Threads containing Ed001's recent posts.
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18 Sep 2026 07:39:01
{Ed's Note - Ed001 has posted a new article entitled, Matchday 4 - Quick Round Up
18 Sep 2026 10:36:49
Love the Starmen and Flops analysis of the Liverpool Fulham game!!?????????
18 Sep 2026 10:40:42
Starmen of Liverpool v Fulham has to be the fans and ballboys for not falling asleep.
17 Sep 2026 15:06:14
{Ed's Note - Ed001 has posted a new article entitled, Matchday 4 - Quick Round Up
17 Sep 2026 17:50:32
Thanks for this Ed01. The Liverpool vs Fulham is one of the worst games in recent memory. We never created anything! It was incredible how bad it was.
17 Sep 2026 18:43:46
Andoni has to make big calls for the betterment of the team. Dom scoring a goal won't detract from how woeful he can be with the ball, constantly losing possession.
Grav looks he's not andonis type of player and I don't blame him. We're bare in the middle. Hopefully nyoni can help in there until at least January.
I hope ed666 is correct if this season isn't great concerning the squad. The squads bloated with some very poor player's.
The club had no Intention this summer of signing a midfielder so we need a top sd that will listen to andoni who will no doubt come to realise we need two midfielders to go straight in.
17 Sep 2026 22:47:24
Interesting little fictitious universe you are building there @Ron, eagerly awaiting the next installment.
18 Sep 2026 06:43:31
"Grav looks he's not andonis type of player and I don't blame him"
Really. so who do you blame instead? He was hailed as the second coming of Makalele over here.
18 Sep 2026 08:31:26
Loosely interpreted as "why won't the club do as I say? ".
18 Sep 2026 09:36:29
Flash, there are a lot of that going around this forum right now.
16 Sep 2026
16 Sep 2026 16:34:05
I can't remember which season it was under Jurgen, either the one we won the league or the one we won the Champions league and he was beside VVD at CB, anyway he was top top level that season.
He formed a fantastic pairing with Virgil. Always liked him and his commitment was never in question. Agreed with ED01 a major case of what could have been. Pity.
{Ed001's Note - the season we won the Prem it was. Then he got injured with England and has never been right since.}
16 Sep 2026
16 Sep 2026 16:04:03
Yeah good point Ed001, I missed that out, both done exceptionally well, considering Joe's game time as well, he seems to be able to come back after long absences and perform straight away, it's such a pity his body keeps letting him down because he's been a real asset over the years for us when called upon.
YNWA.
{Ed001's Note - and he is a good person to have around the club as well. Such a shame, a major case of what could have been.}
16 Sep 2026
16 Sep 2026 16:04:03
Yeah good point Ed001, I missed that out, both done exceptionally well, considering Joe's game time as well, he seems to be able to come back after long absences and perform straight away, it's such a pity his body keeps letting him down because he's been a real asset over the years for us when called upon.
YNWA.
{Ed001's Note - and he is a good person to have around the club as well. Such a shame, a major case of what could have been.}
16 Sep 2026 12:09:29
What a great cup tie, many changes by both teams ensured energy in abundance, it was end to end, hugely enjoyable viewing.
The youngsters Trey, James & Lewis all played a major part and all look ready for when called upon for upcoming fixtures.
The new lad Joe Gomez played very well, Cody captained the team to an excellent victory, he again had a great night.
3 lovely goals with a worldie to seal it. Giorgi Mamardashvili had his best game in a Liverpool shirt, some excellent keeping, the save from the deflected shot from Marmoush was amazing.
Thoroughly enjoyed it, could of been 5-5 as Tottenham played pretty well but it's us that's in the hat for the next round ?, looking forward to Bournemouth on Sunday, I'm sure Andoni will get a great reception but it will have to go some to replicate Robbo' one last night.
Well done everyone involved ?
YNWA.
{Ed001's Note - Gomez was captain until he went off mate.}
16 Sep 2026 12:50:33
What was the reason for the Gomez withdrawal? Hopefully managed minutes.
16 Sep 2026 12:57:32
Pretty sure that was the case Hoof. Felt like Iraola used it as a bit of a pre-season style game. Eased Joe back in, gave a few kids some decent minutes and gave Wirtz & Virg the night off. All-in-all it was a decent night.
16 Sep 2026 13:17:45
Iraola confirmed after the game that the plan was never much more than 45 mins.
16 Sep 2026 16:04:03
Yeah good point Ed001, I missed that out, both done exceptionally well, considering Joe's game time as well, he seems to be able to come back after long absences and perform straight away, it's such a pity his body keeps letting him down because he's been a real asset over the years for us when called upon.
YNWA.
{Ed001's Note - and he is a good person to have around the club as well. Such a shame, a major case of what could have been.}
16 Sep 2026 16:03:49
FORNAX, was this to check the efficiency of the new wing nuts, recently fitted in his flat pack knee caps?
16 Sep 2026 16:34:05
I can't remember which season it was under Jurgen, either the one we won the league or the one we won the Champions league and he was beside VVD at CB, anyway he was top top level that season.
He formed a fantastic pairing with Virgil. Always liked him and his commitment was never in question. Agreed with ED01 a major case of what could have been. Pity.
{Ed001's Note - the season we won the Prem it was. Then he got injured with England and has never been right since.}
16 Sep 2026 18:20:53
Joe is a fantastic CB. He could've been world class in my opinion if he had the fitness and consistency of VVD.
16 Sep 2026 20:08:34
I've watched JG give interviews in the past and he is such a good soul. As for "What might have been", Gomez was a starter for England until that bad knee injury in 20/21 season and that was it.
Had he been able to go injury free (in terms of devastating injuries), all these guys like Konsa, Guehi etc. would have never seen the pitch for England, he was that good esp. with VVD next to him.
16 Sep 2026 23:37:35
Southgate made him train hard when Jurgen had told England setup that Joe was in the red zone. Never forgiven them for that.
Gomes joins the list of Liverpool players crocked on England duty. Barnes and Redknapp suffered significant career altering injuries while being played in meaningless friendlies.
16 Sep 2026
16 Sep 2026 11:50:51
One thing that's the most important thing that i feel playing for us is effort ed01 mate, and right now, no one is putting the effort that koumas has been putting, its been a joy to watch him.
{Ed001's Note - I am really impressed with him. I would start him personally, but I can understand why it probably won't happen.}
16 Sep 2026
16 Sep 2026 11:34:06
Thanks for the complete summary, Ed. I really appreciate it.
Who would you go for in midfield this weekend? I would personally go with Nyoni and Macca as the pivot with Wirtz as the 10. I think that would be the best midfield going forward.
{Ed001's Note - I am with you on that. I think Dom needs that kick up the arse. He was terrible until Spurs scored.}
16 Sep 2026
16 Sep 2026 10:03:46
Ed, what do you think about Nyoni last night? I didn't watch the game as they don't broadcast the Carling Cup in my country, but many said we lost control of the game once he and McConnell were replaced by Dom and Grav.
That's not a good thing, is it? We allowed Spurs to get into the game and only stepped up when they scored. Good sides won't allow that to happen.
{Ed001's Note - Nyoni was very good, he held position and did his role without trying to be a hero, like Gravenberch does. That is why the control vanished without him, as suddenly there was a hole at the base of midfield at times. Gravy initially sat in but soon started wandering. I would say Nyoni, like Koumas, showed the most last night to suggest they could push the first choice players.
I have seen a lot of praise for Mamardashvili, but he was not good. He made one very good save, one good save and one was hit at him, that was the good, but everything else was horrible. He kicks every ball to the opposition. He flaps miserably at corners and crosses, costing a goal. And he is so slow to do anything that it invites pressure from the opposition. He is not what we need at all. He creates more problems than his shot stopping even comes close to fixing.
McConnell grew into the game and got better, after initially not playing well. By the time he was taken off, he was playing very well.
Rio was again poor, at best. He gives the ball away far too easily and often. Even the goal that came from his run was luck it broke the right way after he messed up, rather than him doing well.
Gomez was ok, looked rusty but showed some good pieces of defending. I liked that he was aggressive and looked to make challenges early, but there were moments you could see he was just back after a long break.
The full-backs both had their best games for us yet, Kerkez in particular was good.
Mac Allister, Gakpo and Araujo were all good, helped the team to find its feet together. Mac Allister was particularly good, to be fair, he looks like he has realised Mourinho is not coming in for him and so is working for that new contract!}
16 Sep 2026
16 Sep 2026 09:30:02
Ed01 if I may re: Koumas and is ability to run for days and press the oppo. well, does this not remind you of what Evanilson was doing under Iraola at B'mouth? because that was what he was known for, not scoring goals for fun because they had/have Tavernier, Kluivert, Kroupi and Rayan to bank on. Or even Alex Scott.
Hence in a perfect world in our situation (I know, good luck with that), do you think that AI would rather an Evanilson/Koumas type player as the CF, one who presses and pursues then oppo.'s defence and who also has the striking ability Isak in front of goal? Cheers, man.
{Ed001's Note - yes, I think he is a better fit on that performance and Isak's performances so far this season. I think that was obvious by the way Isak came on and ran about for a change. He must realise that his place is now in jeopardy after the way Koumas played. The youngster showed him up.}
16 Sep 2026 06:53:25
Quick question for Ed001. As it's in the news a lot recently I was just wondering what you know about the impact of Artificial Intelligence on the game.
I know there have been data analysts around the game for years and that loads of player metrics are measured, but was just wondering whether teams were using models which, based on patterns of play, could make real time adjustments to tactics and personnel? Could the age of the 'tactical genius' manager be over and they be replaced by analysts and data scientists in the dug out, who respond to data being relayed to them as the game is in progress?
{Ed001's Note - that sounds like my worst nightmare but also probably very likely. The players are already robotic enough, I wouldn't be surprised if they even shift over to using robots so they don't have to pay wages as well. I don't actually know for sure about AI, it is something I personally hope is banned, as it is not intelligence anyway. It is just scraping other people's work and copying it. I am sure there is a usage of it to sift through stats etc, but I hope it never reaches the level you are talking about!}
16 Sep 2026 08:29:52
Thanks. Appreciate your response. Suppose, at this stage, the models are only as good as what someone tells them to do.
16 Sep 2026 09:50:59
this future is genuinely not far from now. it could be 2-3 years away. there are already features in smaller games (i mean playing area sizes, given the capabilities to cover an entire football field + its complexities) such as pickleball.
recordings of a game can be read and itll disect game by game moments by the player chosen (likely atm still works because the AI can identify the players, unless twins wearing similar outfits) and u can get clips of your own plays to analyse.
i know this sounds incredibly basic but this is accessible to the public, like u and me. with tech the improvements made are vastly incremental, consider how long ago was the will smith spaghetti video and now AIs are making video clips of kanye singing in chinese.
im not for or against but some form of it is inevitable.
16 Sep 2026 10:07:58
To a degree isn't Brentford already like this in some way? Or the RB teams? Everything is in place and changing the manager doesn't make too much difference unless they are truly hopeless.
16 Sep 2026 10:19:40
Replace the refs first. This would actually be good for the game.
Machine learning based models for systems, tactics, player action are already being used by analytics departments. Currently this information is supplementary to coaches and recruitment to inform decisions. Is it possible to make those model more prominent in the decision making? That will depend on the coach and sporting directors being willing to defer to agents on decisions. I could see some startup club owned by a crypto degenerate trying it out just for publicity and curiousity but would be quite surprised to see it become mainstream.
More likely might come augmented reality viewing experiences - make your home feel more like you're in the stadium with your mates.
Whether the game will make the leap to players having information/data being fed to them via technologies, it's difficult to tell. Surely players would push back on that on account of them not wanting to be seen as robots on the pitch.
And you wonder in the growing world of live streamers, some players might be under pressure to reveal a bit more of their lives and personalities online in this attention economy, whether for individual or club marketing income.
Weird times indeed.
16 Sep 2026 17:22:13
Teams are already using AI, but it will never replace coaching, AI isn't actually intelligent, it's not capable of coming up with new ideas, it can take what it's been taught in spit out variations but it's never going to have the awareness required to spot the infinite subtleties a human is capable of picking up on.
It shouldn't even be called AI because it's really just machine learning with a chat function. When it comes to something like football, it's really not that useful except for gathering and sharing data, the unpredictability is such a massive factor that just cannot be computed.
Not to mention the human factor, it doesn't pick up on the subtle tells of body language, mental state, emotion and so on, it has no instincts whatsoever. A football coach can see 10 different things at once and immediately KNOW what's wrong, whereas AI can only run the numbers and use probability to speculate an answer. Sure Paddy Power already does that.
16 Sep 2026 06:53:25
Quick question for Ed001. As it's in the news a lot recently I was just wondering what you know about the impact of Artificial Intelligence on the game.
I know there have been data analysts around the game for years and that loads of player metrics are measured, but was just wondering whether teams were using models which, based on patterns of play, could make real time adjustments to tactics and personnel? Could the age of the 'tactical genius' manager be over and they be replaced by analysts and data scientists in the dug out, who respond to data being relayed to them as the game is in progress?
{Ed001's Note - that sounds like my worst nightmare but also probably very likely. The players are already robotic enough, I wouldn't be surprised if they even shift over to using robots so they don't have to pay wages as well. I don't actually know for sure about AI, it is something I personally hope is banned, as it is not intelligence anyway. It is just scraping other people's work and copying it. I am sure there is a usage of it to sift through stats etc, but I hope it never reaches the level you are talking about!}
16 Sep 2026 08:29:52
Thanks. Appreciate your response. Suppose, at this stage, the models are only as good as what someone tells them to do.
16 Sep 2026 09:50:59
this future is genuinely not far from now. it could be 2-3 years away. there are already features in smaller games (i mean playing area sizes, given the capabilities to cover an entire football field + its complexities) such as pickleball.
recordings of a game can be read and itll disect game by game moments by the player chosen (likely atm still works because the AI can identify the players, unless twins wearing similar outfits) and u can get clips of your own plays to analyse.
i know this sounds incredibly basic but this is accessible to the public, like u and me. with tech the improvements made are vastly incremental, consider how long ago was the will smith spaghetti video and now AIs are making video clips of kanye singing in chinese.
im not for or against but some form of it is inevitable.
16 Sep 2026 10:07:58
To a degree isn't Brentford already like this in some way? Or the RB teams? Everything is in place and changing the manager doesn't make too much difference unless they are truly hopeless.
16 Sep 2026 10:19:40
Replace the refs first. This would actually be good for the game.
Machine learning based models for systems, tactics, player action are already being used by analytics departments. Currently this information is supplementary to coaches and recruitment to inform decisions. Is it possible to make those model more prominent in the decision making? That will depend on the coach and sporting directors being willing to defer to agents on decisions. I could see some startup club owned by a crypto degenerate trying it out just for publicity and curiousity but would be quite surprised to see it become mainstream.
More likely might come augmented reality viewing experiences - make your home feel more like you're in the stadium with your mates.
Whether the game will make the leap to players having information/data being fed to them via technologies, it's difficult to tell. Surely players would push back on that on account of them not wanting to be seen as robots on the pitch.
And you wonder in the growing world of live streamers, some players might be under pressure to reveal a bit more of their lives and personalities online in this attention economy, whether for individual or club marketing income.
Weird times indeed.
16 Sep 2026 17:22:13
Teams are already using AI, but it will never replace coaching, AI isn't actually intelligent, it's not capable of coming up with new ideas, it can take what it's been taught in spit out variations but it's never going to have the awareness required to spot the infinite subtleties a human is capable of picking up on.
It shouldn't even be called AI because it's really just machine learning with a chat function. When it comes to something like football, it's really not that useful except for gathering and sharing data, the unpredictability is such a massive factor that just cannot be computed.
Not to mention the human factor, it doesn't pick up on the subtle tells of body language, mental state, emotion and so on, it has no instincts whatsoever. A football coach can see 10 different things at once and immediately KNOW what's wrong, whereas AI can only run the numbers and use probability to speculate an answer. Sure Paddy Power already does that.
16 Sep 2026 01:03:05
Missed the game as I was working, were we really as bad as everyone is making out on here? ED001 thoughts?
{Ed001's Note - I thought we were ok, after initially being poor. When you consider the mixed up side, I thought it was a decent performance from a couple of the kids, Koumas in particular, and the side overall did enough to win. There was a short period after Szobo and Gravy came on that they were very slack and allowed to Spurs to get into it, but as soon as they scored Szobo stepped up a gear and cut out the slackness and then scored. It wasn't a great performance by any means, but there were some good signs - particularly the pressing by Koumas which caused so many problems. To be fair though, Spurs are an awful side, they play themselves into trouble constantly.}
16 Sep 2026 07:24:25
Not difficult, but so much better and more enjoyable to watch than last year's performances.
16 Sep 2026 07:29:06
Koumas aggressive pressing was great to see, mcconnell in the 10 also particularly as game went on. Made a real difference forwards pressing like they meant it.
Both full backs had there best game of season also I thought.
16 Sep 2026 08:23:01
Iam with you Digger Kumas living the dream, love to see putting a real shift in.
Would absolutely love to see this kid push on as I think we have a real talent with loads of heart for this club we love.
Great home support as usual.
16 Sep 2026 09:02:34
McConnell, Nyoni, Koumas all excellent, Mamardashvili brilliant shot stopping performance. Not sure why anybody would say that was a bad performance from us, if we were bad then Spurs were truly wretched. Started pretty badly but really grew into the game, second half was another example of us going ahead and then clamping down to take the sting out the game.
16 Sep 2026 07:57:34
I thought Spurs played into our hands by playing from the back. As Ed said we gained control in the game after an unconvincing start. The midfield looked much more balanced with Grav and Nyoni as the pivot. Grav I thought played better but he still wants to be in front of the ball, which unbalances the team.
He really does need to step it up.
Koumas pressing was great, he missed a good chance too. At times I thought his hold up play was good too.
Frimpong looked strong and aggressive against Tel probably a reflection of how bad Tel is but you have to give Frimpong credit as he didn't look so lightweight for a change.
16 Sep 2026 09:30:02
Ed01 if I may re: Koumas and is ability to run for days and press the oppo. well, does this not remind you of what Evanilson was doing under Iraola at B'mouth? because that was what he was known for, not scoring goals for fun because they had/have Tavernier, Kluivert, Kroupi and Rayan to bank on. Or even Alex Scott.
Hence in a perfect world in our situation (I know, good luck with that), do you think that AI would rather an Evanilson/Koumas type player as the CF, one who presses and pursues then oppo.'s defence and who also has the striking ability Isak in front of goal? Cheers, man.
{Ed001's Note - yes, I think he is a better fit on that performance and Isak's performances so far this season. I think that was obvious by the way Isak came on and ran about for a change. He must realise that his place is now in jeopardy after the way Koumas played. The youngster showed him up.}
16 Sep 2026 09:52:39
I mean no disrespect, I Just disagree on the Isak part, Isak is Just getting fitter by the day. They are on a different planet quality wise and I am convinced Isak will prove his worth soon enough ?.
16 Sep 2026 10:03:46
Ed, what do you think about Nyoni last night? I didn't watch the game as they don't broadcast the Carling Cup in my country, but many said we lost control of the game once he and McConnell were replaced by Dom and Grav.
That's not a good thing, is it? We allowed Spurs to get into the game and only stepped up when they scored. Good sides won't allow that to happen.
{Ed001's Note - Nyoni was very good, he held position and did his role without trying to be a hero, like Gravenberch does. That is why the control vanished without him, as suddenly there was a hole at the base of midfield at times. Gravy initially sat in but soon started wandering. I would say Nyoni, like Koumas, showed the most last night to suggest they could push the first choice players.
I have seen a lot of praise for Mamardashvili, but he was not good. He made one very good save, one good save and one was hit at him, that was the good, but everything else was horrible. He kicks every ball to the opposition. He flaps miserably at corners and crosses, costing a goal. And he is so slow to do anything that it invites pressure from the opposition. He is not what we need at all. He creates more problems than his shot stopping even comes close to fixing.
McConnell grew into the game and got better, after initially not playing well. By the time he was taken off, he was playing very well.
Rio was again poor, at best. He gives the ball away far too easily and often. Even the goal that came from his run was luck it broke the right way after he messed up, rather than him doing well.
Gomez was ok, looked rusty but showed some good pieces of defending. I liked that he was aggressive and looked to make challenges early, but there were moments you could see he was just back after a long break.
The full-backs both had their best games for us yet, Kerkez in particular was good.
Mac Allister, Gakpo and Araujo were all good, helped the team to find its feet together. Mac Allister was particularly good, to be fair, he looks like he has realised Mourinho is not coming in for him and so is working for that new contract!}
16 Sep 2026 11:05:41
Thanks, Ed01.
@Arne, I see your point and do think Isak is getting fitter and more confident. I see it a diff. way. I see it as us having two options to pick from who offer diff. qualities.
And for Koumas with a bit of luck, could have scored last night, as well.
16 Sep 2026 11:34:06
Thanks for the complete summary, Ed. I really appreciate it.
Who would you go for in midfield this weekend? I would personally go with Nyoni and Macca as the pivot with Wirtz as the 10. I think that would be the best midfield going forward.
{Ed001's Note - I am with you on that. I think Dom needs that kick up the arse. He was terrible until Spurs scored.}
16 Sep 2026 12:02:34
Kerkez was magnificent I think. Also agree with you about Mamardashvili ed, but that save he pulled off from the deflection was one of the very best I've seen in recent memory, and not sure he could do too much about the goal we did let in.
Overall he doesn't have the skillset to do what we need a Liverpool keeper to do, the young Belgian lad coming in looks special though and could be a worldie in a few years.
16 Sep 2026 12:02:34
Kerkez was magnificent I think. Also agree with you about Mamardashvili ed, but that save he pulled off from the deflection was one of the very best I've seen in recent memory, and not sure he could do too much about the goal we did let in.
Overall he doesn't have the skillset to do what we need a Liverpool keeper to do, the young Belgian lad coming in looks special though and could be a worldie in a few years.
16 Sep 2026 12:54:17
After seeing the evidence of the last few games and pre season the starting midfield and front four should be Trey and Macca, Gakpo left, Szob central, Barcola right, and Isak upfront. Wirtz and Koumas can swap out for Szob and Isak if it's not gelling.
Reality won't be that but on merit that's probably how you'd start.
16 Sep 2026 14:29:54
I think Archie Gray's subtle nudge on Mamardashvilli did the damage on the goal. Yes, he should have been stronger but it was a clever move from the Spurs player and just put him under the ball by a foot or so, so he flapped at it.
16 Sep 2026 01:03:05
Missed the game as I was working, were we really as bad as everyone is making out on here? ED001 thoughts?
{Ed001's Note - I thought we were ok, after initially being poor. When you consider the mixed up side, I thought it was a decent performance from a couple of the kids, Koumas in particular, and the side overall did enough to win. There was a short period after Szobo and Gravy came on that they were very slack and allowed to Spurs to get into it, but as soon as they scored Szobo stepped up a gear and cut out the slackness and then scored. It wasn't a great performance by any means, but there were some good signs - particularly the pressing by Koumas which caused so many problems. To be fair though, Spurs are an awful side, they play themselves into trouble constantly.}
16 Sep 2026 07:24:25
Not difficult, but so much better and more enjoyable to watch than last year's performances.
16 Sep 2026 07:29:06
Koumas aggressive pressing was great to see, mcconnell in the 10 also particularly as game went on. Made a real difference forwards pressing like they meant it.
Both full backs had there best game of season also I thought.
16 Sep 2026 08:23:01
Iam with you Digger Kumas living the dream, love to see putting a real shift in.
Would absolutely love to see this kid push on as I think we have a real talent with loads of heart for this club we love.
Great home support as usual.
16 Sep 2026 09:02:34
McConnell, Nyoni, Koumas all excellent, Mamardashvili brilliant shot stopping performance. Not sure why anybody would say that was a bad performance from us, if we were bad then Spurs were truly wretched. Started pretty badly but really grew into the game, second half was another example of us going ahead and then clamping down to take the sting out the game.
16 Sep 2026 07:57:34
I thought Spurs played into our hands by playing from the back. As Ed said we gained control in the game after an unconvincing start. The midfield looked much more balanced with Grav and Nyoni as the pivot. Grav I thought played better but he still wants to be in front of the ball, which unbalances the team.
He really does need to step it up.
Koumas pressing was great, he missed a good chance too. At times I thought his hold up play was good too.
Frimpong looked strong and aggressive against Tel probably a reflection of how bad Tel is but you have to give Frimpong credit as he didn't look so lightweight for a change.
16 Sep 2026 09:30:02
Ed01 if I may re: Koumas and is ability to run for days and press the oppo. well, does this not remind you of what Evanilson was doing under Iraola at B'mouth? because that was what he was known for, not scoring goals for fun because they had/have Tavernier, Kluivert, Kroupi and Rayan to bank on. Or even Alex Scott.
Hence in a perfect world in our situation (I know, good luck with that), do you think that AI would rather an Evanilson/Koumas type player as the CF, one who presses and pursues then oppo.'s defence and who also has the striking ability Isak in front of goal? Cheers, man.
{Ed001's Note - yes, I think he is a better fit on that performance and Isak's performances so far this season. I think that was obvious by the way Isak came on and ran about for a change. He must realise that his place is now in jeopardy after the way Koumas played. The youngster showed him up.}
16 Sep 2026 09:52:39
I mean no disrespect, I Just disagree on the Isak part, Isak is Just getting fitter by the day. They are on a different planet quality wise and I am convinced Isak will prove his worth soon enough ?.
16 Sep 2026 10:03:46
Ed, what do you think about Nyoni last night? I didn't watch the game as they don't broadcast the Carling Cup in my country, but many said we lost control of the game once he and McConnell were replaced by Dom and Grav.
That's not a good thing, is it? We allowed Spurs to get into the game and only stepped up when they scored. Good sides won't allow that to happen.
{Ed001's Note - Nyoni was very good, he held position and did his role without trying to be a hero, like Gravenberch does. That is why the control vanished without him, as suddenly there was a hole at the base of midfield at times. Gravy initially sat in but soon started wandering. I would say Nyoni, like Koumas, showed the most last night to suggest they could push the first choice players.
I have seen a lot of praise for Mamardashvili, but he was not good. He made one very good save, one good save and one was hit at him, that was the good, but everything else was horrible. He kicks every ball to the opposition. He flaps miserably at corners and crosses, costing a goal. And he is so slow to do anything that it invites pressure from the opposition. He is not what we need at all. He creates more problems than his shot stopping even comes close to fixing.
McConnell grew into the game and got better, after initially not playing well. By the time he was taken off, he was playing very well.
Rio was again poor, at best. He gives the ball away far too easily and often. Even the goal that came from his run was luck it broke the right way after he messed up, rather than him doing well.
Gomez was ok, looked rusty but showed some good pieces of defending. I liked that he was aggressive and looked to make challenges early, but there were moments you could see he was just back after a long break.
The full-backs both had their best games for us yet, Kerkez in particular was good.
Mac Allister, Gakpo and Araujo were all good, helped the team to find its feet together. Mac Allister was particularly good, to be fair, he looks like he has realised Mourinho is not coming in for him and so is working for that new contract!}
16 Sep 2026 11:05:41
Thanks, Ed01.
@Arne, I see your point and do think Isak is getting fitter and more confident. I see it a diff. way. I see it as us having two options to pick from who offer diff. qualities.
And for Koumas with a bit of luck, could have scored last night, as well.
16 Sep 2026 11:34:06
Thanks for the complete summary, Ed. I really appreciate it.
Who would you go for in midfield this weekend? I would personally go with Nyoni and Macca as the pivot with Wirtz as the 10. I think that would be the best midfield going forward.
{Ed001's Note - I am with you on that. I think Dom needs that kick up the arse. He was terrible until Spurs scored.}
16 Sep 2026 12:02:34
Kerkez was magnificent I think. Also agree with you about Mamardashvili ed, but that save he pulled off from the deflection was one of the very best I've seen in recent memory, and not sure he could do too much about the goal we did let in.
Overall he doesn't have the skillset to do what we need a Liverpool keeper to do, the young Belgian lad coming in looks special though and could be a worldie in a few years.
16 Sep 2026 12:02:34
Kerkez was magnificent I think. Also agree with you about Mamardashvili ed, but that save he pulled off from the deflection was one of the very best I've seen in recent memory, and not sure he could do too much about the goal we did let in.
Overall he doesn't have the skillset to do what we need a Liverpool keeper to do, the young Belgian lad coming in looks special though and could be a worldie in a few years.
16 Sep 2026 12:54:17
After seeing the evidence of the last few games and pre season the starting midfield and front four should be Trey and Macca, Gakpo left, Szob central, Barcola right, and Isak upfront. Wirtz and Koumas can swap out for Szob and Isak if it's not gelling.
Reality won't be that but on merit that's probably how you'd start.
16 Sep 2026 14:29:54
I think Archie Gray's subtle nudge on Mamardashvilli did the damage on the goal. Yes, he should have been stronger but it was a clever move from the Spurs player and just put him under the ball by a foot or so, so he flapped at it.
14 Sep 2026
14 Sep 2026 15:00:34
Put Haaland or Mbappe in, you'll get the same result. The whole system failed on Saturday. Whether that is fatigue, personnel, tactics or the crowd, it is what it is.
Hopefully we take the lesson and move forward.
{Ed001's Note - that is not true, the biggest miss was a forward runner, the amount of times we got in to positions to play a through ball but no one made a run was insane. Put Haaland or Mbappe up there and they have a field day. That Fulham defence was wide open to runs in behind.}
14 Sep 2026
14 Sep 2026 10:29:26
Cheers, mate.
{Ed001's Note - very welcome mate.}
14 Sep 2026
14 Sep 2026 10:23:45
When or if you have time, Ed01, would love to hear your updated opinion on Wirtz (sorry if it's already been shared somewhere, just rtfp me).
I'm worried there is some momentum picking up 'round here to throw him under the bus. I remember how excited you (and I, and others) were when he arrived. I'm still a believer.
{Ed001's Note - my opinion is the same - he needs movement around him or he can do nothing. I lost my voice shouting at Isak to make the early run, but he failed to do so against Fulham. I don't understand it, both of his goals last weekend were as a result of an early run in behind, so this weekend he doesn't bother making them. A lot of Wirtz' lost passes are playing the ball for a run but Isak, Szoboszlai etc are just stood waiting instead. It frustrates me as the lack of movement and effort kills us as a team, not just Wirtz role in it.}
13 Sep 2026 20:07:41
Hello ed1 hope u well. I see milner has started coaching at lfc academy to get his badges. Do u know when he does get his badges would he be 1 we looking to get into senior set up? I remember when ai appointed a lot of talk that he wanted an ex lfc player in his set up but that has never materialised.
I do feel milner would be excellent addition into club, type of character we missing on the field.
{Ed001's Note - I have no idea, he already has the badges he would need to do that anyway, he has everything except the pro license which is only required for management really. Which probably means that is the direction he is looking at anyway, rather than going into coaching.}
13 Sep 2026
13 Sep 2026 20:05:29
Iraola's philosophy revolves around wingers. Our only natural right sided winger - Federico Chiesa ???♂️.
{Ed001's Note - he is also naturally left sided.}
13 Sep 2026 09:34:07
Whos the better defender ed1? Jaquet or yoro?
{Ed001's Note - bit early to judge either.
13 Sep 2026 02:10:48
Pains me to say this but I don't think flo is up the the physical side of the Premier League there's no doubt a talented footballer there but unfortunately if there was a offer from another club in January i'd take it just my opinion though but believe me I really hope he works out ?.
{Ed001's Note - crazy.}
13 Sep 2026 07:23:21
Wirtz is not rightly supported by the current midfield pivot. He seems to be bypassed. There was a phase in the 1st half yesterday when Wirtz didn't even get a pass for 12 odd minutes.
Just my two cents.
13 Sep 2026 09:09:32
He doesn't do anything when he gets the ball though WAR, it's his job to run the game and make stuff happen.
I do accept we don't help him either at times but he's so wasteful with the ball.
13 Sep 2026 09:26:20
Personally I'd give him the full season before making any rash decisions, but I get where you're coming from OK, Cherki by comparison is constantly creating something out of nothing.
13 Sep 2026 09:31:06
Cherki is certainly looking the far superior player, and has done since their respective switches. Just have to see won't we.
13 Sep 2026 09:41:08
Rodgers is a much better player as well, certainly in Premier League terms. Niger red is right about the £100m plus players. It's early for Barcola obviously, but you can't help but think we've been fleeced with the other two.
13 Sep 2026 10:18:02
Isak had a half chance he did well to even get close to scoring from and a header in the last minute he perhaps could have done better with in fairness. But that was it.
That was all he got all game. Now he as well needs to be stronger, needs to start winning his share of duels but he's making runs. He is just getting duck all created for him.
13 Sep 2026 10:57:23
Florian, that's the problem in a nutshell with Isak, "created for him". I can't remember the last time we had a forward who was so reliant on opportunities being created for him, he was a stylistic mismatch from the get-go. We've always had forwards who could go out there and turn a game around entirely by their own doing.
13 Sep 2026 11:17:03
Izak doesn't fit into our team. He suits an open attacking side like Newcastle or like Spurs used to be. Our game seems to be either win the ball high up or slow build up from the back. Wirtz is a bit lost as well, too lightweight for aggressive pressing, nobody to work with for intricit 1-2s.
These players were bought for what Slot thought he was doing. Now they are trying to play a style that they are not suited to.
13 Sep 2026 11:32:09
Is it the same problem with Haaland Chewy? if anything I would say Isak is a better"footballer"than Haaland but both rely on chances been"created for them".
13 Sep 2026 14:09:16
I remember when Bobby First signed for us he was getting slagged left right and center and hold my hands up i was one of them then Jurgen came and gave Bobby the people around him ie Mo and Sadio and the rest is history. Wirtz has not played with a settled team since he came to the club.
Slot changed the playing positions week after week and Andoni is doing the same trying to get the balance right. This has an affect on a player so let's hold back on Wirtz until we have a settled side and that goes for other players. We are Liverpool we never let our own walk alone.
13 Sep 2026 16:23:53
He's not going to play with a settled side at a top club playing 60 games a week of high intensity football. Theres going to be changes every game. We don't make excuses like this for any other player, only Wirtz. Poor Dom doesn't know who he's starting with in the pivot from one game to the next.
13 Sep 2026 16:55:03
Did you see Jurgen make changes with Mo, Bobby and Sadio no! Because they were settled and and new each others game. He made changes around other positions but not them three Florian.
And yes we had 60 games how many times did Jurgen, Slot change VVD
Give Wirtz time a get the other two Isak and Barcola get to know each others game then we will see if Wirtz is up to the task.
13 Sep 2026 17:27:32
That's because them 3 were freaks who never got injured. Our attackers are not made of the same kind of stuff.
13 Sep 2026 19:50:08
Whats Haaland got to do with it Florian? He plays for a different team, who have a different setup and play a different style, it's totally irrelevant. Not to mention he's a physical freak who can muscle his way into any opportunity. Outside of the fact that him and Isak are both strikers who feed off service, there's nothing comparable about the 2, either as players or in their set ups.
Pep set City up perfectly to feed Haaland whilst we're currently trying to fit 3 managers' pegs in the one hole. (Caught my missus watching that one the other night actually)