Or have we done this already? I'm never sure if we do separate threads anymore.
But fuck it, here it is, and let's start with some RRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATTIIINGS!
We won! Yay! And coupled with the Arabs losing to United, and an Everton humiliation, this was a pretty decent weekend all considered. Given our recent travails we couldn't have asked for a better fixture than Bournemouth at home and we got the expected three points, but made fucking heavy weather of it yet again, requiring Milner goal-line heroics to rescue the hapless Adrian.
There was a nerviness to the defence, the midfield spluttered at times and chances were missed, but we won, and God knows how we needed that result.
Adrian (5) Unconvincing as usual, and shakier than a Toxteth crackhead. Amazing he managed to keep a clean sheet
TAA (6) Had a few wobbles defensively, but delivery was more accurate than of late, and he got more composed as the game went on.
Gomez (5) Poor first half, he was bullied by Wilson and looked a weak link. Got much better in the second half and looked closer to his usual self, but still needs to improve.
Virgil (7) Better than his previous few games, he's looking a bit more like the immoveable entity he usually is, and made some some great clearances. Found time to set up a goal too, with a lovely pass to Mane. Why can't our midfield do that?
Milner (8) He's not quick enough to really excel in a full-back position, but he was just so influential at both ends of the pitch, chirping away, growling at the opposition and encouraging his team-mates. And then rescued three points with the goal-line clearance of the season.
Fabinho (3) He's been shit since he returned from injury, and continued to be shit. Slow, dopey and largely fucking useless. At some point we just need to fucking drop him, hopefully as soon as Hendo is back.
Wijnaldum (6) Another who has been rubbish lately, but this was a far more energised and effective display. Still didn't create much, but more urgent in attack than usual and helped out across the midfield, which was vital with the arthritic C-3PO stinking the place out yet again.
Chamberlain (6) Always looking to attack and take the game right to them, which is what this midfield sometimes lacks, but lacked a bit of guile and finesse at times, when a bit more invention was required. Still, pretty good especially in the first half.
Mane (8) Hit the bar, scored a goal, made a goal (although Salah made the most of what wasn't the best pass). Busy, fast, effective and dangerous. Yes, lad.
Salah (7) Caused them probelms all game, with his wiry, sinewy strength and blistering change of pace. Sloppy with the final ball a few times, but as usual, scored when we needed it. Great finish. Great player.
Firmino (4) Slight improvement from his last game, but still fucking shit. Passing awry, looked sluggish, but at least in this game he actually had a chance - that he obviously missed. In horrible form, and has been for weeks.
But fuck it, here it is, and let's start with some RRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATTIIINGS!
We won! Yay! And coupled with the Arabs losing to United, and an Everton humiliation, this was a pretty decent weekend all considered. Given our recent travails we couldn't have asked for a better fixture than Bournemouth at home and we got the expected three points, but made fucking heavy weather of it yet again, requiring Milner goal-line heroics to rescue the hapless Adrian.
There was a nerviness to the defence, the midfield spluttered at times and chances were missed, but we won, and God knows how we needed that result.
Adrian (5) Unconvincing as usual, and shakier than a Toxteth crackhead. Amazing he managed to keep a clean sheet
TAA (6) Had a few wobbles defensively, but delivery was more accurate than of late, and he got more composed as the game went on.
Gomez (5) Poor first half, he was bullied by Wilson and looked a weak link. Got much better in the second half and looked closer to his usual self, but still needs to improve.
Virgil (7) Better than his previous few games, he's looking a bit more like the immoveable entity he usually is, and made some some great clearances. Found time to set up a goal too, with a lovely pass to Mane. Why can't our midfield do that?
Milner (8) He's not quick enough to really excel in a full-back position, but he was just so influential at both ends of the pitch, chirping away, growling at the opposition and encouraging his team-mates. And then rescued three points with the goal-line clearance of the season.
Fabinho (3) He's been shit since he returned from injury, and continued to be shit. Slow, dopey and largely fucking useless. At some point we just need to fucking drop him, hopefully as soon as Hendo is back.
Wijnaldum (6) Another who has been rubbish lately, but this was a far more energised and effective display. Still didn't create much, but more urgent in attack than usual and helped out across the midfield, which was vital with the arthritic C-3PO stinking the place out yet again.
Chamberlain (6) Always looking to attack and take the game right to them, which is what this midfield sometimes lacks, but lacked a bit of guile and finesse at times, when a bit more invention was required. Still, pretty good especially in the first half.
Mane (8) Hit the bar, scored a goal, made a goal (although Salah made the most of what wasn't the best pass). Busy, fast, effective and dangerous. Yes, lad.
Salah (7) Caused them probelms all game, with his wiry, sinewy strength and blistering change of pace. Sloppy with the final ball a few times, but as usual, scored when we needed it. Great finish. Great player.
Firmino (4) Slight improvement from his last game, but still fucking shit. Passing awry, looked sluggish, but at least in this game he actually had a chance - that he obviously missed. In horrible form, and has been for weeks.
