Let's have a refreshed, clear-eyed debate, with none of the unfortunate emotional responses that happen on match-day.
Blimey. What a contentious game. I don't feel as if my own opinion about the penalties are worth revisiting, suffice it to say that Spurs thought they were penalties and Liverpool didn't. Not even the refereeing fraternity could agree. Says it all really.
But it was an entertaining, frustrating and ultimately disappointing game. After the horrendous shellacking in the away fixture, I was very keen on gaining some sort of revenge, and in the first half that seemed likely, even if we were only one goal in front thanks to the amazing Salah. We were in control and keeping Eriksen, Kane and Delle Alli quiet, with Henderson bossing things in midfield.
Sadly, as is almost inevitable, we couldn't maintain it. Possession in the second half swung almost entirely to Spurs, who began to find gaps and dictate the game. We became sloppy, slapdash and desperately lethargic too, as we ceded control almost entirely.
Klopp again showed his cluelessness in making tactical changes and using his subs properly, switching to a back three and then conceding twice. Perhaps more damaging was the catastrophic decision to bring on Oxlade-Chamberpot. Salah once more rescued our arses from the fire, bit he was - once more - let down by the players around him, and the dreadful defence Klopp has "built".
A draw was probably the right result, but that won't change the frustration and anger at some of the decisions that went against us
Karius (7) Made a top save in the second half, and kept out Kane's (admittedly dreadful) first penalty. Typically flappy and weak in the air, he should have done better with the cross he tamely punched out that alllowed the fantastic finish from Wanyama, scoring his customary one goal a season.
TAA (7) Has had some woeful games recently, but was much more impressive against Spurs. Some rollicking tackles and a great scrap with the Spurs left-back. Also put in some decent deliveries.
Robertson (6) Decent and solid enough, but not anything special. Blocked plenty of crosses, but his own were poor
VVD (7) I don't understand how any defence or defensive partnership is supposed to gel and improve, when Klopp chops and changes so regularly. It can't help them. Had a majestic first half, and looked in total control. Some great tackles and headers and looked every inch a quality CB. Will be disappointed with his clumsy efforts in the challenge with Lamela.
Lovren (6) In a decent run of form, and looked powerful in the air and on the floor. Impressive until he made a crucial error when he totally missed the through-ball for the Kane penalty
Henderson (6) Busy and good physical presence in the first half, ensuring we kept Spurs at bay. Sadly, he tired badly and that's when Spurs started to take control.
Can (6) Plenty of work, but had his hands full trying to keep the impressive Dembele quiet. Another who seemed to run out of energy and was blowing hard by the end
Milner (6) Typically diligent and got through lots of the hard yards. Showed his usual tactical awareness by often moving wide to help out then full-back. One or two probing passes, but not really enough creativity or genuine goal threat.
Mane (5) He kept showing, making runs and trying his best, but just about nothing came off for him, with heavy touches and wrong decisions. Seems disinclined to really open up and use that pace aswell. Odd.
Salah (8) Two goals, one of which was a sensational display of skill, close control and determination (Suarez-esque). Some poor passing probably cost us another goal, but his searing pace and ability to take chances (and make his own) are simply amazing. 21 league goals. We'd be fucked without him.
Firmino (4) Lots of defensive work, but really we needed a striker. Zero goal threat again and looked knackered. Luckily we have lots of other......oh. Fuck.
Don't usually bother rating subs, but I thought I'd make an exception for these twats:
Shithouse Ghost (n/a) Showed no desire to get involved or help in any way, and instead floated around like an indifferent, effete spectre who can't even be arsed saying "Boo!". Fuck off.
OXTHLAAAAADE-CHAMBERPOT!!! (2) Did get involved. Which was worse. He's been rightly dumped out of the team after several brainless, mediocre displays, and shouldn't be getting back in anytime soon. Every time he got the ball he just gave it away, or ran straight into midfield traffic. Slow reacting to the Wanyama shot too. Fucking shit.
Blimey. What a contentious game. I don't feel as if my own opinion about the penalties are worth revisiting, suffice it to say that Spurs thought they were penalties and Liverpool didn't. Not even the refereeing fraternity could agree. Says it all really.
But it was an entertaining, frustrating and ultimately disappointing game. After the horrendous shellacking in the away fixture, I was very keen on gaining some sort of revenge, and in the first half that seemed likely, even if we were only one goal in front thanks to the amazing Salah. We were in control and keeping Eriksen, Kane and Delle Alli quiet, with Henderson bossing things in midfield.
Sadly, as is almost inevitable, we couldn't maintain it. Possession in the second half swung almost entirely to Spurs, who began to find gaps and dictate the game. We became sloppy, slapdash and desperately lethargic too, as we ceded control almost entirely.
Klopp again showed his cluelessness in making tactical changes and using his subs properly, switching to a back three and then conceding twice. Perhaps more damaging was the catastrophic decision to bring on Oxlade-Chamberpot. Salah once more rescued our arses from the fire, bit he was - once more - let down by the players around him, and the dreadful defence Klopp has "built".
A draw was probably the right result, but that won't change the frustration and anger at some of the decisions that went against us
Karius (7) Made a top save in the second half, and kept out Kane's (admittedly dreadful) first penalty. Typically flappy and weak in the air, he should have done better with the cross he tamely punched out that alllowed the fantastic finish from Wanyama, scoring his customary one goal a season.
TAA (7) Has had some woeful games recently, but was much more impressive against Spurs. Some rollicking tackles and a great scrap with the Spurs left-back. Also put in some decent deliveries.
Robertson (6) Decent and solid enough, but not anything special. Blocked plenty of crosses, but his own were poor
VVD (7) I don't understand how any defence or defensive partnership is supposed to gel and improve, when Klopp chops and changes so regularly. It can't help them. Had a majestic first half, and looked in total control. Some great tackles and headers and looked every inch a quality CB. Will be disappointed with his clumsy efforts in the challenge with Lamela.
Lovren (6) In a decent run of form, and looked powerful in the air and on the floor. Impressive until he made a crucial error when he totally missed the through-ball for the Kane penalty
Henderson (6) Busy and good physical presence in the first half, ensuring we kept Spurs at bay. Sadly, he tired badly and that's when Spurs started to take control.
Can (6) Plenty of work, but had his hands full trying to keep the impressive Dembele quiet. Another who seemed to run out of energy and was blowing hard by the end
Milner (6) Typically diligent and got through lots of the hard yards. Showed his usual tactical awareness by often moving wide to help out then full-back. One or two probing passes, but not really enough creativity or genuine goal threat.
Mane (5) He kept showing, making runs and trying his best, but just about nothing came off for him, with heavy touches and wrong decisions. Seems disinclined to really open up and use that pace aswell. Odd.
Salah (8) Two goals, one of which was a sensational display of skill, close control and determination (Suarez-esque). Some poor passing probably cost us another goal, but his searing pace and ability to take chances (and make his own) are simply amazing. 21 league goals. We'd be fucked without him.
Firmino (4) Lots of defensive work, but really we needed a striker. Zero goal threat again and looked knackered. Luckily we have lots of other......oh. Fuck.
Don't usually bother rating subs, but I thought I'd make an exception for these twats:
Shithouse Ghost (n/a) Showed no desire to get involved or help in any way, and instead floated around like an indifferent, effete spectre who can't even be arsed saying "Boo!". Fuck off.
OXTHLAAAAADE-CHAMBERPOT!!! (2) Did get involved. Which was worse. He's been rightly dumped out of the team after several brainless, mediocre displays, and shouldn't be getting back in anytime soon. Every time he got the ball he just gave it away, or ran straight into midfield traffic. Slow reacting to the Wanyama shot too. Fucking shit.
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