Post Match - Portsmouth (H)
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Insua.
He's started the last 7 games in a row due to Aurelio's injury, and played 90 minutes in every one of them. He's played 38 games already this season (he only started 11 games in whole of last year) in an underperfoming team, with differing centre-backs and left-wingers around him just about every week.
We all know about his weaknesses re pace, explosiveness, and susceptibility, but...
He's what, 20 years old? This is his first season playing regularly, his attitude is spot on, and he's a fucking kid. All this "useless tubby fucker" chat is absolutely disgraceful. God help the likes of Pacheco, Dalle Valle, San Jose, Kelly et al if they're not Wayne Rooney in their first season.
He's started the last 7 games in a row due to Aurelio's injury, and played 90 minutes in every one of them. He's played 38 games already this season (he only started 11 games in whole of last year) in an underperfoming team, with differing centre-backs and left-wingers around him just about every week.
We all know about his weaknesses re pace, explosiveness, and susceptibility, but...
He's what, 20 years old? This is his first season playing regularly, his attitude is spot on, and he's a fucking kid. All this "useless tubby fucker" chat is absolutely disgraceful. God help the likes of Pacheco, Dalle Valle, San Jose, Kelly et al if they're not Wayne Rooney in their first season.
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=39317.msg1070382#msg1070382 date=1268714872]
As an aside, I see Harry Redknapp signed a defensive midfielder from Brazil for 9M today, claiming that he wants him to play alongside their other defensive midfielder Palacios in the big games.
So that's two defensive midfielders he wants to deploy. Madness.
[/quote]
The big games, you say? Like Wigan, you mean?
As an aside, I see Harry Redknapp signed a defensive midfielder from Brazil for 9M today, claiming that he wants him to play alongside their other defensive midfielder Palacios in the big games.
So that's two defensive midfielders he wants to deploy. Madness.
[/quote]
The big games, you say? Like Wigan, you mean?
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=39317.msg1070381#msg1070381 date=1268713814]
Insua.
He's started the last 7 games in a row due to Aurelio's injury, and played 90 minutes in every one of them. He's played 38 games already this season (he only started 11 games in whole of last year) in an underperfoming team, with differing centre-backs and left-wingers around him just about every week.
We all know about his weaknesses re pace, explosiveness, and susceptibility, but...
He's what, 20 years old? This is his first season playing regularly, his attitude is spot on, and he's a fucking kid. All this "useless tubby fucker" chat is absolutely disgraceful. God help the likes of Pacheco, Dalle Valle, San Jose, Kelly et al if they're not Wayne Rooney in their first season.
[/quote]
Oh, for Christ's sake, Ryan. He's been atrocious, and you know it.
Insua.
He's started the last 7 games in a row due to Aurelio's injury, and played 90 minutes in every one of them. He's played 38 games already this season (he only started 11 games in whole of last year) in an underperfoming team, with differing centre-backs and left-wingers around him just about every week.
We all know about his weaknesses re pace, explosiveness, and susceptibility, but...
He's what, 20 years old? This is his first season playing regularly, his attitude is spot on, and he's a fucking kid. All this "useless tubby fucker" chat is absolutely disgraceful. God help the likes of Pacheco, Dalle Valle, San Jose, Kelly et al if they're not Wayne Rooney in their first season.
[/quote]
Oh, for Christ's sake, Ryan. He's been atrocious, and you know it.
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=39317.msg1070381#msg1070381 date=1268713814]
Insua.
He's started the last 7 games in a row due to Aurelio's injury, and played 90 minutes in every one of them. He's played 38 games already this season (he only started 11 games in whole of last year) in an underperfoming team, with differing centre-backs and left-wingers around him just about every week.
We all know about his weaknesses re pace, explosiveness, and susceptibility, but...
He's what, 20 years old? This is his first season playing regularly, his attitude is spot on, and he's a fucking kid. All this "useless tubby fucker" chat is absolutely disgraceful. God help the likes of Pacheco, Dalle Valle, San Jose, Kelly et al if they're not Wayne Rooney in their first season.
[/quote]
You'd think after all those games he would have lost some weight...But seriously this is all true but the hard fact is Ferguson will target him as the weak link again on sunday.
Not the lads fault but its coming. Can he deal with it? He will have to be on top form. At least hes not dealing with Ronaldo.
Insua.
He's started the last 7 games in a row due to Aurelio's injury, and played 90 minutes in every one of them. He's played 38 games already this season (he only started 11 games in whole of last year) in an underperfoming team, with differing centre-backs and left-wingers around him just about every week.
We all know about his weaknesses re pace, explosiveness, and susceptibility, but...
He's what, 20 years old? This is his first season playing regularly, his attitude is spot on, and he's a fucking kid. All this "useless tubby fucker" chat is absolutely disgraceful. God help the likes of Pacheco, Dalle Valle, San Jose, Kelly et al if they're not Wayne Rooney in their first season.
[/quote]
You'd think after all those games he would have lost some weight...But seriously this is all true but the hard fact is Ferguson will target him as the weak link again on sunday.
Not the lads fault but its coming. Can he deal with it? He will have to be on top form. At least hes not dealing with Ronaldo.
It was nice to see some zip about the play last night, nice to see more attacking players picked and more emphasis on players getting forward, I know it was Pompey but we've failed to do that against most other shit sides this season.
I think Lucas & Kuyt will come back v Utd, as will the usual cautious approach (flat back 7), and I think we'll get beat.
I think Lucas & Kuyt will come back v Utd, as will the usual cautious approach (flat back 7), and I think we'll get beat.
[quote author=Whaddapie link=topic=39317.msg1070385#msg1070385 date=1268715580]
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=39317.msg1070381#msg1070381 date=1268713814]
Insua.
He's started the last 7 games in a row due to Aurelio's injury, and played 90 minutes in every one of them. He's played 38 games already this season (he only started 11 games in whole of last year) in an underperfoming team, with differing centre-backs and left-wingers around him just about every week.
We all know about his weaknesses re pace, explosiveness, and susceptibility, but...
He's what, 20 years old? This is his first season playing regularly, his attitude is spot on, and he's a fucking kid. All this "useless tubby fucker" chat is absolutely disgraceful. God help the likes of Pacheco, Dalle Valle, San Jose, Kelly et al if they're not Wayne Rooney in their first season.
[/quote]
Oh, for Christ's sake, Ryan. He's been atrocious, and you know it.
[/quote]
I'm not trying to argue that he's Paolo Maldini Whaddapie, just that the treatement dished out to him by some fans has been woeful. As it has for quite a few of our youngsters - N'Gog, Spearing, etc...
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=39317.msg1070381#msg1070381 date=1268713814]
Insua.
He's started the last 7 games in a row due to Aurelio's injury, and played 90 minutes in every one of them. He's played 38 games already this season (he only started 11 games in whole of last year) in an underperfoming team, with differing centre-backs and left-wingers around him just about every week.
We all know about his weaknesses re pace, explosiveness, and susceptibility, but...
He's what, 20 years old? This is his first season playing regularly, his attitude is spot on, and he's a fucking kid. All this "useless tubby fucker" chat is absolutely disgraceful. God help the likes of Pacheco, Dalle Valle, San Jose, Kelly et al if they're not Wayne Rooney in their first season.
[/quote]
Oh, for Christ's sake, Ryan. He's been atrocious, and you know it.
[/quote]
I'm not trying to argue that he's Paolo Maldini Whaddapie, just that the treatement dished out to him by some fans has been woeful. As it has for quite a few of our youngsters - N'Gog, Spearing, etc...
[quote author=LarryHagman link=topic=39317.msg1070387#msg1070387 date=1268716169]
It was nice to see some zip about the play last night, nice to see more attacking players picked and more emphasis on players getting forward, I know it was Pompey but we've failed to do that against most other shit sides this season.
I think Lucas & Kuyt will come back v Utd, as will the usual cautious approach (flat back 7), and I think we'll get beat.
[/quote]
We've beaten them with a "flat back 7" 3 times in a row Larry.
It was nice to see some zip about the play last night, nice to see more attacking players picked and more emphasis on players getting forward, I know it was Pompey but we've failed to do that against most other shit sides this season.
I think Lucas & Kuyt will come back v Utd, as will the usual cautious approach (flat back 7), and I think we'll get beat.
[/quote]
We've beaten them with a "flat back 7" 3 times in a row Larry.
there was a zip and spring in iverpool's performance and babel was involved in the that, in fact anyone who has been paying attention should have seen that performance was on the cards because babel (somehow) has been steadily growing in confidence for the past few weeks.
ryan you make it sound like he was running into defeners all night long when the truth is babel was playing a big part in the swift interchanges that were pulling pompy all over the shop. just be patient and wait for him to have a mare and then you can rip into him and be justified in your opinion he can only perform against tired legs rather than start games.
ryan you make it sound like he was running into defeners all night long when the truth is babel was playing a big part in the swift interchanges that were pulling pompy all over the shop. just be patient and wait for him to have a mare and then you can rip into him and be justified in your opinion he can only perform against tired legs rather than start games.
Lucas shouldn't come back in because he's fucking shit
Stick that on your chalkboard O'Tomkins
Stick that on your chalkboard O'Tomkins
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=39317.msg1070338#msg1070338 date=1268703217]
[quote author=Delinquent link=topic=39317.msg1070334#msg1070334 date=1268702864]
[quote author=Halmeister link=topic=39317.msg1070323#msg1070323 date=1268701892]
With regards to the Mancs, we went there last season with what seemed a very rigid side and shipped 4 past them. Now obviously that's not going to happen again, but as Ryan said you've got to cover all your bases against a team like United. I'd imagine Lucas would come back in, and rightly so in my opinion. Afterall he played in that win last season, and at Anfield this season. What he lacks in creativity, he gives you in positional stability. I'm not a fan at all mind, but this is a type of game he's needed.
I'd imagine Rafa would go with:
Reina
Johnson Carragher Agger Insua
Lucas Mascherano
Kuyt Gerrard Maxi
Torres
For what it's worth, that would be the team I'd go with too. With Aurelio coming in for Insua, but I'm assuming he's crocked so...
[/quote]
I know some might think it a little 'gung-ho' but I would prefer to see Aquilani rewarded for his MOM performance this weekend. However, if we had to go with that team I would prefer to see Maxi on the right and Riera on the left. I think Maxi and Johnson have the makings of a good partnership on that side and Riera offers more protection than anyone to Insua (whose arse is likely to be handed to him repeatedly by Valencia), as well as being capable of retaining the ball.
[/quote]
Mate, Kuyt will play on Sunday. No bones about it.
[/quote]
I know.
[quote author=Delinquent link=topic=39317.msg1070334#msg1070334 date=1268702864]
[quote author=Halmeister link=topic=39317.msg1070323#msg1070323 date=1268701892]
With regards to the Mancs, we went there last season with what seemed a very rigid side and shipped 4 past them. Now obviously that's not going to happen again, but as Ryan said you've got to cover all your bases against a team like United. I'd imagine Lucas would come back in, and rightly so in my opinion. Afterall he played in that win last season, and at Anfield this season. What he lacks in creativity, he gives you in positional stability. I'm not a fan at all mind, but this is a type of game he's needed.
I'd imagine Rafa would go with:
Reina
Johnson Carragher Agger Insua
Lucas Mascherano
Kuyt Gerrard Maxi
Torres
For what it's worth, that would be the team I'd go with too. With Aurelio coming in for Insua, but I'm assuming he's crocked so...
[/quote]
I know some might think it a little 'gung-ho' but I would prefer to see Aquilani rewarded for his MOM performance this weekend. However, if we had to go with that team I would prefer to see Maxi on the right and Riera on the left. I think Maxi and Johnson have the makings of a good partnership on that side and Riera offers more protection than anyone to Insua (whose arse is likely to be handed to him repeatedly by Valencia), as well as being capable of retaining the ball.
[/quote]
Mate, Kuyt will play on Sunday. No bones about it.
[/quote]
I know.
[quote author=spider-neil link=topic=39317.msg1070399#msg1070399 date=1268723077]
there was a zip and spring in iverpool's performance and babel was involved in the that, in fact anyone who has been paying attention should have seen that performance was on the cards because babel (somehow) has been steadily growing in confidence for the past few weeks.
ryan you make it sound like he was running into defeners all night long when the truth is babel was playing a big part in the swift interchanges that were pulling pompy all over the shop. just be patient and wait for him to have a mare and then you can rip into him and be justified in your opinion he can only perform against tired legs rather than start games.
[/quote]
Babel does have an issue with his decision making and he does run into blind alleys and his first touch does mean that it inevitably 'can' disrupt our momentum, but fair play to him yesterday, he kept the ball reasonably well, kept it simple and could have had two goals to his name. It is worth pointing out regards the team performance as a whole, Portsmouth didn't pressure the ball at all and gave us too much space on the flanks to run into, that won't happen everyweek. The pleasing thing though is that we took advantage of it, something we've seemed incapable of too many times of late.
The game of two halves, when Torres dragged them all over the place, everyone capitalised on the space, some of Babel's interplay with Torres in the first half was excellent, but there were occasions when the onus was more on him alone, he did his old trick of running straight into defenders. Though he did turn back more when under pressure and maintained possession, which was pleasing to see. It was good to see him being more decisive in his play.
He should stay in the team now, he deserves a run based on recent performances and hopefully he'll make the most of it.
there was a zip and spring in iverpool's performance and babel was involved in the that, in fact anyone who has been paying attention should have seen that performance was on the cards because babel (somehow) has been steadily growing in confidence for the past few weeks.
ryan you make it sound like he was running into defeners all night long when the truth is babel was playing a big part in the swift interchanges that were pulling pompy all over the shop. just be patient and wait for him to have a mare and then you can rip into him and be justified in your opinion he can only perform against tired legs rather than start games.
[/quote]
Babel does have an issue with his decision making and he does run into blind alleys and his first touch does mean that it inevitably 'can' disrupt our momentum, but fair play to him yesterday, he kept the ball reasonably well, kept it simple and could have had two goals to his name. It is worth pointing out regards the team performance as a whole, Portsmouth didn't pressure the ball at all and gave us too much space on the flanks to run into, that won't happen everyweek. The pleasing thing though is that we took advantage of it, something we've seemed incapable of too many times of late.
The game of two halves, when Torres dragged them all over the place, everyone capitalised on the space, some of Babel's interplay with Torres in the first half was excellent, but there were occasions when the onus was more on him alone, he did his old trick of running straight into defenders. Though he did turn back more when under pressure and maintained possession, which was pleasing to see. It was good to see him being more decisive in his play.
He should stay in the team now, he deserves a run based on recent performances and hopefully he'll make the most of it.
[quote author=Whaddapie link=topic=39317.msg1070384#msg1070384 date=1268715513]
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=39317.msg1070382#msg1070382 date=1268714872]
As an aside, I see Harry Redknapp signed a defensive midfielder from Brazil for 9M today, claiming that he wants him to play alongside their other defensive midfielder Palacios in the big games.
So that's two defensive midfielders he wants to deploy. Madness.
[/quote]
The big games, you say? Like Wigan, you mean?
[/quote]
Quite. Two (out and out) defensive midfielders should really only be deployed a handful of times a season, not as a general rule.
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=39317.msg1070382#msg1070382 date=1268714872]
As an aside, I see Harry Redknapp signed a defensive midfielder from Brazil for 9M today, claiming that he wants him to play alongside their other defensive midfielder Palacios in the big games.
So that's two defensive midfielders he wants to deploy. Madness.
[/quote]
The big games, you say? Like Wigan, you mean?
[/quote]
Quite. Two (out and out) defensive midfielders should really only be deployed a handful of times a season, not as a general rule.
[quote author=Delinquent link=topic=39317.msg1070409#msg1070409 date=1268725650]
[quote author=Whaddapie link=topic=39317.msg1070384#msg1070384 date=1268715513]
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=39317.msg1070382#msg1070382 date=1268714872]
As an aside, I see Harry Redknapp signed a defensive midfielder from Brazil for 9M today, claiming that he wants him to play alongside their other defensive midfielder Palacios in the big games.
So that's two defensive midfielders he wants to deploy. Madness.
[/quote]
The big games, you say? Like Wigan, you mean?
[/quote]
Quite. Two (out and out) defensive midfielders should really only be deployed a handful of times a season, not as a general rule.
[/quote]
Yeah, Spurs' success this season is pretty much the definitive counter to Ryan's 'four defensive midfielders' bollocks. They generally play with two wingers and two strikers, and they generally win easily against the weaker teams in the league. Which is why they're currently ahead of us, and favourites for CL qualification.
[quote author=Whaddapie link=topic=39317.msg1070384#msg1070384 date=1268715513]
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=39317.msg1070382#msg1070382 date=1268714872]
As an aside, I see Harry Redknapp signed a defensive midfielder from Brazil for 9M today, claiming that he wants him to play alongside their other defensive midfielder Palacios in the big games.
So that's two defensive midfielders he wants to deploy. Madness.
[/quote]
The big games, you say? Like Wigan, you mean?
[/quote]
Quite. Two (out and out) defensive midfielders should really only be deployed a handful of times a season, not as a general rule.
[/quote]
Yeah, Spurs' success this season is pretty much the definitive counter to Ryan's 'four defensive midfielders' bollocks. They generally play with two wingers and two strikers, and they generally win easily against the weaker teams in the league. Which is why they're currently ahead of us, and favourites for CL qualification.
[quote author=TheBunnyman link=topic=39317.msg1070423#msg1070423 date=1268728176]
[quote author=Delinquent link=topic=39317.msg1070409#msg1070409 date=1268725650]
[quote author=Whaddapie link=topic=39317.msg1070384#msg1070384 date=1268715513]
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=39317.msg1070382#msg1070382 date=1268714872]
As an aside, I see Harry Redknapp signed a defensive midfielder from Brazil for 9M today, claiming that he wants him to play alongside their other defensive midfielder Palacios in the big games.
So that's two defensive midfielders he wants to deploy. Madness.
[/quote]
The big games, you say? Like Wigan, you mean?
[/quote]
Quite. Two (out and out) defensive midfielders should really only be deployed a handful of times a season, not as a general rule.
[/quote]
Yeah, Spurs' success this season is pretty much the definitive counter to Ryan's 'four defensive midfielders' bollocks. They generally play with two wingers and two strikers, and they generally win easily against the weaker teams in the league. Which is why they're currently ahead of us, and favourites for CL qualification.
[/quote]
to be fair last season we used two defensive midfielders and were ripping teams apart.
[quote author=Delinquent link=topic=39317.msg1070409#msg1070409 date=1268725650]
[quote author=Whaddapie link=topic=39317.msg1070384#msg1070384 date=1268715513]
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=39317.msg1070382#msg1070382 date=1268714872]
As an aside, I see Harry Redknapp signed a defensive midfielder from Brazil for 9M today, claiming that he wants him to play alongside their other defensive midfielder Palacios in the big games.
So that's two defensive midfielders he wants to deploy. Madness.
[/quote]
The big games, you say? Like Wigan, you mean?
[/quote]
Quite. Two (out and out) defensive midfielders should really only be deployed a handful of times a season, not as a general rule.
[/quote]
Yeah, Spurs' success this season is pretty much the definitive counter to Ryan's 'four defensive midfielders' bollocks. They generally play with two wingers and two strikers, and they generally win easily against the weaker teams in the league. Which is why they're currently ahead of us, and favourites for CL qualification.
[/quote]
to be fair last season we used two defensive midfielders and were ripping teams apart.
[quote author=Rosco link=topic=39317.msg1070427#msg1070427 date=1268728697]
There's a little bit of a difference between Alonso and Lucas though.
[/quote]
well, quite but the thinking is sound, two defensive midfielders to sheild the defenders and give licence to the fullbacks. the tactics are fine the problem is the personnel.
There's a little bit of a difference between Alonso and Lucas though.
[/quote]
well, quite but the thinking is sound, two defensive midfielders to sheild the defenders and give licence to the fullbacks. the tactics are fine the problem is the personnel.
But Ryan's never really advocated four "defensive midfielders" as such, just pointed out that some teams play with three or four midfielders who aren't exactly "attackers".
I have no problem with two midfielders who sit deep, as long as the players in front of them all possess some pace, goal threat and guile.
Arsenal produced one of the Premiership's great teams with two midfielders who could both arguable be classed as "sitting/ holding/ defensive" in Vieira and Petit.
Valencia did it with Baraja and Albelda.
We did it last year with Masher and Alonso.
The first crucial part of two deeper midfielders is that they're both good players. The problem with a Masher/ Lucarse combo is that Lucarse is not a good player. He's a hideous mediocrity.
The second crucial part is that one (or both) needs to have *some* attacking instinct and ability. Alonso, Baraja, Vieira, Petit et al could all chip in with goals and were happy to get forward when possible, knowing that their partner would hang back and cover. They were also good passers, and looked to play their game facing forwards at all time.
[quote author=Rosco link=topic=39317.msg1070431#msg1070431 date=1268729047]
I can't be arsed getting into this with you Spidey
[/quote]
there's no need, bren sums up exactly what I think on the subject. its nothing to do with tactics its the personnel utilised within those tactics.
I can't be arsed getting into this with you Spidey
[/quote]
there's no need, bren sums up exactly what I think on the subject. its nothing to do with tactics its the personnel utilised within those tactics.
I think rafa's caution with aqua is alonso could definately defend and shield if we were under the cosh, we don't know if aqua is able to do the same, if he can't then it will masher who has to do the lion's share all by himself.
[quote author=spider-neil link=topic=39317.msg1070435#msg1070435 date=1268729709]
I think rafa's caution with aqua is alonso could definately defend and shield if we were under the cosh, we don't know if aqua is able to do the same, if he can't then it will masher who has to do the lion's share all by himself.
[/quote]
Thing is, if we're he ones putting the pther side "under the cosh" (with a more attack-minded set-up), there's much less need to have two defensive shields anyway.
You could never imagine Fergie worrying about how compact we are against Premiership sides (bar the top four).
I think rafa's caution with aqua is alonso could definately defend and shield if we were under the cosh, we don't know if aqua is able to do the same, if he can't then it will masher who has to do the lion's share all by himself.
[/quote]
Thing is, if we're he ones putting the pther side "under the cosh" (with a more attack-minded set-up), there's much less need to have two defensive shields anyway.
You could never imagine Fergie worrying about how compact we are against Premiership sides (bar the top four).
Has there been any word on Mascher's injury? He was down to walking pace at the end.
[quote author=Buddha link=topic=39317.msg1070437#msg1070437 date=1268730051]
[quote author=spider-neil link=topic=39317.msg1070435#msg1070435 date=1268729709]
I think rafa's caution with aqua is alonso could definately defend and shield if we were under the cosh, we don't know if aqua is able to do the same, if he can't then it will masher who has to do the lion's share all by himself.
[/quote]
Thing is, if we're he ones putting the pther side "under the cosh" (with a more attack-minded set-up), there's much less need to have two defensive shields anyway.
You could never imagine Fergie worrying about how compact we are against Premiership sides (bar the top four).
[/quote]
if you play any half decent side you will be under the cosh at some point. personally I would always play one out and out defensive midfielder partnered with a midfieder who gave something going forwards (be it from a deep or forward position) I think from rafa's point of view he maybe reluctant to play a midfielder who is very attack minded in the middle of the park, afterall he moved gerrard to the right and then further forwards.
[quote author=spider-neil link=topic=39317.msg1070435#msg1070435 date=1268729709]
I think rafa's caution with aqua is alonso could definately defend and shield if we were under the cosh, we don't know if aqua is able to do the same, if he can't then it will masher who has to do the lion's share all by himself.
[/quote]
Thing is, if we're he ones putting the pther side "under the cosh" (with a more attack-minded set-up), there's much less need to have two defensive shields anyway.
You could never imagine Fergie worrying about how compact we are against Premiership sides (bar the top four).
[/quote]
if you play any half decent side you will be under the cosh at some point. personally I would always play one out and out defensive midfielder partnered with a midfieder who gave something going forwards (be it from a deep or forward position) I think from rafa's point of view he maybe reluctant to play a midfielder who is very attack minded in the middle of the park, afterall he moved gerrard to the right and then further forwards.
1 defensive midfielder is fucking ample against Wigan, Sunderland, Hull, Birmingham, Fulham etc it's being spoken about as though it's Mascherano vs the entire attack if Lucas doesn't play. Well Ha ha. What about Carragher, Agger, Insua and Johnson....what about Reina? Even with ONE defensive midfielder, that still means over half the team is employed to stop the opposition. And it's not like Torres, Gerrard et al just fucking stop and stare when we lose the ball, they work like fuck, in fact the only 'lazy' player in our whole team is Babel. Bottom line is Rafa is over cautious and we have failed to beat many MANY shit teams because our creative fulcrum of Lucas and Mascherano is fucking awful.
The Lucas -Mascherano partnership is fucking anti football and I hate it.
Against the bottom 13 teams last nights formation should be played, and if Aqui can't do the leg work, against the top 7 Gerrard should drop deeper and Aquilani push on.
The Lucas -Mascherano partnership is fucking anti football and I hate it.
Against the bottom 13 teams last nights formation should be played, and if Aqui can't do the leg work, against the top 7 Gerrard should drop deeper and Aquilani push on.
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=39317.msg1070449#msg1070449 date=1268731539]
1 defensive midfielder is fucking ample against Wigan, Sunderland, Hull, Birmingham, Fulham etc it's being spoken about as though it's Mascherano vs the entire attack if Lucas doesn't play. Well Ha ha. What about Carragher, Agger, Insua and Johnson....what about Reina? Even with ONE defensive midfielder, that still means over half the team is employed to stop the opposition. And it's not like Torres, Gerrard et al just fucking stop and stare when we lose the ball, they work like fuck, in fact the only 'lazy' player in our whole team is Babel. Bottom line is Rafa is over cautious and we have failed to beat many MANY shit teams because our creative fulcrum of Lucas and Mascherano is fucking awful.
The Lucas -Mascherano partnership is fucking anti football and I hate it.
Against the bottom 13 teams last nights formation should be played, and if Aqui can't do the leg work, against the top 7 Gerrard should drop deeper and Aquilani push on.
[/quote]
AMEN to that! Ok if Benitez replaced Aquilani with a dog-of-war against the top teams but Lucas isn´t even that. I don´t know what he is (besides shit). Aquilani, Gerrard and Torres should play every game.
1 defensive midfielder is fucking ample against Wigan, Sunderland, Hull, Birmingham, Fulham etc it's being spoken about as though it's Mascherano vs the entire attack if Lucas doesn't play. Well Ha ha. What about Carragher, Agger, Insua and Johnson....what about Reina? Even with ONE defensive midfielder, that still means over half the team is employed to stop the opposition. And it's not like Torres, Gerrard et al just fucking stop and stare when we lose the ball, they work like fuck, in fact the only 'lazy' player in our whole team is Babel. Bottom line is Rafa is over cautious and we have failed to beat many MANY shit teams because our creative fulcrum of Lucas and Mascherano is fucking awful.
The Lucas -Mascherano partnership is fucking anti football and I hate it.
Against the bottom 13 teams last nights formation should be played, and if Aqui can't do the leg work, against the top 7 Gerrard should drop deeper and Aquilani push on.
[/quote]
AMEN to that! Ok if Benitez replaced Aquilani with a dog-of-war against the top teams but Lucas isn´t even that. I don´t know what he is (besides shit). Aquilani, Gerrard and Torres should play every game.
My thoughts. It was a big imrpovement. We moved the ball around quickly and it was obvious Aquilani was key to that. The one touch football between Maxi, Purple, Torres and Gerrard was excellent at times. Much improved performances from Gerrard, Torres and Babel although the latter can still do much better. On a negative note we still look defensively shakey and I disagree with Ryan about Agger. I thought he looked a bit suspect at times defensively although he did bring the ball out well. Carra on the other hand defended slightly better but was frustrating with his sideways passing. There were numerous occasions when Maxi dropped inside for the forward pass and it was on - and instead chose to pass it sideways. Johnson missed many opportunities to drive forwards and overlap at times too. That said, a great improvement overall and a match I actually enjoyed. Let's not forget though that Portsmouth are complete gash. Aquilani was easily MOTM and made the whole team 'tick' last night which we've been missing all season since Alonso left. That was the largest positive of the whole match. Now fucking play him Rafa !
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