[quote author=Rafiagra link=topic=42875.msg1221758#msg1221758 date=1290339493]
Now I know West Ham are useless and were there to be rolled over, but I was really fearing the worst without Gerrard.
However, that was probably our best performance of the season. Playing Meireles in his proper position helped but I just wonder if we are too predictable when Gerrard plays.
He's so much better than the rest of our team and such a talismanic figure that its only natural that teammates look for him as much as possible. Without him, the other players have to do their bit, and we have a more varied threat. I dont think its a coincidence that Gerrard and Torres have got the vast bulk of our goals, not only because they are our best attackers, but also that the rest of the team will most likely look to give them the ball as much as possible.
If we can get a couple more players of a similar quality around Gerrard (and Torres), we could play like we did last night against any team.
[/quote]
I remember a fair bit of similar talk during Xabi's first two seasons at the club, when Gerrard had several considerable stints out of the lineup due to injury.
Now I know West Ham are useless and were there to be rolled over, but I was really fearing the worst without Gerrard.
However, that was probably our best performance of the season. Playing Meireles in his proper position helped but I just wonder if we are too predictable when Gerrard plays.
He's so much better than the rest of our team and such a talismanic figure that its only natural that teammates look for him as much as possible. Without him, the other players have to do their bit, and we have a more varied threat. I dont think its a coincidence that Gerrard and Torres have got the vast bulk of our goals, not only because they are our best attackers, but also that the rest of the team will most likely look to give them the ball as much as possible.
If we can get a couple more players of a similar quality around Gerrard (and Torres), we could play like we did last night against any team.
[/quote]
I remember a fair bit of similar talk during Xabi's first two seasons at the club, when Gerrard had several considerable stints out of the lineup due to injury.