Liverpool Banter Archive January 29 2014

29 Jan 2014 23:08:01
Ed02 only 2days left before the window closes must be releaved

{Ed002's Note - I will be travelling for much of the two days, but will look in when I can.}

29 Jan 2014 22:41:11
Banter please Eds,

Can't believe you boy's didn't put in a cheeky last minute bid for Yohann Cabaye.

I know he's 28 and cost £19m and has no re-sale value, but still a damn fine player and would have worked very well feeding Suarez.

We could have bid all we want he wanted to go to psg and money two

Cabaye's a very good player, but there is no way we could go head-to-head with P.S.G in a bidding war. (especially with Ian Ayre negotiating)

Would've loved him but really doesn't fit FSG's moneyball game to buy a 28-year old for over £10m, I believe Eds?

Overrated and overpriced beyond belief in my opinion.

Dagenham, not going to happen.
Liverpool use a mathematical formula for submitting transfer bids -
Player's age divided by two, then take the square root of that, and add 5 ( or whichever number of European Cups is applicable ).
So you can see Cabaye is actually only worth £8.7416million!

Thank you Juicer,
The mystery is solved, lol.

Strange post dg am sure it was yous after him in the summer, and am surprised yous never at that price. hope u don't get Draxler tho, maybe that's where the cash is going.

29 Jan 2014 22:20:55
Good couple of days for us spurs lost, everton lost (obviously) by quite a few quashing any chance of them catching on goal difference which could end up being important. And if your an optimist chelsea and arsenal both dropped points need a win against wba on sunday because we could drop points against arsenal

Chelsea have city next ;-)

29 Jan 2014 21:59:17
Let spurs buy konoyanka so he he can join lamela, Townsend, Lennon, siggy and the other rest of the wingers doing nothing.I think this one won't slip through the net for us though

29 Jan 2014 21:47:33
This may be slightly optimistic but the results weren't bad for us tonight as we are not likely to catch man city and spurs are more like our competition. Also the other game keeps Chelsea pretty close

I say we should gun down for the chavs, all the more since they have still to come to anfield

Treat every game like a cup final from now on. Beating a close rival the way we did makes people stand up and take notice.

And they have City to play next so it could be 1 point gap after the weekend if we beat WBA and City don't slip.

29 Jan 2014 17:31:41
I was listening to Tim Vickery on earlier who said that although he isn't match fit following an injury Romulo was one of the most complete midfielders he has seen for some time. are we interested in him and what are the chances of us getting him. thanks eds

YNWA

{Ed002's Note - Search engine please.}

29 Jan 2014 21:29:00
Br has said "Hopefully we can have a major signing before the window shuts and if we can do that we will be set up for the remaining games." Some media outlets stating Liverpool making "Big money signing" If Kono is the major big signing and if £16m is a big money signing? then how can we compete with the clubs above us.

Last time I checked £16m is still an eye watering amount of money.

MrT must live in Woolton. or daaaan saaarf.

Some people are gas good idea why don't you give Liverpool 40 million seems as its not big money

Mr T gold worth more than Wembley. Sell your gold fool.

29 Jan 2014 20:10:19
Eds, do ye think we'll sign Konoplyanka

{Ed002's Note - RTP.}

29 Jan 2014 19:13:45
Sorry Eds but do you see PSG ans Spurs as a major threat to us getting the Ukraine winger or are we in the box seat? Won't hold you to it either lol

{Ed002's Note - I am aware that other clubs are interested including PSG and a couple from England.}

29 Jan 2014 18:51:06
Hi eds just wondering why Dave Fallows has gone to negotiate and not Ayre, could he possibly be working on another deal?

29 Jan 2014 18:27:46
Evening eds, do you believe that any signings we make in this window (especially at the top end of the field) will have sny bearings on the future of Aspas? Cheers

{Ed002's Note - No.}

29 Jan 2014 20:38:50
Konoplyanka quicker than Kyle Walker! Sat him on his ars* against England!

29 Jan 2014 20:01:18
maybe a crazy question but would we have chance in the future to sign ross barkley from everton?
best young midfielder for me the next gerrard.

He will go to utd in time. Feeder club and all that

Thats like Everton fans saying why not sign Gerrard.

I am led to believe we are going to offer a player plus cash deal on the last day of the summer transfer window. Are persuit of Iniesta is just a smokescreen.

Sorry have to disagree with you think the best young midfielder is James Mc Carthy a midfielder we should of had before he joined wigan

Stop trying to promote yourself Ross, even though your team were totally outclassed last night I am sure BR saw some talent in your play!

Didn't he start off playing 4 us?

29 Jan 2014 20:25:04
i love when media outlets report Liverpool have placed a bid for konoplyanka, and then about an hour later you hear that spurs have also bid for konoplyanka. every transfer window spurs never fail to take one of our targets. they should really search for those hidden cameras and microphones in the Liverpool transfer committee.

I think if the player looks at the clubs he would see that we are on the up and spurs aren't, that and we caned them 5-0 as well.

Why don't we pay the asking price rather than put in low bid and wait for them to join other clubs

29 Jan 2014 22:19:34
And 'taking our targets'* has worked out so well for them so far hasn't it. Sigurdsson, Lamela, Dempsey etc.

*Actually has it occurred to you that we're just in the same market rather than them deliberately following us around? Two big name clubs with a respectable but not ludicrous amount of cash both trying to break into the top 4? No?

29 Jan 2014 19:55:24
Big Andy C to do us a favour tonight.

29 Jan 2014 19:24:10
Evening EDS and fellow REDS, this is a question to anybody who knows EDS or REDS, how good is this konoplyanka player I had never heard of him till recently does anybody really know, does he have pace, is he skillfull? if someone could shed some light on him I would be most gratefull.

He's extremely fast & skillful, pretty much a beefier faster coutinho.

29 Jan 2014 19:52:13
Go to Liverpool FC Blogs. Scroll down to number 6. I did a review on him in the summer.

YNWAdam

In my view, I think he is quality, I feel he is better than Salah.
We might of done a job on Chelsea with this one :0)

Great result last night! Come on the Red men!

He played for the Ukraine against England in qualifying, scored and tore Kyle Walker to pieces in the first half with his directness and pace. It was the first time i'd seen him and I wondered why everyone was going on about yarmolenko as for me konoplyanka was the better player.

29 Jan 2014 20:03:12
Since I wrote that review he has upped his game. That is worth noting. Obviously he is still the same type of player and whilst I'm still skeptical about his ability to adapt to the Prem, he didn't struggle at all against our national team. Use the review to get a gauge of what type of player he is, not his potential. I didn't really mention much on his age and the likelihood of him improving. I'd be prepared to give him a chance though and hopefully he does adapt to the Prem.

YNWAdam

Adam, what's Konoplyanka's injury history like?
He's obviously a sprinter, no hamstring problems in the past was there?
If there are, puts me right off.

29 Jan 2014 19:12:32
Why is there a whole bunch of rumours saying Tottenham are in for kono now? Can't these teams just leave us Alone! Are they scared of how good we're gunna be or something?
His agent has just stated it looks likely he will move to Liverpool but I had a long convo with another prem team last night who he could also go to.

29 Jan 2014 19:00:55
So we are now up against Tottenham aswell to sign Konoplyanka. This guy is good, and can become great I believe, so hope this is wrapped up quickly if possible. He looks like a beefier Robben on the ball.

29 Jan 2014 18:36:14
With reports emerging that we are in for konoplyanka. Do you think he should be a priority or should we be going for a DM. Just wondering what you fellow reds and eds think?

We seem to have no major problem putting the ball in the net, so, a DM for me for sure.

29 Jan 2014 20:21:55
I think everyone keeps forgetting that Lucas won't be out for as long as we initially thought. I don't think we need to replace him as such, or spend money for a player who will provide cover for a few weeks then sit on the bench for the rest of the season. We do need back up though, but the club might just wait til the summer. If we are in for Kono he is supposedly versatile, and i'm thinking he could free up coutinho to play in AM role. I don't see our defense as the huge problem others seem to. We have excellent defenders who don't seem to understand each other. Give them the rest of the season and I think we'll have one of the best defenses in the league for 14/15. We have had terrible luck with injuries regarding full backs, but Flanno is back now along with Kelly and nearly Enrique, so why go all out for replacements? We need a regular back 4 to play together consistently, hopefully we can build that over the next few months.

29 Jan 2014 18:22:45
Stood on the Kop last night breathing in the atmosphere at 4-0 when I had a real shock. At 76minutes 41 seconds into the game about 50 supporters in the Blue end suddenly clapped and startled me - I didn't think anyone was awake in their pen.

Ayre in Ukraine - forward
Fallows in Portugal - Def Mid
Two signings B4 end of window
+ one loan maybe - Full Back

^^^ Jok I'm with you on that mate.

JoK how do you know Follows is in Portugal? Just wondering.

29 Jan 2014 17:51:32
Ed, know when.enriques due back? Thanks

{Ed001's Note - not yet, probably, by the looks of it, a few more weeks yet.}

29 Jan 2014 17:13:41
Hi eds.

When is Enrique expected back?

Cheers

29 Jan 2014 16:43:44
Reports say Konoplyanka deal now hinges on the successful conclusion of talks tomorrow, according to David Anderson, 18M euros. Hope he's right.

29 Jan 2014 12:27:28
Hi Eds speciafically Ed02,
Chelsea have over 20 odd players on loan of which Romelu, G.Kakuta could be of interest to Liverpool in Holding role.

Due to think if the interest becomes apperanent Chelsea may consider selling these players?

Or they hold them in high regards for their first team?

{Ed002's Note - Kakuta is a winger. He is available for sale now.}

29 Jan 2014 16:16:19
i honestly hate the hypocrisy in football, clubs and supporters constantly complain about players not showing loyalty etc but look at LFC we have Daniel Agger a fantastic centreback, possibly one of the best we have had for a while and its blatantly obvious the club is trying to push him out the door. I have no idea why we cannot play two left footed centrebacks, but Agger is miles ahead of Kolo and Skrtel and on a similar wage.

Skrtel deserves his place in the team this season. He has been a rock.

Red Rum

29 Jan 2014 18:57:25
I can almost Guarentee that Aggers on the highest wage of our CBS,
This isn't a problem when fit, but he's rarely fit for a full season.
Factor in that we were expecting to sell one of Agger/Skrtel in the summer, along with his age, I can see why.
He's the best we have, but when all the above is factored in, I think it makes sense!

It's tough to separate "good business" from our attachment to certain players.

29 Jan 2014 16:00:51
Eds
If we were to get Konoplyanka, which may be unlikely but just the idea is exciting for me as looks a really good player, with pace, footballing intelligence, good feet, passing, goals etc etc.

My question is and I realise its all hypothetical where do you see him playing?

Some are saying instead of Sturridge but I don't think this would be the case.
I would think we would have Gerrard deep, with Coutinho central, Kono on left and hendo on right, sturridge and Suarez up front (more or less)

Obviously hedno, coutinho gerrard etc would rotate with lucas, allen etc

{Ed001's Note - left wing.}

In place of?

{Ed001's Note - you would have to ask Rodgers that. I wouldn't like to have the decision, but that is why he is paid so much money.}

Don't forget guys that we aim to be in CL next season which requires additional players to rotate at times.

Instead of coutinho I would imagine.
At least at first. you could always rotate them based on form/fitness/opposition.
Coutinho might find himself playing in a central position now as well.

29 Jan 2014 15:50:49
Just over on the borrowers page and my oh me are they bitter . Even that ed25 is just as bitter as the rest of them

{Ed001's Note - to be fair, a lot of your posts have just been annoying. I would think they have enough on their plate without you over there gloating like a muppet. Gloating never does anyone any good.}

Na, today is national gloating day. I've had a field day

{Ed001's Note - I never gloat me, it is not four nothing that I have avoided mentioning football to all the Evertonians I know.....}

29 Jan 2014 17:13:38
Well I've enjoyed myself no end. There I've said it

Aye gloating always comes back to haunt you. Just go over to the manc page and ask them.

To be honest though they've had 20+ years of gloating so a season or so is hardly coming back to bite is it?

I see what u did there Ed1. Nice one!

29 Jan 2014 15:24:26
Good Morning eds001 (Im in Florida) i'm waking up to the news of the Ukrainian fella and I was wondering hows your mood today? It's amazing what a bit of positive LFC related transfer gossip regardless or how tenuous or spurious it is does for ones soul. This guy is the real deal, he's got the ability to make a similar impact if a not more profound one than Andrei Kanchelskis had for the Mancs. It would let coutinho go inside and give us incredible options i.e with formations and we can rest players. One great player bought for the right position can have such a massive positive effect on the starting 11. let's hope we don't bungle this transfer! On a sidenote, I'm not sure if anyone picked this up from yesterdays game but there was a shot of sturridge after he'd been subbed and he calmly said to the guy sitting next to him 'its cold innit' I obviously lip red this but I haven't stopped laughing since, I don't know why I find that so funny? Come on John & Tom back Brendan in the next 2 days and let him and the boys repay you with Champions League football.

{Ed001's Note - my mood couldn't have got any better than it did last night as that 4th goal went in! I am still buzzing, though poor Ed025 doesn't seem in the happiest of moods today, for some reason. Not sure why....
As for transfers, I won't get my hopes up until they are done. I seem to jinx things when I do get my hopes up. When I am not hopeful, the club seem to find a way to complete the deals, no matter how hopeless they were looking.}

See agents fees ed, do they charge only on completed deals or for 'enquiries' too?
Just interested to know.

{Ed001's Note - depends, if they are contracted to make an enquiry, they would be paid whether a deal is done or not.}

I agree Ed001 I'm going to be Peter pessimistic for the next two days and hope and hope and hope again this guy is being prodded and poked by Zaf on Friday. And is it just me or are we underestimating Luis goal and his performance yesterday? Fair play to Studge, Skittle, Flanno, Stevie G, Coutinho and the others but I thought the desire work rate and that phenomenal goal by Luis was world class

{Ed001's Note - it was an excellent performance by the whole team, even Mignolet with the little he actually had to do.}

I remember that shot of Sturridge and was wondering what was said. That's very funny. The man was fired up just moments before, but I guess he cooled down quickly.

That subtle movement by Suarez to cut off (think it was) Jagielka and take him out of the play was absolutely brilliant.

If that's the case ed001, do not ever put any hopes on medel ed001 then. so that we can actually get him.

{Ed001's Note - believe I have absolutely no hope of us ever signing him!}

29 Jan 2014 15:18:53
Liverpool great John Barnes claims strikers Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge are both too "individual" to ever combine to create a "classic partnership" for the Reds.
Great player. Crap pundit.
What is his problem keep pulling down LFC and there players.
Go back to rapping mate. That was bad but its better than the bile you spew as a pundit!
vrcomp
Y.N.W.A.

I'm sure 99% of strikers would say they don't mind who scores as long as they won, but all of them would want to be the too a scorer - not a problem! However, is Sturridge didn't lay off coutinho and the score was 0-0, it would be a problem, I think just the idea of a hatrick got the better of him :)

Vr, Barnes does quite often talk nonsense but what he said this morning was actually pretty accurate.

It depends how you define a 'classic partnership'.
A 'classic' one to me is a big man and small partner, like Owen and Heskey, Crouch and Defoe.
In that sense they are not a 'classic' partnership, however you cannot argue that they play well together, 39 goals between them and 11 assists so far this season. Plus Suarez was suspended for a few games and Sturridge has been injured frequently.

36 goals between them — that's classic enough for me.

Agree with Jay91. He was just talking about the traditional partnership which SAS are not. Football does move on and the SAS is a modern partnership.
What does my swede in is the constant criticism of our club legends by fans on here.
You see Daglish getting stick on here, Hansen, Lawrenson, Barnes Phil Thomson. They all get slated on this site for having the audacity to have an opinion.
We just beat Everton 4-0 in the derby and all you can do is completely mis-represent what a club legend had to say about SAS.

To be fair I wish lawro would keep his opinion to himself

29 Jan 2014 15:16:57
Afternoon all,

We are now being linked with Konoplyanka. What I don't understand with this is IMO Kono is a better player than Sallah. Although Sallah is a very good player I assume we chased him as he was a cheaper alternative who Rodgers thought he could develop. If we couldn't afford Sallah how are we going to afford Kono?

If this deal does happen would be very happy. Saying that, if we could perform week in week out as we did last night we won't need him.

It had nothing to do with not being able to afford Salah. We just did not think he was worth what Basle were aking for him.
We obviously think Konoplyanka is worth what is being asked for him and LFC are prepared to pay it.
vrcomp
Y.N.W.A.

You don't understand how the system works at Liverpool, every player is evaluated and the club decide based on what they've seen & there age how much to the value the player at, salah is 21, Rodgers went to scout him personally and they prob decided, this guy is good but not 20m good YET.

Kono they've had him scouted for a while now as the eds have said, so they've prob decided in one if there meetings that this guy is better than salah and older, they've prob contacted the club weeks ago and asked how much they value the player at, and off that see him as a 18m player.
It's not we can't afford salah, it's we don't want to pay 16m for a guy who isn't worth 16m.

Vrcomp, your reply just agrees with what I saying. I can only see 2 reasons why we would have made Sallah our main target, they are;
1) Brendan rates him higher than Kono. But if that's the case why were we not able to strike a deal with Basle being as he went for a fee less than Kono will.
2) We made him our main target because he was cheaper option. But eventually felt we couldn't afford to risk the extra £3M

My point being is that If LFC value Kono higher than they do Sallah, and the money is there, why didn't we make Kono our piority signing in the 1st place?

LFC_ForLife, Thanks for clearing that up, I always thought the board just got together and played 'Rock, paper, Scissors' and who ever won got to randomly come up with a players value. Bar for Chelsea and Man city that's how the system works at every club, not just Liverpool. Maybe my point didn't quite come across as I meant it.
If we valued Sallah at £8M and Kono at £15M why was Sallah our main priority?

What is the guarantee that he wasn't our priority signing. We have been linked with him for a while.Just because Salah has been getting all of the press doesn't mean he was our priority signing.

Maybe Salah just did not want to come to Anfield regardless of the amount we offered?

29 Jan 2014 15:13:29
I'd just like to say, how frikin good is flano and sterling playing! If flano can keep this up he's gunna be one of the best defenders in the league in years to come, everyone's talking about S&S but we wouldn't have won yesterday if those two Weren't on the field, there strength and determination is next to none.
Great to here about Konoplyanka to I've watched a few times, the guy is lightning fast and quite beefy, I think this singing would be great, means coutinho can play central for the rest of the season and if sturridge gets injured again we have great back up. Rodgers really knows what he's doing, when sturridge got injured cout had to play on the left the whole time an his form really dropped, but now if we sign Konoplyanka cout can stay central even if one of our big two got injured.

29 Jan 2014 15:05:09
Ed001, just wonder if you could tell me a little more about Konoplyanka. I won't claim to know how good he is so I'm just wondering how you rate if you've watched him play? What are his strength, weaknesses? And how you see him fitting into the team?

{Ed001's Note - I haven't seen him play, sorry.}

29 Jan 2014 14:59:15
Ukraine isn't really a value market, 18m seems steep to say the least

29 Jan 2014 15:07:27
and you'd be the same person to moan if we didn't buy anyone.

Actually I haven't moaned once, I'm one who appreciates our transfer policy. Is that ok Dr Anonymous?

14.8M is now the figure being touted about. Now we're getting closer to value

Is 12m for Birini value in the Italian market then

I think 12M for Borini was a little over, but the Italian market does hold more value than the Ukrainian one, if we managed to get 15 goals from him next season who's to say what some of the Italian clubs would offer for him, and he is capable of getting that.

29 Jan 2014 14:53:27
Ed001 mate, do you think I should believe Konoplyanka's father when he says that his son is joining an English Club? Also should I assume that the English club is Liverpool?
Cheers

{Ed001's Note - yes and no, never assume, just hope.}

Wise words Ed sounded a bit like yoda ;)

{Ed001's Note - unfortunately I am beginning to look a lot more like him these days.}

29 Jan 2014 14:14:58
just playing devil's advocate about konoplonkya. I think some fans tend to get a little carried away on little information. how many times has anyone actually seen this guy play, honestly? nobody watches his domestic league so we are basing his ability on a handful of ukraine performances and youtube? i'm not slating him at all and will watch him with interest and excitement if he does sign - i'm just saying don't start the usual slating if he doesn't sign. I know it's exciting seeing people sign for our club but I for one am confident that our current squad can secure 4th spot. that is when we bring in some more exciting signings with the lure of UCL

The lad made Kyle walker look slow. That's all I need to know.

What benny baller said

87 red spot on. too many youtube enthusiasts here that have seen him in 1 or 2 games for national teams, click on an 8 minute video and think he's a star.

Wow 87red. You're not even taking into account the mediums of fifa and football manager.

29 Jan 2014 14:09:30
It would be great to see us get Konoplyanka though I am not getting too excited until he actually signs the deal. I still would love for us to also try and get a strong defensive minded midfielder. We cannot reply on players not getting injured as we have unfortunately seen, Lucas and Allen are now regularly missing matches. Anyway good luck to the Liverpool accession team, hopefully they will get some deals done.

29 Jan 2014 14:01:12
He Liverpool pull off a deal for konoplyanka everyone will be paying salah who kono is pure class 100 times better so glad ayre isn't talking to his club and its someone else who can hopefully get the deal done come on Liverpool

29 Jan 2014 13:52:44
Eds,

I'm trying not to get excited after the Salah disaster, but is our interest in Konoplyanka genuine or is it the media all jumping on BRs 'major signing' claim. And who is this Head of Recruitment we have supposedly sent out, I was under the impression Ian Ayre dealt with transfers? Also IF, fingers, toes crossed, we do sign konoplyanka will that mean pastore is off the cards in the summer

Thanks for all the great work. I wouldn't be able to put up with some on here lol

{Ed001's Note - there is a genuine interest, but I don't know if we have bid, nor do I know where Fallows is. Dave Fallows is part of our committee and is now the point man on transfers to allow Ayre more time to do his own job.}

I was going to say ed. Do you think there is a reason fallows has gone and not Ayre? Fsg a bit pissed off about salah and have already made changes?

{Ed001's Note - no, Fallows is in charge of this area, he would have been involved in any deal for Salah anyway.}

Ok ed. Do you think a former player should be included on this committee? To give potential signings a view of how it is too play for the club. To talk about the training grounds, atmosphere in the ground, the fans, and daily life in and around Liverpool? Someone these young lads we are looking to sign, would have grown up watching. Maybe god?

{Ed001's Note - not for me, it just needs a good talker to sell the club, doesn't need to be an ex-player.}

29 Jan 2014 13:50:17
"I don't always do my celebration, sometimes you have to chill out, look at the Everton fans, and make them realise what time it is." - Daniel Sturridge.

I did laugh at this when he said it

Omg, am dancing in the dinning room because of this quote. What a Lad he is. More goals to Sturridge! Absolutely brillant.

The passion sturridge is showing for Liverpool is just lovely to see. whether suarez means it or not nobody knows, but he looks to share the same passion.

29 Jan 2014 13:41:29
hey eds. not a rumor just a question. reports saying dave fallows is flying out to do the deal, and i'm just wondering, why is it not ian ayre? would it be because of the salah transfer(sorry to bring it up!) or is it usually fallows that does this travelling for talks? cheers

{Ed001's Note - Ayre is just one of a number of people who have the power to make deals happen and sign off on them. I believe Chelsea have two people, we have at least two as well, now. The Salah deal is not relevant at all, Fallows is now in charge of this area of business and would have been running point on any other deals anyway.}

Thanks ed, clears it up for me. cheers

29 Jan 2014 13:13:22
Would love us to sign Konoplyanka! Looks a fairly decent player, and he is the kind of player we need on the left! Sterling, Suarez, Sturridge, Coutinho and Konoplyanka - shivers! Only problem is how we fit everyone into the team, because we have a similar situation to United, needing a formation to fit everyone into. Great team, difficult selection, but at least we have options. Let's just hope United don't nick him!
Cheers,

Well sterling coutinho are young will need rest and protection from time to time also may have a dip in form and we need options on the bench competition for places a squad of quality especially if we make champions league

If he does sign, surely the Kop have got to chant his name to the tune of 'Una Paloma Blanca' - it's a perfect fit.

Copacabana? As much as I hate Manilow it's does seem the right song.

29 Jan 2014 11:35:44
Hi eds, just wondering in your opinion on the reported £15 million bid for Konoplyanka will be enough to secure him as one if the eds said dinipro turned large bids for him in the summer. Do you what the figures that were turned down?

{Ed001's Note - not a clue mate, depends a lot on how much the player wants to move.}

29 Jan 2014 12:50:17
ssn Sas David fallows has flown heads to Ukraine for talks with konoplyanka

29 Jan 2014 12:44:13
This guy Konoplyanka looks way better than Salah,
(and Mata for that matter) hope this goes through,
Even Usain Bolt won't be able to catch us on the break,
he's fast, can pass and has end product.

No way is he better than Mata, he 'could' become better, but Mata has proven he's quality in the Prem, one of the best. Unfortunately he plays for the enemy now.

Please remember Mata could not get in the Chelsea team. He is not breathtakingly brilliant.

Well according to slysports mata made an assist last night so he must be breathtakingly brilliant

29 Jan 2014 12:28:20
anybody see daveblueblueboy has he become davey byebyeboy? he who laughs last always laughs longest.big up too Ed025 aswell

He`s gone to lick his wounds w/ the rest of his bitter co-constituents in the blue village.

Perhaps he's gone to replace the loose change in his pockets he and his classless ilk so carelessly lost at anfield last night?!
In Buck we trust!

Is that the dave blue boy the four tune teller well he never seen that coming did you Davey boy

29 Jan 2014 12:20:16
question to either of eds.

about m'vila, I recall his name came up on this site couple of weeks ago and the few matches I'v seen him play I think he os good. but one of the eds said he had some of fields issue, is this issues holding him back from a move to a better league and what kind of issues are we talking about.

/lisv85

{Ed001's Note - think Joey Barton and you will have an idea what he is like. The guy ended up there because no one else wanted him.}

I`ve been saying this for weeks that Mvila is s**t BUT nobody apart from the Eds seems to have listened.

29 Jan 2014 12:12:41
hello all. as it seems we are closing a deal with ukrainian winger Konoplyanka, well the question that comes up next is; if we have any intention of bringing maybe someone else also, as I see the midfield kinda needs reinforcements, maybe another CDM or is 1 deal for January all?

29 Jan 2014 11:42:36
No fully Liverpool related, but it does concern Liverpool fans: If you were Woy Hodgson would you take an england squad with the likes of James milner, Jermain Defoe, Ashley Young, Danny Welbeck, Michael Carrick and Ricky Lambert? I personally wouldnt. We currently have a squad of players that's either: set to retire soon (Gerrard, Lampard) or not good enough to be a world cup winning squad (Names listed above). Surely, in the interests of our national teams it would make more sense to take youngsters like Sterling, Henderson, Barkley, Bertrand and other players who are between 18-23/24 to give them big game experience and let them play along side Gerrard, Lampard etc at their last major tournament instead of padding the squad with average 27/28 year olds who will gain at lot less from the experience.
Just a little thought for England fans.

I agree, it should go to younger/hungrier players.
hart flannagan smalling jones baines/shaw. wilshere henderson barkley. sterling sturridge lalana.

Personally not a big hodgson fan, just from his England selection. He has had a european championship and a lot of friendlies, fair enough his European championship side was fairly regular (short notice) would like him to have scraped a lot of the older players to try youth. Personally would like to have played 3-5 experienced players for friendlies (rotate stevie, lamps, cole etc) and then tried out all the youth players or untried players at their peak (not over 30). Would like the to bring some experience to this world cup and bring your players so his squad would be something like this:
Forwards:Rooney, Sturridge, berahino, Walcott (if fit) it not Wellbeck,
Midfielders: Gerrard, Wilshire, Carrick, Townsend, Barkley or Morrison/ Henderson, Sterling, Lallana
Defenders: Cahill, Smalling, Jagielka, Baines, Shaw, Jones, Flannaghan

with a few others (GK pick themselves really) so can have experienced players guide the youth players, essentially write off world cup to take pressure off (media and fans already have) Would also have liked a manager to try something a bit more experimental with the formation. Dunno if you agree but always thought (had Theo not got injured) this formation could have been great for us:

Walcott Sturridge
Rooney
Wilshere Gerrard
Carrick
Baines Cahill Jagielka Smalling
Hart

Gives Rooney freedom as he roams, Sturridge can hold up the ball or play on the counter, Walcott is great for the break away or to worry defenders, Rooney could help the midfiled, Carrick keeps possession whilst covering the back four, that gives Gerrard the chance to play from deep or push up to join the attack (also either Rooney or Gerrard can hit that amazing pass to start counters esp with the pace Theo/Sturridge would offer), Wilshere can carry the ball through midfield and play pass and move. Baines may not be as good defensively as cole but is the best atttack left back in the premier league and smalling would balance that out by being more defensive full back (also can't think of decent English fullback). Whilst Cb have a great understanding for England and Cahill is dangerous from corners and great with the ball at his feet. Also a bit adaptable Rooney can drop deep to defend a lead or if we go a goal down can make a substitution or (eg bring on a winger) to go 433 or a wing back with smalling dropping to go 3-5-2 to defend a lead. But Hodgson is just pretty predictable with team selection and player selection, just my thoughts

Totally agree, england will be lucky to get to the last sixteen in brazil. we should have been blooding the youngsters in for the last two years so they will have a chance in the next euro's

I would not take some of the player you mention Roland-dinho, Carrick is far too old to consider when we are already taking gerrard and lamps, i'd have Wiltshire, Barkley and Henderson as the other center mids.
Gk:Hart, Ruddy, Butland
RB: Walker, Flanno/Clyne
CB: Cahill, Jagielka, Jones, Caulker
LB:Luke Shaw, Cashley
CM: Gerrard, Lamps, Wiltshire, Barkley, Henderson
Wings: Sterling, Townsend, Lallana
Forwards: Rooney, Studg, Rodriguez, Wallcott.
Id possibly even consider swapping lampard for Will Hughes and including a younger CB in place of caulker or Jones.
Hart
Walker Cahill Jagielka Cole
Gerrard Wiltshire Barkley
Sterling Rooney Sturridge.
Lots of steal in the middle and a Liverpool style attack with rooney instead of suarez. wouldn't win us the cup, but who expects us to win it? no one.

Wouldn't take lampard and gerrard, don't see the point. Never played well together in their prime and they won't start now. Carrick is a very different player who can keep the ball and is disciplined. Although lamps is good for a goal or a penalty, if ya want a goal get in a striker or forward and if it goes to penos we've lost anyway.

29 Jan 2014 11:33:54
Not convinced by this Konoplyanka, 24, not got the best stats in a poor league aswell. Although I don't watch a lot of football in that league.
So Ed's, what is your opinion on him and do you think he will be a good player for us?
Cheers

{Ed001's Note - I have not seen him play.}

29 Jan 2014 12:19:29
He played gor Ukraine against England last year and looked better than Yarmelenko. I think he'd be a great addition. Has skill and pace and intelligence.

Big Stevo Mac

Same Ed, il support him once he's signed for us, but I'm not sure if he's the player I'd have signed. Hope he proves me wrong.
YNWA

Hope we get him, seen him play against england and a few times in europa league and is a great player. More importantly he has amazing pace. Don't let stats tell the whole story, his international record is good (bit more than 1 in 3) considering he plays for a European team, so plays competitively in the Euros. If you look at African teams players tend to score more than they should (Salah bout 1 in two and moses 1 in 3) because the standard of football isn't as good. I rate him from the view times I've seen him but could be wrong, worst comes to worse could be a great impact sub with his pace, dribbling, and can hit a ball (youtube his England goal!)

Is it just me or did nobody see this guy play at the Euros in 2012?

29 Jan 2014 11:26:11
Fantastic performance. Did not see that coming. I know its nitpicking, but I had hoped Sturridges "me, me, me" streak would lessen as the season went on but he still values personel glory over the team. I know strikers tend to be greedy and it can be a plus, but in situations like last nights he needs to learn to pass it to someone in a better position. He shouldn't have had the penalty either. We used to say "Liverpool don't do sentiment" Like I said, nitpicking, but that could cost us in tighter games to come.

We were 4-0 up and he was on a frickin hat trick, I don't see any problem and it was nice to see Gerrard take full responsibility for his penalty miss, shows we have a great team spirit and togetherness, let alone being a great captain!

SG let him take it because he wanted Dan to have his hatrick. Studge was very disappointed not to get his hatrick and I know how that feels as a former athlete who really wanted to help his team win at ll costs. Give him some slack and quit whining about a non-issue.

29 Jan 2014 11:13:59
Why do people have concerns over the way Sturridge reacted after being substituted? I thought it was a fantastic reaction. Would you prefer the players to just quietly take their seat in the dugout? I'm quite fine in seeing players that want to play, and make up for any errors that may have made, instead of hiding.

Absolutely!

It proves his desire and determination, why shouldn't he have took the penalty at 4-0 for his hat trick?

You can't stop Sturridge from expressing himself, it is this attitude that drives him forward on the pitch.

So, everybody stop complaining and enjoy a thoroughly pleasing attacking performance and an even better result.

YNWA

Because one bad apple can spoil the bunch - simple really.

like I said BR should be able to handle it

29 Jan 2014 11:50:10
well said nothing wrong with a top striker who dosent want to come off i'm sure there is times brendan would like to take suarez off but he just wants to play, I would say if some players would fancy a 5a side match straight after a match he would be up for it, but I can see brendan reason for not liking that reaction feeding the media with negative vibes that they like, just look at the mirrior today they went for sturr crazy Liverpool star fires double then loses his rag, I would say the only rag was the paper I was reading but let's try not to feed their need for negative press, with their big love in with utd in full swing.

Couldn't agree more! All good strikers need a bit of a selfish streak but to suggest he's not a team player is folly at best and ignorant and disrespectful at worst, studge has set up plenty of chances and assists for team mates since he's been here. He just needs to work on his decision making which all young players do at times

29 Jan 2014 10:43:28
Hi everyone and eds
that yesterday was a breath of fresh air the game was fantastic and stevie was on fire and up and down the pitch tackling and trying hard and cissokho much improved. Little dampener we could not put the penalty in. Well don BR tactics spot on and now carry on for top four place.
Thanks for the owners in backing Br now for a push for the ukrainian winger, hope the deal materialises. eds what did you think of the match?
hibsylfc

29 Jan 2014 10:27:47
hi eds, was just wondering what most reds would want from tonight's game Would they want a city win to keep us 3 points clear of the spuds or would they prefer a spuds win to keep us closer to city. I think top 4 is more realistic than a challenge for the title so I would go for a city win. comments please

A city win for me as well s we cement our place in the top four

29 Jan 2014 11:09:21
4-4 draw please with Aguero scoring all of them (I have him in my fantasy team alongside Luis!)

No brainer city win, let's be realistic I don't think we are going to win the league.

There's no point throwing in the towel yet as far as the title is concerned.
WE should go about our business trying to win every game and if we aim for the title a place in the top 4 will be a great consolation. But if we just try for top 4 we may end up 5th or 6th.
IF we end up in the Europa League next year we may as well write off the whole of next season.

29 Jan 2014 09:50:29
Riding the crest of the wave after last night still, what a performance! I am preparing for the inevitable "just paper over the cracks" talk, but it shows that when we perform we are as good as any!

So, 3 days left. good luck Eds

Shot in the dark, but what do people think about Otamendi? Looked like he was heading to Valencia on loan but this has not happened. Can play RB and CB, would fit perfectly if BR wanted to go back to 3 CBs for a bit, very good on the ball. Might be a decent option on a loan-to-buy deal till the summer to help out with injuries, and if he impresses could be Skrtel's long term replacement.

Cheer all, great work Eds

YNWA

Wouldn't mind getting him on loan if Agger went to Napoli in a deal for Inler to come to Liverpool.

29 Jan 2014 09:40:54
: Liverpool FC are in negotiations for the transfer of 24 year old Ukrainian wing wizard Yevhen Konoplyanka!

29 Jan 2014 11:19:59
going by the price he is rated a better player than salah, with that in mind why didn't we go for him from the start, all the talk was salah was r top target so we r going to sign a better player as second choice with 2 days to sort it out something dosent add up for me. but let's hope we can pull this 1 r 2 off if we don't and get piped at the post by utd regret could be a big talking point when we look back to jan.

29 Jan 2014 09:36:36
STURRIDGE - should pull his head in - FAST. Brendan won't stand for that rubbish and should not.

Interested in a quote made by Brendan - in lines of the team has to work harder (Henderson/Gerrard) to facilitate two strikers - Suarez #1 in pecking order. Sturridge should be grateful and respect his team more.

The way he went for the pen was arrogant, the way he refused to set up Coutinho for the last goal etc.

I trust BR can help him.

PS not a fan of the way Suarez and Coutinho have arms when the ball did not come back, Suarez does this too often for my liking.

OK rant over

Why even bother with the rant which has no merit. 4.0 says it all.
also Sturridge apologized.

The guy scored 2 goals and overall had a great game, plus 5 goals now in 4 games after returning from injury. He apologised after the game which he didn't have to do and that should be commended. There is this assumption that Sturridge has an attitude problem and this may always follow him, but personally I don't see it. This is the kinda guy Liverpool need quality and a will to win.

Oke I agree on everything except on coutinho raising his hands, he did not do that in last matches and both suarez and sturridge could pass him couple of times for clear goal, so coutinho can be mad as hell as both S&S are greedy persons, if they play more like a team and not for his own stats than Liverpool would be another 5-6 goals in + and maybee 2-3 point more in tally

What a load of rubbish. Firstly Gerard gave him the penalty how was that arrogant?

He should of been less selfish towards the end but he was gutted and was desperate for a hatrick that's how you get class strikers. They want it that bad and have some selfishness about them.

His reaction to going off he apologised afterwards and just said he was gutted! Why are you ranting after 4-0?!?

Watch the post match interview before posting a rant like this.

What a load of rubbish. Firstly Gerard gave him the penalty how was that arrogant?

He should of been less selfish towards the end but he was gutted and was desperate for a hatrick that's how you get class strikers. They want it that bad and have some selfishness about them.

His reaction to going off he apologised afterwards and just said he was gutted! Why are you ranting after 4-0?!?

If he has apologised which he did this subject should be closed because it was a hard match and feelings were high and that can happen we are human

Take no notice of them Big A. Post as you see it.

Well done RedTwist and bobatron! What an utterly unwarranted rant. The lad was gutted missing a penalty and perhaps tried a bit too hard to make up for that when, if he had simply played his regular game he might have well score 1 or 2 more anyway. It all bodes well for the SAS partnership if they continue along the lines they have done so far. and in all honesty, as much as I respect John Barnes I wish he'd simply shut up doing the partnership and Suarez down on .

How did you see Ozone?

Say what you guys will. This is a team sport - if you can't see the danger in his attitude then fine - time will tell, either he changes or there will be trouble.

I did not say him taking the pen was arrogant - I said the WAY he went full *&^%tilt at the roof was arrogant! Maybe just me.

I am as excited about his 2 goals - even tweeted Sturridge is BOSS - but his attitude is an issue ignore at your own peril

I can also remember sturridge at left back at one stage and tracking back to help out his team mates throughout the game, if that's an attitude problem well il have more of that thanks.
4 nil up and he is trying to get a hat trick simple really.
We need not worry about it.
Br did the right thing by taking him off and maybe he has learned something from it. people analyze things way too much

I see Waro is back with us. 'Hope you`re well recovered from the beat-down you and the bitters recieved last nigh? As for the rant, the kid apologized so jog on and quit your belly-aching.

29 Jan 2014 09:34:08
According to several sources we have launched a 15 mil bid this morning to sign yvhen konopynka or something like that. Would be dream signing!

29 Jan 2014 09:15:49
Congrats on your win. Hold the hands up we were out played last night. Lethal counter attacking football.

Fair play oli, nice to hear an honest football fan

29 Jan 2014 08:35:51
I hope after that performance at least some people will start to see how average Barkley is. Gerrard (who struggled against Bournemouths runners!) and Hendo had him in their pocket all game. I thought Henderson covered a lot of ground and really helped Gerrard out but have to say, that's Gerrards best performance this season. Not only did he score a goal that wasn't from a penalty, he just generally played well. I hope that's not just because it was Everton, and that he can hit some good form. Sturridge should have let Gerrard have that penalty. You could see he was trying too hard to get a hattrick. If he'd kept on playing his game it probably would've come as well, but he'll learn. Great team performance though, even Coutinho turned his form around and what a difference a good right back makes! Glad to see Cissokho's solidity in defence finally being recognised. He might not be stunning going forward, but he doesn't give the attackers much in our final third.
Great team performance, best since the Spurs result and I can't fault anyone. Even the fans were good!

YNWAdam

Barkley average? Don't agree Adam, that is a poor statement IMO. Gerrard clearly upped his game and effort yesterday.

I thought he was their best player and besides, one swallow doesn't make a summer, he was trying to hard, understandable at his age. Average he most certainly is not, I would love him in our team

I was just reading the interview with Rogers and he praised Hendersons running in the first half.
It was his job to cover the wing when one of Suarez or Sturridge didn't tuck in.
Thats what hapened against Bournemouth and Kelly got over-run. However last night we still played the two strikers but kept it tight in the midfield.
Coutinho played so much better, looking for them defence splitting passes and doing the simple things at the right time, rather than shooting from range for no reason like Townsend does.
I just hope for one signing before friday and a good result against West Brom this weeekend.

29 Jan 2014 09:39:00
Wasnt it Barkley first game back after injury

Barkley is better than average mate

29 Jan 2014 10:07:33
Barkley just isn't my kind of player. He is too direct (doesn't know when to pass), too greedy (shoots far too often with very little goal return; just 3 goals this season), and he lacks the vision to play defence splitting passes (0 assists this season). He is a victim of over hype because he is fast, likes to run at people and hit one screamer of a free kick. Admittedly he is still very young so he will improve, but for now, he is nothing spectacular. He is very average and flair does not make up for a lack of return. For an attacking midfielder to clock up 20+ appearances and have 3 goals and 0 assists is not good enough for me. I'm not biased, I've been calling for Coutinho to be dropped recently due to his lack of quantifiable return, but he really upped his game yesterday and proved he is the better prospect. Luis Alberto has more assists than Barkley this season. Let that sink in for a moment.

YNWAdam

Barkey is a very promising footballer to be fair. Personally I was nervous when I saw his name on the team sheet, he caused plenty of problems for Liverpool at Goodison. I'm surprised his qualities aren't accepted as to me he's the type of footballer the English football fan normally raves about. Strong runner exceptional striker of the ball with both feet and carries the ball well. Reminds me a bit of a certain Liverpool legend in his youth

Gerrard told him to take the penalty, so he knew what it was like to score a hat trick in a merseyside derby, sadly he msised

Well done Adam, praise for Gerrard. I have agreed with you this season about Gerrard being below par but you went way overboard in my opinion and although you have said he was your hero etc etc etc(if you are an LFC fan it couldn't be any other way could it after what he has done for us) you still seem to give him credit grudgingly (goal that wasnt from a penalty). I read your posts and must say you seem knowledgable at times but the way you make statistics work for you you should be a politician. You search for facts/data/stats to back up your arguments.
Barkley, wow that's a statement to say he is average, I think the kid is going to be some player and I am gutted he plays for the blue side and not ours. Great stat re assists against Alberto by the way. As I am sure you will have to hand Hendersons stats this season, what are they? before you counter that Henderson works harder for the team than Barkley, yes I know and I agree, he has done very well this season after failing to convince previously.
Agree fully with you re coutinho.

In conclusion Adam, just be a bit more fair in your posts and don't use stats to back you up only when it suits, I am sure you could dig up some stats that would make a player look great on paper and also some stats that make the same player look bang average.
Dont forget this is a game of opinions and players form goes up and down, and you can't be right all the time about all the players
Peace.

Berkleys buccaneering style is eye catching but I think you have a point there Adam. Nonetheless, I do feel as though he has match winning attributes in his locker.

Barkley has 2 assists this season, he does see defense splitting passes, go watch the newcastle vs everton highlights and a fair few others.

I see where the fanfair comes from, he puts defenses on the back foot and finds space pretty well. I agree he's overhyped by commentators and journos, but I too think you are doing him a disservice Adam,

he's a young lad who can see the game better than most attacking mids his age for me, but still not as good as the likes of oscar etc. His main problem for me is when Everton are winning or away from home, he still drives forward too much without any support when he should hold play up and retain posession

A very young man with loads of raw talent, but he can only get better.

He`s a young plyer who`s still learning his trade and will get better. However, he`s not worth 40m like his loud-mouth manager keeps spouting off. He`s still learning and for now and for me, he`s still a promising player and VERY raw.

29 Jan 2014 08:32:56
I know we have plenty of cover at CB but our defence on occasions has been poor to say the least.
Coupled with injuries that have been sustained and the fact that some of the players will almost certainly leave in the summer would it be silly to make a loan offer for Nicolas Otameni?
The Porto defender has just seen a loan move to Valencia collapse and is reported to still want to leave the club.
Could be good cover between now and the end of the season and would certainly improve the back line.
vrcomp
Y.N.W.A.

I am not sure how Otamendi has progressed this year, but he was an average defender couple of years ago.

His positioning was abysmal and tackling rash. Chico Flores of Swansea reminds me of Otamendi.

Also, FC Porto who usually want big bucks for their players are willing to loan him out, which might say something about his form?

I think our back line has quality but the constant changes hasn't allowed us to have a settled back 4, and build an understanding between them and the keeper.
We need new full backs however Flannagan and Kelly can get us through until summer and with Enrique coming back, we still have depth.
Johnson has been poor in recent weeks and Cissokho isn't the long term solution (sorry to state the obvious)

29 Jan 2014 10:02:24
Sorry but why do people insist on saying, yeah let's sign a player we have little if no interest in? Never seen him play, might be good might be horse rubbish, but what kind of answer do you expect from people?

Centre backs we have even if there not on great form we can't just sign players like that for fun we have to keep an eye on the wage bill and start making some money

29 Jan 2014 07:14:08
so 0-5 at white hart lane or 4-0 in the derby? what would be our best result this season this far?
i personally like 0-5 more as I was confident it would be tough to get anything at spurs, and also the performance was great . but derby win is a derb win.
still I go with 0-5 at white hart lane, what abt you guys?

ofcourse a 3-0 at old trafford would top it all :)

29 Jan 2014 06:39:48
Brilliant control performance must say Henderson played a good all round game both defence and attack supporting Gerrard in midfield not allowing them to control the midfield battle. Flanno also played very well at RB, his defence was brilliant so much better than Glen. If we continue with this control percentage football we can dominate most teams.

29 Jan 2014 03:59:05
I saw a that a day or two ago someone posted a question regarding how the buying of players works with Major League Baseball, but I cannot find the post to reply. So I'll just do it this way.

I believe someone replied to the original post saying that you buy whoever you want for however much money you want and the small market teams suffer. This is kind of accurate but it's not quite that simple. Depending on the market and owners, some teams have quite a bit more to spend than other teams and it is definitely unbalanced throughout the league. However, there isn't really such a thing as "buying" players as in football.

Trading players, signing free agents, and drafting young players (these drafted players are selected based on previous season records- teams with the worst records select first) are the ways to obtain players.

The players who are drafted are usually between 18-23 years old and are considered prospects for the future. Once selected by a team, they play in that team's minor league system (think academy/reserves, but different in many ways). Often times, particularly with teams in a bigger market/with more money, the younger players with high potential are traded to weaker/rebuilding teams in exchange for their better and more established players with larger contracts.

That's probably more than anyone cares to know, but I am happy to try and provide insight.

Red Rum you follow baseball? I wouldn't even bother trying to make comparisons haha the 2 sports are so drastically apart.But nice attempt none the less

29 Jan 2014 01:24:32
Excellent win tonight. Strange how Everton had over 200 more passes of the ball and over 60% possession though. it seems Rodgers "death by football" blue print doesn't really work but soaking up the pressure and playing good old counter attack with pace does. Skrtel was rock solid and aggressive tonight, that's a bit more like it!

Any thoughts as to who we are still looking at/making enquiries about Eds with Rodgers saying we are "Hopeful of a major signing" before the window closes?

Konoplankya's (or however you spell it) Is being banded about again.

Cheers.

Ye they had way more passes and possession but as I said to my pal last night we were to busy scoring goals to pass it around so much

28 Jan 2014 22:28:00
Eds.
There are a couple of posts relating to a potential signing and I feel like we might be in for a bit of luck with bringing someone in over the next couple of days.

To your knowledge, has anything changed over the last day because prior to that most people were seemingly confident that we were not going to secure anyone's services?

Thanks for your hard work.

{Ed002's Note - I never said that.}

Ed2 ya bowsy I've got the feeling ed2 has heard something in the last 48 hrs but rightly so he ain't going to say jack ****because if it doesn't materialize the moaners will be back in full flow.p.s ed 2 that wallace and gromit comment the other day in regards to rodgers and ayre was pure class nearly fell off my chair laughing haha brilliant

{Ed002's Note - It does look evry likely a deal can be done for Konoplyanka.}

28 Jan 2014 18:55:45
Ed02, do you still expect Liverpool to sign someone this window?

Thanks very much

{Ed002's Note - They will try.}

29 Jan 2014 02:48:25
Hi all Red's&Ed's. What a result tonight I knew we could do it but 4-0 just brill!I just want to say a big well done to John Flannagn who I thought was just out standing.If GJ does move in the summer than I don't see why young Flanno can't step in.I no people have been giving Cissokho a bit of stick but I have to say I like him.I no he's not the best LB we ever had but he defo isn't the worst but what I will say for him is he give's 100% every time he pull's on the jersey and you can't say fairer than that.I hope we can still finish in the top 4 and if we do i'll be over the moon but if we just fail i'll still be very happy with the job BR is doing.We are still a big massive work in progress but some fan's on here seem to forget that.Result's like this tonight just show's that we are going in the right direction but it will take a wee while longer to get where we want but we WILL get there.I'm very happy with FSG&BR.They saved us from the two person's that left us in a whole pile of dung let us not for get that sport's fan's.Now i'm not saying FSG&BR have not made mistake's they have but they are learning from them.Everyone is going to be on a high after tonight and so we should be and a win away to WBA will really put us up there but if we don't win than let's not start jumping on the squad and slagging players and staff off because that's not what we are about.So let's all enjoy the win tonight and hopefully the next win will come very soon but if it doesn't than let's get behind the squad untill it does.
BarryinLouth

29 Jan 2014 00:35:44
First decent defensive performance in a while and our "best" right back (Johnson), left back (Enrique) and two of the first choice center backs (Agger and Sahko would both play ahead of Toure) were all missing. Well played Cissokho, didn't have a lot of cover as there was no left mid and he kept Everton quiet. We do need a new left back but Cissokho and Enrique back fit should probably cover till the summer. Gerrard, Henderson and Coutinho were fantastic together in the middle today, solid defensively and Coutinho showed where his best position is. What we really need is a third front man to play with SAS. Sterling is superb but he can't play 38 games, he will burn out like at the end of last season, he's still only 19. If we bring in a winger and cover for lucas we should get that top 4 spot and in the summer we can add the left back, right back and squad players we need to compete in Europe and the League. Were close, keep the faith

We were great today. Special mention to Toure, Gerrard, Skrtel, Hendo, Sterling, Flanno, and in fact the whole team and staff for a great night. Special mention to Migs who seemed to have shaken off his bad spell and made the saves at crucial moments. We do need cover for RS because he can`t play every game which is why Moses needs to up his game or Ibe needs a chance or we get someone in.

29 Jan 2014 00:28:51
No chance of a Matuidi, Konoplyanka & Coentrao triple sweep at all?

Sigh. I'd settle for Coentrao's left peg at this point. We could give it to Cissohko so he could hit the ball properly.

Any chance of Matuidi, anyway? Given he's still on a contract that ends in June (IIRC) and PSG are signing Cabaye?

29 Jan 2014 00:11:45
Haven't posted in awhile, but that derby warrants one. Fantastic performance from everybody. Stevie completely handled the holding mid position and looked top class. I can't help but be ecstatic for flanno. The local boy is playing great and having fun doing it. Only other thing I would say is that I want to see Alberto more in the second half of the season. That first move and pass was brilliant. Great performance!

YNWA

My coach always told me that you can recognize a good player from his first touch and Alberto`s first touch when he came on was just sublime. He`ll be ok as soon as he settles.

Agreed, I would like to see Luis and coutinho used exclusively in the centre behind the strikers. Luis needs more minutes

29 Jan 2014 00:03:49
4 goals, clean sheet and against our biggest rivals too, can't be bad!

It's certainly taken my mind off how this transfer window is going, but even if we don't get reinforcements, when we have a fully fit squad, I'm sure we'll be fine.

Onwards and upwards as they say!