Liverpool Banter Archive August 17 2014

 

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17 Aug 2014 23:18:04
On motd today they discussed Liverpool a transfers! I agree with murphy personally, in that we need a centre mid, as well as a forward. Bring in a keeper, say Romero possibly on loan, then an adaptable forward and a centre mid and I'm happy as larry so to speak!

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Murphy made himself look an person. We have Gerrard and Lucas for the holding roles. We have Hendo, Allen, Can and soon Lallana for the dynamic box to box roles and then we have Sterling, Ibe, Coutinho and Markovic for the attacking midfield/wide positions.

Our personnel isn't the problem. Rodgers decision to play Lucas and Gerrard together was. Our midfield was slow, static and lacked power because of that decision and both players had torrid games as they consistently got caught ball watching and failed to track Southamptons mudfield runners; something Allen and Can do particularly excellently. Poor team selection nearly cost us. I hope Rodgers learns from this.

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{Ed001's Note - I like Danny, he is a good lad but he is not the brightest spark in the box.}

Another 3 players Fencey?

Come on mate, that would make it: 3+ Lovren, Can, Lallana, Lambert, Origi, Manquillo and Moreno?

That's 10 new players! That's utter madness!

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18 Aug 2014 09:19:27
Adam

Danny murphy is a wonderful person. At this rate you would be ripping a lot many Ex-players who has a point against our Prformance. Hansen, Souness etc.

Lucas and Gerrard are not top class DM, I hope that's proved after yesterday's performance. I go with Ed01, in not getting a top class DM like Medal.

What happens when a team comes out and Mark countinho?. We looked pretty average. that's exactly what Wanyama did yesterday.

I agree with you on BR's team selection. I would have dropped Lucas and played either Allen in a 3 man Midfield, or Play Ibe on the left with Countinho behind Sturridge (4-2-3-1).

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I personally think Emre will be understudy to Gerrard over the coming season with a view to replacing him.

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This has already been said many times that though neither Lucas nor Gerrard is a top draw DM, they are good enough if we have two box to box players playing in front of them ( be it hendo/allen or hendo/cout ). So though a top draw DM would be great I would be happy if we make sure that they don't share the same pitch at any point of time in this season :) .

How would you all like a mid field 2-3-1 formation with hendo and can in two men midfield 'cout' in '10' role flanked by lallana and sterling Danny as lone striker. If this works it would give us lots of energy in the midfield and pace up front as well.

Earlier I though BR was rigid with is 4-3-3 formation now having seen 4-2-3-1 deployed, I am hoping that he would do it with the right personnel.

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{Ed002's Note - If you want to talk about formations you need to take it to the Team pages.}

I'm not ripping Murphy. I'm just saying he made himself look silly when he said we need more midfielders. His words were something like "they'll struggle if they get any injuries".

Gerrard, Lucas, Rossiter, Hendo, Can, Lucas, Lallana and Coutinho are all comfortable in a central role and even Sterling, Ibe and Markovic can play in the number 10 role. That is 11 players for 4 positions. He made a silly comment and that's all. Phil Neville was spot on when he said we need another striker.

If we sign Song etc. Then Lucas needs to be sold or we'll be over stocking massively.

I'll stick to my initial point. The problem wasn't the players we have, but rather Rodgers tactics and decision to play Gerrard and Lucas on the same pitch which has consistently failed to deliver performance wise.

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Sorry . didn't knew about that

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18 Aug 2014 11:11:41
We have 5 central midfielders + 3 more who can play in a 3 man central midfield. That is plenty enough and with comments like that, I certainly can understand frustrations from fans, like Adam.

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18 Aug 2014 12:39:30
You could only field 3 at a time. Moreover there is a heaven and earth difference between players who could play in a position and World class quality players who play regulalry.
For Eg, Vidal would slot in the position way above all the names mentioned. Someone who would be trusted 9/10 times.
There are many players at City who play in the middle. But When Toure isn't playing, They are in deep trouble.

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Yes Adam, can't play both Lucas snd Gerrard, especially at home.

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17 Aug 2014 22:35:31
I know it is still early doors but from what I have seen manquillo looks a player!

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17 Aug 2014 23:19:28
Just double checked, you're not wrong he does appear to be a player.

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It took me just 20 mins of the Dortmund game to know that Manquillo would be a steal. Moneyball at its finest! Good job, BR!

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{Ed002's Note - You know this isn't baseball?}

Ed, moneyball is a concept that can be identified in many sports relating to the correlation between performance & cost.

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{Ed002's Note - Moneyball is specifically aimed at baseball. The criteria and approach are not suitable to most other sports.}

17 Aug 2014 22:27:28
I'm still hesitant saying this, I don't like looking at "Suarez" replacements, rather replacing his stats, goals, assist, what he brought to the team. ok 30 goals is a big miss but more goals from midfield and we are looking for a 20 goal man. For me the main attribute is unpredictability that's hard to replace, but that's what we need to replace, and I still don't won't to say it but, balloteli on loan seems an idea, I'm sure BR will get the best out of him, he won't lake support, prem experiance, risky but worth a punt purely for the "what's he going to do effect" hopefully on the pitch, his not a biter!

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17 Aug 2014 22:49:39
I cannot understand all the negativity to Johnson. Thought he did ok today and would still expect him to start ahead of Manqillo once we get a proper left back

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We signed Moreno?

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17 Aug 2014 23:17:32
Uh no, he loses the ball constantly and is always out of position. Watch their goal today and then come back on and say he did ok. Liability and needs replacing! Come on Arry take glen off our hands!

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He was wasteful in possession and positionally his usual self i.e. retreated centrally so he could almost hold hands with his centre back - the amount of times Sterling and/or Henderson had to cover Johnson's woeful positioning was a joke. Manquillo's proactive, pressing of the opposition only highlighted this further.

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Really? He gives the ball away more than any player in the field, and when was the last time you recall him making an important defensive play or setup a goal?

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He made a goal saving challenge today when Clyne got put through by tadic the second time. I'm not his biggest fan, but anything good he does do will go unnoticed by most.

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I just want him gone

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{Ed002's Note - Lucas and Agger next in your hate campaign I guess?}

No ed just had enough of johnson, he is just so frustrating to watch but I don't hate any of our players, i'm sure when you watch chelsea there are players that you just want gone, I repeat I don't hate any of our players

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{Ed002's Note - I have pretty much no thoughts about any of the Chelsea players, nor other footballers, nor young men in general.}

True, Johnson occasionally makes a good play. My "when was the last time. " Comment was a little too specific. I think most people feel he is not good enough for our starting 11, or atleast lacks the desire to be there. Agreed?

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18 Aug 2014 04:39:22
What type of men does a lady like you prefer then Ed002?

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{Ed001's Note - he prefers his men with lucky pants, while she prefers her men without them....}

Johnson also seems to be forever running into dead ends.
When he has the opportunity to delive a cross he chooses instead to have another touch
I used to be a big fan but am now beginning to lose patience with him too

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17 Aug 2014 22:45:36
Mignolet was excellent today what a save to make us win the game credit were its due keep it up talented player

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Absolutely right. Still think his distribution and command of his area was suspect but he did make a couple of good saves and one truly outstanding save near the end - he is ultimately as responsible for those 3 points earned as Sturridge and Sterling, all credit to the lad.

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Mognolet does his fundamental job which is: Stop the the opponents from scoring. The rest can be worked on. He saved us 3 points this season like he did by saving a penalty to secure the points last year against Stoke. If that`s a sign for the future, then sign me up immediately.

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17 Aug 2014 21:46:19
After today's game, I think we desperately need a striker. Papers have mentioned the likes of cavani/falcao. Although big name strikers, not sure if they are what we need, don't suit the style of play or the role we need them for, never mind the money. Other options I have heard of are Eduardo Vargas and giuseppe Rossi. I haven't seen much of them apart from Vargas at the World Cup. Any thoughts? Wouldn't cost the earth and from what I've heard suit the role needed.

Cheers

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If Remy can't pass a medical then Rossi has no chance. As for Vargas, did he only score 1 goal last year?

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17 Aug 2014 21:26:34
Is Glenn Johnson just a decent full back playing in a team who has moved on a level and he can't reach that level?
Or is he just a poor poor right back?
I am not one to slate any of our players but I think about 80-90% of fans would now replace him as soon as possible.
And yet we finished second with him in the team last year.
Is he really as bad as we make out?(That is a genuine question!)
If I was making the call then Moreno Sahko Lovren Manquillio would be starting the next game.
I was disappointed with the skrtel lovren partnership.
They did not dominate as I thought they might.
Sturridge Sterling Henderson Manquillio Mingolet Lovren and Alllen played well. The rest did not but its early days and in a strange way I was more worried about today's game than next weekend.
We will get up for Man City next week and hopefully the likes of Gerrard and Coutinho can improve for next week.

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I think Johnson has just lost his desire for the game, he doesn't seem to care any more.
He is set for life financially, he is coming up to 30 so has played at the top level for almost 10 years, I would just like to ask him, does he really want it anymore.
He switches off all the time but doesn't seem to acknowledge his mistakes and work on them and he can't take criticism.
Maybe having to fight with Moreno, Manquillo and Flannagan for a full back spot, all of who are much younger than him, is exactly what he needs to improve his game.

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My Lil Bro made an observation about Johnson half way through last season: whether its injuries or age, Glen appears to have lost that half yard of pace that allowed him to take on a fullback on the outside. Every single time he gets the ball now, he bombs down the wing, stops, and Knicks a five yard pass backwards inside. It's becoming painful.

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He lacks desire, lled out of a 50 50 tday n I nearly threw my programme at him, crowd didn't like it, I think he must be getting the message. but 100k a week, we won't shift him

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17 Aug 2014 22:29:29
Ed01, couple of months back had given an awesome view on Johnson.
Its one of the best observations of Johnson

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He's a bad fullback playing in a team who has moved on a level. Most difficult thing to stomach is that it is his attitude which proves to be his biggest downfall. I know we won't shift him but on todays evidence alone Manquillo has to be worth persisting with. I would say Flanagan but have heard there are serious concerns regarding his fitness (knee injury problems) which makes me think we may not see him appear for some time.

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Glen johnson just hasn't tried his best in a football game for a year and a half now. You can have all the talent in the world, but if you don't try, you are nothing. Sometimes I think he wants us to lose. In the case of glen johnson, he tries or seems to care so little, I genuinly think some of my teenage friends could do a better job at fullback than him.

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I was at the match today and genuinely though skrtel was MOTM. I know sterling had a great game but skrtel won everything he went for. I was all for him being sold last summer but he has seen every other center half off since he has been here. He is a top player! I think a lot of the work he does goes untoticed because people want to talk about the footbling defenders like agger etc. As a team I thought we struggled today and far from our best but a wins a win on the first day of the season and I am made up with the 3 points.

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Darsco. If you watch the Saints goal again have a look at Skrtel and what he is doing. Or more importantly not doing.
He was too far away from his partner Lovren when Clyne burst into the box.
In fact where Clyne shoots from is exactly where Skrtel needed to be to provide cover to Lovren.
The thing is, he knew it as well, he was spare and could see that whole move developing he was just too slow in coming across.
I still think that Skrtel has a massive part to play this year but for me I would have Sahko and Lovren in as quickly as possible. After all we have spent 40 million on the 2 of them!

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Lol at 5ive! You should have lashed it at em!

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18 Aug 2014 13:29:30
Ugh. Johnson wasn't great. Admittedly. But he wasn't THAT bad. On the Clyne goal, Johnson was too wide so that he couldn't recover once Clyne ran through. True. Not great. And Skrtel was over too close to Manquillo where there wasn't a Southampton player in a dangerous position, and he too should've been closer to Lovren/Tadic. But there's a whole hell of a lot of blame to go around on that goal, too.

1) Lovren allows Tadic to back heel right through him. It happens, but obviously not what you want from a centreback.

2) Skrtel is too close to Manquillo (near the penalty spot) to get over to cover Clyne once he's burst through. No danger man there, he made a poor read.

3) Johnson is too wide toward the touchline to pick up Clyne, either, despite there being nobody there other than Tadic who Lovren has at a dead stop. Again, poor read.

4) Lucas. I really like him. I want to hug him. But he's facing Clyne squarely, Clyne passes into Tadic's feet, and then Clyne just darts around Lucas untouched. Clyne moves about 10-15 yards from his initial pass to his shot, and Lucas merely turns and watches.

So, really, I think four players have to share some of the blame on that goal. It's a coaching/positioning issue there. To simply blame Johnson, Lucas or anyone else individually is a bit harsh.

The big question to me, really, is whether it was simply a mental meltdown by three players at the same time -- essentially, a comedy of errors -- or whether it was something that hasn't been worked on tactically enough. Either way, definitely want to get it sorted if title contention is to be realistic.

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Darsco, maybe skrtel did win everything he went for, but that doesn't resolve the fact he is out of psition time and again and causes havoc in our back line.

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17 Aug 2014 21:15:58
Hi eds any truth that we are closing in on deals to sign Cavani and Song? No it's not Twitter but a football magazine website.

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17 Aug 2014 20:39:13
Happy with 3 points. Obviously we didn't play as well as we all would have liked but it's only the first game. The only concern I had from todays game was how easily they were able to break on us in the 2nd half through the middle of the pitch unchalleged. Gerrard is still 1 of, if not the best passer of the ball in the league, but when the opposition have the ball he doesn't mark or pick anybody up. Not sure if this is on instruction or not, but too often him and Lucas were nowhere near their players that were breaking on us.

Thought Lovren did well, as did Manquillo and Joe Allen when he came on.

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Agree. I still think we need a beast in defensive airfield. But who would be sacrificed

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18 Aug 2014 08:11:11
SA Red

Gerrard?. I said earlier, We would be still conceding the goals with Lovern arrival untill we sign a top class DM.

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Lucas would have to be sacrificed, he is meant to be the beast in midfield, but isn't doing his job. If the rumours of khedira going for 8 million are true, he would be a perfect replacement.

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17 Aug 2014 20:27:51
Correct Score Competition week 2 has been updated, Everyone is welcome to join in simply follow the instructions on the comp page, A link can be found at the top of the page.
**please do not reply to this message post any questions or banter on the comp page**

Cheers and good luck

Ed 003.

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17 Aug 2014 20:24:36
Hey fellas,

Reet and I, thanks to the Eds, will be editing a page for the fantasy group that many of you have joined. If you would like to talk fantasy football, or even just talk football in general, stop on by! This is a good way to be friends even though we hope the other loses every game!

Great game today by the way. Sterling only going to get better!

Hope to see you there.

http://www.player-ratings.co.uk/index.php

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17 Aug 2014 19:39:51
I know you said recently about no teams asking about Enrique, but I can't find a recent update on Johnson? Can't see how we will go into a season with 5 first team fullbacks

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17 Aug 2014 20:11:32
Why not? Johnson has only played 30 or more PL games once in his time at LFC while Enrique is returning from a prolonged absence and will likely need time to bed in and even then will probably have problem with injuries. Both Manquilio and Moreno are going to be having their first season and will need protection at times while Flanagan is a good squad full-back, who is currently out injured.

I see no problem now.

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We'll the two on probably the biggest wages will be 4/5th choice in my opinion behind, with Flanagan being my 1st choice sub right back and left back!

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17 Aug 2014 19:27:04
Thought Joe Allen changed the game when he came on, didn't see the sense playing lucas at home, big decisions to be made when Lallana's fit I know it's a squads game now but I think Lucas's days are numbered now £10 million bid off Napoli wouldn't go a miss.don't get me wrong Lucas has been great for us but his most effective place is where stevie g plays now and with the emergence of Emre Can I think it's time to cash in, sorry lucas

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17 Aug 2014 19:55:39
Lucas has been poor from quiet a long time. There is no problem in accepting facts. He was at fault for the first goal, Ball watching.

Glen Johnson and Lucas Leiva didn't win a single tackle between them for Liverpool against Southampton today

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17 Aug 2014 21:00:27
Get your eyes checked Harry

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We would be lucky to get 5 million for Lucas, since Rodgers came in with his brand of football Lucas has struggled, he was very poor today. Been a good servant but the least technical Brazilian I've ever seen. He slows the play down

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I hate to say it but I really do think his days are numbered, I don't see what he can do for us anymore. Gerrard has moved into his position, and we have so many more midfielders who can play the way brendan wants to play and slide into the team better than him. He will be on the bench almost all of the time, he is getting older, he needs to play for a top team on a regular basis, and his injuries have really taken their toll. I can't remember the last time someone said 'wow, lucas played great' like they used to, but gerrard, henderson, allen, coutinho, lallana and can all capable and better at playing there, I think its best for all parties if we sell him to napoli, where his talent is appreciated. Maybe the slow pace of serie A will suit him better.

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I'm not particularly anti- Allen but really didn't think he was all that when he came on

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Why do people have to exaggerate. Lucas won the ball back quite a fee times in the first have.
Also harry further down the page you ask what does Allen have to do to get a start.
If I remember correctly, last season you wanted Allen to get a serious injury so he would never play for us again.

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I agree Allen was quicker to things than Lucas but I think Lucas always performs better after a string of starts.

I think we performed better with two up top and change of system as Southampton had Coutinho out of the game.

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I agree with you mate, as much as I like him as a player and love his attitude, he can only play in one position and he is second choice at the moment.
Trying to shoehorn him in somewhere else is just harming the team.

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Allen changed the game by getting us a foothold in midfield where Lucas and Gerrard were getting outpaced in midfield. Also by including Lambo, BR went for the win by loosening up the Saints` defence and get the defending deep which is why the 2nd goal came. Tactially, a good job by BR.

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17 Aug 2014 21:30:58
When Allen came on he helped us keep the ball a little better. We got bullied & harassed all day by a mobile & physical side. We seemed to lack intensity for the whole game, which surprised me, as I felt we would go for it from the off. Coutinho had a bit of a mare, but it happens when you are marked so well. He tried to thread through a few too much killer balls. DS wasn't at his best, but he got the winner & that's what strikers are there for! I would've brought on Can & Ibe on for Lucas & PC. We needed to force em back. Lambert did ok when he came on though after the shape was changed. I'm happy with fight back & the 3 points, it was the 1st game of the season after all. But. we got to go to the Ethiad next week. our bench is certainly stronger now, with Moreno, Markovic & Lallana to come in we will get better! I thought Lovren & Manquillo did quite well for their debuts too, sorry if this post is all over the place, wrecked after a 12 hour day :-)

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{Ed002's Note - But with 12 hour days at least you get two birthdays a year.}

The problem with Lucas alongside Gerrard is that the midfield apart from being deep is also flat. When Allen came on he played about 15-20 yards higher up the pitch and it made a massive difference. We were pressing higher which was one of the biggest assets to our game last year. Until Allen was introduced our midfield lacked mobility and we struggled. For me any two of Henderson, coutinho, lallana, can or Allen need to play in front of Gerrard in midfield. Playing a three offer more depth to the midfield which allows for more freedom and better movement. I think Rodgers has to accept he got it wrong today but in the end we got the 3 points and to be fair it was down to his ability to see what wasn't working and making the necessary changes.

Cheers

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18 Aug 2014 04:39:02
Nice one Ed002! 12 hour working days

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17 Aug 2014 19:17:35
I thought we looked more or less like last season except without Suarez (so not very surprising) and alos our passing was really bad at times. Defensivley we weren't great, to say the least/ they arrived quite easily to our box and when they were in or around the box they were very dangerous. We were really lucky to win. I think it is not only the quality of this or that defender or midfielder but the organisation of our defence (including midfield). Maybe we can take Tony Pulis as a defensive coach now that he is jobless.
Going forward we had some possesion and did arrive to their box 5-6 times but managed only two threatening shots and these were the goals. This is where with Suarez we would have another goal or two where today we lost the ball or kicked it miles off the goal.
At the end of the day a win is a win and it is always easier to improve when you win. But I would be quite desperate to see the new signings coming into the starting 11. The way we played today and the way ManC played in Newcastle (thought they were very good going forward today - as always and Newcastle also played very well). It is going to be a very tough game next Monday.

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17 Aug 2014 19:57:55
A Bad display got us 3 points and 2 goals. Imagine once we reach our potential.

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Besides Johnson, there was nothing wrong with our defence last season. It just didn't work as a unit.

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So you think Tony P will come in as a coach

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17 Aug 2014 19:00:16
On BBC website, football - nice piece about Bob Paisley - who took over as Liverpool manager 40 years ago today.

Worth a read.

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Opinions opinions opinions, my opinion Lucas wasn't as bad as not winning a single tackle as one poster said but then again he didn't play well, one poster said lovren and skrtel partnership didn't look good, give them time ffs, actually I thought skrtel was mom apart from being bullied/eased aside twice very early on by the big unit (and he is big) pelle up front for Southampton. Opinions opinions opinions.

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MOTM skrtel? Standing in the 6yd box marking his shadow. He was at fault for the first goal.

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Red American, goal came from left side of box more lovrens territory actually with a really clever piece of play by tadic, not Skrtels fault

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17 Aug 2014 19:29:41
Relieved to get the win. Same as last season I guess!
We never really got going but it was only the first game so hoping we will click soon.
Was very impressed with Allen when he came on and hope he starts next game.
Once again Johnson proved to be the worst player on the field. Gave the ball away so many times. The only time he got a pass right was when he hoofed it 50 yards back to Migs from midfield. Anybody want to see just how bad he has gotten just watch his movement and reactions for Clyne's goal today. Really hope Moreno settles in quick and we can have a settled back-four with 2 Spanish full-backs.
Anyway, rant over! Glad to start off with a win and fingers crossed for the the season

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17 Aug 2014 18:38:58
Falcao may be a great player but he has just come back from a bad knee injury, he will cost us £12 million (?) which I think is way too much for a loan, at least with Bony for that money we get to keep the player (ha ha!) he didn't look very motivated the other day, like he wants to leave and has been told to keep quiet, just how I saw it, and as for today I thought a draw would have been fair, but I am glad we won, Saints played very well, Tadic looks a bargain.

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{Ed002's Note - It will be much more that £12M for a loan for a year but I doubt a loan is viable.}

17 Aug 2014 18:57:22
I wouldn't want him. If BR is adamant for a star striker. Cavani fits the bill. He is a much better player overall than Falcao.

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Cavani is average very average

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17 Aug 2014 20:41:10
Dezy

Mate, An Average Cavani scored close to 30 goals in 3 consecutive Season at Italy. He also scored 20+ goals at PSG playing second fiddle to Ibra.
No matter you play at Antarctica or Italy, That's one hell of an impressive stats.
Look at his potential, skills and the goals he scored, he has every shot in the books.

Its Fair, You have your opinion, But then Whose your pick?

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The point ed001 made the other day harry was that the italian league might as well be the antarctic league nowadays, nobody in that league seems to try anymore, not even the fans, its like watching sunday league.

Yes, cavani isn't awful. But he isn't what we need. Cavani will play well if the entire team is built around him, everything is directed to him. My point being that while he is capable of racking up huge goal tallies, he needs a large amount of service and selfishness to do so. He isn't a messi, ronaldo, suarez, bale or falcao, players who when you watch them, you can tell they have stature, responsibilty and a competitive edge, that they could do it in any team they play. Cavani is more like a benzema, higuain, giroud type player, who will score goals for fun, but only if they have the service provided to them.

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Spot on, bro! Cavani is average and overrated. The WC showed how average he is w/o Suarez alongside him. He CANNOT lead the line and is not what we need. He`s a waste of money and time.

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Are we talking about the same Cavani who played on the wing for psg out of position and team not geared towards him and still scored 16 goals?

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17 Aug 2014 18:18:55
"He sent us a lovely text this morning wishing us all the best and that [he hopes] we start strong. It was a great gesture. He's a good boy, but he's gone. His heart is with Liverpool and he'll always be Liverpool. It was a lovely touch."

Top Bloke. Once a red always a red.

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{Ed002's Note - "Top bloke"? Christ this is embarrassing to read.}

17 Aug 2014 18:38:45
I mean. Top Msg by a Bloke Ed. lols

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{Ed002's Note - Makes him sound like a complete flake.}

Top blokes don't try to force their way out twice, call the manager a liar, run around chewing on people, etc, etc, etc.

Top player, sure, top bloke not so much.

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17 Aug 2014 18:58:10
BR himself quoted this.

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17 Aug 2014 19:27:27
I think it was a nice gesture, whether he's a "top bloke" or not. I'm glad he's out of our hands now, but am thankful for his contribution to us getting CL this year.

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17 Aug 2014 20:40:33
It's a nice gesture from a former great player. But I'm with Ed002. How can Luis Suarez be a top bloke. Lol

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17 Aug 2014 20:40:48
It is just Harry's man-love for Suarez surfacing again Ed002, nothing to be worried about.

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17 Aug 2014 20:41:19
Suarez has not sent me a lovely text yet . anybody else had one?

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He might have his flaws BUT let`s recognize that that text is a great gesture and shows that in some way, he`s not all that bad. Great touch, tho.

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He signed with the intention of real or barca what's wrong

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17 Aug 2014 21:24:36
Suarez has not sent me a lovely text yet . anybody else had one?
======================
Yeah earlier on . he was asking me which is the best Italian in Barca . I suggested a Serbian instead

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18 Aug 2014 01:09:58
He sent a text message! Big woop. We all send texts on a daily basis! It's a PR stunt to smooth his image! And Brendan did what he does best and told the media. .

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{Ed002's Note - It is pretty embarrassing.}

Cant someone in the lfc press office brief rodgers before he opens his mouth at these press conferences?

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Probably his agents idea to make him look a "top bloke" and as for Rodgers said it, what do you expect him to say?

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17 Aug 2014 17:53:14
made up with the 3 points considering the performance of some of the players, about couthino I think southampton played him well knowing what he can do with the ball that's why hendo had a great game if one player is marked we have the options in other players, one thing I could not work out is why lucas started ahead of EMRE CAN, because for me he is a better def - mid, plus with southampton having a team with height it would have been better with a taller player, their goal was down to lucas not concentraiting he was ball watching, I don't think we can afford to have him start games, for emre can to get better and into our league he has to play games he can play in a number of position so he will cover better than lucas, plus he is stronger and a better header of a ball than lucas,

as I've said i'm made up with the win and 3 points with the way we played and the bit of luck we had, with shane long missing the open goal, well I just hope BR has seen that lucas and his mistakes put us under pressure and costs us goals, let him play emre can and moreno and I think the team will look and playt more compacted and hopefully we will look more stronger in defence, the new right back had a great game for his debut, so that should put GJ on the bench, we were lucky today and we can't rely on luck to help us out all season,

Believable7 Unbelievable1

17 Aug 2014 17:53:00
While that certainly wasn't what we were expecting before the game, a win is a win, and that is the most important thing at this stage of the season.
However, the performance was really disappointing.

I thought the team selection was strange, we seemed to set up in a very defensive 4-2-3-1 formation, considering we were at home against so called 'lesser' opposition.
Gerrard and Lucas were 2 holding players, while Henderson, Coutinho and Sterling supported Sturridge up front (I know this changed throughout the game).
The problem seemed to be Gerrard and Lucas are two of the slowest players we have, so with them sitting so deep because they don't have the legs to get up and down the pitch, Coutinho was being outnumbered and man-marked out of the game in the middle.
Sturridge seemed to come short a lot, especially during the second half, but Sterling wasn't running in behind so the team got squeezed, even though we have the pace to stretch defenses.
Johnson was poor, the goal came from his side but also Lucas should have tracked Clynes run into the box.
Skrtel was steady but he was beaten in the air, which lead to Schneiderlin hitting the bar late on.
The same nervousness when defending is still apparent from last season, because we never seem comfortable seeing out a game with a 1 goal lead (I was so happy to see us taking the ball into the corner in stoppage time rather than just lumping it clear like we had done for most of the last 10 minutes).

In terms of the positives, Manquillo looked solid and Lovren was superb, he seemed to win everything in the air was always on the front foot.
Henderson was great as always and its nice to seem him getting some reward for his passing ability with a fantastic assist today.
Also good to see Sturridge and Sterling picking up where they left off last season, on the score sheet.
Wouldn't be surprised if Sterling got nearly 20 goals in all competitions this season.
The bench looked strong considering we had Flannagan, Agger, Lallana, Markovic and Borini injured, with Moreno still to come into the picture. This just shows how strong the squad is this season, with 1 more player to come in hopefully.

3 points and onto the next game but we need to really improve to get something from City away next Monday.

Believable7 Unbelievable0

I wouldn't say Gerrard is one of the slowest players we have.

We now have some speed merchants but he is far from being slow.

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17 Aug 2014 20:01:13
Gerrard was pretty poor today, offered nothing.
Thanks to Lucas and Johnson's horror show Gerrard escaped.
I would personally play Can/Hendo/Allen against City.

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I just hope Moreno settles in quickly and we have him at LB, with Flannagan and Manquillo fighting for RB.

Johnson is just an accident waiting to happen.

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17 Aug 2014 17:51:24
Alright ed's. I would just like to say how much I enjoyed watching my team (Liverpool) play today. Whether players were good, bad or in different. So glad that weekly football is back on

Believable13 Unbelievable1

17 Aug 2014 17:43:08
Some interesting points made following the match, I agree with most of them.

Mignolet showed why he doesn't need replacing, good performance from him and stepped up when required, saved the match for us.

I personally though Manquillo looked very good for his age, and lovren looked awesome, really highlighted what we have missed at centreback for so long.

Skrtel looked dodgy and doing his usual show of running around and sliding everywhere like a hyped up PE game at school, it makes him look like a good defender, which he is in some respects, but he really just needs to calm down and stay in position!

Johnson, well, there's nothing morento say, I say an article on what I think was squaka with a series of tweets asking for johnson to be sold only 45 minutes into the game, sums up almost everyones attitude towards him and I can't wait for flanagan and moreno to play instead.

The overall play of the team seemed a bit off, but its the first game so its understandable. However brendans team selection was a bit odd for me. Starting skrtel over sakho seemed unreasonable, unless sakho is injured? Lucas, who didn't seem to have a good game today, really wasnt needed, southampton don't have any real massive threats and allen or can would have been better options. Playing coutinho on the wing instead of ibe or just playing lambert up front instead? If we have the players to accomodate the positions, why is he playing a different kind of player in that position instead?

Overall a good start to the season with a win, grinding out the result as we did many times last year, hopefully we can get that striker signing sorted out and we'll be done!

Believable8 Unbelievable1

17 Aug 2014 18:00:56
One thing I am not so sure about Mignolet is when he tries to pass it long. His passes are so slow, loopy and it gives the opposition player s enough time to get close to our player to which the pass is intended.

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17 Aug 2014 18:20:51
I kinda agree. Southampton came with 2 holding DM. We should have gone for more attacking.

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I agree there AG, at the stage now where I'd prefer Simon to just punt the ball downfield rather than try and find a full back with a diagonal.

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I generally agree with that post

I think there should be a huge amount credit offered to Southampton as well, they turned up today to get a win, they were aggressive in attack and considering the team has just been put together after the exodus, I must admit they did surprsise me

I thougt Lovren looked solid all game, he's aggressive in the tackle and reads the game very well and was first to 90% of his challenges, and when he was second he eventually either won the ball and broke down the attack, really impressed and I think his personal performance highlighted Skytels flaws, let's hope Sakho can get up to that level.

Lucas gave the ball away 2 or 3 times and Allen looked better when he came on

But I thought we lacked a bit of zip for large portions of the game, however it is the first game of the season, and we also get 7 days off before City away, so hopefully we can also include Lallana, Markovic and Moreno, in the squad for that game

But it's 3 points on the board, no injuries, and a good platform to build on.

I must admit though, we do need a striker, whoever that ends up being.

Someone to give defnders with tired legs a night mare on the 70 minute mark, full of pace strength who can give us a different dimension. . maybe Bony could give us that? We will see.

YNWA JFT96

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The lack of 'zip' so to speak was down to rodgers plaaying lucas and gerrard in holding midfield, last season I though we had worked out that the gerrard and lucas combination doesn't work, so suarez or no suarez, why did rodgers feel the neednto go back to that?

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On Simon's kicking- part of the issue as I see it is we're pretty wretched at winning the ball in the air in midfield. Coutinho and Sterling try, but neither is great at it, nor really is Henderson or Lucas. Sturridge isn't the best at it either (although he's decent at backing in and trying to bring it down), all of which leaves Mignolet without many options to kick it to. Been that way for a while and I don't get the impression this an area the team really devote much practice to.

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I have no idea why he played Lucas from the off today, I really don't

There is no fluidity when it goes through him, he gave the ball away very cheaply 2 or 3 times today, which led to Southampton to attack, and they did aggressively sometimes, we could have easily lost on another day

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17 Aug 2014 17:04:54
First game of the season over and I would like to gloat because all 3 of my predictions for the game true.

The predictions were:
1. Lucas to start.
2. Moreno not to even make the bench.
3. Skrtel to start.

Good result and as for the performance, it will improve as the season goes on. The reason I keep saying we don't need a Bony or Eto'o or Falcao for that matter, is there for everyone to see: what we need is a player who will get involved in the build-up play, not one to stand around waiting for a chance.

Believable9 Unbelievable4

So Borini is your striker then?

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Moreno wouldn't have been allowed to make the bench anyway even if he was match fit. Wasn't registered in time was reported a few days before.

I'm not sure you've seen enough of Bony, used to play as a second striker in the Eredivisie, involved in build up pay plenty. Good at hold up play, not just a good finisher. He isn't just an out and out striker like either Eto'o or Falcao would be.

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Couldn't agree more. No idea why everyone is banging on about strikers. An attacking player sure, an out-and-out striker (particularly a very expensive one who will expect to start) makes little sense to me at all.

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And while we have playing getting involved in the build up play who scores the goals?

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17 Aug 2014 17:52:01
Jassi: Unsure on Borini. I would buy Lavezzi and sell Borini.

Imred: I hae definitely seen enough of Bony and he didn't play as a 2nd striker as such, but he played with Reis for VVV. He is not one to come deep, and get involved in the build-up play and gradually get into the attacking third either.

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17 Aug 2014 17:55:19
Also, I made the prediction on Moreno not making the bench on Wednesday.

I think this season, people will have to be more patient. We won't be as attack minded as we were last season and I think we will be more prudent. I am not so sure I like our approach of easing on the pressure in the second half like we did last season as it invites pressure especially if we are leading. This is what BR calls "game management".

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17 Aug 2014 18:59:32
We have goals in our team Rover; also the player is expected to score a few goals too.

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17 Aug 2014 19:46:27
I thought skrtel was r best defender today.

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Me too Tommy, I thought he was mom for us in a game where no one stood out offensively

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18 Aug 2014 01:07:40
For me Alan sterling was motm but skrtel seems to get unfair abuse at times by some posters and I think alongside a player like lovren who is happy to organise and lead the defence he will play his best football for us.I feel the same about mignolet lovren is that important and what a great job r management has done in getting the players we need just that striker and I'm happy.

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17 Aug 2014 17:03:07
Watched gerrards interview pre game and he said he's spoken to Rodgers and the club know that they have to replace Suarez with that X factor player if they want to improve on what they did last season.
Hopefully there doing lots behind the sceans to find a top striker.

Believable6 Unbelievable0

17 Aug 2014 18:10:56
So a singer to replace Suarez?

Joking aside, I think we need a different type of player to complement and contrast Sturridge; maybe Lavezzi.

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I'd have no complaints if we signed levezii but I'd rather a loan to buy deal for balotelli, he's only 23 and can play wide just like levezzi, if he don't work out then we just don't buy him.

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17 Aug 2014 19:00:41
Not sure on Balotelli. He does stupid things; things normal people cannot comprehend.

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17 Aug 2014 20:22:18
Which one of Jedward are we signing?

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17 Aug 2014 16:47:50
A win is a win!

Very happy with the result not necessarily the performance.

I thought Manquillo had a very good game; managed to stop the crosses coming in and was at hand to remove danger - very encouraging based upon his last 2 performances.

Great first goal; the ball through and the goal.

We are going to have to play better than that and if you asked me to sum up our performance overall then I would say "sloppy"; to many times giving the ball away and inviting pressure.

Still already one result with bettered from last season - equal or better the rest and happy days (no s**t sherlock is an acceptable response to that last comment ;o) ).

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17 Aug 2014 16:13:59
E.D's, now that we have signed Alberto Moreno, do you think we will turn our attention to signing a striker? Or, do you think we will look to sign Konoplyanka?

Any insight you could offer would set my mind at ease. Konoplyanka is a player who I believe will set the Premier League alight. Badly want this signing but I can understand if we looked at signing a striker.

All the best E.D's, hope you have a stress free day.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

{Ed002's Note - Man, you need to read the posts and give the search function a test run.}

E.D's?

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17 Aug 2014 18:43:15
I think it was a coded message from LFCs Mango, perhaps he himself is struggling from E.D?

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17 Aug 2014 15:53:58
Great Results and Some really good points.

We don't need a striker, Sterling and Sturridge would do the job IMO. We should get in Kono / Firmino to support Sterling and Sturrudge.

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You have to be joking not needing another striker apart from goal studge did nothing at all IMO thought our midfield apart from hendo looked leggy. Its first game of the season so I won't look too far into it but I certainly wouldn't say we were good today.

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Leggy is right, sturridge is usually in and out of the game and doesn't lead the line in the traditional sense so we really need a lead striker. Slow passing was a bit of a shock but having 2 holding midfielders who are slow and not great in the tackle is asking for trouble. I hope rogers learns from what should have been a defeat.

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3pts is the main thing but we need to improve in all aspects of our game, I thought our tempo was all wrong and our passing was not up to the level we expect now . having said that we sneeked the win but we must improve

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Slow ponderous build up play and lack of concentration and leadership was the issue. When we needed someone to put their foot on the ball early in the second half and keep possession, players went missing. gerrard ehem. The defence needs far better support from the midfield who apart from henderson was poor. Ultimately we won so no harm no foul so to speak and I am sure we will improve moving forward. Rickie came on and did a great job helping to steady the ship and show some leadership. Once we bed in the new players things will get better.

Hell yeah we need a striker, sturridge cannot fill the nippers boots by himself and we can't put all our hopes on sterling who we forget is still a teenager. Honestly think Balloteli would be a good option on the pitch if not off it. We wait in anticipation, can foresee a long last day of the window with a lot of nail biting and lashing out when we don't bring anyone in!

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Sturridge did nothing at all? Complete crap, he worked very hard. Dropped back to defend numerous times, made runs into space, had some clever link up play, and scored the game winner. What more do you expect him to do?

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{Ed030's Note - Also, Done what Suarez done very well last year, Made runs out wide that dragged the center half's towards him which created space in the middle for Sterling, Which is how the first goal was created. }

If we have to rely on Sterling and Sturridge to score the goals for the entire season, we will struggle to finish in the top half.

They looked shattered by the end of the match.

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Sterling, Sturridge, Lambert, Gerrard, and Lallana. That's 5 of the top 23 goal scorers from last season, more than any other team has in that grouping (City had 4). Add Henderson, Can, Markovic, Lovren, and Skrtel who are also quite capable of scoring.

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We were lucky today. No question.

Very similar situation to this time last year: unconvincing performance; Mignolet saves the day, overreliance on two players to put the ball in the net; not enough quality from the wings.

But we look more solid at the back.

Roll on City. This is usually one of the best games of the season.

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17 Aug 2014 15:53:53
So many similarities to last season!

Mignolet mom for me. Tough game with the wind.

A few nervous players but possibly because we were playing a more defensive, possession induced tactic.

Really pleased we won. A little fortunate if truth be told but we need to win these games regardless of how well we play.

Southampton didn't look like a decimated team but maybe they realised they were in shop window for January!

Believable10 Unbelievable0

17 Aug 2014 15:47:49
Yes we didn't play well, but a win is a win. It doesn't really matter if it is scrappy just ask Arsenal fans.
I bet Man u fan's would of loved a comeback win yesterday.
Way I see it that is 1 down 37 unbeaten to go.

Believable10 Unbelievable0

3 points more than we got at home to s'oton last year too.

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17 Aug 2014 15:37:13
Big improvement needed. Lucas was terrible along with coutinho who constantly gave the ball away. Gerard good first half but went missing in the second. Midfield was crying out for height (can) to stop all the won headers and Allen is brought on. Big shout out to the defence and especially mignolet. Sterling was a constant threat. Sturridge in and out of the game. All in all big improvement needed but a good three points.

Believable10 Unbelievable10

First game of the season mate, its not like pre season is played at anywhere near the same pace, give them time

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Jesus Mick get a grip pal it's first game of the season.

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Redmick couldn't agree more with your post mate. 6/10 IMO

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As far as I am aware, Sothampton have one of the tallest teams in the division. Apart from that they are a known bogie team to us.

The point of having a team like ours is that if one (Lucas) has a bad game. then two will make up for that.

First game, 3 points and 2 goals - playing well or not. any team would take that.

Big improvements are not needed. more games are and we still have £50million pounds worth of additions to play. Shush with your pessimism!

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Redmick's assessment is pretty spot on actually, although when allen came on he injected the urgency we needed in midfield and helped to change the game.

Actually yes we do need to improve, if we play like that against city we will lose so not pessimism but pragmatism from redmick. I have no doubt we will get our act together and come put firing in the next game, we will hopefully have the added attacking threat of moreno bombing down the right.

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{Ed002's Note - If Moreno is "bombing down the right" he is running in the wrong direction.}

City could have easily drawn to Newcastle, United lost, neither Spurs nor Arsenal were particularly sharp, and we weren't at our best either. Over time gaps will open up in the table, but things will be pretty close here for a bit.

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17 Aug 2014 20:39:43
JB2 is magnanimous Ed002; he sees things from the opposition teams perspective.

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17 Aug 2014 20:41:32
Ed002 is in midseason form. Bravo!

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17 Aug 2014 15:22:53
Lucky pants strike again!

Believable10 Unbelievable0

Bit worrying we needed them so early in the season but we weren't phenomenal at the start of last season vs stoke and villa I think we will get better as we go along like last season but 3 points all that matters and fantastic save by mignolet on another note tadic looked a good player

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17 Aug 2014 15:32:43
Well in Kenny lad. Phew, what a good 3 points. Didn't play well, credit to Saints who were good and could easily have won. Lucas and Gerrard axis in midfield has no future, they were outrun for most of the match, we were better when Allen replaced Lucas. A big collective sigh of relief.

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Somebody needs to send a military regiment to Kens house to protect those lucky pants

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Far from convincing but we got the win. Credit to Simon for producing that save towards the end and also Allen who added some much needed energy in the middle of the pitch.

Onto the next one.

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I was going to start the post saying "I had visions of Ken's lucky pants. "

Then realised how creepy that looked.

I hope you put the "pants" back in the glass box and only dare open them for the games we play!

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17 Aug 2014 18:14:01
Credit to Southampton for making it very very difficult for us and even taking the game to our face.

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17 Aug 2014 15:14:38
How slow is the pitch or is it me?

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{Ed002's Note - Would you really like me to answer that?}

He's right, the pitch looks practically stationary.

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Too much cricket for you Goatherder.

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Well somebody agreed Ed. Watch it again. I know we were poor and I'm not making excuses. Give me some credit

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{Ed002's Note - That wasn't what I meant.}

"well somebody agreed" smh

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It wasnt as slow as lucas that's for sure

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Lol at SGS.

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Seriously?

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17 Aug 2014 14:44:50
No shocker with conceding a goal. Southampton have been better since 20 mins on.

Believable6 Unbelievable0

17 Aug 2014 13:54:29
We need to give a birthday cake to sterling ASAP

Believable11 Unbelievable1

A really big cake after today.

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17 aug 2014 13:26:20
eds fellow reds, afternoon all .we go again .cmon reds

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17 Aug 2014 13:18:27
All the Best wishes to the Boys ahead.
Lucas starts ahead of Allen?. That's a surprise.

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17 Aug 2014 12:18:16
Can't wait till kick off! Let's hope we start really strong like last season! No one is tipping is for title! But I think we're going to be right in the mix! COME ON THE RED MEN!
YNWA

Believable3 Unbelievable0

17 Aug 2014 13:04:24
Sktrl and johnson start. Sktrl possibly due to sakho possibly not yet ready. Maquillo left back as morenos just in. Flanno had an outstanding season and gives his all is left on the bench for johnson? Bewildering. I truly hope QPR take Johnson because for some reason he is the only player I have seen in a long time that walks into the team every week after a run of bad games. I wonder what Flanagan would be thinking

Believable3 Unbelievable3

I think Flanno has been injured mate. If he was fully fit he would be in at left back without a doubt. However, Johnson usually plays better at left back than right back so I am confident we will be fine today.

Red Rum

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Flannos not in the squad.today, maybe a.knock. Invalid last post

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17 Aug 2014 13:19:15
Isn't Flanno just back from an Injury? Also Lucas and Gerrard holding DM at home?

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Flanno is injured

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17 Aug 2014 13:23:29
Johnson is left back no manquillo

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Flanagan is injured

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Not sure why my predicted line up wasn't posted. Only thing I got wrong was Lucas instead of Can (is he injured). Anyway, Lucas has constantly proved people wrong, so let's give him a break and support the team!

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{Ed002's Note - Try the teams page.}

17 Aug 2014 13:26:52
Flanagan is injured. Get your facts straight before you start moaning.

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17 Aug 2014 13:03:37
Everyone seems to be treating this as an easy game. Dangerous move in my opinion. Southampton have lost some of their better players, but they still have a very under-rated team. The likes of Pelle and Tadic are players who haven't really made a name for themselves on the big stage, but they are extremely dangerous players if given the chance. I still think we'll win but I think it'll be more of a 2-1 or 2-0 rather than the 4's and 5's some are suggesting. Expect a tight and nervy game.
Cheers,

Believable3 Unbelievable0

I think with the amount of change at Southampton it will benefit us today. They will need time to bed in, however as the season goes on I think they will go on to have a good season.

Red Rum

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You were on the ball there ROI!

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17 Aug 2014 12:59:58
Must say I would have preferred Allen or Can to start instead of Lucas. Anyways c'mon Redmen let's start the season with a with and a clean sheet hopefully.

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17 Aug 2014 13:20:33
I am surprised with Lucas starting. What Allen needs to do to get a start?. or might be Gerrard pushing high up and Lucas holding.

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17 Aug 2014 12:59:12
Wish everone a great start to the season!
We are Liverpool, We go Again.
Come on Reds!

Believable1 Unbelievable0

17 Aug 2014 12:55:53
The Real Ag
looks like you have got all your predictions correct
well done mate

Believable0 Unbelievable0

17 Aug 2014 12:54:46
Told my mate take Lucas out your fantasy footy team, he won't be able to buy a start this season :/

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17 Aug 2014 12:50:19
Very let down by the line up! Skrtel? Lucas? What's gone on there? Lucas has been awful in pre season & skrtel well he's just skrtel. Come on lads! Hopefully get an opening day win!

Believable1 Unbelievable5

And the bitching begins.
You could have at least waited til we lost a game or a player had a shocker.

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17 Aug 2014 13:10:00
Awful isn't the word I'd use

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Skrtel will be fine. Lovren will keep him in on his toes at the back.

Red Rum

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17 Aug 2014 12:45:57
Well kick off is vast approaching and now i'm hoping I haven't jinxed the game by taking it on the coupon. Southampton are coming with nothing to lose and will be no push overs, plus its not been a good weekend for home team. Will be keeping my fingers crossed and sat on the edge of my seat.

Believable0 Unbelievable0

17 Aug 2014 12:44:02
Lucas starting! Arrghhh!

Would rather have seen Can, Allen, Sakho (3 at the back) or even Suso (who isn't even on the bench) starting.

Oh well, in Brendan we trust, COME ON REDMEN!

Believable3 Unbelievable1

17 Aug 2014 11:42:55
Lucky pants are on.

3-1 to LFC.

Believable5 Unbelievable0

I'm going 4-0 today with Sterling to score first.

Red Rum

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Well done mate ;0)
Let's get off to a positive start today!
3-0

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3-2 to Liverpool. It won't be as easy as people think

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I'll go 3-0 today
sterling hendo and gerrard (penalty)

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17 Aug 2014 11:26:46
Are the lucky pants ready Ken?

Believable1 Unbelievable0

There was update a few days ago on the Liverpool banter.co.uk site
come and see

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I saw it Reet, I come along and follow your jibba jabba mate ;0)

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Phooey
Jibba Jabba?I'm hurt :-( (just kidding )

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I like reet and ben's Jibba-jabba

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Can we rename the other site?

"Liverpool Jibba-jabba"?

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17 Aug 2014 10:58:41
Anyone help got a pal now living in qata wanting a link for game?

Believable0 Unbelievable0

Try wiziwig in google ;)

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17 Aug 2014 11:23:59
I was about to ask the same thing tbh

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A little bird told me you could search online using the keywords "ronaldo 7".

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Tell him not to be a tight git. Bein is cheap as hell compared to sly.

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Use twitter - seriously the only thing twitter is good for, just type "Liverpool stream" the moment the match kicks off n the first or second link you click will work the vast majority of the time

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17 Aug 2014 10:48:34
Ed002 - loving the batman signals. Who's your fave Batman? West, Keaton, Bale or someone else?

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{Ed002's Note - There was only ever one Batman - Adam West. I have never seen any of the other films or actors, and have no interest.}

17 Aug 2014 11:12:14
Its got to be Micheal Keaton that is the best Batman.

The cartoon Family Guy has tainted my image of Adam West, can never hearing his name without laughing and an image of of 'Mayor West' popping up in my head

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Defo spot on there ed, west and Burt ward as robin, KAPOW!

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Actually the Family Guy thing has simply added that Adam West has a great sense of humour and isn't precious about himself, top man in my book.

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I realize you are fond of a particular batman but you must watch "The Dark Knight" for Joker

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{Ed002's Note - They are all fake Batmans Reet. There was only one Joker - Cesar Romero. You seem to be living in some fantasy world.}

ED You'll be glad to know the complete Batman TV series from the West era is coming to blu ray, if you like your viewing in HD.
Shark repellant spray at the ready!

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{Ed002's Note - I always carry Shark Repellent. That sequence was possibly the second best in history of moving pictures.}

I really have no idea what you are talking about eds I wasn't even born them but seeing your praise for it I'll make a point to watch adam west batman

and I am really hurt by that last line;-)

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17 Aug 2014 10:21:32
Is it just me or do others hope this talk of falcao and cavani is just nonsense?

I have said since losing suarez I think we need an excellent striker but these two would put a huge dent in the money we already don't have! I really hope this is horse!

There have been a couple of others names mentioned such as HUntelaar, bony and lavezzi that would be suitable (althouth I do think the money for lavezzi being mentioned is too much).

please say its all nonsense eds!

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{Ed002's Note - I would think the search engine will help.}

17 Aug 2014 11:46:10
Ed002, Seems you are in fantastic mood today. u at the beach mate?

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{Ed002's Note - It has just started raining here.}

17 Aug 2014 14:11:14
Thanks Ed002. As I said I just hope its nonsense.

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17 Aug 2014 10:07:05
Edd001, a lot of credit goes towards Brendan Rodgers for our our play. What do you think of mike marsh.and colin pascoe mate?

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{Ed001's Note - it is difficult to judge coaches so quickly mate, you need to see how players improve under them over a period of time. We have only had a couple of seasons so far, the improvement could be as much about better quality players and tactical improvements, rather than coaching. While they do seem to be doing a great job, players do seem to be improving technically, it will be a couple of season before we know for sure.}

17 Aug 2014 09:12:13
http://www.player-ratings.co.uk/

The eds have created a fantasy football talk page at the above
url to discuss the fantasy premier League and your teams
It will be administered for the time being by me and Tj Red (though I am yet to ask him lol)

Everybody taking part in the fantasy premier League (mine or anybody elses) Or even the general public
Please do visit guys

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{Ed002's Note - Please do not reply to this post. Take all of it to the other site.}

17 Aug 2014 09:15:54
Watching yesterday's games I couldn't help but wonder if this season Ref's are cracking down on (and giving soft penalties for) defenders grabbing opposition players in the box.

Brendan - please make Skrtel play in handcuffs or a straight jacket today.

I can't help but think that Southampton's game plan will be to get Shane Long into the box alongside Skrtel and lob balls in as much as possible. :-(

Hopefully a big win today fella's. 4-1 will do nicely. goals for Sturridge, Sterling, Henderson, and Lambert (who'll replace Sturridge after 70mins). and of course the inevitable penalty awarded for Skrtel holding onto Shane Long.

YNWA
BigAussieRed

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17 Aug 2014 09:40:12
He will learn it the hard way. Skrtel won't be stopping his manhandling and I guess this will result in a few penalties before BR decides to bring Sakho in.

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Agree with u real AG. BR should have paired Lovren with Sakho instead of Skrtel in the BVB game. Still do not understand why BR prefers to use Skrtel even when he makes all those stupid errors.

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17 Aug 2014 10:28:09
The season hasn't even started. Let's give Skrtel a fair chance.

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I think too much is made of Skrtel's "manhandling" of opposition players in the box. Its a common tactic by center backs.

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I agree with you there rover. I think it was 1 penalty he gave away for pulling people's shirts.but I'm sure he stop a few goals by shirt pulling.

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17 Aug 2014 08:44:23
These Falcao rumours are really starting to wind me up. I don't want him at all.
Sanchez is a forward, a creator and would have been a superb replacement for Suarez. Falcao however is an out and out goal scorer, like Sturridge. If signing Falcao means undermining Sturridge then I say no. Would rather go for a forward who will assist Sturridge, not leave him on the bench. I don't particularly think he fits our mould but Lavezzi would be a better option than Falcao for me.

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17 Aug 2014 09:20:47
Agree on Lavezzi.

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17 Aug 2014 09:25:11
Agree with you completely mate. Falcao makes no sense to me.
I would rather play sterling behind Sturridge and bring Konoplayanka or Firmino to play at the diamond or on the left hand side.
If BR is adamant to bring in another striker, Y not Walcott?. I know He is injured, but He wouldn't cost us a lot in transfer or Wages.
Walcott is an excellent option both at the start or coming off the bench.

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Sorry boom, you answered your own question. can't see us buying an injured player, nor will Walcott come cheap, transfer or wages wise.

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17 Aug 2014 10:13:35
Sterling behind Sturridge gets my vote all day. I think that given a bit of time and adaptation Sterling could be the forward we are looking for.
His finishing is coming on and his ability to get by his man in such a direct fashion is uncompromising and exactly what a forward should be. If he were to be the one playing up top either with Sturridge or as back up sometimes then we could do a whole lot worse.
Maybe give Sterling a few minutes up top late in games and maybe in the cup? Then Ibe can step up and fill in the gap on the wing!

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It's all well and good wanting ANOTHER creative forward/winger until Sturridge gets injured. When that happens exactly what I don't want is, to bring a player that will create for no one next to him.
Aside from that bringing in more of these type of players is not necessary, partly why I don't think Konoplyanka has any truth to it (sorry ed1 I've seen you say it could happen, just my opinion!) because we already have; sterling, Coutinho, markovic, Lallana, Suso and the likes of Ibe to come through.
Although Falcao high unlikely, I'd out backup or player to play alongside Sturridge is someone that will thrive off of our and Sturridge's creativity themselves rather than being burdened with creating themselves.
Not everyone needs to be versatile and multi-functional to work in a dynamic system, providing they're good at their role.
E.g. Van Nistelrooy, as far as a goalscorer / poacher went, he was right at the top of the game, offered little else in terms of his game but boy did he do his job for United. What's wrong with is bringing in that TYPE of forward for 2 seasons rather than someone young who's still learning etc. Rodgers has said himself he wants someone who can come on and have an impact instantly, not one for the future.

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How can we bring in players who are injured, not for sale, or have no interest in coming to us? What's the point of just bandying names around?

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Rather Reus. Cheaper, younger, varied positions, quicker, less ego (maybe?)

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17 Aug 2014 08:33:43
Hi eds I know you don't like talking finances but any idea the fee Liverpool will pay Sevilla for Moreno?

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{Ed002's Note - It is not available from UEFA at this time, but best to avoid such discussion as fees reported are rarely reflective of the actual costs due to a whole bunch of additional bills the club needs to pick up. Just like incoming fees - often over-inflated by the press.}

17 Aug 2014 10:48:18
Wise choice on the avatar Ed002. The Batman is my favorite superhero.

Some people have The Fatman (Rooney) as their avatar in the Manchester United pages I believe.

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17 Aug 2014 08:28:35
I like Ed002's avatar very much.

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17 Aug 2014 06:38:18
I see the Eto to Liverpool rumours have still not died down in the media - unbelievable, he's totally passed it. Next they will be telling us we want Van Gaal for a manager!

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A past it player who averaged a goal or an assist every 92 minutes last season.

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Good point EMS, I believe a loan deal makes sense given the Origi arrangement. In the circumstances I don't see big money being spent on another striker. Impossible to replace Suarez and the most comparable to his profile in my opinions Lavezzi but at 29, can Rodgers adapt him to suit and would FSG pay big money for a 29 year old.

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17 Aug 2014 08:49:47
Id take Eto'o to help out for a season until we can get our eyes on a new Sturridge strike partner. I think that as it stands Borini should be given the chance.

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17 Aug 2014 09:05:13
Not saying I want him btw, I wanted Lacazette, but Eto'o is not a bad player even in the slightest. I don't care how old he is. Of we can get him to drop his financial demands, he'd do for a season.

I don't think we're even interested. Ed002 is sure we are after Huntelaar or Lavezzi and Macca has mentioned Bony, Balotelli and Konoplyanka. So stop worrying regardless .

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{Ed002's Note - You might want to try the search engine - an enquiry was made for Huntelaar but it is cold right now. Again an enquiry was made about Lavezzi but he seems keen on a return to Italy - we will see.}

17 Aug 2014 09:26:49
Agree with Adam. Lacazzatte would be an excellent addition, But then Is he better than Borini?. I don't know.

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EMS, I am not so keen on Eto either, but I can also see how a loan for this coming season can make sense for us. He scores goals and assists and has valuable CL experience, which our squad lacks. I actually think it can be a very smart move for us.

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{Ed002's Note - It is not possible to take Eto'o on loan - he is a free agent.}

17 Aug 2014 10:48:47
Sorry Ed002, I didn't realise that.

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{Ed002's Note - Just give him £5M cash and £100k a week for a year and he will pop along on Saturday afternoons.}

But on a 12 month contract might fit the bill.
Is that what Chelsea have done with Drogba?

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Sorry Ed, just saw your reply.
10 mil for 12 months? No thanks

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17 Aug 2014 05:46:56
hello eds,
how do u rate borini. still at 21 years of age .
can he become a dangerous striker?

YNWA

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{Ed001's Note - of course he can, he just needs to find a settled place in a side that plays him regularly up front.}

17 Aug 2014 08:13:01
Borini is 23.

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17 Aug 2014 04:20:57
anybody notice the tension on motd last night, I hope Bellamy's on next week

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17 Aug 2014 03:28:18
Lads read this site for year barely post bt bony could be some player in the current atmosphere and with great man management!
Way better than paying 50 million for Cavani who is good bt believes his own hype too much!
Trust the management band remember we don't buy superstar strikers. We make em!
Suarezzzzzzzzzz was amazing I'm gutted bt we wil survive, we will be a better team!
It's his loss!
We are Liverpoooooool
That is all

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17 Aug 2014 01:36:41
Is there something wrong with the website Eds? Why are there alternating pictures messing up the format of the first post. Also there are seemingly random Batman logos appearing?

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{Ed001's Note - nope nothing wrong, the Batman logo is Ed002's avatar, as he always has info in his belt to pull out and save the day.....}

Are you the red herring Ed ;)

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{Ed001's Note - apparently so!}

17 Aug 2014 11:55:08
Fair enough on the avatar, however what's with the pictures? The ones that look like big avatars?

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{Ed001's Note - nothing.}

17 Aug 2014 01:26:07
I love it when the media massively underestimate us. It gives us something to prove. Sturridge and Lambert must be rubbing their hands together at the service they'll receive this season. We will, without doubt go close again.

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17 Aug 2014 00:12:48
Seems like Konoplyanka injured his miniscus and could be out for a month. Think that any potential deal on that end could be off now. For this window certainly anyways.

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Not sure we even need him. Ibe and Texiera will be back to compete for a first team spot next season, Kono would simply get in their way. We just need a striker, any more signings now would be an unnecessary luxury.

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17 Aug 2014 08:02:19
Its shame. I would love us to get him.He is one of the most underrated player here.

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17 Aug 2014 08:40:34
Hasn't Texeira gone on loan?

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{Ed002's Note - Note the words "will be back".}

17 Aug 2014 08:42:10
Sorry, my bad, didn't see the next season bit. It's early!

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17 Aug 2014 09:33:35
Indian Buzzer

Disagree mate, Ibe is just 18 and needs 1 or 2 proper loans in the PL. Texiera is a completely different player to Kono.
Kono is a direct winger, who plays with his pace, specialist in long shots and has got goals in him, He is also a very good finisher, He could beat a man every time.
The Most important point, He has snubbed couple of clubs just to come to us. I would have players who would love to play in our system.

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Hey Harry, would Kono still be interested in joining us if say Real or Barca made an offer for him? I very much doubt it. West Ham and the mancs are the only clubs who have made an offer for him, and since neither is in the UCL unlike Dnipro, I can see why he rejected them.
Yes he is a good player, but we would only need him for a season or so. Ibe should be ready next season, and Texeira is primarily a LWM, where Kono plays. Pointless signing imo.

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16 Aug 2014 23:51:37
Not bothered what Liverpool's hierachy or doctors think they found wrong with Remy, the boy can play and should be our man!

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I honestly think there was more to it an why he never signed for us. How can lfc docs find things wrong with him yet qpr, newcastle docs don't? All bit strange.

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It's been said that he has a poor attitude, maybe the club knew this and decided against the purchase as they felt he'd do more damage than good?

Or, maybe it's Liverpool have a very thorough medical which also looks for potential future injuries and maybe they didn't like what they saw on one of the scans?

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Yeah what do doctors know about medical stuff anyway! Marseille doctors found the same so ease up on conspiracy theories. Newcastle and Chelsea also signed Ba who failed medicals elsewhere . After aquiliani and Carroll can you blame the club for being cautious? No let's ignore all medical advice.

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17 Aug 2014 08:54:49
Not denying that maybe they found something. Just saying its a shame, he's a good player. Would have really helped Sturridge up top.

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16 Aug 2014 23:45:36
Just watched m.o.t.d. Remy looked fit and well

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We should have signed him in my opinion but the reason we didn't sign him isn't because he's injured. Injured players can pass parts of medicals & have their injury allowed for, for example if he'd pulled a hamstring wed still have signed him but potential heart issues & serious scar tissue in his knee are reasonsbwe wouldn't sign him as both affect the longevity of his career. Nobody said he isn't fit. That's not what a medical is. A medical is does he have a family history? Does he have scar tissue? Can we guarantee he'll have a career lasting 5 more seasons? Can his body take the strain playing 2x a week? Will he need a special training plan?

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Fitness was never the issue. He potential long term issues.

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16 Aug 2014 23:43:06
Seeing Bruce & Redknapp come out of the tunnel together on match of the day reminded me of childhood memories of Punch & Judy on llandudno pier.

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Steve Bruce always reminds me of the Mr Stay-Puft marshmallow man from the first Ghostbusters. Redknapp is Deputy Dawg of course.

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