Arsenal v Liverpool match thread

[Whaddapie]

[quote author=Squiggles link=topic=38877.msg1053241#msg1053241 date=1265838804]

I wasn't optimistic before the game and I'm not surprised how it panned out. Still hurts though. My only thought right now is not about this game, but that it doesn't disrupt our decent run of form. We must realise that we don't have to be able to beat Arsenal on the own ground. That's a tough task for anyone. We have to realise we're better than 85% of this league and absolutely batter the rest of them. If this defeat means we go on a shit run from now on then fuck it, it shows our squad's isn't mentally strong enough to deserve CL football.

[/quote]

Agree with that, mate. Though I do find it galling that we struggle so often against that shower, who united and chelsea swat out of their way like flies...

 

[Mamma Mia]

[quote author=doctor_mac link=topic=38877.msg1053230#msg1053230 date=1265838688]
I don't think we were shit. We were playing Arsenal at the Emirates and gave them a hard fought game, and very few chances.
[/quote]

You're right, we weren't. We were poor for a spell when Arsenal came at us and we backed off. Other than that we played decently and a point would have been far from undeserved.

Aresenal were quite poor for most of the game though, and it is so frustrating that we didn't make them pay for it.

 

[D.Winchester]

[quote author=Mamma Mia link=topic=38877.msg1053257#msg1053257 date=1265839091]
[quote author=doctor_mac link=topic=38877.msg1053230#msg1053230 date=1265838688]
I don't think we were shit. We were playing Arsenal at the Emirates and gave them a hard fought game, and very few chances.
[/quote]

You're right, we weren't. We were poor for a spell when Arsenal came at us and we backed off. Other than that we played decently and a point would have been far from undeserved.

Aresenal were quite poor for most of the game though, and it is so frustrating that we didn't make them pay for it.
[/quote]

That spell lasted about 75 min.

 

[Squiggles]

[quote author=TheBunnyman link=topic=38877.msg1053178#msg1053178 date=1265837721]
[quote author=Squiggles link=topic=38877.msg1053174#msg1053174 date=1265837627]
Y'know what, say what you want about Ryan Babel, his limited make up of pace, strength and a fierce shot regularly give him opportunities plenty of our regular first teamers could only dream of.

I know he's a bit shit. I know that. But it's still true. And he should feature more. And he does take too much stick on SCM.
[/quote]

Bollocks. Especially to the last bit. He takes the stick because we know he's got the ability.
[/quote]

With regards to the last bit, I think there's an albeit slight (although well intentioned) tendency to appreciate effort over talent.

As fans we like to see players giving their all for the shirt and that's understandable and with merit. Even Dirk detractors will appreciate the pure effort and desire he brings to our club after all. If we were playing, that's what we'd do, etc.

But I've always thought that Babel gets lumped too easily into the Voronin/Dossena shitcunt category because of it, and I don't believe he deserves that. I believe he's a very decent squad option and whilst I wouldn't be upset if he were sold, I do believe he possesses the physical qualities/contrast to Benitez style of play to be a decent option.

*remains a fan*

 

[Squiggles]

[quote author=Whaddapie link=topic=38877.msg1053255#msg1053255 date=1265839078]
[quote author=Squiggles link=topic=38877.msg1053241#msg1053241 date=1265838804]

I wasn't optimistic before the game and I'm not surprised how it panned out. Still hurts though. My only thought right now is not about this game, but that it doesn't disrupt our decent run of form. We must realise that we don't have to be able to beat Arsenal on the own ground. That's a tough task for anyone. We have to realise we're better than 85% of this league and absolutely batter the rest of them. If this defeat means we go on a shit run from now on then fuck it, it shows our squad's isn't mentally strong enough to deserve CL football.

[/quote]

Agree with that, mate. Though I do find it galling that we struggle so often against that shower, who united and chelsea swat out of their way like flies...
[/quote]

Mate, I hate to say it, but United and Chelsea are out of league this season.

Would Villa or Spurs be desperately disappointed at a loss at Arsenal? Probably not.

That's where we are, atm.

 

[doctor_mac]

If we had sneaked a goal, and Diaby had missed, people would say we had our tactics spot on. It was a tight game, and it was decided by fine margins. There is absolutely no need for a trademark SCM bile fest over this game.

 

[manwithnoname]

Very fucking disappointing, Arsenal had more chances, but they weren't that great

Insewer is quite simply a cunt, Maxi is fucking useless and Eggnog was horrible

I wanted Babel to start, and he should have

Gerrard looked a bit better when partnered with Masher in CM for the last 15 minutes, and so did we as a team

Drunk happy gooner cunts everywhere

 

[aquaman4]

[quote author=Squiggles link=topic=38877.msg1053278#msg1053278 date=1265839764]
[quote author=Whaddapie link=topic=38877.msg1053255#msg1053255 date=1265839078]
[quote author=Squiggles link=topic=38877.msg1053241#msg1053241 date=1265838804]

I wasn't optimistic before the game and I'm not surprised how it panned out. Still hurts though. My only thought right now is not about this game, but that it doesn't disrupt our decent run of form. We must realise that we don't have to be able to beat Arsenal on the own ground. That's a tough task for anyone. We have to realise we're better than 85% of this league and absolutely batter the rest of them. If this defeat means we go on a shit run from now on then fuck it, it shows our squad's isn't mentally strong enough to deserve CL football.

[/quote]

Agree with that, mate. Though I do find it galling that we struggle so often against that shower, who united and chelsea swat out of their way like flies...
[/quote]

Mate, I hate to say it, but United and Chelsea are out of league this season.

Would Villa or Spurs be desperately disappointed at a loss at Arsenal? Probably not.

That's where we are, atm.
[/quote]

united and chelsea have dominated the league for quite some time now bar last year when we finished above chelsea thanks to torres,gerrard and xabi alonso this year torres has rarely played and xabi left us .i hate this season hopefully next season will be better and no more free players they are shit for us .

 

[Jack D Rips]

[quote author=LeTallecWiz link=topic=38877.msg1053219#msg1053219 date=1265838455]
good news is that Spurs didn't win, and Villa only gained a point on us. Let's hope Citeh lose
[/quote]

They won last night

 

[Peatcheo]

Liverpool circa 2004.

 

[franklyfrank]

Completey pissed off after that lads,im sure im not the only red to be.

Arsenal were their for he taking but the lads didn't show enough balls to take the game to them.

I know it's all IFS and BUTS but if we had Johnson, Yossi and Torres playing i would of really fancied us.

We're badly lacking in the striking department. Young N'gog's been great but the kid looks knackered and a little lost at times.

 

[SaintGeorge67]

If that one on one fell to Fernando...

 

[Loch Ness Monster]

Very little creativity, apart from late on when the game was end-to-end. Snatched half-chances, disappointing final ball, lots of huff and puff but little real quality.
Bunny is right, a missed opportunity. They were no better than us, very disappointing for a home side allegedly in the running for the title.

On the plus side, we looked reasonably secure at the back, moved the ball better rather than the big hoof (although the Gooner fans in the ground would argue; twats), Lucas did well again as did Maxi.
We miss Nando terribly.

 

[refugee]

Gutless management, we needed to win, Arsenal were there for the taking, and we played for the draw right up until they scored.

 

[Wizardry]

I've got to say that I'm clearly in the minority here.

I thought we played pretty well. Quick game which I thought we'd struggle with and we certainly didn't look up to staying with them for short periods when their passing clicked into gear. But, largely, we stopped that passing game taking over and we were moving pretty well ourselves which gave us room. We provided ourselves plenty of width in attack which I personally thought was great.

Our main problem was that we simply didn't have the pace to hit them hard enough on the counter. I wondered if Degen would provide that but the answer was no and his effort off Stevies superb long ball was enough to gut any fan. Ngo'g, for all the effort he put in, didn't have that edge to hurt them and couldn't take advantage of the Gerrard through ball.

At least the Russian didn't score but we were reminded once again that it just takes one mistake to kill you in these games. Insua was beaten like a schoolboy for the cross and our CB's were obviously not ready for it and caught out.


Gerrard in midfield was a great sight and I'd love to see it as a favoured option for a few matches with Kuyt or Aqua up front behind a striker.


All up I thought we'd lose this and we did. The next two games are key for us - City is huge and, I dare say, 3rd place is gone so it's down to one spot left for 4 teams.

 

[Wizardry]

[quote author=Loch Ness Monster link=topic=38877.msg1053312#msg1053312 date=1265842383]
Very little creativity, apart from late on when the game was end-to-end. Snatched half-chances, disappointing final ball, lots of huff and puff but little real quality.
Bunny is right, a missed opportunity. They were no better than us, very disappointing for a home side allegedly in the running for the title.

On the plus side, we looked reasonably secure at the back, moved the ball better rather than the big hoof (although the Gooner fans in the ground would argue; twats), Lucas did well again as did Maxi.
We miss Nando terribly.
[/quote]

Ok, I was with you - largely - until that part.

Please tell me what Maxi contributed to that game - he wasn't quite as anonymous as in the first half against Everton but it was a tight run thing.

 

[Loch Ness Monster]

[quote author=Wizardry link=topic=38877.msg1053321#msg1053321 date=1265843200]
[quote author=Loch Ness Monster link=topic=38877.msg1053312#msg1053312 date=1265842383]
Very little creativity, apart from late on when the game was end-to-end. Snatched half-chances, disappointing final ball, lots of huff and puff but little real quality.
Bunny is right, a missed opportunity. They were no better than us, very disappointing for a home side allegedly in the running for the title.

On the plus side, we looked reasonably secure at the back, moved the ball better rather than the big hoof (although the Gooner fans in the ground would argue; twats), Lucas did well again as did Maxi.
We miss Nando terribly.
[/quote]

Ok, I was with you - largely - until that part.

Please tell me what Maxi contributed to that game - he wasn't quite as anonymous as in the first half against Everton but it was a tight run thing.
[/quote]

I thought he did ok. New player, new league, and he is certainly not C. Ronaldo and never will be. he is never going to be the wide left player Albert is as he will instinctively cut inside onto his right foot. He tired in the second half big time, why Babel never came on for him I dont know.

 

[Jack D Rips]

To be honest I am at a total loss as to how Rafa looked at him for 96 minutes. I thought he was very poor tonight, and Riera would surely have improved things

 

[Avmenon]

Oh well, we were never going to beat them unless we went at them.

We didn't, so there you go.

Citeh is more important, since we've been reduced to CL qualification scraps for some months now.

 

[Y1]

Am I surprised that we lost? No.

Luckily did not waste my sleep.

Am surprised that 'Rafa Out' tsunami has not hit yet again.

 

[Le Chacal]

Starting with N'gog alone up front was suicidal.
Our manager was looking for the draw, cautious mentality that cost again.
I knew it when I saw the starting 11. Lucas is definitely the worst midfielder in our recent history...But I cant blame him.
Rafa is just clueless.
City next weekend, biggest match of the season...Id say biggest match for LFC future.

 

[Ryan]

[quote author=Le Chacal link=topic=38877.msg1053433#msg1053433 date=1265861047]
Starting with N'gog alone up front was suicidal.
Our manager was looking for the draw, cautious mentality that cost again.
I knew it when I saw the starting 11. Lucas is definitely the worst midfielder in our recent history...But I cant blame him.
Rafa is just clueless.
[/quote]

You really really pain me.

 

[Le Chacal]

[quote author=Ryan link=topic=38877.msg1053434#msg1053434 date=1265861372]
[quote author=Le Chacal link=topic=38877.msg1053433#msg1053433 date=1265861047]
Starting with N'gog alone up front was suicidal.
Our manager was looking for the draw, cautious mentality that cost again.
I knew it when I saw the starting 11. Lucas is definitely the worst midfielder in our recent history...But I cant blame him.
Rafa is just clueless.
[/quote]

You really really pain me.
[/quote]
Pleasure is all mine.
I know, I know Kuyt and Lucas are fantastic players and we know fuck all about football...

 

[Ryan]

[quote author=Le Chacal link=topic=38877.msg1053435#msg1053435 date=1265861799]
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=38877.msg1053434#msg1053434 date=1265861372]
[quote author=Le Chacal link=topic=38877.msg1053433#msg1053433 date=1265861047]
Starting with N'gog alone up front was suicidal.
Our manager was looking for the draw, cautious mentality that cost again.
I knew it when I saw the starting 11. Lucas is definitely the worst midfielder in our recent history...But I cant blame him.
Rafa is just clueless.
[/quote]

You really really pain me.
[/quote]
Pleasure is all mine.
I know, I know Kuyt and Lucas are fantastic players and we know fuck all about football...
[/quote]

Alright, I'll pick your shitty, inane post apart sentence by sentence then.

Who else was he going to start up front? We've won plenty of games with N'Gog up front, including Saturday's - with 10 fucking men. Or the recent Spurs game. And anyway, he wasn't on his own - Gerrard played in the hole. Wenger played with one 'lone striker' too in Bendtner. And United went to Arsenal two weeks ago, and stuck Rooney up front on his own. You're utterly hopeless lech.

This 'cautious manager' shit fucking kills me. Name me a team in Britain that's scored more goals than us over the last 18 months. Go on.

"Lucas is the worst midfielder in our recent history" - Except he's not is he?

"Rafa is just clueless" - Brilliant. Such analysis. Leaves no room for discussion that sort of damning insight.

 

[Ryan]

Everton
Liverpool
Manchester United
Aston Villa
Arsenal

All played last night with "one man up top"

THEY'RE ALL CAUTIOUS!!!!

 

[Le Chacal]

We would have won with this tonight...

Maxi-----Mascher-----Riera
---------Gerrard

---------Kuyt
-----------Ngog

Arsenal were on a bad run, we had to go at them, Rafa did the opposite, as fucking usual.
Arsenal chances in first half came from Lucas mistakes. He's absolutely dreadful.
Rafa is clueless. You disagree, fair enough but stop the patronising shite..Havent you learnt your lesson?

 

[Ryan]

[quote author=Le Chacal link=topic=38877.msg1053438#msg1053438 date=1265863091]
We would have won with this tonight...

Maxi-----Mascher-----Riera
---------Gerrard

---------Kuyt
-----------Ngog

Arsenal were on a bad run, we had to go at them, Rafa did the opposite, as fucking usual.
Arsenal chances in first half came from Lucas mistakes. He's absolutely dreadful.
Rafa is clueless. You disagree, fair enough but stop the patronising shite..Havent you learnt your lesson?
[/quote]

Of course we would have won with that side. Given that you're basing this on absolutely fuck all, and that that side has played fuck all togethor - I can deffo see your point there.

What chances came from Lucas' mistakes in the first half? Enlighten me, cos I just had a quick check and only once did Lucas gave the ball away in the first half. Again, he also won 8 tackles - more than any other Liverpool player on the fucking pitch. Can't wait to hear you waffle you're way out of this one.

Your posts are a mixture of lies, cliches, and speculation. There is absolutely no basis to anything you come out with. Be grateful all I am is patronising.

 

[Paddy]

I actually thought we played well. Hard luck lads. Lets go beat City.

 

[Ryan]

[quote author=Paddy link=topic=38877.msg1053440#msg1053440 date=1265863876]
I actually thought we played well.
[/quote]

Really Paddy?

I thought we gave the ball away too often, didn't create a lot of chances, and took far too long to get going. Arsenal weren't much better mind you.

 

[spider-Neil]

I most have watched a completely different game as I thought we played extremely well and created good chances. we pretty much stood toe to toe with arsenal, the 'great footballing side' where as manu and chelsea sat deep soaked up pressure and hit arsenal on the break. obviously I would have perferred to win like chelsea and manu but I was pleased we attempted to play football. if we were as clinical as manu and chelsea we woud have easily have won that game.