Origi/Benteke playing off the CBs.

13 Dec 2015 14:01:35
Play origi. I think half the problem with Benteke is, as a team, we cannot cross the ball.
You've only got to look across the park to see how well lukaku is getting on, mainly because delafau (spelling) is picking his head out 9 times out of 10.

13 Dec 2015 14:44:37
For me, I'd start with either Firmino or Origi before Benteke. Sure, the first two have not been exactly phenomenal, but Benteke hasn't been either. They're actually all about the same level, but suited to different tactics and strategies. And if Brad Smith or Ibe are not starting, then Benteke is going to have a long night waiting for crosses.

13 Dec 2015 15:28:00
Maybe Klopp believes there's less chance of Benteke getting bullied off the ball like Origi and Firmino might be.

13 Dec 2015 12:45:34
Hey ed! Just wanted your opinion on clyne!
How has he done so far according to you.

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{Ed001's Note - I really do not think it is worth me getting into this, people accuse me of being on his back.}

13 Dec 2015 13:25:12
Ed had already made his views on Clyne known on these boards way before he got signed and frankly, I'm starting to see why.

13 Dec 2015 10:39:34
Good test for us today we need to find a way to beat teams who sit back against us,
I'm sure Klopp is working on this as it's been a problem lately where beaten the attacking teams but coming unstuck against the average teams who sit back. maybe work on the fullbacks to put decent crosses in the box as well as Coutinho, Firmino and Llalana threading balls through, I hope I see a difference today but not holding my breath.

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13 Dec 2015 11:24:37
Can't disagree but who do see Coutinho, Firmino and Lallana threading balls through to? Sturridge and Ings are injured and Suarez and Torres have left the club . That's it .

{Ed001's Note - why not each other? Or Henderson? Or Can? It doesn't have to be a striker making runs.}

13 Dec 2015 11:47:24
Agree ed.
With studge, Ings etc out it might force a few others into making runs as they have been guilty of relying on top strikers for too long.

13 Dec 2015 11:51:58
Pulis' team will deal with crosses easily, after all, it is the only thing they practice on with the ball.

13 Dec 2015 11:57:13
coutinho and firmino's link up play is pretty good.

13 Dec 2015 12:07:53
I can't disagree with any of these points so hopefully Benteke will be on the bench today.

I am not Benteke bashing, dozens on these pages have had a go at him all week for refusing to move at Newcastle, I personally don't believe he can move in a manner that fits in with flexible passing football. That's not his fault.

If Benteke starts today we all know what type of game it will be, that's just my personal opinion based on the number of slow centre forwards we have used that were suited to our game since we returned to the top flight in the sixties. Very, very few.

13 Dec 2015 13:28:32
Playing Benteke will play right into the Baggies hands especially, if he plays like he did vs Newcastle. We need to move their defense around and create passing lanes for our kids to run into and create the overload. You're not going to get that with Benteke.

13 Dec 2015 13:32:34
What is it with reading posts with Suarez and Torres being mentioned! So much more to a team than strikers scoring goals! Llanna, Firmino, Coutinho, Milner, Henderson, Can and so on into the full backs and centre backs all need to chip in with goals. Yes it's primarily a strikers job to score the goals but other players have the responsibility also.
Suarez and Torres have been and gone. There never going to come back. It's about who we have now and Klopp getting the best out of them.

13 Dec 2015 15:29:16
And Benteke starts up top.

Klopp, once again, refuses to re-assemble the great attack we showed against City, with Firmino as a false 9 in front of Lallana and Coutinho.

I fully expect another weak offensive showing.

13 Dec 2015 09:22:22
Great to see klopp saying about his excitment at flannagan almost being ready to return such a shame he got a bad injury let's hope he gets some luck and gets back in the team, clyne needs a major kick up the backside and flannagan will defo do that!

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13 Dec 2015 11:53:03
I would urge caution; he has missed over a year and half of football now and will need to be slowly introduced as he will likely have small injuries as he has not played at all.

{Ed001's Note - I am sure we will hear everyone moaning he is never fit and needs to be sold soon enough mate.}

13 Dec 2015 12:46:24
Physio room says he is back on the 2nd of January. I hope he can get some game time and we ease him back slowly.

13 Dec 2015 13:29:55
Completely chuffed for the boy. For a moment there, I thought his career would be lost. He should be handled with care though.

13 Dec 2015 02:05:25
Just watched highlights of the city Swansea game and it struck me how many fans would have missed the late late winner as it seemed half the crowd had left. I'm sure they would all have been within earshot of the cheering also. I know fans get dismayed and decide stuff it, let's beat the crowds, but you've paid good money and can easily miss what you came to see.

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{Ed007's Note - A lot of 'fans' are quite happy once they've tweeted their selfies from the game and had their half time heart attack and chips. The result is irrelevant to them, especially when they need to rush home for X-Factor.}

13 Dec 2015 10:14:54
Shows a clear difference between fans and supporters.

13 Dec 2015 10:55:22
I couldn't imagine leaving the ataturk at half time, city a couple of minutes before agueros title winner, or, dare I say, anfield before Michael Thomas's winner (I was ther, and not a sole left their seat early) .

13 Dec 2015 13:31:00
If you're a true fan, you stay till the end. End of.

13 Dec 2015 01:25:03
Would love to know who you dislike the most in the current premier league. for me its a tie between 'elbows' Fellaini or Costa 'the grot'?

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{Ed007's Note - Chelsea.}

13 Dec 2015 10:03:01
Yeah not a fan of those two at all. for a while young was up there but he's not as bad now in his fairness. for no apparent reason I always despised Nani just couldn't stand him.

13 Dec 2015 10:19:48
Agree with 007 - there's some transformation that happens when players sign on with chelsea and they immediately become arrogant and unlikeable. The Mourinho Effect I think it's called.

13 Dec 2015 11:49:23
Great we can have this discussion now that Suarez has left the club haha.

12 Dec 2015 22:36:09
The mistake Liverpool made in the last 2 close season periods was to spend too much money on too many players.

The squad needs a bit of stability and Klopp needs time to assess what he has available and how to use them effectively.

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13 Dec 2015 02:41:48
Agreed - not many January signings expected then!

13 Dec 2015 10:53:23
I think we are at a really good place now with the squad and I like the way Klopp is taking his time checking out the whole club to add to the first team squad.

There will be a few players sold I expect to trim it down a bit but stability is the key. We are a very young team so now we let it grow.

When we do buy players we buy what we need now, and we buy well. Again Klopp will have this more than covered. I have every faith in this manager to deliver.