[quote author=Doc_Rule link=topic=37418.msg998637#msg998637 date=1259166635]
[quote author=Farkmaster link=topic=37418.msg998314#msg998314 date=1259134966]
[quote author=Doc_Rule link=topic=37418.msg998311#msg998311 date=1259133718]
Ryans comical stats mean about as much as Houllier's claim that we were the most attacking team in the league under him based on "statistics" and Rafa's claim that we're not a boring defensive minded team playing dross under him, also based on "statistics".
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We haven't played anything like defensive minded dross over the last couple of years under Rafa, especially last year, where we played some beautiful football at times. We've even had little glimmers of good football this year. I doubt Rafa actually addressed the issue of whether we are or are not "a boring defensive minded team" but it is hardly misleading for him to point to the fact that we've enjoyed great goal production, and played good attacking football.
When I think of the team that was involved in playing that football, all but one are still here, we've made a significant improvement at RB and hence seen our best work all season down the right involving exchanges with Johnson, Gerrard, Kuyt and Torres. Riera is a big miss, despite the criticism directed toward him, he is skillful, retains posession, has good movement and makes us a far more balanced prospect in attack. Torres and Gerrard's injuries have been big misses, for reasons that should not require explanation.
We are currently not playing very well at all, is that what you came on here to point out? If so, why overstate the case?
The problem is lack of depth and goal threat up front. Kuyt and Gerrard should have scored in this last game, and the latter on form would have. A left side of Aurelio and Insua isn't part of a balanced team, and neither is a CM partnership of Lucas and Mascherano.
Doc, we get it, you don't like Rafa, you can join a large club of people in that category, however don't go into revisionist history mode.
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You're the one trying to revise history mate.
Until February of last season we were a boring defensive team. Then, when it looked like Rafa had thrown away the title, he took the reigns off and we became an attacking team that played some decent football. It was far from "beautiful" though. Arsenal play beautiful football. What we played was nothing like that. We had played dross up until that point. But it's convenient for you to pretend otherwise, so away you go. And yes, he did address the matter.
We have not made a significant improvement at rightback in terms of production. Johnson has produced very little in terms of final ball or goals this season and his arrival has significantly weakened our defense.
Stop trying to use Riera as an excuse, even when he was fit early in the season Rafa wouldn't play him.
We have not played well all season. Since pre-season in fact. And battering two appalling teams does not change that. We have beaten one decent team this season. ONE. Manure at home. And the fans inspired that win. Also, the key to the football we played towards the end of last season was driven from the club and replaced by a talented but always injured Italian who has yet to start a game. FIFTEEN weeks after we were told he would be ready to start in 4-8 weeks.
The lack of depth is Rafa's fault. The team selection is Rafa's fault. And the fact that Steven Gerrard is playing injured and constantly needing painkilling injections, rather than being allowed to heal his injury and come back fit, well that's Rafa's fault as well!!!
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I don't know (or care) if you are Glock or not, but with the exception of the bit about Magic, that is spot on!
