Raaaatings vs Spurs

[Oncy]

[quote author=Assulin link=topic=38548.msg1039516#msg1039516 date=1264028065]
Missed the game 🙁 was wondering if anyone could give a more in depth analysis of Riera's play tonight. Did he look fit, how was his crossing? I have looked through a lot of the numbers and him playing directly correlates to us playing better and winning more.
[/quote]He was great. His set pieces were great. He adds balance and creativity, and he works as hard as dirk. I heart albert. We've missed him and I'm really glad he's back.

 

[Ryan]

So, in summary:

Everyone thinks Brendan's a nauseating, repetitive, clueless bore.

POOR THE BRENDAN.

 

[Ryan]

[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=38548.msg1039527#msg1039527 date=1264028300]
[quote author=Assulin link=topic=38548.msg1039516#msg1039516 date=1264028065]
Missed the game 🙁 was wondering if anyone could give a more in depth analysis of Riera's play tonight. Did he look fit, how was his crossing? I have looked through a lot of the numbers and him playing directly correlates to us playing better and winning more.
[/quote]He was great. His set pieces were great. He adds balance and creativity, and he works as hard as dirk. I heart albert. We've missed him and I'm really glad he's back.
[/quote]

He doesn't work as hard as Dirk. Jpanese prisoners of war didn't work as hard as Dirk.

The thing about Riera is that he just provides so much more of a 'presence' than Aurelio. He's lively, confident, and tenacous. He's got about the same on-ball ability as the brazilian, but he just gives a bit more. Shit expression really, but true.

He's still not great, but he was good tonight.

 

[Niall K]

He's gonna be very angry in the morning.

Edit : Brendan that is

 

[ILD]

[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=38548.msg1039527#msg1039527 date=1264028300]
[quote author=Assulin link=topic=38548.msg1039516#msg1039516 date=1264028065]
Missed the game 🙁 was wondering if anyone could give a more in depth analysis of Riera's play tonight. Did he look fit, how was his crossing? I have looked through a lot of the numbers and him playing directly correlates to us playing better and winning more.
[/quote]He was great. His set pieces were great. He adds balance and creativity, and he works as hard as dirk. I heart albert. We've missed him and I'm really glad he's back.
[/quote]

Don't forget, excellent to aid Insua through games also.

 

[Oncy]

[quote author=Ryan link=topic=38548.msg1039519#msg1039519 date=1264028129]
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=38548.msg1039514#msg1039514 date=1264028039]
The pride in shirt was there tonight. In particular from Mascherano, Kuyt, Reina, Carragher and Riera they looked so hungry and up for it tonight. It was great to see that pride and heart again.

One other thing, the two touches by Aquilani leading up to the goal were absolutely world class! The quickness of mind and control were just amazing. So happy to see him start to look the player we want him to be.
[/quote]

Maxi's willingness to drift in and be involved in the build-up to the second was heartening too.
[/quote]Maxi's a terrific footballer. In fact it's easy to forget when things aren't going so well that we have some cracking ball players now. Yossi, aquilani, maxi, riera, torres, gerrard all proper ball playing footballers. It MUST bode well.

 

[Ryan]

[quote author=Niall K link=topic=38548.msg1039538#msg1039538 date=1264028485]
He's gonna be very angry in the morning.
[/quote]

Maybe he'll refer to someone as a CUNT!

For the shock factor like.

 

[MaBigTip]

[quote author=Ryan link=topic=38548.msg1039502#msg1039502 date=1264027897]
Oh, and a very big WORD for N'Gog's contribution when he came on. Made a cock out of bassong several times, held the ball up well, won free-kicks when udner pressure, and the decisive penalty.

Put the shite game from the weekend behind him, and made a positive contribution.

I thought Rafa's substitutions were perfect actually.
[/quote]

great that the lad performed after a poor game. he's got the potential to be a very very useful player for us hope he fulfills it

 

[ILD]

[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=38548.msg1039542#msg1039542 date=1264028546]
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=38548.msg1039519#msg1039519 date=1264028129]
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=38548.msg1039514#msg1039514 date=1264028039]
The pride in shirt was there tonight. In particular from Mascherano, Kuyt, Reina, Carragher and Riera they looked so hungry and up for it tonight. It was great to see that pride and heart again.

One other thing, the two touches by Aquilani leading up to the goal were absolutely world class! The quickness of mind and control were just amazing. So happy to see him start to look the player we want him to be.
[/quote]

Maxi's willingness to drift in and be involved in the build-up to the second was heartening too.
[/quote]Maxi's a terrific footballer. In fact it's easy to forget when things aren't going so well that we have some cracking ball players now. Yossi, aquilani, maxi, riera, torres, gerrard all proper ball playing footballers. It MUST bode well.
[/quote]

Maxi is soooooooooooooo slow though remember. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

I really like Maxi, as I said before, I wanted to sign him abiout 3 years ago. He could be a due a start soon and is a grand option and as you said another ball player to compliment others.

 

[vantage]

[quote author=Ryan link=topic=38548.msg1039543#msg1039543 date=1264028574]
[quote author=Niall K link=topic=38548.msg1039538#msg1039538 date=1264028485]
He's gonna be very angry in the morning.
[/quote]

Maybe he'll refer to someone as a CUNT!

For the shock factor like.
[/quote]
You, probably.

 

[ILD]

[quote author=Ryan link=topic=38548.msg1039519#msg1039519 date=1264028129]
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=38548.msg1039514#msg1039514 date=1264028039]
The pride in shirt was there tonight. In particular from Mascherano, Kuyt, Reina, Carragher and Riera they looked so hungry and up for it tonight. It was great to see that pride and heart again.

One other thing, the two touches by Aquilani leading up to the goal were absolutely world class! The quickness of mind and control were just amazing. So happy to see him start to look the player we want him to be.
[/quote]

Maxi's willingness to drift in and be involved in the build-up to the second was heartening too.
[/quote]

Ah you beat me to the Maxi shout out.

 

[Niall K]

[quote author=Ryan link=topic=38548.msg1039543#msg1039543 date=1264028574]
[quote author=Niall K link=topic=38548.msg1039538#msg1039538 date=1264028485]
He's gonna be very angry in the morning.
[/quote]

Maybe he'll refer to someone as a CUNT!

For the shock factor like.
[/quote]

That could quite possibly happen alright

 

[Oncy]

[quote author=Niall K link=topic=38548.msg1039552#msg1039552 date=1264028753]
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=38548.msg1039543#msg1039543 date=1264028574]
[quote author=Niall K link=topic=38548.msg1039538#msg1039538 date=1264028485]
He's gonna be very angry in the morning.
[/quote]

Maybe he'll refer to someone as a CUNT!

For the shock factor like.
[/quote]

That could quite possibly happen alright
[/quote]haha very droll

 

[Farkmaster]

I could not fathom the level of vitriol toward Ngog over the last couple weeks. Cheap young player, with lots of good attributes for the premiership. Fantastic attitude, and while often this season it's been a bridge too far with the state of our team, and the fact that he was played as a like for like sub for the best striker in the world, he's been, for me, one of the bright spots of this season. Maybe I'm overly sympathetic to his faults and a wee bit hopeful, but whats the harm in that with a very young willing player who is eager for responsibility? He's the anti babel.

Oh, and our team is so much better with Riera in it, as I've said repeatedly.

 

[Friend no. 2]

[quote author=Ryan link=topic=38548.msg1039519#msg1039519 date=1264028129]
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=38548.msg1039514#msg1039514 date=1264028039]
The pride in shirt was there tonight. In particular from Mascherano, Kuyt, Reina, Carragher and Riera they looked so hungry and up for it tonight. It was great to see that pride and heart again.

One other thing, the two touches by Aquilani leading up to the goal were absolutely world class! The quickness of mind and control were just amazing. So happy to see him start to look the player we want him to be.
[/quote]

Maxi's willingness to drift in and be involved in the build-up to the second was heartening too.
[/quote]

His first time pass to N'gog for the penalty was lovely.

 

[Jürgen4PM]

[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=38548.msg1039514#msg1039514 date=1264028039]
The pride in shirt was there tonight. In particular from Mascherano, Kuyt, Reina, Carragher and Riera they looked so hungry and up for it tonight. It was great to see that pride and heart again.

One other thing, the two touches by Aquilani leading up to the goal were absolutely world class! The quickness of mind and control were just amazing. So happy to see him start to look the player we want him to be.
[/quote]

I agree Oncy, but i shit myself when i saw him on the floor holding his ankle!

 

[Wizardry]

[quote author=Rafa4PM link=topic=38548.msg1039565#msg1039565 date=1264029157]
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=38548.msg1039514#msg1039514 date=1264028039]
The pride in shirt was there tonight. In particular from Mascherano, Kuyt, Reina, Carragher and Riera they looked so hungry and up for it tonight. It was great to see that pride and heart again.

One other thing, the two touches by Aquilani leading up to the goal were absolutely world class! The quickness of mind and control were just amazing. So happy to see him start to look the player we want him to be.
[/quote]

I agree Oncy, but i shit myself when i saw him on the floor holding his ankle!
[/quote]

I was far more worried when I saw Mascher go down.

 

[ILD]

[quote author=picallili link=topic=38548.msg1039513#msg1039513 date=1264028029]
[quote author=ILD link=topic=38548.msg1039479#msg1039479 date=1264027467]
[quote author=picallili link=topic=38548.msg1039463#msg1039463 date=1264026975]
[quote author=ILD link=topic=38548.msg1039447#msg1039447 date=1264026650]
How is Insua only getting a 5 in some?
[/quote]

Because generally he's just another brainless, average Benitez player. Whether that's because he's been handled poorly remains to be seen. He certainly shouldn't be a permanent fixture.
[/quote]

As many have already said, what as that got to do with the 90 mins tonight. Generally Torres plays well, should he get a 9 for every game once he is back.
[/quote]

Yes, that's the same. At the other end of the extreme people like you go completely over the top over any decent performance from those who are usually singled out for abuse. I'm struggling to even remember anything of note defensively or in attack from Insua tonight. He was nothing more than ok, and he's generally a huge weak link.
[/quote]

People like me? What are you on about? How did I go completely over the top by stating he didn't merit a 5 rating? I'm holding the balanced viewpoint that Insua played okay, made no mistakes and was part of a clean sheet. If you think that merits a 5 well then you are guilty of having an agenda so extreme that you will not analyse the 90minutes of play tonight that the ratings are deduced from.

The rating thread is based on an individual game. Catch up.

 

[Delinquent]

Masher was excellent today. The chasing of lost causes, the harrying of their players - it was a real display of passion. At one point, I thought he was rather dangerously straddling the line between a heroic effort and a second yellow card but nevertheless, I couldn't help but smile.

 

[Jürgen4PM]

[quote author=Wizardry link=topic=38548.msg1039569#msg1039569 date=1264029255]
[quote author=Rafa4PM link=topic=38548.msg1039565#msg1039565 date=1264029157]
[quote author=Herr Onceared link=topic=38548.msg1039514#msg1039514 date=1264028039]
The pride in shirt was there tonight. In particular from Mascherano, Kuyt, Reina, Carragher and Riera they looked so hungry and up for it tonight. It was great to see that pride and heart again.

One other thing, the two touches by Aquilani leading up to the goal were absolutely world class! The quickness of mind and control were just amazing. So happy to see him start to look the player we want him to be.
[/quote]

I agree Oncy, but i shit myself when i saw him on the floor holding his ankle!
[/quote]

I was far more worried when I saw Mascher go down.
[/quote]

I've come to expect the stretcher to come out everytime one of our lads goes down this season. Thankfully they all seemed to come through the game tonight.

 

[Sunny]

What game were half of you watchng. Lucas was shite tonight yes. But Degen was the worst player on the pitch by a fucking mile. He was garbage.

 

[Sunny]

Reina - 6

Carra - 7
Skittles - 6
Zorba - 8
Insua - 6

Degen -2
Masher - 7
Lucas - 4
Riera - 7

Purple - 6.5

Kuyt - 8


Subs: Maxi 6, Ngog 7, Darby 6

 

[MaBigTip]

So strictly from what I have read on this site I'm very happy. Riera did well and that is key for us. Maxi, Aqua, and N'gog all contributed. And Kuyt, Mascher, Sotiris, and Carra had stormers. And it looks like the players that didn't do so well are the fringe/squaddies. Hoping it continues and I hope Rafa doesnt get smart with taking out Riera. Because he's vital its been proven over and over again.

 

[SummerOnions]

Reina 7

Carra 8
Skrtel 7
Gherkin 8
Insua 7

Degen 7
Masch 8
Lucas 4
Riera 8

Aquaduct 7
Kuyt 8
Ngog 7

 

[Ryan]

[quote author=Delinquent link=topic=38548.msg1039577#msg1039577 date=1264029508]
Masher was excellent today. The chasing of lost causes, the harrying of their players - it was a real display of passion. At one point, I thought he was rather dangerously straddling the line between a heroic effort and a second yellow card but nevertheless, I couldn't help but smile.
[/quote]

Yup, have to agree.

The constant harassing was a theme throughout the team though (led by Masher of course), so much so that it was quite obviously a tactic. I liked how we chose when and where to attack as a unit. Rather than running around chasing like fucking sheep, it was targeted, and concerted. Players like Corluka, Palacios, Jenas and Dawson were given time on the ball cos they're never going to destroy you. The unbeliable haranguing of Modric, Kranjcar and Defoe though was obviously premeditated. The barely had an inch of space, as for the most part they were surrounded by 3, sometimes 4 red shirts. Good stuff.

 

[Ryan]

[quote author=Sunny link=topic=38548.msg1039592#msg1039592 date=1264030050]
What game were half of you watchng. Lucas was shite tonight yes. But Degen was the worst player on the pitch by a fucking mile. He was garbage.
[/quote]

I would have to agree with that exactly. He wasn't great.

 

[LeTallecWiz]

[quote author=Ryan link=topic=38548.msg1039460#msg1039460 date=1264026907]
Oh, and Dirk was excellent. As he always is when it counts.
[/quote]

I loathe this attitude. "When it counts" he's excellent? So the past few months (Where most fans, including his biggest supporters, admits he was well below par, and I bet he'd say that too), the games he was shit in "didn't count"? EVERY game counts if you want to win the league - or any trophy for that matter.

He was excellent tonight and I, for whatever reason, though this was the game he 'turns' his season around. We need him to play at this level every game if we have any shot at 4th (that on keeping Torres, Gerrard, Riera and Aqua on the pitch)

 

[Ryan]

[quote author=LeTallecWiz link=topic=38548.msg1039764#msg1039764 date=1264053759]
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=38548.msg1039460#msg1039460 date=1264026907]
Oh, and Dirk was excellent. As he always is when it counts.
[/quote]

I loathe this attitude. "When it counts" he's excellent? So the past few months (Where most fans, including his biggest supporters, admits he was well below par, and I bet he'd say that too), the games he was shit in "didn't count"? EVERY game counts if you want to win the league - or any trophy for that matter.

He was excellent tonight and I, for whatever reason, though this was the game he 'turns' his season around. We need him to play at this level every game if we have any shot at 4th (that on keeping Torres, Gerrard, Riera and Aqua on the pitch)
[/quote]

Big Games LeTall, like tonight's. He always performs in them. Of course you could argue that every game we'd have over this hideous run of form has been a 'big' one given our plight, but he hasn't been the only one out of form has he?

And despite all of this, he's still managed 8 goals this season.

 

[KopPoNok]

Credit for the first goal, but Kuyt should have buried the easy chances before the penalty.

We were lucky that spurs didn't manage to score any late equalizer, and we got a penalty at the end.

 

[Dreambeliever]

[quote author=Ryan link=topic=38548.msg1039766#msg1039766 date=1264054017]
[quote author=LeTallecWiz link=topic=38548.msg1039764#msg1039764 date=1264053759]
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=38548.msg1039460#msg1039460 date=1264026907]
Oh, and Dirk was excellent. As he always is when it counts.
[/quote]

I loathe this attitude. "When it counts" he's excellent? So the past few months (Where most fans, including his biggest supporters, admits he was well below par, and I bet he'd say that too), the games he was shit in "didn't count"? EVERY game counts if you want to win the league - or any trophy for that matter.

He was excellent tonight and I, for whatever reason, though this was the game he 'turns' his season around. We need him to play at this level every game if we have any shot at 4th (that on keeping Torres, Gerrard, Riera and Aqua on the pitch)
[/quote]

Big Games LeTall, like tonight's. He always performs in them. Of course you could argue that every game we'd have over this hideous run of form has been a 'big' one given our plight, but he hasn't been the only one out of form has he?

And despite all of this, he's still managed 8 goals this season.
[/quote]

How about the CL run when we got dumped out in the shittiest of groups.

I can't believe people aren't praising the Greek.

For someone with no match practice he has made a massive difference in the last two games.