I think let's try to keep this thread about the game itself and the performance, not the penalty incident (there are other threads for that).
I think Besiktas played really, really well. They were well-prepared and well-coached; pressed in the right moments and dropped off when needed. Some of their defending was bordering on the heroic and they did enough in attack to score an away goal, but were denied by Mignolet and a couple of good blocks from Skrtel. Our players seemed to have been taken by surprise by how calm and professional Besiktas were; it was the polar opposite of the team that lost 8:0 at Anfield seven years ago.
I want to know what was wrong with Can. Did playing against Turks affect him mentally? Is he tired? Whatever it is, this was the worst I've seen him play for LFC; his head was just not in the game. By contrast Sakho, who we all thought needed a rest, looked totally fine and Skrtel was sharp well. Lovren had an error-free cameo (if you don't count the yellow card) again as well.
I'm disappointed with Allen. Once again whenever his teammates don't play particularly well, his own play becomes way too timid and cautious. We needed a lift from a fresh player who was supposedly hitting good form; instead he was the first one to be substituted. Amazingly, Can, who had an all-around bad game, still managed to be an improvement on Allen in midfield.
Coutinho needs a rest. I would start Sterling in his place vs Southampton. Sturridge had these kinds of games last season too; this is why he is not world class yet.
On the positive side, Ibe was a breath of fresh air every time he got the ball (and teammates all saw that and fed him a lot) and Balotelli looked very good again. I would consider resting Lallana vs Southampton too and starting with the front 3 of Sturridge, Sterling and Balotelli. And bring on Markovic at AM if we need to change it up.
One more small positive – Glen Johnson was not in the squad. Which means Lovren is finally officially ahead of him in the pecking order at RCB, as he should be. And Manquillo at RB too.
